{"id":2195,"date":"2003-10-22T21:51:35","date_gmt":"2003-10-23T01:51:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2195"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:39","slug":"barbarous-revenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2195","title":{"rendered":"Barbarous Revenge (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong>A ‘What Happened Next’ for the episode ‘The Last Haircut.’<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0(8,515 words)<\/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

Barbarous Revenge<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Paco,\u201d Joe Cartwright said, softly, putting his arm around the boy\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s get going.\u201d He cast one last look back at Duke Miller, cowering in the dust, trying to hide his bald head from the laughing circle of on-lookers and then turned his back on the man who had caused so much misery by murdering Paco\u2019s father, Carlos.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fighting his way free from the crowd, Duke Miller leant against the side of a building and watched with hatred as Joe and Paco climbed onto the wagon and drove away. \u201cI\u2019ll get you for this, Joe Cartwright,\u201d Miller vowed. \u201cI\u2019ll get you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As they bedded down for the night, Joe looked over at Paco. There was a new peace about the boy. He still looked sad, naturally, but he looked more accepting now. It had been hard on both Joe and Paco when Duke Miller and his cohorts had escaped punishment, but Paco, like Joe, saw Miller\u2019s humiliation as sufficient retribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long will it take us to get to Mexico?\u201d Paco asked, seeing Joe looking at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of weeks, I\u2019d guess,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cIt depends a bit on the weather. Don\u2019t worry, Paco, I\u2019ll have you at your grandparent\u2019s house before you know it.\u201d He smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

The youth did not smile back. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked Joe. Joe had taken quite a beating at the hands of Miller and his companions that afternoon and was moving very stiffly and gingerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe assured him, more cheerfully than he actually felt. He was stiff and sore and knew that it would get worse before it would get better. However, the outcome could have been much worse, and Joe was not about to complain. He felt that his cuts and bruises were well worth the cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Duke Miller will come after us?\u201d Paco asked next.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d Joe replied, putting as much certainty into his tone as he could manage. For that very thought had been growing on him all afternoon. Miller\u2019s friends had run away from the barber\u2019s shop and Joe did not know where they had gone. Miller had been humiliated and was a dangerous man. He might well come after them. \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019ll ever see Duke Miller again,\u201d Joe went on. \u201cNow, how about you get some sleep, huh? It\u2019s been a long day and we\u2019ve got a lot of travelling to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Joe,\u201d Paco replied and rolled himself into his bedroll.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a long time, Joe gazed into the embers of the fire and wondered about Duke Miller. The man was a killer, and Joe had humiliated him completely. He hoped that Frank, the barber, would be safe from any retribution Miller might think up. But finally, Joe\u2019s eyes were drooping and he rolled himself into his blanket and lay down. But sleep took some time to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you hear about Frank?\u201d Adam asked, the next afternoon, as he dismounted in the yard next to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Frank?\u201d he father replied, distantly, for he was leafing through the mail that Adam had just handed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got beaten up and his house set on fire last night. He says it was Duke Miller.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s attention sharpened on Adam at once. \u201cDuke Miller?\u201d Ben echoed. \u201cWhy does he think that? Miller got off!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt turns out that there was a little trouble in town yesterday when Joe went in to cash that draft. Miller turned up and was at Frank\u2019s barber\u2019s shop. Paco raced in and Joe went after him. Paco was let go, but Joe took a bit of a beating before he and Frank somehow managed to subdue Miller enough to shave his head. Miller was made to look a complete fool in front of the town.\u201d Adam took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. \u201cFrank and his wife were just returning home when Frank was jumped. His wife was lucky that the men holding her didn\u2019t have anything else in mind, but both she and Frank were sure it was Miller and his gang. He apparently told Frank that was payment for embarrassing him like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does Roy think?\u201d Ben asked, numbly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy thinks it was Miller,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe\u2019s issued a warrant for his arrest. Pa\u2026\u201d Adam hesitated, for he wasn\u2019t sure how to broach what was on his mind without worrying Ben further.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he goes after Joe and Paco?\u201d Ben muttered and Adam nodded, for that had indeed been troubling him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we should go after them?\u201d Adam asked. By now, Hoss was standing there listening too, his genial face screwed into a worried frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think we should,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSaddle the horses. We\u2019ll set out at once. They can\u2019t have gone all that far. We should catch up to them easily.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving Adam and Hoss to see that the horses were made ready, Ben went into the house. He knew it would be late the next day before they caught up with Joe, assuming they found him at once. He just hoped his youngest son would be all right until they reached him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

All day long, Joe found himself glancing uneasily over his shoulder. There was never anything to see and he concluded several times that he was imagining things. However, he wasn\u2019t alone in letting his imagination run away with him. Paco was glancing over his shoulder, too. Joe finally decided to broach the topic when they stopped for their noon break.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIts tough to leave your home, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he asked softly, seeing Paco looking back once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d agreed the boy, but Joe immediately sensed that this was not what was troubling Paco.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mexican boy turned troubled dark eyes on Joe. \u201cYou feel it too,\u201d he challenged. \u201cYou sense someone following us. You can feel the eyes on your back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Caught by that dark gaze, Joe could not lie, as he\u2019d intended to do. \u201cYes, I do feel them,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean trouble, Paco. It could just mean someone who\u2019s curious, or looking for travelling companions. They\u2019re just watching us to make sure we\u2019re nice people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you don\u2019t think so, do you?\u201d Paco demanded. \u201cYou think that someone\u2019s following us to cause trouble, don\u2019t you? You think its Duke Miller.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if someone is following us at all,\u201d Joe denied. \u201cBut yes, I have thought about it being Miller. But don\u2019t go borrowing trouble, Paco. He hasn\u2019t done anything and I don\u2019t think he will.\u201d It wasn\u2019t an adequate answer, and Joe knew it, but he wasn\u2019t sure how else to reassure the boy. \u201cI won\u2019t let anything happen to you, Paco,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Paco replied, but he avoided making eye contact with Joe, and Joe could only wonder if he had destroyed the trust the boy had had in him. But what else could he have said? He didn\u2019t know the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As they made camp for the night, Joe thought that they were making pretty good time. The wagon was loaded with supplies for the trip and some of the things from Paco\u2019s ranch home and it was a heavy load. Joe had to be careful not to over-tax the horses. He tethered them for the night, groomed them and checked their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, he saw Paco sitting gazing aimlessly at the fire. The boy had been very silent all afternoon. Joe had tried to make conversation a few times, but Paco had always answered with just yes or no and Joe had quickly taken the hint. He hoped that Paco would thaw towards him soon, because it would be a long, uncomfortable journey to Juarez if Paco wouldn\u2019t talk. It would be bad enough returning home with just the empty wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a noise out in the darkness and Paco was on his feet, his eyes seeking Joe at once. Joe crossed to the boy\u2019s side in a few long strides and drew his gun, drawing the boy close to him. \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d Joe called, his voice strong. \u201cShow yourself!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no response. After a moment, Joe let go of Paco and began to move. Panicked, the boy put his hand out to stop Joe, but Joe just held his finger to his lips and smiled reassuringly. He took another step, and a moment later, a rabbit shot across the camp, practically running under Joe\u2019s foot. A frustrated snarl from the darkness told Joe that a bobcat had lost its supper. He fired a single shot to make sure the cat left them alone, then holstered his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat rabbit nearly had me!\u201d he joked. It was a relief to see Paco grin. The rabbit had come very close to causing Joe to lose his balance. Joe was quite glad that no one had seen that. Knocked over by a rabbit! Try living that down, he thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was him,\u201d Paco replied, his grin disappearing again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll come after us, Paco. Not after yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But despite his assurances, Joe found himself keeping watch through the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By morning, it was raining. Joe rose stiffly and yawned convulsively. He had dozed during the night, but never for more than a few minutes at a time and he felt exhausted. There had been no sign of anyone through the night, not even another rabbit. Joe set about cooking breakfast over the hissing fire as Paco put away the bedrolls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t looks so good,\u201d Paco observed, as they packed up the last of their gear.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unspoken fear was clear in his voice and Joe summoned a smile. \u201cI\u2019m just a bit tired,\u201d he replied. \u201cI didn\u2019t sleep very well for some reason.\u201d He tried to imply that he didn\u2019t know why he hadn\u2019t slept well, but he wasn\u2019t sure if Paco got the message. The boy said nothing, just continued on with his chores, as Joe stifled another yawn and thought longingly of a soft, warm bed out of the rain.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was going to be a dismal day for travelling in, Joe thought as he climbed onto the wagon seat. The ground was already turning muddy and that would slow them down considerably. Paco was morose and disinclined to talk, so Joe left him alone. He wasn\u2019t feeling very garrulous himself and was quite content to be silent. Once or twice, he found himself nodding as he drove, but an odd drip of rain had wakened him at an auspicious moment each time.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rain went off in the afternoon, although the sky didn\u2019t clear. Joe shrugged off his rain slicker and stretched. How he wished this journey was over. His feeling of being watched was back, although he had spotted nothing and was making an intense effort not to glance over his shoulder all the time. Was he just paranoid because of lack of sleep? Paco returned from the tree he\u2019d just been watering, and they moved on again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The attack came out of the blue a few hours later. One moment, they were jogging along in silence, the next a bullet ripped through the air and landed in the rump of the offside horse. The poor animal leapt into the air and began to run, dragging its mate and the wagon along with it. Joe pulled ineffectually on the reins, but the horses were not listening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing frantically over his shoulder, Joe saw three men racing towards them. Further shots splintered the air, although luckily, none hit them. But Duke Miller and his men were not their most pressing problem. The wagon was sliding on the muddy road and Joe could already feel the inexorable swing that meant the heavy wagon would soon begin to overtake the horses. The offside horse was dead lame, but the repeated shots whining over its head kept it running.<\/span><\/p>\n

They burst from a stand of trees and the road veered left. The horses took it at a flat out gallop, and the wagon slewed around, until the back wheels were hanging in mid-air over a gully. Joe saw at once what was going to happen. \u201cJump!\u201d he cried, trying desperately to stop the horses. \u201cJump, Paco!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d the boy protested hanging onto the seat for grim death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJump, or you\u2019ll be killed!\u201d Joe glanced at him. \u201cGo on! I\u2019m right behind you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paco jumped. It was not a moment too soon. Joe abandoned the reins, and prepared to jump. But he was too late. Gravity and momentum had their way and the wagon toppled into the gully, tossing Joe out into space.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the wagon disappeared from under him, Joe launched himself clear, but he landed badly on the rough, sloping ground and his ankle twisted under him, throwing him down again. From above, he could hear the screams of the horses as they were dragged to their deaths, and the crashing of the wagon as it careered down the slope. Joe forced his legs to move, but the ankle wouldn\u2019t hold his weight. Joe turned, to see how much time he had to get clear and saw the wagon tumbling down on top of him. He threw up his arms to protect his face. There was a moment of agonising pain, then the world went dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Someone was calling his name. Joe didn\u2019t recognise the voice at once, but it was full of fear. He tried to move and a dreadful pain shot up his legs and into his back. Joe could not bite back a groan and slowly, he opened his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A face swam into focus and Joe recognised Paco. The boy was crying, tears streaking his dirty face. \u201cJoe! Are you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied, looking around cautiously. His head throbbed and he was lying on his stomach, his head turned to the left. He tried to move, but another hideous pain shot up his back, taking his breath away. There was pain all across his shoulders and running down his arms. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Paco replied. He reached out to gently touch Joe\u2019s face. \u201cYour head is bleeding, Joe, and the wagon is lying on your legs. What should I do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching up cautiously, Joe winced as his fingers grazed the gash near his hairline. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get help,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cI\u2019ll be all right for now, if you can get me a canteen. But you\u2019ve got to go for help, Paco. Take the shotgun with you.\u201d He could see the doubt on the boy\u2019s face. \u201cPlease, Paco. You\u2019ve got to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took several more minutes of pleading before Paco agreed to retrace their steps to where they had seen a signpost for a town. Joe knew it would take the boy several hours to get there, and several more to get back. Somehow, he would have to deal with the pain while he waited. As long as he didn\u2019t move, the pain was bearable, but Joe was afraid. Had he broken his back in the fall? Would Duke Miller and his men come back? Joe knew his only chance rested on the frail shoulders of the young Mexican boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Paco finally set off on his journey, Joe managed one last smile for him. When the boy disappeared from sight, Joe laid his head on the ground. He didn\u2019t know how he was going to get through the next few hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought we might have caught up with Joe before now,\u201d Adam stated in a discouraged tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe rain will have slowed them down, too, son,\u201d Ben consoled him. \u201cThey can\u2019t be much further ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not,\u201d Adam replied. He glanced at Hoss, who rode on in front, looking for tracks. The rain had washed away a lot of signs, and now the light was beginning to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Ban asked, as Hoss drew rein at a split in the road. \u201cWould he have pushed on, or opted to find somewhere to stay for the night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNormally, I\u2019d say he\u2019d stop,\u201d Adam offered, \u201cbut Paco was keen to get going, and I think that Joe might have just kept on going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll scout along here aways,\u201d Hoss offered, pointing to the turn-off to the town. \u201cThen we\u2019ll know. It\u2019s real muddy along there, an\u2019 I\u2019ll be able ta see if\u2019n the wagon went this way.\u201d He urged Chub in that direction. Ben and Adam waited in silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before they had left the Ponderosa, Roy Coffee had come out to tell them that there was a warrant out for Duke Miller\u2019s arrest. He had been seen by other witnesses riding back from Frank\u2019s place after the fire had been set. Miller had been seen leaving the town in a hurry that night, and he was reported to be following the road that Joe and Paco had taken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cO\u2019 course, Miller coulda turned off anywheres along the way,\u201d Roy assured them, in a vain attempt at comfort. \u201cNo sense thinkin\u2019 the worst, Ben. \u2018Sides, Little Joe can take care o\u2019 himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Roy,\u201d Ben muttered. He was unconvinced and he and his sons rode off before Roy had even remounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the conversation was sticking in Ben\u2019s brain. Had Duke Miller caught up with his son? Or was he meekly going away to nurse his humiliation somewhere else?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think those were shots we heard being fired earlier?\u201d Adam asked, breaking into Ben\u2019s reverie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey could have been,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cBut we were just too far away to pin-point where they came from.\u201d He fought down a shudder of fear. If those shots had been aimed at Joe and Paco, they could be too late. It was a thought Ben wasn\u2019t prepared to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t no tracks along there,\u201d Hoss informed them. \u201cJoe musta decided ta go straight on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen so do we,\u201d Ben declared and he headed his horse off down the trail. Adam and Hoss exchanged worried looks before following him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr Cartwright! Mr Cartwright!\u201d The despairing cry flared through Ben\u2019s ears. He turned his horse and all but rode over Paco, who had emerged, trembling, from the undergrowth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaco! Where\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben dismounted quickly, gathering the boy into his arms. A shotgun clattered to the ground and Ben recognised it as Joe\u2019s. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sobbing with relief, Paco told his tale. At times, the Cartwrights were barely able to understand the words, but the jist was related to them all too clearly. Joe and Paco had been bushwhacked and Joe was lying injured somewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you take us to him?\u201d Ben asked, smoothing back the boy\u2019s hair. It was a gesture he used with Joe and it always seemed to bring the young man some comfort. It seemed to work for Paco, too, for he relaxed slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted, glancing around into the twilight. He had got lost creeping through the bushes and truthfully had no idea where to go to look for Joe. He didn\u2019t recognise the trail in the growing gloom. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Straightening, Ben looked grimly at his sons. \u201cHoss, you take Paco and go back to that town. Get a doctor and the sheriff. Adam, you come with me. Hoss, we\u2019ll go on in the direction we were going anyway, and we\u2019ll leave some sort of sign for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll find ya,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cCome on, young\u2019un,\u201d he urged the boy, gently. \u201cYa jist git up there an\u2019 don\u2019 worry \u2018bout a thing. Ol\u2019 Hoss here\u2019ll take care o\u2019 ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A noise woke Joe from the light sleep he\u2019d fallen into. His body was exhausted from the lack of sleep the previous night, and the addition of a head injury, plus the injuries caused by the wagon falling on him had combined to lull Joe into slumber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disoriented, he lifted his head, but the pain flaring immediately through his back reminded him of where he was and why and he slumped down again. But the rustling continued and he wondered how on earth Paco had managed to bring help so quickly. \u201cPaco?\u201d he called.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the booted foot that hit the earth by Joe\u2019s head did not belong to Paco. Joe just lay there, looking at the dusty black boot, his already dry mouth becoming more arid with every second that passed. He knew, without looking up, that Duke Miller was standing there, looking down on him and gloating.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Cartwright,\u201d Miller said, at last, squatting down so he could see Joe\u2019s face. \u201cDid you think I would just forget what you had done to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Joe hoped that he might just die. He knew there would be no help forthcoming from Miller and his men, only more torment. He was already in agony; he couldn\u2019t face any more pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was more rustling as Miller\u2019s cohorts came through the bushes. They both laughed as they spotted Joe lying, trapped, under the wagon. \u201cYou got him good, Duke,\u201d one of the men sneered. He kicked Joe lightly in the ribs, but the movement caused Joe more pain than the man realised. Joe bit his lip to keep silent. He wondered briefly if he could reach his gun, but moving his arms caused him untold pain and he decided, regretfully, that he wouldn\u2019t be able to do it, not even to save his own life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your little friend?\u201d Miller asked. \u201cDid he survive the crash?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no response. Joe was not going to tell them Paco was wandering around alone out there somewhere. He wouldn\u2019t put the boy\u2019s life in danger. Perhaps, if they thought Paco was already dead, they wouldn\u2019t go looking for him. Joe didn\u2019t care what they did to him, he discovered. He just wanted to keep Paco safe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonder what old man Cartwright\u2019s gonna say when he finds his little boy all broke up, huh?\u201d Miller sniggered. \u201cDid ya see the way he acted around our friend here? All over him at the trial. It was really funny.\u201d He kicked Joe. \u201cDaddy\u2019s little boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For years, Joe had endured the jibes of his fellow school mates about his father\u2019s concern for him. Joe had long ago made his peace with it, although sometimes the over-protectiveness of his family drove him nuts. He understood why Ben acted as he did and he appreciated the fact that his family cared for him. He had seen too many other families where hate, not love, ruled. Joe knew which he preferred. Love won over indifference every time, in Joe\u2019s book. He was not ashamed of the love his father showed him, or that he showed for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

But he hated to hear Ben ridiculed and without thinking, he grasped Miller\u2019s ankle, which was right beside his hand, and pulled. Caught unawares, Miller let out a startled cry as he toppled onto his backside. \u201cDamn you, Cartwright!\u201d he cried, scrambling back to his feet, his face crimson with embarrassment.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a frenzy of anger, he stamped down on Joe\u2019s unprotected hand, feeling the delicate bones moving beneath his foot. Joe could not keep quiet under this new assault. He let out a cry of pain and dragged his hand free. For a long moment, he couldn\u2019t catch his breath and the world spun in dizzying circles around him. He could dimly hear the other men laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miller stood there, looking down at Joe and panting. That was twice the other man had made a fool of him and Miller didn\u2019t like it. He had led a totally lawless life, prior to arriving in Virginia City and he had been horrified when he had been captured and made to stand trial. It was good luck on his part that one of his partners was an identical twin. It was through this misleading piece of information that Miller had been able to get acquitted. He had simply informed his lawyer that this was his other partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been foolish, going back to Virginia City, Miller admitted silently to himself. But he had wanted to see if he could provoke Joe Cartwright into shooting at him and thereby having the pleasure of Joe going to jail, as the judge had assured him that anyone who fired at him would. He hadn\u2019t counted on Joe\u2019s strength of will in refusing to use his gun. Nor had he expected the barber to suddenly find his courage and help Joe humiliate him. The barber had paid for that mistake, he thought, with relish.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, it was Joe\u2019s turn. He had followed them along the trail, keeping just out of sight, until they were far enough away from a town that they would not be found at once, if at all. That the wagon had over-turned was an added bonus to Miller. He was going to kill Joe, and enjoy himself whilst doing so. That Cartwright was already suffering when he had found him had only given Miller more pleasure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, that had changed. Joe had just shown him up again, and his partners could barely keep the laughter from their faces. Duke Miller didn\u2019t like being laughed at. He threw the others a black look and drew his gun. His friends sobered immediately. They knew what Duke was like.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the moment, the new pain in Joe\u2019s hand was keeping the old pain in his back at bay. Joe gritted his teeth, but a few whimpers escaped his iron control. He slit open his eyes and saw that his hand was already swelling. Joe had broken bones before and he knew that his hand was broken. It was another pain he had to endure until either Paco arrived with help, or Miller killed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bullet bit into the ground only inches from Joe\u2019s face, causing him to flinch violently. Joe could not bite back the cry of pain this time. Miller looked pleased. He fired another round into the ground, this one nearer Joe\u2019s side. He laughed at the inevitable flinch and cry.<\/span><\/p>\n

On and on the chilling game of Russian roulette went, with Joe never knowing if the next bullet would be the one that would end his suffering. He was exhausted, shaking, sweating and in pain. Would his torment never end?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cListen!\u201d Adam exclaimed and put his hand out. Ben drew rein beside him, his eyes wide and round.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShooting!\u201d he breathed. \u201cJoe!\u201d He put his heel sharply to his horse, as did Adam and they thundered along the trail towards the sound of firing.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were oblivious to the signs of the wagon accident as they flung themselves from their horses and drew their weapons, pushing their way through the bushes towards the sound of crazed laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breaking through the undergrowth, Ben was distantly surprised by how much light lingered in the gully. But he had no more time to think of it, because Joe was in mortal danger. Adam was lunging off to one side, throwing punches at the two men who stood there watching. Ben turned his attention to Duke Miller, who had swung around to face this new threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright!\u201d he exclaimed and on the ground, Joe opened his eyes, squinting in disbelief at his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMove away from my son,\u201d Ben ordered, his tone grim. He gestured minutely with his gun. \u201cI said, move!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a moment, Miller began to move, but not away from Joe. He stepped back, and began to turn, raising his weapon to fire the last, fatal shot at Joe. \u201cNo!\u201d Ben cried, and fired.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bullet caught Miller high in the chest. His finger contracted automatically and the bullet gouged the ground by Joe\u2019s face, sending clouds of dust into his eyes, nose and mouth. Joe choked and began to cough. Miller fell to the ground, dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s first instinct was to run to Joe\u2019s side, but Adam was fighting two men, and they were determined not to go easily. Ben couldn\u2019t abandon Adam to a beating. He moved so he could be seen and shouted, \u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the men, Cal Brennan, took advantage of Adam\u2019s momentary distraction and shot the oldest Cartwright boy in the arm. Adam fell. Ben did not hesitate. All their lives hung in the balance. He shot both men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben exclaimed, hesitating between his two boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him, sitting up slowly, clutching his arm. \u201cLook after Joe. I\u2019ll deal with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kneeling by Joe, Ben shoved Miller\u2019s body away with distaste. He was not sorry the man was dead. His only concern now was for his son, and finding out how badly injured he was. \u201cJoe?\u201d he whispered, stroking the curls back from his forehead. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe replied. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben assured him, marvelling that Joe, in a desperate situation like this, could worry for his father\u2019s safety. \u201cAdam\u2019s been nicked by a bullet, but he\u2019s all right.\u201d He swallowed as tears threatened to overcome him. \u201cWhere are you hurt, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy back,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cMy head and my hand. Everything hurts, Pa.\u201d He drew in a shuddering breath and winced. \u201cPaco went for help. You\u2019ve got to find him, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed him. \u201cPaco\u2019s with Hoss. We met him on the way and they\u2019ve gone for help.\u201d He glanced up as Adam came over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re both dead,\u201d Adam told him in an undertone. \u201cHow\u2019re you doing, buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe asked. His eyes were closed as he dealt with another wave of pain. Sometimes, he wondered if he would be able to keep his head above water, so to speak, when each wave hit. They were getting stronger. \u201cI\u2019m doin\u2019\u2026 real fine,\u201d he concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee if you can find a blanket and a lantern,\u201d Ben ordered him. \u201cWe need some light.\u201d Indeed, it had grown suddenly dark in the gully.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Adam searched amongst the scattered items from the wagon, Ben gave Joe what comfort he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Almost two hours later, Hoss arrived with the doctor, the sheriff and a wagon. Joe had been drifting in and out of a restless sleep, while Ben tended to Adam\u2019s arm. It was only a graze; the bullet had just skimmed the edge of his arm. However, Ben made Adam sit down and rest once he\u2019d found the blanket and lantern and Adam had been glad to do it. The wound throbbed away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving Paco to talk to Joe, the men rigged some ropes to haul the wagon off Joe. The doctor had given him something for pain, because he knew from past experience that, bad as the pain had been, it would get a whole lot worse very quickly when the wagon was moved. He just hoped that Joe was not going to bleed profusely when the wagon was moved, but this was a fear he kept to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the shattered wagon was hauled away, Joe let out a great cry of pain and slumped unconscious. Ben abandoned his role and hurried to his son\u2019s side, beating the doctor back there by a hair. The physician hastily checked over Joe\u2019s legs, fearing that any moment, blood would come spurting out from a ruptured artery, but there was no blood at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

When everyone was once more finished moving the wagon, the doctor got them to help him turn Joe over, each moving a bit, so that any broken bones would not be jarred about. He checked Joe over very thoroughly, looking often at the pain filled eyes that watched him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis back isn\u2019t broken,\u201d he announced. \u201cBut more than that I\u2019m not willing to say right now. I\u2019ll know more when I get him back to my surgery. However, I will say that I don\u2019t think he\u2019s bleeding internally. Let\u2019s get him moved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Relieved, Ben bent over Joe once more. \u201cDid you hear that, son?\u201d he asked. \u201cYour back isn\u2019t broken. The doc thinks you\u2019re going to be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe whispered. His eyes closed once more and he slipped into unconsciousness when they moved him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was well into the next morning before Joe woke again. He stirred uneasily, his body feeling slightly odd for a moment or two. He tried to move and a chorus of protest from abused muscles shot through him. Joe caught his breath, but the pain was not as bad as it had been the previous day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the familiar voice, Joe could not prevent a smile. When had he ever wakened from an injury or illness and his father not been there? He opened his eyes and Ben\u2019s face swam into focus. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he croaked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi yourself,\u201d Ben responded, smiling. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA bit funny,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cBits of me won\u2019t move.\u201d He tried to hide the sudden worry that flared through his mind as this thought took hold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because they\u2019re in plaster, son,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cThe poor doctor; you used up all the plaster he had.\u201d He smiled at the puzzled green eyes. \u201cFirst of all, Joe, your back is not broken, nor is your spinal cord damaged in any way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor stuck a pin in each toe,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cThat certainly got a reaction from you, I can tell you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bet it did,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cCan I have a drink, please?\u201d His mouth suddenly was very dry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben lifted Joe\u2019s head while he sipped at the cool water. He didn\u2019t know when he\u2019d last had anything that tasted so good. When he was finished, he waited expectantly, and nervously, for Ben to go on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour left hand is broken,\u201d Ben told him, and Joe\u2019s eyes slid down so he could see the plastered limb resting on a pillow. \u201cAnd both your ankles.\u201d Joe\u2019s head lifted momentarily, but it began to spin, so he put it down at once, closing his eyes against the nausea that rose in his throat. Ben rubbed his son\u2019s arm comfortingly as he watched the colour ebb and flow in his son\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else?\u201d Joe asked, faintly, after a while. Ben mused that his son\u2019s face had been as green as his eyes at one point.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of very severe bruising,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAnd a gash on the head, which required some stitches.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I see?\u201d Joe asked and his father obligingly drew back the covers and assisted Joe in sitting up. Joe admired the black and blue toes poking out of the tops of the plasters, which reached up to his knees. His thighs were mottled every colour from red to black and his abdomen was the same. His ribs bore some slight bruising, too. Joe blushed slightly when he realised he was naked. He wasn\u2019t usually modest about showing off his body, but he wasn\u2019t usually helpless when he did so. As he reached upright, Joe felt another pressing need. \u201cI have to pee,\u201d he announced and his father helped him with that, too. Joe was alarmed to see that there was a trace of blood in his urine, but Ben was quick to assure him that the doctor had said this might happen, due to the amount of bruising to his kidneys, which Joe couldn\u2019t see. His back was as badly bruised as his legs and abdomen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lying back down again with relief, Joe glanced around. He was clearly in a hotel room, for there was a double and a single bed on the other side of the large room. \u201cWhere are Adam and Hoss?\u201d he asked. Then he remembered. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d he gasped. \u201cDidn\u2019t you say he\u2019d been shot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Ben soothed him. \u201cAdam\u2019s perfectly fine. In fact, he and Hoss are taking Paco to the restaurant for some lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLunch?\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cWhat happened to supper?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had that last night, after the doctor had treated you,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cAnd after he\u2019d bandaged Adam\u2019s arm. I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t remember, but you did open your eyes for a minute and the doctor chased us out. Later, when he\u2019d wakened you another few times, he said we could bring you back here and stop cluttering up his surgery. Hoss carried you over and you slept right through the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss carried me?\u201d Joe echoed, thinking to his state of undress and wondering how many people had seen him in the altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were wrapped in blankets, don\u2019t worry,\u201d Ben teased. \u201cJoe, the ladies in this town are not ready for you yet and certainly not ready for you wearing your birthday suit!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to Duke Miller?\u201d Joe asked, once his embarrassed flush had died away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shot him,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHe and his men are all dead.\u201d He gazed at Joe in dismay as the colour drained out of his son\u2019s face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Pa,\u201d Joe breathed. \u201cYou were there. You heard the judge. He said he\u2019d jail anyone who shot Duke Miller!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pride raced through Ben\u2019s heart at his son\u2019s words. Lying helpless in bed in a strange town, Joe was worrying more about his father than himself. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to worry about that, either,\u201d he assured Joe. \u201cDuke Miller was wanted for assaulting Frank and his wife and for setting their house on fire. Don\u2019t worry, Joe, there won\u2019t be any trouble come our way through this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Relief swept through Joe, leaving him exhausted. His eyelids drooped. Ben patted his arm. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have another sleep and I\u2019ll bring you something to eat when you wake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d sighed Joe and closed his eyes, relaxing into the soft pillows. He slept almost at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For several days, Joe only ate and slept. The others kept Paco busy, while one of them always sat with Joe. The doctor looked in on him every day, making sure that the bruising wasn\u2019t spreading in a manner that suggested internal bleeding, and checking that Joe was getting over his concussion. The sheriff wired Roy Coffee in Virginia City to tell him off the deaths of the outlaws, and Roy in turn wired the circuit judge, informing him of what had happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a couple of days, Ben got a wire direct from the judge, saying that although he had forbidden anyone from going after Miller, he could not find any charges to answer in respect of Miller\u2019s death. He cordially wished Joe a speedy recovery, too. Although Ben hadn\u2019t been worrying actively about that, the wire did take a small weight off his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre you really all right, Adam?\u201d Joe asked, about three days after the accident. He had awakened to find his eldest brother sitting reading the paper beside him. Adam looked fine, but the torn sleeve of his shirt showed the edge of a white bandage there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Joe,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIt\u2019s just a graze. I was careless. I allowed Pa\u2019s shout to distract me, and the other guy got the drop. I was just lucky he was such a bad shot.\u201d He obligingly showed Joe the bandage, although he didn\u2019t offer to take it off and let him see the wound. Joe thought that was slightly bad form on Adam\u2019s part, since he was showing off all his injuries for his family to see, even if it was unwillingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa said Frank\u2019s house was set on fire,\u201d Joe mentioned. \u201cIs Frank all right? And his wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrank got a little beat up,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBut his wife is fine. The house was burned down, unfortunately, but people were rallying round them when we left. I\u2019m sure they\u2019re being well taken care of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that was Miller?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cJoe, what was he doing when we arrived? We heard shooting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, the memory overwhelmed Joe. He shuddered, painfully. He felt Adam put his hand on his arm. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he assured his brother. \u201cI was just remembering.\u201d He quietly told of Miller shooting into the ground, getting nearer and nearer. \u201cI kept thinking that the next bullet would be the last,\u201d he concluded. \u201cThen you and Pa arrived.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff is going to want to hear the story,\u201d Adam warned him. \u201cBut not until you\u2019re up to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust bring him,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI just want to get it over with and forgotten.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling at the brave words, Adam knew that this was something his brother would never forget.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sheriff came in the next day, and Joe gave his statement. It would go, as a matter of course, to the judge, but there would be no trial, with Miller dead. The sheriff had seen with his own eyes the state that Joe was in and thought he would probably have gunned Miller down in cold blood, had he seen his own son in that state.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next day, the doctor announced that he thought Joe could safely be moved home, although he warned the young man that it would be a long and uncomfortable journey home. Joe was delighted. He wanted to be at home, not in some hotel in a strange town that he didn\u2019t even know the name of. Reluctantly, Ben agreed to make arrangements to get Joe home.<\/span><\/p>\n

That left only one problem \u2013 Paco.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said I would take him, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered. He had been in a lot of pain that day, as he was now able to move around a little more and his muscles, used to the inactivity, were protesting. \u201cBut I can\u2019t like this and I think it would be good for him to be with his grandparents. Too many things have happened to him. It\u2019s not good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaco will understand that you can\u2019t take him, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cHoss is quite willing to go on with him. We\u2019ve retrieved as many of his belongings from the gully as we could and Hoss is organising supplies right now, for all of us. But I feel you\u2019re right, Joe. Paco needs to get settled as soon as possible. Would you like to see him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Nodding, Ben went to find the boy. He had been exceptionally quiet since the accident and Ben thought that Paco needed to talk to Joe as much as Joe needed to talk to Paco.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hesitating in the doorway, Paco looked at Joe as though he had never seen his friend before. Paco had not had an easy life. His mother had died when he was very young, and the baby she was bearing had died with her. To be a Mexican in a mostly white town had proved difficult too, until the Rodriguezes had met in with the Cartwrights, who had befriended them. Carlos Rodriguez had been a hard worker and Ben had helped him in every way he could. Then had come the tragedy of his father\u2019s murder and Paco had spent a lot of time after that with Joe. Paco knew that Joe had done all he could to save his father\u2019s life, and to get the killers convicted although ultimately, Joe had failed.<\/span><\/p>\n

After that, Joe had convinced Paco that seeking vengeance against Miller wasn\u2019t the answer, and Paco had been impressed by Joe\u2019s handling of the situation that had arisen in Virginia City. He admired Joe greatly, wishing to grow up to be just like him. Now, Paco was struck by how small Joe looked in the big bed, surrounded by pillows. Yet Joe was undefeated by what had happened to him. He looked up and saw Paco standing there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaco! Come on in.\u201d Joe grinned broadly. He had barely seen the boy over the last few days while he was still sleeping so much. He was very fond of Paco. \u201cHow\u2019re you doin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Paco answered, sitting down in the chair by the bed. He was unaccountably relieved that Joe was still treating him in exactly the same manner as he had always done. Somehow, he had expected a change. \u201cJoe, I am sorry for what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry it had to happen to you. But at least you weren\u2019t hurt, and you did a great job bringing help back to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Paco shook his head. \u201cNo, Joe, you don\u2019t understand,\u201d he protested. \u201cI am sorry this happened because of me. If I hadn\u2019t gone after Miller, this would not have happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you figure that?\u201d Joe asked. He watched the boy toy nervously with the edge of the bed cover. \u201cPaco?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me not to leave the wagon,\u201d Paco admitted. \u201cI disobeyed you. I nearly got you killed, Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Paco,\u201d Joe began. He reached over for Paco\u2019s hand, taking the boy\u2019s fingertips in his fingertips, the only part of his left hand that was visible outside the plaster. \u201cSure, you disobeyed me, but I don\u2019t blame you. Seeing him there, like that, knowing he\u2019d got off, was really difficult. Don\u2019t you think I wanted to go after him? Sure I did. But you know, Paco? Pa was right when he asked me if vengeance belonged to Joe Cartwright. I wouldn\u2019t have been able to sleep at night if I\u2019d killed him, and neither would you. Do you know why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paco thought around about the thought for some time. Finally, he looked at Joe and ventured, \u201cBecause two wrongs don\u2019t make a right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it exactly,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cThat\u2019s why, when the courts fail us, we leave the rest to God. God dealt with Duke Miller, Paco. He just happened to use my father to do it. Pa didn\u2019t gun Miller down in cold blood. He was shooting only to save my life. Even after all that happened, Pa couldn\u2019t just shoot because I was in danger. And that\u2019s why I didn\u2019t harm Miller when I had him where I wanted him back home. It wasn\u2019t right.\u201d He smiled. \u201cSo don\u2019t blame yourself, Paco. This was a hard lesson, but you learned it well.\u00a0 And I wouldn\u2019t have survived if you hadn\u2019t gone for help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was lost when I met your pa,\u201d Paco admitted, in a small voice. He scooted a look out from under his brows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s our secret,\u201d Joe whispered, leaning over slightly. \u201cMake sure when you tell the story, you just omit that bit, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that like lying?\u201d Paco asked, shocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

That was a thorny one, Joe admitted. \u201cWell, sort of,\u201d he hedged. He grinned at his young friend. \u201cBut it sounds a whole lot better than the whole truth, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d They sat quietly for a minute, both thinking. Paco was readjusting his thinking into accepting that he had not put Joe\u2019s life at particular risk and had in fact been instrumental in getting help for Joe. Joe was thinking about all the things that had happened in the last few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, he smiled at Paco again. \u201cHoss will take you to your grandparents,\u201d he said. \u201cI wish I could take you, like I promised, but it\u2019s impossible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Paco told him. \u201cI know you would come if you could.\u201d He stood and thrust a hand out to Joe. \u201cI thank you for all you\u2019ve done for me, Joe. I\u2019ll never forget you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook Paco\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll never forget you either,\u201d he assured his young friend. \u201cAnd if I don\u2019t get regular letters from you, you can guarantee I\u2019ll come hunting for you, is that understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood,\u201d Paco replied, his eyes shining. He left, holding his head high, without a backward glance. Joe felt unbearably proud of him.<\/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 *************************<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Paco left the next morning at first light. Paco said a contained goodbye to the Cartwrights, but there were tears standing in his eyes. Slightly later that same morning, Ben and Adam loaded Joe into the wagon they\u2019d hired and began the journey home.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took them four days all told, travelling at a snail\u2019s pace to avoid jarring Joe\u2019s injuries. He didn\u2019t complain at all, although he wound Adam up a great deal of the time. Having finally seen the small scratch on Adam\u2019s arm, Joe had delighted in calling him \u2018hero\u2019 and reminding his brother of his own bad injuries. Once or twice, Ben thought Adam might throttle his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although he put on a show of outrage, Adam was not offended by his brother\u2019s comments. To Adam, it was a strong declaration that Joe was getting better. He had found his sleep disturbed by images of Joe pinned beneath the over-turned wagon and could not help but speculate on what might have happened if they had not arrived just when they did.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a logical man, Adam sometimes found religion difficult to deal with. He did believe in God, but sometimes his belief faltered slightly when his scientific mind wanted to believe something else. But at times like this, he was reminded that God was in all things, and those things only became clear in God\u2019s own time. Over the course of the journey, Joe had told them of his talk with Paco and that had started Adam thinking. This was a time when God\u2019s hand was more than evident.<\/span><\/p>\n

The next few weeks were difficult for Joe, as he could do very little for himself. But throughout, the young man kept cheerful, reminded always that \u2018God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Soon, Hoss was home, bringing the news that Paco had settled well with his grandparents, and soon regular letters began to arrive. Joe was on his feet again, moving about and regaining his lost strength. And on the day when Joe had resumed his normal chores, Adam knelt by the side of the bed to give thanks for a very special day.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day, he knew he would no longer be able to resist the siren call to leave the ranch. But not today. Today, he still had so much to learn from his youngest brother, who lived life at full speed, accepting the bad times along with the good.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Adam,\u201d Joe remarked, the very next morning, \u201cyou\u2019ve been half-way nice to me for weeks now. Are you ill?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To remind Joe just who was the older brother here, Adam clipped him gently round the ear. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, it won\u2019t last,\u201d he predicted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thanks to Lisa for the story idea, and to Claire as always.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Quote from William Cowper, poet<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0A ‘What Happened Next’ for the episode ‘The Last Haircut.’<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0(8,515 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,13],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-2195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-whn","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2003,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7694,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7694","url_meta":{"origin":2195,"position":0},"title":"Sally Lynn, Swimming, and Sweet Revenge (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A young Little Joe finds out about feminine revenge. 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Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.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\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":2195,"position":5},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. 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