{"id":2345,"date":"2009-10-29T09:26:36","date_gmt":"2009-10-29T13:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2345"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:16","slug":"more-than-a-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2345","title":{"rendered":"More Than A Friend (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>A Tale for Halloween.\u00a0 Joe has an eerie experience while alone on the mountain that has far reaching implications for Ben.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 9153<\/p>\n

 <\/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 \u00a0More Than a Friend<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although it was the end of October and winter was but a breath away, late autumn was unusually mild with an unseasonal lack of early snow covering the mountains and valleys of Nevada in the year of \u201959.<\/p>\n

It was amazing what a difference a year made Joe mused as he made his way home from the north western border close to the Oregon territory after successfully negotiating his first ever sale of top rate cutters and ropers from the Ponderosa\u2019s ever expanding herd of quality bred horses.\u00a0 Last year his Pa would have thought him far too young to take on such an important business deal, but twelve months on and at last deemed a man, Joe had been allowed to negotiate one of the Cartwright\u2019s most lucrative contracts with the largest spread in the area, and more importantly, by himself.<\/p>\n

Yet though it had taken months of heated debates to persuade his family he was old enough and more than capable of such a task, Joe still could sense his Pa had doubts\u2026and fears\u2026as he finally approved his youngest son\u2019s request.\u00a0\u00a0 Nevertheless the deal had been very profitable, exceeding all expectations, and the boy still inside the youngest Cartwright couldn\u2019t wait to boast to his Pa and brag to his brothers about his success.<\/p>\n

And so it was for this reason Joe was eager to get home as quickly as possible and decided to return to the Ponderosa using a hardly used trail his family had told him repeatedly not to use for safety\u2019s sake.\u00a0 For though due to the lack of snow it took nearly 20 miles off his journey, a full day\u2019s ride, it was a well known dangerous route and Joe was more than relieved his father was unaware of the risk he\u2019d decided to take.\u00a0 For had he been, no doubt words would have been said Joe silently pondered, shuddering at the thought; harsh words indeed!<\/p>\n

However to his dismay after only a couple of hours Joe soon realised the trail was more difficult than expected and he would take longer than planned.<\/p>\n

This was a bad idea; the worst idea I\u2019ve ever talked myself into Joe brooded while weaving his way perilously close to the edge of the mountain side and more than once grateful his horse was sure-footed on the shingle laden terrain as the hours passed, visibility worsened and night drew closer.<\/p>\n

Then after the autumnal sun began its spectacular descent in the west, sinking lower and lower behind the mountains until it finally disappeared from view, darkness finally overwhelmed the landscape.\u00a0 The Ponderosa was now tantalisingly close; only two to three hours away, but with a deep sigh of resignation Joe knew he couldn\u2019t continue on his journey any longer without risking both his life and that of his beloved Cochise.<\/p>\n

However as luck would have it as the gloom of evening twilight engulfed the pair and Joe peered into the shadows in front of him his keen eye suddenly made out a small clearing a short distance away, protected on three sides by the tightly packed forest of trees; the ideal place to make camp for the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Cooch,\u201d Joe instructed, cautiously urging his mount slowly forward down the steep and at times treacherous incline until moments later he arrived at the site and with a sigh of relief reigned in and dismounted.<\/p>\n

Looking around he could just make out a generous quantity of fallen branches, twigs and leaves, all scattered haphazardly on the ground; more than enough for his immediate needs.\u00a0 So quickly he gathered sufficient together to build a fire then stacked another large pile of wood to the side to keep it replenished during the night.<\/p>\n

Taking out a couple of small pieces of flint from his pocket and carefully following his brother Hoss\u2019 instructions,\u00a0 Joe struck them together in an attempt to produce a spark close to the dried out kindling.\u00a0 And though it took a few minutes of effort and quite a lot of cursing on his part, eventually it caught alight and after a few moments the fire began to glow red.<\/p>\n

Sitting back on his heels Joe surveyed his handiwork with some degree of satisfaction then turned his attention to his horse; unsaddling then pouring water from the canteen into his hat and offering it to Cochise who gratefully drank his fill.<\/p>\n

With his Indian pony now as comfortable as he could make him Joe pulled out a dented mug and battered old coffeepot from his saddlebags and filling it with all the remaining water hung the pot by the handle on a thick forked limb within the fire.\u00a0 He then sat down disconsolately, huddled close to the warming flames with a blanket pulled tight around his shoulders while chewing on the only food he\u2019d found while rooting around in his bags; a single piece of jerky.<\/p>\n

Once the water boiled Joe poured out his drink and gave a deep sigh of misery at his self-inflicted sorry predicament as he sipped at his black coffee.\u00a0 He grimaced at the bitter taste but even so couldn\u2019t help but give an ironic chuckle as he raised his mug in a mock toast.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell happy 18th birthday Joe.\u00a0 But if you\u2019d had more sense and gone the route you\u2019d been told to go there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019d be home by now, all warm and comfortable in your own bed,\u201d he chastised out loud.\u00a0 And then as if on cue and to pour more salt into his wounds, Joe\u2019s stomach rumbled loudly. \u201cTo think I could have celebrated on the Ponderosa tonight with one of Hop Sing\u2019s specially prepared birthday dinners and then had a few glasses of Pa\u2019s best brandy.\u00a0 Instead I\u2019m alone, cold, hungry and sober!\u201d<\/p>\n

The thought depressed him but as Joe looked over at Cochise who\u2019d shaken his head and given a disgruntled nicker towards his master as if in agreement the young man couldn\u2019t help but smile.\u00a0 \u201cI know Cooch.\u00a0 You hate me at the moment for keeping you from your warm stall. But don\u2019t worry boy.\u00a0 Soon as we get home I\u2019ll make sure you have extra oats for putting up with my foolishness.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the temperature tumbling Joe\u2019s mind now focused on the hearth undoubtedly blazing with warmth inside the Ponderosa ranch house and he picked up a couple of the largest logs within reach to add to his dwindling fire and watched mesmerized until they caught alight. \u00a0Yet for the next few hours he still couldn\u2019t settle, shivering and nearly chilled to the bone as he shuffled uncomfortably on the hard, uneven ground; a far cry from the soft feather filled mattress he was used to and at that moment in time what he craved for the most<\/p>\n

Now swathed in the glow of a full moon shining brightly in a cloud free sky Joe studied its position for a moment and guessed the time to be around midnight.\u00a0 It was going to be a long night he sighed, and resigned to the fact he wouldn\u2019t have much sleep and only expecting to fitfully doze away the next few chilly hours until dawn Joe rested his head on his saddle and pulled his blanket even tighter around his body with his Stetson placed tight over his face.<\/p>\n

Slowly the gentle breeze of late evening strengthened; the wind first whispering then screeching noisily as it snaked its way through the myriad of trees on the mountain side.\u00a0 An owl above Joe\u2019s head began to loudly hoot to a companion on a neighbouring branch, while in the distance a timber wolf yapped and persistently howled until its pack joined in, all working up to a shrilled frenzy of blood-curdling excitement.<\/p>\n

However within the confines of the camp Joe remained motionless, totally oblivious of the constant din and threat from the canine choir as he fell instantly asleep and into a deep and untroubled slumber.<\/p>\n

He was also unaware of the soft tread of footsteps as a slender young woman wearing a silk dress the colour of snow made her way into the clearing and after staring down at him settled noiselessly on the ground by his side.\u00a0 From her delicately formed fingers something fell without a sound onto the leaf strewn forest floor, and then as she tenderly stroked the length of the young man\u2019s arm a gentle smile quickly appeared on her smooth skinned face as Joe slowly stirred and opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning was bright and crisp when Joe finally awoke and as he stood up, stretching out the numerous kinks and cramps in his back and arms, he raised his gaze skyward and surprise showed on his face.\u00a0 For judging by the height of the sun he correctly deduced it was way past dawn; in fact probably around 8am.\u00a0 He could hardly believe it!\u00a0 How had he managed to sleep so long and so soundly in such uncomfortable conditions?<\/p>\n

But he had been asleep; Joe knew that for sure, suddenly lost within the memory of a dream that only ended as he awoke.\u00a0 His dream of a girl so vivid he could still recall every single moment as he closed his eyes tight, once more bringing into focus her warm smile, her gentle laughter, the reflection of the flames dancing in her twinkling hazel coloured eyes as they\u2019d talked together by the side of the camp fire.\u00a0 Then drawing in a deep breath Joe could almost imagine the sweet aroma of her perfume swirling around him\u2026so strong he could nearly taste it.\u00a0 So strong that as he opened his eyes Joe truly expected and hoped to find her still sitting beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But to his immense disappointment Joe was well and truly alone.\u00a0 She had only been in his dream; granted a more realistic dream than he\u2019d ever had before, but a dream nonetheless.\u00a0 \u00a0Yet though a tiny voice in his head repeatedly told him not to be so stupid and that no-one was within miles of his camp, Joe still couldn\u2019t shake off the feeling she was near, watching him closely as if waiting for something to happen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then out of the blue and totally without warning a feeling he\u2019d never before experienced gripped Joe\u2019s chest.\u00a0 With his dream instantly forgotten Joe gasped for air as he bent over double and fell to his knees in agony for several seconds; the pain attacking in rippling waves.\u00a0 For it was as though part of his heart and soul was being ripped from his body, little by little, piece by piece.\u00a0 Then after a few moments to Joe\u2019s relief as quickly as it started his suffering ceased and the hurt was gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe remained motionless, hardly daring to move in case the excruciating sensation returned.\u00a0 But as the minutes passed by there was no repetition, so warily he struggled to his feet; his head swimming as he slowly moved towards his horse.\u00a0 However with his legs now wobbling like jelly he staggered and lurched as though drunk; falling against Cochise and grabbing his mane tightly for support as a pair of soft brown equine eyes regarded him curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clinging on grimly for a short while until slowly his strength returned, Joe tentatively straightened and stroked his horses\u2019 soft white muzzle.\u00a0 \u201cGuess it serves me right Cooch.\u00a0 Pa did warn me against drinking too much of that home made gut rot Mr Watkins gave me the other night,\u201d he murmured by way of hopefully explaining the unexplainable to both himself and his mount.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now fully recovered and keen to make a start for home Joe quickly collected his belongings and had just re-saddled his horse when his gaze fell on an object lying by the edge of the burnt out fire.\u00a0 With his eyes widening with surprise Joe stooped down and picked it up.\u00a0 He stared wonderingly at it for a minute or more.\u00a0 \u2018How on earth and where on earth did that come from?\u2019 he silently questioned as he turned it over and over in his hand.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t noticed it there last night but then again it had been dark he reasoned, and could have easily been hidden by the leaves which covered the camp site.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his stomach grumbling loudly to remind him how hungry he was Joe absently placed his find into the top pocket of his jacket in readiness to heave himself onto Cochise\u2019s back.\u00a0 But for a fleeting moment as the sun shone directly into his eyes and he shaded them with his hand, Joe fancied he saw a flicker of movement to the side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fearing an attack from either man or beast he turned with his left hand hovering above his side-arm ready to protect himself, but immediately froze; hairs standing up on the back of his neck and his face suddenly contorted with a combination of shock and bewilderment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his heart pounding erratically and beads of sweat running down his face Joe heard a startled cry of fear in the stillness and quiet of the morning and suddenly realised the voice was his own.\u00a0 For only feet away stood the girl from his dream, only this time her hazel eyes looked haunted and unspeakably sombre as she gazed towards him for a few brief moments and then raising her hand as if in a painful, final farewell she slowly vanished into nothing like a swirling mist at sunrise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wiped a sleeve across his moist and clammy brow then rubbed his eyes. \u00a0What was going on?\u00a0 Was he going crazy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

No longer feeling threatened but now filled with an overwhelming sadness at the realisation he\u2019d never see his dream-time companion again, Joe continued to stand for several long minutes and concentrated his gaze on the clearing as the burnt out ashes from the ruins of the fire were blown in every direction by the morning breeze.\u00a0 And though there was nothing else to indicate another\u2019s presence except his own Joe\u2019s bemused brain tried hard to make sense of what he\u2019d just witnessed.\u00a0 Could it be possible he\u2019d seen a ghost?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Never a great believer in the existence of things supernatural and shaken and more than a little scared at what he was considering, Joe took a deep calming breath and backed towards his horse, taking hold of the reins and swiftly mounting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It felt good to be back in the safety of the saddle again and giving the eerie camp site one last mystified glance Joe gently dug in his heels and turned Cochise in the direction of the Ponderosa and home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

True to his word when arriving at the ranch just before midday Joe straightaway led his horse into the barn, and after unsaddling and rubbing him down dished out two large portions of oats to mix in the manger of corn, then left Cochise happily munching as he made his way across the yard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although still baffled and more than a little perturbed about his unexplainable ghostly visitation, Joe\u2019s few hours on the trail had been ample time for him to compose himself before he entered the house.\u00a0 One thing he didn\u2019t want was his family to see him in such a troubled and confused state of mind; it would be just the excuse Ben could use to keep him tied to the Ponderosa for maybe another year!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So hanging up his hat and jacket on a peg by the door, Joe put on a brave front and beamed cheerfully as he walked over towards his father and brothers who were seated at the dining table, sipping coffee and eating from a large plate overflowing with a selection of mouth-watering sandwiches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Little Joe!\u00a0 Am I glad to see you!\u00a0 I was wonderin\u2019 how long it\u2019d be before you showed up today,\u201d Hoss cried as he swallowed down a piece of chicken and a broad grin formed on his face.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing can\u2019t wait for ya to try a slice of that there chocolate birthday cake he\u2019s made \u2018specially for the occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put down his cup and glanced over his shoulder, winking good naturedly towards his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cI think what Hoss means is he can\u2019t wait to try a slice Joe\u2026a big slice!\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grinned sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cAw shucks Adam.\u00a0 You know how I don\u2019t like good food to go wastin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although he\u2019d promised himself he\u2019d keep his true feelings hidden Ben couldn\u2019t stop the relief he felt at his son\u2019s safe return from showing as he gazed over welcomingly.\u00a0 \u201cGood to see you back Joseph.\u00a0 How was your trip?\u00a0 No problems I hope?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pulling out an empty chair by his father\u2019s side Joe took out a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and handed it over to him. \u201cCouldn\u2019t have gone better Pa,\u201d he announced, unable to keep a slight degree of smugness from clearly showing on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared down at the bank draft and his eyes widened with both surprise and delight and he passed it over to his eldest son.\u00a0 Adam also nodded approvingly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve done well, very well indeed buddy,\u201d he agreed and as Joe happily acknowledged the compliment he grabbed a sandwich from the pile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never felt so ravenous,\u201d he declared as the ham and bread disappeared into his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cI may have missed my birthday supper last night but to a starving man this is just as good as.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stared at him.\u00a0 \u201cBut you ain\u2019t missed your special dinner Joe.\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s been in the kitchen all mornin\u2019 preparin\u2019 it.\u00a0 And like I told you he\u2019s already made the\u2026. \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold on Hoss,\u201d Joe interrupted with a frown of puzzlement as he poured himself a cup of coffee.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean today is my birthday?\u00a0 Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed a hand on his son\u2019s arm and patted it affectionately.\u00a0 \u201cI can assure you it\u2019s the 31st Joe, so let me be the first to wish you happy birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, happy birthday little brother,\u201d Hoss and Adam chorused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded his thanks then helped himself to more food.\u00a0 \u201cI must have lost a day somewhere as I was sure it was yesterday, but I\u2019m glad I was wrong if it means I haven\u2019t missed one of Hop Sing\u2019s feasts,\u201d he said between mouthfuls. \u201cBesides I\u2019ve never been away from home before on my birthday and it wouldn\u2019t seem right to celebrate my special day without you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then to his family\u2019s amazement Joe proceeded to demolish several more sandwiches one after the other with unparalleled gusto.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy word Joseph, you really are hungry,\u201d Ben remarked with astonishment as he watched him. \u201cI take it you haven\u2019t eaten much since leaving the Watkins place?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa,\u201d Joe replied as he swallowed down his food.\u00a0 \u201cMrs Watkins gave me a pack of provisions to bring back but I was feeling a little hung over from their hospitality the previous night and forgot to pick it up when I left. So I\u2019ve only had a piece of jerky since yesterday morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gaped at his brother sympathetically.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a wonder you didn\u2019t faint away on the trail with hunger Joe,\u201d he declared with some degree of authority on the subject.\u00a0 \u201cI know I couldn\u2019t survive on only one piece of jerky for over a day and that\u2019s a fact!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a sideways glance and rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe all know you\u2019re worst than a hungry grizzly and can\u2019t survive an hour without food of some sort,\u201d he told him with a laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled to himself then a thought suddenly came to him.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you didn\u2019t over indulge with Matt\u2019s hospitality to the point of making a fool of yourself Joseph?\u201d he queried sternly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI distinctly remember telling you he always makes a stronger brew than you\u2019ll have ever tasted before and you were to only drink it in moderation.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHeck no Sir!\u00a0 I was real careful and only had a couple of glasses.\u00a0 Well, maybe three,\u201d he confessed with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cBut I understand now why you gave me that warning Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know what was in that concoction but it was enough to leave me feeling queasy and light headed even this morning! For a time I wondered if I\u2019d even get off the mountain I was feeling so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At this point Ben gave his youngest a more thorough concerned stare and suddenly noticed how his features looked unusually drawn.\u00a0 \u201cI must admit you do look a little pale Joseph; like as if you\u2019ve seen a ghost.\u00a0 How are you feeling now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe momentarily stiffened and lowered his gaze quickly; his usual light-heartedness suddenly disappearing.\u00a0 \u201cOh I\u2019ve felt better.\u00a0 But I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be fine now I\u2019ve had something to eat Pa,\u201d he replied a little too quickly before reaching for the coffee pot and pouring out a second cup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment Adam studied his little brother closely from across the table.\u00a0 There was something about Joe\u2019s voice, his manner that made him intuitively sense all was not quite right.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Did something happen you\u2019re not telling us about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took Ben and Hoss a second to register what Adam had asked and both looked questioningly towards Joe who\u2019d paused, the cup hovering in his hand inches from his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised a questioning eyebrow, his eyes riveted on his youngest sibling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The silence in the room was practically tangible as Joe continued to hold his elder brother\u2019s gaze for a few moments. \u00a0Shrugging his shoulders he then sighed. He never could fool Adam and heaven knows he\u2019d tried hard enough over the years. \u00a0\u201cWell\u2026well if you must know I did have the weirdest of dreams last night that left me a little confused\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice trailed to nothing and he took a long swallow of coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you remember what it was about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe chewed at his lip for a moment, inwardly unsure whether it would be wise to share the contents of his reverie.\u00a0 But with three pairs of eyes staring expectantly at him he realised he had no choice.\u00a0 He gave a hardly discernable nod.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the odd thing Adam.\u00a0 It was about someone; someone I\u2019ve never met before, but the strange thing is I can still remember everything so clearly, as if it truly happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned enquiringly.\u00a0 \u201cThis someone, who was he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to sip reflectively at his drink for a few moments.\u00a0 \u201cHe weren\u2019t no he Hoss\u2026he was a she.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA female?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss threw his head back and gave out a booming laugh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe you\u2019ve been dreamin\u2019 about gals since you was knee high to a grasshopper!\u00a0 What\u2019s so strange about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe blushed in embarrassment.\u00a0 \u201cNo Hoss\u2026it weren\u2019t that sort of dream, or those sort of girls,\u201d he said, replacing his cup in its saucer and shuffling uneasily on his seat while fiddling with the bread on his plate.\u00a0 \u201cThis girl seemed to be like\u2026well more like a really close friend.\u00a0 And all we did during my dream was sit by the campfire and chat all the time, though to be honest if I recollect correctly most of our conversation was about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was unable to stop from cracking a smile.\u00a0 \u201cWell that must have been an overwhelmingly enthralling t\u00eate-\u00e0-t\u00eate for your lady friend,\u201d he said with a twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you didn\u2019t bore her to tears?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pursed his lips tight and made a face towards his brother.\u00a0 \u201cNo I didn\u2019t Adam!\u201d he responded a little too sharply than he\u2019d intended.\u00a0 \u201cShe seemed really interested in everything I told her and I felt so at ease, comfortable, like we\u2019d known each other for years.\u00a0 And she kept begging me not to stop talking to her but then\u2026then I woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeming to suddenly lose his appetite at this point Joe pushed back his chair and walked over to the hearth where he threw the remainder of his half-eaten sandwich into the blazing fire and stared despondently into the flames. \u201cAnyways, it was only a dream; just a silly dream,\u201d he murmured under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sudden change in Joe\u2019s mood caused an uncomfortable silence for a few moments and Ben studied his son, his fatherly instincts telling him something was bothering his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Joseph?\u201d he gently asked.\u00a0 \u201cIs something wrong?\u00a0 Only you seem a bit on edge all of a sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe drew in a deep breath of inevitability and returned to sink back down onto his chair. He licked his lips that had suddenly gone dry.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure whether to say anything as I could hardly believe it myself, but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused and eyed them all nervously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJust before I headed home this morning\u2026well\u2026well I saw the same girl from my dream again, only this time she was standing in the clearing not five feet away from me and looking so unbelievably sad, like as if she didn\u2019t want me to go.\u00a0 It was so\u2026so real.\u00a0 I could even see tears rolling down her cheeks; could almost touch her.\u00a0 Then she\u2026she just disappeared right in front of my eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 mouth dropped open. \u201cYou tryin\u2019 to tell me you saw one of those there ghostly apparitions?\u201d he asked as he stared in wide eyed amazement.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you ain\u2019t been smokin\u2019 some of that there loco weed little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOr did you squirrel away a bottle of Mr Watkins special recipe and have it for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As both Hoss and Adam began to laugh, Joe shrugged his shoulders in defeat and stared glumly into his cup, an injured expression covering his face.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know why I bothered.\u00a0 I should have known you two wouldn\u2019t take me serious and turn it into a big joke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned back in his chair and linked his hands behind his head.\u00a0 \u201cAh come on Joe, what do you expect with a story like that?\u201d he asked, clearly disbelieving.\u00a0 \u201cI know though I\u2019ve never seen him I still accept there\u2019s a God, but when it comes to ghosts, ghouls, spectres and the like, I wouldn\u2019t even consider they really exist unless I saw one for myself.\u00a0 And I\u2019m betting that goes for most folk as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his expression changing rapidly Joe narrowed his eyes and threw over a furious look.\u00a0 \u201cSo what you\u2019re saying is you think I\u2019m lying, is that it Adam?\u201d he snapped bitterly as he noted his brother\u2019s most stubborn, I-know-everything-and-I\u2019m-always-right look he\u2019d grown to recognise over the years.\u00a0 \u201cJust \u2018cause you\u2019re the biggest doubting Thomas in the territory don\u2019t mean everyone else has got to think the same way.\u00a0\u00a0 I know what I saw and I saw her disappear into thin air and nothing you say will make me believe otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his chair making a loud jarring sound as he pushed it back on the oak planked floor, Joe was about to leave the table in a huff when suddenly he felt his father\u2019s calming hand on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t take what your brother said too personal Joseph.\u00a0 I seem to recall you used to think just the same way as Adam but if you really believe what you saw today was true that\u2019s good enough for me\u2026for all of us.\u00a0 Now why don\u2019t you sit back down?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the atmosphere now charged with emotion the question was more an order than a request and Ben then gave Adam a silent warning look not often seen but one all three sons knew not to argue against; the subject was now well and truly closed!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed deeply, half hesitating for a fleeting second then did as he was told and wearily slumped back down in his seat.\u00a0 He glanced over towards his brother apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Adam.\u00a0 Guess I left my sense of humour on the mountain last night,\u201d he admitted ruefully, giving out a weak smile as he raked his hand through his hair.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I saw something\u2026maybe I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 After all the sun was bright in my eyes at the time and I was still suffering from Mr Watkins\u2019 head-splittin\u2019 mixture. Anyhow it certainly ain\u2019t worth having a fight over, especially on my birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s okay Joe.\u00a0 And you never know one of these days I might just learn to keep my personal opinions a little less opinionated for all our sakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, happy to see calm once more restored as Joe swallowed the remainder of his coffee and then tried hard to stifle a loud yawn.\u00a0 He failed miserably however, and eyed his father apologetically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know where that came from.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTired son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t be as I was asleep for hours but I now feel as though I haven\u2019t slept a wink all night.\u00a0 Must be all that fresh mountain air I\u2019ve been experiencing over the past few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cTell you what Joe.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you go upstairs and have a lie down for a little while,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cYour brothers can finish off the chores and I\u2019m sure a short rest will put you in a better mood for your birthday meal this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Pa, think I will.\u00a0 Then maybe I\u2019ll even let Hoss loose on my birthday cake before he busts a gut in anticipation!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Hoss\u2019 eyes widened with delight at the thought, Ben chuckled and watched with an amused smile as Joe stood up and walked over to the front door where he unbuckled his gun belt and laid it down on the credenza.\u00a0 Then as his hand brushed against his jacket a thought suddenly came to him.\u00a0 Pulling out an object from the top pocket Joe returned to the table where he placed it by the side of his elder brother\u2019s plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFound this by the ashes of the fire this morning but I have no idea how it came to be there.\u00a0 I mean, it\u2019s not the kind of thing anyone would expect to find on a desolate mountain track.\u00a0 Do you reckon its worth anything Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without giving him chance to respond Joe walked swiftly up the stairs towards his room, leaving three pairs of eyes staring at a baby\u2019s silver plated christening spoon with mother of pearl handle and an ornately decorated rattle fixed on the end.\u00a0 Adam picked it up and gave it a thorough interested inspection and was about to pass it over to his brother when Ben, whose face had slowly drained of all colour, took it from his son\u2019s grasp with a shaky hand and stared down at it intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Straightaway both brothers noticed their father\u2019s pale pallor and gave each other an anxious glance. \u201cPa?\u00a0 It looks like Joe\u2019s not the only one who thinks he\u2019s seen a ghost today.\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben remained silent, ignoring his eldest son and continuing to gaze at the object lying in the palm of his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 You\u2019ve got me real worried now,\u201d Hoss quickly added with a concerned frown.\u00a0 \u201cAre you feelin\u2019 all right?\u00a0 You want me to fetch the doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his heart pounding hard Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s nothing\u2026I\u2019m fine Hoss.\u00a0 Really I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unused to such behaviour from his father, Hoss grated his teeth and slapped his hand down hard on the table, making the cups rattle noisily in their saucers.\u00a0 \u201cDadburnit it Pa I\u2019m not stupid!\u00a0 It\u2019s clear to both me and Adam you\u2019re far from fine!\u00a0 Now you gonna tell us what\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still Ben said nothing; just staring down as if in a daze.\u00a0 The sight of the christening spoon had reopened a gaping hole in his heart; bringing back in the blink of an eye a heartbreaking memory he\u2019d tried so hard to push to the far corners of his mind over the years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly he felt fingers gently squeezing his shoulder bringing him out of his trance and he stared across into the face of his eldest. \u201cPa you\u2019ve always been here for us when we needed someone to confide in so let us return the favour for once.\u00a0 Please tell us what\u2019s bothering you so we can help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With tears welling Ben eyed them both apologetically in turn for several long moments then took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry boys. It\u2019s just I never thought the day would come, but maybe it\u2019s for the best you finally know,\u201d he admitted in a hoarse whisper and then his eyes travelled towards the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe\u2026.you must promise never to tell Joe anything of what I\u2019m about to say to you. Please understand it\u2019s for your brother\u2019s sake not mine.\u00a0 The pain I\u2019m feeling is nothing I\u2019m sure to the pain he would feel if he knew the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged puzzled gazes.\u00a0 Keeping family secrets from one another had never been the Cartwright way, but they could sense this was far too serious to argue the point so they both nodded and Ben settled back in his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFunny how something so small and innocent can bring it all back when you least expect it,\u201d Ben mused, his voice lowered to barely a whisper as he stroked his fingers up and down the spoon\u2019s smooth handle.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow much do you remember about the time Joe was born?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss moved chairs to sit closer to his father and cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cNot much seein\u2019 as I was only six,\u201d he answered quietly, frowning hard in recollection.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI vaguely remember me and Adam goin\u2019 over to stay at the Milford\u2019s ranch and Cora fillin\u2019 me with so much food I thought I\u2019d burst.\u00a0 Then when we came back to the Ponderosa little brother had arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThough I never quite understood why we were sent away in such a hurry.\u00a0 I remember Marie had been in labour for a couple of days and I was keeping Hoss entertained and out of the way like she\u2019d made me promise.\u00a0 But before I knew it Hop Sing was waking us up and taking us both over to the Milford\u2019s ranch in the dead of night, telling us the doctor said we\u2019d have to stay there till the baby was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cPaul realised late on that evening there may be complications, dangerous complications for both Marie and our child. That\u2019s why he thought it best you two should be taken out of the way in case something went wrong.\u00a0\u00a0 And unfortunately he was right.\u00a0 Something did go wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you never told us that when we came home Pa.\u00a0 You just said everything had gone well with Joe\u2019s birth and even Marie told us she hadn\u2019t had any problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben eyed Adam forlornly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid those were little white lies son but necessary white lies in the circumstances.\u00a0 Things didn\u2019t go well\u2026they didn\u2019t go well at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we didn\u2019t lose Marie or Joe Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A ghost of a smile hovered around Ben\u2019s lips.\u00a0 \u201cNo we didn\u2019t Hoss, but it was a close call.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He momentarily pursed his lips in thought.\u00a0 \u201cAfter you two left with Hop Sing there was still no sign of Joe being born that night but Marie was by now exhausted and barely conscious and Paul could see she was failing fast.\u00a0 He knew he had to do something drastic so decided he\u2019d have to try and help hurry the birth process.\u00a0 He had to use forceps, something a doctor never wants to do but Paul had no choice; it was the only alternative.\u00a0 So with my blessing he went ahead and finally shortly after midnight Joe was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes suddenly glazed at the memory.\u00a0 \u201cYour brother was barely breathing after all the trauma he\u2019d gone through, but thankfully after a few minutes Paul managed to blow life into him and he started to cry.\u00a0 He was just a scrawny little thing, but by heavens he could yell and knowing he had a healthy pair of lungs it was obvious to us all from that moment he was going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced quickly between his sons who were watching him attentively, both totally engrossed by his tale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul wrapped Joe in a shawl and gave him to Marie to nurse,\u201d he continued, his voice now thick with emotion.\u00a0 \u201cBut suddenly she started moaning again and writhing in pain, so I took hold of Joe while Paul checked Marie over and it was then he could see there was another baby on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnother?\u201d Adam repeated incredulously as Hoss gaped in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean Joe was a twin?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded wearily.\u00a0 \u201cWe had no idea Marie was carrying two.\u00a0 Paul thought the baby had probably lain behind Joe all the time and that\u2019s why he hadn\u2019t been able to detect it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep sad breath.\u00a0 \u201cSo the baby was born dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo Adam.\u00a0 Paul needed my help so I laid Joe in the crib and helped to eventually deliver my daughter alive\u2026but only just.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was an audible gasp from Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cA daughter?\u00a0\u00a0 Joe had a twin sister?\u00a0 We had us a sister?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave a gentle nod.\u00a0 \u201cShe was tiny, even smaller than Joe, and so terribly sickly looking, but to me she was the most beautiful baby girl I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d he admitted with the saddest of smiles at the memory.\u00a0 \u201cPaul told both me and Marie straightaway she had a very weak heart and wouldn\u2019t have but a short time to live.\u00a0\u00a0 He explained most of the nourishment that should have made her healthy and help her develop had for some reason been diverted to Joe during the nine months, otherwise he would have had no chance of life either.\u00a0 It was as if Mother Nature had played a cruel joke by blessing us with two children in the womb but only allowing one to survive for the sake of the other.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a few moments Ben couldn\u2019t go on, his face stricken at the recollection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI cradled her in my arms for a while and stroked her tiny cheek.\u00a0 And not once did she make a sound\u2026not a whimper\u2026not a cry as she stared up at me. \u00a0Joe was still screaming his head off though and as Marie was far too weak to take him at that point, Paul suggested to try and quieten him down I should place my daughter in the crib and wrap her in the shawl with him.\u00a0 So I did as he advised and as soon as he felt his sister by his side Joe calmed and they both fell asleep together.\u00a0 But because of having such difficult double births Marie was now fighting for her life and in danger of dying herself.\u00a0 I could hardly believe it.\u00a0 I thought I was going to lose her\u2026just like I\u2019d lost Elizabeth!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben then exchanged a poignant gaze with Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Paul worked on all through the night until eventually around 8 in the morning he was able tell me with some degree of confidence that Marie was over the worst and was going to be fine.\u00a0 And though after the longest night of our lives Marie was totally spent and still in a lot of pain, she insisted she hold her sleeping babies for a while.\u00a0 So I lifted them out of the crib and placed them both in her arms and immediately my daughter awoke and looked directly at her.\u00a0 I can remember clearly as if it were yesterday Marie gazing over at me with tears in her eyes at our daughter\u2019s condition, but unable to stop from smiling with pride.\u00a0 \u2018Look at her Ben.\u00a0 She\u2019s looking right at me as if she knows I\u2019m her mother.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A tear suddenly appeared and slowly ran down Ben\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 He brushed it away and his voice faltered.\u00a0 \u201cPaul said it was a wonder she\u2019d lasted as long as she did, but\u2026but it was as if she was waiting for Marie to hold her for the first and last time because\u2026because then our daughter passed away and immediately Joe woke up and started crying again\u2026as if he knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused for a moment and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, with your brother now demanding to be fed, Marie gave him all her attention and nursed him as best she could while I held my daughter again and just stared down at that tiny angelic face.\u00a0 It was all I could do to stop myself from breaking down in tears after the shock and heartbreak of having her taken from us so quickly but I knew there\u2019d be time for weeping later and I had to be strong, for Marie\u2019s sake.\u00a0 So I just imagined she was really sleeping rather than accepting she was gone and then when Joe had finally had his fill and settled down again, Paul gave Marie a dose of laudanum to ease her discomfort and help her rest.\u00a0 And thankfully after a few minutes the drug took effect and Marie fell asleep so it was left to me to do what had to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two pairs of eyes stared at Ben\u2026stunned.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo\u2026so what did you do Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared blindly towards Hoss for a moment, his heart missing a beat before he gave him an answer.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted everything to be done right and true respect shown so I dressed my daughter in the silk christening gown Marie had made especially for our first child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben then looked down to his hand.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I placed a christening spoon I\u2019d bought while in San Francisco a few months before, identical to this one, in her tiny hand.\u00a0 Then while Paul stayed behind to keep an eye on Marie and Joe, Hop Sing and I took her up to the lake, near to where Marie is now buried, where I dug a tiny grave and after saying a few words laid her to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why didn\u2019t you tell us what had happened years ago Pa?\u201d Adam inquired softly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy keep all that pain and suffering to yourself?\u00a0 It\u2019s not as if you\u2019d done anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed sadly, his face still etched with grief.\u00a0 \u201cOnce I returned and Marie awoke both of us agreed we couldn\u2019t bear the thought of Joe going through life knowing he\u2019d had a sister who\u2019d died so he could live.\u00a0 And as you two were due back the next day we both decided it would be best if we kept what had happened a secret from you all\u2026and Paul and Hop Sing happily went along with our decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t blame Joe.\u00a0 It weren\u2019t his fault his sister died!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh we all knew that Hoss!\u201d Ben exclaimed, horrified at such a notion.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I can assure you it\u2019s never crossed my mind ever to blame him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t you think he has a right to know now he was a twin?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face filled with remorse.\u00a0 \u201cAfter a few months when Marie was well enough and we were both able to think coherently again we realised we\u2019d made the wrong decision and decided to tell you all the truth when Joe was a few years old and could understand better what had gone on.\u00a0 But then when the time came to share our secret there was the accident and Marie was suddenly taken from us.\u00a0 After the anguish we all went through at that time I knew I couldn\u2019t raise the subject on my own after that; especially as Joe has told me more than once over the years he still feels in a small way responsible for his mother\u2019s death, knowing she was rushing back from town that day to give him the cough medicine he\u2019d needed so badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe wasn\u2019t to know his Mama\u2019s horse would stumble as she galloped into the yard and fall on her.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 to blame himself for!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Hoss but you try and convince your brother of that!\u00a0 And can you imagine the effect it would have if I also told him now about his sister and the reason she died?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was quiet for a few minutes as silence gripped the room; each man intuitively knowing the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid she have a name Pa?\u201d Adam then quietly asked.\u00a0 \u201cDid our sister have a name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes she did son,\u201d Ben smiled distantly. \u201cMarie knew she couldn\u2019t come with me to bury our daughter so she asked that I say a prayer over her grave and name her Miette Angelique; our sweet little angel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a beautiful name Pa,\u201d Hoss choked, wiping his sleeve across his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed, placed the spoon on the table then rose from his chair and stood for a moment in front of the window, staring out before turning back to face his sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEver since their birth I can\u2019t count the number of times I\u2019ve cursed the fact my daughter and Joe never had an opportunity to know each other; that none of us ever had the chance to watch her grow.\u00a0 And you can\u2019t begin to realise how much shame I felt for letting you all down by not having the courage to tell you the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head dejectedly.\u00a0 \u201cBut believe me I only did what I did for the best of reasons and I just hope you can understand and forgive me for keeping my silence for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly there was a shuffling of feet as Hoss stood up and walked to stand by his father\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cPa don\u2019t you say another word,\u201d he ordered gently as he placed a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019ve never let us down nor done nothin\u2019 that needs our forgiveness and that\u2019s a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right Pa,\u201d added Adam quietly. \u201cYou did what you thought was right and best for your family; just as you\u2019ve always done.\u00a0 We could never ask any more of you and never will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben blinked hard and sniffed, then felt Hoss\u2019 hand tenderly take hold of his arm, guiding him back to his seat.\u00a0 And as his son sat down again beside him Ben\u2019s tear filled eyes focused once more on the spoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou goin\u2019 to be okay Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben blew into his kerchief and the answer was a long time coming till he finally gave a thin-lipped smile.\u00a0 \u201cI will be Hoss.\u00a0 I will be.\u00a0 It was a shock having all those memories flooding back so unexpectedly, but I\u2019m glad it\u2019s all out in the open now and I feel much better for sharing it all with you two at last; much better.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a while not a word was said between the three of them as both brothers watched their father out the corner of their eyes and exchanged frequent concerned glances.\u00a0 Obviously deep within his own private thoughts Ben was unaware to their close scrutiny, only giving out a few deep heartfelt sighs of gloomy melancholy as the minutes passed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know,\u201d Adam finally said, breaking the silence.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking.\u00a0 Everything Joe told us earlier is beginning to make sense.\u00a0 Maybe he was right after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Ben and Hoss cast a glance at him.\u00a0 \u201cRight about what son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout actually seeing a ghost Pa,\u201d Adam replied with an edge of excitement in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cFirst he dreams about a girl and then he sees her as a ghostly vision.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked down on the table. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cHe finds this spoon at the camp site.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss rubbed the back of his neck while he thought about it, then shook his head. \u201cSorry brother, you\u2019ve lost me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another few moments went by then enlightenment seemed to flow across Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t mean?\u00a0 Surely not Adam. It just isn\u2019t possible!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked between the pair and shook his head with slight agitation.\u00a0 \u201cWould somebody like to tell me what you\u2019re talkin\u2019 about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew in a careful breath before speaking.\u00a0 \u201cToday is Joe\u2019s birthday and it\u2019s also Halloween; the one day in the year when it\u2019s reckoned it might be possible to see a mystical being from the spirit world.\u00a0 Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m with you so far brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has a strange dream about a girl and he finds this spoon, one that is identical to the spoon Pa buried with his twin sister 18 years ago to the day.\u00a0 Then he sees the same girl clearly in the clearing before she disappears in front of his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 Can\u2019t you see the connection?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t say anything for a minute as he tilted his head slightly and his eyes flittered between the two faces which seemed to be waiting expectantly for his response.\u00a0 Then his jaw sagged as the penny finally dropped.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t mean you think the ghost was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Hoss, I think I do,\u201d Adam interrupted in a reassuringly confident tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you and Pa are the biggest sceptics around regardin\u2019 that sort of thing Adam.\u00a0 I mean you\u2019ve always said you\u2019d never believe one of those there apparitions existed unless it came right up to you and poked you in the eye!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ve changed my mind Hoss.\u00a0 And it sure is a comfort to think Miette Angelique and Joe finally got to meet each other, if only for a short while.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that the truth Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss stared dumbfounded towards his brother for a few moments and then shook his head vehemently.\u00a0 \u201cNah\u2026don\u2019t believe it Adam.\u00a0 There\u2019s no way\u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Hoss was silenced as from under the table he felt his brother\u2019s leather boot slam hard against his shin in the time honoured Cartwright brotherly fashion which meant \u2018shut up\u2019.\u00a0 Hoss frowned but complied with the silent order.<\/p>\n

However, unaware of what was going on between them Ben continued to stare blankly with his elbows on the table and his chin rested on his hands as he mulled over what Adam had said.\u00a0 After all these years of silent mourning and anguish he wanted to believe so badly\u2026it would be so easy to consider it was true for his own peace of mind if nothing else.\u00a0 And surely if Adam could think it possible, of course he\u2026.<\/p>\n

Then a slow smile of understanding touched Ben\u2019s lips.\u00a0 \u201cI nearly fell for it,\u201d he admitted with the faintest of chuckles as he sat back in his chair and studied his eldest son.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think you don\u2019t really believe Joe saw a ghost today; any ghost.\u00a0 And as for the spoon, well that turning up was just a pure coincidence, no more, no less.\u00a0 Now that is the truth, isn\u2019t it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat and swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t know what you mean Pa.\u00a0 Of course I believe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Then Adam hesitated as his father\u2019s penetrating gaze bore into him.\u00a0\u00a0 Under that stare no man could lie; least of all a Cartwright son!\u00a0 He hung his head and stared down at his hands in obvious discomfort, and for the first time ever felt like a ten year old child, scolded after being caught dipping his hand in the biscuit barrel.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I messed up. Sorry Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s just I thought it might give you some comfort thinking Joe and his sister had finally met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t give him a lecture Pa,\u201d he added in support of his brother.\u00a0 \u201cAdam didn\u2019t mean no harm by his deception.\u00a0 He was only thinkin\u2019 of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slowly.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019ll be no lecture Hoss,\u201d he responded kindly.\u00a0 \u201cI know Adam only did what he did with the best of intentions. And I appreciate the gesture, more than either of you will ever know.\u00a0 But I think it\u2019s safe to say none of us have ever believed in things ghostly and it\u2019s too late to start now, whatever the reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Ben now like his old self there was a more noticeably relaxed and companionable silence between the three men as a new family bond was forged between father and sons.\u00a0 A bond born from the unhappy memory they now shared; each in thought for the next few minutes about a tiny baby who\u2019d died all those years ago so another might live\u2026.<\/p>\n

Suddenly above their heads came the sound of a door being slammed and seconds later a whistling Joe emerged; his low spirits obviously lifted as he bounded down the stairs in his usual energetic manner<\/p>\n

He looked over in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cYou all still here?\u00a0 Ain\u2019t you got no work to go to?\u201d he joked as he made his way directly towards them.<\/p>\n

Failing to notice the slight degree of tension in the air or three pairs of eyes which looked surprisingly moist, Joe walked behind Hoss and slapped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cYou ready for some of that chocolate cake brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Keen not to let Joe suspect the drama that had unfolded around the table over the past hour Hoss nodded with a forced out smile.\u00a0 \u201cSure Joe. Sounds just what the doctor ordered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you feel a whole lot better after your nap,\u201d added Ben, and fearing tears were still evident averted his gaze from his youngest.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do Pa,\u201d responded Joe, and spying the christening spoon resting on the table he bent over his shoulder and picked it up then looked over towards his elder brother.\u00a0 \u201cDid you figure if this is worth any money Adam?\u00a0 I ain\u2019t ever seen one as fancy as this before though it sure is a mystery how it got on the mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exchanged a quick glance with his father.\u00a0 \u201cOh, we figured it was only worth a few dollars and is probably more of sentimental value than anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, accepting his answer without comment and placed it back down.\u00a0 \u201cAnyways I\u2019ll go check Hop Sing put the right number of candles on my cake before I blow them out.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want to be younger or older than I am!\u201d<\/p>\n

He made to walk towards the kitchen then slowed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I forgot to tell you.\u00a0 There\u2019s something I\u2019ve just remembered about the girl in my dream.\u00a0 She told me her name and though it was one I\u2019ve never heard before, if I ever have a daughter she\u2019s gonna be called it and no mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what name would that be?\u201d Adam heard himself ask.<\/p>\n

Oblivious to the looks of incredulity that suddenly formed on his father and brother\u2019s faces or the chills that rippled in unison along each of their spines Joe continued into the kitchen and shouted out before disappearing from view.\u00a0 \u201cMiette.\u00a0 Miette Angelique.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that just the prettiest name you\u2019ve ever heard?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0A Tale for Halloween.\u00a0 Joe has an eerie experience while alone on the mountain that has far reaching implications for Ben.<\/p>\n

Rated: T\u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 9153<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-mystery","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-32-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1589,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Dead-Mans-Canyon.jpeg?fit=218%2C164&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4875,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4875","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":0},"title":"Reflections on Killing His Friend (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"April 29, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for \u201cA Far, Far Better Thing.\u201d\u00a0 In the quiet of a moonlit night, two brothers reflect on loyalty, loss, and the love that binds some people together. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ WC 1700","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-on-the-Comstock-2.jpg?fit=500%2C379&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12285,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12285","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":1},"title":"Price of Friendship (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"September 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 My version of what happened next after Joe destroyed his lifelong friendship with Mitch Devlin in, Between Heaven and Earth. Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0 (3,450 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/The-day.jpg?fit=400%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5293,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5293","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":2},"title":"The Paiute Pony (by Cinderella)","author":"Cinderella","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A short story of how Cochise and a new friend came to Joe. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,190 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12010,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12010","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":3},"title":"No Love Without Forgiveness, No Forgiveness without Love (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"June 17, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Have you ever wanted something so badly that you\u2019d do anything to get it? Let\u2019s just say Little Joe and his best friend Mitch find out the hard way that sometimes finders keepers end up being finders weepers. Contains reference to corporal punishment. Rating:\u00a0 K+ (4,485 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-angst.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13441,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13441","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":4},"title":"The Cherry Tree Saga (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"September 30, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Like the ever changing seasons, life blooms and dies on the Ponderosa. Rating T\u00a0 (140,000 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Cherry-Tree.jpg?fit=500%2C375&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":61512,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=61512","url_meta":{"origin":2345,"position":5},"title":"I Will (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"December 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe is consumed with guilt when his best friend is accidently shot and killed. Unable to forgive himself, Joe heads down a dangerous self-destructive path. Rating T, WC 21,861","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot_20260102_063004_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C908&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot_20260102_063004_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C908&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot_20260102_063004_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C908&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot_20260102_063004_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C908&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot_20260102_063004_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C908&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2345"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2345\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}