{"id":2402,"date":"2008-01-31T10:53:45","date_gmt":"2008-01-31T15:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2402"},"modified":"2026-03-11T13:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:24:07","slug":"a-long-ride-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2402","title":{"rendered":"A Long Ride Home (by Dodo)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/span>A missing scene from ‘The Quest’<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+\u00a0 Word Count 2300<\/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 A Long Ride Home<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been an audacious idea of Joe Cartwright\u2019s to build a flume high above Buckhorn Meadow with the intention of using it to deliver a stand of Ponderosa fir straight down to the Truckee River, and then float the timber directly to the mine belonging to the Sun Mountain Mining Company.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Even Adam had conceded privately with his father it was an inspired plan; though he questioned his little brother\u2019s ability to pull it off on his own.\u00a0 And reluctantly Ben had nodded in agreement; concerned as well at his youngest son\u2019s insistence he could manage without any help from the family.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s got to start somewhere I suppose,\u201d Ben had remarked. \u201cAnd I have a feeling if Joe doesn\u2019t get a chance to prove himself here on the Ponderosa we might just lose him.\u00a0 But I sure wish he\u2019d chosen another quest rather than this timber job.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be hard\u2026very hard.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

And hard it had been; harder than Joe had ever envisaged. \u00a0But spurred on by his success at securing the contract to supply the timber from under the nose of his rival Will Povey, Joe had set about his task with optimism and commitment.\u00a0 He was relishing the challenge of doing something on his own at last and even managed to negotiate a personal loan of five thousand dollars from the bank to pay a performance bond required by the company.<\/em><\/p>\n

Men were hired, materials bought and soon the flume began to take shape.\u00a0 But to Joe\u2019s dismay it soon became clear not everything was running smoothly high above Buckhorn Meadow.\u00a0 He was rapidly falling behind with his schedule, mostly due to the inefficiency of the small crew of men hired by his friend and foreman Dave Donovan.\u00a0 They were obviously work-shy and totally unsuited to the physical demands of building the flume. Noticeably sulky and indifferent to the work they were required to do, these men were more interested in playing poker with the distinct odour of whiskey on their breath at all times of the day and night, and Joe had no choice but to fire them all; his friend Donovan included.\u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

However to his credit Joe refused to let the setback curb his enthusiasm, and to his delight under the new foremanship of the experienced Jake Weber the remaining loggers proved their worth tenfold; toiling from before sunup to after sundown in an attempt to catch up on the time lost.\u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

And so over the next few days considerable progress was made.\u00a0 Though everyone was bone tired and near to exhaustion, Joe included, he continued to encourage and joke with the men; jubilant that with only another mile to go on the flume he would soon be able to send the first of the felled logs rolling down the hill on their way to the river.\u00a0 <\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

But suddenly to everyone\u2019s surprise and alarm the logging camp was attacked by ruthless hired gunmen, intent on causing havoc and delaying the work so that Joe would lose the contract and have to forfeit his bond.\u00a0 Under the direction and pay of the unscrupulous Will Povey, Dave Donovan took advantage of the rifle fire that had penned down the ill-prepared and vulnerable loggers, and the ex-foreman managed to pack a few sticks of dynamite around the legs of the flume then struck a match\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The day had started so well and full of promise for Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 But as the gunfire ceased and the sound of horses galloping away echoed through the forest he stared over despairingly at the flume; now a jumble of twisted and broken timber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was the unmistakable stink of cordite in the air and Joe sank down, leaning on his rifle with his shoulders slumped in defeat and trying to make sense of what had just happened.\u00a0 So much for doing something on his own, he silently mused as he looked around him.\u00a0 His dream had gone up in smoke; his well laid plans to prove his worth and give him the credibility he so desired and craved from his family now lying wrecked and smouldering at his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then through the mist of his own misery Joe thought he heard his name called in a low but urgent manner.\u00a0 \u201cMr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The voice of his foreman became more insistent. \u201cBoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe slowly raised his eyes and could see Jake was beckoning towards him as he stood with the men; all gathered around a prone figure who was moaning pitifully on the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBrennan\u2019s been hit,\u201d Jake called over. \u00a0\u201cIt looks pretty bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt an overwhelming sense of shame at his selfishness.\u00a0 He\u2019d been so self-absorbed the welfare of the men under him had momentarily taken a back seat in his mind.\u00a0 Shaking himself from his moroseness he quickly hauled himself up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else hurt?\u201d he asked with urgency as he made his way to the injured logger whose face was ashen and his eyes were wide with fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake looked around, checking each man carefully.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone else is fine Joe; just shook up.\u00a0 We\u2019re not used to being the target for some mad fool gunmen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thankful no one else was injured; Joe knelt by Brennan and could see his face racked in agony as a red stain became noticeable, spreading across his chest. \u00a0Only minutes before they\u2019d been joking together and as Brennan raised a hand he gripped Joe\u2019s arm tightly.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cHow bad is it Boss?\u201d he asked in a strained voice.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t ever been shot before.\u00a0 Am I gonna die?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing all eyes were on him Joe took a nervous swallow and quickly examined the wounded man; suddenly feeling very tired.\u00a0\u00a0 Worry and concern was taking its toll on the youngest Cartwright but to his relief as he gently wiped away the blood Joe could see the bullet had done far less damage than first thought; luckily just missing the man\u2019s collar-bone and going straight through his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Brennan,\u201d he smiled with reassurance as he packed the bullet hole with pieces of torn up shirt to stem a trickle of blood that continued to flow.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna die, I promise. And I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be laid up for long.\u00a0 In a couple of weeks you\u2019ll be able to beat my head off like you threatened earlier.\u00a0 And I\u2019ll still let you do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Visibly relieved Brennan sank back with a sigh and gave Joe a grateful nod.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Boss,\u201d he croaked in a whisper before closing his eyes with the pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe stood up, his face noticeably drawn and pale, he turned his gaze towards his foreman. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing too serious, but we still need to get him to the doctor. I don\u2019t want to risk the chance of infection.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake nodded, immediately taking charge and shouting orders to the able bodied men to empty out the supply wagon.\u00a0\u00a0 Then the injured logger was laid gently down in the back, covered with blankets and made as comfortable as possible. \u00a0With one man keeping him company at his side and another driving the team, the wagon then set off for Virginia City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Jake said as he and Joe watched it disappear from sight.\u00a0 \u201cYou weren\u2019t to know there\u2019d be so much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave a wry smile.\u00a0 \u201cThanks Jake, but I\u2019m the boss.\u00a0 I\u2019m supposed to know everything and be ready for anything, including keeping the men safe.\u00a0 I failed them Jake.\u00a0 I failed them big time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Someone then thrust a mug of steaming coffee in Joe\u2019s hands and he accepted it gratefully.\u00a0 Deep in thought his eyes once more floated towards the flume and the scene of unbelievable devastation, and while he sipped at his drink Jake and the remainder of the men stood around in silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026what now Joe?\u201d Jake eventually asked. \u201cWhat do you want us to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe turned his head he could see all the men were looking at him expectantly, waiting for instruction.\u00a0 But his confidence was now shattered and at an all time low, and for a few moments Joe had no answer.\u00a0 It was obvious there was no way the small band of loggers could rebuild the flume in time to meet the date agreed in the contract.\u00a0 It would be futile to even attempt it.\u00a0 And even if they could Joe was now loathed to try.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over the past few days they\u2019d all become friends; their hard work making them worthy of Joe\u2019s comradeship and respect.\u00a0 And now he\u2019d allowed one of them to take a bullet while trying to help him prove a point to his family.\u00a0 A vague sort of contempt for his own failure slowly swept over him.\u00a0 He was the boss, the one in charge\u2026the one who made all the decisions.\u00a0 But he\u2019d let them down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I know it doesn\u2019t help much to say it but I\u2019m real sorry.\u00a0 There\u2019s no way we can get this flume finished in time now,\u201d Joe said at long last. \u201cIt\u2019s over men\u2026we\u2019re finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the loggers looked uneasily at each other Joe could guess what they were thinking.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019ll make sure you get paid up to the end of the month. You won\u2019t be out of pocket.\u00a0 Just won\u2019t be able to pay you the bonus I\u2019d hoped to give you for all your hard work\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As his voice trailed off Jake felt a deep compassion for the young Cartwright. \u00a0\u201cBut you\u2019ll lose your performance bond if the flume isn\u2019t completed Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be down five thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nodding his head Joe took a deep swallow. \u00a0\u201cI know Jake but I had no idea Povey would stoop so low.\u00a0 No life is worth risking for the sake of meeting that contract.\u00a0 Looks like he\u2019s won after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t let him get away with this!\u201d Jake then cried.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about your Pa Joe?\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t you ask him for some help?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he drew his fingers through his hair Joe shook his head wearily, refusing to consider it.\u00a0 \u201cNo Jake. I made it quite clear I wanted to do this on my own without any help and I have no right to expect Pa or my brothers to bail me out now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He studied the scene once more for a few moments before he spoke again.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou and the men stay here until the wagon returns tomorrow morning then you can bring the remaining supplies back to town and I\u2019ll meet you all there to pay you off.\u00a0 You should be safe enough tonight.\u00a0 Can\u2019t see those gunmen returning now; after all they\u2019ve done what they set out to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reluctantly Jake nodded in agreement and followed Joe as he walked over to where Cochise was tethered.\u00a0 \u00a0He took hold of the reins as Jake looked at him questioningly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you gonna do now Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe heaved a deep sigh of resignation. \u00a0\u201cNot much I can do around here so I might as well go home,\u201d he said quietly, not relishing the prospect of crawling back to his family with his tail between his legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Noticing a sympathetic look suddenly cover the foreman\u2019s crinkly old face, Joe laid a hand gently on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI should have listened to Adam Jake. You\u2019re a good and honest man and I was wrong to not give you the foreman\u2019s job from the first.\u00a0 With you in charge I probably wouldn\u2019t have got into this mess. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake thrust out his arm in admiration for his young boss.\u00a0 \u201cTakes a big man to know he\u2019s wrong, and an even bigger one to admit it. \u00a0It was a pleasure working with you Joe\u2026I just wish things had turned out better for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe shook the hand offered towards him he gave a faint smile.\u00a0 \u201cSo do I Jake\u2026so do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a heavy heart Joe then mounted and gave his foreman and the rest of the crew a final nod of thanks and farewell.\u00a0 And as he slowly walked Cochise away he looked back at the camp site with a long lingering look for a final time.\u00a0 He\u2019d so nearly proved himself.\u00a0 But he could have so easily had a dead man on his conscience and that was a price too high to pay for success and suddenly it didn\u2019t seem to matter so much any more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The day was still warm and bright, but as he made his way through the forest of fir Joe\u2019s mind was in such turmoil his eyes didn\u2019t see or appreciate the beauty of the tree-studded landscape.\u00a0 Instead gloomily his mind drifted back a few weeks and he furrowed his brow as he tried to remember what his father had once said.\u00a0 \u2018By himself any one of us can be broken.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, I\u2019m sure broken now Joe quietly mouthed. He knew he was a fool to himself and should ask for help from his Pa and brothers.\u00a0 But pride and his desire to prove himself had driven a wedge between them and he didn\u2019t expect any offers of assistance or sympathy now.\u00a0 The only thing he could really expect was the \u2018I told you so\u2019 speech he so richly deserved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His stomach churned with the thought he\u2019d soon have to admit he\u2019d failed to his family and he wondered how his Pa would react to his news.\u00a0 Maybe it would come as no surprise.\u00a0 Joe blinked back tears of disappointment from his eyes.\u00a0 Depressed and deflated he pointed his horse towards the Ponderosa and allowed Cochise to walk at a steady pace for there was nothing now to inspire haste.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It sure was going to be a long ride home.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: A missing scene from ‘The Quest’<\/p>\n

Rated: K+\u00a0 Word Count 2300<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8478,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1007,61],"tags":[1327],"class_list":["post-2402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-missing-scene","tag-the-quest","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-61-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/LJshadow1.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2402","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=2402"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2402\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8478"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}