{"id":1966,"date":"2009-09-21T10:49:12","date_gmt":"2009-09-21T14:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1966"},"modified":"2026-07-24T10:02:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:02:44","slug":"the-healing-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1966","title":{"rendered":"The Healing Process (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>An accident leaves Joe and Cochise emotionally hurt and estranged from each other<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T (22,465 words)<\/p>\n

The Healing Process<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter 1:<\/p>\n

The wind whipped up Joe\u2019s hair under his hat and blew a strand of it down over his eyes.\u00a0 The young man brushed it back up under his hat impatiently with one hand while controlling his horse with the other and grinned over his shoulder at his friend Josh Michaels who drew up beside him. \u2018So,\u2019 he laughed. \u2018Believe me now?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Josh laughed back at his friend. \u2018Okay okay,\u2019 he said. \u2018So he\u2019s a good horse. I believe you now.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head as he bent down to pat the pinto lovingly. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018He ain\u2019t a good horse Josh.\u00a0 He\u2019s a great horse.\u00a0 Best there is!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Josh shook his head. \u2018It\u2019ll take more than one race to convince me of that Cartwright,\u2019 he said and then stood up in his stirrups momentarily to look down over the other side of the slope. \u2018How about down that way?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe followed the line of his friend\u2019s glance and then gave him a grin. \u2018Is that what it\u2019s gonna take to convince you?\u2019 he asked with a shake of his head. \u2018I\u2019ve told you before Josh, there ain\u2019t a horse alive can beat Cochise and me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Josh shrugged. \u2018Prove it then,\u2019 he said and spurred his own mount into a run.\u00a0 He laughed over his shoulder at Joe as he did so before flattening his body forward against his horse and speeding up to a gallop.<\/p>\n

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With one last carefree grin Joe did the same.<\/p>\n

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\u2018C\u2019mon boy,\u2019 he whispered as he flattened himself against Cochise\u2019s neck . \u2018We can\u2019t let him beat us after all the bragging I\u2019ve done about you.\u2019\u00a0 The pinto picked up speed as if he had understood the urgency of the situation by listening to Joe\u2019s words. Not that it surprised the young man, for it had always been like this. It was as if he and Cochise had an understanding with each other. Of all the horses on The Ponderosa there was none that he enjoyed riding like this one and in Joe\u2019s mind there wasn\u2019t another mount anywhere that even came close to the horse.<\/p>\n

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Horse and rider both felt the slope increase beneath them, but neither one backed away from the speed that they were travelling.\u00a0 Joe kept his eyes firmly fixed on Josh in front of him and smiled as he saw that the distance between them was narrowing. \u2018Yes!\u2019 he yelled in delight and Josh glanced over his shoulder to throw him a wide grin. \u2018Too much for you Cartwright?\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n

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Joe opened his mouth to yell back a smart retort, but at that instant he saw the light in Josh\u2019s eyes replaced by fear as his horse stumbled and he lurched forward. Joe could only watch in disbelief as both rider and horse fell forward in a tangle of legs and heads before he also was swept up in the tangle and Cochise also hit the ground heavily. Joe had only time to kick his feet out of the stirrups before he felt himself flying free of the tangle beneath him and landing with a thud on the hard earth.\u00a0 He put out his hands to stop himself, but the momentum of his fall kept him on the move and he found himself rolling downwards at a great speed. He transferred his energy into merely trying to breathe as the force of his fall overpowered him and he gave in to the pull of gravity that took him ever downwards.<\/p>\n

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Finally, just as he was beginning to think that he\u2019d never hit the bottom, he did so with a jolt that just about knocked the breath out of him.\u00a0 The world began to regain its rightful place as he stared up at the sky through the treetops and gulped in huge breaths of air. Slowly he felt his heartbeat beginning to slow to something that he could handle and with trepidation he tried to sit up.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ow!\u2019 Joe caught hold of his left shoulder and grimaced with pain.\u00a0 He glanced down and saw that his arm was hanging at an usual angle and realised that he hadn\u2019t come out of the incident unscathed. He held onto it with his other hand and looked upwards to the top of the slope. \u2018Josh!\u2019 he called. \u2018Can you hear me?\u2019\u00a0 There was no response, so he tried again. \u2018Josh! Are you okay?\u2019\u00a0 Again, no voice replied to his call.<\/p>\n

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With a sigh, Joe tried to move again, this time supporting his arm and taking care to go slowly.\u00a0 He managed to maintain a sitting position even though things around him continued to move around a bit and he closed his eyes several times to try and stop the dizziness that he was feeling. \u2018Stupid!\u2019 he said under his breath. \u2018That was a plain downright dumb thing to do, Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 That\u2019ll teach you to brag about your horse like that.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced upwards again and listened carefully for any sign that his friend or the horses were all right, but he heard nothing.<\/p>\n

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Okay,\u2019 he said in a resigned voice. \u2018Looks like it\u2019s up to me to get back up there then.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled himself to a half standing position and looked upwards again. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018You can do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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It took him half an hour to get to the top of the slope, hampered as he was by his injured arm, and when he finally pulled himself over the top he wished with all his heart that he had stayed at the bottom.\u00a0 Before him were the tangled bodies of a horse and a young man and Joe took a couple of deep breaths as he tried to will the words out that he knew he had to speak. \u2018Josh?\u2019 he said tentatively. \u2018Are you okay?\u00a0 Can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n

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There was no response to his question so he scrunched himself over towards his friend and peered down at him. \u2018Josh?\u2019 he said again. The young man lay face down on the earth, his body half concealed by that of his horse, which was obviously dead. Joe bent over and turned his face towards him, sucking in his breath as he saw the opened eyes in the young man\u2019s face in which the light had gone out. Josh\u2019s head dangled awkwardly in his hand and he knew in that instant that his friend\u2019s neck had been broken. Joe swallowed hard as he stared down at the face that had once been his friend, willing him to speak to him. \u2018Josh?\u2019 he said again in a whisper, even though he knew that his friend was there no longer. \u2018Oh Josh buddy.\u00a0 What did we do?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe Cartwright bent his head and wept bitterly for his friend.<\/p>\n

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The silence around him was eerie as Joe sat hunched over his friend staring at his body.\u00a0 He felt a hollowness within that threatened to consume him and try as he would to move he just couldn\u2019t. Even the sharp stabbing pain in his shoulder did nothing to break through the trance that Joe found himself in.\u00a0 All he could think of was Josh as he stared down at him.<\/p>\n

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It was a full ten minutes later before he rallied himself to move, and only then it was the sound of a horse whinnying that caused him to do so. Joe lifted his head at the sound and looked into the distance, trying to come to terms with what it was.\u00a0 He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes wearily as he listened, his mind foggy with regrets and vague thoughts. Suddenly he sat up straight as the horse\u2019s voice reached him again. \u2018Cooch?\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Is that you?\u2019\u00a0 He looked around slowly, but saw nothing. \u2018Cooch?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Again the horse\u2019s voice reached him and he turned his head and looked behind him.\u00a0 Again he saw nothing. \u2018Cooch?\u2019 he said in a louder voice. \u2018Where are you boy?\u2019\u00a0 Joe stood up slowly and carefully, the pain in his shoulder causing him to wince as he tried to keep it as still as he could.\u00a0 He walked over to the edge of the slope again and looked around.\u00a0 Below him he could see the pinto amongst some bushes, lying on his side. \u2018Cooch!\u2019 he called, his anxiety for the horse forcing him out of his trance.<\/p>\n

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Joe sat down and scrunched downwards towards the horse.\u00a0 As he reached him he noticed that his reins were tangled in the bushes and Cochise was frantically trying to get up.\u00a0 Unfortunately the horse\u2019s efforts were only making the reins more tangled and Joe could see instantly that with only one good arm to use he wasn\u2019t going to be able to get him free either. He reached out to touch the animal and was startled when the horse drew away from him with a frightened squeal.<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s okay fellar,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s gonna be all right now.\u2019\u00a0 He tried again to touch the horse, but the animal was frightened beyond reason and struggled to move away from him. Joe nodded and looked up the slope again. \u2018Okay fellar I understand,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I\u2019m gonna have to go and get help now anyway.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the pinto again and noticed the whites of his eyes were showing as he thrashed about. \u2018You\u2019re gonna be okay fellar,\u2019 he said again soothingly. \u2018You just gotta be patient and wait for a bit until I get back.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Reluctantly, Joe made his way slowly up to the top again, avoiding looking in the direction of the still forms of the rider and the horse near him.\u00a0 He slowly stood up, still supporting his injured arm and began to make his way slowly back the way he had come.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Watch out!\u2019 said Adam crossly as he tried to pass Hoss with another forkful of hay. \u2018Why do you have to stand right where I\u2019m walking?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss stepped back a couple of steps as he gave his brother a frustrated look. \u2018I ain\u2019t doing it on purpose,\u2019 he protested. \u2018I\u2019m trying ta get this finished is all.\u2019\u00a0 He waved his hand to the bucket of chicken feed that he was carrying. \u2018It ain\u2019t even my job ta do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sorry,\u2019 said Adam as he forked the hay into one of the stalls. \u2018I\u2019m just trying to get this done quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What are ya in such a dang hurry fer?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 replied his brother \u2018I\u2019d just like to get this done in time for supper that\u2019s all. Seeing as how that younger brother is gallivanting around the countryside with his friends and we got stuck with doing his chores, we\u2019re going to be late if we don\u2019t hurry.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss scratched his head. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Adam looked at him. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019d you say he was doing?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Gallivanting,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Riding,\u2019 he explained as Hoss scratched his head again.<\/p>\n

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The light dawned in Hoss\u2019 eyes. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said and turned towards the door. \u2018Well what do ya know? Here he is at last,\u2019 he said as Joe appeared in the doorway of the barn. \u2018We\u2019re ya been Shortshanks?\u2019 Joe leant against the doorframe and stared at his brother without saying a word. \u2018Joe?\u2019 said Hoss as he put down his bucket. \u2018Are ya all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head as he propped himself up on his good shoulder. \u2018No,\u2019 he said in a weak voice. \u2018I \u2026.\u2019 His voice faltered and he began to sway on his feet.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam!\u2019 yelled Hoss as he stepped forward and caught his little brother as he fell forward. \u2018Come here quick!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam looked up just as Joe fell into Hoss arms. \u2018What the \u2026\u2019 he said as he threw down the pitchfork and ran over to join his two brothers.\u00a0 He watched as Hoss lowered Joe onto the ground gently.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joe?\u2019 said Hoss as they both bent over the young man. \u2018Joe? Can ya hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at his brothers. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m okay.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well you certainly don\u2019t look it,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Hoss get him inside.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded and began to pick up the youngster. As his body shifted, Joe grimaced and gave a small yelp of pain. \u2018What is it?\u2019 asked Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n

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\u2018My\u2026 shoulder,\u2019 gasped Joe. \u2018I \u2026 hurt it when I fell.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ya fell?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Where?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam laid a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u2018Hoss get him inside first,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can ask those questions later.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded again and lifted Joe up into his strong arms, taking care not to disturb his left shoulder. \u2018I\u2019ll have ya inside in a jiffy Joe,\u2019 he said as he walked across the front yard. \u2018Just relax and let old Hoss take care of ya now boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam looked around. \u2018Where\u2019s his horse?\u2019 he said as they got to the front porch.<\/p>\n

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Hoss shook his head. \u2018Dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t worry we\u2019ll round him up later.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded as he opened the front door to let Hoss carry his burden inside. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben Cartwright appeared at the top of the stairs. In one glance he took in the sight of his three sons, the youngest in the arms of the biggest and came bounding down the stairs to meet them. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he said anxiously as Hoss laid Joe down on the sofa. \u2018Are you all right Little Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam smiled at his father\u2019s use of the nickname they all usually reverted to whenever the boy was in trouble. It was as if he was a child again and they all felt the need to protect him. Joe nodded briefly. \u2018I\u2019m \u2026 all right,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just my \u2026 shoulder is all.\u2019\u00a0 He reached up and grabbed his father by the shirt with his good arm. \u2018Pa\u2026\u2019 he said, looking deeply into the man\u2019s eyes. \u2018Pa \u2026. It\u2019s Josh.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben saw with surprise that tears had formed in the young man\u2019s eyes. \u2018Little Joe?\u2019 he said as he supported his son\u2019s head at the back of his neck. \u2018What happened?\u00a0 Where\u2019s Josh son?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe swallowed and fought back his tears. \u2018Dead,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018He \u2026. fell off his horse \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He hung his head and sobs overtook him as speech failed him.<\/p>\n

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Ben wrapped his arms around his son and allowed him a few moments to cry it out. \u2018Are you sure Little Joe?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded as he buried his face into his father\u2019s shoulder, all the emotions of the past few hours catching up with him in a rush. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Where?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Up near Bluff Peak,\u2019 replied Joe, his voice muffled against his father\u2019s shirt. \u2018We were racing and he fell \u2026. Cochise fell over Josh\u2019s horse and we all went down.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up into Ben\u2019s face. \u2018I think he \u2026 broke his neck.\u2019<\/p>\n

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A tremor went through Ben\u2019s body at his son\u2019s words and for a split second he saw again the broken and still body of Joe\u2019s mother Marie that afternoon as she lay in the front yard.\u00a0 Her neck had been broken too.\u00a0 \u2018I see,\u2019 he said and began to stroke the back of Joe\u2019s neck. He looked over his shoulder. \u2018Adam \u2026 Hoss \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019re on our way Pa,\u2019 said Adam as he strode over to the front door. \u2018I\u2019ll take some men up to Bluff Peak Hoss, you get into town for the doctor.\u2019 Hoss nodded and left the room without a word.\u00a0 Adam gave his father and brother one long look and then followed Hoss. Ben bent over his distraught son again as the front door closed behind him.<\/p>\n

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Clem Hawkins scratched his head and put his hat back on before turning to the man beside him. \u2018All done,\u2019 he said, glancing at the covered body in the back of the wagon. \u2018Where\u2019s Cartwright gone?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019s over there,\u2019 replied the young ranch hand and jerked his thumb in the direction of the slope behind them. \u2018Mr Cartwright?\u2019 he called. \u2018You want us to take the body back now?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam turned and strode over to them. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Take it to the house and Doc Martin will probably meet you there.\u00a0 When he\u2019s finished checking over my brother he\u2019ll most likely go with you to the Michaels\u2019 ranch with the body to inform Josh\u2019s parents.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Clem nodded. \u2018You coming?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019m going to stay here and try and get my brother\u2019s horse up from down there. Tell Hoss to get back here with some rope when he gets back to the house with the Doc will you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure thing,\u2019 replied Clem. He glanced at the young man beside him. \u2018Although if I were you I\u2019d just shoot it.\u00a0 The horse is finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well you\u2019re not me!\u2019\u00a0 Adam snapped back at him. \u2018And the animal is far from finished I can assure you.\u00a0 Now get going!\u2019<\/p>\n

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He watched as the two men got up into the buckboard and rode away. With a heavy sigh he turned once more towards the slope and looked down to where Cochise was lying.\u00a0 So far, all his attempts to get close to the animal had failed and he only hoped that Hoss would be more successful than he\u2019d been when he got here.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t as if the animal was badly hurt.\u00a0 Adam could see that he was covered in scratches and there was blood trailing from somewhere underneath him, but he was fairly sure that there was nothing physically wrong with the horse that time wouldn\u2019t heal.\u00a0 No, it was more the animal\u2019s state of mind that he was concerned about.<\/p>\n

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The first time he\u2019d gone down the slope with a knife to cut Cochise free he\u2019d had to come up again very quickly.\u00a0 The animal hadn\u2019t let him anywhere near him without thrashing about as if his life depended on it. He was obviously frightened out of his wits and Adam could see why.\u00a0 The fall he and Joe had taken at the speed they\u2019d obviously been going should really have killed both of them and judging from the evidence on the ground around here Joe was lucky that he\u2019d walked out of it alive.\u00a0 Adam surmised that his brother had probably kicked himself free of Cochise before he\u2019d hit the ground and that had saved him.\u00a0 The horse however had obviously fallen hard and who knows what he\u2019d hit into on his way down the steep slope before becoming tangled in the brush.<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head as he sat down and looked at the heaving animal. Typical of Joe to be riding like that, he thought.\u00a0 Since the day that boy had got into the saddle they\u2019d had to fight with him to slow him down and now it had most likely cost him his beloved Cochise. For as Adam looked down at the horse the logical side of him said that he really should end it for the suffering animal now. However the emotional side of him who had snapped at Clem told him that to do so would be to break his youngest brother\u2019s heart and that he simply couldn\u2019t do.\u00a0 So he sat and waited.<\/p>\n

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Within ten minutes he heard a rider approaching and he turned to see Hoss dismounting. How did you get here so quickly?\u2019 he asked in surprise. \u2018The men only left a few minutes ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss came over to him, rope dangling from his arm. \u2018I was already on my way,\u2019 he said. \u2018I met em back there apiece.\u00a0 Figured you might need my help.\u2019 He glanced over the slope. \u2018Cochise down there?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Take a look.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t seen too hurt,\u2019 said Hoss after a minute.<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s hard to tell,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He won\u2019t let me near him.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried a few times to get close, but he keeps getting agitated whenever I get close to him.\u00a0 His reins are tangled in the brush and I can\u2019t get them free.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at Hoss. \u2018I was hoping that you\u2019d have better luck \u2026 what with your way with horses and all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss nodded.\u00a0 It was common knowledge amongst their family and indeed the whole district that he had a certain way with horses.\u00a0 All animals in fact seemed to relate to him and there had many a time when he had saved a hurt or distressed animal when everyone else had given up on it.\u00a0 He prayed that this would be one of those times. He knew what it would do to his younger brother if it wasn\u2019t and he was determined to die trying if he had to. \u2018Let\u2019s get going then,\u2019 he said. \u2018You go this side and I\u2019ll edge down there. Whichever of us can get a clear go at him cuts the reins and then we\u2019ll try to hold him with the rope.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Agreed,\u2019 said Adam, getting up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers slid down the slope slowly, one of each side of Cochise.\u00a0 As he neared the animal, Hoss began to speak to him in a soft whisper. \u2018That\u2019s it boy \u2026 just relax now fellar \u2026 you let old Hoss take care of ya now boy \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 The pinto heard the two of them approaching and tried to raise his head, the whites of his eyes showing his distress as he tried to roll himself from side to side. \u2018Easy boy \u2026.\u2019continued Hoss. \u2018That\u2019s it fellar .. it\u2019s only old Hoss \u2026 you remember me don\u2019t ya boy?\u2019\u00a0 He edged closer to the horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Adam called to him from the other side. \u2018Hoss watch out!\u2019 He ducked just as the horse lurched towards him, almost rolling onto him. \u2018Easy boy,\u2019 he said again, holding his knife out in front of him. \u2018I\u2019m just gonna \u2026..\u2019\u00a0 He moved back sharply as Cochise squealed in fright and lunged at him again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can\u2019t do it from there!\u2019 yelled Adam. \u2018Maybe if we get the rope on him we can hold him down and then cut it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll try and get it round his halter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Don\u2019t get too close!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss ignored his brother and began to talk softly to the distressed animal again as he edged closer to him. \u2018That\u2019s it fellar,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just lie still now fer Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 The horse squealed again at his words and began to roll around in fright, tangling the reins even more. Hoss shook his head and stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam scrunched over to his side. \u2018It\u2019s not going to work Hoss,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother an appalled look. \u2018You ain\u2019t thinking of giving up are ya Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018We can\u2019t do that ta Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018I just meant that this way isn\u2019t working.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well then what do ya suggest?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He sure as anything ain\u2019t gonna let us get close ta him.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the horse. \u2018I ain\u2019t ever seen him like this Adam.\u00a0 He sure musta had a fright!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and stroked his chin as he thought. \u2018Maybe if we threw a blanket over him to cover his eyes?\u2019 he suggested. \u2018That way he wouldn\u2019t know where we were and we might have more of a chance.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018Just frighten him more I reckon,\u2019 he said. \u2018We gotta get him ta trust us.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss look at him!\u2019 said Adam. \u2018That horse isn\u2019t about to trust anyone at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. It was true \u2026 Cochise was too frightened and was obviously not ready to trust anyone to come close to him.\u00a0 But the fact of the matter was that Hoss knew there was no choice. It was either get close to the horse or end up putting him down and in Hoss\u2019 mind there was simply no choice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without another word he took his knife and began to move closer to the distressed horse. \u2018Hoss!\u2019 called Adam. \u2018Get back here!\u2019\u00a0 Hoss continued to move forward, a determined look in his eye.\u00a0 Cochise heard him coming and began to thrash about again, his eyes rolling and his head rearing.\u00a0 Hoss got ever closer, oblivious to the cries of his brother behind him and held out his hand towards the horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Be still now Cochise,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is it boy. \u00a0Its now or never.\u2019\u00a0 With that he made a lunge towards the animal and landed on his neck, trying desperately to hold him down while him made a strike at the dangling reins beside him.\u00a0 Cochise struggled with all his might and Hoss felt himself being thrown off again. Behind him he heard Adam\u2019s voice, but he had no idea what he was calling out to him.\u00a0 All he concentrated on was the heaving animal beneath him and the reins that he was so desperate to reach.\u00a0 He felt a crack as the horse\u2019s head collided with his own and for a moment the lights went out.\u00a0 He shook himself back to consciousness with a determination that came from deep within him and made one last desperate lunge for the reins and cut them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him, Adam\u2019s hands pulled frantically at his brother as Hoss felt his body falling backwards as Cochise felt the reins break.\u00a0 The horse scrambled to his feet and reared up over Hoss, his feet landing inches from the man\u2019s face.\u00a0 Hoss rolled over, feeling Adam\u2019s hands pushing him downwards away from the horse and he shut his eyes so as not to see what might be coming next.\u00a0 Suddenly there was a crash and he opened them again to see Cochise galloping down the slope away from them.\u00a0 He turned his head to look into the dark brown eyes of Adam who was panting next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That was the craziest thing you\u2019ve ever done brother,\u2019 said Adam between breaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head as he watched the pinto run into the distance. \u2018Not crazy,\u2019 he murmured. \u2018It ain\u2019t crazy ta do something ya know ya have to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam patted him on the shoulder and nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018You okay?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018You?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded again. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both brothers watched the frightened horse as it disappeared. \u2018Wish he was,\u2019 said Hoss sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Physically he\u2019ll be fine Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ve set his dislocated shoulder and it\u2019ll heal nicely as long as he takes it easy for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Thanks Paul,\u2019 he said. He looked across the front yard where the buckboard could be seen approaching with Josh\u2019s body in the back. \u2018It seems that I have a lot to be grateful for.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said as Clem brought the buckboard to a halt beside them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam said to bring the body here,\u2019 said Clem. \u2018He figured you\u2019d want to come with us to the Michaels place and break the news to his folks.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated the body behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018You go on and I\u2019ll catch up with you.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Ben as Clem turned the buckboard again. \u2018I\u2019ve given Joe a painkiller so he might be a bit groggy for a while.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated. \u2018He seems upset which is to be expected.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he glanced up to his son\u2019s bedroom window. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018Please give the Michaels\u2019 my sympathy and tell them if there\u2019s anything I can do \u2026\u2019 his voice trembled as he realised just how close he\u2019d come to someone else having to say that very thing to him today. \u2018I \u2026\u2019 he looked at the doctor. \u2018It seems such a waste Paul.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said and sighed. \u2018Well I\u2019m sure someone will be in touch to let you know the funeral details Ben. \u2018You look after that boy up there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I will,\u2019 said Ben with a sigh. \u2018I\u2019ll probably come over to the Michaels\u2019 place myself tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded as he got up into his buggy and turned it around before waving.\u00a0 Ben returned the wave and then glanced up to his son\u2019s bedroom window again.\u00a0 With another sigh he walked over to the house and went through the front doorway. \u2018I get soup for Little Joe,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he came in from the kitchen with a steaming bowl on a tray. \u2018It make him feel better.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the cook. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll take it up to him.\u2019\u00a0 As he walked up the stairs with the tray he wondered just how long it would be before his son felt better \u2026. He knew it would take a lot more than soup to fix his emotions up this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Feeling better?\u2019 he asked as he entered the bedroom and put the tray on the dresser.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father from the bed in which he was lying. \u2018A bit,\u2019 he said. \u2018Doc Martin gave me a painkiller and my shoulder don\u2019t hurt as much now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he sat on the edge of the bed. \u2018Well you just be sure to keep it still then,\u2019 he said as he touched the sling. \u2018No getting out of bed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Until when?\u2019 asked Joe as he laid his head back on the pillow with a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll see how it is tomorrow,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Now here\u2019s some soup that Hop Sing made for you.\u00a0 How about having it before it gets cold?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ignored his father\u2019s comment and lifted his head again. \u2018Has anyone been out to \u2026.\u2019 His voice trailed away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him closely. \u2018Adam and Hoss are fixing everything up,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry about it Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d like to talk to Josh\u2019s parents,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 replied his father \u2018All in good though son.\u00a0 Doc Martin is on his way over there now with \u2026 Josh\u2019s body and I\u2019m sure that they\u2019d like some time alone for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I\u2019m sure they would.\u2019\u00a0 He stared across the room and out of the window. \u2018You know Pa it happened so quickly. One minute we were riding and the next \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He put his hand up to his face and rubbed it over his eyes. \u2018The next minute he was gone.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father an anguished look. \u2018I don\u2019t even know what really happened Pa.\u00a0 I guess Rusty just stumbled.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Rusty?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018His horse,\u2019 said Joe softly. \u2018He loved that horse Pa. We was always fighting about which one was faster \u2026 him or \u2026.\u2019 He stopped. \u2018Cochise!\u2019 he said. \u2018He got tangled up in the brush.\u00a0 Has anyone \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you Joe, your brothers will get everything sorted out,\u2019 said Ben soothingly. \u2018I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll look after Cochise for you and make sure he\u2019s all right.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Of course.\u2019 He lifted his head form the pillow again as a noise down below grabbed his attention. \u2018Do you think that\u2019s them now?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and walked to the window. \u2018It is,\u2019 he said. \u2018Their horses are outside.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled. \u2018Now how about some of that soup?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded absently. \u2018In a minute,\u2019 he said, his ears straining to hear. \u2018Are they coming up?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked over and opened the door to see Hoss and Adam walking along the hallway. \u2018How is he?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his finger to his lips and indicated into the room with his head. \u2018He\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said in a loud voice. \u2018Just a dislocated shoulder that\u2019ll heal nicely Paul says.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 called Joe. \u2018Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hiya Shortshanks,\u2019 said Hoss as they both entered the room. \u2018You look better than the last time we saw ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his brothers a half-smile. \u2018I feel better too,\u2019 he said in a flat voice. \u2018Did you \u2026 look after everything?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam, stealing a glance at his father before sitting down. \u2018We got Josh\u2019s body off to his folks.\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded and was silent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How about that soup now?\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t really feel like it Pa,\u2019 he said in the same flat tone. \u2018Maybe later.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his brothers again. \u2018How about Cochise?\u00a0 Did you get him cut free?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced at Adam before replying. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018It took some doing but we got him free.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Is he okay?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath. \u2018He was pretty frightened Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018He took a bad fall you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shot his brother a sharp look. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But is he okay?\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t hurt bad was he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Didn\u2019t seem to be,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Once Hoss cut him free he took off in a gallop. There was a bit of blood and he\u2019s covered in scratches, but we don\u2019t think it was anything serious.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018What do you mean you don\u2019t think?\u2019 he said. \u2018Can\u2019t you tell?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss leant forward. \u2018He took off Shortshanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018Like Adam said, he was a mite upset.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sank back onto the pillow. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018He musta been awful frightened.\u00a0 And he probably couldn\u2019t understand why I went off and left him too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe you had to,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018There was no way you could have got him free with a busted shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I know that,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018But Cooch didn\u2019t.\u00a0 He probably thinks I let him down twice.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss patted Joe on his good shoulder. \u2018Well you can let him know he was wrong when he comes running back in here,\u2019 he said soothingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile again. \u2018Let me know when he does, will ya Hoss?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019ll feel better when I know he\u2019s back home again where he belongs.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure will,\u2019 replied Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now you two get on out of here,\u2019 said Ben in a mock stern voice. \u2018This young man needs to get some sleep and \u2026\u2019 he looked at Joe. \u2018I\u2019m not taking no<\/em> for an answer this time Joseph.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to eat some of that soup.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded silently. As Hoss and Adam made to leave the room he looked over at them gratefully. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re welcome,\u2019 said Adam with a smile.\u00a0 Hoss grinned at his brother as he shut the door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You want some help with cutting that up?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a bit hard with one hand \u2026 specially when I have to use my right one.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at his sling distastefully. \u2018Once I can get this thing off it\u2019ll be easier.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You leave that sling alone until Doc Martin says,\u2019 said Ben as he cut up his son\u2019s food and then passed the plate back to him. \u2018It\u2019s only been three days after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Joe as he picked up his fork. \u2018You don\u2019t have to tell me Pa.\u2019 He looked up as Hoss entered the room. \u2018Any luck?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head as he joined his family at the table. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll go out again after lunch and keep searching.\u2019\u00a0 He shot a look at Joe\u2019s face. \u2018Don\u2019t worry Shortshanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll find him \u2026 he can\u2019t have got far.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Joe softly. \u2018Thanks Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go upstairs and lie down for a while,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph you haven\u2019t eaten anything,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Sit down please.\u2019\u00a0 Joe opened his mouth to object, but caught the look on his father\u2019s face and sat down again with a sigh and picked up his fork. Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018Hoss will find Cochise Joe.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you worry about him now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018I just wonder why he hasn\u2019t come home by himself,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t understand why he wouldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe we told you he was very agitated when he last saw him,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It might take him a while to settle down.\u2019 Joe sighed again and picked at his food. \u2018I\u2019ll go out with you this afternoon Hoss,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018I got all those supplies Hop Sing wanted this morning so there\u2019s nothing else really urgent to do. That okay with you Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shot him a grateful look. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said and then turned back to Joe again. \u2018Joe will you eat something please?\u00a0 There\u2019s no need carrying on like this son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put a mouthful of food in and chewed slowly. \u2018Can we go over to the Michaels\u2019 place this afternoon Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018I don\u2019t think so Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I told you yesterday after the funeral that they\u2019ll need some time to themselves now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but I wanna talk to them again about what happened,\u2019 protested Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe you told them everything you had to yesterday,\u2019 replied Ben patiently. \u2018They both told you that they don\u2019t hold you responsible.\u00a0 It was just one of those unfortunate things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down at the table. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Unfortunate.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up again. \u2018I\u2019m really not hungry Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m going upstairs for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights watched as he walked up the stairs. \u2018He\u2019s taking all this hard ain\u2019t he?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s to be expected,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I think once Cochise gets back here it might help.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Speaking of which,\u2019 said Adam as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll get our horses saddled brother. See you outside when you\u2019ve finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Okay,\u2019 he said as he took another mouthful. \u2018I sure hope we find him Pa.\u00a0 Joe really needs that horse round about now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That he does son,\u2019 said Ben thoughtfully. \u2018That he does indeed.\u2019<\/p>\n

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##########<\/p>\n

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\u2018I covered down there this morning,\u2019 said Hoss pointing down the slope.\u00a0 I thought maybe you could head east and I\u2019ll back track down to the west from here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sounds fine,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Good luck.\u2019\u00a0 He turned his horse and rode down the slope carefully, and then headed off to the right.\u00a0 Hoss watched him go and then headed straight ahead.\u00a0 He rode carefully, checking for tracks as he went. To his delight, after about half an hours he found the marks of a shod horse and followed them with great anticipation.\u00a0 They led towards the high country which Hoss had figured would be a logical place for Cochise to head anyway.\u00a0 The downside of that was that there were many rocky sections over which would become very difficult and there were also a myriad of canyons and crevices in which a horse could be completely hidden.\u00a0 It was for these reasons that he followed the tracks with a sinking heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fortunately, within an hour he realised that the animal had veered off towards the east again and down towards the pasture country.\u00a0 He was just about to follow when he had the strangest feeling that he was being watched and stopped to look around. \u2018Hmm,\u2019 he said half-aloud. \u2018Must be my imagination.\u2019\u00a0 He turned in the saddle and put his hand up to shield his face again and looked into the distance, but there was no sight of Cochise anywhere. With a sigh he took off again, anxious to get to the horse before more distance came between them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within half and hour he had tracked Cochise to one of the smaller pastures which had several canyons leading off it.\u00a0 As Hoss checked the horse\u2019s track yet again he saw with delight that he was headed into one of them \u2026 and Hoss hoped that it was one in which he would be able to corner the horse.\u00a0 Fortunately, that was exactly where Cochise had headed.\u00a0 Hoss found him in one of the smallest canyons, one that was complete with a small stream running through it where the horse had stopped to drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ll be,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin as he carefully took his rope off his saddle horn and began to undo it. \u2018Looks like you and me are gonna make it home today after all fellar.\u2019\u00a0 He carefully dismounted and tied up his own horse, gently easing the rope undone as Cochise lifted his head and looked at him warily. \u2018Come on fellar,\u2019 Hoss said in an easy tone. \u2018It\u2019s okay now.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna take ya home ta Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019ll like that won\u2019t ya?\u2019\u00a0 Cochise took a few steps away from him as he approached and rolled his eyes. Hoss frowned. \u2018What\u2019s the matter fellar?\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018Come on now.\u00a0 Ya ain\u2019t forgotten me have ya?\u2019\u00a0 The horse began to get agitated and Hoss saw the whites of his eyes as he rolled them.\u00a0 He stopped.\u00a0 This wasn\u2019t like the Cochise that he knew at all and he wasn\u2019t quite sure what to do about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few minutes of man and horse eyeing each other up, Hoss tried again. He made a lasso with the rope and eased it gently into position, talking quietly to the agitated horse all the time.\u00a0 He gently swung it around as Cochise began to run backwards and forwards in an agitated fashion, watching Hoss all the while. Hoss threw the lasso in the horse\u2019s direction, but it fell short.\u00a0 Cochise reared up at the movement and began to snort angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Whoa there Cochise,\u2019 said Hoss as he swung the lasso again. \u2018I\u2019m only trying ta help ya fellar.\u2019\u00a0 After several more attempts, Hoss stopped and scratched his head. \u2018\u2019Cochise was becoming more and more agitated with each throw of the rope and he didn\u2019t quite know what to do next.\u00a0 He walked away from the horse and sat down on a rock to watch him as he ran backwards and forwards near the stream.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Black and white one plenty proud,\u2019 said a voice behind him and Hoss turned sharply to see an old Indian standing behind him.\u00a0 He immediately checked his gun and stood up to face him.\u00a0 The Indian looked at Hoss for a moment and then his eyes travelled over to Cochise. Hoss stared at him as he stared at the horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where did you come from?\u2019 Hoss asked finally, when is had become clear to him that the Indian wasn\u2019t about to speak again.\u00a0 The man didn\u2019t take his eyes off the agitated horse and said nothing. Hoss tried again. \u2018My name is Hoss Cartwright,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian looked over at him again. \u2018The black and white one is yours?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Sorta,\u2019 he said. \u2018He belongs to my brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian nodded shortly. \u2018He has a free spirit,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018He is \u2026.\u2019 He searched for the word \u2026 \u2018In his mind he is strong and \u2026 determined,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and grinned at the man. \u2018Like his owner,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

The Indian sat down and crossed his legs while he continued to stare at the horse.\u00a0 Cochise continued to run up and down in an agitated fashion. Finally, Hoss sat down next to the man and there was a long silence between them. After about five minutes, the Indian spoke again. \u2018You wish the black and white one to go with you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018But he ain\u2019t gonna I reckon.\u2019\u00a0 He eyed the Indian off. \u2018He got hurt in a fall,\u2019 he explained. \u2018Seems like he don\u2019t trust me none now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian stood up and held out his hand for Hoss\u2019 rope. \u2018He will choose,\u2019 he said and looked directly into Hoss\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss felt a shiver go down his spine, but for the life of him didn\u2019t know why.\u00a0 There was something about this Indian that made him feel \u2026. He didn\u2019t quite know how he felt, but something in him told him to trust the man.\u00a0 He handed him the rope. \u2018Don\u2019t get too close ta him,\u2019 he said. \u2018He don\u2019t know ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian merely looked at him. \u2018He will choose,\u2019 he said again and turned to walk towards the horse.\u00a0 Hoss watched in amazement as Cochise reared up several times as the man approached him. \u2018Get back!\u2019 he called, but the Indian didn\u2019t hesitate and continued to walk towards the horse. As he neared Cochise, the horse stood still and looked at him, the whites of his eyes still rolling and his head tossing angrily. Without hesitating, the man reached out and put his hand on the horses\u2019 neck and Cochise instantly stood still.\u00a0 The Indian put the rope around his neck and led him over to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He has chosen to go with you,\u2019 he said and handed the rope to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked first at the horse and then at the man in amazement. \u2018I guess he has,\u2019 he said finally.\u00a0 He opened his mouth to speak again, but the Indian turned from him and began to walk away. \u2018Wait!\u2019 called Hoss. \u2018I ain\u2019t even said thank you yet!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian turned and looked at Hoss and Cochise and shook his head. \u2018I did nothing,\u2019 he said and indicated Cochise with his finger. \u2018He chose.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned, not sure what the man was getting at. \u2018Yeah but \u2026.\u2019 he began.\u00a0 The Indian turned and walked away from them again. \u2018What\u2019s ya name?\u2019 called Hoss, but the man didn\u2019t turn around again.\u00a0 He walked out of the canyon and disappeared behind some rocks. \u00a0Hoss turned to Cochise who was beginning to get agitated again. \u2018Well fellar,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s get ya home eh? I know someone who\u2019s gonna be mighty glad ta see ya.\u2019\u00a0 He led the horse over to where his own mount was standing and got up into the saddled.\u00a0 He took one last look in the direction that the Indian had disappeared and shook his head before turning for home.<\/p>\n

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##########<\/p>\n

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Adam and Hoss leant on the corral fence and watched as Cochise ran up and down inside, looking for all the world as if he were seeking a way out. \u2018He looks like he did the other day,\u2019 commented Adam. \u2018Still not himself by any means.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He will be,\u2019 said Hoss confidently. \u2018Just as soon as Joe gets home with Pa he\u2019ll settle him down. I swear sometimes them two know what the other\u2019s thinking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe never could see that this animal was less than perfect could he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I remember when Pa gave him to him as a little fellar,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Remember how he wanted ta get right on up there and ride him straight away?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mmm.\u00a0 But it didn\u2019t take long before he was able to, did it?\u00a0 I seem remember Pa telling me to make sure Joe broke him in slowly, but it seemed like the two of them knew each other right from the start.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Well I only hope Joe gets home soon,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hate ta see him like this.\u2019\u00a0 As if he had understood Hoss\u2019 words, Cochise began to snort and rear up a couple of times. \u2018Steady boy,\u2019 said Hoss softly. \u2018Settle down.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t know Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018He sure looks agitated to me.\u00a0 I hope Joe can settle him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

There was a sound behind them and they turned to see their father driving the buggy into the yard with Joe beside him. Ben waved at them both. \u2018We went into town,\u2019 he said as the buggy stopped. \u2018Paul Martin took a look at Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Hey look Shortshanks!\u2019 called Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018Look who\u2019s back.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe looked over at the corral and gave the first real smile that they\u2019d seen on him for days. \u2018Cooch!\u2019 he said delightedly as he got down from the buggy. He turned and began to walk over to the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Be gentle with him Joe,\u2019 warned Adam. \u2018He\u2019s still pretty skittish.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded and leant on the fence with his one good arm. \u2018Hey Cooch,\u2019 he said softly.\u00a0 Cochise stopped and looked at him for a moment and then began to pace up and down again while tossing his head.\u00a0 Joe reached his hand out to the horse. \u2018Cooch,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on over here boy.\u2019\u00a0 Again the horse stopped and looked at him, and then began to pace up and down once more. Joe frowned. \u2018What\u2019s wrong with him?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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His father moved to stand beside him. \u2018He\u2019s still upset,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just be patient and give him time Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said bitterly. \u2018Of course he\u2019s upset.\u00a0 I don\u2019t blame him after what I did to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ya didn\u2019t do anything ta him Shortshanks,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He just needs time ta settle down is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe gave his brother a sad look. \u2018Thank for getting him back for me Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I reckon you might have wasted your time.\u00a0 Seems like he don\u2019t wanna know me no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Joe don\u2019t be stupid,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You heard what Pa and Hoss said.\u00a0 He just needs some time that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Joe nodded and leant on the fence again as he watched the horse in the corral. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said in a flat tone.<\/p>\n

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##########<\/p>\n

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Ben came out of the barn and stopped to watch Hoss in the corral. He frowned as he noticed Cochise pacing as far away from Hoss as could get, tossing his head and pawing at the ground as Hoss spoke to him in a soothing tone. \u2018No luck?\u2019 he asked as he approached the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Hoss shook his head and walked over to join his father on the other side of the fence. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018He just don\u2019t want anything ta do with me at all.\u2019\u00a0 They both stood and looked at the horse silently. \u2018I just don\u2019t understand it Pa,\u2019 said Hoss finally. \u2018It\u2019s been three days now and he\u2019s still like this.\u00a0 I can\u2019t even get him into the barn.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben sighed. \u2018Has Joe been out to see him today?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Hoss shook his head. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said. \u2018He don\u2019t seem ta wanna try no more either.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018He\u2019s really down about all this,\u2019 he said. \u2018First Josh and now Cochise.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m worried about him Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Hoss glanced at his father. \u2018He\u2019ll be okay Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s like ya said before.\u00a0 He just needs time.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at Cochise. \u2018They both do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son and patted him on the shoulder. \u2018You\u2019re right son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Guess we\u2019ll just have to be patient with them both.\u00a0 Where is your brother?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Inside,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Up in his room I spose like he always is lately.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded and turned towards the house. It had been like this for days now.\u00a0 Joe seemed to be withdrawing more and more into himself as time went on and he was beginning to get really worried about the boy. If it wasn\u2019t enough what had happened to his friend, he now had to deal with the rejection of his beloved Cochise and it seemed that he wasn\u2019t prepared to face it any more. During the past few days he had made some half-hearted attempts to reach the horse, but Ben could tell that his heart wasn\u2019t in it. He sure hoped that Hoss would have some success with the animal so that Joe might begin to come out of the depression that he was withdrawing into and come back to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe,\u2019 he said as he entered his son\u2019s room and saw him standing by the window and staring down at the corral. \u2018Why are you up here on such a lovely day?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Just resting a bit,\u2019 he said in a flat tone. He turned to look out of the window again. \u2018Hoss is wasting his time down there.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben came over and stood next to his son. \u2018He doesn\u2019t think so,\u2019 he said. Joe was silent. \u2018You know it might help if you went down there and helped him,\u2019 Ben continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Wouldn\u2019t do any good,\u2019 he said. \u2018You saw Cooch yesterday Pa. He didn\u2019t want anything to do with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Joe you\u2019ve got to be patient,\u2019 he said. \u2018Cochise will come around in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a dark look. \u2018You think so?\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s been days now Pa and he\u2019s still just the same as when Hoss first brought him home. He hates me and I don\u2019t blame him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He does not hate you!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe faced the window again. \u2018Yes he does,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I let him down and he hates me for it \u2026 I can tell \u2026 He just wants me to leave him alone.\u2019\u00a0 He began to breathe deeply and gripped the windowsill tightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Joe shook his head. \u2018It ain\u2019t no use Pa. I can\u2019t change the way that he feels about me now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe turned away from the window and shook off his father\u2019s hand. \u2018I\u2019m going downstairs,\u2019 he said abruptly.<\/p>\n

\n

Chapter 2:<\/p>\n

\u2018There you go Joe,\u2019 said Paul Martin with a smile. \u2018That shoulder must feel better without that sling on now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and flexed his arm. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thanks.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You\u2019ll still need to be a bit careful with it,\u2019 continued the doctor as he put away his things. \u2018You can ride, but only slowly for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded briefly and stood up. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019 he said in a short voice.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Paul, with a surprised look at him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018How about you go on down to the saloon and have a drink Joe,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll meet you down there in a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and left the room without saying another word. Paul looked at Ben with a puzzled expression on his face. \u2018Was it something I said?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018He\u2019s just upset. Cochise is still having nothing to do with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought the horse would have settled down by now,\u2019 said Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018So did I,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018We all did. I think he might have a chance of doing just that if Joe would have something to do with him, but he just refuses to try at all with the animal now.\u00a0 Hoss is giving it everything he\u2019s got, but he\u2019s at his wit\u2019s end with the horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve ever known Hoss not to succeed with an animal,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Surely there\u2019s something that can be done.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Well if there is I sure would like to know what it is,\u2019 he said. \u2018I keep on saying that we all just need to be patient Paul, but I\u2019m beginning to think I\u2019m wrong and there\u2019s nothing that can be done with the horse.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never seen Hoss so dispirited with an animal before and seeing what it\u2019s doing to Joe \u2026 well it\u2019s just about breaking my heart.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Paul put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Well now that he can ride again at least he\u2019ll be able to get out a bit.\u00a0 That should lift his spirits.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his friend. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018He should feel better about that. Even if he can\u2019t ride Cochise he\u2019ll be able to ride another horse.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018Well I suppose I\u2019d better go and find him,\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe a drink or two will help him to feel a bit better.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s the spirit,\u2019 replied Paul. \u2018It\u2019ll do you both good.\u2019 He watched his friend leave the surgery and sighed as he turned back towards his examining table again.\u2019<\/p>\n

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##########<\/p>\n

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\u2018Hoss I\u2019d like you to check the herd in the South pasture this morning please,\u2019 said Ben as he helped himself to some eggs.\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And Adam, could you please take that fencing material out to the men?\u2019 Adam nodded and continued to eat his breakfast. \u2018I\u2019m gong into town to get the mail,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Would you like to come with me Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said without much enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018This afternoon we can work with Cochise again if you like Joe,\u2019 volunteered Hoss with a glance at his father. Ben nodded at him.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again. \u2018Ain\u2019t much point is there?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019d just as soon not.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cochise will never settle down unless you work with him,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You have to try son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe threw down his napkin and glared at his father. \u2018Why?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Tell me why I should try?\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to make any difference.\u2019\u00a0 He indicated Hoss with his hand. \u2018Hoss has tried for ages now and still there\u2019s no improvement with him.\u00a0 I think we should all just face it Pa .. Cochise isn\u2019t ever going to settle down again and that\u2019s an end to it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph lower your voice please,\u2019 said Ben, his eyes flashing. \u2018All of us are trying to help you and you\u2019re only making the situation worse with your attitude.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his eyes and stared at the tablecloth. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on top of his son\u2019s. \u2018Just give it time,\u2019 he said gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe removed his hand. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said in his customary flat tone. \u2018Can I go now Pa?\u00a0 I\u2019ll get the buckboard ready.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked surprised. \u2018Buckboard?\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no need to take the buckboard Joe \u2026 we\u2019re not getting any supplies so we\u2019ll just ride into town.\u2019 Joe looked startled as if the thought hadn\u2019t occurred to him. Ben noticed the expression on his son\u2019s face and realised suddenly that he hadn\u2019t ridden since the accident. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of horses in the barn you can choose,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You can take Sport if you like,\u2019 interrupted Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll be delivering those supplies so I won\u2019t need him this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018There you go,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s all settled then.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked anxious. \u2018Um \u2026 thanks Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I\u2019d rather not ride Sport.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Suit yourself,\u2019 he said. \u2018Take Brandy then. He hasn\u2019t been out in a while and he needs a good run.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not Brandy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his son intently. \u2018Well you choose Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Get both horses saddled up before I get out there, will you please?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat still and didn\u2019t move. \u2018Don\u2019t you think we should pick up some supplies?\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing is bound to need something.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No he doesn\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve already checked with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Um \u2026 well if you don\u2019t mind Pa I\u2019d like to go with Adam,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I could help him with that fencing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrows shot up. \u2018If you want to,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just be careful of that shoulder.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks,\u2019 said Joe and stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll get your horse saddled for you Pa.\u2019 He left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father. \u2018Is that what I think it was?\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It seems that your brother is hesitating about getting back on a horse after the accident,\u2019 explained Ben thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Shortshanks has never not wanted to get on a horse in his whole life!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he does now,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s had falls before,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Plenty of em.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t never reacted like this before.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s never had a friend die in a fall with him before,\u2019 said Ben quietly. \u2018And he\u2019s always had Cochise to help him, remember?\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t have that now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All the more reason to get that horse well again then,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he said. \u2018I never thought I\u2019d say this, but I just don\u2019t know what ta do with the animal.\u00a0 Nothing seems ta work with him.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father. \u2018We can\u2019t keep him in that corral for much longer either Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s going crazy out there and it\u2019s only making it worse for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. \u2018Well what do you suggest?\u2019 he said. \u2018You want to give up on him?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018No Pa I didn\u2019t mean that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just \u2026 I don\u2019t know what ta do is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence around the table as the three men sat in deep thought. \u2018Well we\u2019d better get going boys,\u2019 said Ben finally. \u2018We\u2019ve all got work to do.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up wearily and gave them a half-hearted smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked into the barn and watched his youngest son forking hay for a few moments before speaking. \u2018How\u2019s the shoulder today?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up and stopped momentarily. \u2018Fine,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and sat down on a barrel. \u2018Well don\u2019t overdo it,\u2019 he said. There was silence for a while as Joe continued to work. \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking Joe,\u2019 said Ben finally. \u2018We really should pick you out a horse to ride until Cochise is better don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to fork the hay and didn\u2019t look at his father. \u2018I spose so,\u2019 he said unenthusiastically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I asked Adam to put these two in here,\u2019 said Ben indicating two horses in the stalls. \u2018Either one would be suitable for you.\u2019\u00a0 Joe said nothing. \u2018Joe?\u2019 said his father. \u2018Did you hear what I said?\u2019\u00a0 He watched the boy intently for a reaction, but got none.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Either one is fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d like to you to ride out to Adam this afternoon and help him bring in those strays.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe finally looked up. \u2018Can\u2019t Hoss do it?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 I\u2019m asking you to do it,\u2019 said his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe said nothing for a few moments as he continued to work. Ben stood up to leave, but turned as his son said in a low voice, \u2018I\u2019d rather stay here and finish up these chores.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The chores can wait,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019d like you to ride out with Adam.\u2019 He stoped and waited for Joe to speak, but his son said nothing. \u2018All right then,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you at supper when you both get back.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna go.\u00a0 Can\u2019t I just stay here and finish this?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked over to his son and put his hand on his shoulder. \u2018Joe you can\u2019t keep on doing this. You\u2019ve avoided riding since the accident.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his father\u2019s hand off. \u2018I haven\u2019t!\u2019 he said indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son you have,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You know that you haven\u2019t once been on a horse since then.\u00a0 You have to at some stage you know, so you may as well start now.\u2019\u00a0 Joe turned away from his father and stood looking at the back wall. \u2018Joseph I know its hard, but you\u2019ve got to try son,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018You\u2019re hurting inside, but the only way to heal that hurt is to get on with life.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am,\u2019 said Joe in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No Joseph you\u2019re not,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You\u2019re avoiding the very thing that you need to face.\u00a0 You need to get back on a horse and ride again.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s not Cochise.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019ll never be Cochise,\u2019 said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018We\u2019ve been through all this before son.\u00a0 Just because \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to face his father again. \u2018Save it Pa,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I know what you\u2019re going to say.\u00a0 Just be patient.\u00a0 Give it time.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard it all before.\u00a0 Well the truth is that no matter how much time we give him Cochise will never be the same again. That\u2019s just something that I\u2019ve decided to face and I wish all of you would do the same. What we had is finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his pitchfork down and moved towards the door. He looked outside to the corral where Cochise was pacing up and down frantically. \u2018He don\u2019t like being here Pa,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018He feels trapped.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben came to stand next to his son. \u2018What do you want to do about it?\u2019 he asked gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath. \u2018I \u2026\u2019\u00a0 His eyes filled with tears as he looked at his beloved horse. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I hate to see him like this Pa I really do \u2026 I\u2019ve thought about turning him loose \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He drew a sharp breath as if the very thought of it gave him pain. \u2018But I \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to look into his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018I don\u2019t know that I can let him go,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rubbed the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. He thought for a moment. \u2018Perhaps if we turn him out into the lower meadow?\u00a0 He\u2019d have to room to run a bit out there, but he couldn\u2019t get through the fences and go too far.\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded his assent. \u2018I\u2019ll get Hoss to see to it this afternoon,\u2019 said Ben. He looked at his son. \u2018But Joseph \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He searched for the words. \u2018You won\u2019t be able to see him up close if he\u2019s out there,\u2019 he said. \u2018He won\u2019t be easy to work with if you decide that you want to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip. \u2018But he\u2019ll be happier,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I suppose so.\u00a0 And you can always ride out and see him.\u2019\u00a0 He felt Joe jerk under his touch and looked at the boy. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018I want you to think about what I\u2019ve said son.\u00a0 You have to get back onto a horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and walked away from his father without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked out onto the front porch and looked up at the night sky.\u00a0 He noticed how the swaying tops of the pines blotted out the moon momentarily, casting huge shadows on the house and the barn and drew in a deep breath as he smelled their delicious scent. \u2018Nice out here at this time ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to see Hoss sitting on the far end of the porch. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said as he walked over and sat next to him. \u2018I thought you were inside.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018Nah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam\u2019s gone inta town, so there\u2019s no game of checkers tonight,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought I\u2019d just spend me some time out here instead.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe not around?\u2019 Hoss shrugged and said nothing. \u2018You miss him don\u2019t you?\u2019\u00a0 said his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shot the man a surprised look. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018He just ain\u2019t the same Joe no more Pa. Not since \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 His voice trailed away and he was silent. \u2018I guess I failed em both.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t need to ask whom he was referring to. \u2018You didn\u2019t fail anyone Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018Both of them are just beyond our reach at the moment.\u00a0 It\u2019s no one\u2019s fault.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded slowly. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said. \u2018Still don\u2019t help none though.\u2019 There was silence as they both took in the beauty of the night around them. \u2018If only I coulda reached Cochise then maybe Joe \u2026\u2019 Hoss shrugged his shoulders. \u2018Ain\u2019t no use wishing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Guess it ain\u2019t gonna happen.\u00a0 Ya know Pa I\u2019ve never felt this way about an animal before.\u00a0 Guess I don\u2019t have the way with em that I thought.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course you do Hoss,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Cochise wouldn\u2019t respond to anyone at the moment son. He\u2019s beyond it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head. \u2018True,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018Only I wish I had some of\u00a0 \u2026\u2019 He stopped suddenly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to his father with an eager look. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018I just had a thought.\u2019\u00a0 Ben waited patiently while Hoss processed his thoughts.\u00a0 Sometimes it took him longer to come to conclusions that others reached quickly and his father was one of the few people who understood this. \u2018Remember I told ya about that Indian who got him under control the day I brought him home?\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d never seen anything like it Pa.\u00a0 Honest \u2026 he \u2026 well it was like he could communicate ta the horse in a way that I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Like no one else could really.\u2019\u00a0 He sat forward and began to speak excitedly. \u2018Maybe \u2026 well maybe he\u2019d be able ta help now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know you want to help son, but it\u2019s just not logical to think that an old Indian man would be able to help Cochise.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u00a0 He did before.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son even if you could find him \u2026 which I doubt … why on earth would he come here to help?\u2019 said Ben patiently. \u2018He\u2019s an Indian and lives with his tribe. He\u2019s not going to come here to help with a horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss thought for a moment. \u2018I believe he would Pa,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018I can\u2019t even tell ya why.\u00a0 There was just something \u2026. Something about the way he was with Cochise that makes me think it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa I gotta try,\u2019 said Hoss pleadingly. \u2018Please?\u00a0 It\u2019s the only thing I know to do and I just can\u2019t stand doing nothing no more while Shortshanks and that horse are like this.\u00a0 Every day its getting worse and \u2026. Well I just gotta try Pa.\u2019\u00a0 He gave Ben a long look. \u2018I\u2019m scared that one day I’ll wake up and the Shortshanks that I know will be all gone Pa.\u00a0 Each day he gets further away from us \u2026 you know it as well as I do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 He\u2019d felt it to.\u00a0 The gradual withdrawal of his youngest son had him more worried than he\u2019d admit even to himself and it scared him witless.\u00a0 Trust Hoss to be the one to voice what they\u2019d all been feeling, for there was depth to this middle boy of his that occasionally shone through and showed his father what he was really made of.\u00a0 Ben too had felt that he was losing the Joseph that he knew … perhaps for ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All right son,\u2019 he said. \u2018If you can find this man and persuade him to help, then I\u2019ll do everything I can as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll leave first thing in the morning,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where will you go?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018I ain\u2019t sure,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I\u2019ll start looking where I saw him last I reckon.\u2019\u00a0 He walked along the porch and entered the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat and looked out into the darkness beyond the porch and thought about the frightened animal who was out there in the meadow and didn\u2019t know how to make his way back to the person that he loved.\u00a0 He prayed that somehow his son and his horse would find their way back to each other and in doing so begin a healing process that would save them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at the sun wearily and noticed that it had sunk even lower than he\u2019d realised and that night was upon him.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to make camp in a hurry or he\u2019d find himself without wood for a fire and unable to cook his supper.\u00a0 He scanned the area closely and then headed for a clump of trees near a small creek.\u00a0 It had been a long day \u2026 in fact it had been a long three days he had to admit.\u00a0 He had left home with such high hopes of finding the Indian, but those hopes had been quickly dashed as he searched canyon after canyon in the area and come up with nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He supposed it was to be expected really.\u00a0 After all, why would he have thought that he\u2019d just be able to simply ride out and find one lone Indian in all of this wilderness?\u00a0 It had been a stupid idea now that he came to think about it and one that he really shouldn\u2019t have tried in the first place.\u00a0 Yet somewhere deep within him a voice kept telling him to go on with his search and so he had ridden for three days with hope in his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That hope was now just about gone and as he sat watching his supper cook on the fire he had to admit to himself that it was time he headed for home again.\u00a0 He sighed as he thought about what he was going home to.\u00a0 The Ponderosa just didn\u2019t seem the same lately with his little brother the way that he was.\u00a0 There was an absence of life a that the ranch that only Joe was capable of filling and Hoss wondered if that hole would ever be filled again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Guess not,\u2019 he said out loud to no one in particular. He looked up at the night sky and sighed again. \u2018I\u2019m sure sorry Shortshanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I done tried everything I know, but old Hoss has let ya down I reckon.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You search for black and white one again?\u2019 said a voice behind him and Hoss turned sharply to see the Indian standing behind him bathed in the light of the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How do ya do that?\u2019 he said without thinking.\u00a0 The man had crept up on him so softly that Hoss figured he could have lifted his scalp without Hoss even knowing what was on him if he\u2019d had mind to.\u00a0 Yet somehow Hoss knew that violence was foreign to this man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian said nothing, but crossed his arms and merely looked at Hoss. Finally Hoss smiled at him. \u2018I sure am glad ta see you,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve been searching for ya for days.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian nodded \u2018I follow you while you search,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018If you had stood still long enough you would have found me.\u2019 Hoss scratched his head as he tried to make sense of the man\u2019s words. \u2018You look for black and white one?\u2019 the Indian asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nope,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He\u2019s back at my home \u2026 I was looking for you.\u2019\u00a0 The Indian stared at him. Now that he had found him, Hoss didn\u2019t quite know how to explain what he wanted from the man. \u2018You helped me before with the horse,\u2019 he began. \u2018I was wondering \u2026 that is \u2026 mebbe ya might help me again?\u2019\u00a0 The Indian continued to stare at Hoss without speaking and Hoss felt obliged to keep talking. \u2018It\u2019s my little brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018He and the horse \u2026 well they\u2019re real close usually, but since they had a fall .. well they can\u2019t \u2026 they can\u2019t \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He faltered over his words, trying desperately to find the right ones to make this man understand what he needed from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian stepped forward. \u2018They need each other to heal their spirits,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018I reckon that\u2019s just about it.\u2019 He looked at the Indian intently for a few moments. \u2018Can ya help?\u2019 he asked simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian came and sat down next to Hoss by the fire. \u2018Tell me about this brother and the black and white one,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019ve always been real close,\u2019 said Hoss eagerly.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe his luck that the Indian had even asked. \u2018Since he was a kid he and Cochise \u2026. That\u2019s the horse\u2019s name \u2026 they\u2019ve been best friends it seems. They understand each other I reckon \u2026 until now. Cochise just don\u2019t want nothing ta do with Joe \u2026 that\u2019s my brother \u2026 and Joe don\u2019t know how ta deal with it.\u00a0 His friend died in the accident and he\u2019s just eaten up with grief I reckon.\u2019 He looked into the fire as well. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he continued. \u2018Seems ta me that if he and the horse could get back together then maybe \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maybe the young man and the black and white one need each other to survive?\u2019 said the Indian. \u2018Maybe their spirits are one with each other?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Maybe,\u2019 said Hoss. The idea sounded logical to him. \u2018So can ya help?\u2019 he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian stared into the fire and said nothing for a long time. So long in fact that Hoss began to wonder if he was ever going to answer him. Finally the man spoke. \u2018No one can heal your brother and the black and white one except themselves,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 heart sank.\u00a0 He felt as if the last light of hope had been extinguished by the man\u2019s words. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018Yeah \u2026 then I reckon you\u2019re right.\u2019\u00a0 He stared into the fire again. \u2018I was just hoping …\u2019 He added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian turned to face Hoss. \u2018My name is Baime,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m Hoss,\u2019 said Hoss, wondering why the man would suddenly offer his name and hoping that it was a sign of approval.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked deep into his eyes. \u2018You love him,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t hesitate. \u2018I love em both,\u2019 he said. \u2018Any horse that my brother loves then I just gotta love it too.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian\u2019s eyes flickered for a moment and he nodded slightly. \u2018I will come to your village,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u2018Ya mean it?\u2019 he said. \u2018But I thought ya said that ya couldn\u2019t help?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian shook his head \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I said that they must heal themselves.\u00a0 I will come to watch them if they choose to do so.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at the man. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said sincerely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at him and nodded. \u2018I too once had a brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018I loved him also.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as he began to understand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem Hawkins\u2019 eyes widened as he watched Hoss and an Indian ride into the yard.\u00a0 \u2018Well I\u2019ll be,\u2019 he breathed softly. \u2018What the hell has Cartwright got here now?\u2019\u00a0 His eyes narrowed as he watched both men dismount and Hoss beckon to the Indian to follow him into the house and then he spat onto the ground. \u2018Damn savages,\u2019 he muttered before he turned away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 called Hoss as he entered the house. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 I\u2019m home!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright looked up from his desk and smiled as his son walked around the corner of the study.\u00a0 Hoss!\u2019 he said as he stood up. \u2018I was beginning to worry about you son.\u2019 He walked around to the other side of the desk and grabbed his son into a hug. He blinked a couple of times as he looked over his shoulder and saw Baime standing by the front door watching them both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let go of Hoss and stared at the Indian. \u2018Pa this is Baime,\u2019 said Hoss happily. \u2018He\u2019s come to help with Cochise.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked back at Hoss, an amazed expression on his face. \u2018Oh,\u2019 he said feebly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss beckoned to Baime to join them. \u2018This is my Pa, Ben Cartwright,\u2019 he said. The Indian nodded his head slightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled Hoss to one side. \u2018Hoss!\u2019 he said. \u2018You can\u2019t just bring him in here like this son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes widened. \u2018Why not?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I done told ya Pa, he\u2019s come ta help.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked amazed. \u2018Yes but \u2026.\u2019 His voice trailed away.\u00a0 Hoss looked at him expectantly and he shook his head in amazement. \u2018Well \u2026\u2019 Ben looked over at Baime. \u2018Welcome to our home,\u2019 he said in as calm a voice as he could muster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime nodded again before turning to Hoss. \u2018Where is the black and white one?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I will go to him now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at him. \u2018Sure thing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll just show him Cochise Pa,\u2019 he said as if he did this sort of thing every day.\u00a0 \u2018Baime is gonna stay out in the meadow with him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I see,\u2019 said Ben faintly.\u00a0 He watched as Hoss and the Indian left the room together and then sat down on the sofa and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the front door opened again and Adam came into the room. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you see \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up. \u2018I certainly did,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can\u2019t believe he found him for a start,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Let alone convinced him to come back here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head again. \u2018Neither can I,\u2019 he said. \u2018It seems as if your brother has a way with people as well as animals when he wants to I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you think he\u2019ll be able to help the horse?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018According to Hoss he can.\u00a0 I suppose we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam sat down next to his father. \u2018I suppose we will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood and stared at the Indian seated in the long grass and frowned. When Hoss had told him why he had brought the man to The Ponderosa he really hadn\u2019t known what he thought about it. If he was begin truly honest with himself though he had to admit more than a little curiosity at the moment about the Indian and what he was doing.\u00a0 For three days Joe had watched the man sitting in the grass, doing nothing but staring at Cochise who continued to avoid him as he had avoided any other human contact \u2026 including Joe himself. Joe couldn\u2019t for the life of him work out what the Indian was trying to achieve by simply being there and he shook his head as he turned away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he walked back towards the house, his mind was a jumble of thoughts.\u00a0 He wanted so much to have Cochise back and have things the way it had always been between them again, but in one way he was scared of it happening.\u00a0 Joe knew that as long as Cochise was distant from him then he wouldn\u2019t be placed in a position where he would have to ride him again \u2026 and much and all as he longed to do so, he was \u2026 he was scared. He admitted that much to himself at least now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every night he woke up in a cold sweat as thoughts and dreams of his fall came back to him in his sleep and every time he woke up he saw Josh\u2019s blank eyes staring into his.\u00a0 It was at these times in the cold darkness of the night when he knew that with his friend\u2019s death a part of him had died as well and he was scared to get it back again.\u00a0 If he found himself in a position where he had to ride Cochise once more, then he might end up hurting them both even worse than he had this time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked over his shoulder again at the horse running free in the meadow.\u00a0 No .. it was better for them both this way.\u00a0 At least Cochise was out of harm\u2019s way being out there away from him. He frowned as he caught sight of the Indian sitting in the same position as he always did and wished that Hoss had never met him, let alone brought him back here to interfere in his life.\u00a0 He realised that his brother was trying to help him, but he just couldn\u2019t understand \u2026 it was better for Joe and Cochise if everyone just left them both alone to go their separate ways now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He saw Hoss coming out of the barn as he approached and gave him a brief smile. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said and kept walking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You been down to the meadow?\u2019 asked Hoss hopefully. \u2018Seen Baime there?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I guess,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a grin. \u2018He\u2019s getting to know Cochise,\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon he\u2019ll be able ta help once they get ta know each other. You\u2019ll see Joe\u2026 Cochise\u2019ll be just fine in time,\u2019 he said confidently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave another disinterested shrug. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018Whatever.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to go into the house, but stopped as Hoss caught up with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m going up to the North Pasture this afternoon,\u2019 he said. \u2018You wanna come?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him sideways. \u2018What for?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just to check out them fences,\u2019 said Hoss, knowing full well why his brother was asking the question. Joe was trying to ascertain how they\u2019d be travelling.\u00a0 Since all this had happened Hoss hadn\u2019t once seen his brother mount up on a horse and it was no secret to any of them that Joe was avoiding riding at any cost.\u00a0 It was a fact that had the whole family worried and they all hoped that each day would be the one where Joe would get over this fear and get back in the saddle.\u00a0 So far it hadn\u2019t happened, but none of them had given up trying to get him back on a horse. Hoss knew that his answer to his brother\u2019s question would give him the information he needed to avoid the outing, but he still hoped that this would be the time when Joe would choose to take that next vital step and get on a horse again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No thanks,\u2019 said Joe as Hoss had expected him to and quickened his pace towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned again. \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please will ya come with me?\u2019 pleaded Hoss. \u2018Ya gotta do it sometime ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother a dark look. \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 he said defiantly. \u2018Just leave me alone will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You do too know what I\u2019m talking about,\u2019 answered Hoss. \u2018Ya gotta get back on a horse sometime ya know.\u00a0 Come on Joe \u2026 I\u2019ll help ya feel okay about it and we\u2019ll take it real slow if ya like.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clenched his fists. \u2018Just shut up about it will ya Hoss?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019ll ride when I feel like it \u2026. There\u2019s nothing wrong, so stop going on about it will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well if there\u2019s nothing ta stop ya, then why don\u2019t you just get up on a horse?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because I don\u2019t want to!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I can outride you any day brother as you well know, so there\u2019s no need to keep going on about it like this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know ya can out ride me,\u2019 insisted Hoss. \u2018But that ain\u2019t what I\u2019m talking about and you know it Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m talking about you being scared of getting on a horse.\u2019\u00a0 It was the first time that any of them had said it to him outright and he heard the gasp escape from his younger brother as the words left his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a couple of steps towards his brother and pointed his finger at him. \u2018I am not scared of riding!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You take that back Hoss!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him sadly. \u2018Joe \u2026.\u2019 he began. \u2018We all understand.\u00a0 But ya just gotta \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hands on his hips. \u2018I will get on a horse whenever I feel like it!\u2019 he exploded. \u2018And don\u2019t you go telling everyone I\u2019m scared or I\u2019ll pound you Hoss!\u00a0 You got no right to say that and you know it!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 shoulders slumped in defeat. \u2018Joe I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he began. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018You stay out of my business and just leave me and my horse alone Hoss!\u2019\u00a0 He waved his hand towards the meadow. \u2018That Indian friend of yours don\u2019t know what he\u2019s doing no how and he\u2019s just wasting his time. Cochise is better off out there and whether I want to ride or not is my business not yours!\u2019\u00a0 He glared at his brother. \u2018Just \u2026 just leave us both alone!\u2019\u00a0 He turned and strode into the house, banging the front door behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head wearily and stood staring after his younger brother for a moment. \u2018Don\u2019t let him get to you Hoss,\u2019 said Adam behind him and he turned to see his older brother leaning against the door of the barn giving him a half-smile. \u2018He\u2019s too upset to know what he\u2019s saying half the time,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018He doesn\u2019t mean it you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But if he\u2019d just admit\u00a0 that he\u2019s scared then maybe he\u2019d be able to do something about it.\u2019 He shook his head \u2018I ain\u2019t never seen him like this Adam and it scares me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came over and stood next to his brother. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we all feel the same.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at the meadow. \u2018What is he doing?\u2019 he asked, indicating Baime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I sure don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Hoss wearily. \u2018I thought it was a good idea ta bring him here, but he ain\u2019t done anything so far.\u00a0 Seems like it was a dumb idea after all.\u2019\u00a0 He stared at the silent and still man. \u2018He don\u2019t seem ta be helping anything does he?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018Maybe.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m going on over there,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as his brother walked over to join the Indian and sat down next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How\u2019s it going?\u2019 asked Hoss after a few moments of watching Cochise.\u00a0 Baime didn\u2019t say anything, but continued to stare at the horse. After a few moments Hoss stood up again and walked away from the man. From upstairs in the house he saw a curtain flick shut at Joe\u2019s bedroom window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph you have to do something about this,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You can\u2019t just hang around the house all the time son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at the floor. \u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018I\u2019ve been helping with the supplies for the timber camp and I\u2019ve been in town doing some of that banking for you this week as well as getting the mail. Besides, I thought you wanted some of the chores around here seen to.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know exactly what I\u2019m talking about,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You avoid anything where you have to ride.\u00a0 If you can\u2019t take the buckboard or the buggy then you just won\u2019t do it.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been very patient with you son, but the time has come for you to face this situation and get back onto a horse.\u2019\u00a0 Joe said nothing, but continued to stare at the floor. Ben put his arm around the young man\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I know its hard Joe,\u2019 he said in a gentle voice. \u2018I know you\u2019re scared \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe flung his father\u2019s arm off. \u2018I am not scared of anything!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been doing the jobs that I\u2019ve had to, haven\u2019t I?\u00a0 Without Cochise I just haven\u2019t decided which horse is the best one to ride yet that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe you\u2019ll never decide if you don\u2019t give some of them a go,\u2019 said Ben patiently. \u2018You\u2019ve been avoiding even trying.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I have not!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son you have,\u2019 insisted his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at his father. \u2018What do you want me to do?\u2019 he demanded. \u2018Is there something special you need me to do for you Pa?\u00a0 What is it?\u00a0 Tell me what and I\u2019ll do it!\u00a0 Otherwise just leave me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben narrowed his eyes.\u00a0 Perhaps he\u2019d been wrong in trying to give the boy plenty of time to adjust to getting back into the saddle again?\u00a0 Perhaps it was time to force him?\u00a0 \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want you to ride into town and get the mail,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fine!\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0 He stood up and walked towards the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss has the buckboard with him and the buggy needs one of its wheels fixed,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018You\u2019ll have to ride in.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned on his father. \u2018I said fine!\u2019 he spat out. \u2018Anything else?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u2019 Ben watched his son carefully and then followed him out of the house and across to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked into the barn and hesitated before striding over to the tall chestnut Brandy. \u2018What\u2019s the matter Pa?\u2019 he said over his shoulder. \u2018Come to check up that I\u2019m actually doing it?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he heard the anger in his son\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Anger that he knew was born of his fear. \u2018No,\u2019 he said mildly.\u00a0 He watched as Joe saddled the animal and then led him outside.\u00a0 He watched as the young man looked over his shoulder at his father angrily and his heart bled for the fear that he saw beneath his son\u2019s anger. He watched as his son hesitated as he stood beside the horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waited for a full minute before going over and standing next to him. \u2018Would you like me to ride in with you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I can saddle up Buck and we\u2019ll go together.\u2019\u00a0 Joe shook his head and continued to stare at the horse\u2019s flank in front of him wile breathing deeply. \u2018Joe \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 Joe looked up at his father silently. \u2018Get up on the horse son,\u2019 said Ben gently. \u2018You can do it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked back at the horse\u2019s flank again and continued to stare at it. After a few moments he said quietly. \u2018I \u2026 can\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face crumpled. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just can\u2019t.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t make me Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder again. \u2018Joe you have to try,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do it son.\u2019 Joe began to breathe even more deeply as he continued to stare at the horse. He shook his head silently and took a step backwards away from the animal. \u2018Joe \u2026.\u2019 Ben said again. \u2018Son\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged off his father\u2019s touch and stepped away from him and the horse. He gave Ben a stricken look and shook his head again. \u2018I guess you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I \u2026 guess I am scared Pa.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t make me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a look of pity. \u2018Joe I\u2019ll help you,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ll be all \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No Pa,\u2019 he said and backed away a few more steps before turning towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 called Ben, but his son ignored him and walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at the Indian sitting in grass and felt the anger bubbling up inside him. Every time he looked at the man lately he couldn\u2019t help himself … He felt an overwhelming desire to yell at him and tell him to get away from Cochise.\u00a0 The animal hadn\u2019t responded to him in anyway during the past week and he was obviously wasting his time, so why didn\u2019t he just go back to where he\u2019d come from and stop annoying everyone?\u00a0 It was bad enough that the whole family was on about Joe riding all the time without this daily reminder out here every time he looked in this direction at the Indian and his horse that wouldn\u2019t let him near him.\u00a0 He took a deep breath and strode over to the man and looked down at him. \u2018You\u2019re wasting your time,\u2019 he said angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime didn\u2019t answer him, but sat silently staring into the distance. Joe sat down next to him. \u2018I said that you\u2019re wasting your time,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve been out here for a week now and Cochise ain\u2019t paying any attention to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That is true,\u2019 said Baime quietly without shifting his gaze.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned momentarily, for he hadn\u2019t expected the man to agree with him. \u2018Then why are you still waiting for him?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime turned to face Joe and gave him a knowing look. \u2018I am not waiting for the black and white one,\u2019 he said as he looked at the young man intently. \u2018I am waiting for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a startled look. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said. Baime turned and stared back into the distance again without saying anything. Joe tried to get his brain around what the man meant, but for the life of him couldn\u2019t come to grips with it. \u2018I don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said after a few moments. \u2018Why are you waiting for me?\u00a0 Waiting for me to do what?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime continued to stare without saying anything.\u00a0 Finally Joe couldn\u2019t stand it any longer and stood up, facing the man angrily. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just go back to where you came from?\u2019 he said. \u2018My brother should never have brought you here in the first place!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked up at the angry young man. \u2018He loves you,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018That was reason enough for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed, the Indian\u2019s words taking him once more by surprise.\u00a0 He took a deep breath and tried to maintain his composure while he clenched and unclenched his fists.\u00a0 For some reason the Indian made him feel intensely angry and he wanted to reach out and hit the man. He looked over in the distance at Cochise who was running freely. \u2018He\u2019s happy out here being free now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just leave him alone.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime continued to stare at Joe. \u2018You are not happy,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared down at him. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018No, I\u2019m not happy now that you come to mention it.\u00a0 I wish you\u2019d get out of here and leave my horse alone.\u2019\u00a0 Baime continued to stare up at him. \u2018Leave us both alone,\u2019 Joe continued.\u00a0 He felt very uncomfortable under the man\u2019s scrutiny and wanted nothing more than to get away from him.\u00a0 He took a few steps away and then stopped. \u2018Thank you for coming,\u2019 he said, trying to sound polite. \u2018But there\u2019s nothing you can do here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime nodded and stood up. \u2018You are right,\u2019 he said. \u2018There is nothing that I can do here.\u00a0 Anything that needs to be done can only be done by you and the black and white one.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u2019 said Joe angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime smiled at him. \u2018You do not hide your hurt well,\u2019 he said. \u2018The black and white one is the same.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I am not hurt!\u2019 yelled Joe. \u2018What would you know about it anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime turned and walked away from Joe and across the pasture.\u00a0 Joe hesitated before following him.\u00a0 Something in him felt like it was about to burst and he wanted to hit the man then and there. \u2018Don\u2019t you walk away from me!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018You just get out of here and leave my horse and me alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime kept walking until he was within a few yards of where Cochise was now standing still. The horse sensed the two men near him and looked over at them, the familiar fear coming into his eyes. Joe looked at him.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been this close to the animal since the day of the accident and he felt a lurch in his stomach as he made eye contact with him. Baime stood still and stared at Joe. \u2018You belong to the black and white one,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a dark look. \u2018He belongs to me,\u2019 he corrected him. \u2018My Pa gave him to me a long time ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018He belongs to you no longer.\u00a0 You have given him away for now \u2026 but you still belong to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018You don\u2019t make any sense at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You think not?\u2019\u00a0 asked Baime. \u2018Perhaps the sense is there \u2026 you just cannot see it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at the man and then turned back towards Cochise again. \u2018Hi boy,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018How are ya doing?\u2019\u00a0 He took a step towards the horse and held out his hand, but Cochise backed away with a snort.\u00a0 Joe dropped his hand and sighed. \u2018See?\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s better out here by himself.\u00a0 He don\u2019t want me know more.\u2019 At that moment Cochise reared up with a squeal and came back down to earth with a thud before turning and running away from them.\u00a0 Joe watched him go with a lump in his throat. \u2018He don\u2019t want to know me no more,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018And I don\u2019t blame him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because I hurt him,\u2019 said Joe sadly. \u2018Surely Hoss told you that?\u2019 Baime was silent and Joe suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to tell the man what had happened on the day of the accident.\u00a0 As he talked Baime listened, and with each word Joe felt a huge relief being lifted from his shoulders.\u00a0 He wondered why it felt so right to be telling this stranger about that day and supposed that it was the very fact that he was<\/em> a stranger that made it easier. He talked of the accident \u2026 of Josh \u2026 of Cochise \u2026 and his feelings about it all.\u00a0 He talked until he had nothing more to say and still Baime said nothing. Finally Joe turned away from the man and stared at Cochise again. \u2018He hates me now,\u2019 he said by way of explanation. \u2018I hurt my horse and he hates me for it.\u00a0 He won\u2019t ever forgive me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime nodded and spoke for the first time in a long time. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018The black and white one will not ever forgive you.\u2019\u00a0 Joe felt his heart beginning to sink at the man\u2019s words.\u00a0 Somehow he\u2019d been hoping that that the Indian wouldn\u2019t agree with him.\u00a0 Now that he had told him the story, he wanted more than anything for the man to give him some hope of reconciliation with his horse, but instead he was confirming Joe\u2019s worst fears.\u00a0 Cochise would be forever estranged from him and he only had himself to blame for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 repeated Baime. \u2018The black and white one will not ever forgive you \u2026. Not until you learn to forgive yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem Hawkins spat on the ground in front of him and narrowed his eyes as he stared at Baime in the distance.\u00a0 \u2018Damn savage,\u2019 he muttered. \u2018Who the hell does he think he is hanging round here all the time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss brought him,\u2019 said the young ranch hand who was standing beside him. \u2018Thank he\u2019s gonna help that horse of Joe\u2019s.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem gave the youngster a withering look. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid!\u2019 he said. \u2018I know how he got here \u2026 jest don\u2019t agree with him being here is all.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the Indian another dark look. \u2018He\u2019s likely ta murder us all in our beds thanks to the Cartwrights.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He looks harmless enough to me,\u2019 said the youngster. \u2018Too old to do much harm.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s the old ones ya gotta look out fer,\u2019 said Clem as he spat again. \u2018Tricky they is.\u00a0 Learned lots of sly ways in his time if ya ask me.\u2019\u00a0 He straightened up. \u2018Nah,\u2019 he said. \u2018If ya ask me I\u2019d be doing everyone round here a favour iffen I jest hunted him off.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder. \u2018Sides no one\u2019d know why he went.\u2019\u00a0 He gave the young man a hard look. \u2018Haven\u2019t you got work ta do?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man shrugged his shoulders, not anxious to witness whatever it was that Clem had in mind. \u2018Sure,\u2019 he said as he turned to walk away. \u2018See ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem waited until he was alone and then sauntered over to where Baime was seated, as always watching Cochise. He checked his gun in the holster as he approached the Indian and stood watching him for several minutes without speaking. \u2018What ya doing injun?\u2019 he said finally.\u00a0 Baime didn\u2019t move or speak, but simply ignored the man. \u2018I asked ya what ya doing?\u2019 he said in a louder voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime glanced at him and then looked back at Cochise again without speaking. Clem took a step forward as he drew his gun from his holster. \u2018I asked ya a question injun,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now get up and answer me or I\u2019ll give ya something ta make a noise about.\u2019\u00a0 He took another step forward and poked Baime with his toe, none too gently.\u00a0 The Indian didn\u2019t move or speak at all.\u00a0 Clem shook his head and bent down to drag the other man up by his arm when he heard a voice behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think you\u2019re doing?\u2019 He let go of Baime\u2019s arm and turned sharply to see Joe standing behind him, glaring at him angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothin,\u2019 he said easily, putting his gun back into its holster before Joe could see it in his hand. \u2018Just having a friendly conversation with the injun here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him for a moment. \u2018Haven\u2019t you got work to do?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem grinned at him. \u2018Sure do,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just going.\u2019\u00a0 He tipped his hat in an exaggerated gesture to Baime. \u2018See ya injun.\u00a0 You look after yaself ya hear?\u2019\u00a0 He chuckled as he walked away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe waited until Clem had disappeared before sitting down next to Baime. \u2018Sorry about that,\u2019 he said. He had felt a sudden surge of anger as he\u2019d witnessed the incident and realised for the first time that his anger hadn\u2019t been directed towards the Indian. \u2018He looked like he was aiming to cause trouble.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at him. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018But I am used to trouble from the white man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018I\u2019m sorry to hear it,\u2019 he said. He hesitated. \u2018Why don\u2019t you live with your tribe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Hoss said that you seemed to be all alone out there when he found you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime gave Joe a half smile. \u2018Your brother did not find me,\u2019 he stated. \u2018I found him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at the man for the first time. \u2018Yeah I guess you did,\u2019 he acknowledged. \u2018Well \u2026 do you live alone?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime turned to stare at the distant hills. \u2018I live with my own spirit,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have no people.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss said that you had a brother,\u2019 persisted Joe. \u2018You must have had some other folks before he was killed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime frowned slightly. \u2018My brother still lives,\u2019 he said and then hesitated. \u2018At least I think he does.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Then why don\u2019t you live with him and your tribe then?\u2019 persisted Joe.\u00a0 He found himself more and more intrigued in this man who had been willing to come into the white man\u2019s world for the sake of a horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime gave Joe a strange look. \u2018I have no people,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have no brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But you just said \u2026.\u2019 Joe scratched his head as he tried to figure out what the man was getting at. First he said that his brother wasn\u2019t dead, then he said that he had no people. Indians sure were strange people when it came down to it.\u00a0 He guessed that it was like Adam had always told him when he was younger.\u00a0 The Indians ways were different to those that the white man were used to. It didn\u2019t make them any better or any worse, just different. Joe figured that there was a logical explanation to what the man was saying, he just didn\u2019t know what it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime gave a smile as if he were enjoying Joe\u2019s obvious discomfort with his statement. They both sat and watched Cochise for several minutes as he ran around the meadow.\u00a0 \u2018He looks happy today,\u2019 said Joe with a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime nodded. \u2018He knows that you are happier,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked.\u00a0 It was true. For some reason he felt more like his old self today and he didn\u2019t really know why.\u00a0 Perhaps it was like Pa had been telling him\u2026 time heals and each day would get better. Yet how did the Indian know how he felt? \u2018How could Cochise possibly know how I feel?\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He shares your spirit,\u2019 said Baime. \u2018He knows.\u2019 Joe gave the Indian an intense look and Baime stared back at him. \u2018You have always shared it with him,\u2019 the Indian continued. \u2018It is not hard to know that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I guess so,\u2019 he mused.\u00a0 He smiled as he remembered how Pa and his brothers had always joked about how close he was to the horse.\u00a0 Since the first moment Joe had laid eyes on the animal when Pa had given him to him for his twelfth birthday he had felt a closeness to the horse that he never could fully explain.\u00a0 It was as if they understood each other.\u00a0 Everyone always said that they were a delight to watch when they rode together.\u00a0 They would run like \u2026\u00a0 Joe stopped his thoughts abruptly.\u00a0 It was too painful to think in that direction.\u00a0 The bond that he and Cochise had was finished and would be no more.\u00a0 It was useless trying to recapture something that was over, even if it was in his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime studied the young man\u2019s face and noticed the painful look that came over it. \u2018Your spirit is still troubled,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.\u00a0 It was pointless trying to hide his thoughts from this man who seemed to be able to see inside him. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I am still troubled.\u2019 Baime said nothing. \u2018After several minutes Joe spoke again. \u2018I guess it always will be now,\u2019 he said softly. Baime still said nothing while they both stared at Cochise. \u2018I miss him,\u2019 said Joe, so softly this time that he could hardly be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The black and white one misses you too,\u2019 said Baime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head mournfully. \u2018No,\u2019 he said as he watched the horse. \u2018If he did he\u2019d come to me.\u00a0 He don\u2019t want nothing to do with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at the young man. \u2018He is waiting for you to go to him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again. \u2018I\u2019ve tried that so many times,\u2019 he said. \u2018He runs away from me every time.\u00a0 You\u2019ve seen him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime shook his head. \u2018He ran before,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018He knew you were holding anger inside you. He will not run now that you are not.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave the man a puzzled look. \u2018How do you know if I\u2019m angry or not?\u2019 he asked. Baime said nothing. \u2018And Cochise \u2026 well he doesn\u2019t know.\u00a0 He\u2019s just a horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at Joe. \u2018Is he?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I thought the black and white one was more to you than just a horse.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well yeah,\u2019 admitted Joe. \u2018But \u2026\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at the pinto who was standing a distance away from them and then back to the Indian.\u00a0 He smiled at him and then stood up and walked over to the horse. \u2018Hi Cooch,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Are ya gonna talk to me today?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cochise watched the young man warily as he approached him. His nostrils flared and he tossed his head up and down as he sniffed the air between them, stamping his hoof as if deciding whether or not to run as he had so many times before.\u00a0 Just as Joe thought the horse was about to bolt again, he reached out his hand and called to him softly. \u2018Cooch,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Cooch boy.\u2019\u00a0 The horse continued to toss his head fitfully, watching Joe uneasily as he approached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached out and patted the horse softly on the neck. \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Good boy Cooch.\u2019\u00a0 The pinto looked the young man in the eye for a moment and tossed his head as if agreeing with him before turning and trotting off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood and looked at his horse, tears welling up in his eyes. For the first time in so long he had felt his beloved Cochise in the flesh instead of just in his dreams and the touch of the horse brought such emotion to his heart that he almost cried with the very thought of it. He looked over his shoulder at Baime who had come to stand beside him. \u2018You\u2019re right,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018He knows I\u2019m not angry any more.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime put a hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018It is a beginning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright let out the breath he\u2019d been holding as he watched the scene in front of him from his position at the corral. He looked skywards and smiled into the blueness above him. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said sincerely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s kinda strange,\u2019 said Joe as he helped himself to some eggs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How do you mean strange?\u2019 asked his father.\u00a0 He grinned at the youngster in delight as he noticed how animated Joe was.\u00a0 It was almost as if the old Joe was back again and Ben couldn\u2019t remember how long it had been since he\u2019d seen the boy looking like this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know,\u2019 replied Joe with his mouth full. \u2018Just strange.\u00a0 He knows things bout how I feel even when I don\u2019t know myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Like what?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u2018I don\u2019t know \u2026 just things.\u00a0 He knows how Cooch feels too.\u2019 He looked across the table at Hoss.\u00a0 I reckon \u2026 I mean \u2026 I guess it maybe was a good idea to bring him here after all,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at him as he stuffed in another mouthful. \u2018You\u2019re welcome Shortshanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I reckon Cochise is getting better now eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018He lets me get near him now and I can even pat him sometimes.\u00a0 I reckon he\u2019s starting to be friendly with me now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son. \u2018That\u2019s wonderful son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Before you know it you\u2019ll be riding together again.\u2019\u00a0 He frowned momentarily as he saw Joe jerk at his words and try to cover the fact.\u00a0 It seemed that not everything was falling into place for the youngster yet. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 said Joe without any enthusiasm.\u00a0 He drank the last of his coffee and stood up from the table. \u2018Well I gotta go,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wanna get out and see Baime and Cochise before I get to work.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the front door banged shut, Ben put down his coffee cup. \u2018Well he seems much happier now,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned at his father. \u2018I was really beginning ta think that Baime wasn\u2019t gonna help after all,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I reckon I was wrong.\u00a0 How do ya think he knows all that stuff Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe is right about one thing though.\u00a0 He certainly is a strange man.\u00a0 I feel uncomfortable with him being out there but I know that he wouldn\u2019t be comfortable in here with us.\u00a0 He has me wondering what his story is I must admit.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know what you mean,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ve been watching him.\u00a0 He certainly has a lot of patience to be out there all this time.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been wondering why to tell you the truth.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s helping out,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I asked him to and he agreed.\u00a0 That\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but why?\u2019 persisted Adam. \u2018Thank about it Hoss.\u00a0 A strange white man comes past and asks him to come back with him to help out a horse?\u2019 He shook his head. \u2018It just doesn\u2019t make sense.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood up from the table. \u2018Why does everything have ta make sense with you all the time?\u2019 he asked as he walked away. \u2018Can\u2019t ya just accept that not everything does?\u2019\u00a0 He closed the front door behind him as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow as he looked at his eldest son looking at the front door in surprise. Adam looked at his father and shrugged as Ben laughed at the expression on his face. \u2018I think he\u2019s got you there son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think he\u2019s trying to tell you that sometimes you just have to have faith in things you can\u2019t understand.\u2019\u00a0 Adam gave his father a quizzical look that only made Ben laugh harder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Baime sat and watched the horse nuzzle against the young man\u2019s shoulder and smiled as Joe reached up to pat the animal\u2019s neck. \u2018I wanted to thank you for helping my son,\u2019 said a voice beside him and he looked up to see Ben standing next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He and the black and white one help each other,\u2019 replied the Indian as Ben sat down next to him. \u2018I did not help them.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the man. \u2018Have it your way,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I know that they couldn\u2019t have done it without you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a few moments as both men watched the youngster and the horse together. \u2018Their spirits are not yet one,\u2019 said Baime softly. \u2018They have not yet finished.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 agreed Ben. \u2018Joe still won\u2019t ride.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at him. \u2018He has not tried.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t mean just Cochise,\u2019 he said. \u2018He won\u2019t ride any horse. He\u2019s scared from the accident.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime stared at Joe. \u2018He fears to hurt again,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m afraid that he does.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We all hurt,\u2019 said the Indian. \u2018He cannot escape it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the man beside him thoughtfully. \u2018Can I help you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Is there anything I can do for you?\u2019\u00a0 Baime looked back at him. \u2018I mean \u2026. You seem so \u2026 well alone.\u00a0 Is there anything I can do for you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime shook his head. \u2018I am not alone,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have my spirit.\u2019\u00a0 He frowned momentarily. \u2018You fear for the boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him with a startled expression. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I suppose I\u2019m worried that he\u2019ll never fully recover from this.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked over at Joe again. \u2018He will choose to or not,\u2019 he said. \u2018You cannot change that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But a father worries none the less.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 called Joe. \u2018Look at this!\u2019\u00a0 Ben looked over to see Cochise following Joe over to them. \u2018He\u2019s staying with me Pa,\u2019 said Joe as he approached them. \u2018He wasn\u2019t doing that yesterday.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled up at his son. \u2018Maybe you should try taking him into the barn,\u2019 he suggested. \u2018I think he looks ready for it now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Cooch.\u2019\u00a0 He led the horse over to the corral and through it to the barn, the animal following him without hesitation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime stood up. \u2018I go now,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up as well. \u2018Go?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018But you can\u2019t go!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime looked at him. \u2018I go now,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018The black and white one is back where he belongs.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018But you can\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe and Cochise \u2026 well, they still need you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime shook his head \u2018They never needed me,\u2019 he said. \u2018They needed each other.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But \u2026\u2019 Ben voice trailed away. \u2018Are you going to say goodbye to Hoss and Joe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Will you come back?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime merely looked at him and walked away. \u2018Baime!\u2019 called Ben, but the man kept walking. \u2018Thank you!\u2019 called Ben, but the Indian never turned to acknowledge his words.\u00a0 Ben watched as he disappeared into the distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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##########<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018But I don\u2019t understand how he could just take off like that,\u2019 said Hoss in a distressed tone. \u2018I wanted ta thank him and I know that Shortshanks did.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I sure did,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018He \u2026 well without him, Cochise and I wouldn\u2019t ever have got to be friends again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He wanted it that way,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s his way of doing things.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do ya think that he lives up there alone?\u2019 asked Hoss, indicating the hills in the distance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018By the sound of it,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I can\u2019t quite work it out, but for whatever reason he\u2019s estranged form his tribe.\u00a0 Still \u2026 whatever the reason or however he lives he sure is one fine man.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That he is Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018That he is.\u00a0 He sure taught me a thing or two about animals.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What could he have possibly taught you?\u2019 asked Joe. \u2018I thought you knew just about everything there was to know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018Not by a long stretch of the imagination\u00a0 Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know I sure as anything don\u2019t have the patience that he done has. Look at how long he sat out there waiting for Cochise ta come around.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He weren\u2019t waiting for Cochise,\u2019 said Joe softly as he patted his horse on the neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his brother. \u2018Nothing,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head. \u2018Now you\u2019re beginning ta talk like him,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t understand it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well don\u2019t try and strain ya brain trying to figure me out brother,\u2019 said Joe with a grin. Cochise nuzzled against him and he patted the horse lovingly again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben noticed the action and smiled at both his sons. \u2018How about we go for a spot of fishing this afternoon boys?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. \u2018I\u2019d like to Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I aim ta follow Baime for a bit.\u00a0 I\u2019d really like ta thank him fer everything he done.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted his son on the shoulder. \u2018Whatever you say Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s a nice thought. How about you Joe \u2026 ready for an afternoon of fishing?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated for a moment before replying. \u2018Maybe another time Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018I think that Cochise would enjoy a run,\u2019 he said. \u2018How about giving it a try?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe hesitated again and patted the horse\u2019s neck absently. \u2018Not today Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Cooch and me ain\u2019t quite ready yet. Maybe another time.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he watched his son walk into the house. \u2018Sure Joe,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Maybe another time.\u2019 He looked at the horse and patted him gently. \u2018Be patient Cooch,\u2019 he said. \u2018One day he\u2019ll get there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss shielded his eyes form the sun and scanned the horizon before looking down to study the Indian\u2019s tracks again and frowned as he saw the prints of a horse in front of him as well. He wondered who would be riding way up here.\u00a0 He urged his horse forward and quickened his pace, an anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach. For whatever reason he felt that he had to find Baime quickly although of anyone had asked him why he wouldn\u2019t have been able to tell them a reason.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within half an hour he came close to the spot where he first stumbled across the Indian. He looked around hoping to see the man again, but there was nothing in the clearing to give him any indication that Baime had even been there.\u00a0 With a reluctant sigh, Hoss was just about to turn and head for home again when he heard a shot in the distance. He spurred his horse forward in the direction that he\u2019d heard it, checking his gun as he rode.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he got to the stream he saw Baime lying on the ground and Clem Hawkins standing over him, his gun still smoking in his hand. Hoss dismounted and advanced upon the man, his gun drawn and menace in his eyes. \u2018What the hell have ya done!\u2019 he shouted as he glanced down at the Indian on the ground and then back at Clem again. \u2018Baime!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem snarled at him and spat on the ground near Baime. \u2018Jest teaching this savage a lesson,\u2019 he said. \u2018I saw him leaving the ranch and followed him.\u00a0 He\u2019s likely to have stolen anything from back there.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018You damn fool!\u2019 he said. \u2018Put down that gun.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem looked startled. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Put down that gun!\u2019 ordered Hoss again. \u2018You\u2019re coming in with me ta the Sheriff.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem gave Hoss an astonished look. \u2018But he\u2019s only an injun!\u2019 he protested. \u2018You ain\u2019t serious Hoss.\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna have me arrested fer an injun?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I sure as hell am,\u2019 snarled Hoss. \u2018Now put down that gun!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem gave Hoss one last sneer. \u2018I don\u2019t think so!\u2019 he said and drew his gun up level with Hoss\u2019 chest.\u00a0 Before he could pull the trigger, Hoss let fire with his own weapon and the man fell to the ground dead.\u00a0 Hoss looked at him briefly before kicking his gun away from him and then knelt down next to Baime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Baime?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Can ya hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian opened his eyes and stared up at Hoss. \u2018My spirit is weak,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hung his head, forcing the tears back. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get ya to help.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime nodded his head slightly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018It is time for my spirit to be freed from my body.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t talk like that,\u2019 said Hoss, cradling the man\u2019s head in his big hands. \u2018I\u2019m gonna get ya to a doctor in town.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Baime shook his head again. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will stay here and wait for my spirit to be freed.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at the man in his arms and decided that to move him would be a futile exercise anyway. The bullet wound was severe and even if he got him to a doctor there was no guarantee that he\u2019d make it even so. He nodded and laid the man back down on the ground gently. \u2018I will wait with you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All through the long night Hoss stayed by the Indian and warmed them both with a small fire.\u00a0 He prayed for the man who had helped his family so much and tried to make him as comfortable as possible while they both waited for the inevitable to happen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s been hurt Pa.\u00a0 I just know that he has,\u2019 said Joe for the tenth time that hour. He glanced at the clock again as he paced up and down in front of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I\u2019ve told you many times that your brother can look after himself,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Now would you please sit down?\u2019\u00a0 He motioned to the sofa next to him where Adam was already seated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down, but continued to fidget. \u2018I just don\u2019t see how you can both just sit there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss is out there somewhere, maybe hurt or even \u2026 dying, and you do nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What would you like us to do?\u2019 said Adam in a calm voice. We can\u2019t very well go out and look for him until it gets light can we?\u00a0 Besides, Hoss has been out all night before.\u00a0 He\u2019s a big boy like Pa says.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his brother. \u2018I know that!\u2019 he said, glancing at the clock again. \u2018It\u2019s just a feeling that I have.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph in a little while it\u2019ll be light outside and we\u2019ll all go and look for him,\u2019 said Ben, trying to keep the worry out of his own voice. He also feared for Hoss, as it was so totally out of character for him to be so late. \u2018Just be patient son.\u2019\u00a0 He knew that he was asking the impossible of Joe.\u00a0 Patience had never been one of the boy\u2019s virtues and he guessed that he wasn\u2019t about to develop it now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his hands over his eyes and then stared into the fire. \u2018I just wish he\u2019d get home,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I\u2019m worried about him is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We all are son,\u2019 said Ben gently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Adam tightened the cinch on his horse and glanced at Joe before looking at his father with a questioning look.\u00a0 Ben returned the look and then walked over to where his youngest son was standing. \u2018It\u2019s all right Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam and I will bring him home, you\u2019ll see.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father with a great sadness in his eyes. \u2018I wanna come with you Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But \u2026\u2019\u00a0 His eyes faltered and he looked down and the ground again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know son,\u2019 replied Ben, \u2018It\u2019s all right.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No Pa, it ain\u2019t all right,\u2019 he said miserably. \u2018That\u2019s Hoss out there and I can\u2019t even \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the back. \u2018You stay here with Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll bring him home soon, you\u2019ll see.\u2019\u00a0 He mounted up and motioned to Adam with his hand. \u2018Come on son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let\u2019s find that brother of yours.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart was heavy as he watched his father and brother ride out of the yard.\u00a0 He turned and walked into the barn again and stood looking at Cochise who was saddled and waiting for him, standing as quietly as if they had ridden out together without any problems. Joe walked over and put his face on the horse\u2019s flank and closed his eyes. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Hoss,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I tried \u2026. I really did.\u2019\u00a0 He began to sob, all the emotion of the past few hours catching up with him in a rush. He thought about his brother out there somewhere waiting for help.\u00a0 He thought about Cochise who was standing here ready to give him the support he needed.\u00a0 He thought about his own inadequacies and the look in his father and brother\u2019s eyes when he had failed to make it into the saddle a few moments ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry Hoss,\u2019 he whispered again.\u00a0 Cochise snorted softly beside him and he patted the horse\u2019s flank again. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Cooch,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know you wanna go \u2026 but I just can\u2019t.\u2019\u00a0 The sobs came faster now and he buried his face against the horse\u2019s flank as he gave way to them. \u2018I\u2019m so \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He hiccupped. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry Hoss \u2026 Cooch \u2026 Josh,\u2019 he said over and over again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments he felt something nuzzling his neck and he looked up to see Cochise\u2019s face turning around towards him.\u00a0 \u2018You don\u2019t care do ya boy?\u2019 he said as he patted him. \u2018You just love me don\u2019t ya? Just like Hoss does.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled through his tears. \u2018I love ya too boy,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018And I love that big dumb brother of mine.\u2019\u00a0 He took a deep breath. \u2018Guess we gotta get out there and get him don\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and stepped back from the horse.\u00a0 He slowly put his foot in the stirrup and hoisted himself up into the saddle, releasing his breath as he settled. \u2018We\u2019ll take it nice and easy boy,\u2019 he said with a trembling voice as he turned the horse towards the door. \u2018Nice and easy.\u2019\u00a0 The young man and the pinto left the barn together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

##########<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at the hills around him and sighed.\u00a0 The sun was just beginning to peek over the top of them, spreading their rays all around him and glistening on the water with a thousand small sparkles of light.\u00a0 It promised to be another beautiful day, but one that Baime would never see.\u00a0 Hoss looked down at the dead Indian in his arms and gently closed his eyes.\u00a0 He could have sworn that he had felt the man\u2019s spirit leave him a few moments ago as he\u2019d taken his last breath and smiled to think that now his last wish had come true.\u00a0 His spirit was indeed free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A sound behind him made him turn and he laid Baime\u2019s body on the ground and stood to face the two riders who were approaching. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said as they dismounted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam took in the scene before them.\u00a0 The two dead bodies on the ground and Hoss\u2019 haggard face. \u2018Son?\u2019 said Ben as he stepped forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Clem shot him\u2019 said Hoss simply. He shook his head. \u2018No reason fer it really.\u00a0 I came upon them and had ta kill Clem when he drew on me.\u2019 Ben put his hand on his large son\u2019s shoulder as they all gazed down at Baime\u2019s body silently. \u2018His spirit is free now,\u2019 said Hoss softly. \u2018I need ta bury him though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. He glanced at Adam. \u2018Son, take Clem\u2019s body into town and let Roy Coffee know what\u2019s happened,\u2019 he instructed. \u2018Tell him we\u2019ll be in directly to answer his questions.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 said Adam. He walked over and got Clem\u2019s horse and led him back to where his owner\u2019s body was lying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted Hoss on the back. \u2018I\u2019ll go back and get some equipment,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ll want to stay here with Baime for a while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his father, fighting back his tears and glad that he understood. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thanks Pa.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over Ben\u2019s shoulder and pointed suddenly. \u2018Look!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights looked in the direction that Hoss was pointing and saw Little Joe riding towards them on Cochise.\u00a0 Ben nodded slowly and a sad smile spread over his face. \u2018Baime would approve,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018He sure would,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe brought his horse to a halt beside them and looked down at his father and brothers and the dead Indian on the ground. \u2018He\u2019s dead?\u2019 he asked, giving Hoss a pained look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded his head. \u2018Yeah Shortshanks he is,\u2019 he said. \u2018But he ain\u2019t lonely no more.\u00a0 His spirit is free now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and nodded his head, looking up at the hills all around them. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I guess it is.\u2019\u00a0 He reached down and patted Cochise on the neck, his heart full with more emotion than he could possibly have expressed. Tears began to fall from his eyes in spite of his efforts to contain his emotions about all that had happened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached up and patted his son on the leg. \u2018Joe don\u2019t be sad for him,\u2019 he said. \u2018Grieve for him of you want to, but don\u2019t be sad. He\u2019s in a better place now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and wiped his eyes against the sleeve of his jacket. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just that \u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at Cochise again and then back at his father. \u2018Me and Cooch \u2026 we\u2019d never \u2026. you know Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes, I know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You get down and stay with Hoss now while I go back and get some tools.\u00a0 We need to bury him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe shook his head. \u2018No Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Please let me and Cooch ride to get them. Baime would want us to. He wanted us to be able to ride together again.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded again. \u2018All right son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You go and get them.\u00a0 Hoss and I will wait here for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at his father and turned Cochise around.\u00a0 Ben and Hoss stood and watched as the young man and the pinto rode off into the distance together. \u2018He\u2019s right Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I\u2019ll bet Baime\u2019s spirit is right pleased ta see a sight like that.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We all are Hoss,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Joe has a lot to be thankful for right about now.\u2019 He looked at his son affectionately. \u2018He has a wonderful brother in you son.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked embarrassed. \u2018Aw Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I love that little guy.\u00a0 You know I\u2019d do anything fer him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted Hoss on the back. \u2018Yes I do know that Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you have sure proved that lately. He looked down at the Indian\u2019s body at the feet. \u2018Go in peace my friend,\u2019 he said softly. He looked up to see a ray of sunlight pierce through the clouds and shine down upon the land in a sudden burst of brilliance and he smiled at the sight of it. \u2018Go in peace,\u2019 he said again while in front of him his son and his beloved horse rode across the clearing towards home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0An accident leaves Joe and Cochise emotionally hurt and estranged from each other<\/p>\n

Rated: T (22,465 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Saturday-at-Noon.png?fit=762%2C575&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1966"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1966\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}