{"id":2197,"date":"2004-01-28T21:58:22","date_gmt":"2004-01-29T02:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2197"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:19:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:19:38","slug":"his-prey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2197","title":{"rendered":"His Prey (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong>A WHN for the\u00a0episode The Hunter. What did happen to Joe after those closing credits rolled?<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0(9,360 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.<\/p>\n

For Claire, the sister I never expected<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His Prey<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Jist take it easy, young fella,\u201d the old drifter soothed. \u201cWhere d\u2019ya live?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo far away,\u201d the man replied. \u201cCan you\u2026take me to\u2026Fort Lowell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I can,\u201d agreed the old man agreeably. \u201cTake a day or two, mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care,\u201d returned the other. He was safe at last.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen d\u2019you think Joe will be back?\u201d Candy Canaday asked Ben Cartwright, his boss. He was hitching the wagon to go into town for supplies.<\/p>\n

\u201cA few more days yet,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI had expected him to wire me by now, to let me know what the general thought of the price for the horses, but you know what Joe is like. He\u2019ll be talking twenty to the dozen, charming the general into taking our horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe sure can talk his way round folks,\u201d Candy agreed. \u201cWant me to check in town to see if a wire has arrived and just been forgotten about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thanks, Candy,\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d Candy agreed. He hopped up into the wagon seat and snapped the reins. The team obediently began to move. \u201cSee you later!\u201d Candy called.<\/p>\n

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

There were various chores requiring Ben\u2019s attention that morning and he set about them with enthusiasm. Although Ben still ran the ranch, he relied more and more upon Joe these days, especially since Hoss\u2019 death. For a long time, he thought they would never recover, and then tragedy had struck again, with the death of Joe\u2019s pregnant wife. Ben thought Joe would crack under the strain, but somehow, his youngest son had managed to get his life back together.<\/p>\n

His youngest blood son, Ben corrected himself. He had adopted Jamie, and relished having a youngster about the place again.\u00a0I must be crazy<\/em>, Ben thought.\u00a0I should be glad not to have to worry about all the<\/em>\u00a0fool things a boy gets up to! Didn\u2019t Joe teach me anything?<\/em>\u00a0He laughed to himself. Joe was still getting into scrapes on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben\u2019s thoughts sobered, as he thought about his oldest son, Adam, whom he hadn\u2019t seen for years. Letters still came, even if not with the same regularity of the first days Adam had been gone. Ben had been heart-broken that Adam hadn\u2019t come home when Hoss died, and perhaps something of this had transmitted itself to Adam via his pen, for Adam\u2019s letters had become defensive, offering excuses when none were asked for. Adam had made it plain he wasn\u2019t coming back again.<\/p>\n

Shaking off the melancholy, Ben applied himself to his correspondence once more. A little while later, he heard the wagon rattle into the yard and rose, glad of the break, to help Candy unload. He was surprised when the door opened and Candy hurtled into the house. \u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Candy?\u201d Ben asked, for Candy\u2019s face was pale and he was visibly agitated.<\/p>\n

For an answer, Candy thrust a flimsy piece of paper into Ben\u2019s hand. Ben took it, giving Candy another long look, and then read the wire. His heart skipped a beat.<\/p>\n

TO BEN CARTWRIGHT PONDEROSA NEVADA STOP
\nYOUR SON JOSEPH VERY ILL STOP
\nCOME WITH ALL HASTE STOP
\nCOMMANDING OFFICER FORT LOWELL ALL STOP<\/p>\n

Now, Ben knew exactly why Candy was pale and agitated. Joe was in trouble again.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cGriff, you stay here with Jamie,\u201d Ben instructed. \u201cCandy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming with you,\u201d Candy interrupted.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben opened his mouth, but Candy over rode whatever he was going to say. \u201cYou can\u2019t go alone,\u201d he stated firmly.\u00a0 \u201cGriff can keep things ticking over here with Jamie, but I\u2019m coming with you. Joe\u2019s my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben\u2019s face softened into a smile. \u201cI was going to ask you to come,\u201d he chided, gently. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to go alone.\u201d The last time Ben had been summoned by telegraph to Joe\u2019s bedside, he had had Hoss to go with him. He just hoped he wouldn\u2019t find Joe in such dire straits this time, although the tenor of the wire didn\u2019t offer much in the way of hope.<\/p>\n

Turning back to Griff as Candy began to smile, Ben went on, \u201cTell Jamie I\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t wait to say goodbye to him, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll understand.\u201d At that moment, Ben didn\u2019t care if Jamie understood or not. His overriding need was to get to Joe as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell him,\u201d Griff replied, softly. He stood watching as Ben and Candy mounted up and rode out.<\/p>\n

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

They rode fast, stopping only when necessary to rest the horses. Ben was essentially silent, but Candy couldn\u2019t summon much small talk either. He had drifted to the Ponderosa several years before, and had come and gone until finally returning and settling down after Hoss had died. He wished now that he had come back earlier, to say goodbye to the big man. Hoss had been his friend just as much as Joe and he missed him. The thought that Joe might now be dying was one Candy couldn\u2019t entertain.<\/p>\n

At last, after two days of hard riding, they trotted their sweating, lathered horses into Fort Lowell just before dusk. Ben had been there before, but it was Candy\u2019s first visit. However, he spared no more than a cursory glance around the fort as he dismounted and followed Ben into the adjutant\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright,\u201d Ben explained. He knew he was filthy and he didn\u2019t care. \u201cMy son, Joseph, is here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been expecting you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d replied the man who rose to his feet. \u201cIf you\u2019ll follow me, I have orders to take you straight to the infirmary before informing the General of your arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n

His anxiety now notched even higher, Ben followed the officer across the compound, aware that Candy was so close to him that he was almost treading on Ben\u2019s heels. Ben was grateful for the other man\u2019s company. Arriving as an employee, he had first become a friend, and then almost one of the family. Ben knew that Joe was especially close to Candy. On the way to the infirmary, the adjutant explained that Joe had been brought in by a drifter who had found him in a ghost town, along with a dead man that Joe called Tanner.<\/p>\n

There were a few beds occupied in the infirmary and Ben knew that this was because a lot of the soldiers in Fort Lowell suffered from ague. It seemed especially prevalent in that area. But it took Ben just seconds to pick Joe out and he hurried across to stand, frozen, by his bed.<\/p>\n

Ben had often seen Joe ill in bed, but familiarity never made the sight easier. Joe was pale, his face beaded with sweat. A cold compress was on his forehead and his tangled curls seemed somehow limp. A large bandage and splint was wrapped around Joe\u2019s right forearm and there was a scratch on his face. \u201cHow is he?\u201d Ben asked of the man who came over to greet them, correctly assuming he was the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot well, as you can see,\u201d the doctor replied. \u201cHe\u2019s been like this since he was brought in a few days ago. The arm is badly infected, as are his feet.\u201d The man drew back the sheet briefly. Ben caught a glimpse of Joe\u2019s nude body, glistening all over with sweat and scratched here and there, as he glanced down at his son\u2019s bandaged feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs his arm broken?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Nodding the doctor indicated the break on his own arm. \u201cLooks like he set it himself, too. When he came in, it was all tied up in his belt, with a stick for a splint. That must have hurt!\u201d the doctor commented, admiringly. \u201cI had to realign the bone, because it had been displaced again, perhaps by a fall. Although your son was conscious when he came in, he didn\u2019t say much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are his chances?\u201d Ben asked. He couldn\u2019t drag his eyes away from the young man on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the fever lasts much longer, he\u2019s doesn\u2019t have a chance,\u201d the doctor replied, bluntly. \u201cI haven\u2019t had as much time to spend with him as I would like, since we are quite busy, but I\u2019ve tried to keep the cold compresses on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here now, I can help,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJust tell me what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd me!\u201d Candy asserted. He met Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cJoe\u2019s my friend. I want to do my share. He\u2019d do it for me!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was true. Ben nodded and they listened as the doctor outlined the treatment he wanted to give Joe.<\/p>\n

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

While Candy put up the horses, Ben sat down by Joe\u2019s bed and leant forward. \u201cWe\u2019re here now, Joe,\u201d he told his son. \u201cEverything will be all right.\u201d Reaching for the cloth, he soaked it in cold water and laid it carefully on Joe\u2019s head. With another cloth, he began to wash his son\u2019s face and chest, hoping to refresh him somewhat.<\/p>\n

The doctor appeared at Ben\u2019s side with a cup of water. \u201cMr. Cartwright, do you think you could get your son to drink this? I\u2019ve had a little success with him, but I feel he needs to drink more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Ben replied, and changed his position so he could take Joe\u2019s head and shoulders on his left arm, and he put the cup to Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cJoe, drink this for me.\u201d He dribbled a little water into Joe\u2019s mouth. As he had expected, Joe swallowed, his eyes still tight shut. Ben carried on giving his son a little water at a time, until the cup was empty.<\/p>\n

The doctor looked on with approval. \u201cYou\u2019ve had some practice at this,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could say that,\u201d Ben admitted, not relinquishing his hold on his son. \u201cJoe is somewhat accident-prone and I\u2019ve nursed him through more illnesses and injuries than I can remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t look as though they\u2019ve held him back,\u201d the doctor commented. \u201cHe\u2019s very muscular.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling Ben glanced at him. \u201cJoe doesn\u2019t get sick the way you and I would,\u201d he replied. \u201cHe never seems to have a cold, and I could count on the fingers of one hand the diseases he\u2019s picked up. But if there\u2019s trouble, Joe will find it.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was wry. He handed the cup back to the doctor. \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I don\u2019t think I got your name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure if I gave it,\u201d the other replied, smiling. \u201cI\u2019m Jim Fenton.\u201d They shook hands solemnly. \u201cI gather the general knows you and your family, but I\u2019ve only been on the base a few weeks. Do you have any other family?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben answered, as steadily as he could. \u201cI have an older son overseas, and a younger, adopted, son at home. I had another son, between Joe and my oldest, but he died a few months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry,\u201d Fenton replied. \u201cThat must have been very hard for you. I\u2019m so sorry I intruded on your grief.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cWe\u2019ve never banished Hoss from our thoughts or our conversation. To do that would be to deny everything he was to us and I couldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Fenton repeated. He glanced at Joe. \u201cSo he was a bit bigger than his brother here then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing now, Ben nodded. \u201cYou could say that. Hoss was 6 ft 4in and 300lbs. Joe is the smallest of my sons. Apart from Jamie, but he\u2019s still young and hasn\u2019t finished growing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your other son?\u201d Fenton asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s about my height,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen him for a number of years.\u201d He smiled to take away the pain of that. \u201cEach of my boys took after their mothers. You see, I was widowed three times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Fenton mumbled. What a lot of pain this man had had to face over his life, he thought. Fenton didn\u2019t know if he would have been able to deal with all that. He noticed Ben\u2019s hand steal up to push the curls back from Joe\u2019s forehead. But before he could say anything, another patient called out for him and he excused himself.<\/p>\n

Left alone with Joe, Ben talked quietly to him, as he had always done when his son was sick. Joe\u2019s head was now nestled in the crook of his shoulder and his face was turned towards Ben. Once more brushing back the sweat-soaked curls, Ben scolded, \u201cLook at the length of your hair, Joseph! You look like a Mississippi riverboat gambler!\u201d He laughed softly. How many times had he said that very phrase? Too many to count, and for many years, it had persuaded Joe to get his hair cut, but gradually, his hair began to get longer and longer, until he turned round one day and told Ben that he wasn\u2019t getting his hair cut, even if he\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0look like a Mississippi riverboat gambler. He had looked so belligerent, with his chin jutting out, that Ben had been unable to prevent a smile slipping out, and the length Joe\u2019s hair was never mentioned seriously again thereafter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at Candy. He hadn\u2019t heard his foreman approach. He knew that, if he were conscious, Joe would be embarrassed for Candy to find him in this position \u2013 or would he? Joe and Candy had become fast friends. Candy was slightly older than Joe, but he got into just as much trouble. Together, they would go hell-raising around town, yet both men were utterly dependable and stood up for the other. \u201cYes?\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was speaking to the sergeant in the barn, and he said he\u2019ll try and get us some ice for Joe. It won\u2019t be right away, but in a couple of hours, if we think we need it.\u201d Candy seated himself on the other side of Joe\u2019s bed, and touched his friend\u2019s arm. Joe was still very hot to the touch. Candy met Ben\u2019s eyes again. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Touched, Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he replied. He glanced down at Joe. \u201cJoe needs me. I\u2019ve got to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Candy reminded him. \u201cIf you need to rest, say so. I can do most of what you can.\u201d When Ben cocked an eyebrow at him, Candy gave an embarrassed grin and shrugged. \u201cI can\u2019t do the lovey-dovey stuff,\u201d he explained. \u201cI don\u2019t think Joe would like to hear that from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not,\u201d Ben conceded. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to thank me,\u201d Candy replied. He retrieved the warm cloth from Joe\u2019s head and took it over to the basin to rinse it through again. Ben watched him.<\/p>\n

Candy was an enigma to Ben. He had no idea what Candy\u2019s first name was; the cowboy had never told them. He had had a slightly shady past, by his own admission, but was as honest as the day was long. He always proclaimed to have a wandering foot, yet had returned to the Ponderosa a few times before taking off \u2013 for good, he claimed. And yet, he had come back and declared that he was staying \u2013 for good. Would he? Ben didn\u2019t know. But he hoped that Candy would. He was an exceptional foreman, and he and Joe were so close, they were almost like brothers. More so than Joe and Jamie, as Jamie was so much younger. And it wasn\u2019t as if Joe was trying to replace Hoss with Candy, as they had all three shared a close, warm friendship. No, Joe and Candy were just soul-mates. Ben couldn\u2019t have been more pleased about it. The distance between Joe and Adam had become insurmountable with the years Adam had been gone, and he needed someone to have fun with. Candy seemed to be the answer to many prayers.<\/p>\n

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

As the night wore on, Joe seemed to be holding his own. His fever didn\u2019t break, but nor did it climb. Ben at last gave in to Candy\u2019s pleadings and lay down on an empty bed and fell asleep almost at once, his long journey and lack of sleeping catching up with him. Candy would waken him if Joe needed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just me for the moment, pal,\u201d Candy whispered. \u201cYour pa\u2019s catching some sleep. So do me a favor and wake up, huh? He\u2019s real worried about ya.\u201d Glancing all round, Candy saw that there was no one near by. Nonetheless, he leant in a little closer. \u201cI\u2019m kinda worried, too,\u201d he admitted in a barely audible undertone.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Candy expected Joe\u2019s eyes to pop open and his friend to give him a big grin and say something sarcastic. He desperately hoped Joe would, but there was no change in Joe\u2019s position. Sighing, Candy wet the cloth again.<\/p>\n

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

Just before dawn, Candy woke Ben. \u201cMr. Cartwright, Joe\u2019s real hot again. I\u2019m gonna go an\u2019 get that ice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming alert at once, Ben scrambled upright, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and going straight to Joe\u2019s side. Candy was right, Joe\u2019s temperature had risen again and he was now groaning, mumbling and twisting in his delirium. \u201cYes, you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him cool.\u201d He devoted his efforts to trying to keep Joe still until Candy came back.<\/p>\n

As they began to pack the ice around Joe, Dr Fenton appeared. He saw at once that they had reached a crisis and hurried over to help. Joe moaned as the coldness penetrated his burning flesh and tried to move away from it. Ben restrained him gently, talking soothingly all the time. Meanwhile, Candy pulled a sheet off the bed Ben had been sleeping on and soaked it. He laid it over the top of Joe.<\/p>\n

For a few more minutes, Joe writhed restlessly before letting out a great shout, arching almost off the bed before collapsing back down, pale and still. Ben\u2019s heart skipped a beat and he clutched Joe\u2019s hand while the doctor laid his stethoscope against Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still with us,\u201d the doctor reported after a long minute of listening. \u201cAnd his heartbeat is steadying. I think perhaps he\u2019s turned the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will we know?\u201d Ben asked, trying hard not to show his overwhelming relief. He failed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a little while,\u201d Fenton replied. And he was right; within half an hour, Joe had briefly opened his eyes. After that, he was moved into a dry bed while the medical orderlies removed the soaking sheets. Joe was sound asleep in an instant.<\/p>\n

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

A good meal and several hours sleep later, Candy returned to Joe\u2019s bedside. Ben was still there, dozing in the chair. Candy smiled fondly at him before looking at his friend. Joe was resting peacefully and there was a trace of color returning to his cheeks. Candy put down the steaming cup of coffee he was carrying and shook Ben gently. \u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019ve brought you some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rubbing his face, Ben yawned widely before glancing over to check on Joe. He looked up at Candy. \u201cThanks,\u201d he grunted. He reached for the cup and sipped cautiously. The warmth was welcome, spreading through his limbs and wakening him up. Ben stretched, feeling his muscles stiff from sleeping in the chair. \u201cI needed that,\u201d he admitted, as he put the cup down. \u201cThanks, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Has there been any change, Mr. Cartwright? Has Joe wakened yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAnd, Candy, I\u2019ve asked you before, but I wish you\u2019d call me Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Candy mumbled, looking away. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter all we\u2019ve gone through?\u201d Ben queried incredulously. \u201cAfter that month we spent stuck in the dark? After what you\u2019ve done for Joe? For the ranch? You even live with us in the house! Look, I\u2019m asking you to call me Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be right,\u201d Candy objected stubbornly. \u201cYou\u2019re my boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be any the less your boss if you call me Ben,\u201d argued Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t,\u201d Candy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cCandy\u2026\u201d Ben began and gave an exasperated sigh. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to order you to call me Ben, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t make any difference,\u201d Candy shrugged. \u201cI couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it!\u201d whispered a voice, tinged with tired exasperation. \u201cJust do it, Candy and stop arguing so a fellow can get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried and bent over his son, who was lying there regarding his father and his friend with fond amusement. \u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Joe replied. He blinked, clearly finding his eyelids heavy. \u201cWhere am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the infirmary in Fort Lowell,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe drifter,\u201d Joe murmured. \u201cI don\u2019t remember getting here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because you were unconscious,\u201d Fenton said. He\u2019d seen the activity around Joe\u2019s bed and guessed that his patient was finally awake. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see you finally awake, young man. You\u2019ve been sleeping far too much for the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the doctor,\u201d Fenton explained. \u201cYou\u2019ve been pretty sick, Joe, so I don\u2019t want you trying to get up any time soon, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell keep him down,\u201d Candy replied, smiling at Joe. \u201cWon\u2019t we, Mr.\u2026I mean, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beaming, Ben nodded. \u201cIndeed we will,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should eat something,\u201d Fenton proposed and went off to get something organized, while Ben and Candy helped Joe sit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how did you get here?\u201d Joe asked. He looked down at the cumbersome splint on his arm. \u201cWhat else is wrong with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe general sent a message,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cCandy and I came at once. The doctor said your arm was out of alignment, and your feet were infected. He can tell you more when he gets back. Joe, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

A strange look flitted across Joe\u2019s face and was gone in an instant. \u201cNot now, Pa,\u201d he gasped, suddenly feeling he couldn\u2019t breathe. \u201cIt\u2019s too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, son, it doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Ben replied. He put his hand onto Joe\u2019s arm and rubbed his thumb in small, soothing circles.<\/p>\n

As they rose to let the doctor in with the soup he\u2019d brought Joe, Candy and Ben shared a worried look. Whatever had happened to Joe had been bad; very bad. Ben just hoped that he would be able to unburden himself about it, but knew that Joe would only tell them when he was ready. Ben hoped it would be soon. Surely his imagination would produce worse scenarios than anything Joe could tell him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2 by Rona<\/p>\n

While Joe slept that evening, Ben and Candy had dinner with the general. Ben had known the man slightly for a number of years and they had often sold him horses. Since Joe had been unable to complete his sale to the army, the general had told Ben they would take all the horses he could give them and at any price. It was a relief to Ben, although the sale of the horses wasn\u2019t as vital to the ranch\u2019s well-being as the sale of the herd later in the year.<\/p>\n

With business safely out of the way, the general began to tell them about Joe\u2019s arrival at the fort. \u201cHe was brought in by an old drifter,\u201d General Markham explained. \u201cThe old man wouldn\u2019t give his name \u2013 claimed he couldn\u2019t remember it \u2013 and said Joe had asked to be brought here, it being nearer than his home. And he brought in a man called Tanner with him \u2013 dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was this Tanner?\u201d Ben asked, sensing that there was a lot more to this story.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe had been a soldier here,\u201d Markham replied. \u201cI won\u2019t go into the details, but he had massacred a lot of women and children and his defense was that he was just doing his duty. We locked him up, but he escaped a few days ago. I don\u2019t know what happened to him, Ben. He had died, but he hadn\u2019t been killed. He had an injury to one leg, but it wasn\u2019t serious. I can\u2019t explain. The drifter said that he had found Joe in a ghost town a couple of days ride from here, and Tanner was already dead. Joe was unconscious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo only Joe can tell us what happened,\u201d Ben murmured, looking at Candy, who met his gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you asked him?\u201d Markham enquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Candy replied. \u201cBut he wasn\u2019t up to telling us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d shrugged Markham, \u201cit doesn\u2019t matter to us now, of course. Tanner is dead and that\u2019s the end of it. It\u2019s something of a relief, to tell you the truth. I tend to think Tanner was quite mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Troubled by the general\u2019s words, Ben bent his head over his plate, pushing the food around while he tried to make sense of it. But he knew he wouldn\u2019t be able to until Joe felt up to telling them what had happened to him.<\/p>\n

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

Over the next 24 hours, Joe made good progress. His arm wasn\u2019t giving him much pain any more, although his feet were still causing some discomfort. When Ben saw the state of Joe\u2019s boots, he wasn\u2019t really surprised that his son\u2019s feet were in a mess. Joe\u2019s boots were cracked and dirty; the uppers lifting away from the soles.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I go home?\u201d Joe asked the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see how your feet are progressing tomorrow,\u201d Fenton replied. \u201cMaybe then, maybe the next day. But you aren\u2019t going to be walking about for some time! You need to eat some more to get your strength up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we need to make arrangements to get you home, too,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to be riding, that\u2019s for sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI lost my horse, anyway,\u201d Joe mumbled, the smile sliding off his face.\u00a0 He was just glad he hadn\u2019t been riding Cochise, his favorite mount. Cochise had been a bit lame for a few days before Joe was due to set off, so he had chosen another horse from the barn. Given that he had no idea what had become of the animal, it seemed to have been a wise decision. Joe hated to lose any horse, but better that it was one he wasn\u2019t fond of.<\/p>\n

Walking out to the door as the doctor re-bandaged Joe\u2019s feet, Ben put his arm around Candy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCandy, could you ride into Tucson and get Joe some clothes and a hat. We\u2019ll need to buy a wagon and a team, too and some blankets and supplies for the trip back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Candy agreed. \u201cDon\u2019t you want me to get Joe some boots, Ben?\u201d he added innocently and dodged adroitly as Ben swung a mock blow at him. He was still grinning as he took the money Ben offered him and went off to get his horse.<\/p>\n

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

It embarrassed Joe no end to be carried from the infirmary to the wagon, but he wasn\u2019t given any choice in the matter. Truth be told, Joe couldn\u2019t take any weight on his sore feet as yet and the doctor warned him that he shouldn\u2019t even try to walk for another week at least.\u00a0 And Candy hadn\u2019t bought him any boots!<\/p>\n

The wagon was sturdy and lined with hay to try and soften the ride for the injured man. The general had also thrown in a mattress and a couple more blankets, so none of them would be cold. Carefully, Candy and Ben eased Joe into the wagon, then Candy leapt nimbly up beside his friend and helped him slide up until he was resting against the up-turned saddle they had placed at the top of the wagon for him to lean on. \u201cAll right?\u201d he asked, and Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he replied, in a low voice and found a shaky smile for Ben. He helped Candy tuck a blanket over his legs and watched Ben mount up. Candy was going to drive the wagon, so Ben could ride beside Joe and keep an eye on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady, old buddy?\u201d Candy asked, as he gathered the reins in his hands. His bay gelding was hitched to the back of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I\u2019ll ever be,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cJust don\u2019t do anything foolish while I\u2019m in the back here, huh?\u201d He tilted his head back to see Candy\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t disappointed. Candy\u2019s indignant face looked down at him. \u201cDon\u2019t you trust me?\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you,\u201d Joe responded, dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Ben interrupted, knowing this wrangling could go on all day. But he wasn\u2019t displeased by it; Joe had been very quiet over the last few days and he was pleased to see his son returning to his old self. \u201cGoodbye, general, doctor. And thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur pleasure, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Markham replied. \u201cJust send over those horses as soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben raised a hand in acknowledgement and followed the wagon out of the gate. They were on the way home at last.<\/p>\n

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

They probably traveled further that day than Ben thought they really should, but as Joe pointed out, he could doze in the wagon, and so they pushed on until almost dark. Ben and Candy then left Joe in the wagon until they had set up camp, then eased him out to rest for a while by the fire they had built. It didn\u2019t escape either of them that Joe had been very quiet that day.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs something wrong, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, as Candy attended to the horses.<\/p>\n

Mustering an unconvincing, tired, smile, Joe shook his head. \u201cNo, not really,\u201d he denied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d Ben persisted. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up at Ben, Joe\u2019s eyes held a glimmer of tears. \u201cRemember that time I was bushwhacked down at Lone Pine?\u201d he asked. When Ben nodded, Joe went on, \u201cWell, I was just remembering the journey home. It was like this, wasn\u2019t it? Only Hoss was driving the wagon.\u201d A sob broke free of his control. \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I didn\u2019t mean to get maudlin about it.\u201d He dashed a hand across his eyes.<\/p>\n

Unashamedly, Ben did the same. \u201cI\u2019ve thought so all day, too,\u201d he admitted. \u201cYour brother casts a big shadow, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, they sat silent, each caught up in their own thoughts. \u201cWhy now?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cWhy should things suddenly remind us of that, when we\u2019ve been doing so well, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut grief is tricky, Joe. Just when you think you\u2019re prepared for a particular anniversary or milestone \u2013 like a birthday, for example \u2013 somehow grief comes along and kicks you just before then, to remind you that it hasn\u2019t gone away. But it will even out, Joe. The days of black despair will become fewer and the hurt will ease.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cIt never goes away entirely, but it does ease. There are still some days when it\u2019s raw, but the rest of the time, you\u2019ll find it won\u2019t dominate your thoughts, Joe, I promise. The memories will bring comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Joe commented, wisely, \u201cthat it creeps up on you when you\u2019re low.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, even when you think you\u2019re ready for it,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cAnd you\u2019ve just got to deal with it and get on with life. There\u2019s no other way. You see, if you grieve overly long, people won\u2019t want to be with you. And it reflects badly on your belief in God, too. But above all, it\u2019s not fair on the person who died. They had no choice in the matter. And grieving for too long usually means that, in the long run, you end up blaming the person who died and that certainly isn\u2019t fair on them. And if you think for a single instant that Hoss would want us weeping and wailing over his grave, then you didn\u2019t know your brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

A watery smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI do know that,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThanks, Pa. You\u2019ve just confirmed everything I believe, too. But today; I don\u2019t know, everything just caught up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite understandable,\u201d Ben smiled, and he reached out and hugged Joe, feeling his son clinging to him. There was more going on in Joe\u2019s mind, he knew, but clearly this was all he was going to get right now, but it was enough.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, I don\u2019t want it!\u201d Joe declared, adamantly. \u201cI\u2019m not in that much pain and it makes me feel hung over in the morning. I\u2019ll be fine without it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t want him hung over in the morning, Ben,\u201d Candy commented. \u201cAfter all, he\u2019s a bear in the morning as it is!\u201d He hid his smile in his cup of coffee as he waited to see who would win this battle of wits.<\/p>\n

Still holding the packet in his hand, Ben eyed Joe thoughtfully. His son looked tired, but that was to be expected. They had traveled a long way that day. But was he in pain? Joe\u2019s dislike for painkillers was legendary, but Ben couldn\u2019t altogether blame him; he didn\u2019t care much for using them either. \u201cWell, all right,\u201d he capitulated. \u201cBut if you need them through the night, you waken me, hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe agreed. He yawned and rolled himself into his blanket. \u201cG\u2019night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not sleeping there!\u201d Ben objected. \u201cNot by the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts warmer here,\u201d Joe murmured, already on the soft outer fringes of sleep.\u00a0 His eyes stayed shut and he snuggled even further under the blanket. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Ben went over and took another couple of blankets from the wagon and tucked them around Joe. A soft snore was his only thanks.<\/p>\n

Straightening, Ben glanced at Candy. His foreman met his eyes innocently, but Ben could hear his thoughts quite plainly. Joe had set the precedent for the rest of the journey home and nothing Ben could do now would persuade him to sleep in the wagon. Ben shrugged and went to lie down. Candy hid another smile. Ben might think he was in charge, but Joe sure was good at getting his own way!<\/p>\n

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

The cry of anguish dragged Ben out of sleep and he sat up, looking instantly at Joe, knowing his son\u2019s voice. He half expected to see Joe awake and in pain, but he appeared to be still asleep. On the other side of the fire, Candy sat up, too, his gun in his hand. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI think perhaps Joe is having a nightmare.\u201d And the words were barely out of his mouth before Joe let out another cry.<\/p>\n

Shoving the blanket aside, Ben went over to Joe\u2019s side, trying to soothe the younger man. But as his hand touched Joe\u2019s shoulder, Joe let out a huge yell and swung his fist at Ben. Only the fact that Ben was awake and Joe asleep stopped the blow from connecting. With his eyes still tight closed, Joe began to scrabble to get away.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, easy,\u201d Ben cried, hoping his voice would penetrate the nightmare, but Joe just struggled more as Ben sought to prevent him getting to his feet.<\/p>\n

Seeing the struggle, Candy went over and leant his strength to the struggle and after a moment, Joe\u2019s eyes snapped open and he gazed at them both with wide, wild eyes. As he realized who they were, the fight went out of Joe\u2019s body and he slumped to the ground, panting raggedly. \u201cGet the canteen,\u201d Ben suggested and Candy went to retrieve it and throw some more wood on the fire. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe, you\u2019re safe,\u201d Ben soothed him.<\/p>\n

In a moment, Candy was back with the canteen and Joe gulped the water eagerly, and splashed some on his face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I woke you,\u201d he said, hoarsely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat must have been some dream,\u201d Ben commented, hoping Joe would tell him about it, but Joe just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was,\u201d he agreed. He handed the canteen back. \u201cI\u2019m all right, now, Pa, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben began, troubled, but Joe didn\u2019t want to talk about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. Good night.\u201d He lay back down and closed his eyes. Ben and Candy exchanged glances before reluctantly heading back to their own bedrolls.<\/p>\n

It was a long time before any of them slept again.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I woke you last night, Pa,\u201d Joe apologized as Ben helped him the next morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to apologize to me,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI just wish you\u2019d tell me what it was about.\u201d He looked into Joe\u2019s green eyes, seeing the fear lurking there.<\/p>\n

Color suffused Joe\u2019s face as he met his father\u2019s gaze, then he dropped his eyes and broke the contact. \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d he whispered wretchedly. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll ever be able to tell anyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben replied, although he didn\u2019t really. \u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you take one of those powders tonight, and you\u2019ll sleep better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head was back up in an instant, his green eyes flashing angrily at Ben. \u201cNo!\u201d Ben recoiled from the near shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I was just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t understand!\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cThe powders don\u2019t stop the dreams, Pa. They just stop me wakening up and I\u2019m trapped in them, reliving it over and over again!\u201d Joe dropped his head into his hands. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t bear it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Even more troubled than he had been before, Ben took Joe\u2019s shoulders in his hands, lending strength to his son. \u201cAll the more reason you should tell me, Joe,\u201d he coaxed. \u201cOnce you\u2019ve told me, then perhaps the nightmares will stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might stop for me,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cBut what about you?\u201d He looked up at Ben again. \u201cPa, I couldn\u2019t tell you, knowing what it might do to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaken, Ben murmured, \u201cWas it that bad, son?\u201d He still kept his grip on Joe\u2019s shoulders and blinked away tears as Joe nodded, the tears standing in his eyes, but not falling.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorse,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you, Pa. I just can\u2019t.\u201d He dropped his head again, a sure sign, with Joe, of deep distress.<\/p>\n

Gathering his son into a warm embrace, Ben rested his head on top of Joe\u2019s curls. \u201cTell me before it gets so bad that you can\u2019t deal with it, Joe,\u201d he begged. \u201cDon\u2019t let this destroy you. I couldn\u2019t bear to lose another son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Resting against his father\u2019s chest, Joe concentrated on that strong heartbeat, because he couldn\u2019t bring himself to promise that. He wasn\u2019t sure he would ever be ready to tell his father exactly what had befallen him.<\/p>\n

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

As the journey went on, Joe became ever quieter. Ben insisted that they didn\u2019t do as many miles as they had done on the first day in the hopes that Joe would be less tired and would sleep more easily. But each night, his cries woke the camp and the circles under his eyes began to deepen. Ben was very worried. Joe was suffering and yet wouldn\u2019t share his dream with either he or Candy. Ben couldn\u2019t know that they were traveling through the area where Joe\u2019s ordeal had occurred.<\/p>\n

Despite everything he could do, Joe was unable to sleep the days away. Each boulder and hill reminded him of his desperate flight over the unforgiving landscape and the terror he had experienced. Tanner\u2018s voice echoed in his dreams, and the thready whistle of \u2018Frere Jacques\u2019 seemed to come at him from all around. Joe had never before been grateful that none of his family whistled. It was something only he had done and he didn\u2019t think he would ever be able to bring himself to do it again.<\/p>\n

A hand touched his shoulder and Joe yelled aloud and spun around, fists up, before he realized it was just Candy. \u201cWhoa, buddy, it\u2019s just me,\u201d Candy chided, putting his hands up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Candy asked. \u201cYou looked pretty far away just now, with your eyes fixed on that hill.\u201d The worry that he felt was poorly hidden.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe replied, listlessly.<\/p>\n

Reluctant to intrude on his friend\u2019s problem, Candy nevertheless felt he had to say something. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve got to talk to us, pal. Its not good bottling it up. Whatever it is will only fester that way.\u201d He paused, not sure what else to say. Finally, he resorted to a little emotional blackmail. He knew Joe wasn\u2019t above doing that to Ben and he figured that what was sauce for the goose was sauce for the gander, too. \u201cYour Pa\u2019s so worried about you that he ain\u2019t sleeping right. At this rate, you\u2019ll both be sick by the time we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, the look of pain and regret in Joe\u2019s eyes convinced Candy that perhaps he\u2019d won. But then, Joe\u2019s chin jutted out in that familiar manner and Joe shook his head. \u201cI know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut you\u2019re no more up to dealing with this than Pa. Just leave it, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Candy wondered over to join Ben at the horse line. \u201cI tried,\u201d he admitted, hopelessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you did,\u201d Ben nodded. His heart was aching as he looked over at Joe.<\/p>\n

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

That night, the dream began again. Joe was running, his heart pounding, his breath gasping raggedly in his own ears.\u00a0 His broken arm throbbed unmercifully. For an instant, he stumbled and only with difficulty retained his footing. He couldn\u2019t afford to fall. If he went down now, he might never get back up again. From behind came the sound he dreaded \u2013 the repetitive, endless whistling. Joe resisted looking over his shoulder. He knew he would see Tanner just a few feet away, rifle in hand, ready to kill Joe. Tanner was the hunter, Joe his prey.<\/p>\n

With a scream, Joe came awake as the whistling began anew. He was panting as though he had been running in truth and his heart was pounding. His father was at his side in an instant, dark brown eyes anxiously probing Joe\u2019s green ones, desperate to help. \u201cJoe, tell me!\u201d his father implored him.<\/p>\n

The panic that had welled up in Joe during his dream didn\u2019t diminish. For a moment, Joe thought he was going to tell Ben everything, and yet he had vowed not to do that. He couldn\u2019t force his ordeal on his father even second hand, and knowing that Joe had survived. For Joe wasn\u2019t sure he was going to survive. He was beginning to think he was going to lose his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you, Pa!\u201d he cried and pushed Ben away, scrambling to his feet and starting to run. Candy caught his boss as he toppled backwards, then they both lit out after Joe.<\/p>\n

It took several steps before the pain from his feet hit Joe and only when he stepped on a rock. With a cry, he toppled to the ground as the rock moved under his feet, suddenly aware of the pain. He was lying there sobbing when Ben and Candy arrived.<\/p>\n

Instinctively, Candy fell back, letting Ben go cautiously forward to kneel beside Joe. \u201cJoe,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go mad, Pa!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cI don\u2019t want to tell you, but I\u2019ve got to!\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben gathered Joe into his arms, pulling him half across his lap, as though Joe was still a child, not a man grown. \u201cThen tell me,\u201d he replied. \u201cI won\u2019t let you go mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

And the words which had been beating around in Joe\u2019s mind suddenly spewed out of him. He told of meeting Tanner the first night on the trail, and thinking he was a little odd, but accepting him as he\u2019d been taught. Then the wakening in the morning with his horse and his gear stolen. Once more he relieved the conversation in which Tanner told him he had a four-hour head start and him running, running \u2013 always running. Something of his desperation still colored his voice as he reported his attempts to fool the man, who somehow always seemed to know which way Joe had gone.<\/p>\n

As Joe relieved his fall down the embankment, Ben winced with him. He ground his teeth as Joe told of setting his own arm, and then running again. It always came back to him running. Joe told of the old man, who had died because Joe had asked for help from him and Joe\u2019s guilt was clear in his voice. Ben didn\u2019t interrupt him to tell him it wasn\u2019t his fault. There would be time enough for that later when the terrible recital was over and Joe had it all out of his system.<\/p>\n

The words washed over Ben, bringing immense pain that his son had suffered all this and tried to keep it to himself. The horror Ben felt grew with every word. How could a man put another man through an ordeal like that? General Markham\u2019s\u2019 words drifted back to him \u2018I tend to think Tanner was quite mad<\/em>.\u2019 Ben couldn\u2019t argue with him. Tanner was more than quite mad \u2013 to Ben he was completely crazy.<\/p>\n

And still Joe\u2019s voice went on, quieter now as he told Ben how he had set a trap for Tanner and managed to catch him in it, even if he didn\u2019t succeed in slowing him down very much. And gradually, his words slowed as he told of tricking Tanner and locking him in the jail in the ghost town.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext thing I knew, the drifter was slapping my face,\u201d Joe said. The passion had drained from his voice and he sounded tired. His tears were spent and the catharsis of reliving it had drained him of all energy. \u201cTanner was dead, but I hadn\u2019t killed him, Pa.\u201d His voice changed and became fierce again. \u201cBut I would! I\u2019d have killed him to save my own life!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course you would,\u201d Ben replied, struggling to keep his own tears under control. \u201cAnd nobody would have blamed you for that. You did nothing wrong, Joe. You were not to blame for any of it, even that old man\u2019s death,\u201d he added as he felt Joe draw breath to protest. \u201cTanner was to blame for that, Joe, not you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he died because I went there!\u201d Joe protested, his passion flaring again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you go there to kill him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Joe cried, stung beyond bearing. He began to struggle again.<\/p>\n

Ben held him tight. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t,\u201d he soothed. \u201cSo why are you blaming yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

After an agonizing pause, Joe\u2019s muscles relaxed. He turned his head to Ben\u2019s chest and closed his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m so tired,\u201d he murmured. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I burdened you with all that, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sorry,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI\u2019m not sorry at all. I\u2019m just sorry you had to endure that.\u201d He hugged Joe to him once more. \u201cCome on; let\u2019s get you back to camp.\u201d He turned his head. \u201cCandy? Are you there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Candy\u2019s voice replied and he moved into sight a few moments later. He was glad it was dark, for as he had sat out there listening to Joe, he had found himself moved to rare tears and immense hatred for the man who had tortured Joe like that. He didn\u2019t want anyone else seeing what he was feeling and it was with difficulty that he schooled his face to neutrality.<\/p>\n

But he fooled no one, and neither Ben nor Joe cared that Candy had obviously heard. They both knew how much he cared for Joe and Joe had never been afraid to show his feelings. Taking a single glance at Ben\u2019s set, white, face, Candy helped him pick Joe up and they carried him back to camp where Ben set about cleaning up Joe\u2019s bleeding feet and settling him for the remainder of the night. There was no protest about the pain medicine this time and he fell asleep in a very short time.<\/p>\n

Finally, Ben looked over at Candy. Both men shared the horror of Joe\u2019s story without words. Ben was acknowledging Candy\u2019s presence and thanking him for being there. Candy was admitting that he was a part of this family, even if he wasn\u2019t a son. Somehow, Candy knew that his wondering foot had given up wondering for ever. He had found a home at the Ponderosa and this experience had brought him even closer to the Cartwrights than he had been before. It was a profound moment, and one that Candy and Ben shared without need of words.<\/p>\n

They both lay down, but neither of them slept as they thought about what Joe had told them.<\/p>\n

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

To Jamie, their return to the Ponderosa was somehow not the triumphant occasion that he had expected. Yes, Joe was on the mend, his father allowed, but he still wasn\u2019t walking about. In fact, almost the first thing Ben did \u2013 after giving Jamie a hug in greeting \u2013 was to dispatch Griff to town for the doctor, assuring Jamie it was simply to make sure Joe was all right after the journey.<\/p>\n

Standing back and feeling kind of awkward, a not unusual feeling for the adolescent boy, Jamie watched as Joe was carried upstairs by Candy and Ben. Joe had given Jamie a cheerful smile, but Jamie sensed that Joe had been through some terrible ordeal. Joe looked tired, although to Ben and Candy\u2019s eye, he looked a lot better.<\/p>\n

In actual fact, it hadn\u2019t been plain sailing after Joe unburdened himself. When Joe woke the next morning, he was stricken with bouts of nausea and diarrhea, and they didn\u2019t go anywhere that day.\u00a0 Ben had been desperately worried, as he feared Joe had stood on something poisonous as he ran from him during the night and Candy, who had been doing the cooking, feared he had somehow given Joe food poisoning. However, by evening, the diarrhea, nausea and shivers had abated and Joe was asleep once more. Paul Martin would alter tell them it was probably a kind of shock.<\/p>\n

Next day, Joe had been fine again and they had pushed on, each of them eager to reach the comforts of home and leave behind the area where Joe had suffered so much. The story would never leave any of them, and they would each suffer occasional nightmares about it in the years to come, but for them all, the sharing had made the burden easier to bear.<\/p>\n

Not that Joe was instantly better, because he wasn\u2019t. It took many more nights of Ben\u2019s soothing before the nightmares began to lessen for Joe and while he was still under the weather, he remained quiet. Ben hoped that getting home would help and it certainly seemed to. Joe made an effort to be cheerful for Jamie and gradually the effort became less and Joe was more cheerful.<\/p>\n

While Doctor Martin examined Joe, Candy took Jamie outside and told him at least some of Joe\u2019s story. \u201cSo don\u2019t expect Joe to bounce back as normal,\u201d Candy warned the youngster. He had kept to the bare minimum details, as he didn\u2019t want Jamie to have nightmares.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he gonna be all right?\u201d Jamie asked, and Candy nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure he will,\u201d he reassured the youngster. He knew how vulnerable Jamie felt. Hoss\u2019 death had kicked the feet from under all the Cartwrights, and Candy knew how much Jamie idolized Joe. He was the only brother he had left, for Jamie had never met Adam, and it seemed unlikely now that he ever would. \u201cJoe\u2019s just tired from the journey and he was pretty ill when we got there, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up at Joe\u2019s window wistfully, Jamie saw Ben looking down at them, and when he saw he had Jamie\u2019s attention, he beckoned for Jamie and Candy to go up. Not sure if it was a good sign or not, Jamie hurried while he also seemed to drag his feet. But he was instantly reassured when he opened the door and heard Joe complaining.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother week? Ah, Doc, you\u2019re joking! My feet don\u2019t hurt at all!\u201d Joe was sitting propped up in bed, while Paul Martin phlegmatically wound a bandage smoothly around his left foot. Joe\u2019s right foot was still exposed to the air, and Jamie winced at the cuts and bruises that were on it still.<\/p>\n

Eventually, after much teasing, more warnings from the doctor and a promise of some supper from Ben, Joe and Jamie were left alone. \u201cI wish there was something I could do for you, Joe,\u201d Jamie ventured.<\/p>\n

Looking at the downcast face, Joe felt a pang of remorse that someone had chosen to tell his brother of his ordeal. But then, the little voice of common sense told Joe that since Jamie was his brother, he had a right to know at least some of it. And the last thing Joe wanted was Jamie feeling he had to be careful what he said around Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWell, there is something,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

Smiling, feeling better that Joe wanted his help, Jamie asked, \u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could take up weight-lifting,\u201d Joe replied, straight-faced. \u201cAnd grow about eight inches or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, wondering if his ordeal had scattered Joe\u2019s wits to the four winds, Jamie opened his mouth to protest, but Joe beat him to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could carry me around the house then, just like Hoss used to,\u201d he concluded and let go his unique laugh at the expression on Jamie\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

It was at that moment that everyone who heard that sound knew that Joe would, in the end, be all right.<\/p>\n

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

Later that night, Ben went to his bookcase and drew out a well-thumbed volume. Sitting down, he began to flick through it until he found the passage that had been running through his head since Joe had told him what had happened.<\/p>\n

So on this windy sea of land, the fiend,<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Walked up and down alone bent on his prey<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, that was it, he thought. That seemed to fit the situation perfectly. Tanner had been the fiend, and Joe his prey. Laying the book aside, Ben went upstairs to bed.<\/p>\n

The past and the present seemed so close together. The passage he had read came from Paradise Lost, Elizabeth\u2019s favorite book. Elizabeth was many years gone. It was with a shock that Ben realized she had been gone more years than she had lived. Yet because of her love for this book, Ben had found something that somehow \u2013 he wasn\u2019t sure how \u2013 helped him to deal with this dreadful ordeal.<\/p>\n

The memory of it would never fade away completely. But, like Ben had told Joe, the pain would fade with the years. With the help of his loving family and friends, Joe would come to terms with this and put it behind him. He had taken the first steps to doing so already. Ben\u2019s own belief in the strength of family was reinforced. With his family beside him, he could face anything.<\/p>\n

As he climbed the stairs, he thought suddenly of Adam, child of the union between him and Elizabeth. Adam had once known the value of family, but somewhere along the way, he had lost it. Ben felt unutterably sad for his son and wished there was some way he could make Adam understand what he was missing.<\/p>\n

Pausing to look in on Joe, he saw Jamie sleeping in the chair by his brother\u2019s bed. Joe ws also sound asleep and Ben\u2019s sadness was chased away when he saw that Joe\u2019s hand rested loosely on top of Jamie\u2019s. With a smile and a few tears, Ben lifted Jamie gently and carried him through to his own bed.<\/p>\n

Yes, with the love of a family, you can face anything.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0A WHN for the\u00a0episode The Hunter. What did happen to Joe after those closing credits rolled?<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0(9,360 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":9769,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1007,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-whn","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2419,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Pepper-Shannon3.jpg?fit=722%2C468&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6224,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6224","url_meta":{"origin":2197,"position":0},"title":"A Main Character’s Nightmare — Is an Author’s Delight (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"May 3, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Joe has a decision to make when the most beautified--which is a vile phrase according to Polonius--Annie K asks him to do something for her. 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