{"id":2063,"date":"2009-10-11T15:30:23","date_gmt":"2009-10-11T19:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2063"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:17","slug":"journey-worth-remembering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2063","title":{"rendered":"Journey Worth Remembering (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A trip for Ben and ten year old Little Joe takes an unexpected turn<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K (21,260 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Journey Worth Remembering<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dedicated to\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lisa\u00a0<\/em>who gave me the idea for the story<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

and the encouragement to write it<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 *****<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright rubbed his head wearily and sighed as he studied the papers on the desk in front of him.\u00a0 He wondered why life never seemed to allow problems one at a time, but seemed to deal them out in batches until it seemed like you couldn\u2019t see daylight any more.\u00a0 It had been a difficult month all around on the Ponderosa, what with the incessant rain right at roundup time and the unexpected problems he had encountered with the army contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed again and wondered what he\u2019d do without his two older boys to help.\u00a0 Adam had single-handedly organised the men for him to leave his father time to deal with the Army and now that Hoss had left school and started working on the ranch full-time he had shown great support as well.\u00a0 Yes, he was a lucky man to have two such reliable sons.\u00a0 He was grateful that Adam was back from College again.\u00a0 Ben had really missed his eldest son during the last four years in many ways.\u00a0 Not only his companionship, but his support on the ranch as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had come back from the East a few months ago and Ben was only now realising just what a contribution his son was capable of making to The Ponderosa.\u00a0 He had always been a clear thinker and a boy with the ideas and commitment to help make the ranch a success, but now he had added another dimension as well.\u00a0 He was proving himself to be a man with a business sense and a drive equal to none that Ben had ever witnessed.\u00a0 During the past weeks he had, supported by Hoss, shown this time and time again.\u00a0 Ben looked forward to the day when he could step back a little and take things a bit easier and with the promise that Adam was showing he thought that maybe that day wouldn\u2019t be far away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hoss also had the makings of a fine rancher.\u00a0 He had spent the past year begging his father to allow him to leave school to prove how useful he could be and Ben had finally given in.\u00a0 It was obvious that Hoss wasn\u2019t going to follow in his older brother\u2019s footsteps and further his education beyond the classroom, but he sure was proving himself to be a practical and committed help to his father.\u00a0 His knowledge of the ranch was astounding and he had a love for the work that made it second nature to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben wondered how his third boy would shape up in years to come.\u00a0 Joseph was only ten and still too young to be much help around the ranch, but he was already showing signs of an interest in all that went on and a desire to be a part of it.\u00a0 Ben felt that given time the boy would be just as much support to him as his two older brothers.\u00a0 In the meantime Ben was content to let him be a boy and find his way to manhood.\u00a0 Ben frowned.\u00a0 That\u2019s if he ever makes it!\u00a0<\/em>he thought as he glanced at the note on the side of his desk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and tried to concentrate on the other papers again.\u00a0 There would be time later to deal with his youngest son and until he made it home from school he was wasting his time thinking about it.\u00a0 He picked up the contracts and began to study them.\u00a0 There had to be a way to solve this problem! All his work during the past weeks couldn\u2019t be for nothing!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben looked up as the front door opened and Adam entered.\u00a0 \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wanted to let you know that we\u2019ve got the herd ready.\u00a0 Hoss is down with the men making sure we\u2019re ready to go.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his eldest son thoughtfully for a moment. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him surprised. \u2018What\u2019s the matter Pa?\u00a0 I thought you\u2019d be pleased that we\u2019re finally able to start.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben tried to smile. \u2018I am son,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018After all the rain we\u2019ve had in the past few weeks I thought we\u2019d never get there.\u00a0 That stock has to get to Carson City and there\u2019s no putting it off any longer.\u00a0 I just hope the weather holds long enough for you and Hoss to get them there.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss thinks it will,\u2019 replied Adam.\u00a0 \u2018And you know he\u2019s very rarely wrong about things like that.\u2019 He studied his father\u2019s face for a moment. \u2018There\u2019s something else you\u2019re not telling me Pa.\u00a0 What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben sighed and pointed to the contracts in front of him. \u2018The army contracts,\u2019 he said. \u2018After all my hard work it looks like this deal\u2019s not going to happen after all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the edge of his father\u2019s desk. \u2018How come?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018I though they\u2019d agreed to all your conditions?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So did I,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But apparently not.\u00a0 They\u2019re demanding more now.\u00a0 I can\u2019t seem to find a way out, so I think I\u2019ll have to run it by our lawyers in San Francisco.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018But there\u2019s no time,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Isn\u2019t the deadline Friday?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben worriedly. \u2018I think if I wire ahead to them and leave on tomorrow\u2019s stage then I might just make it. I have to try anyway.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018But Pa, what about the herd?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We\u2019ve got to get them moving now.\u00a0 You just said so yourself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018This doesn\u2019t change anything,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You and Hoss were going to manage that yourselves anyway, so you can still go ahead with it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes but I meant with Hoss and I away and you in San Francisco, who will look after Joe?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Hop Sing won\u2019t be back from visiting his cousin until next week.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben rubbed his head. \u2018I forgot about Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll just have to ask the Devlins to take him for a few days.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018They can\u2019t.\u00a0 One of the hands told me that a couple of the Devlin kids have got the measles.\u00a0 You can\u2019t send Joe over there. He\u2019s hard enough to deal with when he\u2019s well!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile at the feeble joke.\u00a0 He rubbed his chin while he gave the matter some thought. \u2018There must be someone else who could watch your brother for a few days,\u2019 he said. There was silence while they both pondered the problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments Adam spoke. \u2018Well everyone I can think of is either going through similar problems to us in having to cope with things after all that rain, or they\u2019re just not suitable.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Well I\u2019ll just have to take him with me,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no help for it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u2018Pa you can\u2019t. How can you deal with lawyers when Joe is hanging around?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll just have to,\u2019 his father replied. \u2018Although I must admit I\u2019m not looking forward to it.\u00a0 Especially after this.\u2019\u00a0 He flung the letter that had been resting on his desk over to Adam, who picked it up and began to read it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018When did you get this?\u2019 he asked after he had finished it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018It was sitting on my desk this morning,\u2019 said Ben, glaring at the piece of paper as if it was responsible for being there. \u2018I suppose your youngest brother thought that I\u2019d calm down by the time he gets home this afternoon.\u00a0 He never said a word about it all last night.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Adam tried to hide a smile.\u00a0 Joe got into a lot of trouble at school and he supposed that by now he knew all the tricks about how to soften the blow when it came.\u00a0 The letter from his teacher was certainly one to make their father\u2019s blood boil and Joe would have known it.\u00a0 Privately thought it was a smart move on the part of his youngest brother to leave it for their father to read when he wasn\u2019t close by.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ll be dealing with a certain young man when he gets home,\u2019 said Ben crossly.\u00a0 \u2018And I certainly don\u2019t feel that taking him on a trip to San Francisco is exactly the punishment I had in mind.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and stretched. \u2018Still, I don\u2019t have much choice in the matter.\u00a0 Come on son, let\u2019s go and get organised.\u00a0 There\u2019s a lot to do between now and tomorrow morning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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——————–<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I wouldn\u2019t start if I were you,\u2019 warned Adam as Joe screwed up his nose in distaste at the plate in front of him. \u2018After what you\u2019ve done today I don\u2019t think you can afford to make Pa any angrier.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe frowned at his older brother. \u2018But I hate Pa\u2019s cooking,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018You hate everyone\u2019s cooking,\u2019 said Hoss as he helped himself to some bread.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa said he\u2019d deal with you after supper,\u2019 continued Adam. \u2018So if I were you I\u2019d try to smooth things over as much as possible. He\u2019s angry enough with you as it is.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe saw the logic in his older brother\u2019s statement and when their father entered the room a moment later he picked up his fork and began to eat. Ben glared at him and sat down. \u2018Finish your supper quickly please Joseph and then head straight up to your room. You and I have quite a bit of talking to do young man.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe with his head lowered. He listened as his brothers and his father discussed the herd and their plans for the next couple of days. He worried that being stuck in the house with only his Pa for company might prove to be difficult given the circumstances and decided to be as cooperative as possible in the meantime.\u00a0 He wished he were old enough to go with his brothers and could hardly wait until the time when he could leave school.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I got the tickets for you as well Pa,\u2019 said Adam, then stopped as he saw his father glance meaningfully at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked up straight away. \u2018Tickets for where?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben glared at him. \u2018I told you to eat your supper,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hurry up.\u2019 Joe put another forkful of food into his mouth, well aware of his father\u2019s displeasure. Ben turned to Adam. \u2018Thank you son.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk about it later.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Adam nodded, aware that his father hadn\u2019t discussed the trip with Joe yet. For the remainder of the meal the conversation drifted around the issues of the herd and he and Hoss listened as their father gave them detailed instructions about how to handle the deal in Carson City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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After a while Ben turned to Joe again. \u2018If you\u2019ve finished get up to your room,\u2019 he said shortly.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll be up soon to talk to you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe obeyed his father without arguing.\u00a0 He knew what the talk would consist of and he wasn\u2019t keen to make it worse.\u00a0 Once in his bedroom he quickly changed and got under the covers, hoping that if he were in bed it would stop his father from giving him the tanning that he thought might be coming.\u00a0 After a while he heard footsteps and wondered if he should pretend to be asleep. Before he could decide, however, the door opened and his father entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Get out of bed,\u2019 instructed Ben and Joe sat up with a sigh.\u00a0 He knew from the tone of his father\u2019s voice that his hopes had been in vain.\u00a0 He tentatively put his feet on the floor and stood before his father in what he hoped was a contrite position. \u2018Well?\u2019 said Ben after a few moments. \u2018What do you have to say for yourself this time Joseph?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at his father. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean to do it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben put his hands on his hips and glared down at his young son. \u2018That\u2019s the problem Joseph. You never mean to do it, but you still do.\u00a0 When are you going to learn how to behave?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t know Pa,\u2019 said Joe in a small voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben pulled his son towards him and administered six swift smacks across his backside.\u00a0 \u2018Well you\u2019d better learn,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I\u2019m sick and tired of getting notes home from your teacher young man.\u00a0 You need to smarten up your behaviour or you will be sorry!\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked at the floor. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Look at me!\u2019 Ben yelled. Joe looked up at his father and flinched as Ben pointed his finger at him. \u2018I will take no more of your nonsense Joseph! Is that understood?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben reached over and gave his son another six swift smacks on the bottom. \u2018Now get into bed!\u2019 he said angrily.\u00a0 Joe obeyed his father quickly, rubbing his backside quickly as he slid under the covers.\u00a0 Ben sat on the edge of his bed and stared at him for a moment. \u2018You deserve to be grounded for a week young man,\u2019 he said. \u2018But unfortunately that will have to wait until later.\u00a0 Against my better judgement I am forced to take you to San Francisco with me tomorrow as your brothers will be away with the herd, but as soon as we return you will not step foot out of the front yard apart from going to school is that clear?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe nodded his head, his eyes wide at his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 Before he could stop himself he said excitedly. \u2018San Francisco Pa?\u00a0 Really?\u00a0 When do we leave?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben glared at him. \u2018Joseph, I want to make something very clear.\u00a0 You are not going to San Francisco as a reward.\u00a0 I am still very angry with you and you are only going because I have no choice.\u2019\u00a0 He pointed his finger at his son. \u2018But I am warning you!\u00a0 One wrong move young man and you will be sorry!\u00a0 Understand?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe nodded his head, trying to contain his excitement. \u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But when do we go?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Tomorrow morning,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You\u2019ll have to miss a few days school, which I\u2019m sure your teacher will be happy about.\u00a0 The way you\u2019ve been behaving lately I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be pleased to have a break from you.\u2019 Joe bit his lip in excitement and tried not to look too happy for fear that his father would change his mind. \u2018Now go to sleep,\u2019 said Ben tucking in the blankets around him. \u2018We need to be up early in the morning to pack.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe snuggling down under the covers. He hugged himself tightly as his father turned down the lamp and left the room.\u00a0 San Francisco!\u00a0 He knew he\u2019d been there before, but that was when he was only little.\u00a0 His father had told him that before his mother had died they had all gone together when he was about three, but Joe didn\u2019t even remember it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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It seemed for as long as he could remember he had been asking to go and his father had always promised that one day he would take him.\u00a0 Joe longed to see the ocean and all the sights that his brothers had told him that they had seen in that wondrous city.\u00a0 It seemed to Joe that San Francisco must be just about the most exciting place there was, next to New Orleans of course!\u00a0 That was where his mother had come from and Joe had a great passion to see it one day.\u00a0 His father had told him that it was too far away for him to make the trip until he was grown up, so instead he had set his sights on a city that was much more accessible to him.\u00a0 And now he was really going there!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe could hardly believe his luck.\u00a0 He rubbed his sore bottom and thought about tomorrow and all the excitement that it would bring.\u00a0 In spite of himself his eyes began to close as tiredness overtook him and his last thoughts were of everything he would do in San Francisco.\u00a0 He fell asleep dreaming of clipper ships such as he had seen in Adam\u2019s book sailing across the ocean.<\/span><\/p>\n

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———————-<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Joseph keep still,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Didn\u2019t you go to the outhouse as I told you to?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Joe stopped hopping from one foot to the other and tried to obey his father, but it was hard to contain his excitement. \u2018Yes Pa, I did,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He had been on trips before, but never just himself and his father and certainly never so far!\u00a0 It was all he could do not to yell out his excitement to everyone passing by in the street.\u00a0 He looked at his father impatiently for it seemed to him that Pa was taking far too long in saying his goodbyes to Adam and Hoss and organising their luggage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Can I get in the stage now Pa?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018It might go without us iffen I don\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben sighed. \u2018You may as well,\u2019 he said. \u2018But don\u2019t start complaining to me to get out again and stretch your legs when we\u2019re part way into the trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe grinned. \u2018I won\u2019t Pa,\u2019 he said and turned to his brothers. \u2018Bye Adam, bye Hoss.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hoss ruffled his little brother\u2019s hair fondly. \u2018Bye shortshanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018Behave yourself for Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Adam laughed as he gave his little brother a playful punch on the shoulder. \u2018Yeah, or he might leave you there!\u2019 he said. \u2018Then we\u2019d have no one to order around any more.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stared at them seriously for a moment, then smiled as he realised his brother was joking.\u00a0 \u2018Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be good,\u2019 he said with a sideways glance at his father.\u00a0 He could still feel Pa\u2019s disapproval and knew that he hadn\u2019t forgotten that Joe was still in trouble.\u00a0 He hoped that as the trip went on he would be able to charm his father into forgetting about it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Up you go then,\u2019 said Ben and patted his son\u2019s backside as he stepped up the high step.\u00a0 Joe looked out of the window of the stage. \u2018Ain\u2019t ya coming Pa?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018It\u2019s going now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In a minute Joseph,\u2019 said Ben impatiently. \u2018We have plenty of time.\u2019 He turned back towards Adam and Hoss. \u2018You\u2019d better get going boys.\u00a0 That herd needs to be moved as quickly as you can.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Adam giving him a grin. \u2018Good luck with the contracts.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave each of them a quick hug before turning to the stage. \u2018We\u2019ll be back on Saturday\u2019s noon stage,\u2019 he said. \u2018Good luck in Carson City boys.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stepped back and waved as the stage lurched forward.\u00a0 Hoss grinned as he saw his father\u2019s hand reach out and pull his little brother\u2019s head inside the window, then they both laughed out loud as Little Joe\u2019s arm came back out and waved frantically to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to Hoss and thumped him on the back. \u2018Come on brother.\u00a0 The men are waiting for us and we haven\u2019t got all day.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned and looked over his shoulder as they walked down the street. \u2018I hope Pa goes easy on Joe while they\u2019re gone. He\u2019s so excited that it\u2019d be a shame ta have Pa mad at him the whole time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Knowing that kid he\u2019ll make Pa forget he was even in trouble by the time they\u2019ve gone two miles,\u2019 said Adam with a sarcastic grin.\u00a0 \u2018I wouldn\u2019t waste much time worrying about that young brother of ours.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss returned the grin. \u2018No I suppose you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t ya reckon Pa?\u2019 asked Little Joe again, squinting his eyes against the glare of the sun streaming through the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up from the papers he was reading and said impatiently, \u2018What?\u00a0 Oh yes I suppose so.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled and turned towards the window again.\u00a0 The trip was proving to be so exciting so far even though they were only an hour or so into it.\u00a0 The countryside sped past him and it seemed that there was just so much to see that he couldn\u2019t track of it all.\u00a0 He bounced on his seat excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph keep still,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You\u2019re disturbing everyone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around him and smiled at the other occupants of the stage. \u2018Sorry,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s all right dear,\u2019 said the large woman who was seated opposite him. \u2018It\u2019s hard to keep still when there\u2019s so much to see isn\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and smiled at her, happy that she understood.\u00a0 The man beside her said nothing, but gave Joe an angry look. Joe supposed he was the sort of person who didn\u2019t like children much.\u00a0 He turned back towards the window again. \u2018Look Pa!\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018See that mountain over there?\u00a0 It looks like\u2026\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up again. \u2018Joseph would you please be quiet?\u00a0 I have work to do and I\u2019m sure these people don\u2019t want to hear your voice every minute of the trip.\u00a0 Sit back and try to keep still for at least a little while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat back and closed his mouth.\u00a0 It was obvious that his Pa was still angry with him and he decided that the best thing to do would be to give him time to forget about the trouble he had caused yesterday.\u00a0 He clutched his arms excitedly as he stared out of the window, resisting the temptation to speak again.\u00a0 After a while he felt his eyelids becoming heavy and in spite of himself he felt sleep overtaking him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up and smiled at the sight of his youngest son.\u00a0 He reached over and straightened the boy so that he was resting in a more comfortable position with his head on the side on the seat. The woman across from him smiled. \u2018He\u2019s very excited isn\u2019t he?\u00a0 Is this his first trip?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the smile. \u2018Just about,\u2019 he said. \u2018The first one he\u2019s old enough to remember anyway.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry if he\u2019s disturbing you both.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man opposite looked at him. \u2018Well stage travel is difficult at the best of times without children around,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the look. \u2018I\u2019ll try to keep him as quiet as possible for you then,\u2019 he said dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s not disturbing me at all,\u2019 said the woman. \u2018He\u2019s such a cute little thing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Sometimes,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s a bit of a mischief magnet I\u2019m afraid. \u00a0Keeps me on my toes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both laughed. \u2018I\u2019m sure he would,\u2019 said the woman. \u2018He must have you and his mother running after him constantly.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018His mother died a few years ago,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018So that means I just have to run twice as fast.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her smile faded. \u2018Oh I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t realise,\u2019 she said sympathetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at her. \u2018That\u2019s alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have two older boys who help me a lot.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u2018I\u2019m glad for you.\u00a0 It would be difficult raising a youngster like this by yourself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they travelled, Ben thought about her words.\u00a0 It was true that he found Joe to be exhausting at times and wished for some peace and quiet away from him.\u00a0 Yet every time he left him he ached to be back with him again.\u00a0 He looked down at his small son\u2019s sleeping form next to him and marvelled at how angelic he looked when he was asleep.\u00a0 If only he could stay like that!\u00a0 So quiet and \u2026.. well, just so quiet!\u00a0 In spite of his intentions to be firm with the boy and not make this trip a reward for him, he felt himself relaxing and ready to forgive him again for the mischief he had caused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What was it about this boy that melted his heart so much?\u00a0 He loved all his sons, but Joseph got to him in a way that the other two didn\u2019t.\u00a0 He tried to be firm with him, but the boy\u2019s fetching personality and innocence just made it so difficult.\u00a0 He shook his head and tried to concentrate on the contracts in front of him again.\u00a0 It would be some hours until they reached Sacramento where they would need to change stagecoaches and he really should take advantage of the quiet while Joseph was asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and yawned. He glanced around him, trying to place just where he was. He frowned to see the man and woman sitting opposite, but no sign of his father. He sat up quickly. \u2018Where\u2019s my Pa?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Where\u2019s he gone?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman patted him on the knee. \u2018It\u2019s all right dear,\u2019 she said. \u2018We\u2019ve stopped for a few minutes and he\u2019s just outside stretching his legs.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned at her. \u2018Where?\u2019 he said anxiously looking around. \u2018Pa! Pa!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Where are you Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head came through the window. \u2018I\u2019m right here Joseph. He said. \u2018Stop all that yelling.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment he had thought his father had disappeared and the thought frightened him. He didn\u2019t know why, but he always hated it when his father left him alone.\u00a0 And out here in a strange place the thought terrified him.\u00a0 \u2018Can I come out Pa?\u2019 he asked, getting out as he said it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben helped him down and bent towards him. \u2018Do you need to go?\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Now\u2019s the time if you do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t an outhouse in sight.\u00a0 In fact there was nothing in sight except for a few trees and boulders by the side of the trail \u2018Where?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed towards a large boulder. \u2018Behind there,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hurry up.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scampered over to the boulder and went behind it.\u00a0 He hurried as fast as he could, thinking that the stage would go without them.\u00a0 Within a minute he was back again. \u2018So we have ta get back in now Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Are we going now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Don\u2019t be so anxious Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018The stage won\u2019t go anywhere without us.\u00a0 Stretch your legs for a bit first.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was only too happy to do as his father suggested.\u00a0 He felt cramped and stiff from all that sitting and was enjoying being out of the stage.\u00a0 He walked around to the horses and patted them. The driver of the stage was there, giving them both a drink from a bucket. \u2018They\u2019re nice horses,\u2019 said Joe, trying to be friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man grunted. \u2018They do their job, that\u2019s all that I care about,\u2019 he said grumpily. \u2018Stand back from em kid.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood back.\u00a0 It seemed that this man didn\u2019t like children either. \u2018What are their names?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man grunted again. \u2018How would I know?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged and turned away.\u00a0 He walked around the stage a couple of times until his father called him over. \u2018Joseph, come over here and get a drink,\u2019 shouted Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took the canteen from his father. \u2018Ain\u2019t this great Pa?\u2019 he said as he put it to his lips. \u2018It\u2019s exciting ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried not to smile at the boy\u2019s innocence.\u00a0 What was so exciting about standing next to a stage in the middle of nowhere after all? \u2018Yes I suppose so,\u2019 he said shortly, trying to look stern. \u2018Now get back inside.\u00a0 We\u2019re leaving again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they were seated in the stage, Joe asked his father. \u2018When do we get to San Francisco Pa? Is it soon now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No.\u00a0 We won\u2019t get to Sacramento until late this afternoon.\u00a0 That\u2019s where we will stay the night,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Then we get on a different stage tomorrow for San Francisco.\u00a0 We won\u2019t get there for a couple more days yet.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked out of the window again as they lurched forward.\u00a0 It seemed so far away!\u00a0 He wondered for the hundredth time what the ocean would look like. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joseph?\u2019 said his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can we go straight down to the ocean when we get there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No we can\u2019t. It will be dark when we get there and the next morning I have work to do.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have to come with me and stay in the office while I talk to the lawyers.\u2019\u00a0 Ben noticed the boy\u2019s face fall. \u2018After I\u2019ve finished I\u2019ll take you down to the harbour and show you all the ships,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up again. \u2018Will we see clipper ships like you sailed on?\u2019 he asked excitedly. \u2018Like the ones in Adam\u2019s book?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled in spite of himself. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019ll be lots of different kinds of ships.\u00a0 I\u2019ll point them all out to you.\u00a0 And if you behave yourself I\u2019ll take you to the beach as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could hardly contain himself. \u2018Really Pa?\u2019 he said bouncing off his seat again. \u2018Really?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed him down again, conscious of the other passengers. \u2018Really,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now just settle down young man.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got a long trip still ahead of us.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down again.\u00a0 This was getting more exciting than even before!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was early afternoon as the stage rolled into Placerville Joe sat up excitedly. \u2018Look Pa!\u2019 he exclaimed as the buildings came into view. \u2018A town!\u00a0 What\u2019s it called Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s Placerville,\u2019 said his father. \u2018We\u2019ll stop here for a while so that we can get some dinner.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe followed his father down from the stage excitedly and looked around him. Placerville was a sleepy little town with nothing much to see, but to his ten year-old eyes it was one of the most exciting places he\u2019d ever laid eyes on. \u2018Wow!\u00a0 Look at that Pa!\u00a0 A saloon just like in Virginia City!\u00a0 Are we going in there for our dinner Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No we are not,\u2019 said his father grabbing him by the hand. \u2018Come along.\u2019\u00a0 He led him across the street to a small caf\u00e9 where he ordered them both a sandwich and a drink. They took them outside and sat on the porch overlooking the street. \u2018Now I want you to eat all of that,\u2019 Ben instructed. \u2018You hardly ate anything for breakfast.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was too excited,\u2019 answered Joe with his mouthful. He did feel rather hungry for once and made short work of the sandwich. As he sat and waited for his father to finish, he looked around. \u2018Can I go for a walk Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I want to see what\u2019s up the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him wearily. Where did this boy get all his energy from?\u00a0 \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018But not for very long. Just up the street and back.\u2019\u00a0 Joe stood up to go. \u2018Oh and make sure you use the outhouse over there before you get back on the stage,\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0 He wandered up the street slowly, looking in all the shop windows as he went.\u00a0 He made it to the end of the street quickly and looked back over his shoulder to where his father had been sitting.\u00a0 For a moment he was worried, then he noticed that Ben had walked over to the stage and was talking to the driver there. Joe looked around the side of the building and stepped off the sidewalk.\u00a0 He wondered what was at the end of the alleyway and thought that his father wouldn\u2019t mind if he checked it out quickly.\u00a0 Without another thought he disappeared around the side of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leant against a pole and watched as the driver finished watering the horses. \u2018You going all the way to San Francisco?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nope,\u2019 said the man.\u00a0 \u2018Finish at Sacramento. \u2018New driver will take ya from there.\u2019\u00a0 He reached up and began to tighten the straps on the luggage.\u00a0 Ben stepped back to give him room, when suddenly a couple of drunken men stumbled out of the saloon behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I say ya were cheating!\u2019 said one of them and made a grab for the other one. \u2018I ain\u2019t playing with no cheater!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second man hit him square in the jaw. \u2018Ain\u2019t no-one calling me a cheater!\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to step out of the way of the fight, but found that he was pinned against a wall with no room to move.\u00a0 He fended off the fists that were flying in all directions. \u2018Steady on!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Move away!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the drunken men turned towards him and yelled in his face. \u2018Who ya telling to move!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I ain\u2019t no cheater!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018I never said you were friend,\u2019 he said trying to calm him down. He pushed him away gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man turned on him. \u2018Don\u2019t you push me!\u2019 he yelled and gave Ben a huge shove back.\u00a0 Ben lost his footing and fell heavily against the wall behind him.\u00a0 He tried to reach out to stop himself falling, but only succeeded in losing his balance even further and fell heavily onto the edge of the sidewalk.\u00a0 There was a loud thump and the last thing he remembered were bright lights exploding in his head as the blackness overtook him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The driver stepped forward. \u2018Hey, leave that man alone!\u2019 he said. \u2018You two get out of here!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men stopped fighting as they realised what had happened. \u2018Is he alright?\u2019 one of them asked as the driver bent over Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 the man said. \u2018You\u2019ve knocked him out fair and proper.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three of them looked at Ben anxiously, relieved to see his eyelids flutter open again. \u2018You OK mister?\u2019 asked the driver.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt the lump on his head. \u2018I\u2026\u2026. I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think so.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The driver helped him to his feet. \u2018You\u2019d better sit down,\u2019 he said. \u2018Here, I\u2019ll help ya get into the stage.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to the two drunks. \u2018You two get outta here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Before I call the law on ya!\u2019 He helped Ben into his seat and watched as the man closed his eyes and laid his head back on the seat. \u2018That\u2019s it,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Get some sleep.\u00a0 That\u2019s the best thing for ya.\u2019 He called to the woman who had been standing there watching what had happened. \u2018Time to go,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Where\u2019s our other two passengers?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m here,\u2019 said the male passenger, stepping out of the saloon. \u2018I don\u2019t know where that brat is though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I saw him go up the street,\u2019 said the woman looking around anxiously. \u2018Oh, there he is!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe came around the side of the building again and started to make his way towards them. \u2018Come on boy!\u2019 said the driver impatiently. \u2018Time to go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him anxiously. \u2018We can\u2019t go without my Pa!\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t worry dear,\u2019 said the woman kindly. \u2018Your Pa\u2019s right here in the stage. He\u2019s had a bit of an accident, so he\u2019s having a little nap.\u2019 Joe looked at her anxiously. \u2018It\u2019s alright dear, \u2018 she said. \u2018He just hit his head, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stepped up into the stage. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said, shaking his father. \u2018Pa?\u00a0 Are you awake?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman put her hand on his shoulder. \u2018Leave him alone to sleep dear,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe settled back in his seat and closed his own eyes.\u00a0 A nap sounded like a good idea to him right about now.\u00a0 Within minutes all the four occupants of the small stage were fast asleep as they continued their journey towards Sacramento.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and was immediately aware of the thumping in his head.\u00a0 It felt as if he had a hammer in there and he immediately put his hand up to massage his temples. Everything seemed to be moving around and he felt quite dizzy, so he shut his eyes again to try and help himself feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Would you like a drink of water?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened his eyes again and looked at the woman sitting opposite.\u00a0 She smiled at him kindly as she held out a canteen and he took it gratefully. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said and took a large swallow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you feel a bit better?\u2019 she asked. \u2018You took a nasty fall back there.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So that was it!\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t seem to remember what it was that had made his head so sore, but a fall\u2026\u2026that made sense. \u2018Yes a bit,\u2019 he said and shut his eyes again.\u00a0 It was strange, but he couldn\u2019t seem to remember much of anything.\u00a0 He wondered why he was on a stage in the first place and he wondered who the woman was.\u00a0 He opened his eyes again and looked around him.\u00a0 Sitting next to the woman was a man and next to him was a child who was fast asleep.\u00a0 He wondered if they were all part of the same family or if the woman was by herself with the little boy. \u00a0It was all too much for him and he closed his eyes again and drifted off into a deep sleep again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A short time later, Joe opened his eyes and looked around.\u00a0 His Pa was still asleep and he wondered how much longer he would continue to be so.\u00a0 He looked across at the woman opposite who smiled at him. \u2018How much longer till we get to Sacramento?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not long now dear.\u00a0 About an hour or so,\u2019 she said pleasantly. \u2018It will be nice to get out and stretch won\u2019t it?\u2019 He nodded and looked at his father anxiously. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry about your Pa,\u2019 she added. \u2018He\u2019s been awake for a while and has gone back to sleep again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, satisfied that his father was alright. He spent some time looking out of the window, anxious to get his first glimpse of Sacramento.\u00a0 When it did appear finally, he was overcome with excitement and couldn\u2019t help but show it. \u2018Pa! Pa!\u2019 he cried, shaking his father. \u2018Look!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes opened slowly.\u00a0 The pounding in his head was still there and now the child next to him was shaking him and making it worse.\u00a0 What was he saying?\u00a0 Something about looking out of the window.\u00a0 Angrily, Ben shook him off. \u2018Be quiet!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m, trying to sleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But its Sacramento!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018We\u2019re there!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes wider. Sacramento?\u00a0 Now why on earth would he have been travelling to Sacramento of all places?\u00a0 He frowned as he tried to remember, but failed to come up with an answer. It worried him that he couldn\u2019t, but he supposed it was something to do with the fall that he had taken.\u00a0 He shook his head and hoped that the answer would come to him in time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile the child next to him was becoming increasingly annoying.\u00a0 He glanced across at the woman, wishing that she would make her son be quiet, but she just sat there.\u00a0\u00a0Really!\u00a0<\/em>he thought.Some people shouldn\u2019t travel with children if they couldn\u2019t control them!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the stage pulled to a stop everyone scrambled to get out, anxious to stretch their legs.\u00a0 Joe grinned as he looked around him at the bustling sidewalk and wondered just how many people lived here.\u00a0 He turned to watch the driver get down their luggage and picked up his bag.\u00a0 He had the feeling that Pa still wasn\u2019t too pleased with him, as he hadn\u2019t said a word to him since they had got of the stage, but had simply stood and stared around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Goodbye dear,\u2019 said the woman. \u2018I live here so I won\u2019t see you again on tomorrow\u2019s stage. Have a lovely time in San Francisco.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at her. \u2018I will,\u2019 he said happily.\u00a0 The man that had been with them had already disappeared without a word and the driver was busy unhitching the horses, so Joe stood quietly and waited for his Pa to finish picking up his luggage.\u00a0 Ben walked down the street without a word and Joe quickly followed him. After a short time, he said. \u2018Where do we stay tonight?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at the small figure beside him crossly. \u2018I\u2019m staying at a hotel,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know about you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Aren\u2019t we staying together?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him. \u2018How would I know?\u2019 he said. \u2018Go and ask your mother.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped walking and stared at the man continuing in front of him. He couldn\u2019t understand what his Pa was talking about. Why would he say a thing like that? His mother had died years ago and he knew that Joe couldn\u2019t ask her!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 he called as the man kept walking. \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t turn around at the sound.\u00a0 He wished the child would go back to his mother and stop annoying him.\u00a0 He quickened his pace and tried to leave the youngster behind him, but to his annoyance he heard him running to catch up. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned and looked at the child crossly. \u2018Would you stop calling me that?\u2019 he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him confused. \u2018What am I supposed to call you?\u2019 he asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t call me anything!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Just go away!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed and his face crumpled. \u2018But Pa!\u2019 he said and clutched at the man\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook him off. \u2018I said to go away!\u2019 he repeated, and turned on his heel and strode off quickly down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe watched him go with anguish in his heart. He knew that his Pa had been cross with him, but he had never for one moment thought that he would speak to him like this!\u00a0 He wondered what he should do.\u00a0 With a heavy heart he followed the man until he saw him enter a building a couple of blocks away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the imposing structure and slowly climbed the steps. He opened the door tentatively and entered the lobby.\u00a0 He immediately spied Ben standing at the counter writing on a ledger and took his place beside him. Ben looked down crossly. \u2018You again!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I thought I told you to go away!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa!\u2019 said Joe, his eyes brimming with tears. \u2018I don\u2019t\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben interrupted him. \u2018I told you to go away and I meant it,\u2019 he said. \u2018And stop calling me your Pa when I\u2019m not.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018But\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 he began. \u2018What do you\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The desk clerk looked down at him. \u2018You heard what the man said sonny.\u00a0 Go on home now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him. \u2018But I can\u2019t,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018It\u2019s too far.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk acted as if he hadn\u2019t heard him and simply turned to smile at Ben. \u2018Here\u2019s your key Mr \u2026\u2026.. sorry sir, but you haven\u2019t written your name clearly here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him. It was strange, but he really couldn\u2019t remember his name.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know why.\u00a0 All he knew was that he had a pounding headache and the need to sleep quickly. \u2018It\u2019s\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 he glanced at the name he had chosen to write in the absence of any true memory. \u2018It\u2019s Smith,\u2019 he said and heard a small gasp from beside him.\u00a0 He looked down at the small figure who stared back at him.\u00a0 It looked as though the child was about to cry and that annoyed him even further.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He snatched up the key and nodded to the desk clerk. As he mounted the steps to his room he sensed the child beside him again and turned and pointed his finger at him. \u2018If you don\u2019t go away I\u2019ll call the police!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Now scat!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood rooted to the spot, his heart breaking as he watched his father climb the stairs and disappear.\u00a0 His Pa didn\u2019t want him anymore!\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 What had he done that was so bad?\u00a0 He knew he had been naughty, but his Pa had never treated him like this before!\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t help himself and he felt the tears begin to fall down his cheeks.\u00a0 He glanced around the lobby and looked at all the people walking past.\u00a0 What was he to do?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced at the desk clerk who was busy with another customer.\u00a0 It was obvious to him that the man wasn\u2019t interested in helping him.\u00a0 Maybe he should go back to and find the stagecoach driver and ask his advice?\u00a0 He wiped his eyes and decided that was the best thing to do.\u00a0 He left the building and entered the busy street again, looking over his shoulder at all the windows and wondering which room his Pa was in.\u00a0 With a heavy heart the little boy turned and walked down the street the way he had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve got no idea kid,\u2019 the man said impatiently. \u2018Why don\u2019t you run along home now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But you have to know where he is!\u2019 said Joe desperately. \u2018He was unhitching the horses before!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he must have finished and gone home,\u2019 replied. \u2018Which is where you should be too.\u00a0 Now scoot!\u2019\u00a0 He turned and went back into the Stage-Line office.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood on the busy sidewalk wondering what to do next.\u00a0 He thought about the woman who had been kind to him and wondered where she lived, but a glance around him was all he needed to know that he\u2019d never find her in a town this size.\u00a0 He bit his lip and tried to think.\u00a0 If only he had some money!\u00a0 If he had some, then he could get someone to send a wire to Adam and Hoss and they could come and get him. Then he remembered that his brothers weren\u2019t at home anyway.\u00a0 They were on their way to Carson City with the herd. Besides, if his Pa didn\u2019t want him, what was the point of going home again?\u00a0 Pa would only make him leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe fought the urge to cry again and put his bag down beside him.\u00a0 It was beginning to get heavy and he was tired and hungry.\u00a0 The darkness had fallen now and he wanted nothing more than to rest in a comfortable bed, but he didn\u2019t think that was about to happen.\u00a0 Maybe his Pa would have changed his mind after he had a good night\u2019s sleep?\u00a0 Maybe in the morning his Pa would want him back again?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the meantime, he needed to get some sleep, so he glanced around and saw the Livery Stable.\u00a0 Maybe he could find a warm spot in there to stay?\u00a0 He knew that his father would have to come back here in the morning, so it was the logical place to stay close to. He glanced around before entering the building, scared that someone would stop him.\u00a0 Looking around him, he immediately felt better, as it reminded him of their barn at home.\u00a0 The sniffling of the horses was somehow comforting to him and he stroked one of them on the muzzle.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello boy,\u2019 he said, recognising him as one of the horses who had pulled their stagecoach that day. \u2018Where\u2019s a good place to stay where no one will see me? Do ya know?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up and saw the hayloft.\u00a0 It was just like at home!\u00a0 He could remember hiding in their hayloft many times when his Pa or his brothers had been angry with him for something, so he guessed he may as well use this one now.\u00a0 He climbed the ladder awkwardly, trying to balance his bag and not drop it and eventually pulled himself onto the floor above.\u00a0 Tired as he was, it didn\u2019t take long for him to snuggle down in the hay and close his eyes.\u00a0 His last thought was of his Pa and how he would try to change his mind about wanting him in the morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the papers in his hands.\u00a0 He had spent the last half-hour meticulously going through his luggage, trying to come up with an answer to the mystery of who he was, but until now had come up with nothing.\u00a0 He studied the papers again and frowned.\u00a0 They clearly stated the name and address of a lawyer\u2019s firm in San Francisco and outlined a business deal between a Mr Cartwright and the army.\u00a0 He wondered if he was this Mr Cartwright or maybe a representative of the army?\u00a0 Or maybe he was from the lawyer\u2019s office and was carrying the documents to them?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and lay down on the bed.\u00a0 One thing he knew was that he had to try and get to the bottom of this.\u00a0 He determined to go back to the Stage Line office in the morning and book a ticket to San Francisco.\u00a0 Hopefully at this lawyer\u2019s office he would find out the answer to his question. He closed his eyes thankfully, hoping that his headache would be eased by the morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stream of sunlight on his face caused Joe to open his eyes and blink.\u00a0 He lay still for a moment, wondering why the ceiling looked so different and then it all came flooding back to him.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t at home in his bedroom, he was in the hayloft of the Livery Stable and his Pa didn\u2019t want him anymore!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rolled over and looked around.\u00a0 Below him he could hear the sound of the horses stamping their feet and distant voices from the street. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, anxious to know what time it was.\u00a0 He hoped he hadn\u2019t overslept!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed his bag and carefully climbed down the ladder.\u00a0 Anxiously he ran into the street, hoping to see his Pa standing there, but all he saw was a stagecoach waiting and various people milling around.\u00a0 He looked around for the driver from the day before, but couldn\u2019t see him.\u00a0 Timidly, he approached the office and entered. A man was busy selling tickets from behind the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood in line. When it was his turn, the man looked at him with an amused expression. \u2018Yes sonny?\u00a0 What can I do for you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Has the stage to San Francisco gone yet?\u2019 Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shook his head. \u2018No, that\u2019s it outside. It goes in about ten minutes,\u2019 he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe breathed a sigh of relief. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said and left the building. He stood next to the stagecoach, anxiously scanning the street for his father, but couldn\u2019t see him.\u00a0 A man shoved him impatiently aside and he took a step back until he was backed up against the building, holding his bag in front of him.\u00a0 Suddenly he saw his Pa\u2019s face in the window of the stagecoach.\u00a0 He had been there all the time!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A wave of relief washed over Joe. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called as he waved to his father. \u2018Pa! I\u2019m here!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at him through the window. He couldn\u2019t hear what the child was saying over the noise of the passing traffic, but it was obvious that the boy was trying to get his attention. He turned his head and ignored the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried again. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called. He frowned as he saw his father turn his head.\u00a0 So Pa hadn\u2019t forgiven him after all?\u00a0 His heart constricted and the tears began to fall.\u00a0 Quickly he approached the stage and tried to reach the window. \u2018Ain\u2019t I coming with ya?\u2019 he called.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A man behind him interrupted. \u2018If you\u2019re coming sonny, then I need to see your ticket.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to him. \u2018But I ain\u2019t got one!\u2019 he said. \u2018My Pa\u2019s got it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then go and get it from him!\u2019 said the man.\u00a0 \u2018Hurry up!\u00a0 We\u2019re about to leave.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My Pa is in there!\u2019 said Joe desperately. \u2018He\u2019s already in the stage!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man stuck his head inside the stagecoach. \u2018Boy here says that his father is in this stage.\u00a0 Any takers?\u2019 No one said a word. He turned back towards Joe with an amused expression. \u2018Seems like your Pa\u2019s not here kid.\u00a0 How about running back home again eh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But he is!\u2019 said Joe anxiously. \u2018He\u2019s in there!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Look kid,\u2019 said the man. \u2018You ain\u2019t getting a free ride this way.\u00a0 Whatever trouble you got into at home, I\u2019m sure your parents wouldn\u2019t appreciate you running off like this.\u00a0 Now get back home! Scat!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He pushed Joe away from the coach and closed the door, signalling to the driver that everything was ready. He turned and left as the stage pulled into the street and disappeared around the bend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood with his bag clutched to his chest, tears rolling down his face.\u00a0 His heart was broken and he felt utterly rejected. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called softly. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to be naughty!\u00a0 Please come back for me!\u2019 He backed up towards the building again and clutched his bag tightly, tears streaming down his face as he looked in the direction of the disappearing stagecoach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the paper in his hand again and checked it against the number on the building.\u00a0 It matched!\u00a0 He mounted the stairs and opened the door, instantly struck by the classiness of the establishment.\u00a0 He hoped that he would find out he worked here, as it would probably be a job that paid quite a bit.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t come straight here after reaching San Francisco a few days ago, as he had hoped that he might suddenly remember who he was and had spent some time wandering the city trying to see if anything sparked a memory, but nothing did.\u00a0 Also, it had taken a few days for the headache to disappear completely and he had felt quite weak up until today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But here he was still unsure of his identity days later, and he knew that the time had come to try and find out once and for all who he was.\u00a0 If the truth were known the thought scared him quite a bit. What if he turned out to have a life that he didn\u2019t feel comfortable with?\u00a0 Still, he had to know once and for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward to the receptionist and stood there hoping for a reaction from her.\u00a0 Finally the woman looked up at him inquiringly.\u00a0 \u2018Yes?\u2019 she asked. \u2018May I help you sir?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hesitated. \u2018I\u2026 that is\u2026\u2026. I was wondering if you knew me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked at him strangely. \u2018I can\u2019t say that I do,\u2019 she said after a moment. \u2018Am I supposed to?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He frowned. \u2018No, I suppose not,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just that\u2026.well, I wonder if I could see Mr\u2026..\u2019 he consulted the paper in his hand. \u2018Mr Atkins please. He\u2019s a lawyer here I believe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes he is,\u2019 said the woman.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll see if he\u2019s free. Please take a seat.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down warily.\u00a0 Somehow this didn\u2019t feel right and he was decidedly uncomfortable.\u00a0 He watched as the woman left the room and stood up as she re entered again with a smile. \u2018Mr Atkins is free.\u00a0 He\u2019ll see you straight away if you like.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded gratefully and followed her along a corridor.\u00a0 As he entered the room she indicated the man seated at the desk looked up. A look of instant recognition crossed his face and he held out his hand. \u2018Ben!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I\u2019ve been wondering when you\u2019d get here.\u00a0 Your wire said Tuesday, but I hadn\u2019t heard from you since you sent it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook the man\u2019s hand tentatively. \u2018Do you mind if I sit down?\u2019 he asked, for he suddenly felt unsteady on his feet.\u00a0 The man obviously knew him!\u00a0 A flood of relief washed over him, but also one of dread.\u00a0 Just who was this Ben and where did he come from?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a moment\u2019s silence, Mr Atkins asked. \u2018Are you all right Ben?\u00a0 You look a little upset about something.\u00a0 It\u2019s not the army contracts is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2026.. I need to ask you something,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can you tell me my last name?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Atkins looked at him strangely. \u2018Your last name?\u00a0 What are you talking about?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his head and rubbed his temple. \u2018I\u2026.I seem to have forgotten it,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I seem to have forgotten a lot of things lately.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Atkins reached out to him. \u2018Ben? You don\u2019t look well. Can I help?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him gratefully. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Yes I need you to help me. I can\u2019t remember\u2026\u2026.anything.\u2019 He looked up at the other man pleadingly. \u2018Tell me about myself,\u2019 he said. \u2018Tell me who I am.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sniffled quietly into the hay, his tears almost spent.\u00a0 He felt as if he had been crying forever and had such an empty feeling inside him that he couldn\u2019t even begin to know how to fill it.\u00a0 Not only did his Pa not want him anymore, but also he wouldn\u2019t even say that he was his Pa at all!\u00a0 And now he had left him here in this strange place with no one to look after him or help him.\u00a0 He rubbed his eyes with his shirtsleeve.\u00a0 What was he to do now?\u00a0 Where was he going to live and who would take care of him?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He supposed that he would end up in an orphanage and he shuddered at the thought. He had heard about those places and didn\u2019t want to live in one, that was for sure.\u00a0 Maybe after a while a family might want to adopt him?\u00a0 Maybe he would have to live with a family that he didn\u2019t get on with?\u00a0 His mind raced onwards, picturing for himself a very bleak future with mean parents who worked him hard and didn\u2019t love him. He wondered if his Pa would let Adam and Hoss come and see him sometimes.\u00a0 He hoped so, for he missed them already.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt the tears welling up again.\u00a0 Why was his Pa doing this to him?\u00a0 Surely he hadn\u2019t been that bad that he shouldn\u2019t want him for a son any more? He sniffled again, feeling very sorry for himself. He felt so hungry that he knew he couldn\u2019t go without eating for much longer.\u00a0 Joe sighed as he sat up.\u00a0 He supposed he\u2019d better get it over with!\u00a0 The sooner he went to the sheriff\u2019s office and handed himself in, the sooner they would take him to the orphanage and feed him. He sighed again, not looking forward to going at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clutching his bag tightly he climbed down the ladder and headed outside.\u00a0 It was mid-morning and the streets were bustling now with more people than the boy had ever seen in one place and the sight was rather daunting to him. He looked up and down the street, wondering which direction to go.\u00a0 Biting his lip, he headed off to the right trying to keep as close to the buildings as possible.\u00a0 After a couple of blocks he found himself outside the building where his father had stayed the night before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scratched his head, wondering where to head next, when suddenly the door of the hotel burst open and man came bustling through and almost fell on him.\u00a0 Joe staggered back a couple of steps, momentarily off balance.\u00a0 The man bent down to steady him. \u2018Sorry son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, then clutched the man\u2019s sleeve. \u2018Scuze me sir, but could you tell me where the sheriff\u2019s office is?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man pointed across the street and patted him on the head kindly. \u2018Straight over there little one,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you in trouble?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018I\u2019m\u2026.. well I\u2019m kinda lost,\u2019 he said. \u2018I haven\u2019t\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man cut him short impatiently. \u2018Lost your way have you? \u00a0Well go over there and they\u2019ll help you out.\u2019\u00a0 He gave him a small push. \u2018Off you go!\u2019\u00a0 He turned and hurried down the street, Joe looking after him wistfully.\u00a0 He had hoped that the man might have taken him to the sheriff\u2019s office himself, but he seemed to be too busy.\u00a0 With a sigh he walked across the street, clutching his bag tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he entered the sheriff\u2019s office, he was struck at once by the activity around him.\u00a0 There were a number of people shouting at each other and a man who seemed to be the sheriff was trying to separate two men who were fighting.\u00a0 Joe flattened himself against the wall and tried to be invisible.\u00a0 He watched with wide eyes as a couple of deputies entered the room and tried to help the sheriff, while everyone around them continued to shout.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly one of the deputies turned towards him and grabbed him by the arm. \u2018You, boy!\u00a0 What are you doing here?\u00a0 Get out of the way!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But\u2026\u2026..\u2019 said Joe. \u2018I need to see the sheriff.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s busy,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Can\u2019t you see that?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But I need\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come back later,\u2019 said the man and shoved him out of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe figured he\u2019d better get something to eat.\u00a0 He put his hand into his pocket hopefully, wondering if he might have a few coins in there after all, but he came up with nothing.\u00a0 He looked around and headed off down the street again until he came to a small caf\u00e9.\u00a0 He looked through the front door smelling something wonderful inside, but didn\u2019t dare enter.\u00a0 Suddenly a thought came to him and he scampered around to the alleyway at the side of the building.\u00a0 Just as he had hoped, there was a small trashcan there and he quickly looked through it for any scraps that might serve him for a meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moments later he was munching happily on half a bread roll and a variety of fruit peelings.\u00a0 Joe had never been one to worry much about food, so he soon felt quite satisfied.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for the ache in his heart over his father\u2019s rejection of him, he could have been quite comfortable witting there with his stomach full again and watching the passing traffic.\u00a0 Sacramento sure was a busy place!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while Joe stood up and headed back towards the sheriff\u2019s office.\u00a0 He hoped that the noisy people had left by now and he could make himself understood.\u00a0 Quietly he entered the building and was pleased to see that the room seemed to be empty.\u00a0 He sat on a bench against the wall and put his bag on his lap, quietly waiting for someone to come back and notice him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while, the sheriff entered the room and looked at him. \u2018What are you doing here sonny?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood up. \u2018I need to go to an orphanage,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018I ain\u2019t got no parents who want me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff stared down at the small child. After a pause he crouched down in front of the child and looked at him intently. \u2018What\u2019s your name boy?\u2019 he asked. Joe didn\u2019t answer him, but simply stared back at the man.\u00a0 He had no intention of telling him who he was, as the first thing the sheriff would suggest was contacting his father.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t feel inclined to be rejected twice as the pain was still too raw.\u00a0 He shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you have a name boy?\u2019 asked the sheriff kindly. Joe shook his head again. \u2018Where\u2019s your Ma and Pa?\u2019 asked the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My Ma\u2019s dead,\u2019 Joe said, the tears welling up in his eyes again.\u00a0 \u2018And my Pa don\u2019t want me no more.\u00a0 He said he wasn\u2019t my Pa now.\u2019\u00a0 His tears began to fall freely and he hiccupped as he tried to stop them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff frowned at him. \u2018Tell me your Pa\u2019s name boy,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again. \u2018I told ya he don\u2019t want me no more,\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018I have ta go to an orphanage.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ain\u2019t you got any other relatives?\u2019 asked the sheriff.\u00a0 Joe hesitated.\u00a0 He wanted so much to tell the man about Adam and Hoss, but he didn\u2019t know if he should.\u00a0 His brother\u2019s words still rang in his head when he had warned him to be good or Pa might leave him behind.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss mustn\u2019t have been joking when they said them!\u00a0 Pa must have told them about leaving him behind and they all agreed.\u00a0 No, it was no use telling the sheriff about his brothers.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t want him either. Instead he merely shook his head at the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t got no one,\u2019 he said mournfully, for in his mind he didn\u2019t any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff led him over to the bench again. \u2018Well then we\u2019ll have to find you a place to stay won\u2019t we?\u2019 he said. \u2018You sit there boy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat still as he had been instructed to.\u00a0 The sheriff disappeared again and he was left alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked out of the window at the passing scenery.\u00a0 He could hardly believe what Mr Atkins had told him about himself, yet he knew in his heart that it was true.\u00a0 His real name meant nothing to him and he couldn\u2019t remember anything about his life at all.\u00a0 Nothing the man had told him about himself had rung true in any way and the more he heard about himself the more depressed he became.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lawyer had been kindness itself and had offered to let him stay with him, but Ben had declined firmly.\u00a0 If he was ever to remember anything about his life he felt he had to get back to this\u2026\u2026..he studied the name on the paper in his hand for the tenth time\u2026\u2026\u2026 Virginia City.\u00a0 Maybe there he would meet someone who would spark a memory for him.\u00a0 Mr Atkins had told him that he had three sons there.\u00a0 Surely once he met them he would start to remember!\u00a0 He certainly hoped so. Ben sighed as he put his head against the window.\u00a0 He hoped that each passing mile was taking him towards the memories that he so desperately sought.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here he is,\u2019 said the sheriff, pushing Joe forward. \u2018Thanks for coming so quickly Mr Harrison.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the tall man in front of him and frowned.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like the look of him at all! If going to an orphanage meant being with someone like him, then Joe wasn\u2019t prepared to go after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked down at the small child with a distasteful look on his face. \u2018Not a problem sheriff,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s what the county pays me to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I don\u2019t know how you stand it with all them kids up there in that Home,\u2019 replied the sheriff. \u2018I\u2019d go barmy if it was me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr Harrison didn\u2019t reply, but simply took Joe by the arm and began to lead him out of the room while Joe tried to shake himself free. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I don\u2019t want to go with you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man only pulled on his arm harder. \u2018Come along boy,\u2019 he said between gritted teeth. \u2018I don\u2019t have time for your nonsense!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to struggle. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I ain\u2019t coming with you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You certainly are!\u2019 replied the man. \u2018You sure aren\u2019t staying here!\u2019\u00a0 He dragged Joe to the door and opened it. \u2018Thank you sheriff,\u2019 he said over his shoulder. \u2018I\u2019ll get him straight back to the Home.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Who\u2019s home?\u2019 asked Joe as they entered the street. \u2018Who\u2019s home are ya taking me to?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You be quiet,\u2019 said Mr Harrison with a nasty look at him. \u2018You\u2019re going to the County Home for Boys until we find out where you\u2019re from boy.\u2019\u00a0 He pushed Joe towards a buggy that stood before them. \u2018Now get in there!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood still, refusing to budge. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t coming with you!\u00a0 I don\u2019t like you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t care if you do or not,\u2019 said the man casually. \u2018Get in that buggy!\u2019\u00a0 He reached out to pull the child towards him, but Joe was too quick for him and jumped away.\u00a0 With a last look at the man he sped off down the street.\u00a0 \u2018You come back here!\u2019 said Mr Harrison behind him. \u2018I\u2019ll have your hide if you don\u2019t get back here immediately!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took no notice of the man, but continued to run.\u00a0 Soon he was in the middle of a large crowd of people and he stopped to get his breath, hoping that the man wasn\u2019t too close behind him.\u00a0 He quickly searched the area, happy to see that he was nowhere in sight. Joe sat down on a step in front of a building.\u00a0 There was no way he wanted to go with that man!\u00a0 Even though he thought he had resigned himself to living in an orphanage, he felt decidedly uncomfortable about with anyone like that!\u00a0 He felt it was much better to look after himself if he had to. He wiped his sleeve across his eyes to brush the tears away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Roy there\u2019s something wrong!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018Pa would never do this!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff sighed as he looked up at the young man. \u2018I agree Adam, but what do you want me to do?\u2019 he said. \u2018Your father is a grown man after all and if he decides to stay in San Francisco longer than he originally intended there\u2019s no law against it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stepped forward. \u2018But that\u2019s just it!\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Adam wired to the hotel in San Francisco and Pa and Joe never arrived there!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy looked concerned. \u2018Did you check with the stage line?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Maybe they were delayed.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, the stage arrived on time,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Roy, you know its not like Pa to do something like this.\u00a0 Something is wrong and I intend to go to San Francisco myself to figure out what it is if I have to!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u2018I agree,\u2019 he said thoughtfully. \u2018Look boys, I think the best thing to do is to wire your father\u2019s lawyer in San Francisco before you go off half-cocked.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 The sheriff\u2019s suggestion made sense to him. \u2018Come on Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll do it straight away.\u2019 He motioned for his brother to follow him and they left the building followed by Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now you let me know the minute you get a reply from San Francisco,\u2019 said the sheriff. \u2018If they say\u2026..\u2019\u00a0 he stopped and looked across the street in amazement.\u00a0 There standing in front of the Saloon was Ben himself!\u00a0 Roy pulled on Adam\u2019s arm. \u2018Seems like everything is alright with your father after all boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018Look!\u2019\u00a0 He pointed to the man who was looking around him without recognition . \u2018There he is.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss followed his gaze and immediately smiled. \u2018Thank heavens,\u2019 said Adam, the relief evident in his face. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called across the street. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 We\u2019re over here!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked over at the sound of the young man\u2019s voice. He smiled tentatively, wondering what the next few moments would bring. As the three men walked towards him he searched their faces for a spark of recognition, but he felt nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tall young man came towards him. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 We were so worried about you!\u00a0 What happened?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u00a0 said a large young man behind him. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his mouth to speak, but the words came out awkwardly. \u2018I don\u2019t\u2026..that is, I\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 he looked at them helplessly, feeling the ground around him begin to spin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older man stepped forward. \u2018Ben?\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s wrong Ben?\u00a0 Are you alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clutched his head and closed his eyes. \u2018I don\u2019t feel\u2026 he began and then the blackness overtook him and he lurched forward into their arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I tell you he\u2019s sick,\u2019 said Adam anxiously.\u2019 He fell forward in a dead faint.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin leant forward and placed his stethoscope on Ben\u2019s chest. \u2018Just take it easy Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let me take a look at him first.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and stepped away from the table to give the doctor room to move. \u2018Hoss, you\u2019d better go back and get Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t see him there, but he\u2019s probably wondering where we took off to in such a hurry.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and left the room.\u00a0 Adam watched as the doctor performed his examination of the man on the table. \u2018Is he alright?\u2019 he asked anxiously after a few moments.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin merely signalled to him to be quiet and kept listening through his stethoscope. After a while he stood up. \u2018He seems fine,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018He probably just fainted from fatigue or something.\u00a0 We\u2019ll see if he\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s awake!\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul turned towards the table again. \u2018Ben,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018Ben, can you hear me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes. \u2018He heard his name as if from a distance and he looked up into the face of his friend Paul Martin. \u2018Paul?\u2019 he said. \u2018How did I get here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You fainted,\u2019 said Paul gently. \u2018It\u2019s alright now.\u00a0 Just take it easy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned towards his son\u2019s voice. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Is that you?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa, it\u2019s me,\u2019 said Adam, much relieved. \u2018You\u2019re going to be alright now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed softly and closed his eyes again. \u2018It\u2019s good to be home,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul signalled for Adam to follow him and led the way into the outer room. \u2018He needs to sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018We can get to the bottom of why it happened later.\u00a0 The main thing is that he seems to be alright now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Hoss came rushing into the room. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t find Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to his brother. \u2018What do you mean you can\u2019t find him?\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve got enough to worry about with Pa without him taking off. Can\u2019t that kid keep still for two minutes?\u00a0 I\u2019ll kill him when I lay my hands on him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No Adam, you don\u2019t understand,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He wasn\u2019t with Pa!\u00a0 I checked with the stagecoach driver and he said that Pa was travelling alone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at him. \u2018I don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa wouldn\u2019t leave Joe with anyone.\u00a0 He must have been mistaken.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018He showed me the passenger list.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t on the stage.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well then, your father must have left him with someone,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018Was he seeing anyone in San Francisco or perhaps along the way that he could have left him with?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both boys shook their heads. \u2018No\u2026\u2026.. No one,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018If we could have thought of someone to leave him with, then Pa wouldn\u2019t have taken him at all.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced through the doorway at his father\u2019s figure on the examining table. \u2018We\u2019ll have to ask him. Is it alright to wake him up Paul?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor looked worried. \u2018Given the circumstances I don\u2019t see that we have any choice,\u2019 he said. \u2018Gently though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked over to his father and bent over him. \u2018Pa,\u2019 he said shaking him softly. \u2018Pa, wake up.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and looked up at his son. \u2018Adam,\u2019 he said in a sleepy voice. \u2018Is that you son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Pa, where is Joe?\u00a0 Who did you leave him with?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe?\u2019 said Ben, trying to focus. \u2018Your brother Joe?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t he with you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018No Pa, he isn\u2019t with me. You took him with you to San Francisco.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand up to his throbbing head. \u2018No, I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said in a soft voice. \u2018I\u2026\u2026..I can\u2019t remember\u2026\u2026\u2026.anything.\u2019 His eyes widened. \u2018Where am I?\u2019 he asked in an anxious voice as he looked around. \u2018How did I get here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his hands on his father\u2019s shoulders. \u2018It\u2019s alright Pa, you\u2019re in Doc Martin\u2019s office. You just got off the stage from San Francisco.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked into his son\u2019s eyes. \u2018San Francisco?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why did I go there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked across at the doctor before replying. \u2018You went because of the army contracts Pa. Remember?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I remember the contracts,\u2019 he said slowly.\u00a0 \u2018But I don\u2019t remember going.\u2019 He tried to sit up. \u2018Did you say I had Joseph with me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa,\u2019 said Hoss as he stepped forward. \u2018He went with you but you didn\u2019t bring him back.\u00a0 You musta left him with someone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the three of them. \u2018Left him?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t have left him with anyone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They looked at each other. \u2018Then where is he Pa?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Why isn\u2019t Joe with you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben began to look agitated. \u2018I don\u2019t\u2026.. I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. He clutched Adam\u2019s sleeve. \u2018Where is he?\u2019 he said. \u2018Where is your little brother Adam?\u2019\u00a0 He put his face in his hands. \u2018My God,\u2019 he said. \u2018Where have I left him?\u00a0 What have I done?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys I don\u2019t like this,\u2019 said Paul.\u00a0 Your father isn\u2019t up to travelling yet.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You heard him Paul,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018There\u2019s no way any of us are going to stop him coming on tomorrow\u2019s stage with us. Besides,\u2019 he added. \u2018Even though I agree with you, we really don\u2019t have much hope of finding Joe if Pa\u2019s not there with us.\u00a0 Who knows what he might remember in time?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss clutched his brother\u2019s arm. \u2018What do you mean little hope?\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re gonna find Joe, ain\u2019t we Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at him and patted his arm. \u2018Of course we are Hoss.\u00a0 I just meant that it would be harder without Pa, that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you just make sure that your father takes it as easy as possible,\u2019 said Paul.\u00a0 \u2018After what he\u2019s told us it sound like he\u2019s sustained a heavy concussion and that shouldn\u2019t be fooled around with.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u2018We\u2019ll watch him carefully,\u2019 he said. \u2018In a way though, I\u2019m grateful that there\u2019s no stage until the morning.\u00a0 At least he\u2019s being forced to get some rest tonight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul indicated Ben\u2019s figure through the open doorway. \u2018I don\u2019t think he\u2019s getting much rest at all,\u2019 he said as he watched the man pacing in the room next door. \u2018Try and calm him down, will you boys?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss and they both moved as one into the next room. \u2018Pa,\u2019 said Adam tentatively. \u2018You\u2019re not helping anyone by acting like this.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you lay down for a while and get some rest?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him. \u2018What?\u2019 he said absently. \u2018Rest? How on earth can I rest with your little brother out there somewhere?\u2019 he waved his arm towards the window.\u00a0 \u2018Who knows where he is?\u00a0 He could be hurt or\u2026\u2026 or anything, for all we know!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved forward and touched his father on the arm. \u2018Pa, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s fine,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018You probably just left him with someone.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his fists in frustration. \u2018And just who would I have left him with?\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Face it boys, I\u2019ve lost your little brother and God knows where he might be now!\u2019\u00a0 He pounded his fists on his head. \u2018If only I could remember!\u2019 he said. \u2018If only I\u2026. Oh God!\u00a0 He\u2019s just a little boy!\u00a0 How could I have done this to him?\u2019 He bent his head, put his face in his hands and wept tears of frustration while Adam and Hoss looked on helplessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments Hoss spoke up. \u2018Whatever you did, you didn\u2019t mean to Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t ya worry\u2026\u2026\u2026..Joe\u2019ll be alright, you\u2019ll see.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at his father imploringly, willing him to agree with him. \u2018He has ta be Pa, he just has ta be!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and drew his son towards him.\u00a0 They stood together on a tight embrace, each comforting the other by their touch while Adam looked on with tears in his eyes. \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben softly. \u2018He has to be.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Placerville!\u2019 said the stagecoach driver as he poked his head in the window.\u00a0 \u2018Half-hour stop!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights stood to get off the stage eagerly.\u00a0 Not only did they dearly wish to stretch their legs, but also they wanted to make the most of their time in the town.\u00a0 \u2018You go with Pa to that side of the street Hoss,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll start over here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at his son. \u2018I\u2019m quite capable of being by myself for a short time Adam and we\u2019ll cover more ground if we go in three different directions,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018We\u2019ll meet back here in twenty minutes to compare information.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam acknowledged his father\u2019s remark with a quick nod of his head.\u00a0 It had been like this all morning.\u00a0 His father was obviously extremely angry with himself and was making his frustration known to both his sons at every opportunity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They went in three directions, each determined to be the one to find out as much as possible.\u00a0 As Ben stood waiting for his sons to join him again in front of the coach he heard Adam\u2019s voice hailing him from across the street. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called. \u2018Over here. Quickly!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben practically ran across the street. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you find out anything?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In here Pa,\u2019 said Adam as he pushed his father inside the caf\u00e9. \u2018Is this him?\u2019 he asked the man behind the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked at Ben. \u2018Yep, sure is,\u2019 he said. \u2018He bought sandwiches and drinks for himself and the little boy.\u00a0 Cute little kid he was too.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped forward eagerly. \u2018Did you notice if I got back on the stagecoach with the boy?\u2019 he asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man nodded. \u2018Of course you did,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you remember?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head sadly. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s the problem.\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled him eagerly by the arm. \u2018This is great Pa,\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018We know that you got this far with him at least.\u00a0 You must have made it at least to Sacramento.\u00a0 That\u2019s the next stop.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as they walked back towards the stage. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018But think about it Adam.\u00a0 Sacramento is a mighty big place.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be as easy to find out information as it has been here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll find out what we need to,\u2019 said Adam determinedly. \u2018Whatever it takes Pa we\u2019ll find Little Joe. You know that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course I do,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Nothing will stop us from getting to that child.\u00a0 Nothing on this earth.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So you do remember him?\u2019 said Ben excitedly. \u2018Tell me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The driver looked at him strangely. \u2018Of course I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018I already told ya that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please tell us,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Where did he go?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do I know?\u2019 said the man, spitting into the gutter. \u2018I ain\u2019t paid ta watch where every passenger goes when they get off my stage.\u00a0 All I know is that he\u2026..\u2019 he indicated Ben, \u2018went down the street that way and the kid followed him. Seems like ya weren\u2019t too keen on the kid tagging along with ya though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart constricted. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019 he asked tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well ya didn\u2019t wait for him and the kid had ta run ta keep up with ya,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems like he was a bit of a bother to ya.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his fists. How could he have behaved like this towards his own son?\u00a0 He shuddered at what the child must have thought. He turned towards his sons. \u2018Come on boys,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re going into every building in Sacramento if we have to until we find out where your brother is.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights began to think it would take them a month to do just that.\u00a0 After an hour they had only covered a block and still had no information. \u2018Maybe we\u2019d be better to go straight to the sheriff\u2019s office,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Joe might have ended up there.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s only over there.\u00a0 If we don\u2019t find out anything then we\u2019ll come back here and start again.\u2019 They had begun to cross the street when Ben stopped and stared at a building in front of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What is it Pa?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pointed. \u2018That building.\u00a0 The hotel.\u00a0 It seems\u2026\u2026. familiar somehow,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on boys, let\u2019s try in there first.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss followed their father into the imposing building and straight across to the desk. \u2018Mr Smith,\u2019 said the desk clerk. \u2018You\u2019re back so soon sir!\u00a0 Another room?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018I\u2026\u2026 You know me?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk nodded. \u2018Why of course sir. I never forget a customer. Single room again sir, or\u2026\u2026\u2019 he looked at the two boys behind him. \u2018Or a suite?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Neither,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I just want some information. \u2018Was I alone when I stayed here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir, quite alone,\u2019 said the clerk.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t have a small boy with me?\u2019 asked Ben with desperation in his voice. \u2018A little boy with curly hair?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The clerk frowned at him. \u2018Well if you mean the youngster that insisted on following you up the stairs, then I suppose you did,\u2019 he said. \u2018But you soon got rid of him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018Got rid of him?\u2019 he said, his heart in his mouth. \u2018What\u2026.what did I say to him?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You told him in no uncertain terms to get lost,\u2019 said the man. \u2018And rightly so too.\u00a0 An annoying little brat he was.\u2019\u00a0 Ben felt Adam\u2019s hand on his arm preventing him from reaching across the counter and throttling the man who continued to speak. \u2018Seemed real upset when you told him to get lost though.\u00a0 Especially when you threatened him with the police.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I did what?\u2019 said Ben incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Threatened him with the police,\u2019 repeated the man. \u2018And rightly so too.\u00a0 Kids like that have no business begging in decent establishments like this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did you see where the boy went?\u2019 asked Adam before his father could reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 shrugged the desk clerk. \u2018I was just glad that he left without any fuss. Are you sure you don\u2019t want a room?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wouldn\u2019t stay here if it was the last hotel on earth!\u2019 thundered Ben in a loud voice. \u2018And as for your\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 said Adam as he pulled him away from the counter. \u2018Come on.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to get moving if we want to find Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben allowed himself to be pulled out of the hotel. \u2018Why that insensitive\u2026\u2026\u2019 he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa we should get over to the sheriff\u2019s office now, dontcha reckon?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at his son. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Come on.\u2019 As he led his sons across the street a feeling of shame washed over him.\u00a0 How could he have said that to his little boy!\u00a0 What must Joseph have thought of his Pa hearing him say those words!\u00a0 He felt so angry and ashamed that he wanted to hide his face away from his other two boys and cry, but he knew that he couldn\u2019t afford the luxury until they found Joseph.\u00a0 He just prayed that they would find him, and soon!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He said what?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He wanted to go to an orphanage?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head. \u2018No, I didn\u2019t say he wanted to go,\u2019 he said. \u2018He just said that he had to.\u00a0 His Ma was dead and his Pa didn\u2019t want him anymore.\u00a0 That\u2019s what he said.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the bench and covered his face with his hands. He couldn\u2019t believe what he was hearing. His little boy must have felt that he was all alone in the world when he uttered those words to the sheriff.\u00a0 His heart constricted.\u00a0Joseph!\u00a0<\/em>He cried out silently.\u00a0What have I done? Joseph!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So where is this Boys Home?\u2019 he heard Adam say. \u2018How do we get there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff shook his head. \u2018Won\u2019t do you any good,\u2019 he said. \u2018The boy took off.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t seen him in days.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019 said Ben and lifted his head. \u2018What do you mean he took off?\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you or this Mr Harrison stop him?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff glared at him. \u2018And just how would you suggest we do that?\u2019 he asked. \u2018The boy was too quick for us.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And you haven\u2019t gone looking for him since\u2019 said Ben angrily. \u2018Just what sort of sheriff are you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff put his hands on his hips. \u2018Now just you listen here mister,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ain\u2019t got time to be running off after every brat that comes my way!\u00a0 Sacramento\u2019s a big place and if that kid doesn\u2019t want to be found there\u2019s no way I\u2019m going to waste my time starting a pointless search for him! Now if you don\u2019t like that, too bad!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men stood glaring at each other. \u2018Too bad!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019re talking about a little child here, not some kind of animal!\u00a0 For God\u2019s sake man, where\u2019s your decency?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff jutted out his jaw and pointed his finger at Ben. \u2018Now don\u2019t you dare lecture me!\u2019 he said. \u2018Who was the one left him alone in the first place?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben flinched.\u00a0 The man was right. He had abandoned his own son in a strange city and left him to face God only knows what!\u00a0 How could he presume to lecture a stranger on how to treat a child after what he had done?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without a word he turned and left the sheriff\u2019s office.\u00a0 Outside he stood against the side of the building and stared at the passing traffic without seeing it.\u00a0 What had he done?\u00a0 Where could he find his son amongst all these people?\u00a0 He turned as Adam and Hoss came and stood next to him. \u2018Pa?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Ya mustn\u2019t blame yaself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to face them. \u2018Then who am I to blame?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I was the one who did this to your little brother.\u00a0 No one else is responsible.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa, Hoss is right,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You didn\u2019t know what you were doing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018But Joseph wouldn\u2019t have known that,\u2019 he said. \u2018All your brother would have known was that I rejected him. Imagine how that little boy must have been feeling.\u00a0 His Pa didn\u2019t want him any more\u2026\u2026.. You heard the sheriff say that\u2019s what he told him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They looked at him helplessly, not knowing what to say. After a while Adam spoke. \u2018Pa it\u2019s not helping anyone talking like this.\u00a0 Least of all Little Joe.\u00a0 If we\u2019re going to find him we have to keep searching.\u00a0 It\u2019s the only thing to do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes Adam you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. He looked around him.\u00a0 \u2018This could take days boys.\u00a0 We\u2019d better book our luggage into a hotel first and then we\u2019ll sit down and map out a plan to cover as much ground as possible. Come on.\u2019\u00a0 He began to lead his sons back across the street again before he stopped.\u00a0 \u2018I think we\u2019ll find another hotel,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018I don\u2019t feel inclined to stay in that one.\u2019 He turned in the other direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe peered warily around the building for any signs of movement and having detected nothing he made his move. Silently and carefully he edged forward until he was level with the trashcan and rummaged through it as quickly as he could.\u00a0 He had been chased off too many times during the last few days which usually resulted in him going hungry and he didn\u2019t intend for today to be one of those times.\u00a0 This trashcan was the best one that he had found so far, situated so close behind the caf\u00e9 it was usually full of all sorts of bits and pieces and Joe had learned to take whatever he could get.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a grunt of satisfaction he pulled out some leftover vegetables and a small piece of meat that looked as though it had been chewed on.\u00a0 Carefully he broke off the chewed bit and gathered up the vegetables as he slunk away.\u00a0 Moments later he was seated in his usual spot behind the stagecoach Livery Stable eating happily.\u00a0 This was the first time he had managed to get some meat and even though it was cold and greasy he enjoyed every bit of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After finishing his small meal he longed for a drink of water, but knew that he had to wait.\u00a0 The horse trough where he usually drank from was right in the middle of the busy part of the street and he had to sneak out there at night or else he would be hunted away by passers-by who were horrified at the sight of a small child drinking water that was meant for the horses.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t mind though.\u00a0 He loved horses and figured that anything good enough for them would do him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All things being considered he was content with the fullness of his stomach.\u00a0 His heart, however, wasn\u2019t nearly as full.\u00a0 He still felt an ache in it every time he thought about what had happened to him and the last few days had done nothing to fix that. He doubted that anything ever would.\u00a0 He sighed as he thought about his home and wondered what Adam and Hoss would be doing just about now.\u00a0 He wondered what his Pa had said to them when he got home without him and wondered if they missed him too. He hoped that one day he would be able to see them again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About his Pa he thought nothing at all.\u00a0 Or more to the point he tried not to.\u00a0 In spite of himself, however, memories of the man kept coming back to him and he desperately tried to block them out.\u00a0 He knew that his Pa didn\u2019t want him anymore and thinking about him only made the ache in his heart worse.\u00a0 So every time Joe felt himself remembering his father he would try to distract himself and think about something else.\u00a0 Otherwise, the ache became too much and the tears would fall again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wondered how long he would have to live here for.\u00a0 He was determined never to go back to the sheriff or end up with that mean man from the Boy\u2019s Home and knew that he would rather live alone.\u00a0 The problem was that he just got so lonely.\u00a0 He was afraid to talk to anyone for fear of them finding out who he was and so he slunk away from any human contact at all.\u00a0 Even passing people in the street had become a chore for him.\u00a0 He often watched families go by which only reminded him of his own family.\u00a0 He ached to talk to someone, but just didn\u2019t dare.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe spent his days wandering the streets avoiding looking at anyone, but staring through the shop windows.\u00a0 Sometimes he would imagine that he belonged to a family and would follow them around for a while, but eventually they always looked at him strangely and he would have to disappear again.\u00a0 He longed for the day when he was grown up and big enough to get a job.\u00a0 Then he would be able to have some money and buy some proper food and clothes and maybe a place to stay.\u00a0 Then he would be able to talk to people again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked down at his clothes and wrinkled his nose.\u00a0 Since leaving the sheriff\u2019s office he had nothing but what he was standing up in, as he had left his bag there of course.\u00a0 His clothing was beginning to get extremely grubby and he wondered what he would do when he eventually grew out of it.\u00a0 He also felt dirty and knew from looking in the windows of the shops that he looked it too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He spent his nights in the hayloft of the livery Stable and no one had so far disturbed him there.\u00a0 As long as he was careful to go in when there was no one around he had no problems and he made sure that he didn\u2019t come out until the area was busy with the passengers for the day.\u00a0 The man in the office had looked at him strangely a couple of times, but he figured that this was just another kid who was fascinated with horses and stagecoaches and as long as he didn\u2019t cause any trouble he left him alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So Joe wandered Sacramento virtually undetected.\u00a0 No one spoke to the small boy and no one questioned who he was.\u00a0 He learned to fade into the background if there was anyone looking at him the least bit suspiciously and to disappear altogether if he was uncomfortable.\u00a0 He might have gone on like this for months if it wasn\u2019t for a stray dog and the circumstances that led him to being discovered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog wandered past as Joe was sitting enjoying the sunshine one afternoon about a week after he had run from the sheriff.\u00a0 He called to him softly. \u2018Hey fella!\u00a0 Over here!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog turned his head in his direction and trotted over to him.\u00a0 Joe scratched him behind the ears, happy to someone to befriend after all this time. \u2018Hey fella,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess you\u2019re a stray just like me huh?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dog nuzzled into him and Joe laughed for the first time in many days. \u2018You wanta be friends eh?\u2019 he said happily. \u2018How about you and me get to now each other a bit eh?\u2019\u00a0 The dog trotted off a few steps and Joe followed him. \u2018Come back here,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t go away!\u2019\u00a0 He followed the dog around to the front of the Livery Stable and out into the street. With his eyes on the dog and without looking where he was going he walked straight out in front of a horse and rider who reared up in front of him.\u00a0 Joe stopped as he heard the rider\u2019s angry exclamation and stood with wide eyes as the horse came down only inches from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Get off the street boy!\u2019 shouted the man. \u2018What on earth do you think you\u2019re up to running out like that right in front of me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and ran, eager to get away from the man and all the attention of all the people who had stopped to see what was happening.\u00a0 He ran straight into the arms of a passer by who held onto him firmly. \u2018Hold on there son,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe squirmed to get away. \u2018Yes I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Let me go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man continued to hold onto him. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m only concerned about\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe!\u2019 said a familiar voice and he looked up to see his brother Adam standing in front of him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 he said as he launched himself at his brother and held onto him tightly. The man nodded to Adam and stepped back, the crowd around them dispersing. Joe held onto his brother\u2019s neck for dear life, never intending to let go of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stroked his little brother\u2019s neck and crooned softly to him. \u2018Joe!\u00a0 Oh Joe! Where have you been little buddy?\u00a0 We\u2019ve been searching everywhere for you!\u2019 Joe buried his face into his brother\u2019s shoulder and began to sob. \u2018It\u2019s alright little buddy,\u2019 said Adam and picked him up. He carried him to the side of the street and sat down on the edge of the sidewalk with his little brother in his lap.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s alright now Joe,\u2019 he kept saying over and over again. \u2018I\u2019ve got you now buddy.\u00a0 It\u2019s alright.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s sobs gradually lessened and he began to hiccup.\u00a0 He leant in towards his brother\u2019s chest and listened to the beating of his heart, lulled by the sound.\u00a0 Adam looked down at him and noted the dirty clothing and the dazed look on his face and his heart bled for the boy.\u00a0 He had obviously been looking after himself all this time and Adam wondered just what he had lived on.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tried to move the little boy to a sitting position, but Joe resisted. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe buddy I want you to listen to me.\u00a0 Everything\u2019s going to be alright now.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got you and I\u2019m not going to let you go.\u00a0 I just want you to sit up so that we can talk. OK?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded silently and allowed Adam to sit him up.\u00a0 He still, however, clung to his brother\u2019s neck as if for dear life. Slowly Adam turned the boy\u2019s face up and forced him to look into his eyes. \u2018You\u2019re OK now little buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s going to be OK.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to take you back to our hotel and get you fed and cleaned up.\u00a0 Hoss and Pa will be there, so you can see them alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt his little brother\u2019s body tense up and Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at him. \u2018You don\u2019t want to go with me?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018But not back there. I can\u2019t go back there if Pa is there. He\u2019ll send me away again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam flinched. \u2018No little buddy he won\u2019t send you away.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s been looking for you too.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be really pleased that I found you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again. \u2018No,\u2019 he said and tears began to fill his eyes. \u2018Pa don\u2019t want me no more Adam. He said he\u2019s not my Pa no more. I was bad and he don\u2019t want me to be his boy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hugged the child tightly. \u2018No Joe, that\u2019s not true. Pa loves you and he does want you to be his son.\u00a0 He just had\u2026\u2026. Well he couldn\u2019t\u00a0 remember things very clearly for a while, but he\u2019s better now.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head again. \u2018I don\u2019t want to see him again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t make me Adam. Can\u2019t I just stay here with you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018Buddy I have to take you back there now.\u00a0 I have to look after you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his big brother trustingly. \u2018Will ya look after me Adam?\u00a0 Even if Pa tells ya not to?\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to be by myself no more.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt tears forming in his eyes, but brushed them away in case his little brother noticed them. \u2018Tell you what,\u2019 he said. His one thought was to get the boy back to their Hotel room and he would try anything to get him there without a fuss. \u2018I promise you that I\u2019ll look after you no matter what, as long as you come with me now.\u00a0 Agreed?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and buried his head into his brother\u2019s chest again. Adam cuddled the little boy to him thankfully and stood up with him still in his arms.\u00a0 He could hardly wait to see the expression on Pa and Hoss\u2019 faces when they saw that he had found Little Joe!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa! Hoss!\u2019 yelled Adam as he entered the hotel suite with his brother still in his arms. \u2018Are you here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss called from the other room. \u2018I\u2019m in here Adam.\u00a0 Pa is still out\u2026\u2026\u2019\u00a0 he stopped as he entered the room, his eyes fixated on the child in Adam\u2019s arms. \u2018Oh Lordy!\u2019 he said. \u2018Little Joe!\u00a0 Where did ya find him Adam?\u2019\u00a0 He stepped forward and held out his arms to his little brother who reached out for him eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Down in the street,\u2019 said Adam as he watched his two brothers hug. \u2018It was sheer chance really.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sat down on the bed, still hugging his little brother to him. \u2018Oh shortshanks!\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve missed ya so much boy!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his brother. \u2018I missed ya too Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wanted to come and see you and Adam but I couldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down next to them and stroked his brother\u2019s head. \u2018Well we\u2019re altogether now,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you\u2019re not going away again, do you hear me?\u2019 Joe nodded his head happily and grinned up at both his big brothers. He felt so happy to be with them again and he could almost feel the ache in his heart beginning to disappear already.\u00a0 Adam looked over his head at Hoss and mouthed the words: \u2018Where\u2019s Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pointed to the window and motioned with his head. \u2018Should be back soon,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his words. \u2018Who\u2019s back soon?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018It\u2019s not Pa is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued to stroke his head gently. \u2018Do you want something to eat?\u2019 he asked. Joe nodded again, forgetting his father for the moment. \u2018Alright, we\u2019ll get you something,\u2019 said Adam. He leant forward and sniffed. \u2018And a hot bath too,\u2019 he said. \u2018You sure could use one little buddy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He began to stand up, but at that moment the door opened and their father entered the room.\u00a0 He took one look at the scene on the bed and crossed the room immediately with his arms outstretched. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018My God!\u00a0 Joseph!\u2019 He reached out for his son, but Little Joe moved sideways and leapt into Adam\u2019s lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held onto his little brother, staring up at his father with a helpless look.\u00a0 Ben knelt down next to them. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s me son.\u00a0 It\u2019s your Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe buried his face into Adam\u2019s chest and sobbed. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam patted him on the back. \u2018It\u2019s OK little buddy,\u2019 he said. It\u2019s Pa. See?\u2019\u00a0 He tried to pull his brother away from him to face him towards their father, but Joe resisted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 cried Joe again. \u2018I want you Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knelt in front of his little boy with a horrified expression.\u00a0 He reached out gently. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018I\u2019m sorry son.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t mean to hurt you.\u00a0 Honestly I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 I promise you I won\u2019t hurt you again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe continued to sob in his brother\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Ben reached out and patted him tentatively on the head, but the boy pushed his hand away. \u2018Leave me alone!\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t want you to touch me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tears began to fall from Ben\u2019s eyes and he ached to take his son into his arms.\u00a0 He tried again. \u2018Little Joe,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I love you son.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry about what happened.\u00a0 I truly didn\u2019t mean it too.\u00a0 Can you forgive me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018Go away!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I don\u2019t want you to be my Pa anymore!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt as if a knife had gone through his chest.\u00a0 He could understand the child\u2019s reaction to him, but he didn\u2019t know how to handle it. \u2018Son,\u2019 he said again. \u2018Joseph, I \u2026\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018Make him go away!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father helplessly, not knowing what to say.\u00a0 Ben stared at the child in his brother\u2019s arms and then slowly got to his feet.\u00a0 \u2018We\u2019ll have to give him a bit of time,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018It\u2019s understandable that he\u2026..\u2019 his voice broke and he couldn\u2019t go on.\u00a0 He quickly turned so that they couldn\u2019t see his tears. \u2018I\u2019ll order some food up for him and get some hot water organised for a bath.\u00a0 Look after him boys.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss looked at each other as their father left the room again.\u00a0 Adam hugged his little brother who continued to sob in his arms.\u00a0 Outside in the hallway, Ben clung to the wall, the tears streaming down his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Had enough?\u2019 asked Adam.\u00a0 Joe nodded and put down the spoon. Adam took it from him and pushed him back onto the pillow.\u00a0 \u2018Now you need to get some sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Feel better after that bath?\u2019\u00a0 Joe nodded again and began to close his eyes. It felt so good to be in a bed again and he felt very sleepy.\u00a0 He felt the bed shake as Adam stood up and he opened his eyes again immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where are you going?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018Don\u2019t leave me!\u2019\u00a0 he reached out and grabbed his brother\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down again and patted him on the arm. \u2018It\u2019s alright buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018I won\u2019t leave you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed and closed his eyes again.\u00a0 Adam sat and watched the child for a few minutes until he was sure that he had drifted off to sleep, then he stood up. As he turned away from the bed he saw his father standing in the doorway. \u2018Is he asleep?\u2019 Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took three steps forward and looked at his son in the bed with a hungry expression on his face. He reached down and stroked the curly hair softly. Adam watched silently, knowing what was going through his father\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll come around Pa.\u00a0 It won\u2019t take long, you\u2019ll see.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and tried to smile at him. \u2018I wouldn\u2019t blame him if he didn\u2019t,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018After all he\u2019s been through, I wouldn\u2019t blame him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa once he\u2019s calmed down you have to explain to him what happened. He\u2019ll understand in time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded again. \u2018I\u2019ll just sit here with him for a while,\u2019 he said. \u2018Get some sleep son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at him anxiously. \u2018Are you sure?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben motioned to him. \u2018Yes I\u2019m sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll call you if I need you.\u2019\u00a0 He settled himself in the chair next to his son\u2019s bed as Adam left the room and watched his sleeping son.\u00a0 How was he going to reach this child?\u00a0 How could he make him understand just how much he loved him in spite of all that had happened?\u00a0 Ben put his hand across his eyes and prayed that he would be make to make his boy trust him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and yawned sleepily.\u00a0 He looked around him, wondering where he was and smiled as he remembered.\u00a0 He had been found!\u00a0 He had a family again!\u00a0 He had Adam and Hoss and \u2026.. he frowned and refused to allow his mind to go further. He had two brothers who loved him and he wasn\u2019t alone any more, that\u2019s all that mattered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked across at the man sitting next to his bed and frowned.\u00a0 \u2018Hello Joseph,\u2019 he heard him say. \u2018Did you sleep well son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to frown at the man. \u2018Where\u2019s my brother?\u2019 he said. \u2018Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam is asleep,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I\u2019m sitting with you for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up. \u2018I want Adam!\u2019 he said. \u2018Where is he?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached forward. \u2018Settle down Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s alright.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook off his father\u2019s hand. \u2018No!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door opened and Adam entered the room. \u2018What is it little buddy?\u2019 he asked, stealing a glance at his father who sat silently by the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him anxiously. \u2018Where did you go?\u2019 he asked anxiously. \u2018You weren\u2019t leaving me were you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child\u2019s words sent a shiver through Ben.\u00a0 It was obvious that the child was still unsure of himself and Ben\u2019s presence probably did nothing to help him.\u00a0 Reluctantly he stood up and moved away from the bed. \u2018Sit with him Adam,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Try and find out how he is.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and sat down in his father\u2019s place as Ben walked to the door and positioned himself in the next room where he could still hear, but not be seen by Little Joe. \u2018I told you I wouldn\u2019t leave you Joe,\u2019 he heard Adam say. \u2018Just settle down now, OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment and then Adam continued. \u2018Tell me buddy, where have you been this past week?\u00a0 Where did you stay?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Near where the stagecoaches are kept,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018I slept in the hayloft near the horses.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What did you have to eat and drink?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018There was food in the trashcan outside the caf\u00e9,\u2019 explained Joe.\u00a0 \u2018And I got water from the trough when the horses wasn\u2019t using it.\u00a0 Some people told me not to, but I didn\u2019t mind drinking it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes as he heard his son\u2019s words.\u00a0 \u2018Dear God!\u2019 he said softly to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And who did you talk to?\u2019 persisted Adam, more for his father\u2019s benefit than his own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No one much, except a dog,\u2019 said Little Joe.\u00a0 His eyes misted over with tears. \u2018I got real lonely some days and I wanted to come home, but I knew that I couldn\u2019t.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stroked his little brother\u2019s curls. \u2018Why not buddy?\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t you come home?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sniffed as he remembered. \u2018I didn\u2019t have no money,\u2019 he said. \u2018And the sheriff wanted me to go with that mean man so I couldn\u2019t go back to him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why didn\u2019t you tell the sheriff who you were?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018If you told him where you lived he would have sent us a wire.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother, the tears beginning to fall. \u2018But I couldn\u2019t!\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa wouldn\u2019t have let me stay with you and Hoss.\u00a0 He told me to go away!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt his heart breaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam bent forward. \u2018Joe, Pa didn\u2019t know what he was saying,\u2019 he explained. \u2018He fell and hit his head and he didn\u2019t remember who you were that\u2019s all. If Hoss or I had been there he wouldn\u2019t have known us either.\u2019 Joe looked at his brother silently. \u2018He was sick Joe, and he didn\u2019t know what he was saying.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t remember.\u2019 Joe still said nothing and Adam looked at his brother intently. \u2018Pa is really sorry for what he said to you Joe.\u00a0 He wants you to forgive him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent his head and studied the blanket. \u2018Joe?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Did you hear what I said?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe still said nothing.\u00a0 From the doorway Ben spoke. \u2018Your brother is telling you the truth Joseph. I didn\u2019t know who you were when I told you to go away.\u00a0 I\u2019m more sorry than you will ever know son.\u00a0 I\u2026.. I will never forgive myself for what I\u2019ve done to you, but I hope that you can forgive me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the man that he loved more than anything in his life. He longed to fling himself into his father\u2019s arms and feel his comforting hug, but something held him back.\u00a0 In his mind he heard the words again that had hurt him so much.\u00a0\u00a0I told you to go away and I meant it!\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0Joe looked deep into his father\u2019s eyes, but the words kept coming back to haunt him.\u00a0\u00a0And stop calling me your Pa when I\u2019m not!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 said Ben leaning close to his son. \u2018Do you understand what I\u2019m saying to you son?\u2019\u00a0If you don\u2019t go away I\u2019ll call the police! Now scat!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Joe softly. \u2018I understand.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bent forward as he tentatively hugged the boy and kissed him on the top of his head.\u00a0 He was glad when the child didn\u2019t pull away from him this time, but he also felt the stiffness of his body as his son held himself away from his father.\u00a0 It was obvious that he was doing no more than tolerating the touch.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes as the thought occurred to him that it was at least a start!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you want to sit next to the window Joe?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018That way you can see the scenery.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded eagerly as he climbed up into the stagecoach, but hesitated for a moment as he looked around.\u00a0 There were two spaces left. One between his father and the window and the other in between his two brothers.\u00a0 He squeezed himself in between Adam and Hoss without commenting.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you wanted to sit next to the window Joseph?\u2019 said his father. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of room here.\u2019 He patted the seat next to him with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and sat back on the seat. \u2018No thank you,\u2019 he said politely. \u2018I want to sit here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to hide the hurt look on his face, but it didn\u2019t go unnoticed by Adam and Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s squashy with all of us here together,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Go and sit next to Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and didn\u2019t move, so Hoss stood up with\u00a0 a sigh and sat next to his father to give his brothers more room.\u00a0 No one said a word as the stagecoach jolted forward and they began their journey home.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked out of the window at the passing scenery.\u00a0 He was very pleased to be going home at last, but he was still worried about things.\u00a0 During the past two days he had clung to his brothers and tried to avoid being left alone with his father at all costs.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t that he didn\u2019t want to be with him, but rather that he was scared to be alone with him.\u00a0 What if his Pa went away and left him again? \u00a0How did he know that he would be able to trust him not to leave him again?\u00a0 He wanted so much to believe that his father loved him and wanted him again, but somehow he couldn\u2019t bring himself to quite believe it.\u00a0 It was much safer to be with his brothers!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben spent the time watching his youngest son as he gazed out of the window.\u00a0 He wanted so much to touch his son and assure him that everything would be alright, but every time he tried to reach the boy he pushed him aside. He had hoped that time would help, but here they were two days later and Joseph was still making it very clear that he was only barely tolerating his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried again. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said.\u00a0 Joe looked at his father. \u2018See over there son? That mountain is a place that is sacred to the Indians.\u00a0 Do you want to hear a story about why?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and turned back towards the window again. \u2018No thank you,\u2019 he said in a polite voice. Ben looked out of the window himself trying to keep the disappointment from showing on his face. He felt that he couldn\u2019t go on like this for much longer.\u00a0 If the boy didn\u2019t open up to him soon he was afraid that he would end up shouting at him and he desperately wanted to avoid doing anything that would upset Joseph even further.\u00a0 Instead he clenched his jaw and merely stared out of the window resolutely.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few hours they arrived at Placerville.\u00a0 \u2018Half-hour stop!\u2019 announced the driver.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Would you like to go and get some sandwiches for us son?\u2019 said Ben, handing Hoss some money.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Come on Joe, we\u2019ll buy some lunch OK?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded to his brother and they crossed the road together. Hoss entered the small caf\u00e9 and his little brother followed close behind him.\u00a0 As Hoss ordered the sandwiches Joe looked around him, remembering that this was the same caf\u00e9 in which he and his father had eaten once before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moments later all four Cartwrights were siting in the sunshine outside munching on their sandwiches.\u00a0 Joe had taken care to sit in between Hoss and Adam again, which didn\u2019t go unnoticed by his father.\u00a0 Ben felt an ache in his heart as the watched the youngster eat and wished desperately to find the way to make everything right between them again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he had finished eating, Joe stood up and began to hop up and down on one foot. \u2018I gotta go Adam,\u2019 he said, tugging on his brother\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at him, then up to his father. \u2018Pa\u2019ll take you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Won\u2019t you Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and held out his hand. \u2018Of course I will,\u2019 he said. Come on Joseph, I\u2019ll show you where.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No I don\u2019t gotta go after all,\u2019 he said and sat down next to Adam again. \u2018I\u2019m fine.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t be silly Joseph,\u2019 said Ben, trying not to sound cross. \u2018We\u2019ve been on the stagecoach for hours.\u00a0 Come along.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and held onto Adam\u2019s hand. Ben sighed. \u2018Adam would you take your brother please?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and led his younger brother around the corner towards the outhouse. \u2018You\u2019re not being very nice to Pa,\u2019 he said crossly. \u2018He only wants to help you!\u2019 Joe said nothing, but clutched his brother\u2019s hand even tighter. \u2018Well hurry up then!\u2019 said Adam, indicating the outhouse. \u2018Do you need to go or don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Joe and scampered inside.\u00a0 Within a minute he was out again, looking around anxiously for his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now wait here for me,\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him anxiously. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want to come with you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave him a frustrated look. \u2018I\u2019m only going in there,\u2019 he said. \u2018And you sure aren\u2019t coming with me little buddy.\u00a0 Now be a good boy and either wait here or go back to the stage by yourself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned at him. \u2018I\u2019ll wait for you,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam hesitated. \u2018I think you can go back by yourself, don\u2019t you?\u2019 he asked. He was becoming increasingly worried about his little brother\u2019s attitude and wanted help the boy separate from him a bit. \u2018Go on Joe, it\u2019s just around there.\u2019 Joe hesitated. \u2018Go on,\u2019 Adam urged. \u2018You know the way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and turned away from his brother.\u00a0 He knew he was being silly, but he couldn\u2019t help it. \u00a0He just felt as if he had to stick close to his brother in case\u2026\u2026.in case what? he wondered.\u00a0 He shook his head as he walked slowly. He knew what.\u00a0 He was scared of being left alone again and he didn\u2019t like feeling like this.\u00a0 He knew he was being a baby and couldn\u2019t keep tagging along with his brothers all the time, but\u2026\u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and thought.\u00a0 If only he could prove to himself that it was alright to be alone for a little while!\u00a0 He decided to set himself a little test.\u00a0 With his shoulders back he deliberately turned down an alleyway that he thought led away from the main street where the stagecoach was.\u00a0 He thought he would just walk once around the block quickly and then he would know that it was alright.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He quickened his pace in order to make the test as short as possible.\u00a0 Already he felt his heart beating faster and he began to run to the end of the alleyway.\u00a0 Quickly he turned a corner and began to run even faster until he was quite out of breath.\u00a0 Suddenly he came up to a brick wall and stopped.\u00a0 The alley had come to an abrupt end and he knew he would have to go back the way he had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned and began to retrace his steps, anxious now to get back as soon as possible.\u00a0 Unfortunately he took a wrong turn and soon realised that he didn\u2019t recognise any of the buildings that he was passing. He stopped and stood still for a moment, not knowing which way to go and he began to search around him frantically for a landmark he recognised.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You alright boy?\u2019 said a man standing in the doorway of a building.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him, trying to keep calm. \u2018I \u2026\u2026.I don\u2019t know which way to go,\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018I don\u2019t know where I am.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man smiled at him. \u2018Depends on where you want to be,\u2019 he said casually. \u2018Where are you going boy?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2026.. I need to go back to where the stagecoaches are,\u2019 said Joe, his voice trembling. \u2018My\u2026\u2026.. my family is there, but I don\u2019t know where to go.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Up there,\u2019 said the man. \u2018Go back up this alley and turn left.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him gratefully and turned to run back up the alley as fast as his legs would carry him, his heart besting wildly.\u00a0 As he got to the end of it he turned left as the man had said and saw a tall figure standing at the end of the alley silhouetted against the sunlight. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he shouted with relief and ran towards his father. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 I\u2019m here!\u2019 He flung himself on his father and hugged him tightly around the waist. \u2018I thought I was lost,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t know where to go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph it\u2019s alright,\u2019 said Ben holding on to his son\u2019s shoulders. \u2018Calm down. Your brothers and I wondered where you had got to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father with tears in his eyes. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa don\u2019t leave me!\u2019 he flung his arms around his father\u2019s neck, sobbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his son to him tightly. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph son, it\u2019s alright.\u00a0 Your Pa\u2019s here now.\u2019\u00a0 He closed his eyes and said a prayer of thanks to God for giving him the chance to hug his son again as he had longed to do for days.\u00a0 He knelt down in the dirt and pulled his little boy towards his chest as he stroked his silky curls and murmured to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sobbed into his father\u2019s shoulder, all the emotions of the past days finally catching up with him.\u00a0 It felt so good to feel his father\u2019s touch again and the thought of being held in the man\u2019s arms was overwhelming. \u2018Pa please don\u2019t leave me!\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018I\u2019m sorry I was bad. I didn\u2019t mean to be, really I didn\u2019t!\u00a0 Let me stay with you Pa, please!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held onto his little son even tighter. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry Joseph,\u2019 he murmured. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry son.\u00a0 Please forgive me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his head up and looked at his father with the tears running freely down his cheeks. \u2018You won\u2019t leave me again will you Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018I want to go home with you.\u00a0 I promise I won\u2019t be bad again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held onto his son by the shoulders and looked into his eyes intently. \u2018I want you to listen to me Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will never leave you again.\u00a0 I\u2019m your Pa and I love you more than anything on God\u2019s earth.\u00a0 You belong with me for as long as you want to.\u00a0 Do you understand me son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded at his father and clasped him around the neck again. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And it doesn\u2019t matter how you behave,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018Whether you\u2019re in trouble or not I will always be your father who loves you. Do you believe that son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded again. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want to be your boy again Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son hugged each other tightly as they knelt in the dirt.\u00a0 After a few moments picked his son up and headed back towards the stagecoach with him.\u00a0 He put the boy inside and climbed up after him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments Adam and Hoss appeared around the corner of a building. \u2018Time to go!\u2019 yelled the driver. \u2018Everyone on board.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss looked around anxiously. \u2018It\u2019s alright,\u2019 said the man. \u2018The other two are in the coach.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A relieved Hoss climbed on board, followed by Adam. \u2018You found him then OK Pa?\u2019 said Hoss as they seated themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled back at them both. \u2018Yes I found him,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He put his arm around Joe who was seated beside him and planted a kiss on the top of his head. Adam and Hoss exchanged glances and smiled as Joe cuddled into his father with a contented look on his face. \u2018I found him again,\u2019 Ben repeated happily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0The End<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A trip for Ben and ten year old Little Joe takes an unexpected turn<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K (21,260 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1242,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2404,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5347,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5347","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":0},"title":"A Quartet of Limericks (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben Cartwright reflects on his three sons in this quartet of limerick verses. Rated: K \u00a0(134 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3390,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3390","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":1},"title":"Remember (by Lily of the West)","author":"Lily of the West","date":"April 25, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 a tender father\/son moment between Adam and Ben \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (770 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":2},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","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\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":3},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","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\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":4},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":2063,"position":5},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 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\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2063"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2063\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}