{"id":1980,"date":"2009-09-07T12:37:40","date_gmt":"2009-09-07T16:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1980"},"modified":"2026-03-07T18:53:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T23:53:56","slug":"the-accused","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1980","title":{"rendered":"The Accused (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>An accusation by a girl could tear Joe’s world apart<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T (34,195 words)<\/p>\n

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

Chapter 1:<\/p>\n

Part One
\nNovember 1864<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright raised his glass and turned to face his three sons seated in front of him. \u2018Here\u2019s to the latest Cartwright to reach his maturity,\u2019 he said with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Joseph son, there were many times I thought you wouldn\u2019t get there, but I am proud to say that you made it!\u2019 He leant forward and touched his glass to that of each of his boy\u2019s glasses in turn, and they all drank together. \u2018In fact Joseph you\u2019ve grown into a son any father would be proud of. I certainly am!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 replied Little Joe and grinned around the table at them all. \u2018Sure feels good I must say. No more takin orders from anyone no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What gave you that idea?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018You\u2019ll be taking orders your whole life little buddy!\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget that no matter how old you get, Hoss and I are always going to be older.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And wiser,\u2019 Hoss chipped in, nudging his younger brother in the ribs. \u2018Just cause you\u2019re twenty-one now means nuthin little brother. You\u2019re still the pain in the neck ya always were!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben laughed at his boys.\u00a0 He loved to listen to their banter together, and surrounded as he was now by the three of them at such a festive time, he was in his element. He sat down again and took a small parcel out of his pocket. \u2018In keeping with the Cartwright tradition Joseph, I\u2019d like you to have this.\u2019 He handed the parcel to his youngest son with a fond smile.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned back at him. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Bet I can guess what it is.\u2019\u00a0 He opened the package to reveal a silver pocket watch similar to the ones that Adam and Hoss already owned, and turned it over to read the inscription on the back:<\/p>\n

\u00a0Joseph Cartwright<\/em><\/p>\n

On your 21st birthday
\nfrom your loving father<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s beautiful,\u2019 he said with shining eyes. \u2018I\u2019ll treasure it Pa, and never let it go.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018I know you will son.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think is takin em so long in the kitchen?\u2019 interrupted Hoss looking around the dining room with a mournful gaze. \u2018A man could starve while waitin fer em to bring food!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u2018Well even such an establishment as The International House has to actually cook the food first you know Hoss. They don\u2019t exactly anticipate an appetite like yours coming in here every day.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah well, ya\u2019d think \u2026..\u2019 Hoss stopped as a waiter approached their table. \u2018Uh, this is lookin more like it now!\u2019<\/p>\n

The four Cartwrights diverted their attention to the food that was placed in front of them and began to eat, and by the time the last course had arrived they were all feeling quite content.\u00a0 Joe sat back in his chair and said \u2018Hey Pa, do we have ta hurry back to the ranch this afternoon?\u00a0 I\u2019d kinda like ta stay in town for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, don\u2019t talk with your mouth full please,\u2019 replied his father automatically. \u2018No, I\u2019m in no hurry, so I don\u2019t see why we can\u2019t stay for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Great!\u2019 said Joe with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s so important?\u2019 asked Adam as he lifted his wine glass to his lips. \u2018Surely the girls can wait until Friday night\u2019s dance to see you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Some of them can\u2019t,\u2019 replied his brother cheekily. \u2018Besides I like to spread myself around when I come into town, otherwise they all trip over each other in the rush.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 admonished his father. \u2018There is such a thing as modesty you know.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that there are some young ladies in Virginia City who have better things to do than fall all over you young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if there are, then I ain\u2019t met them yet,\u2019 his son replied with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018I can\u2019t help it if I\u2019m a natural ladies man.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re a natural pain,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Joseph, talk like that is not becoming of a young gentleman.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to hear it again please.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father and realised that he was serious. \u2018OK Pa. Can I go now? I\u2019ll meet ya back here in a couple of hours.\u00a0 Is that all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes that\u2019s all right.\u00a0 But meet me at the Livery Stable instead,\u2019 his father replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks for the lunch. Bye!\u2019\u00a0 Joe waved his hand at them all and left the restaurant. They watched through the window as he walked across the street in the direction of the bank where Becky Palmer was standing. Ben smiled as he watched the youngster approach the pretty young lady and tip his hat to her. What a wonderful age<\/em>, and what a lovely young couple they make.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018One of these days that boy\u2019s smart mouth is going to get him into trouble,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well I will admit that Joseph sees himself as somewhat of a ladies man,\u2019 said his father, \u2018but he\u2019s at the age when he needs to just experience life that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Experience life yes,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018But he seems to have every girl in this town who is even remotely near his age dangling on a string. He\u2019s too full of himself for his own good at times.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Not jealous are ya Adam?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018Seems ta me that you\u2019re a bit of a ladies man yourself at times.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam glared at him. \u2018Don\u2019t be stupid Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2019m just concerned about him that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his two boys. \u2018Don\u2019t worry about Joseph, he\u2019s just all talk. He\u2019s really trying to experience life at the moment like any youngster does, but he does know how to behave himself.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And you\u2019re sure about that?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated for a moment. \u2018I\u2019ll have a talk with him,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

\u2018So which one do you like?\u2019 asked Becky as she held the bottles under Joe\u2019s nose one at a time.<\/p>\n

He grinned at her. \u2018I don\u2019t know. They both smell OK.\u2019<\/p>\n

Becky frowned at him and then examined the two bottles of perfume in her hand. \u2018Well you\u2019re no help to me!\u00a0 I wanted to know which one to buy to wear to the dance on Friday night,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n

Joe leant towards her and whispered, \u2018I don\u2019t really care which one you wear, and I won\u2019t be smelling you because I\u2019ll be too busy looking at you.\u2019\u00a0 He leant even closer and whispered something further into her ear, which made her giggle.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 Becky said in a shocked voice. \u2018I thought you were a gentleman!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Who ever told you that?\u2019 he replied with a chuckle and made a playful grab for her.<\/p>\n

Becky pulled back away from his grasp. \u2018Not here!\u2019 she said looking around. \u2018Joe!\u2019 she swatted his hand away and laughed. \u2018Really Joe, I think I\u2019d better leave you here while I go and finish my shopping.\u00a0 You\u2019re getting far too pushy!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And you love it,\u2019 he teased. \u2018Don\u2019t pretend that you don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Becky smiled at him to acknowledge that she did. \u2018I really do have to finish my shopping though,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll come with you,\u2019 Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think so!\u2019 she replied.\u00a0 \u2018There are some things Joe Cartwright that ladies have to shop for alone you know!\u2019 She tapped him on the head playfully and they both laughed.<\/p>\n

\u2018All right,\u2019 he said with a sigh. \u2018I\u2019ll see you on Friday night then?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 she answered and left the shop with a flurry.<\/p>\n

Joe followed her slowly out of the store and watched appreciatively as she disappeared down the street. Drawing his new watch from his pocket and glancing at it, he noticed that he still had plenty of time before he had to meet his father, so he sauntered off across the street in search of something else to do while he waited.<\/p>\n

Across the street Susanna Deane watched Becky depart, and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead as she scowled. That Becky Palmer!\u00a0 Who does she think she is? Always flirting around boys like she is. Especially that Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 If it weren\u2019t for her, he\u2019d take the time to notice me for sure!<\/em><\/p>\n

She watched Joe as he crossed over towards the Mercantile Store and followed him along the street, far enough away so that she wouldn\u2019t be noticed.\u00a0 She smoothed down her hair and straightened her skirt as she entered the store, smiling widely in case Joe happened to be looking in her direction. But her smile turned to a frown when she failed to locate him at once.<\/p>\n

Susanna turned towards the storekeeper. \u2018I\u2019m just having a look. I\u2019ll let you know if and when I want something, thank you very much\u2019<\/p>\n

Sam Winters nodded at her, and shook his head at her haughty tone. She moved around the back of a counter and began to finger the bolts of material there as she listened to the conversation of those around her.<\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Mr Winters,\u2019 said Joe as he emerged from behind some barrels. \u2018How are ya today?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Well, thank you Joseph,\u2019 replied the storeowner. \u2018Can I help you with something?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No thanks.\u00a0 I\u2019m just waiting for my Pa is all,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018Just killing time, so ta speak.\u2019<\/p>\n

Sam nodded at him and moved away.\u00a0 Susanna began to make her way over to where Joe was standing, but turned sharply when she heard a voice behind her. A few bolts fell onto the floor with a resounding crash.\u00a0 From around the other side of the pile Joe appeared, and they all stood looking at the mess in front of them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Here let me help you,\u2019 said Joe and bent to pick up the rolls of material. Susanna smiled sweetly at him, while Sam Winters scowled.<\/p>\n

\u2018If you can\u2019t be more careful, then you\u2019d better get out,\u2019 he said with a scowl.\u00a0 Susanna returned the look. \u2018I\u2019m going,\u2019 she declared.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hey there\u2019s no need to treat her like that!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018Come on Susanna, it might be best if we get out of here.\u2019 He gave Sam a dirty look and herded the girl towards the door. When they were on the porch outside he turned and said, \u2018don\u2019t take any notice of him Susanna, he really doesn\u2019t mean it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna looked at him and smiled. He is so gorgeous! <\/em>She flung her head sideways to show off the effect of the blue bow against her blond hair and gave him a petulant pout. \u2018Well thank you for rescuing me, kind sir,\u2019 she said. \u2018It was very noble of you.\u2019 She touched him on the arm and let her hand rest there.<\/p>\n

Joe took a step back and gave her a half smile. \u2018I don\u2019t think you really needed my help,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Even so, it was kind of you.\u2019<\/p>\n

He tipped his hat to her and turned to go, but Susanna called to him and clutched at his arm again. \u2018Joe?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

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

\u2018Are you \u2026. I mean I\u2019ll probably see you at the dance on Friday night,\u2019 she said leaning towards him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure thing,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019ll be there with Becky.\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna frowned. \u2018Oh,\u2019 she said. \u2018Well I\u2019ll be there too.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t decided who I\u2019m going with yet.<\/p>\n

Joe gave her another half grin and turned to leave. He had known Susanna for years now, and they had been to school together.\u00a0 Pretty though she was she was never the sort of girl who had appealed to him, although he could never really put his finger on why that might be so.\u00a0 Perhaps it was the way she had of subtly putting people down in her conversations, or perhaps it was the fact that she obviously had a very high opinion of herself. He knew that many people thought the same about him, and it had always made him wonder if he and Susanna were in fact too much alike to really like each other. Whatever it was, he knew that he tolerated her rather than liked her really.<\/p>\n

Lately she had been trying to give him the message that she was interested in him, but Joe was used to that from a lot of girls.\u00a0 He had his pick of eligible females around the town, and didn\u2019t really feel inclined to spend his time on Susanna.\u00a0 Unfailingly polite to her as he knew his father would expect him to be, he was never the less not at all anxious to allow her to form an attachment to him.<\/p>\n

As he walked away, Susanna rubbed her arm where Joe had patted it. She looked after him longingly and narrowed her eyes as she thought about Becky going to the dance with him and hanging onto his arm. That should be me with him, not her<\/em>!\u00a0 She looked down at her dress and ran her hands over her hair again. If I just had the money to do myself up a bit, I\u2019m sure he\u2019d notice me.\u00a0 In fact I know he would!\u00a0 She bit her lip as she pondered the problem that had haunted her for as long as she could remember. How to get Joe Cartwright to notice me! <\/em><\/p>\n

She turned to walk back across the street and spied in the window of the shop next to the Mercantile Store a sight to take her breath away.\u00a0 Susanna pressed her face up against the window of the Ladies Apparel Store and gazed at the red dress on the store dummy as she had so many times before. If I could just afford that, then Joe Cartwright would look at me! I know he would! <\/em>\u00a0She sighed as she looked at the price tag that put the dress well beyond her reach, and turned to walk away dejectedly. Time to work on daddy again.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just have to convince him that his little girl needs a new dress.<\/em><\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

Joe leant against the post and watched the man in front of him hold up the horse\u2019s hoof and scrape it. \u2018Hey,\u2019 John Shields yelled to the boy holding the reins at the head of the horse, \u2018I told you ta hold him still!\u2019<\/p>\n

The remark earned him a dark scowl from his son Matt who tried unsuccessfully to quiet the horse. Joe walked around and held onto the other side and grinned at him. \u2018Here, let me try.\u00a0 He might take more notice of two of us.\u2019\u00a0 He gently stroked the horse\u2019s muzzle and whispered to him softly, and the animal quietened almost immediately. \u2018See?\u2019 he said with a smile at Matt,\u00a0 \u2018he\u2019s just looking for attention.\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt shrugged his shoulders in Joe\u2019s direction, but didn\u2019t acknowledge his remark in any other way. They stood side by side at the horse\u2019s head while John finished the job. \u2018There,\u2019 he said, putting down the hoof. \u2018All done!\u00a0 Thanks Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No problem,\u2019 said Joe and watched as John led the animal away. \u2018So Matt,\u2019 he said with another smile. \u2018Coming to the dance on Friday night?\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt scowled at him. \u2018What do you think? Can you really see me at a dance? I\u2019m sure all those girls would be just falling all over themselves to dance with me!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned back at him. \u2018Well how do you know if you never try?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Some of them might.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah sure! What would you know about it Joe Cartwright? You\u2019ve got plenty of money and looks, so they all fall over you!\u00a0 Who\u2019s going to take any notice of a half-breed like me?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But Matt!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Come on Joe, just keep away from me will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked after him, not quite knowing what to say, and was so deep in thought that he jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. \u2018What are you looking so thoughtful about?\u2019 his father asked from behind him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh hi Pa,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018Nothing really.\u00a0 I was just talking to Matt Shields. I was trying ta get him ta come to the dance on Friday night.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son. \u2018Oh, I see. Any luck?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No. I don\u2019t blame him though really, girls around here have been pretty mean ta him in the past ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I do.\u00a0 People\u2019s prejudices can be very deep-seated when they want them to be Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I just don\u2019t understand it Pa. So what if his mother was an Indian? What difference does that make to anything? Matt\u2019s a nice guy underneath all that anger, if only people would give him a chance. He might stop being so ornery if they did.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know it doesn\u2019t make sense son, all we can do is treat him with respect and hope that one day others will too.\u2019 He put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Come on, it\u2019s time we were getting home.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned back at him, and they moved over to get their horses.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

Matt stood just inside the door of the stable and scowled as the two Cartwrights moved away.\u00a0 What would they know! Never wanted for anything in his life before, that Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 He\u2019s got no idea what it\u2019s like to be me \u2013 a half-breed.\u00a0 Don\u2019t belong in either world, the white man\u2019s or the Indian\u2019s.\u00a0 How the hell would he know how it feels?<\/em><\/p>\n

He sighed as he picked up the rake that was lying next to him and walked outside to begin the end of day cleanup.\u00a0 Without looking where he was going, he bumped into a figure that was passing and held out his hands to stop Susanna from falling backwards with the force of their collision. She jumped as his hands touched her arms and shrugged them off impatiently. \u2018Look where you\u2019re going, you oaf!\u2019\u00a0 she shouted at him. \u2018\u2019Can\u2019t you see something two feet in front of you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt looked at her for a moment, and drew in a sharp breath as he noticed her blue eyes and the way her blond hair fell down her back. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u2018So you should be!\u2019 she retorted. \u2018And keep your hands off me!\u2019<\/p>\n

His eyes flashed and he glared back at her. \u2018I was only trying to steady you and keep you from falling!\u2019 he answered back. \u2018Don\u2019t bother to thank me!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you!\u2019 she laughed. \u2018Why would I thank a half-breed like you?\u00a0 You should be grateful I even take the trouble to speak to you at all!\u2019\u00a0 She tossed her head in a confident way and gave him an appraising look. \u2018Not that I really mind,\u2019 she added in a softer tone.<\/p>\n

\u2018Save it!\u2019 he yelled back at her. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just get out of here?\u2019<\/p>\n

She gave him one last look and took off down the street.\u00a0 Matt stood and watched her go, feelings of frustration and anger boiling within him. Who the hell does she think she is? Now that is a good example why I should just ditch this town and go back to my people.\u00a0 My real people!\u00a0 <\/em>He thought of his mother\u2019s tribe and the freedom he had experienced there when as a small boy he had lived among them. Before my Pa dragged me back here! <\/em>\u00a0He looked around him. Back here! Back here to what?\u00a0 To ridicule, that\u2019s what! These people will never accept me!\u00a0 Sometimes I wonder why I stay!<\/em><\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

\u2018For heavens sake Joe, ya\u2019re a thing of beauty already! Don\u2019t ya think it\u2019s time the rest of us got ta use that mirror?\u2019 Hoss shoved his younger brother out of the way.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018Yeah, well I guess it\u2019s hard ta improve on perfection,\u2019 he teased.<\/p>\n

\u2018You \u2013 perfection?\u2019 Adam smirked from behind them. \u2018That\u2019ll be the day!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and adjusted his tie. \u2018Don\u2019t be jealous now older brother.\u00a0 I can\u2019t help it if I\u2019m the one the ladies are always after.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he listened to the conversation from his place on the sofa. Sometimes that youngest son of his worried him with his attitude towards the opposite sex.\u00a0 With his natural charm and good looks it was true that Joe had always found it easy to attract girls, and Ben worried that he might just take his relationships with them for granted.\u00a0 \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he admonished. \u2018There is such a thing as modesty.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s about time you began to use some.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe raised his eyebrows at his father. \u2018Me?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m just stating facts Pa. The girls are always after me, ya all know that.\u2019 He grinned around the room at them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph I want to have a serious talk with you,\u2019 Ben said to his son motioning for him to sit alongside him on the sofa. \u2018Hoss, Adam, Joseph will meet you outside in a few moments.\u2019\u00a0 His two older sons took the hint and left the room.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father startled. \u2018What did I do?\u2019 he asked suspiciously.\u00a0 Usually when his father began a conversation in this way it meant that some trouble was about to be revealed.\u00a0 Joe searched his mind, but couldn\u2019t come up with anything that he had done recently to warrant a \u2018serious talk.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t say that you\u2019d done anything,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018At least I hope you haven\u2019t.\u2019 He frowned at his son who was grinning at him. \u2018Joseph I said this is serious and I meant it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried to present his father with a more serious look. \u2018Yeah Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, there comes a time in every young man\u2019s life when he wants to experience life.\u00a0 I know that you enjoy meeting girls and having a good time with them, but I hope that you \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 Joe interrupted. \u2018Ya don\u2019t have ta lecture me, ya know!\u00a0 I ain\u2019t done nothing wrong!\u2019 He blushed to think of where this talk might be heading. \u2018I already know all that stuff remember?\u00a0 Ya already talked ta me about it ages ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know that Joseph, but that\u2019s not what I mean,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018What I\u2019m trying to say is that I would hope you respect the girls you are seeing.\u2019 Joe blushed even more and fiddled with his tie. \u2018A young good looking boy like you is bound to be the target for the attentions of many girls, but I want you to keep in mind that you should always act like a gentleman around them.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018Don\u2019t\u2019 \u2018Pa\u2019 me young man!\u00a0 Do you understand what I\u2019m saying to you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I do. But you don\u2019t need ta worry about me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018There are times when I wonder about that Joseph. You seem awfully full of your own importance around girls sometimes.\u2019 Joe was silent. \u2018I just want you to realise that a young man\u2019s reputation is just as important as a young woman\u2019s. I expect that you would never do anything to damage the Cartwright name.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018OK Pa, I get the message,\u2019 Joe sighed. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him. \u2018Yes you may go now, but remember what I\u2019ve said please.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa, I\u2019ll be a good boy,\u2019 Joe answered his father with one of his cheeky smiles.\u00a0 He bounded over towards the front door and yelled as he opened it. \u2018Hey you two, wait up for me!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben grinned as he settled himself down with his paper and lit his pipe.\u00a0 At least with that youngster in town he could look forward to a peaceful night!<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018So which perfume did you decide on?\u2019 Joe asked as he tried to nuzzle his face against Becky\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe Cartwright, stop it!\u2019 Becky looked around horrified to see if anyone was watching. \u2018Not here!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well where?\u2019 he asked grinning at her. \u2018How about we go outside for a while?\u2019<\/p>\n

She glared at him. \u2018Yes sure!\u00a0 My mother would be out there in a minute looking for us both, you know that!\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we just dance instead?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018Alright, I\u2019ll just have to \u2026\u2026.\u2019 He stopped in amazement as he gazed over Becky\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Becky turned to follow his look and stared at Susanna standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u2018Heavens!\u2019 she said. \u2018Is that Susanna Deane? I\u2019ve never seen her looking like that!\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna looked around the room and smiled widely at everyone.\u00a0 She smoothed down her freshly washed hair and swept across the room with a flourish that caused everyone to notice her in an instant, and the conversations around her began to hush.<\/p>\n

She walked straight up to Joe and tapped him on the shoulder as she said, \u2018Hello Joe, would you like to dance?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t used to being asked so forthrightly by a girl in such a straightforward manner, and hesitated for a moment before replying. \u2018Um, yeah sure. Is that OK with you Becky?\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna turned with surprise as if she had just noticed Becky standing by Joe\u2019s side. \u2018Oh hello Becky. I didn\u2019t see you standing there.\u2019 She looked down and crinkled her nose. \u2018Oh that dress is interesting.\u00a0 Did you make it yourself?\u2019<\/p>\n

Beck glared at her. \u2018Yes I did,\u2019 she replied.<\/p>\n

Susanna nodded her head. \u2018Yes, I thought you might have. How quaint. Come on Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

She pulled Joe onto the dance floor and he had no option but to follow. As he put his arm around her waist he felt he should say something, and said the first thing that came into his head.\u00a0 \u2018I like your dress. Red suits you.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 she whispered, and held herself close to him. \u2018That\u2019s lovely of you to say so.\u2019 As the music started he began to sway to the beat pulling her in time with him, and she leaned towards him and smelled the sharp fragrance of his aftershave, and felt his hard chest and strong arms.\u00a0 She closed her eyes and drank in the moment, fearful of it ending which she knew it would only too soon.\u00a0 He was a wonderful dancer, so light on his feet that Susanna felt as if she were flying.\u00a0 Her head was spinning with the joy of it all, and at that moment she thought herself in heaven.\u00a0 It was with the greatest disappointment that she heard the music finish, and the clapping around her brought her back to reality with a sharp thud.<\/p>\n

As she opened her eyes again and smiled, she felt Joe\u2019s intense green eyes watching her.\u00a0 She looked into them and felt such an intense longing that she thought her knees were going to give way, and she actually swayed against him. He held on to her with a laugh. \u2018Are you OK?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

She shook her head. \u2018I just feel a little light-headed that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

He looked at her concerned. \u2018Do ya want ta sit down or something?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No. I think I\u2019ll just go outside for a bit of fresh air,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Do you think you could help me out?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Um \u2026 well I should \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Please Joe,\u2019 she breathed. \u2018I really don\u2019t feel too well.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018All right,\u2019 he said, and led her out of the door and sat her on a bench on the porch. \u2018How about I get you some water,\u2019 he asked. \u2018Or some punch?\u00a0 That might make ya feel better.\u2019<\/p>\n

She nodded and smiled at him. \u2018Thank you Joe, I\u2019d be so grateful to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe disappeared through the doorway, and Susanna sat back and rested her head against the wall as she drew in a few deep breaths of the night air. She wished this night would go on forever and ever! As she sat and waited, she heard voices behind her just inside the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u2018Did you see Becky with Joe Cartwright?\u00a0 Don\u2019t they make a lovely young couple?\u2019 She turned to see Becky\u2019s mother standing with a group of other women just inside the doorway, and scowled at their words. Hmm!\u00a0 A lovely couple eh? \u00a0I\u2019ll show them! Joe Cartwright might have come with her, but I\u2019m going to be the one he takes home, that\u2019s for sure!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Here.\u2019 Suddenly Joe was standing beside her again, and holding out a cup.<\/p>\n

She smiled up at him and patted the seat beside her. \u2018Thank you Joe. Please sit down.\u2019<\/p>\n

He hesitated. \u2018I can\u2019t. I really have ta get back inside ta Becky now, or she\u2019ll be wondering where I\u2019ve got to.\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna put her hand on her forehead. \u2018Oh please Joe, I\u2019m really not feeling well.\u00a0 Just for a few moments until this dizziness passes?\u2019<\/p>\n

He sat down with a small sigh and she moved across to be closer to him. \u2018You know I think the fresh air is doing me good.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Great,\u2019 he said without much enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

She tried again. \u2018Perhaps I should go.\u00a0 I really hate to walk home alone feeling like this though.\u2019 She waited.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018No problem. I\u2019ll see if I can find someone ta walk ya home.\u2019<\/p>\n

She reached up and touched his arm. \u2018Oh Joe please don\u2019t!\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to make a fuss. Couldn\u2019t you just do it?\u2019<\/p>\n

He frowned again. \u2018I told ya, Becky\u2019ll be wondering where I am.\u00a0 I really shouldn\u2019t leave her.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh pooh!\u00a0 Becky will be fine if you just tell her. You won\u2019t be gone long. Please?\u2019 she added looking at him beseechingly.<\/p>\n

He sighed again. \u2018Oh. All right! But I have ta let Becky know first. Wait here.\u2019<\/p>\n

She settled back on the seat again with a satisfied smile and waited for him to return, watching him through the window as he spoke to Becky across the other side of the room. She giggled when she noticed how agitated the other girl seemed to become at his words. I\u2019ll show you Becky Palmer!\u00a0 So you think he\u2019s all yours do you?\u00a0 Think again!<\/em><\/p>\n

She wiped the smile off her face as Joe appeared again and pulled her quickly to her feet. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said with a touch of impatience, \u2018I can\u2019t be too long.\u2019<\/p>\n

As they walked down the stairs, Joe hesitated as he heard a voice behind him. \u2018And just where do you two think you\u2019re going?\u2019\u00a0 He turned to see his older brother Adam standing framed in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hi Adam,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Susanna isn\u2019t feeling well, so I\u2019m walking her home. I won\u2019t be long.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam turned to go inside again. \u2018See that you\u2019re not, or I\u2019ll be out looking for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018Gee!\u00a0 Sometimes he\u2019s worse than Pa!\u2019 he exclaimed, and Susanna giggled by his side as they walked.<\/p>\n

\u2018It must be terrible to have both of them breathing down your neck like that! Never letting you do what you want!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I do exactly what I want,\u2019 he retorted. \u2018I\u2019m old enough ta make my own decisions about my life, thank you very much.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Really?\u00a0 You could have fooled me!\u00a0 Seems like you\u2019re always doing what everyone else wants you to do.\u00a0 Your father, your brothers, even that Becky. If she says get back here quickly, then you jump!\u2019<\/p>\n

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

She snorted. \u2018Really? \u2018Then why are you in such a hurry to get back to her?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Because I happen to like her, that\u2019s why!\u2019 Joe replied impatiently. \u2018What\u2019s it got ta do with you anyway?\u2019<\/p>\n

She drew close to him and pushed herself against his body, wrapping her arms around him. \u2018I thought you might like me, that\u2019s why.\u2019\u00a0 She breathed into his ear, and he took a step back from her while trying to disengage her arms from around his neck.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well think again,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I said I\u2019d walk you home because you\u2019re sick.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean anything else by it!\u2019<\/p>\n

She wrapped her arms even tighter around his neck. \u2018Why not Joe?\u00a0 We\u2019d be really good together.\u00a0 You know that.\u00a0 You\u2019ve always known it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Get off me!\u2019 he replied impatiently. \u2018For heavens sake Susanna, let me just get you home and stop all this.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to pull her arms off him again, but she continued to press against him.\u00a0 Impatiently, he pulled at her and there was a sudden tearing of material as the sleeve of her dress came partially away at the seam.<\/p>\n

\u2018Look what you\u2019ve done!\u2019 she yelled at him. \u2018This is brand new, and you\u2019ve ruined it!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve ruined it!\u2019 he yelled back. \u2018It was your fault! Here, let me see if I can hold it back together for you.\u2019\u00a0 Joe reached out and tried to grab the sleeve, but she pulled back again and slapped him hard across the face.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hey, what was that for?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018I\u2019m trying ta help ya!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 she yelled, and turned to run up the street away from him. \u2018You just leave me alone Joe Cartwright and go back to that Becky of yours!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe felt like doing just that.\u00a0 But he knew it was not the gentlemanly thing to leave the girl in a darkened street like this, so he turned to follow her. \u2018Susanna, wait! Susanna, come back!\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna ducked into a side alley and waited, panting. Soon she heard his footsteps approaching and sensed rather than saw him looming over her.<\/p>\n

\u2018Susanna, what is it?\u2019 Joe asked. \u2018For heavens sake, can\u2019t you just be sensible so I can take ya home now?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Go away!\u2019 she yelled at him. \u2018Just go away!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u00a0 What is it?\u2019 he reached down to help her up, but she lashed out at him and her fingernails raked down his arm. He drew back and muttered something under his breath. Susanna began to sob loudly and he bent over her again. \u2018Susanna! Keep quiet will ya! I can\u2019t help ya if ya carry on like this!\u2019 He pulled her to her feet and shook her slightly. \u2018Calm down!\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna\u2019s sobs increased, and she began to shake. \u2018You get away from me Joe Cartwright!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018I don\u2019t want you near me, so keep away!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 asked someone behind them, and Joe turned to see Sheriff Coffee standing there with a puzzled expression on his face. He noted the girl\u2019s torn dress and the look of anger on her face. \u2018What on earth is happening?\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna stared at him and shook free of Joe\u2019s grasp. \u2018Tell him to get away from me!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018Leave me alone Joe Cartwright!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stared at her. \u2018Calm down Susanna,\u2019 he said. \u2018Stop yelling.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why shouldn\u2019t I yell?\u00a0 You just keep away from me Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 Leave me alone!\u2019\u00a0 She turned to the sheriff. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee shook his head. \u2018Of course you can go now Susanna.\u00a0 Would you like me to walk you home?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 she sniffed, and gave Joe an angry stare. \u2018And I\u2019m glad that I hurt you, cause you hurt me!\u2019<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee looked at Joe\u2019s arm and noted the scratches before shaking his head. \u2018I think you\u2019d better get back to the dance now boy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see her home.\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded and walked back towards the street as the sheriff followed an angry Susanna in the other direction.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head as he walked back to the hall at the other end of the street. Why do girls have ta carry on like that? Honestly, all that fuss about nothing! <\/em>\u00a0He touched his face where Susanna had slapped him, and felt the soreness there. Bet that\u2019ll come up in a bruise!\u00a0 How on earth am I\u2019m gonna explain that ta Pa? <\/em>He trudged along feeling his anger mount, and by the time he reached the hall he was in no mood to be civil to anyone, and scowled as he noticed Adam on the porch waiting for him. \u2018What are you looking for?\u00a0 I said I\u2019d be back soon!\u2019 he retorted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Soon is right! It shouldn\u2019t have taken you this long to just walk her home.\u00a0 Where have you been?\u2019 Adam replied, his anger mounting to meet that of his brother\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to push past him and enter the room, but Adam pulled him by the arm. \u2018What happened to you?\u2019 he said as he noticed his bruised face and the scratches on his arm. \u2018You haven\u2019t been fighting again have you?\u00a0 Pa\u2019s going to kill you if you\u2019ve got messed up with any of those miners again.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I haven\u2019t been fighting!\u2019 Joe pushed Adam\u2019s hand away from him. \u2018Why don\u2019t ya just mind ya business Adam, and leave me alone?\u2019 He walked into the hall and straight over to a group of girls who were standing near the punch table.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you were certainly gone a long time!\u2019 retorted Becky shaking her curls. \u2018What were you doing for all that time? You look like you\u2019ve been hurt!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at her. \u2018It\u2019s nothing! Come on, let\u2019s dance.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if that\u2019s your attitude, then I\u2019ll just find another dance partner Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 See if I care!\u2019 And with those words Becky flounced off across the room.<\/p>\n

Joe scratched his head. Now what did I do?<\/em> he thought to himself. Honestly! Sometimes women just don\u2019t make any sense at all!<\/em><\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Well if you weren\u2019t fighting, then kindly explain these, Joseph!\u2019 Ben indicated the bruise on his son\u2019s face and the scratches on his arm. Joe glared at his plate and didn\u2019t answer his father. \u2018Joseph I\u2019m waiting!\u2019<\/p>\n

He looked up. \u2018I walked Susanna home and she got upset. She hit me and scratched my arm, that\u2019s all. Do we have ta make a federal case out of it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You keep a civil tongue in your head young man!\u2019 Ben glared at his son. \u2018Why was she upset?\u2019\u00a0 Joe mumbled under his breath, and Ben fought to keep his temper with him. \u2018What was that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I said that I don\u2019t really know.\u00a0 One minute I was walking her home and the next she was \u2026 she was all over me. I tried ta push her away and she did this.\u2019 He looked at his father defiantly. \u2018It wasn\u2019t my fault!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s never your fault is it Joseph?\u2019 his father asked with a sigh. \u2018The fights, the brawls \u2013 they\u2019re never your fault!\u00a0 It\u2019s always someone else who starts it isn\u2019t it? And now this, in a public place of all things!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It wasn\u2019t a public place, it was in an alley,\u2019 Joe retorted and bit his lip as he realised what he had said.<\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018You started out to walk a young lady home, and you ended up in an alleyway with her? Please explain to me how that happened!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018She took off and I ran after her, that\u2019s all!\u2019 He looked into his father\u2019s eyes. \u2018Honest Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018All right, but I think this young lady deserves an apology from you,\u2019 Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u2018She deserves an apology from me?\u00a0 The way I see it I \u2026..\u2019 Joe stopped as he looked at his father\u2019s face and noted the expression. He sighed again. \u2018Oh all right! But I don\u2019t see why I should!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You should because I\u2019m telling you to! Get it over with this morning Joseph!\u2019\u00a0 Ben stood up from the table. \u2018And I expect you back at work straight afterwards.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 Joe replied and bent over his breakfast plate again.<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

Joe took off his hat and ran his fingers through his unruly curls before knocking on the door. He fought to keep his temper under control, but could feel it rising as he forced himself to put a pleasant expression on his face. As the door opened he tried to smile. \u2018Morning Mr Deane,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wonder if I could see Susanna for a few moments please?\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert Deane looked him up and down. \u2018Of course Joe. Come on in.\u2019 He indicated for Joe to enter the hallway and shut the door behind him. Please have a seat in the parlour while I get Susanna for you.\u2019 Joe sat as instructed and waited.<\/p>\n

After a few moments, Susanna swept into the room and stood before him. \u2018Well?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hi,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you want? After last night I thought you might need to keep your distance from me!\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Susanna I came ta say I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m not quite sure what happened, but I didn\u2019t \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

She tossed her hair and glared at him. \u2018So you should be sorry! Just what do you take me for anyway Joe Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her puzzled. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

She pointed a finger at him. \u2018Don\u2019t you think you can insult me like that and get away with it!\u2019 she continued. \u2018You just go back to your Becky Palmer and see if I care!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scratched his head. \u2018Susanna I never led you to believe that \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

She strode to the front door and opened it. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just get out!\u00a0 I really don\u2019t think we have any more to say to each other!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and walked over to the door. \u2018Ya sure got that right! Excuse me for living why don\u2019t ya!\u2019 He flinched as the door slammed in his face, and clenched his fists. Stupid girl! Well I\u2019ve done what Pa wanted me to, so that\u2019s an end to it! <\/em>\u00a0He marched down the front steps and mounted his horse before riding off down the street.<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

Matt sensed someone\u2019s presence and looked up from the reins he was untangling to see Susanna standing in front of him with her hands on her hips. \u2018Where\u2019s your father?\u2019 she asked abruptly. Matt looked at her coolly and didn\u2019t answer. \u2018I asked where your father was!\u2019 she repeated. \u2018My father told me to ask when our buggy will be ready.\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt shrugged. \u2018He\u2019s down at the saloon. I\u2019ll tell him to let you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

She stamped her foot. \u2018Well that\u2019s not good enough!\u00a0 I want an answer now!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Look Susanna, not everyone does things exactly when you want them to be done. I told you, I\u2019ll give him the message and he\u2019ll get back to you.\u2019\u00a0 He bent his head over the reins again.<\/p>\n

Susanna stood glaring at him. \u2018That\u2019s if I could trust you to!\u2019 she retorted. \u2018Honestly, with a half-breed like you, who would know what you could be trusted to do!\u2019<\/p>\n

He stood up and strode over to her. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just shut your mouth?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018I\u2019m sick and tired of you sounding off at me!\u2019<\/p>\n

She pushed him backwards. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare speak to me like that!\u2019 Matt lifted his hand and struck her clear across the mouth, all the anger that had been building up inside him unleashed by her comments. Susanna fell heavily onto a pile of hay in the corner, and lay there for a few moments winded. When she caught her breath again she managed to say, \u2018You\u2019ll be sorry for that!\u00a0 You just wait until I tell my father!\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt reached down towards her and began to shake her. \u2018You just shut up if you know what\u2019s good for you! Shut up I say!\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna looked into his eyes and began to panic. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018Let me out of here!\u2019<\/p>\n

Matt ignored her and pushed her down again on the floor.\u00a0 Susanna looked up at him in fright, regretting now the words she had spoken. As he moved down over her, her screams were stilled by his lips on hers, and she struggled for breath. \u2018Stop it!\u2019 she yelled. \u2018I said to stop it!\u2019\u00a0 But Matt didn\u2019t even hear the sounds she made, as his anger was unleashed.<\/p>\n

As Joe reached the crest of the hill he paused to let Cochise get his wind back and surveyed the land before him.\u00a0 Down below he could see a rider galloping away from the town and towards the mountains in the distance. He squinted his eyes and noted that it was Matt Shields. \u2018Hey Matt,\u2019 he called, but the other man failed to stop. Wonder where he\u2019s going in such a hurry? Must be something real important!\u00a0 <\/em>He turned his horse homeward and set off at an easy pace down the hillside.<\/p>\n

\n

Chapter 2:<\/p>\n

Part Two
\nFebruary 1865<\/p>\n

\u2018Roy, good to see you!\u2019 Ben reached out and shook the hand of his friend Sheriff Roy Coffee and beamed at him. \u2018You haven\u2019t been out in a long time. Come on in and warm yourself by the fire!\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy took off his hat and gave Ben a half-hearted smile as he entered the room. \u2018Actually Ben it\u2019s not really a social call.\u00a0 I\u2019ve come on official business.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow and stared at him for a moment. \u2018Really? Well then what is it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy hesitated for a moment and then looked around the room. \u2018Are the boys around?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss is in the north pasture, but Adam and Joe are in the corral.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you see them as you came in?\u2019 Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u2018No. Maybe they were in the barn or something.\u2019 He hesitated again. \u2018Ben I need to speak to Joe about something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled again at his friend. \u2018What has that youngster done now?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I hope it\u2019s not too serious!\u2019 He laughed aloud. \u2018Not another fight in the saloon?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy frowned at him. \u2018No nothing like that.\u00a0 Ben I really need to speak to him. It\u2019s serious.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben managed to regain a straight face. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Roy. I shouldn\u2019t find his antics amusing I know, it\u2019s just that he, well \u2026..\u2019 He noticed the expression on Roy\u2019s face. \u2018It really is serious isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m afraid so, Ben. I\u2019m real sorry to have to bring this to you, but I have to do my duty you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Of course you do Roy, we all know that. Wait a moment and I\u2019ll get him for you.\u2019 He opened the front door and scanned the front yard quickly for a glimpse of his sons, and saw Adam emerging from the yard. \u2018Adam,\u2019 he called out, \u2018get your brother for me please.\u00a0 Tell him I need him inside the house immediately.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam signalled to his father that he had understood and turned to walk into the barn again. Ben shut the door and turned once more to the sheriff. \u2018Now Roy you can\u2019t say no on a cold day like this to coffee at least? Sit down while I get one for you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head and remained standing. \u2018No Ben, I\u2019m fine. I really rather get straight to the point if you don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the settee, feeling anxious. Roy seemed quite agitated about something, and he hoped that Joseph hadn\u2019t really stepped over the limit this time. There was silence for a moment as the two men were still with their own thoughts, and then the front door burst open and Adam and Joe entered the room.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe with a grin. \u2018Adam said ya wanted me.\u2019 He noticed the sheriff by the fireplace. \u2018Oh hi, Sheriff Coffee.\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy acknowledged both Joe and Adam with a slight tilt of his head, and Ben motioned to them to sit down. \u2018Joe, Sheriff Coffee needs to talk to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sat down with a puzzled look on his face, and Adam gestured with his hand to indicate whether or not he should leave. Ben shook his head and Adam sat on the edge of the sofa near his father. The three Cartwrights waited while Roy cleared his throat and turned to face Joe.<\/p>\n

\u2018I have to ask you a few questions Joe,\u2019 he said in a sombre tone.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sure,\u2019 Joe replied with a grin, \u2018 but I ain\u2019t done nothing. Honest Pa,\u2019 he said as an aside to his father.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe do you remember the dance that was held last November?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Last November?\u2019 Joe replied with a puzzled look. \u2018I don\u2019t know, that was an awfully long time ago.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Try to remember,\u2019 Roy persisted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well,\u2019 Joe scrunched up his face with a thoughtful look. \u2018I\u2026. um\u2026.yeah that was the night I took Becky I think.\u2019 He thought for a moment. Joe looked at the sheriff again. \u2018What am I supposed to remember about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy looked at him intently. \u2018Did you have anything to do with Susanna Deane that night?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 Joe replied with a puzzled look. \u2018I danced with her, why?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What else?\u2019 Roy persisted.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018Nothing else. Unless you mean \u2026\u2019 his voice trailed off for a moment. \u2018You remember Sheriff, she got sick and I walked her home.\u00a0 At least part of the way. Remember?\u00a0 You walked her the rest of the way after you saw us.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded his head. \u2018Why did she run off?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t really know. Something I said I guess.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Roy just what is this all about?\u2019 Ben interrupted. \u2018Why are you asking this?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy ignored Ben and continued to look at Joe intently.\u00a0 \u2018Just tell me as much as you remember about that night and Susanna Deane,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018Well it\u2019s like I said,\u2019 he continued. \u2018I danced with her, then she got sick so I took her outside. She asked me ta walk her home, so I did. We had a \u2026 a disagreement, and she ran off. She went into the alleyway, so I followed her and tried to help her.\u00a0 Then you came and took her home.\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy drew a deep breath. \u2018And that\u2019s all?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I don\u2019t understand what all this is about.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Do you remember the scratches on your arm?\u2019 Roy asked. \u2018I saw them there myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned again. \u2018Yeah that\u2019s right.\u00a0 She scratched me.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

\u2018I don\u2019t know. She just did.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018She also said you\u2019d hurt her,\u2019 Roy prompted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Did she? I don\u2019t remember that,\u2019 Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Roy moved away from the boy and stared into the fire for a moment. The silence was broken by Adam who asked. \u2018Roy don\u2019t you think you need to tell us what all this about?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy turned to face them. \u2018I needed to hear what Joe had to say first,\u2019 he said. \u2018Otherwise I might have influenced his answers to a difficult situation.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What situation?\u2019 Ben asked, really worried now. \u2018What are you getting at Roy? Is Susanna Deane all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018In a manner of speaking yes, but then again no.\u2019 Roy replied averting his eyes from Ben.<\/p>\n

\u2018Roy speak plain,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018What are you trying to get at?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Susanna Deane is having a child,\u2019 the Sheriff replied. \u2018She claims she was\u2026 well\u2026 forced that night.\u2019<\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights stared at him. After a moment Ben spoke. \u2018The poor girl,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s terrible!\u2019 Roy looked at him silently. After a moment Ben spoke again. \u2018No wonder you\u2019re trying to find out the details of that night. I\u2019m sure Joseph and anyone else who was at the party will help in whatever way they can to try and help find out who did this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded from his position on the chair next to the fireplace. \u2018I sure will,\u2019 he said. \u2018What else can I tell you that might help?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy looked at him strangely. \u2018I don\u2019t think you understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018You see Susanna has made a statement naming the man.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Have you had any luck trying to trace him?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy hesitated for a moment, and looked back into the fire as he said in a low voice, \u2018She named Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was a deathly silence in the room, punctuated at regular intervals by the ticking of the grandfather clock near the front door. After a few moments, Ben found his voice. \u2018That is preposterous!\u2019 he said. \u2018As if Joseph\u2026..\u2019 his voice trailed off and he turned to face his youngest son who sat staring into space with a blank look on his face. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Is there any way \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father aghast. \u2018What?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018You can\u2019t be serious Pa! As if I would do something like that! How could you even \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben reached over and put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018That\u2019s not what I meant Joe. I\u2019m asking if maybe there is a chance that \u2026. Well if Susanna could have misinterpreted something that happened between you.\u2019 He paused for a moment. \u2018Son, is there any way that \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe jumped to his feet. \u2018I can\u2019t believe you\u2019re asking me this!\u2019 he yelled, and turned to face the sheriff. \u2018She\u2019s lying! I never touched her that night or any other time! I don\u2019t know why she\u2019d say that I did!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Calm down Joe,\u2019 interrupted Adam. \u2018I\u2019m sure there\u2019s a reasonable answer to this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Like what?\u2019 asked Joe as he turned to face his brother. \u2018What possible reason could she have for saying this?\u2019 He drew a deep breath and took two steps away from them. \u2018I didn\u2019t do it I tell you!\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy scratched his head. \u2018The problem is that she is saying that you did,\u2019 he stated. \u2018Until this thing is sorted out, then I have to take you into custody Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Roy you can\u2019t be serious!\u2019 Ben interrupted. \u2018Joe said he didn\u2019t do anything, and you\u2019re just going to take this girl\u2019s word for it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy put up his hand. \u2018Ben I have no choice. Robert Deane, her father, demands it.\u00a0 Frankly I think it\u2019d be better for Joe if he was locked up for a little while anyway.\u00a0 Deane is pretty riled up, and I wouldn\u2019t want any trouble between them.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not going to jail!\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe yelled. \u2018I didn\u2019t do anything!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Joe, Roy might be right. Go with him for now, and I\u2019ll get advice from Hiram Wood. He\u2019ll know what to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned on his father and glared at him. \u2018You believe this don\u2019t you?\u2019 he yelled at him. \u2018You believe I did this, and you want to get me locked up and out of the way so you won\u2019t have to get embarrassed don\u2019t you?\u2019 He shook his father\u2019s hand away.<\/p>\n

Adam stood up. \u2018Joe, don\u2019t be stupid. Pa is only trying to help you. For heaven\u2019s sake do as Roy says and give us some time to get advice on this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood silently and glared at them all. Roy moved towards him and said in a low voice. \u2018You have no choice son. The girl\u2019s father demands it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe drew a few deep breaths and turned angrily on his heel.\u00a0 As he approached the door he turned back and yelled over his shoulder, \u2018I don\u2019t care what she says, I didn\u2019t do it!\u00a0 Whether you all believe me or not, that\u2019s the truth!\u2019 He slammed the door as he left the room, and Roy moved quickly after him.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to Adam. \u2018Get out to Hoss and let him know what\u2019s happened, then meet me in town as soon as you can. I\u2019ll see Joseph safely into the jail, then I\u2019ll be at Hiram\u2019s office. Hurry.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he followed his father and Roy through the front door. As they reached the front yard, they noticed Joe sitting on his horse waiting for them, his face like thunder and his body rigid as he sat bolt upright in the saddle. He glared at them all, but continued to sit silently as he waited. Ben strode over to him and touched him on the thigh as he looked up. \u2018Joe I\u2019m coming in with you,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t say anything, but simply nodded his head slightly as he looked away from his father into the distance.\u00a0 Ben sighed and mounted his horse, following Roy and his son out of the yard towards town.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

\u2018To be honest Ben, I think it\u2019s a good thing the boy\u2019s in jail for the moment.\u00a0 It might be a good idea if he stayed there for a while.\u2019 Hiram Wood, attorney at law and good friend of the Cartwrights stated his point of view to Ben.\u00a0 \u2018After hearing the facts as you know them, I think the boy might be safer there.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Look Hiram,\u2019 Ben said in agitated tone. \u2018I know Robert Deane is a reasonable man. Surely he wouldn\u2019t do anything stupid.\u00a0 He\u2019d only make the whole situation worse.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram stroked his beard thoughtfully. \u2018Ben, a man who has a daughter in this position is likely to go off half-cocked.\u00a0 And there\u2019s the town to consider as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam looked at him. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well, once word of this gets around, there\u2019ll be all sorts trying to get involved.\u2019\u00a0 Hiram looked at Ben with pity. \u2018I think it\u2019s going to be very difficult for Joseph once the story spreads.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss glared at the man. \u2018It\u2019s nobody\u2019s business!\u2019 he declared. \u2018I\u2019ll throttle anyone who says anything about my little brother!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben turned to him. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare go making this any worse than it already is Hoss,\u2019 he said as he wagged his finger at him. \u2018We have to handle this in the correct way.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss put his head down. \u2018I\u2019m gonna go and visit Joe at the jail,\u2019 he said. \u2018He probably needs one of us right about now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben watched his son leave before turning back to the lawyer. \u2018Hiram, what do we do?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well the first thing is to speak to Joe,\u2019 he said standing up. \u2018Then we\u2019ll need to apply for bail to be set pending the trial.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Trial?\u2019 said Adam startled. \u2018Surely it won\u2019t come to that!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It could well do,\u2019 continued Hiram. \u2018If this girl doesn\u2019t change her story, then Joe will undoubtedly have to face trial.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his head in his hands. \u2018Hiram we can\u2019t let it get to that. A trial of that sort would be \u2026. well it would just ruin my son\u2019s reputation.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram looked at him. \u2018Ben it would do a lot more than that. Don\u2019t you realise that a charge of this kind could bring a sentence of ten years or more? Joseph has more than his reputation to worry about here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and Adam placed his hand around his father\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Pa maybe if we went and spoke to her. Maybe she\u2019ll listen if \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019ll do nothing of the sort!\u2019 interrupted Hiram. \u2018That could be construed as harassment. You stay right away from that girl, all of you!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at him. \u2018All right Hiram, I promise you that the boys and I won\u2019t go near her. But there must be something we are able to do!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018The best thing you can do Ben is be there for Joseph at the moment and let me worry about the legal side of it. I assure you that I\u2019ll do everything I can to clear him of this charge.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stood up and faced his friend with tears in his eyes. \u2018I know you will Hiram, and I\u2019m mighty grateful to you. I just can\u2019t stand to see my boy caught up in this mess, is all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram nodded. \u2018I know Ben. You concentrate on helping him through it and I\u2019ll prepare the best possible defence that I can. Come on, we need to talk to that boy of yours now.\u2019 The three of them left the room and headed towards the jail.<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

Hoss stood and watched his younger brother as he sat on the edge of the narrow bunk, his head down and shoulders drooping. \u2018Come on buddy, its not that bad,\u2019 he muttered.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u2018Not that bad? Just how much worse do ya think it could be then Hoss?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m in here with a charge of \u2026. with charges hanging over my head, and you think it\u2019s not that bad?\u2019 He shook his head. \u2018I\u2019d hate ta think what ya would consider bad!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head. \u2018It\u2019s just that I hate ta see ya looking so down little buddy. Specially when ya ain\u2019t done nothing ta deserve this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes filled with tears. \u2018Thanks Hoss,\u2019 he whispered.<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned at him. \u2018Thanks fer what?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018For believing me,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018Ya haven\u2019t even asked me what happened on that night, but ya just believe me anyways. Thanks!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at his younger brother. \u2018Well why wouldn\u2019t I believe ya? I know ya wouldn\u2019t do what she said ya did.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you\u2019re the only one who does!\u2019 Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018What do ya mean?\u2019 Hoss asked. \u2018Pa and Adam know that \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018They think I\u2019m guilty!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018I could tell back at the ranch when Sheriff Coffee was telling us.\u00a0 I could see it in their eyes that they didn\u2019t know whether or not ta believe me!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe don\u2019t be stupid!\u2019 Hoss retorted. \u2018Of course they believe ya!\u00a0 Why wouldn\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n

The door opened and Roy entered the room, followed by Ben, Adam and Hiram. \u2018You\u2019ve got some visitors Joe,\u2019 he said as he motioned behind him. \u2018Take as long as you want,\u2019 he said before he left. \u2018I\u2019ll be just outside if you need me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Are you all right son?\u2019 Ben asked, looking at Joe anxiously.<\/p>\n

Joe turned away from them and faced the wall. \u2018Of course I\u2019m all right!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019ve only been in here for half an hour!\u00a0 What do ya think could happen ta me in that time?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben bit on his lip and refrained from speaking harshly to the boy.\u00a0 He understood how upset Joe was, and didn\u2019t want to make him any more agitated than he already was. \u2018Joe, Hiram has come to ask you some questions about that night.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve already said what happened!\u2019 Joe declared, still looking at the wall.<\/p>\n

Hiram stepped forward. \u2018Joseph if I\u2019m gong to defend you, then you have to co-operate with me.\u00a0 I need you to give me as many details as you can remember from that night.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to stubbornly look at the wall, and said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Answer Mr Wood.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned around, his eyes blazing. \u2018Why should I? What difference will it make anyway?\u00a0 None of you believe me, so he probably won\u2019t either.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben glared at his stubborn son. \u2018Joseph that is not true!\u00a0 No one said they didn\u2019t believe you!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You don\u2019t have ta say it Pa, I can tell!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018Ya really don\u2019t know do ya?\u00a0 Ya think I could be guilty!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward. \u2018Joe stop this! The important thing at the moment is to get this thing cleared up, so stop losing your temper and co operate.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018I would think the important thing at the moment would be ta get me out of here!\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u2018Now you listen young fella,\u2019 began Hiram, but his words were drowned out by the sound of shouting in the outer office. Suddenly the door was flung open and a man entered the room yelling.<\/p>\n

\u2018Let me at him! Just give me five minutes with him!\u2019 Joe stepped back across the cell as the man flung himself onto the bars and tried to reach him through them. \u2018You get over here you coward! Try dealing with a man for a change instead of a poor defenceless girl!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss leant forward and grabbed onto the man, pinning his arms behind him in a tight grip. \u2018Easy now Mr Deane,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just back off there!\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert Deane continued to struggle in Hoss\u2019 grip, shouting all the while. \u2018Let me go! Let me at the bastard!\u2019<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee entered the room brandishing his rifle. \u2018Now you just simmer down Robert,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re not helping matters with all this fuss.\u2019\u00a0 He motioned for Hoss to bring his captive back into the outer office, and they were followed by Ben, Hiram and Adam.\u00a0 As they left the room, Joe lurched forward panting, and gripped the bars of the cell.\u00a0 Adam motioned to him to be quiet, and made sure the door was left open so that he could hear what was being said.<\/p>\n

After a moment, Roy said. \u2018Now, are you ready to calm down, or do I have to put you in a cell as well?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Put me in with that youngster in there and I\u2019ll be happy!\u2019 Robert yelled back at him.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward. \u2018Robert, I know you\u2019re upset, but it\u2019s no reason to carry on like this.\u00a0 You\u2019re only making it worse for everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert glared at him. \u2018Of course I would only expect something like that from you Ben. You never would see that precious boy of yours would be responsible for anything would you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben glared back at him. \u2018I have always raised my sons to take responsibility for their actions,\u2019 he said. \u2018But in this case Joseph says he is innocent, and I believe him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert glared back at him. \u2018Are you calling my daughter a liar?\u2019 he spat.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u2018I\u2019m saying that there must be some kind of misunderstanding here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Perhaps when everyone has the chance to calm \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll see that boy of yours pay for this!\u2019 Deane spat back at him. \u2018I don\u2019t care what it takes Cartwright, he\u2019ll pay!\u00a0 Now let me go!\u2019 he struggled in Hoss\u2019 arms even more.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss let him go,\u2019 said Roy, and when the man was released he motioned towards the door with his rifle. \u2018Now you get out of here Deane.\u00a0 And just remember, that boy in there has the right to a fair hearing in this matter, and I won\u2019t have you taking the law into your own hands.\u00a0 Any more nonsense from you and I\u2019ll take you into custody as well.\u2019 His voice softened as he continued. \u2018Now go home to that daughter of yours.\u00a0 She probably needs you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Deane rubbed his arms where Hoss had held onto him. \u2018All right Sheriff, I\u2019ll go home.\u2019 He pointed his finger at Ben. \u2018But rest assured Cartwright, that boy of yours will pay for this!\u2019\u00a0 He left the room and slammed the door behind him, as each of the remaining occupants drew a deep breath and looked at each other silently.<\/p>\n

After a moment, Hiram spoke. \u2018Now you can see why it might be a good thing for Joseph to stay in here for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t staying in here!\u2019 Joe yelled from the other room. \u2018I ain\u2019t done nothing ta stay in here for!\u2019<\/p>\n

They all turned to face him. \u2018Now you just be quiet young man,\u2019 his father cautioned him. \u2018We\u2019ll be guided by what Hiram says in this, and if he says it\u2019s better for you to be there for now, then that\u2019s just where you\u2019ll stay.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe pouted at his father and sat down on the narrow bed with his arms folded in front of him. \u2018Fine!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018You all just do what you think is best for me, and never mind what I want for myself!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben walked over to the cell and said in a softer tone. \u2018Joe, you have to calm down son. Just be patient for a while.\u2019 Ben knew that he was asking the impossible, as patience had never been his youngest son\u2019s greatest strength. \u2018Now you need to answer Hiram\u2019s questions.\u2019 He motioned for the lawyer to come forward and stepped back to allow him room.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph tell me what happened that night,\u2019 Hiram said.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed. \u2018I\u2019ve already told it.\u00a0 I went to the dance with Julie, Susanna was there and I danced with her.\u00a0 She got sick and went outside, so I got her a drink.\u00a0 She took off down the street, I chased her and that was it.\u2019\u00a0 He stared defiantly at them all.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sheriff Coffee had to take her home.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah. So what?\u2019 Joe countered.<\/p>\n

\u2018She said you hurt her and she scratched you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018So?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram frowned at the young man sitting in the cell. \u2018Joseph I\u2019m trying to help you. How did you hurt her?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe leapt up and shouted again. \u2018I have no idea! Why don\u2019t you ask her if you all believe that it\u2019s true?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram turned to Ben. \u2018I think we\u2019d better let this youngster cool his heels for a while Ben.\u00a0 Perhaps I\u2019ll get more sense out of him in the morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and moved aside to let the man past him. \u2018Thank you Hiram. We\u2019ll stay with him for now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t bother!\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018Why don\u2019t you all just go away?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward, his eyes blazing and his jaw clenched. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough out of you! Why don\u2019t you just shut up and calm down?\u2019 Joe sat down abruptly on the cot and stared at his brother. \u2018Can\u2019t you just for one moment listen to other people instead of carrying on like this?\u2019 Adam continued. \u2018If you are so determined that everyone believe you, then you\u2019d better give us the chance to without you carrying on like this!\u2019<\/p>\n

Everyone was silent as Joe digested his brother\u2019s remarks.\u00a0 After a few moments he said. \u2018OK I\u2019ll calm down. But just get me out of here alright?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ben reached his hands through the bars towards his son. \u2018We won\u2019t leave you in here any longer than is necessary Joseph. Believe me son, we\u2019re going to do everything to help you get out of this mess.\u2019 He beckoned with his hands. \u2018Come here son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and walked slowly towards his father who gripped him by the shoulders and looked at him intently. \u2018You do believe me don\u2019t you boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head miserably. \u2018Yeah Pa, course I believe ya. \u2018He looked up at his father\u2019s eyes and said softly. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, I didn\u2019t mean all those things I said.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben caressed his son\u2019s neck. \u2018I know you didn\u2019t Joe. It\u2019s all right.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No Pa it\u2019s not all right. It\u2019s far from all right.\u2019 He bent his head on the bars and sighed as he closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben patted him again on the neck. \u2018Joseph, Hiram Wood is one of the best, you know that. I\u2019m sure that he\u2019ll sort this out for us.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

As Ben patted his son again, he wished he could believe his own words, but try as he might he still had a nagging feeling in his bones that they were all headed for a rough time ahead.<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

\u2018Sign here Ben,\u2019 said Roy Coffee indicating the space on the sheet of paper in front of him. \u2018And you Hiram.\u2019\u00a0 The lawyer bent to counter-sign the document as well. \u2018I\u2019ll get Joe for you.\u2019\u00a0 Roy reached up and took the keys to the cell off the hook before going into the inner room.<\/p>\n

Hiram threw Ben a worried glance. \u2018Are you sure about this Ben?\u2019 he asked. \u2018There\u2019s an awful lot of people riled up about this in town. Robert Deane has sure been doing a good job of spreading the word.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Hiram it\u2019s been nearly a week now.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t think that boy of mine can stand being cooped up in there much longer.\u00a0 You know what he\u2019s like.\u2019\u00a0 Hiram nodded. \u2018Besides, I intend to keep him on the Ponderosa right away from everyone until this is sorted out.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram looked worried. \u2018Ben, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to sort out, as you put it.\u00a0 The girl is standing firm with her story and I really don\u2019t see how we can avoid this coming to trial.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben ran his hands through his hair. \u2018Hiram what are we going to do?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe burst through the door with a grin on his face.\u00a0 Ben smiled to see his son looking happy for the first time in nearly a week. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Boy is it great ta get out of there! Can we go home now?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We certainly can Joseph,\u2019 replied his father, putting his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders and hugging him to him for a moment. \u2018Hiram, thank you.\u00a0 We\u2019ll see you out at the ranch tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 replied Hiram. \u2018And Joe remember what we talked about.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u2018I know, I know.\u00a0 I\u2019ll keep close ta home and I won\u2019t go anywhere.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben ruffled the boy\u2019s curls. \u2018And I\u2019ll see to it, don\u2019t you worry.\u2019 He turned to the sheriff beside them.\u00a0 \u2018Thank you Roy. Come on Joseph, your brothers are waiting outside.\u2019<\/p>\n

The two Cartwrights left the jail, and stood on the porch outside.\u00a0 Little Joe put his head back and felt the sun on his face for the first time in days, and smiled as he closed his eyes and savoured it for a moment.\u00a0 He grinned at his two brothers who were standing holding the horses, and walked towards them. \u2018Well what are you two Standing around for?\u00a0 Ain\u2019t ya got any work ta do?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss reached out and cuffed his younger brother on the head as he said \u2018Don\u2019t be smart little brother, or we\u2019ll throw ya back in that jail.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe ducked for cover and laughed as he stepped sideways to avoid another hit on the head. \u2018Just you try older brother, just you try!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled to see the horseplay between his two boys. Joseph had been so depressed during these past few days that it warmed his heart to see him smile again. He glanced around and was relieved to see the street deserted, and motioned to Adam to bring his horse forward.\u00a0 Ben had purposely organised for Joe to be released early enough in the morning for the town to be empty.\u00a0 He hoped to get the boy away before anyone even knew that he had left. He didn\u2019t intend to have him confront any trouble along the way if it could be avoided.<\/p>\n

\u2018Come on Joseph, get moving please.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to get home.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe mounted his horse and looked at his father. \u2018Can\u2019t we wait around for a bit Pa until the saloon opens?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t had a drink in days ya know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u00a0 Do you take no notice of anyone?\u2019 his father shouted at him. \u2018I told you we\u2019re going straight back to the ranch and I meant it!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe held up his hand. \u2018All right! It was worth a try though, don\u2019t ya think?\u2019\u00a0 He turned his horse to follow his brothers up the street at a slow walk, Ben following.\u00a0 As they passed the Grain Store a man emerged and stared at them. \u2018Hi Pete!\u2019 called Little Joe and waved his hand as they passed. He frowned as the man didn\u2019t respond, but merely looked at him before turning his back and re entering the building. Joe paused for a moment and glanced at his father, then kicked his horse forward again.<\/p>\n

Ben urged his horse forward and caught up with his son as they passed a small white house on the edge of town. He positioned himself between his son and that side of the street as they rode past, and noticed the boy tensing up as he did so. \u2018You don\u2019t have ta do that Pa. I\u2019m not about ta go in there ya know!\u2019 Joe frowned at his father as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u2018I know Joe. I just thought you might be worried seeing Susanna\u2019s house that\u2019s all,\u2019 Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018Why would I?\u2019 Joe countered. \u2018Her father don\u2019t worry me none.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s not the point Joseph. I just don\u2019t want you coming in contact with either Robert or Susanna at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe snorted. \u2018There\u2019s no chance of that is there? After all Sheriff Coffee practically made me swear on a bible that I wouldn\u2019t see her. Not to mention you and Mr Wood. Don\u2019t worry Pa, I\u2019m not about ta go racing over to Susanna\u2019s in a hurry.\u00a0 She\u2019s about the last person on earth I want ta see right about now!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben laid his hand on his son\u2019s thigh as they left the town behind them. \u2018Good.\u00a0 And just you keep it that way Joe.\u00a0 We don\u2019t want any more trouble than is absolutely necessary while Hiram works on this.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked over at his father. \u2018And just what is it exactly that he\u2019s working on Pa? What does he hope ta do \u2013 change her story?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any hope of that,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018He\u2019s just trying to get this thing sorted out without having to go to court.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe pulled on the reins and stopped his horse, looking at his father aghast. \u2018Ya can\u2019t be serious Pa?\u00a0 Court?\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded. \u2018Well I ain\u2019t going!\u00a0 No one\u2019s gonna force me ta sit in court and talk about this in front of everybody!\u2019\u00a0 Joe clenched his jaw and pulled his hat down over his eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes before replying. \u2018Joe you may have no choice. You\u2019re out on bail now, but that won\u2019t last long if you refuse to testify in court. You could well find yourself back in jail.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes blazed with fury. \u2018Why?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t done nothing!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And if you have to go to court to prove it, then that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll do young man!\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018Otherwise this whole town is likely to believe that you\u2019re guilty.\u2019 His tone softened. \u2018Come on Joe, we\u2019re supposed to be celebrating you coming home, not dwelling on what might never happen.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile at his father, but failed miserably.\u00a0 As he spurred his horse forward to catch up with his brothers, Ben said a silent prayer that his words would prove to be true.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s defiantly going to happen Ben,\u2019 said Hiram as he took the coffee cup. \u2018There\u2019s no avoiding it now.\u2019 He sighed as he put the cup to his lips. \u2018This matter is going to court and there\u2019s nothing anyone can do to stop it. Except \u2026.\u2019 His voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u2018Except what?\u2019 asked Adam from his position on the blue chair next to the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u2018I met with Deane\u2019s lawyer this morning and they\u2019re offering a deal,\u2019 Hiram replied.<\/p>\n

Ben put down his cup and leant forward. \u2018Ah, now we come to it!\u2019 he said sarcastically. \u2018Just how much do they want?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018They don\u2019t want money,\u2019 Hiram replied glancing over at Little Joe who sat huddled on the other end of the settee, his eyes staring into the fire in front of them.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Well if they don\u2019t want money, what do they want?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Hiram glanced at Joe again. \u2018They\u2019re willing to drop the case if Joe agrees to marry the girl,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Joe sprang forward with a start, but stopped as he felt his father\u2019s hand touch him on the leg. \u2018What?\u2019 he yelled. \u2018But that would be the same as saying I\u2019m guilty.\u00a0 It\u2019s the same as saying I did it!\u2019<\/p>\n

There was silence in the room as they all digested the information. Finally Ben spoke. \u2018Hiram, I agree with Joe. If he agreed to marry this girl, then he would be admitting guilt.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 Hiram said simply. \u2018But it would also save him from a possible prison sentence. I have to be honest with you all and say that there is substantial evidence against Joseph, even though it is circumstantial.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Are ya giving up on me?\u00a0 Is that it?\u2019 shouted Joe. \u2018Cause if ya are, then I\u2019ll damn well get me another lawyer!\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Joseph!\u2019 Ben thundered. \u2018There is no call for profanity young man!\u2019 Joe dropped his eyes and put his chin on his hands as he stared into the fire again. \u2018Hiram is not giving up on you,\u2019 Ben continued. \u2018He is simply stating the facts as he is paid to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I\u2019m not giving up on you Joseph.\u2019 Hiram said. \u2018I intend to win this case, and I\u2019ll give it all I\u2019ve got I promise you.\u00a0 However,\u2019 he continued, \u2018it is also my job to alert you to the possible outcomes as well.\u00a0 A verdict of guilty could bring a prison term of ten years.\u00a0 You have to think about all the alternatives now that are offered.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t have ta think about nothing!\u2019 Joe declared. \u2018She\u2019s not going ta force me into marrying her! I\u2019d rather go ta jail.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was silence again, and then Hiram spoke. \u2018All right, then I\u2019ll reject the offer and tell them to go ahead and set the court date. I\u2019m afraid it won\u2019t be for some time though.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why not?\u2019 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019ll go for the sympathy vote,\u2019 Hiram replied. \u2018All they have to do is plea for time to prepare their case and it could be delayed for some months. That way they would hope to rattle Joe while he waits, and also the girl would \u2026.. well she would be a target for a lot of sympathy in a few months time.\u00a0 More so than now, if you get my point.\u00a0 No, the longer they can draw this out for, the better it is for them, that\u2019s for sure.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and strode away from them. \u2018Joseph, where are you going?\u2019 his father called.<\/p>\n

\u2018Out!\u2019 he replied over his shoulder. \u2018Don\u2019t worry though, I\u2019m not going anywhere near town!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 called his father again, but the banging of the door signalled his son\u2019s departure. \u2018Hoss get after him!\u00a0 I don\u2019t want him left alone at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and followed his brother out of the room. Ben turned back to Hiram. \u2018I just don\u2019t know how Joseph is going to take this waiting, Hiram,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s going to be very hard on him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s just going to have to,\u2019 the lawyer replied. \u2018There isn\u2019t a choice Ben. Anyway,\u2019 he stood up and stretched, \u2018at least it gives us ample time to prepare the best defence we can.\u00a0 In the meantime, you keep that boy here on the ranch and away from any trouble!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed.\u00a0 Keeping that youngest boy of his out of trouble could be a full-time occupation for all of them, and he feared an impossible task.<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you want?\u2019 Joe asked as his brother\u2019s shadow fell across him. \u2018Checking up on me?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah sorta,\u2019 Hoss replied as he sat next to him on the grass. \u2018Pa sent me after ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018I thought so.\u00a0 This is as bad as being in jail.\u00a0 What\u2019s Pa going ta do, have me followed from now until the trial?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Look Joe, he\u2019s just worried about you that\u2019s all,\u2019 Hoss replied. \u2018Don\u2019t give him any more reason ta worry will ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah cause I\u2019ve already given him more than enough haven\u2019t I?\u2019 Joe asked with a sneer. \u2018Just when he thought I was grown up and off his hands, the little boy does something stupid again and everyone has to rescue him.\u00a0 That\u2019s how it works isn\u2019t it Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned back at him. \u2018Why don\u2019t ya get that chip off ya shoulder Joe? No one\u2019s blaming ya fer what\u2019s going on.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Like hell they\u2019re not!\u2019 Joe exploded. \u2018Do ya think I don\u2019t see it in their eyes? Every time Adam looks at me he blames me for giving Pa all this worry, and as for him and Pa \u2026..\u2019 his voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u2018What about him and Pa?\u2019 Hoss prompted.<\/p>\n

\u2018I told ya before, they don\u2019t believe me,\u2019 Joe said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s just not true Joe.\u00a0 They do so believe ya!\u2019 Hoss declared. \u2018Ya heard Pa say as much ta Robert Deane didn\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well what else was he sposed ta say?\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t very well tell him what he really thought could he?\u2019 Joe drew his knees up and put his head down on them. \u2018You\u2019re the only one who really believes me Hoss.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s not sure, I can see it in his eyes.\u00a0 He really thinks I coulda done it.\u00a0 And as for Adam \u2026.. well he\u2019ll defend me of course, but he thinks I done it!\u2019\u00a0 Tears welled up in his eyes and he wiped them away furiously before his brother saw them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe that\u2019s just plain rubbish!\u00a0 Pa and Adam want ta help ya that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah sure they want ta help me.\u00a0 Can\u2019t have the Cartwright name dirtied can we? Can\u2019t have anyone point the finger at a Cartwright as a convicted criminal. Ya know what? I think they\u2019d be just as happy if I married Susanna and went away somewhere.\u00a0 Far enough so the scandal would die down. Well I ain\u2019t gonna do it!\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe boy, ya gotta calm down!\u00a0 Ya just can\u2019t go on like this!\u2019 Hoss said as he put his arm around his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Joe shook Hoss\u2019 hand away. \u2018Leave me alone Hoss. Just go away will ya?\u2019 He stared out over the lake.<\/p>\n

After a few moments Hoss spoke again. \u2018Sorry Joe, I just can\u2019t.\u00a0 Pa asked me to look after ya, and that\u2019s what I aim ta do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled slightly. \u2018Just like when we was kids eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned back at him. \u2018Yeah I reckon so. You sure were a terror ta look after then too.\u00a0 Always getting inta things and looking fer me ta get ya out again.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m still getting inta things ain\u2019t I big brother?\u2019 Joe looked at his older brother with unshed tears in his eyes. \u2018Only this time I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be able ta get me out of it Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss put his arm around his little brother\u2019s shoulders again, and this time they sat side-by-side looking at the water in silence together.<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

\u2018Pass the bread please Adam,\u2019 Ben asked as he held out his hand. He glanced at his youngest son seated beside him and frowned at the food still on his plate. \u2018Joseph please stop playing with your food and eat some of it.\u00a0 We have a busy day ahead and I won\u2019t have you going out with nothing in your stomach.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe put his fork into his mouth and gave his father a defiant look. \u2018Happy?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you dare use that tone of voice with me young man!\u2019 Ben said angrily and Joe hung his head. \u2018I know you are worried \u2013 we all are \u2013 but it\u2019s no reason to act like this!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 replied Joe still concentrating on the tablecloth in front of him.<\/p>\n

Ben turned his attention to Adam. \u2018Son I\u2019d like you to start on those fences near the creek today.\u00a0 Joe can help you.\u2019\u00a0 He sensed his youngest son tense beside him again. \u2018And yes Joseph, I do expect you to stay with your brother all day.\u00a0 We have had this conversation many times during the last two weeks and I am not about to change my decision about you not working alone for now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe scowled, but said nothing. Adam stood and wiped his mouth on his napkin. \u2018OK Pa. Coming Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Am I allowed ta go yet, or do I have ta ask permission ta leave food on my plate like a little kid?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben tried to hold down his temper and merely shrugged at his son and waved his hand. \u2018You may go Joseph,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

As the two left the room, Ben let out his breath with a rush and put his hand on his forehead. \u2018I don\u2019t know how long I can cope with this Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018The boy is forcing me to lose my temper with him constantly.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He don\u2019t mean it Pa,\u2019 Hoss replied. \u2018He\u2019s just so worried about all this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know he is,\u2019 Ben answered. \u2018We all are!\u00a0 But he\u2019s not helping himself or anyone else with this attitude.\u2019 He stood up and paced up and down the floor. \u2018I just don\u2019t know how to help him Hoss, I just don\u2019t know what to do for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss sat and looked at his father, at a loss as to what to say. After a few moments he said, \u2018Gee Pa, I don\u2019t think anyone knows what ta do fer him.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know that Joe knows himself.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stopped pacing and out his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I know Hoss.\u00a0 It\u2019s just so frustrating that\u2019s all.\u00a0 I just want to go into town and have it out with that girl, but I know I can\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at his father. \u2018Ya know that Joe thinks ya don\u2019t believe him Pa?\u00a0 I think that\u2019s what has got him so rattled.\u00a0 He told me that you\u2019re not sure if he\u2019s lying or not.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his son. \u2018That\u2019s just plain ridiculous Hoss.\u00a0 Of course I believe him. What kind of a father would I be if I didn\u2019t?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know ya do Pa.\u2019 Hoss stood up. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get going for the day.\u00a0 Those supplies won\u2019t bring themselves home. See ya at lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded at him and sat down again at the table, resting his head in his hands. God help me what kind of father am I? He\u2019s right! I really don\u2019t know whether to believe the boy or not! How could I think that Joseph would be lying to me? <\/em>He covered his eyes with his hands and prayed to find the strength to convince his son that he believed him.<\/p>\n

———————-<\/p>\n

\u2018Just slow down for a minute and I\u2019ll grab it!\u2019 Adam said. \u2018If you\u2019d just let it go, then I\u2019d be able to hold it for you Joe!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe pulled again on the wire and wrenched it from his brother\u2019s grasp. \u2018I can do it!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Leave it ta me!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam let go and stood back watching as his younger brother pulled on the wire until it snapped. \u2018Let\u2019s try again with another piece shall we?\u2019 he asked with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.<\/p>\n

Joe stomped away from him, muttering. \u2018Do it yourself then if you\u2019re so danged smart!\u2019\u00a0 He leant against a fence post and listened to the sound of the blood rushing in his head and felt his temples pounding as he tried to gain control of his breathing again. After a moment he felt his brother\u2019s hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

\u2018How about we have a break for a moment eh?\u2019 Adam asked. \u2018This isn\u2019t helping either of us.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook the hand away. \u2018Why don\u2019t ya just leave me alone Adam?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I can manage just fine without you!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Seems to me like you can\u2019t,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018This is a two man job Joe, and the longer you fight against me the harder it\u2019s going to be.\u2019 He looked at his brother and added, \u2018Come on buddy let\u2019s both support each other in this huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned to him, his eyes blazing. \u2018Support? You want support from me? What about me though Adam? What kind of support do I get from you huh?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe don\u2019t start with \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018With what?\u2019 Joe interrupted. \u2018With all this about the court case? Why not, it\u2019s real isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 It\u2019s really happening whether we like it or not!\u00a0 Joe Cartwright is an accused rapist!\u00a0 There, I\u2019ve said it! Can\u2019t you handle it big brother, or would you prefer that I just go away somewhere until this is all over and you don\u2019t have ta look at me?\u2019 He stood defiantly in front of his brother, his hands on his hips and his feet spread apart. \u2018Would that suit you Adam?\u00a0 Is that what you want?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam clenched his fists by his sides and tried to restrain himself from hitting this young tornado in front of him. \u2018Joe why don\u2019t you just \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Why don\u2019t I what?\u2019 Joe interrupted. \u2018Why don\u2019t I just get lost so that you and Pa can get back the Cartwright reputation again? That\u2019d be just fine wouldn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Then you wouldn\u2019t have the black sheep of the family under foot all the time!\u00a0 Then you could \u2026..\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as his brother\u2019s fist connected with his jaw and he was knocked off his feet.<\/p>\n

Adam stood above him, his eyes blazing and his fists ready. \u2018All right younger brother, you\u2019ve been spoiling for this for weeks.\u00a0 Come on! Let\u2019s get it over with!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe sprang to his feet and hit back at his brother, sending him flying backwards.\u00a0 He flung himself to the ground and the two rolled over and over in the dust until they were filthy.\u00a0 Amongst the tangle of arms and legs they managed to hit each other several times, each hit accompanied by a loud grunt.\u00a0 After several moments the activity slowed somewhat and they rolled to a halt both panting and trying to catch their breath.\u00a0 Adam looked at his younger brother lying beside him in the dirt and said coolly, \u2018Feel better now?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018Yeah, much!\u2019 He sat up and shook the dust out of his hair as he looked at his brother still lying beside him. \u2018How\u2019d ya know I needed ta do that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Simple,\u2019 replied his brother sitting up as well. \u2018I would if I was in your shoes. I\u2019ve seen it building up for weeks now.\u00a0 Figured you needed to really hit someone to get it out of your system, so I thought it may as well be me!\u2019 He grinned at his little brother. \u2018What are big brothers for?\u2019 He stood up and pulled Joe to his feet beside him. \u2018Now do you think we can have that break?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah sure brother,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018We can have that break now.\u2019<\/p>\n

———————-<\/p>\n

\u2018Thanks Sam,\u2019 said Hoss with a grin. \u2018Add it to the account will ya?\u00a0 One of us will be in at the end of the month ta pay it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Sam looked at him without smiling. \u2018That\u2019s fine Hoss, as long as it\u2019s not that younger brother of yours.\u00a0 I don\u2019t intend to do any business with him!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 grin quickly faded. \u2018What do ya mean by that?\u2019 he asked angrily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Just what I said!\u2019 Sam retorted. \u2018Your brother Adam, you and your Pa are welcome in my store at any time, but that younger brother of yours isn\u2019t.\u00a0 Just you keep him out of here! And I don\u2019t think you need to ask why do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I don\u2019t,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018But you\u2019re being mighty unfair Sam.\u00a0 Just because someone is accused of \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t care what you say Hoss! Everyone around here knows exactly what that younger brother of yours done, and he\u2019ll pay for it soon enough.\u00a0 I\u2019m not the only one who thinks so!\u2019\u00a0 Sam turned and entered the store, leaving Hoss fuming on the sidewalk. He shook his head and climbed up on the buckboard. Pa was sure right ta tell Little Joe ta stay away from town fer now! Seems like everyone is all riled up about this thing and their minds are already made up!<\/em><\/p>\n

As he slowly made his way up the main street, Hoss was aware of several people stopping and staring at him. He concentrated on the road in front of him, but felt increasingly uncomfortable as he progressed. By the time he had reached the Grain Store he was having difficulty holding his temper and got down slowly and carefully in an attempt to control it.<\/p>\n

As he walked towards the store he felt many pairs of eyes upon him, and turned to see a group of men just standing and staring.\u00a0 \u2018Morning,\u2019 he said, not expecting a response this time, but he was shocked when Clem Davis stepped forward and spoke.<\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Hoss.\u00a0 How\u2019s that young brother of yours?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him warily, not sure what was coming next. After a few moments he said. \u2018He\u2019s fine thanks Clem.\u2019<\/p>\n

Clem gave him a nasty grin. \u2018Well ain\u2019t that dandy? Just you tell him from me that the next time I see him in town I\u2019m going to knock his head off his shoulders.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned at the man, and clenched his fists. \u2018Now there\u2019s no need for talk like that Clem.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No need?\u2019 the man retorted. \u2018No need to make sure a dirty low-life like that brother of yours gets what\u2019s coming to him? Tell him I won\u2019t be as easy as that poor little girl he took on last time will ya Hoss?\u00a0 Tell him none of us appreciate scum of his kind in our town.\u00a0 Tell him that for me will ya Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss threw a punch square into the man\u2019s face and watched as he reeled backwards and hit the street in front of him. The crowd around them tightened, and he looked from one face to the other in dismay as he realised that all the onlookers were itching for a fight just as much as the man who lay writhing on the ground.\u00a0 Hoss drew a sigh and clenched his fists again.<\/p>\n

————————-<\/p>\n

\u2018Ow,\u2019 Hoss flinched away from the cloth that Ben was dabbing on his face and screwed his eyes shut for a moment. \u2018Watch it will ya Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry son,\u2019 said Ben as he dabbed again, more gently this time. \u2018Hold still for a bit longer.\u2019 Hoss sat as still as he could while his father continued to put the iodine over the many bruises and cuts that marred his face. \u2018Just what were you thinking Hoss?\u00a0 You out of all my boys are usually the one to hold his temper the longest. I don\u2019t understand how you got into all this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018If you\u2019d heard them Pa you would have done the same thing,\u2019 Hoss replied. \u2018I had ta fight. I couldn\u2019t let them say those things about Little Joe, could I?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What things?\u2019 his younger brother said behind him, and both of them jumped.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, I didn\u2019t see ya there,\u2019 Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u2018Obviously not,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018Well, what things were they saying about me Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nuthin,\u2019 Hoss muttered. \u2018Don\u2019t ya worry about it Joe, I fixed em good fer ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his brother for a moment. \u2018What did they say?\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph it doesn\u2019t matter what was said,\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018The important thing is that you continue to stay out of town. Judging by what happened to your brother today, the best thing you can do at the moment is to stick as close to the house as possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Like a little kid who needs protection, eh Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe replied. \u2018Sure thing! And for how long do you think I can hide here? How long do you think it will take for people to forget about this?\u00a0 Ten years?\u00a0 Twenty?\u00a0 Or maybe you\u2019d like ta see me never leave the Ponderosa again.\u00a0 Would that be long enough Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph! Don\u2019t you speak to me in that fashion young man!\u2019 Ben thundered at him. \u2018I mean until the trial of course.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh yeah, of course!\u00a0 Until the trial!\u00a0 And then what Pa? Either I\u2019ll be in prison, so I guess that\u2019ll solve the problem won\u2019t it?\u00a0 Or I\u2019ll be found not guilty and life will go on as normal?\u00a0 Yeah sure!\u00a0 I\u2019ll believe that when I see it! Just what is going to happen after the trial Pa? You tell me!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph! I won\u2019t have you talking to me like this!\u2019 Ben reached out and shook his son by the shoulders. \u2018Calm down and we\u2019ll talk it through.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Talk!\u2019 Joe shook off his father\u2019s hands. \u2018Talk! I\u2019m sick of talk! I can\u2019t stand this much longer Pa!\u00a0 If we don\u2019t get ta that trial soon I\u2019m gonna explode!\u2019 He turned and marched out the front door, slamming it behind him as he went.<\/p>\n

Ben stood holding the cloth in his hand and stared at the door in front of him. Lord help him! And help me too!\u00a0 Help us all get him through this in one piece.<\/em>
\nPart Three <\/em>
\n\u00a0May 1865<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe sat and stared at the watch in his hand and read the inscription for the tenth time:<\/p>\n

Joseph Cartwright<\/em><\/p>\n

on your 21st birthday
\nfrom your loving father<\/em><\/p>\n

He smiled as he thought back to that day six months ago when his father had presented him with the symbol of his emergence into manhood and remembered how proudly he had looked at him. Joe swallowed as he fought back the tears that threatened to fall as he remembered his father\u2019s words. In fact Joseph you\u2019ve grown into a son any father would be proud of. I certainly am!<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe looked over the shimmering water of the lake and frowned. How proud of me are you now Pa? You can\u2019t honestly be after all that\u2019s happened this year! <\/em>\u00a0He sighed and rested his chin on his drawn up knees, still clutching the watch in his hand. There were times when he felt so tired of it all that he just wanted to get up and leave it all behind him. Maybe he should have married Susanna after all and moved away from here?\u00a0 Maybe he should have just taken off and not told anyone where he was going? Maybe his family would have been better off without him and all the problems that he had brought to them?<\/p>\n

Joe lay down in the grass and looked up at the sky.\u00a0 No! I made the right decision by staying. Pa always says we have ta face things in life, and running away wouldn\u2019t have solved anything.\u00a0 Besides, how could I live without all of this? <\/em>Joe looked around him at the blue lake and the tall pines stretching up towards the blue sky. He drank in the fragrance of the pines and heard the whistle of the birds in the trees as he lay there. This place was in his very soul, and he knew that he would be miserable trying to live anywhere else on this earth.<\/p>\n

Joe shuddered as the thought came to him that he soon might not have a choice.\u00a0 The trial was due to start tomorrow, and even though he had been longing for that day to arrive now that it was here he was extremely fearful about the outcome. And the actual event,<\/em> he acknowledged to himself.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood had made him go over and over his answers until he was word perfect with them, but the words had never become easier to say, and Joe was fearful of uttering them in front of all those who he had no doubt would appear to see a Cartwright on trial.\u00a0 The details of that night were private and embarrassing to him, and he dreaded having to repeat for everyone what had actually happened. Most of all he dreaded what the prosecutor might ask him, and how he might twist Joe\u2019s comments to his advantage.\u00a0 Hiram had warned him that it could become tricky, and Joe didn\u2019t look forward to what might be ahead of him.<\/p>\n

Most of all though, he dreaded what the outcome might be.\u00a0 Even though he knew himself to be innocent and the evidence against him was mainly circumstantial, it was obvious that the jury would undoubtedly be swayed against him and for Susanna. He didn\u2019t know how he would cope if he were found guilty, and the very thought of what that would mean to his life filled him with a feeling of despair.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that he wouldn\u2019t ever have to find out how he would cope with it.<\/p>\n

And then there was Susanna herself. Joe hadn\u2019t laid eyes on the girl since this whole business had begun, and he didn\u2019t relish the thought of sitting across the courtroom from her while the trial was taking place. He realised that she would be showing her pregnancy now, and the thought of looking at her in that condition knowing that everyone thought the child was his, was not one that he wanted to entertain at all.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the tears begin to fall, and brushed them away impatiently. It isn\u2019t fair! I haven\u2019t done anything, so why do I have to go through this? <\/em>He turned his head and looked at the stone marker next to him that marked the place where his mother rested. Mama, I need you ta help me tomorrow.\u00a0 I can\u2019t do this by myself! Please mama, help me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe knew his father and brothers would be there beside him every step of the way.\u00a0 Up until now they had done everything in their power to make this as easy as possible for him, but Joe knew that tomorrow he would be on that stand alone and facing his personal demons completely by himself. He just hoped that he would be able to cope without embarrassing either himself or his family.<\/p>\n

Joe stood and stretched as he tilted his head back and felt the sun on his face, hoping that he would have many opportunities to feel this again in the years to come. The thought of prison scared him witless and he had up until now tried not to concentrate on what it might be like.\u00a0 Most of all in the world he would miss doing exactly what he was doing right at this moment.\u00a0 Here by the lake at his favourite spot next to his mother and looking at the land that he loved so much, it struck him just what he might have to endure and for a moment he went cold with the thought of it.<\/p>\n

He touched the stone marker by his side and closed his eyes as the thought crossed his mind that it could possible be a long time before he had the opportunity to stand here again. Goodbye mama, stay with me now cause I need you!\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back one day, I promise!<\/em><\/p>\n

With his head hung low and the tears falling unchecked down his face, Joe mounted his horse and rode up the hill without a backward glance.<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 Ben repeated, \u2018Are you going to eat that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father and shook his head. \u2018I can\u2019t eat Pa.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t feel like it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked closely at his son and noted the dark rings around his eyes and the paleness of his face.\u00a0 His eyes had a sad and defeated look about them, and his whole body sagged.\u00a0 He reached out and patted the boy\u2019s arm. \u2018I understand Joe, but you\u2019ll have to at least try and eat some breakfast in the morning.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to need your strength tomorrow.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I\u2019ll try.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and moved slowly away from the table as if in a daze. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go up to my room now.\u00a0 I need to get some sleep.\u2019 He turned and walked to the staircase without another word, his shoulders sagging and his head bent.<\/p>\n

Three pairs of eyes followed him as he slowly mounted the staircase and disappeared. There was silence at the table as the three remaining Cartwrights continued to eat, finally broken by Ben. \u2018Boys I want you to stay close to your brother tomorrow when we get to town.\u00a0 There\u2019s no telling what we\u2019re going to find waiting for us when we arrive.\u2019<\/p>\n

They both nodded. \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 Hoss replied. \u2018You can count on us.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018I know I can son.\u2019 He stood up and put his napkin on the table. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go and see if Joseph is all right, then have an early night myself. See that you both do as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Night Pa,\u2019 Adam replied, as they both watched their father go upstairs. \u2018Think I\u2019ll get some fresh air Hoss.\u2019 He left the room and Hoss sighed as he was left alone at the table.<\/p>\n

Joe sat by the window and looked at the night sky lit with a million stars. He breathed in the fresh air scented with the pines and tried to imprint it on his brain.\u00a0 He knew that this could be his last opportunity to sit here like this, and the thought wouldn\u2019t leave him. Please God, just let me come home here again and I\u2019ll never ask you for anything else again!\u00a0 Please God just don\u2019t let this happen! Please God!<\/em><\/p>\n

He buried his face in his hands and sobbed aloud for a few moments allowing himself the luxury of letting out his feelings.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard footsteps and turned to see his father standing beside him with tears in his eyes also. No words were spoken as they reached out and wrapped their arms around each other in a comforting embrace.\u00a0 Ben stroked the boy\u2019s hair and murmured to him as he held him. They stayed in this position for quite some time until Joe\u2019s sobs subsided and he pulled himself away from his father.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa, I didn\u2019t mean to do that,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t apologize Joe, there\u2019s nothing wrong with showing your true feelings you know,\u2019 his father replied, while he continued to stroke his son\u2019s hair. \u2018I\u2019ve been waiting for you to do that for weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father lovingly, the tears continuing to roll down his face. \u2018Have you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018Yes. You\u2019ll be able to face tomorrow a little better with that out of your system now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip as he continued to look at his father. \u2018I just hope I can face tomorrow Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m \u2026. I\u2019m real scared, ya know?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes son, I know.\u00a0 It\u2019s only natural that you\u2019re scared.\u00a0 Just remember though that your brothers and I will be there with you every bit of the way.\u00a0 We won\u2019t let you go through this alone.\u2019 Joe nodded. \u2018And when it gets too rough Joe, you look at me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be sitting there just for you boy, and I\u2019ll try to help you any way I can.\u00a0 Just look into my eyes son, and I\u2019ll be there for you.\u2019 Joe nodded again as Ben continued. \u2018Your mother will too, you know that don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa, I know that.\u00a0 I went to see her this afternoon.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d better go in case\u2026\u2026 in case I don\u2019t get back there again.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and held his son tightly to him. His one wish was to take this hurt away from his son, and he felt so powerless because he was unable to do so. \u2018Come on son,\u2019 he said patting the back of his neck, \u2018I think you need to get some sleep.\u00a0 Would you like me to stay with you for a while?\u2019<\/p>\n

Normally Joe would have scoffed at this suggestion, but tonight he felt that he wanted his father\u2019s presence with him for as long as possible. He nodded gratefully and stood to move towards the bed. Ben watched as his son changed into his nightshirt and got under the covers, and then moved to sit next to him on the side of the bed. Joe reached up and took something off the chest of drawers next to the bed and held it out to his father. \u2018Pa I want you ta keep this for me, will you?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked down at the watch in his son\u2019s hand. \u2018Joe that belongs to you.\u00a0 I wanted you to have it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know Pa, but in case they find \u2026. I mean, in case I don\u2019t come back I want you to keep it safe for me. I can\u2019t take it to \u2026. prison ya know.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father pleadingly.<\/p>\n

Ben caught his breath before he replied. \u2018Joseph, you\u2019re not going to prison.\u00a0 Get that thought out of your head!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe continued to stare at his father and hold the watch out to him. After a few moments Ben took it and put it into his pocket. \u2018I\u2019ll keep it for you tomorrow, and then I\u2019ll give it back to you,\u2019 he replied. \u2018When we come back here together tomorrow night,\u2019 he added meaningfully.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile at his father. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said softly, and then rolled over. \u2018I think I\u2019ll get some sleep now. Night.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Night son,\u2019 Ben replied, but didn\u2019t move from his position on the bed.\u00a0 They both knew that the chances of Joe getting some sleep were slim and Ben wanted to stay by his son as long as possible. Together they faced the long and lonely night with all its fears.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

As the four Cartwrights entered Main Street, they all felt trepidation at the sight before them.\u00a0 The crowd outside the Courthouse was enormous and spilled out from the building and across the street.\u00a0 It seemed as if every family in the district was represented here today, ready to catch a glimpse of the event that everyone had been buzzing about for so long.\u00a0 Ben felt his youngest stiffen beside him at the sight, and reached out to touch him on the thigh and give him an encouraging pat. He sensed Adam and Hoss drawing their horses closer to the boy as if to protect him on either side as they made their way slowly down the street through the crowd.<\/p>\n

As they progressed, a hush drew over the crowd and the entire street became quiet.\u00a0 Joe kept his eyes focused on his horse in front of him and allowed the animal a free rein to follow his father\u2019s horse in front, not daring to meet the gaze of those around him.\u00a0 The only sound that could be heard were their horses\u2019 hooves, and they sounded eerie and strangely out of place.<\/p>\n

As they reached the Courthouse the crowd in front of them parted and they stopped to tie up their horses. Joe had a strong urge to turn his horse and flee the way he had come, and it took all of his courage to dismount and stand upright next to his father and brothers.\u00a0 Adam took the reins from his hand and Ben held onto his arm as they mounted the steps and approached the door to the building.\u00a0 Just as they reached it, a man from the crowd stepped forward and looked at Joe closely with a sneer, then without a word he lifted his head and spat full into his face.<\/p>\n

Joe stood stunned for a moment, and then raised his hand to strike his assailant, but Ben held onto it firmly with one hand and pushed his son into the building with the other. They stood facing each other for a moment both breathing heavily, and then Ben pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his son\u2019s face with it. His eyes pleaded with Joe to remain calm and his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder held him with a vice-like grip. After a moment Joe nodded, and they proceeded to take their places in the front row of the inner room next to Hiram.<\/p>\n

Joe sat and studied the floor in front of him, unwilling to meet the eyes of any of the occupants of the room.\u00a0 He willed himself to keep calm and concentrated on the sounds and the murmurs around him as he waited.\u00a0 After a moment the murmurs increased and he looked up to see a huddle of people enter from the back door. In the middle of the group was Robert Deane, holding his daughter\u2019s arm to support her.\u00a0 As they walked the length of the room, Joe could not take his eyes from them, try as he did.\u00a0 Robert stared directly at him, his face a picture of hatred and rage that boiled near to the surface, and Joe tried not to flinch away at his look.\u00a0 Susanna held her head high and refused to look at him at all, rather concentrating on her father and his reaction to the boy.<\/p>\n

Joe looked directly at Susanna and saw her for the first time in many months.\u00a0 She was now looking obviously pregnant and carried herself with a weariness that spoke volumes.\u00a0 He felt a twinge of sympathy for her as he realised just what this must be doing to her as well, but the thought was quickly replaced by the one that she had chosen to be here, whereas he had not.<\/p>\n

The sounds around them stilled as everyone in the room craned their heads to see Joe\u2019s response to the girl, and he forced himself to not react in any way.\u00a0 He felt his father\u2019s hand on his knee pressing hard, as if to remind him to remain calm, and he remembered how he had always done this when Joe was a child in church, trying to keep him still for the service.\u00a0 He gazed ahead without flinching, and willed himself to concentrate on anything but the sight of Susanna in front of him.<\/p>\n

When both groups were ready, the judge entered and before Joe knew what had happened they were into the trial itself.\u00a0 He tried to concentrate on the opening words of all parties involved, but the sounds seemed to come from a distance and he felt as though he were somewhat detached from it all.\u00a0 Hiram responded at the appropriate times on his behalf. He was surprised to suddenly see Dr Paul Martin on the stand, and couldn\u2019t remember him being called for.\u00a0 Joe shook his head and tried to concentrate on the doctor\u2019s words as he described the events when he had examined Susanna and pronounced her to be pregnant.\u00a0 At his words there was a general murmur around the courtroom, and the judge called for silence.<\/p>\n

Next came Sheriff Coffee who gave Joe a sympathetic look as he mounted the stand.\u00a0 Joe realised how difficult this must be for the sheriff, as he must have been feeling under a great deal of strain at having to testify in this way against his best friend\u2019s son. The sheriff described how he had found Joe and Susanna in the alleyway, and mentioned the scratches on Joe\u2019s arm and the mark on his face when prompted to.\u00a0 Experienced lawman that he was, he stated the facts as they had happened and didn\u2019t embellish on them at all.\u00a0 As he got down from the stand and regained his place in the courtroom, he patted Ben\u2019s shoulder as he passed.\u00a0 Ben acknowledged the touch with a slight smile, and then turned immediately to see who might be called next.<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Joe stiffened when they heard prosecutor say \u2018Adam Cartwright.\u2019\u00a0 They had all known that Adam was likely to be called on of course, but hearing his name called still brought a jolt of reality to them all.\u00a0 The tension in the room could be felt as the brother of the accused described how Joe had left the dance with Susanna and his eventual return.\u00a0 Adam was forced to acknowledge the scratches and the bruise that he had witnessed on his brother when he made it back to the dance.<\/p>\n

\u2018And did your brother give you any explanation as to where they had come from?\u2019 asked the prosecutor.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at Joe with a sorrowful look. \u2018No,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018No he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 But \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you, that will be all,\u2019 the prosecutor waved him aside.<\/p>\n

\u2018But I didn\u2019t really give him a chance!\u2019 interrupted Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018That will be all,\u2019 repeated the prosecutor.<\/p>\n

\u2018But\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said the judge firmly. \u2018You may step down.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam resumed his seat and shrugged his shoulders at Hiram as he did so. Joe gave him a half smile.<\/p>\n

\u2018I now call Miss Susanna Deane to the stand,\u2019 said the prosecutor and the entire courthouse tensed as the girl stood and walked to the stand, supported by her father. Once she was seated she nodded to him and he left her.\u00a0 Now that she was facing Joe, he found it very difficult to know where to look, and tried his best to fix his gaze at a spot on the wall above the judge\u2019s head.\u00a0 But time and time again throughout her testimony his gaze was forced back to her as he heard her lies.<\/p>\n

He listened as she described in detail the events of that night \u2013 events that were very different from the way he remembered them.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe was all over me right from the moment I walked in.\u00a0 It was true that I asked him to dance, but that\u2019s all I meant to happen.\u2019 She buried her face for a moment in a handkerchief. \u2018I never for a moment realised what he must have had in mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Please take your time Miss Deane,\u2019 said the prosecutor sympathetically. \u2018What happened then?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well during the dance he kept \u2026\u2019 she bowed her head, \u2018you know, pressing himself up against me.\u2019\u00a0 There was a murmur from the crowd, and Joe felt himself flush with embarrassment. Liar! She was doing it, not me!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018And then when the music stopped I told him I was going outside because I didn\u2019t feel well. He insisted on coming out with me and getting me a drink.\u00a0 I told him not to bother, but he insisted.\u2019\u00a0 Liar!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018I felt very uncomfortable with the way he was leaning so close to me, so I told him I was going home. The next thing I knew he was inside telling poor Becky that he needed to walk me home.\u00a0 He left that poor girl there by herself, even though I insisted that he didn\u2019t need to come with me.\u2019\u00a0 Another murmur went through the crowd.<\/p>\n

\u2018As we walked down the street he began to \u2026..\u2019 her voice trailed away.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please go on Miss Deane,\u2019 said the prosecutor.<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s so embarrassing!\u2019 sobbed Susanna into her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

\u2018Please take your time Miss Deane.\u00a0 Take a few moments to compose yourself,\u2019 said the judge.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, thank you.\u2019 She looked up again. \u2018He began to make suggestive remarks to me. I asked him to stop but he wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 When I turned away from him, he\u2026.\u00a0 he pulled at me and tore the sleeve of my dress.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and felt a feeling of rage and frustration wash over himself. Damn liar! Why is she doing this to me? <\/em>He felt the powerlessness of his situation overwhelm him and clenched his fists in his lap.\u00a0 His father\u2019s hand on his arm went unnoticed.<\/p>\n

\u2018I ran from him,\u2019 Susanna continued, \u2018but he followed me into an alleyway.\u00a0 I tried to get away from him, honestly I did!\u2019 Her blue eyes looked pleadingly at the jury. \u2018But he was too fast for me. \u2018He \u2026. he held onto me.\u00a0 I screamed a few times, and then I managed to slap his face, but he just kept \u2026. he kept holding on to me and touching \u2026.\u2019 Her voice trailed away again. \u2018Oh please, I can\u2019t,\u2019 she cried and buried her face again in her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

\u2018There, there,\u2019 said the judge. \u2018I know this is difficult for you my dear, but you are nearly finished. \u2018Please tell us what happened next.\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna took a deep breath and stilled her sobs. \u2018He touched me and I scratched him. Then he threw me down and \u2026.and \u2026.and he forced himself on me.\u2019<\/p>\n

The crowd erupted, and the judge was forced to bang his gavel several times before he could restore quiet. \u2018When it was over the sheriff came, and Joe pretended that nothing had happened. I don\u2019t remember much after that, except\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019 the prosecutor asked. \u2018Except?<\/p>\n

\u2018Except that he came to my house the next day and told me that if I said anything he\u2019d hurt me even more,\u2019 she finished with a flourish, looking directly at Joe as she spoke the words.<\/p>\n

\u2018Miss Deane I will need to ask you an important question now,\u2019 the prosecutor said softly. \u2018Is Joseph Cartwright the father of your baby?\u2019<\/p>\n

Susanna looked directly at Joe as she answered. \u2018Yes he is,\u2019 she declared.<\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t believe what he was hearing. Why does she hate me so much?\u00a0 What did I so to make her do this to me?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hiram did his best to discredit Susanna\u2019s story next, and Joe realised as he went though her testimony just how flimsy her story was, but on the other hand how believable to anyone who had not actually been there.\u00a0 And the jury hadn\u2019t! <\/em>Joe glanced at the men who sat in judgement upon him.\u00a0 None of then had met his eye at any time, and he honestly didn\u2019t know what must have been going through their minds. Did they believe her? Or did they see through her story? Did they see the evidence for what it was, and realise that it was circumstances alone that were stacked against him, or did they see the circumstances as all too coincidental?\u00a0 Joe had no way of getting inside their heads, and found himself becoming increasingly agitated as he forced himself to sit there. As she was helped down from the stand and returned sobbing to her seat he felt the wrath of the entire room fall upon him and quaked at the thought of what must be going through the minds of everyone who had heard her version of the facts. Liar!<\/em><\/p>\n

As he struggled to control himself, his father\u2019s grip on his arm tightened and he sought comfort from it. But somehow it didn\u2019t help.\u00a0 He felt as if he was adrift on a raft by himself, and no one or nothing could touch him.\u00a0 He was unreachable, and beyond help. He hardly heard the words as they were spoken, and it was only the touch of his father urging him forward that gave him the courage to stand as his name was called a second time.<\/p>\n

The walk to the stand seemed to be an endless one, yet when it ended he wished it hadn\u2019t.\u00a0 To turn and see all the faces looking at him was unbearable. Faces that held no sympathy for him, but surveyed him with looks of pure hatred and venom. He held his breath and fixed his gaze on a spot on the back wall, as Hiram had instructed him to.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, could you please relate the events of the night in question to the jury,\u2019 Hiram instructed him, and he swallowed before trying to find his voice.\u00a0 As he went through the well-rehearsed speech that they had prepared so well, he once again felt himself detached and somehow drifting above the scene as if he was not so much a part of it as a spectator.\u00a0\u00a0 Before he knew it, his recount of the events was over.\u00a0 He had been factual and to the point, and Hiram gave him a satisfied nod before sitting.<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again as the prosecutor stood and approached him. He looked away from the man and over to the group seated behind the low railing, and caught sight of Susanna\u2019s mocking stare.\u00a0 He felt another bout of rage rise inside him, and quickly looked to the other side where his father and brothers sat.\u00a0 He locked his gaze onto his father\u2019s and looked deeply into his eyes for a moment. Help me Pa!\u00a0 Help me to get through this!<\/em><\/p>\n

The prosecutor\u2019s voice forced his attention back to the man standing in front of him. \u2018Mr Cartwright, you said that Miss Deane was forcing her attentions on you throughout the night?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 he replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018You honestly expect this court to believe that a young girl would do that in the middle of a crowded room full of people?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe felt his anger rise to the surface. \u2018Yes I do!\u2019 he retorted.\u00a0 Hiram looked directly at him and shook his head, and Joe immediately sat back in his seat and tried to control himself.<\/p>\n

\u2018And later on the way to her house, you would have us believe that it was in fact her pushing her advances onto you and not the other way around?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 he said again, more controlled this time.<\/p>\n

And so it went on.\u00a0 Every statement he had made was questioned by the prosecutor and somehow twisted to look as though it had been exaggerated or somehow incorrect. When the time came for him to step down he felt the frustration build up to an unbearable level, and he longed to yell at them all.<\/p>\n

As each lawyer gave their closing statements he found his thoughts drifting away from their words, and concentrated on a simple prayer.\u00a0 His father had always taught him that God always defends those who are right, but at this particular moment in time Joe began to feel himself doubting that. God forgive me! I really don\u2019t know if I can trust you to get me through this! Please forgive me and help me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Suddenly it was over.\u00a0 Joe opened his eyes to the movement of people everywhere.\u00a0 The jury were departing and the crowd was dispersing and spilling out to the street to discuss the morning\u2019s events over lunch.\u00a0 His father put his arm around his shoulder and whispered to him. \u2018You did well son.\u00a0 It\u2019s over now for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

He looked into his father\u2019s eyes and tried to give him a smile, but failed dismally. \u2018Come on boy, we need to get some food into you.\u2019 Ben pulled his son to his feet and led him out of a back door and into another room. Joe followed his father obediently, not knowing where they were going and not really caring.\u00a0 His emotions were dead, and the effects of the hours of tension were beginning to tell on him.\u00a0 He looked around him with a glazed expression and said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u2018This way Ben.\u2019 Roy Coffee motioned for them to follow him through another doorway and up a flight of stairs, and Joe realised that his father must have organised somewhere for them to be away from the prying eyes of everyone who had been a witness to the morning\u2019s events. He nearly sobbed with relief when the door closed and he was left alone with his father and brothers for the first time since they had stepped foot in the courthouse early that morning.<\/p>\n

At once, Ben moved towards him and put his arms around his shoulders.\u00a0 Joe clung to his father and put his head on the broad shoulder as he closed his eyes and listened to the silence around them.\u00a0 After a moment he heard his father\u2019s comforting voice. \u2018Joseph, are you all right?\u2019<\/p>\n

He nodded, but didn\u2019t lift his head.\u00a0 He longed to stay in this position forever, desperate to feel the comfort of his father\u2019s arms and pretend that his touch would make it all go away just as it had when he had been a child. The tears began to fall from his eyes and he tried to brush them away without his brothers seeing them, but after a moment he didn\u2019t even care about that.\u00a0 The only sound in the room apart from his sniffles was the sound of the clock on the wall ticking.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

Joe looked out of the window and stared at the crowd below. What are they thinking? <\/em>He could almost hear the words as they were spoken, and so engrossed was he in trying to listen, that he failed to hear his father beside him. \u2018Joe I really wish you\u2019d try to eat something son.\u00a0 You need you to keep your strength up.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head and continued to watch the crowd below, fascinated by what he was seeing.<\/p>\n

After a moment he turned and asked for the tenth time that hour. \u2018How long do you think they\u2019ll take?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben gave him the standard answer that they had all learned off by heart now. \u2018No body knows Joseph.\u00a0 It could be hours or even days. Hiram will come to us the minute the jury appears back in the courtroom.\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded and turned back to the crowd again.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam and Hoss and shook his head. He tried again. \u2018Joe, do you want to lie down for a while?\u00a0 There\u2019s a bedroom next door for us to use.\u2019\u00a0 Joe shook his head again without even turning this time from the window.<\/p>\n

Ben moved over to him and began to massage his shoulders as he spoke. \u2018Joe you have to relax.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t helping you at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I just can\u2019t understand how she could do this to me. How could she say those things?\u2019 Joe looked at his father. \u2018Why would she lie like that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018She\u2019s scared Joe. It must be terrible for her to be in the position she is.\u00a0 Just imagine for a moment how hard it must be for her to face this whole town in her condition. A lot of people must be giving her a hard time over this.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know that!\u00a0 But surely it doesn\u2019t give her the right to drag me into this?\u00a0 Why blame me for it?\u2019\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes blazed with an anger that he sought to control.<\/p>\n

Ben continued to massage his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018I don\u2019t have an answer for that Joe.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why she\u2019s doing it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe moved away from his father and bent his face against the windowpane.\u00a0 After a moment he said again, \u2018How long do you think they\u2019ll take?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed him by the arm. \u2018Joe come away from the window now.\u00a0 Come and sit down.\u2019<\/p>\n

At that moment, Hiram entered the room and four pairs of eyes immediately fixed on him. \u2018The jury is returning,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018It\u2019s time to go back in.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his youngest son who still stood by the window and noted the colour drain from his face. \u2018But they haven\u2019t even been an hour!\u2019 Ben exclaimed. \u2018How could they reach a decision so quickly?\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram shrugged his shoulders. \u2018All I know is that they have. Come on Joseph, we need to get back down there now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood still by the window, not acknowledging the man at all. Ben walked over to him and bent close to his face as he said quietly. \u2018Joseph we need to go back in now. Come with me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned to face his father. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said beseechingly, \u2018Pa?\u2019 He held out his hand and grasped Ben\u2019s arm tightly.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded to him and patted his shoulder. \u2018Come on Joe, your brothers and I are here with you.\u00a0 We\u2019ll all go together.\u2019\u00a0 He led the boy out of the room and down the stairs, followed by Hoss.<\/p>\n

As Hiram began to follow them, Adam clutched him by the arm and said, \u2018Hiram, what does this mean?\u00a0 Do you think it\u2019s a good sign that they\u2019ve come to a decision so quickly?\u2019<\/p>\n

The lawyer frowned. \u2018I really don\u2019t know Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s always so hard to pick these things. All I know is that the evidence against Joseph is circumstantial, and I hope to God that they see it that way as well.\u00a0 If not\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders. \u2018There\u2019s always the chance of an appeal.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And how long would that take?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018A few months to get back to court.\u00a0 In the meantime the boy would have to serve his time in prison.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to smile at Adam and patted him on the arm. \u2018Let\u2019s hope it doesn\u2019t come to that.\u00a0 For your father\u2019s sake if nothing else.\u00a0 I have a feeling that Joseph going to prison would be a blow that Ben would find very difficult to take.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018We all would,\u2019 Adam replied. \u2018Particularly Joe himself. He\u2019s always been the kind of kid who finds it really hard to stay in one place for any length of time.\u00a0 Prison would be extremely hard for my little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hiram moved through the doorway. \u2018Let\u2019s go and get this over with shall we?\u2019 he said as he descended the stairs.<\/p>\n

——————-<\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights seated themselves at the front of the courtroom a hush fell over the room and everyone waited with a tenseness that was tangible for the return of the jury.\u00a0 Joe felt his heart begin to beat faster and found it difficult to breathe as he watched them return one by one to their places and closed his eyes briefly as he said a silent prayer.\u00a0 Before he could begin to put his thoughts in order he heard his name called and felt his elbow nudged by Hiram on one side and supported by his father on the other.<\/p>\n

His knees shaking, Joe sought to maintain control as he clenched his fists by his side and stood to face the judge.\u00a0 He tried to concentrate on the words that were being spoken around him, but they seemed far away and he struggled to make sense of them as he prepared himself for the worst.<\/p>\n

Please God help me not to break down!\u00a0 Please God just let me not show them how I feel!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Have you reached a verdict?\u2019 the judge asked the foreman.<\/p>\n

Please God!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018We have your honour,\u2019 the man replied and handed the judge a piece of paper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0Don\u2019t let it happen!<\/em><\/p>\n

The judge glanced at it for a moment and then looked up to meet Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Help me!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph Cartwright you have been found not guilty of the charge laid against you.\u00a0 Case is dismissed,\u2019 he announced, and with that the single sentence the courtroom erupted.<\/p>\n

\u2018NO!\u2019 screamed Robert Deane from across the room and threw himself forward towards Joe. \u2018No! He\u2019s guilty! Let me at him!\u2019<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee and the prosecutor quickly stepped forward between the Cartwrights and the distraught man and held onto him firmly.\u00a0 \u2018Settle down!\u2019 Roy yelled at him as the crowd behind him began to mill around.\u00a0 \u2018Listen to me Robert and settle down!\u2019<\/p>\n

The judge banged his gavel several times to demand silence, but he couldn\u2019t be heard above the noise that was increasing by the minute.<\/p>\n

Roy turned to Ben and yelled to him. \u2018Get Joe out the back way! Get him out, for God\u2019s sake!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben needed no second bidding to do as the sheriff instructed and grabbed Joe, who was standing as if in a trance, and began to pull him towards the back door.\u00a0 Adam swiftly ran in front of them and headed straight out.\u00a0 Ben guessed rightly that he was going to try and grab their horses and have them ready at the back door.\u00a0 Hoss stood behind his father and Joe, his large bulky frame providing a perfect barricade against the crowd that was now surging forward, his arms flung outward in order to shield them as much as possible from any contact.<\/p>\n

Ben held onto his son for dear life, dragging him forward and out of the room. Joe didn\u2019t resist his father, but neither did he seem to care much what was happening either. By the time they reached the outer door and saw Adam with the horses, Ben was shouting into his youngest son\u2019s ear. \u2018Joseph! Keep with me boy, quickly now!\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss practically threw his younger brother into the saddle and Adam grabbed the reins as they made their exit via the back alleyway. Behind them the crowd\u2019s noise could still be heard and drowned out the beating of their horse\u2019s hooves as they departed the town and headed for the security of The Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

———————-<\/p>\n

Ben looked up as Adam descended the stairs and seated himself opposite his father on the settee.\u00a0 \u2018Is he still asleep?\u2019 he asked, and Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes he is.\u00a0 I\u2019m beginning to wonder if he\u2019ll ever wake up.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018He really has a lot of catching up to do Adam,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019m sure he hasn\u2019t slept properly in days.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Have any of us?\u2019\u00a0 his son replied. \u2018Hoss is out to it as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Please God we\u2019ll all be able to settle down a bit now that it\u2019s all over,\u2019 Ben replied.\u00a0 \u2018What we all need is some peace and quiet for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam sat in thought for a moment before replying to his father. \u2018Pa you know as well as I do that it\u2019s not over by any means.\u00a0 You saw the reaction of that crowd this afternoon.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 Ben replied. \u2018I think it\u2019s best if we all stay here on The Ponderosa for a while.\u00a0 Particularly Joseph.\u2019\u00a0 He frowned. \u2018I just hope to God that he\u2019ll be able to overcome this in time.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well judging by that crowd this afternoon, it\u2019s going to take a lot more than just time to fix this situation,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You know that most of them don\u2019t believe for an instant that he\u2019s innocent, and they\u2019ll do everything they can to make his life a misery.\u00a0 Not to mention what her father might do.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben covered his face with his hands and sighed. \u2018Well all we can do at the moment is make sure that we give Joseph the time to sort out his feelings over this, and the space to keep him from everyone while he\u2019s doing it.\u2019 He glanced across at his eldest son who was trying to stifle a yawn. \u2018I think it\u2019s time we all got some sleep,\u2019 he said, \u2018come on son.\u2019\u00a0 As they mounted the stairs wearily together, Ben put his arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder and said quietly, \u2018Thank you for helping today with your brother, son.\u00a0 You and Hoss did a fine job of helping to keep him safe.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his father. \u2018We\u2019d both do anything for that kid.\u00a0 You know that Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben squeezed his shoulder tightly. \u2018Yes, I do know that son.\u00a0 Joseph is a lucky young man to have two brothers like you and Hoss.\u2019 He patted him on the back as they reached Joe\u2019s room. \u2018You go on to bed now, I\u2019ll just check on your younger brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Night Pa.\u2019 He knew that Ben needed to check on the boy not for Joe\u2019s sake, but for his own.<\/p>\n

Ben knew it too, and didn\u2019t try to disguise the fact.\u00a0 Seated by Joe\u2019s bed moments later, he looked at the sleeping young man and offered up a prayer of thanks to God for keeping his son out of prison and close by his side once again. No one knew better than Ben Cartwright just how difficult prison would have been for this son of his who had been on the move since the moment of his birth, and before as well.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he remembered the many nights Marie had kept him awake until the early hours of the morning complaining about this child of theirs kicking her until she was sure she was black and blue inside.\u00a0 She was sure that he was going to be a boy because she said that no girl would have had that much energy!\u00a0 Indeed the first time Ben had laid eyes on the new baby he was struck by the amount of energy the small squirming bundle seemed to have had, and continued to have during the months after his birth.\u00a0 He had surely kept them all on their toes as he demanded their full and utmost attention!<\/p>\n

From a squalling infant to an energetic toddler, to a mischievous youngster and now to a restless young man, Joseph had always been the sort of person who could not keep still for anything.\u00a0 Even now in his sleep he began to toss under the covers as if to prove the point to his father, and Ben smiled as he replaced the covers over him again. Joseph!\u00a0 Always fidgeting, always moving, always pacing! No Joseph, you would never have coped well with prison. <\/em>\u00a0Ben thanked the Lord that his son had never had to find out for sure.<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and blinked as he looked at the stream of sunlight that cut across the bed.\u00a0 He shifted his head to watch the flapping curtains as they moved in the gentle breeze that drifted in through the window and stretched as he woke fully.<\/p>\n

He frowned as he remembered the events of the previous day and shut his eyes again for a moment to help him to recall the words that had finished the nightmare that had been plaguing him for the past few months. Joseph Cartwright you have been found not guilty of the charge laid against you.\u00a0 Case is dismissed. <\/em><\/p>\n

There would be no more wondering, no more hoping, no more praying that it would turn out like that.\u00a0 It was over!<\/p>\n

Only it\u2019s not over! <\/em>\u00a0Joe thought as he rolled over to face the wall. It\u2019ll never really be over as long as she continues to lie and people believe her.\u00a0 <\/em>Although it had seemed to his family that Joe had been in a daze the day before, he had been very much aware of what was going on, only too stunned to react to it. He had seen clearly the look in Robert Deane\u2019s eyes as he made a move towards him, just as he had seen the look of disappointment and frustration in the eyes of his daughter.\u00a0 And anger!\u00a0 Oh yes, of that Joe was sure. Susanna Deane was extremely angry that the jury had not believed her story. Only maybe they had!\u00a0 <\/em>Joe didn\u2019t really know what the jury thought, and probably never would.<\/p>\n

As Hiram had explained to them when he had come to the ranch last night, the evidence against Joe had been largely circumstantial, and even though the jury may have believed Susanna\u2019s story, they may have felt that they could not bring a verdict of guilty under such circumstances.\u00a0 Whatever their feelings though, they had brought down a verdict of not guilty, and Joe was free!<\/p>\n

Free!\u00a0 How wonderful that sounded to him.\u00a0 Free to get on with his life.\u00a0 Free to start again.\u00a0 Free to \u2026..\u00a0 Just what was he free to do though?\u00a0 Joe knew that the feelings of the town were very volatile at the moment, and his father had made it very clear to him just what that meant.\u00a0 He would be very foolish to risk a confrontation with Robert Deane and indeed anyone in the town until the matter had subsided.\u00a0 Hiram and Ben had made him promise that he wouldn\u2019t go off the ranch for a while to come.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed.\u00a0 He had already been confined to the ranch for so long now, that it was difficult to imagine how he would be able to cope much longer.\u00a0 Joe was a social character and had craved the company of others during the last few months.\u00a0 The restrictions that had been placed upon him didn\u2019t come easily to him, and he longed to go back to life the way it was before.\u00a0 However, he knew that was impossible for a while to come.\u00a0 You just have to wear it for now Joe, <\/em>he told himself, hopefully it won\u2019t be for too much longer.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 he rolled over again when he heard his name called, and saw Hoss standing in the doorway. \u2018Hey it\u2019s about time ya woke up!\u00a0 Been thinking ya going ta stay there all day!\u2019<\/p>\n

If the truth be known, that was exactly what Joe felt like doing.\u00a0 His body ached and his mind refused to shake itself out of the lethargy that seemed to have taken hold of it. All he wanted to do was to shut out the world and sleep again, but he forced himself to smile and say \u2018No, I\u2019m getting up now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good,\u2019 Hoss replied, his smile widening. \u2018I thought we might go fishing or something.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded at him and stretched again. \u2018OK Hoss, whatever you say.\u2019<\/p>\n

The smile from Hoss\u2019 face disappeared as he said, \u2018Well ya don\u2019t seem too enthusiastic about it!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah I am, I\u2019m just tired is all,\u2019 Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018OK see ya downstairs then.\u2019 Hoss disappeared and Joe sighed wearily as he put his feet to the floor and reached for his shirt.<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

\u2018How many times do we have to discuss this Joseph?\u2019 Ben asked in a frustrated tone of voice. \u2018I told you before that I believe it\u2019s best if you stay on the ranch for a while longer.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa!\u2019\u00a0 Joe replied in the same frustrated tone. \u2018It\u2019s been a week now! How much longer do I have to wait?\u2019<\/p>\n

‘Until the feelings have died down in town that\u2019s how long!\u00a0 I told you what Adam said last night!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes you told me!\u00a0 But I don\u2019t see how that really means anything,\u2019 Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u2018It means exactly what it sounds like,\u2019 Ben said trying to keep his voice controlled. \u2018If Adam felt uncomfortable around people in there yesterday then you would only be asking for trouble by going in.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa! Being uncomfortable and being in trouble are two different things!\u00a0 Just how long do ya expect me ta stay here for?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018For as long as it takes Joseph!\u00a0 Now do as I ask please! You are not to go into town until I say it is time, is that understood?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a black look and strode out of the house, banging the door behind him as he went.\u00a0 Ben frowned as he put his elbows on the desk in front of him and rested his head on his hands. He knew how hard this was on his youngest son who had been restricted to the ranch for quite a while now, but he needed to be sure that it was safe for him to return to town before he gave permission. Ben didn\u2019t know how long that would take, but he did know that a week was not nearly long enough for the hatred and frustration he had seen in the eyes of the crowd that day in the courtroom to die down.\u00a0 He sighed as he pondered the problem of how to keep that volatile youngest son of his occupied and his mind off the issue.<\/p>\n

Joe stood outside and watched his brother hitch the team to the buckboard as they prepared to collect the weekly supplies from Virginia City. He stole a glance over his shoulder in the direction of the house and scowled as he thought about his father\u2019s words. Much and all as he was grateful to his father and brothers for all the help they had given him during the last few months he felt as though it was time now to regain his life and begin to make his own decisions again.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s words had only helped to make him feel more frustrated than ever, and he resolved to take some action.<\/p>\n

Waving his brothers goodbye with a forced smile on his face, Joe then took off at a run towards the barn where he quickly saddled Cochise and led him outside.\u00a0 With a final wilful glance towards the house, he vaulted up onto the saddle and cantered out of the front yard. Without a backward glance he set off after his brothers, being careful to keep to the side of the track so that he couldn\u2019t be seen.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until they were within sight of the town that Joe made his presence known to his brothers by riding out in front of them on the trail. \u2018Hi!\u2019 he said nonchalantly as he held up his hand in greeting. \u2018Imagine seeing you two here!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam pulled the team to a halt and frowned at his wayward younger brother. \u2018What the he\u2026. What are you doing here?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you could use some help with loading the supplies,\u2019 Joe replied with a shrug of his shoulders and a sheepish grin.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well you can just turn that horse around and ride as quick as you can back to the ranch!\u2019 ordered Adam sternly. \u2018And hope that Pa hasn\u2019t missed you before you get back there.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018I ain\u2019t going Adam,\u2019 he said coolly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe don\u2019t be crazy!\u2019 Hoss said. \u2018If ya go into town who knows what might happen! Don\u2019t be a fool boy!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again. \u2018I\u2019ve got ta do it at some stage.\u00a0 I figure I may as well get it over with.\u00a0 And anyway, what can happen with you two looking out for me as I know you\u2019re gonna do anyway, whether I like it or not.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe I\u2019m warning you!\u2019\u00a0 said Adam angrily. \u2018Get your hide back to that ranch now or I\u2019ll take you there myself!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again and turned Cochise towards the town. \u2018I\u2019m going inta town Adam.\u00a0 If you want ta come with me that\u2019s fine, but if not then I\u2019m still going.\u2019 He began to ride down the trail away from them.<\/p>\n

\u2018That fool kid!\u2019 exclaimed Hoss. \u2018Come on Adam, we ain\u2019t got no choice.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam glared in the direction of his youngest brother who had by now ridden ahead of them and urged the horses forward again while cursing softly under his breath.<\/p>\n

As they turned the corner into Main Street, Adam motioned to Joe to move his horse closer to the buckboard and was pleased to see that his younger brother did so immediately. \u2018Now you listen to me Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018We go straight to the mercantile, load the supplies and get straight out again. Understood?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded at him. \u2018I may be stubborn older brother, but I\u2019m not stupid,\u2019 he answered. \u2018I\u2019m not here ta antagonise anyone ya know!\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam shot him a dark look. \u2018And you\u2019re not going into the store.\u00a0 You\u2019re staying outside with Hoss and putting the supplies into the buckboard as I bring them out. Got it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded again, but didn\u2019t reply.\u00a0 His eyes were darting from one side of the street to the other, watching for any reaction to his presence. What he saw were several people stopping to stare at him, and he felt himself break out into a sweat as he and his brothers progressed down the street.\u00a0 By the time they reached the mercantile store, practically everyone on the street had stopped and were simply staring at the Cartwright brothers as they pulled the buckboard and the horse to a halt.<\/p>\n

The silence was chilling as Joe dismounted from Cochise and tied her to the back of the buckboard.\u00a0 Adam signalled to Hoss. \u2018Stay here with Joe.\u00a0 Yell out if anyone causes a problem and we\u2019ll get out of here.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and positioned himself next to his younger brother who stood on the porch outside the store.\u00a0 For several minutes they stood there as the crowds on the other side of the street simply stared back.\u00a0 Gradually people began to move again, and both Hoss and Joe breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the tension leaving his body and his muscles began to relax again. He stared straight ahead of him, and when Adam appeared with the first bundle of supplies he grabbed it eagerly, wanting something to do to appear busy to those around him.\u00a0 As the brothers loaded armful after armful of supplies into the buckboard, a sense of normality began to appear around them as the people went about their daily business.\u00a0 With each trip that he took out to the porch, Adam sensed the town ignoring them, and breathed a sigh of relief each time.\u00a0 Sam inside the store appeared quite normal in his dealings with him, but then Adam had expected that, as the man had treated him no differently the week before either.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until they were nearly finished though, that he sensed that the very normality of the people\u2019s actions were a puzzle in themselves.\u00a0 They had expected some sort of trouble, and it was a strange feeling not to have received.\u00a0 Almost an anticlimax in a way.<\/p>\n

Joe was obviously puzzled as well.\u00a0 Not only was no one taking any notice of him, but they were pointedly ignoring him.\u00a0 Anyone who came near him simply looked in another direction and went out of their way to give him a wide berth.\u00a0 It was as if he didn\u2019t exist, and Joe found that extremely hard to take.\u00a0 Prepared for a fight or an argument, when he got neither he didn\u2019t know what to do.<\/p>\n

If there was one thing Joe Cartwright couldn\u2019t take it was being ignored, and if the townspeople had set out to cut him to the quick then they had certainly done a good job of it.\u00a0 As he left the town behind him he felt more depressed and humiliated than he had during the last few months, and he vowed that he would never put himself through that again.<\/p>\n

———————–<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa I think if someone had come out and punched him he would have handled it better,\u2019 Adam said to his father later that evening when Hoss and Joe had gone up to bed. \u2018You should have seen his face.\u00a0 He really didn\u2019t know how to handle it.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Well it certainly wasn\u2019t what I would have expected. I thought they would have turned on him.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018So did I,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018I was ready to have to drag him out of there by the scruff of his neck when he insisted on going in. Really Pa, it was as if they just didn\u2019t think he was worth the trouble. They just acted like he didn\u2019t exist.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018And to Joseph that was harder to handle of course,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Fists, harsh words, even a gunfight he would know what to do, but this\u2026\u2026\u00a0 I honestly don\u2019t know what Joe will do next time it happens.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think you have to worry about that actually,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I heard him telling Hoss earlier that he won\u2019t be going in again. I really think it hurt him a lot Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben scratched his head. \u2018I think you may be right.\u00a0 I watched his face at supper tonight.\u00a0 It was as though he\u2019d given up.\u00a0 There was just no fight in him at all. That\u2019s so unlike Joseph.\u00a0 Usually there is some spark of anger or defiance in him.\u2019<\/p>\n

They sat in silence for a few moments before Ben continued. \u2018Well, we\u2019ll just have to take it as it comes now. Joseph is going to have to pick up the pieces and create some sort of life around this now.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

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

\u2018What do you think will happen in a few months when that baby is born?\u00a0 Do you think it will stir it all up again?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sighed as he stood up. \u2018Honestly Adam, I just don\u2019t what to think any more.\u00a0 All I know is that Joe is going to need our support when the time comes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018I just don\u2019t see how this can continue.\u00a0 That girl and her baby are going to be living right under Joe\u2019s nose for a long time to come.\u00a0 How will he cope with that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and was silent.\u00a0 He had no answers for his son.<\/p>\n

Part Four <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

August 1865<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Joe picked himself up from the dusty ground and grabbed for the reins dangling beside him. He pulled angrily on them and the horse beside him gradually stopped and stood tossing its head up and down.\u00a0 Ben frowned as he watched his youngest son\u2019s display of anger against the beast and noted that it was typical of Joseph now to lash out before thinking.\u00a0 During the past months they had all been victim to his bad temper, and now he was taking it out on a helpless animal as well.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Leave the horse alone!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe turned on his father. \u2018What do you mean leave him alone?\u00a0 He threw me!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well isn\u2019t that the whole point of breaking horses?\u2019 Ben replied, feeling his own anger surface. \u2018Just take it as it comes and stop baiting the animal.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe let go of the reins and stomped off as he had so many times lately in the middle of one of the many arguments he had had with his father. \u2018Well I\u2019m sorry! Maybe someone else could do a better job than me!\u2019 He stomped over to where Cochise was tied and mounted him, giving his father a dark look as he did so. Turning the horse away from the corral he galloped off at a fast pace, dust flying around him.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 Ben called, but to no avail.\u00a0 His son ignored him and kept going until he was a small speck in the far distance. Ben shook his head and turned away from his son. It seemed like nothing he said or did eased the tension that lay between them at the moment, and he knew it was the same between Joe and his brothers as well.\u00a0 His youngest son was like a bear with a sore head, determined to rattle as many people as possible.\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t blame him really though, as he knew what was behind it all.<\/p>\n

First there was the fact that Joe had nothing to do except work for several months now, and that sat very hard with this boy of his.\u00a0 Every time he had tried to regain some sort of normality in his life, it seemed like something was there to stop him.\u00a0 He had tried several times to get the boy into town again, but Joe had resisted any contact with people outside the family except when he had been forced to have it.<\/p>\n

He had eventually gone into town a couple of times with his father and brothers, but the isolation he felt from everyone there who continued to ignore him had been too much for him to bear and he had left both times nearly in tears.\u00a0 It tore Ben up to see the boy hurt in that way, and he felt helpless in the face of such absolute refusal of the people to acknowledge him.<\/p>\n

Then there were the problems that had begun to surface on the ranch itself.\u00a0 Ben had actually been forced to fire several ranch hands with whom Joe had experienced problems, and that had not sat well with his son at all.\u00a0 There was no actual incident that had brought their feelings to a head, but more a stubborn refusal to take any notice of Joe\u2019s instructions and requests.\u00a0 Under those conditions, the men were not welcome on The Ponderosa and Ben had felt obliged to send them packing.<\/p>\n

At first he had been able to do so discreetly, but eventually Joe had found out, and that had caused an argument of epic proportions.<\/p>\n

Ben could see where his son was coming from, and that was part of the problem.\u00a0 When Joe questioned if his father was going to get rid of everyone on The Ponderosa in order to make him feel better, he really didn\u2019t know what to say at all.\u00a0 Ben knew that if that was what he had to do, then yes he would do it, but also knew that in a practical sense he couldn\u2019t go on shielding his son in this way.<\/p>\n

The other reason for the tension was that Susanna Deane was due to have her baby any day now.\u00a0 The fact was never mentioned in the Cartwright household, as indeed the charge and trial itself wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 Ben had tried several times to make reference to it, but Joe had brushed him aside, and made it clear to his father that he was not prepared to discuss it at all.\u00a0 It lay between them like an axe ready to fall, and as the date grew closer so did the tension until everyone who entered the house could feel it.<\/p>\n

Ben wondered how they could all survive this.\u00a0 It seemed as if nothing could stop the accumulation of negativity that hung over them all, and none of them seemed to be able to stop it.\u00a0 Where would it all end?\u00a0 Ben hoped that the birth of this baby would somehow precipitate something that at might at least might bring things to a head. He wondered about Susanna and how she was coping with all of this.\u00a0 Try as he might, Ben couldn\u2019t help but feel anything but sympathy for the girl who had caused his son so much grief. And now there was a third person about to become a part of this tragedy as well.\u00a0 He sighed again and turned towards the house.<\/p>\n

———————<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 Ben said quietly as he approached his son as he sat by the side of the lake.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father and frowned at him. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Checking up on me now are ya Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sat down next to the youngster and pursed his lips before he spoke. \u2018Actually Joe, yes I am. Anything wrong with that?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer, but merely shrugged his shoulders at his father\u2019s remark.\u00a0 Ben continued. \u2018You didn\u2019t come home for lunch and I was worried.\u00a0 I thought I might find you up here.\u2019\u00a0 Ben knew from years of experience that whenever this youngest son of his was worried or upset about something he usually found his way to this spot.\u00a0 Here next to the lake that they both loved and next to the grave of the woman who had given birth to him, he usually found the solace and the comfort that he so often craved.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father again. \u2018Well there aren\u2019t too many places left for me ta go now are there? Guess ya didn\u2019t have far ta look.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben was silent for a moment. \u2018Joe all that will change one day.\u00a0 You just have to be patient son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe raised his eyebrows at his father. \u2018Really? Ya really think so Pa? And just what day would that be?\u00a0 How many days into the future will it be before people forget about it?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder and was pleased when the boy didn\u2019t shrug him off as he had done so many times lately. \u2018I don\u2019t know son, I wish I did.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe hung his head and put his arms around his knees. \u2018I\u2019m beginning ta think I\u2019d be better off going away from all this,\u2019 he said mournfully.<\/p>\n

Ben jerked. \u2018Don\u2019t say that boy!\u00a0 Running away never solved anything, how many times have I told you that!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know Pa, but it just seems ta me that nothing around here will ever get any better. I know you and Adam and Hoss are trying ta do your best for me, but it\u2019s \u2026\u2026\u2019\u00a0 His voice trailed away, and he put back his head to look at the sky above them. \u2018It\u2019s just that I\u2019m so \u2026. so lonely Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he heard his son speak the words he had felt for so long.\u00a0 His boy was suffering so much, and Ben didn\u2019t know what to say to him. He said the only thing he could think of. \u2018I know son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father with tear-filled eyes. \u2018Do you Pa? Really?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stroked the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018I think I do Joe. You are the sort of person who really needs the company of others.\u00a0 You always have.\u00a0 Even when you were a little boy you could hardly wait to have the chance to play with other children.\u00a0 Part of that was the fact that you had no one your own age on The Ponderosa, and so when you had the chance you really loved the company of others.\u00a0 It was the one thing you loved about being at school remember?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled and nodded. \u2018Yes I do.\u00a0 I used ta think that the best part of the school day was recess and lunch.\u00a0 And it wasn\u2019t for the food either!\u2019\u00a0 They both laughed.<\/p>\n

\u2018You always had lots of friends,\u2019 Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

\u2018Had is the right word for it now though,\u2019 Joe said bitterly.\u00a0 \u2018Ya know Pa, none of them want ta know me any more. Even Mitch that day in town.\u00a0 He saw me ya know, but he pretended that he didn\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I know.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It really doesn\u2019t matter what that jury said.\u00a0 I\u2019ll always be guilty in the eyes of the people in Virginia City.\u00a0 I\u2019ll always be known as Joe Cartwright, the \u2026.. the \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, don\u2019t go there,\u2019 Ben begged his son. \u2018It isn\u2019t worth it son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe pounded his knees in frustration. \u2018But Pa what am I supposed ta do? How can I live like this?\u00a0 No one will even talk ta me.\u00a0 They all pretend like I just don\u2019t exist! Do ya know what it\u2019s like ta live like that?\u2019 Ben shook his head. \u2018It\u2019s so \u2026. so humiliating Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s so \u2026.. lonely.\u2019\u00a0 Joe put his head on his knees and sobbed quietly while his father massaged the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

After a few moments, Ben spoke. \u2018Joe how would you like to go to San Francisco for a few days?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u2018I thought ya said that running away wasn\u2019t the answer?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t mean for you to run away.\u00a0 Maybe just have a break from all this,\u2019 Ben said.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m sending Adam there next week to do the negotiations for that timber contract.\u00a0 How about going with him?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and wiped his tears from his face. \u2018Yeah, I\u2019d like that Pa. Only thing is though, could we travel ta Reno and catch the stage from there instead of Virginia City?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted even more.\u00a0 His son didn\u2019t even feel comfortable enough to enter the town for a few minutes to catch the stage. \u2018You can catch the stage from wherever you like Joe.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled at him. \u2018I think it might be good for you to go son.\u00a0 You could take in a few sights with Adam and make a bit of a holiday of it.\u00a0 I think you need it.\u00a0 Especially at the moment.\u2019\u00a0 Ben watched his son\u2019s face carefully to see how he would react to the inference.<\/p>\n

\u2018You mean it would be good for me not ta be around when Susanna has her baby?\u2019 Joe said.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes, that\u2019s exactly what I mean.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think it would do you or anyone else any good for you to be here.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got ta face it sometime Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know, but it might be best if \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ya know, I haven\u2019t seen her since that day in court.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure surprised her father hasn\u2019t come after me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Robert Deane is a reasonable man Joe.\u00a0 You can\u2019t blame him for supporting his daughter the way he has, and he would naturally feel the way he does about you.\u00a0 But having said that, he is not a man to lose his perspective easily.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I know.\u00a0 I just know that he hates me.\u00a0 I thought he might have tried ta get me in some way.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well be thankful he hasn\u2019t.\u00a0 I think he really is too busy trying to support his daughter right about now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I don\u2019t blame him for believing her Pa.\u00a0 I just blame her for telling all those lies about me.\u00a0 I guess there are a lot of people in town right about now thinking that you\u2019re about ta become a grandfather.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben jerked at his son\u2019s words.\u00a0 They seemed to put another perspective on the situation altogether.\u00a0 Up until now the baby had been something that they had all considered as just something that had precipitated this whole situation.\u00a0 But his son\u2019s words brought Ben down to reality with a thud and made him think about the child in question.\u00a0 There would always be those who looked at this child in years to come and would see him or her as a Cartwright.\u00a0 No matter what was said or done, people would be searching for a sign of recognition in the child that he belonged to their family.\u00a0 For the first time the reality hit Ben that this child would be forever tied to his family, whether or not he or she truly was biologically attached to it. It was a sobering thought, and one that Ben was not sure how to deal with.\u00a0 Glancing across at his son\u2019s profile as he stared into the lake before them, he was sure that Joe didn\u2019t know how to deal with it either.<\/p>\n

————————–<\/p>\n

As they rode into the front yard, the first thing that Ben noticed was the buggy hitched to the rail in front of the house.\u00a0 It was such a rare thing nowadays that it made him start, and he noticed Joe staring at it as well.<\/p>\n

\u2018Well what do you know?\u00a0 We have a visitor,\u2019 Ben said with forced geniality as he dismounted. \u2018I wonder who it could be?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted beside him and reached for the reins of Ben\u2019s horse. \u2018I\u2019ll put the horses away Pa,\u2019 he offered and began to walk towards the barn.\u00a0 Ben looked after him sorrowfully.\u00a0 Not even in their own home did his son feel comfortable enough to meet someone.\u00a0 He knew that putting the horses would take Joe just as long as he would need to stay away from confronting whoever was waiting for them in the house.<\/p>\n

As Ben approached the front door it was flung open and Adam appeared. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said easily. \u2018Doc Martin is here to see you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you son.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand as he walked inside and approached the doctor. \u2018Paul, it\u2019s good to see you.\u00a0 Coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n

The doctor grasped his friend\u2019s hand warmly. \u2018Adam has already given me a cup Ben. Thank you anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss emerged from the kitchen. \u2018Pa, Doc Martin is here.\u00a0 Oh, you found him.\u2019<\/p>\n

The doctor nodded, then turned to Ben. \u2018Actually Ben I need to speak to Joseph as well. In fact I think that all of you will be interested in what I have to say.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss get your brother from the barn please,\u2019 Ben instructed. \u2018Tell him that Paul is here to see him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and left the room. Ben indicated for Paul to sit down and they all made themselves comfortable.\u00a0 There was silence in the room as they all tried to think of something to talk about, and eventually Ben tried to ease the tension by saying. \u2018It\u2019s good to see you again Paul. I\u2019m sorry we haven\u2019t seen\u00a0 much of each other lately.\u00a0 Been busy?\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul nodded, but didn\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 Ben noticed how the doctor seemed quite agitated which was rather unlike him, and wondered what could possibly be the matter.<\/p>\n

The door opened and Hoss returned followed by Joe. Paul stood up and greeted the boy warmly. \u2018Hello Joseph. It\u2019s good to see you.\u00a0 How are you boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe jerked, quite taken aback by the warm greeting.\u00a0 \u2018Um, fine thank you,\u2019 he replied.\u00a0 He gave his father a questioning look, but Ben met it with a slight shake of his head.<\/p>\n

As they all sat down, Paul cleared his throat. \u2018I suppose that you\u2019re all wondering why I\u2019m here,\u2019 he began. \u2018I thought it would be best for you to hear the facts straight from me before you got wind of it elsewhere.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights stared at him, all wondering what on earth he was talking about.\u00a0 After a moment\u2019s hesitation he continued. \u2018You see, I delivered Susanna Deane\u2019s baby last night.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked straight at Little Joe.\u00a0 The youngster averted his eyes and his father could see the clenched set of his jaw as he struggled to maintain his control.<\/p>\n

Paul spoke again. \u2018I thought you\u2019d want to know \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018Thank you Doctor Martin, but that is nothing ta do with me.\u00a0 I appreciate ya coming ta let me know, but\u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph please sit down.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t finished,\u2019 the doctor said.<\/p>\n

Joe turned away from them and headed towards the door. \u2018I have work ta do.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll excuse me \u2026..\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph sit down!\u2019 ordered his father as he stood and walked after him. \u2018The doctor said that he isn\u2019t finished.\u00a0 The least you can do is to hear him out.\u2019 He held onto his son\u2019s arm and pulled him gently back towards the settee. \u2018Go on please Paul,\u2019 he said when the boy was seated again.<\/p>\n

Paul looked at Joe with great pity in his eyes. \u2018As I was saying I delivered the baby this morning \u2013 a boy. Unfortunately the girl had a difficult time of it, and\u2026..\u2019 he held his hands up in a gesture of helplessness. \u2018There was nothing I could do.\u00a0 She died shortly after the baby was born.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was silence in the room as the four men digested this information. Joe stared at the doctor with his eyes wide. \u2018She died?\u2019 he whispered. An image of the pretty young blond girl floated before him and he couldn\u2019t believe what he was hearing.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes answered the doctor. \u2018I couldn\u2019t save her.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u2018She can\u2019t be dead,\u2019 he said. \u2018She\u2026.\u2019 He put his hands over his eyes to try and blot out the image of Susanna mocking him from the stand with her eyes and her words. \u2018My God. I \u2026.. wanted her dead so many times.\u00a0 I wished she would die.\u00a0 But I didn\u2019t mean for it to really happen!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben reached out for his son. \u2018Joe it\u2019s not your fault!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father with grief stricken eyes. \u2018But you don\u2019t understand Pa!\u2019 he said. \u2018I prayed that she would die when it all first happened. But I didn\u2019t mean for her to!\u00a0 God, I hated her, but I didn\u2019t really want her to die!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone knows that,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Joseph, you had nothing to do with this!\u00a0 It was just an unfortunate thing.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s breathing became ragged and he felt dizzy.\u00a0 All he could think of was the night of the dance when he had danced with Susanna.\u00a0 He felt her body moving with his in time to the music and heard her bright laughter as she tried to impress him. \u2018Oh God!\u2019 he said again.<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulders and held him. \u2018Adam, get some brandy,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He knew that the boy was in shock, not so much from the news, which was disturbing enough, but at the new developments that this might bring.\u00a0 As he forced the glass of brandy down an unresisting Joe\u2019s throat he tried to bring his own emotions under control.<\/p>\n

After a few moments he put down the glass and faced the doctor, still holding onto his son as he spoke. \u2018Thank you Paul for coming to tell us yourself.\u00a0 I suppose this will stir things up even more in town now, and we need to be prepared.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Stir things up?\u2019 the doctor asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 I imagine that there will be even more ill feeling towards Joe now with the girl\u2019s death.\u00a0 Logical or not, he may be seen by some as responsible for this latest turn of events.\u2019\u00a0 Ben felt his son stiffen within his grasp. \u2018Steady now Joseph, just relax son,\u2019 he said softly to him.<\/p>\n

\u2018No Ben, I don\u2019t think so.\u2019 Paul stood up and paced in front of them for a few moments. \u2018You see \u2026\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Ben looked at him puzzled. \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul took a deep breath before answering. \u2018The baby.\u00a0 It seems that the baby has Indian blood Ben. There is no way that Joseph is the father of that baby.\u00a0 The father was an Indian.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stared at the doctor, stunned. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

\u2018The baby\u2019s father was an Indian, or at least part Indian,\u2019 the doctor repeated. \u2018Your son is not the father of that child.\u2019<\/p>\n

There was silence in the room as the doctor\u2019s words sank in. \u2018I don\u2019t understand,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018The baby\u2019s father was Indian?\u00a0 But surely Susanna would have known that!\u00a0 How could she have expected to get away with accusing Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018The father could have been only part Indian.\u00a0 Who was to say whether or not that child would have inherited his features?\u00a0 As it turns out he did, but Susanna might have been counting on the fact that he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 Also, I believe that the girl wasn\u2019t thinking very clearly.\u00a0 I had a lot to do with her in these past months, and she didn\u2019t seem terribly coherent to me a lot of the time,\u2019 Paul replied. \u2018Frankly, I was concerned for a while there for her sanity.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018That poor girl,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018Nothing good has come out of this tragedy that\u2019s for sure.\u2019 He looked at his youngest son again, who seemed to be in a daze by his side. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Joe do you understand what the doctor is saying?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t respond to him, but merely sat there unmoving.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 Ben tried again. \u2018Son, listen to me. It\u2019s over now Joe.\u00a0 Everyone will know that you weren\u2019t responsible for this now.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stood up and faced the doctor. \u2018Thank you for coming ta tell me doc,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got work ta finish now.\u2019 He turned and headed towards the door before his father could stop him, but never made it.\u00a0 As Ben made a move towards him, he saw his son sway slightly, and then fall to the floor in a dead faint.\u00a0 All four men moved instantly to his side and Ben gathered his son into his arms. \u2018It\u2019s over now Joseph,\u2019 he whispered into his unconscious son\u2019s ear, \u2018it\u2019s over!\u2019<\/p>\n

——————-<\/p>\n

\u2018Just let him sleep Ben,\u2019 said Paul as he gathered his things together. \u2018If he wakes through the night, then give him this mixed in a glass of water. It\u2019ll send him off to sleep again which is the best thing for him at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you Paul,\u2019 said Ben with an anxious look. \u2018I\u2019m so grateful to you for coming and giving us the news.\u2019<\/p>\n

Paul patted his friend on the arm. \u2018You can be sure of one thing Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will make sure that everyone knows this information about the baby as soon as possible.\u00a0 Joseph\u2019s name will be cleared if I have anything to do with it.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you Paul.\u00a0 That will mean a lot to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

When the doctor had left the room, Ben sat down heavily on the edge of the bed and watched his sleeping son. After a few moments he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Adam standing there.<\/p>\n

\u2018How is he?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Paul gave me a sleeping draught for him to have when he wakes. He just needs sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam sat on a chair next to his father. \u2018And how are you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018Me? I\u2019m fine.\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam scrutinized his father\u2019s face and noted the strained look. \u2018Really Pa?\u00a0 You don\u2019t look fine to me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s just the shock, that\u2019s all.\u00a0 It\u2019s been quite a morning,\u2019 Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Mmm.\u00a0 Quite a morning.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at his brother sleeping in the bed beside them. \u2018How do you think he\u2019s going to handle this Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 He seemed to blame himself for wishing her dead, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll come to his senses about that in time,\u2019 his father replied. \u2018Adam I just can\u2019t get that poor girl out of my mind.\u00a0 What a tragedy!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes, but Pa her life would have been pretty hard given the circumstances, you must admit.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I suppose so.\u2019\u00a0 Ben sighed heavily.\u00a0 \u2018There\u2019s just nothing good that\u2019s come out of this at all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018What do you think will happen to the baby?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 That\u2019s up to Robert I suppose. It\u2019s the child that I feel most sorry for in all of this,\u2019 Ben replied. He sighed again as he studied the face of his sleeping son. \u2018Sometimes life can be so cruel Adam. Sometimes it makes you wonder.\u2019<\/p>\n

————————<\/p>\n

Ben opened the door in answer to the knock that he had heard, and stared in surprise to see Robert Deane nervously standing on the front porch. Before he could speak, Robert blurted out, \u2018Ben.\u00a0 Before you say anything, please hear me out. I want to \u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben held out his hand as he interrupted the man. \u2018Please Robert, anything that needs to be said can be said inside. Come in.\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert looked at him amazed. \u2018I felt for sure that I wouldn\u2019t be welcome here.\u00a0 Are you sure?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u2018Yes, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 Please come in.\u2019<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until they were seated in front of the fireplace that Ben spoke again. \u2018Robert, I want you to know how sorry I am about Susanna\u2019s death. It\u2019s a great tragedy.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You can say that Ben, after what she did to your boy?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Robert whatever happened is past now.\u00a0 Joe has a lot of hurt to overcome I won\u2019t deny that, but you have lost your only daughter and nothing will ever replace her.\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert put his face on his hands and sobbed quietly. \u2018Ben I don\u2019t know why she did it!\u00a0 I just have no words to tell you how sorry I am! To think that a child of mine would\u2026..\u2019 his voice trailed away. \u2018When we buried her today all I could see was the little girl that I raised in front of me.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t know how it all turned out this way!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around the man\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Robert no one is blaming you for this.\u00a0 Least of all myself or Joseph.\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert looked up at him. \u2018Where is the boy Ben?\u00a0 I really want to talk to him if he\u2019ll let me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 answered Ben. \u2018Actually he\u2019s upstairs sleeping. He\u2019s been having trouble sleeping at night, so I didn\u2019t wake him this morning. I\u2019ll go and get him.\u2019<\/p>\n

As Ben approached the stairs, his youngest son appeared at the top of them, shirt unbuttoned and boots in his hand. \u2018Morning Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorry I\u2019m late for breakfast.\u00a0 No one woke me up and I \u2026\u2026\u2019\u00a0 he stopped as he noticed Robert sitting on the settee.<\/p>\n

Ben motioned to him. \u2018Joe come downstairs son.\u00a0 Mr Deane has come to see you.\u00a0 He\u2019d like to talk to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his father, and for a moment Ben thought he was about to turn and leave again.\u00a0 But after a moment\u2019s hesitation he slowly began to descend the stairs until he was standing in front of the settee.<\/p>\n

Robert looked up at him and said softly, \u2018Hello Joseph.\u00a0 I hope you don\u2019t mind me coming to see you in this way.\u2019\u00a0 Joe shook his head silently and continued to study the man in front of him. \u2018I would like to speak to you if you don\u2019t mind,\u2019 Robert continued. \u2018Would you listen to what I have to say please?\u2019 Joe nodded and then sat down on the other end of the settee.<\/p>\n

\u2018Joe, I want to firstly say how sorry I am for what my daughter did to you. I know I can never make up for what happened, but I want you to know that I would give anything if it had never occurred.\u00a0 I know that Susanna was wrong in what she did, and I am just so sorry that you were hurt.\u2019\u00a0 The man\u2019s voice stumbled and he found it difficult to go on for a few moments. \u2018I believed her because she was my daughter Joe,\u2019 he glanced at Ben. \u2018Just like your father would naturally believe you because you are his son. Please don\u2019t blame me for that.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his father before replying, and noticed that he had tears in his eyes.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2026. I don\u2019t blame ya Mr Deane,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018You didn\u2019t know she was lying.\u00a0 How could ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

Robert brushed the tears from his face and tried to smile at the boy beside him. \u2018Thank you Joseph.\u00a0 It means a lot to me to know that.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Mr Deane?\u2019 Joe asked.<\/p>\n

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

\u2018What\u2019s gonna happen ta \u2026. ta Susanna\u2019s baby?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll be honest with you Joseph.\u00a0 When the baby was born I found it very difficult to accept what must have happened.\u00a0 I suppose I\u2019ll never know the real story behind it, as Susanna never had the chance to confide in me.\u00a0 But he is my grandson and I cannot turn my back on him.\u00a0 I\u2019ve decided to take him back to Cincinnati where my sister lives, and raise him there.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s for the best if we both leave Virginia City for good.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I think Susanna would like ta think that her baby was being raised by you.\u2019 He stood up. \u2018I think I\u2019ll go and get my chores started now. Do you mind?\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben sensed that his son needed to find solace in being alone for a while, and interrupted. \u2018You go on if you want to Joseph. Mr Deane will understand.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Robert as he stood and held out his hand to Joe. \u2018And thank you boy.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shook his hand and turned quickly so that neither man would see the tears that were forming in his eyes.\u00a0 He left the room in a hurry and banged the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben and Robert stood looking at each other for a moment. \u2018That is one special boy you have there Ben,\u2019 Robert said. \u2018But I suppose you know that.\u2019\u00a0 Ben felt his heart lurch and tears spring to his eyes. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply, \u2018yes I do.\u2019<\/p>\n

——————<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Pa? I\u2019ve been looking everywhere for ya.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been worried!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked up to see his youngest son looking down at him with concern in his eyes.\u00a0 He motioned for him to sit beside him on the grass, and then went back to gazing out over the lake again. After a moment he said quietly, \u2018Funny isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 I\u2019m usually the one saying that to you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u2018Yes and I\u2019m usually the one who comes up here when I\u2019m worried about something, not you!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I guess that you and I are alike in some ways then,\u2019 replied Ben, without taking his eyes off the lake.<\/p>\n

After a few moments, Joe spoke again. \u2018Do you want to talk about it Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018About what?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Whatever it is that\u2019s worrying ya of course,\u2019 Joe said simply. \u2018Something obviously is.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018And just how would you know that?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

\u2018The same way ya know when something is troubling one of us I guess,\u2019 replied his son. \u2018I just do, that\u2019s all. I guess it comes from watching ya all these years. Some of my father has to rub off on me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018Well I hope not all of your father is in you,\u2019 he said bitterly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father puzzled for a moment. \u2018What do you mean Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018You\u2019re a wonderful father to us all, don\u2019t ya know that?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No Joe, I\u2019m not a wonderful father at all. Lord knows I\u2019ve tried, but I\u2019ve made many mistakes along the way.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Nobody\u2019s perfect Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018At the moment son, I\u2019m just about as far from perfect as a father can be,\u2019 replied Ben bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa surely you don\u2019t blame yourself for anything that has happened!\u2019 Joe protested. \u2018You did nothing wrong!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked deep into his son\u2019s eyes. \u2018Yes Joe, I did do something wrong.\u00a0 When Robert Deane came to see you this morning he made me realise just how wrong I have been, and how much I have let you down in these past few months.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa, ya haven\u2019t!\u2019 Joe replied shocked. \u2018You\u2019ve been there for me every step of the way!\u00a0 Ya made sure I had the best legal help, ya comforted me, ya supported me every minute! How can ya say ya let me down?\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yes that\u2019s true.\u00a0 I did everything a father should do under the circumstances.\u00a0 Everything except the most important thing.\u2019 Ben looked directly at his son. \u2018I didn\u2019t believe you Joe.\u00a0 God help me, but I didn\u2019t know if you were really telling the truth or not! I thought you might have done it, and I didn\u2019t know for sure.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence between them. \u2018So you see son, I did let you down.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Pa ya can\u2019t blame yourself for feeling that way,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018The evidence was there after all. I knew ya might have felt that way.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at him surprised. \u2018You did?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know for sure anyway.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I should have had faith in you,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018I should have trusted you.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced at the stone marker beside them. \u2018She would have believed you.\u00a0 I\u2019ve just been sitting here asking her to forgive me, you know.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence between them again. \u2018I suppose the one I should be asking forgiveness from though is you Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t expect it Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben patted his son on the arm. \u2018Nevertheless you deserve to hear it after all you\u2019ve been through.\u00a0 Joseph I am truly sorry for doubting you.\u00a0 I should have believed you from the beginning son, and I had no right not to.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa, ya did have the right.\u00a0 After all, Mr Deane believed Susanna, and she was lying.\u00a0 Who knows, maybe if I had done it I would have lied about it too.\u00a0 I might have been scared enough to!\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son with pride. \u2018You know Joseph, I have never been prouder of you than at this very moment.\u00a0 It takes a lot to endure what you\u2019ve gone through and still be able to say something like that!\u2019 He glanced at the stone marker beside them again.\u00a0 \u2018Your mother would be proud of you too son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes misted over and he bit his lip as he tried to control the wave of emotion that was sweeping over him. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n

Father and son sat in silence for a few moments looking across the lake. After a while Ben said,\u00a0 \u2018so do you still want to go to San Francisco with Adam? The offer is still there you know son.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father and bit his lip. \u2018I don\u2019t know Pa.\u00a0 It all depends. Maybe it would be best ta stay around here for a while now, ya know?\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded. \u2018I just want ta see how things go in town first.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Of course Joe, whatever you want.\u00a0 Only mind you take things easy when you go there.\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect everything to be back to normal all at once.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018No I won\u2019t Pa,\u2019 Joe replied. \u2018Somehow I don\u2019t think anything around here will ever get back ta normal again.\u2019<\/p>\n

—————–<\/p>\n

\u2018How about a drink before we head back?\u2019 Ben asked his son.<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. \u2018I don\u2019t know Pa.\u00a0 Maybe we\u2019d better not.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Well that\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve heard you ever refuse a drink!\u2019 his father said, trying to appear light hearted about it. \u2018I\u2019m buying you know!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe tried to smile, but the strain of the last hour showed clearly on his face and he failed dismally.\u00a0 Ben knew just how difficult this had been for his son, although to all intents and purposes the short trip into town to collect the supplies had been without incident so far. Sam in the mercantile had been quite civil to them both, and anyone who had passed them as they were loading supplies had either spoken briefly or acknowledged them in some way.\u00a0 Nevertheless the strain of wondering how each person would react was a huge one.<\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder and pulled him along with him down the sidewalk.\u00a0 \u2018Come on Joseph,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018We\u2019re going for a drink.\u2019<\/p>\n

As the two Cartwrights neared the saloon, Ben felt the tension within his son\u2019s body.\u00a0 He tried to appear confident by smiling at his son and making light conversation, but if the truth were known he felt the anxiety rise within his own heart as well.\u00a0 What if it was still not over for Joseph?\u00a0 What if the people were not ready to accept him again?\u00a0 Ben dreaded to think how his son would take it if he discovered that he still needed to be patient for a while longer.\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t know if the boy had it in him.<\/p>\n

The bartender smiled at Ben as they approached the bar.\u00a0 \u2018Hello Mr Cartwright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Good to see you.\u00a0 You too Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n

With that simple sentence a heavy weight lifted off Ben\u2019s shoulders and he felt a huge sense of relief. He glanced at his son and smiled at him, noticing the broad smile that had transformed his face from one of despair and wariness to one of delight.\u00a0 \u2018Morning,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Two beers please.\u2019<\/p>\n

As they made their way to a corner table, Ben noticed a few people nodding and smiling at Joe, who warily smiled back.\u00a0 By the time they were seated, Ben was pleased to see a look of wonderment and happiness on his son\u2019s face that he hadn\u2019t seen for many months, and he leaned across and clapped him on the back. \u2018See, I told you it was time we had a drink,\u2019 he said as he winked at him.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled back. \u2018Yeah Pa.\u00a0 Now I\u2019m glad that we did.\u00a0 Maybe everyone is starting to forget about this after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Not only are they starting to forget Joseph,\u2019 his father replied, \u2018 but I suspect that they are more than a little embarrassed about the way they\u2019ve treated you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe glanced around him at those seated in the saloon. \u2018Maybe so,\u2019 he said, \u2018but they shouldn\u2019t be.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t know if I was telling the truth or not, cause really it was Susanna\u2019s word against mine after all.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stared at the youngster across the table from him.\u00a0 This sure is one special boy I have for a son.\u00a0 Why has it taken me this long to find out?\u00a0 <\/em>\u2018Joseph you continue to amaze me,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought you would still be very angry at the way you\u2019ve been treated.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders. \u2018What\u2019s the point Pa? It wouldn\u2019t help anything would it?\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated for a moment while he took a sip of his beer. \u2018I think maybe I\u2019ve used up all my anger now anyways.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018Oh I hope not,\u2019 he replied. \u2018If you didn\u2019t have a bit of anger in you son then you wouldn\u2019t be my Joseph!\u2019\u00a0 He laughed. \u2018Now what would I do if I didn\u2019t have to worry about you getting into trouble?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at him. \u2018I guess you\u2019d just havta start ta worry about Hoss and Adam more. They\u2019d sure appreciate that!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s a father\u2019s prerogative to worry Joseph, so you boys are just going to have to put up with it I\u2019m afraid. As long as I\u2019m your father I\u2019ll continue to worry about you.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe touched his father on the arm as he said softly. \u2018We don\u2019t mind Pa, honest we don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben stood up from the table and pulled his son to his feet. \u2018Come on then, let\u2019s get back to The Ponderosa so that I can keep up with worrying about all three of you.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around his youngest son\u2019s shoulder and walked with him across the saloon and out into the street.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

\u2018So are ya coming or not?\u2019 asked Hoss as he tried to straighten his tie and finally gave up in frustration. \u2018Ya said ya were going to, now make up ya mind little brother.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Really Joe, there\u2019s no reason for you not to,\u2019 added Adam.\u00a0 \u2018Everyone in town\u2019s acting like normal to you again, you\u2019ve got to admit that!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t move from his position on the settee. \u2018I know, but I just don\u2019t feel like going now, that\u2019s all,\u2019 he said. \u2018Stop pestering me about it why don\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at Ben and shrugged his shoulders, and his eyes pleaded for his father to try. \u2018Son, you\u2019re all dressed.\u00a0 It seems a shame to waste a bath after all,\u2019 Ben ventured, trying to make his son smile with a joke. \u2018Why don\u2019t you just go to the dance and see how it goes?\u00a0 You can always leave if you feel uncomfortable.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders, and remained silent.<\/p>\n

Ben tried again. \u2018Joe you\u2019ve got to try sometime,\u2019 he said softly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father and nodded his head slightly. \u2018Yeah well, maybe these two need someone ta look out for them,\u2019 he said with a half grin. \u2018Maybe I\u2019ll go just for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben clapped him on the back. \u2018I\u2019m glad to hear it,\u2019 he said. \u2018You go and try to enjoy yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe nodded as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll try Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on Hoss, what are ya waiting for anyways?\u00a0 Seems ta me we\u2019re gonna be awful late if ya don\u2019t get moving!\u2019\u00a0 Hoss reached out to hit him, but his younger brother sidestepped the movement nimbly and grinned at him. \u2018Have ta be quicker than that older brother if ya gonna get me!\u2019 He moved quickly towards the door, followed by Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u2018Adam,\u2019 said Ben, as his oldest son began to move after them.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and smiled at his father. \u2018You don\u2019t need to say it Pa.\u00a0 Hoss and I will look out for him, you know that.\u00a0 At the first sign of any problem we\u2019ll have him out of there so fast that he won\u2019t know what\u2019s hit him.\u2019<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you son,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

——————–<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated as the bright light hit him full in the face and he heard the music begin, and frowned as Hoss pushed him forward into the room in front of him.\u00a0 \u2018Keep going little brother,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Ya\u2019ve come this far, don\u2019t chicken out on us now!\u2019<\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights entered the room many pairs of eyes glanced in their direction.\u00a0 Joe tried to find a safe place to look where he wouldn\u2019t have to meet anyone\u2019s eye, but he found it impossible to do so.\u00a0 He sidled carefully up to a corner and stood there, pretending to be interested in the many plates of food that were on display, and was standing there still immobile when he heard a voice behind him. \u2018I\u2019m so glad you came Joe. I was hoping that you would.\u2019<\/p>\n

He turned to see Becky Palmer standing next to him, smiling up at him. He realised just how long it had been since he had seen her and in that instant he realised just how much he had missed her. He glanced nervously around before he spoke. \u2018Hi Becky. It\u2019s real good ta see ya.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018You too Joe,\u2019 she replied. \u2018I wanted to come out to the ranch in the last few days to see you, but my parents wouldn\u2019t let me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Yeah, well I guess that\u2019s ta be expected,\u2019 he replied with a touch of bitterness in his voice. \u2018I didn\u2019t think they\u2019d be happy for ya to see me at all.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced around the room again and was pleased to see that no one was even looking in their direction. \u2018You\u2019d better go before ya get into trouble for speaking ta me.\u2019<\/p>\n

Becky frowned at him. \u2018Joe, don\u2019t be so stupid!\u2019 she admonished him. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean it like that at all!\u00a0 My parents just thought that you might need some more time to get over \u2026. you know\u2026\u2026. before you started seeing people.\u00a0 We all feel real happy for you that it\u2019s finally over.\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at her, surprised and pleased. \u2018Ya do?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

Becky nodded. \u2018Yes.\u00a0 A lot of people feel like that Joe, they\u2019re just too embarrassed to tell you.\u00a0 Want to dance?\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe grinned at her. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

Becky made a face at him as she pulled him onto the dance floor. \u2018Don\u2019t you tell me no, Joe Cartwright!\u00a0 I\u2019ve waited a long time for this dance and you\u2019re not going to make me wait any longer.\u2019<\/p>\n

A pair of dark eyes watched the young couple intently as they began to move to the music.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright smiled in satisfaction and caught the eye of Hoss standing across the other side of the room and winked at him, and both brothers let their breath out with a sigh as they began to relax.<\/p>\n

———————-<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head and smiled in reply to Ben\u2019s questioning look as he entered the house.\u00a0 Ben heaved a sigh of relief and he watched Hoss and Joe enter close on his heels with their arms around each other, laughing and joking.<\/p>\n

\u2018So,\u2019 he said with a smile. \u2018I can see that you all enjoyed yourselves.\u2019<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned back at him. \u2018Yeah Pa, ya should of seen this little guy here.\u00a0 Dancing up a storm he was!\u2019<\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father and grinned. \u2018It wasn\u2019t as hard as I thought Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Becky asked me ta dance, and then that started all the others too.\u00a0 Even some of their mothers were smiling at me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m glad son,\u2019 Ben replied sincerely.<\/p>\n

\u2018I think they\u2019ve missed having me around,\u2019 Joe continued. \u2018After all, I am the most handsome Cartwright they\u2019ve got around here, and they sure do depend on me ta keep the flirting going!\u2019 Joe stopped as he realised what he\u2019d said. \u2018I mean \u2026. not flirting, but\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, it\u2019s alright,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Son, you can\u2019t keep watching what you say all the time and trying not to offend people.\u00a0 Just be yourself.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Guess I can\u2019t be anyone else can I Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Joe asked cheekily as he turned to go upstairs. \u2018Well I\u2019d better get my beauty sleep. Night everyone!\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Good night Joseph,\u2019 said his father softly. \u2018No you certainly can\u2019t be anyone else, and I thank God for that every day!\u2019<\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0An accusation by a girl could tear Joe’s world apart<\/p>\n

Rated: T (34,195 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2475,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Season-1-00003.jpg?fit=576%2C432&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12161,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12161","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":0},"title":"Happy Father’s Day, Pa (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Away on business once again, Joe writes a letter home, accusing his father of purposely sending him away on every holiday. Rating: \u00a0G\u00a0 (1,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Didnt-pay-to-be-Ben.jpg?fit=467%2C341&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6746,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6746","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":1},"title":"In Defense (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joseph Francis Cartwright awaits sentencing. The judge is quick to blame the adults in his life for the boy\u2019s actions. What can Joe say in defense? Rating:\u00a0 K+ \u00a01500","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-angst.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12932,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12932","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":2},"title":"Bed Time #1 – Before Bed Time (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It's bed time on the Ponderosa for three-year old Little Joe. Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (6,860 words) Bed Time Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":36476,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=36476","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":3},"title":"Second Son (by Sierras)","author":"Sierras","date":"May 31, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Marie feels fear after the birth of her son, Joseph. Can she hold him forever? Rating: G Word Count: 764","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6784,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6784","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":4},"title":"Little Joe Cartwright, Thief (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe finds himself in trouble when he is caught stealing from the mercantile. There\u2019s no denying that he did do it, but why? Now he must face his father and explain his actions. This was my first story ever. Warning: it does contain corporal punishment. Rating: T \u00a0WC\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12160,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12160","url_meta":{"origin":1980,"position":5},"title":"Happy Birthday Pa! (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"February 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Joe's down in Texas on Pa's birthday...but he hasn't forgotten his father's special day.\u00a0 He has written a letter home to wish Ben a Happy Birthday. 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