{"id":2479,"date":"2004-05-19T21:56:01","date_gmt":"2004-05-20T01:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2479"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:23","slug":"to-be-a-cartwright","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2479","title":{"rendered":"To Be a Cartwright (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Someone claiming to be Ben’s nephew is running up big bills. But just who is he?<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (9,055 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/strong>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

To Be a Cartwright<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cJoe! Hey, Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, mildly puzzled about who would be calling to him, Joe Cartwright immediately recognized the man hailing him. It was Joel Hannings, who owned a small hotel in Carson City. The Cartwrights often stayed with him if they were breaking a journey or had an overnight stop in the other town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joel,\u201d Joe replied, smiling. \u201cWhat brings you to town?\u201d He tucked his hands down the back of his gun belt as he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou Cartwrights,\u201d Hannings replied, sounding annoyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t follow,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cWhat does it have to do with us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Snorting, Hannings replied, \u201cIt\u2019s your cousin, Frank, really. He still hasn\u2019t paid his bill and it\u2019s beginning to mount up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d Joe asked, patiently. \u201cI don\u2019t have a cousin Frank. The only cousin I know about is cousin Will and nobody\u2019s seen him since he was a little boy. Are you sure you have the right Cartwrights?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m sure!\u201d Hannings snapped. \u201cHe came in and said his uncle Ben Cartwright had told him that my hotel was the place to stay in Carson City and that Ben would guarantee the bill, since he was looking for work.\u201d Hannings peered at Joe more closely, and saw that the younger man looked genuinely puzzled. \u201cYou really don\u2019t know anything about this, do you, Joe?\u201d he asked abruptly, and Joe shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cBut why did you believe him? Didn\u2019t you ask for proof he was related to us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I did,\u201d Hannings replied. \u201cHe showed me a picture of you all. Quite a recent one, too.\u201d Hannings snatched off his hat and ran his fingers through his thinning grey hair. \u201cOh man! I bet I never see him again, and there\u2019s a whole lot of money I won\u2019t see either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have time to go over to the saloon and tell Pa?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI\u2019m meeting him there in about half an hour and I think he might want to hear this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, why not?\u201d Hannings grumbled. He looked keenly at Joe. \u201cWho do you think this person is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cBut I aim to find out,\u201d he added firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time Joe had completed his errands and joined his father, Ben Cartwright, in the Silver Dollar saloon, he could see that Joel Hannings had been in and delivered the bad news. Joe went over to the bar and bought himself a beer before joining his father at a table. Ben\u2019s dark brows were drawn together in an even darker scowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw Joel then,\u201d Joe commented as he sat down. He didn\u2019t phrase it as a question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him,\u201d Ben replied, gruffly. \u201cIf I get my hands on this \u2018Frank Cartwright\u2019, I\u2019ll give him what-for!\u201d The clenching and unclenching of Ben\u2019s large hands left Joe in no doubt about his father\u2019s ire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do about it?\u201d Joe asked, sipping his beer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019ll have to go over to Carson City and see if I can find this person,\u201d Ben replied. He sighed deeply. \u201cGoodness knows what other bills he might have run up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming with you,\u201d Joe declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben began, but Joe took the risk of interrupting his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Carson City isn\u2019t that big a place, but with two of us, we can search it a lot faster than we could alone.\u201d Joe smiled winningly. \u201cBesides, he might be bigger than you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d Ben shot back, \u201che\u2019ll definitely be bigger than you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut not bigger than both of us put together,\u201d Joe quipped back and Ben actually laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, you can come with me. We\u2019ll set off in the morning.\u201d He glanced at the now-empty glass in Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising with Ben, Joe asked, \u201cWhat did you do about Joel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meeting Joe\u2019s eyes Ben replied, \u201cI paid him, what do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust checking,\u201d Joe murmured. He\u2019d have been astounded if Ben had done anything different.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo way!\u201d Adam exclaimed and crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cIf anyone goes to Carson City with you, it should be me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just why is that, big brother?\u201d Joe asked, furiously. \u201cWhat do you have that I don\u2019t?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA cool head,\u201d Adam retorted and saw Joe\u2019s temper crank up another notch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing loudly, for his sons knew exactly which buttons to press to wind each other up, Ben intervened. \u201cI\u2019ve already told Joseph that he is coming with me,\u201d he declared. \u201cAnd that is final. Adam, I need you here to keep working on that timber contract. It has to be submitted in a few days. Hoss, I want you to make sure branding keeps on schedule as far as possible. I know it\u2019s difficult when you\u2019re three people down, but do the best you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss muttered agreeably. As ever, Hoss was the Cartwright who could be replied upon to keep his head while all around were losing theirs, and he didn\u2019t mind staying at home. \u201cAdam \u2018n\u2019 me\u2019ll keep things runnin\u2019 smooth here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, it looked as though Adam was going to argue about that, but he subsided at another look from Ben. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed, ungraciously. He followed Joe upstairs and into his bedroom. \u201cHow come you\u2019re getting to go?\u201d Adam asked, leaning against the doorjamb. \u201cShirking your fair share of the work again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Biting his lip for a moment to control his temper, Joe drew a deep breath before he turned around. \u201cNo, perhaps it was just that I was the first person to hear about this impostor. Joel stopped me first and I sent him to Pa. All right, I suggested I go with him, but only because I had planned to go anyway.\u201d He grinned, his good humor restored by the thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning back, Adam guessed, \u201cHit first and ask questions after?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if necessary,\u201d Joe agreed and the brothers laughed together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Passing the door, Ben heard the laughter and shook his head. One minute they were fighting, the next they were laughing together. Ben thought that he would never figure out the relationship between his oldest and youngest sons. But whatever worked, as long as they weren\u2019t at each other\u2019s throats all the time, he would just leave them to get on with it. He knew the struggle Adam was having to see Joe as a grown up. It was a struggle that Ben had gone through three times and it didn\u2019t get any easier with practice. He smiled as he went into his room to pack.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The journey to Carson City passed pleasantly for both Joe and Ben, despite their urgency to get there and find out what was going on. Joe always cherished time alone with his father and this time was no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they arrived in Carson City, they dismounted in front of Joel\u2019s hotel. \u201cI\u2019ll get us booked in, and you tend to the horses,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cI\u2019ll meet you back here and we can freshen up before we go and get something to eat.\u201d It was really too late for them to do much detective work that day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood enough,\u201d Joe agreed and led the two horses down to the next block, where the livery stable was located. \u201cHi there,\u201d he greeted the stableman. \u201cI\u2019ve a couple of horses I\u2019d like to stable for a day or two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, mister,\u201d agreed the wizened little man who seemed to be in charge. \u201cWhat name is that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d Joe replied, hunting in his pocket for some money. \u201cJoe Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright?\u201d the man echoed and his friendly demeanor vanished. \u201cAny relation ta that Frank Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe shook his head. So the fellow had been here, too. \u201cNot in the way you mean,\u201d Joe replied, wearily. \u201cHe\u2019s claiming to be my cousin, but he\u2019s not. How much does he owe you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFour dollars!\u201d the old man replied, angrily. \u201cKept his horse here for four days, and then sneaks it out through the night!\u201d He spat in the straw to indicate his disgust. \u201cIf\u2019n I git ma hands on him\u2026\u201d He didn\u2019t elaborate the threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he look like?\u201d Joe asked, excitedly. \u201cWhen did he take his horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, bit taller than you,\u201d the man replied. \u201cReal fair hair, but dark eyes. Good-lookin\u2019, I suppose. Nice manners, too. Took the horse last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe replied. They at last had something to go on. \u201cHere.\u201d He handed the man the four dollars owed by \u2018Frank\u2019 and another two for boarding his horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks, young fella,\u201d he cackled, fingering the money delightedly. \u201cYa didn\u2019t have ta do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI don\u2019t want our good name ruined.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow much?\u201d Ben asked, resignedly as Joe appeared in their room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFour dollars,\u201d Joe replied, dropping his saddlebags on the bed and stripping his jacket off. \u201cHe also told me the guy sneaked his horse out of the livery last night. It looks like we\u2019ve missed him.\u201d Joe filled Ben in on the description he\u2019d been given, which matched the one Joel had given them. \u201cLet me guess,\u201d he added, stripping off his shirt to plunge his hands into the warm water in the basin. \u201cHe\u2019d got his stuff while Joel was in Virginia City?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben replied. His tied his neckerchief around his neck and watched as Joe finished his ablutions, marveling, as always, at how muscular Joe was. His clothing tended to hide his impressive physique, encouraging the impression that Joe was simply slim.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surfacing from the towel, Joe grinned at his father. \u201cStill find it strange that I don\u2019t have any fur?\u201d he enquired, cheekily, for both Adam and Hoss had abundant body hair, and Joe\u2019s chest was smoothly muscled and tanned to a golden hue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben admitted, for Joe had thick, curly hair on his head, and both his older brothers had a tendency to be thin on top. Joe had once suggested to his brothers that they were growing hair in the wrong place and had been lucky to escape with his life! Since then, it had become something of a family joke. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go and eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Next morning, they set off for the sheriff\u2019s office to find out if he had had any complaints. Ben knew it was unlikely that there were none, for it seemed the hotel and the livery weren\u2019t the only places where \u2018Cousin Frank\u2019 had made his presence felt. The saloon and the mercantile had had large outstanding bills, too. As they walked down the street, Joe\u2019s eye fell on the brothel and he fervently hoped there wouldn\u2019t be an outstanding bill there as well! As it was, Ben had paid out almost $100 dollars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got some complaints,\u201d the sheriff replied, in answer to Ben\u2019s question. \u201cIf you\u2019ve paid the bills off, then that\u2019s the end of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you heard of someone who does this sort of thing?\u201d Ben asked. He knew he was clutching at straws, but he was desperately trying to find a reason for this man\u2019s behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, it happens,\u201d the sheriff agreed. \u201cBut there ain\u2019t nobody I\u2019ve had a warnin\u2019 about, and none o\u2019 them tend to fit the description. They\u2019re usually older men, not young ones.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cSorry I can\u2019t help you fellas any more. But I didn\u2019t see him leave town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for your help, sheriff,\u201d Ben replied, shaking hands with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside the office, Ben paused. Joe tucked his hands down the back of his gun belt. He allowed his father some thinking time before asking, \u201cWhat now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d better ask around and see if we can find anyone who saw him leave town,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAnd I\u2019m hungry. Let\u2019s get breakfast now the caf\u00e9 is open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hungry, too,\u201d Joe agreed. His appetite could frequently rival that of his middle brother, Hoss, especially when he was working hard. \u201cBut is it wise to go somewhere else? It\u2019s the only caf\u00e9 in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben replied, in a martyred tone. \u201cBut we\u2019ve got to eat, especially as we\u2019re going to be moving on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed and they walked in silence to the caf\u00e9.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The frustration in finding that they\u2019d missed their quarry by only a few hours was beginning to show as Joe and Ben later made their separate ways back to the hotel. So far, nobody seemed to have seen \u2018Cousin Frank\u2019 leaving town, but since he had done it in the middle of the night, as far as they could figure, this wasn\u2019t really surprising.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now?\u201d Joe asked, flopping down on his bed. \u201cWhich way do you think he went?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. He sat down heavily on the edge of his bed and began to tug off his boots. Joe thought that was a good idea and copied his father, stripping off his socks and massaging his toes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if he wants to continue to use our name,\u201d Joe replied, \u201che\u2019ll have to stay around this area, won\u2019t he? If he goes further a field, he won\u2019t find so many people willing to give him credit solely on the strength of the Cartwright name.\u201d Joe ran a hand through his hair, mussing his unruly curls. \u201cI\u2019d really like to know where he got the photograph of us all from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo would I,\u201d Ben agreed, darkly. \u201cWe should\u2019ve looked to see if any of ours were missing from home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought of it until now,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cDo you think its someone we know, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s possible. It could be someone that we\u2019ve had working for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning thoughtfully, Joe replied, \u201cI don\u2019t remember any brown-eyed blonds working for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben agreed. \u201cBut I bet you would if it had been a brown-eyed blonde\u00a0girl<\/em>,\u201d he joked and they both laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr\u2026Cartwright?\u201d asked Len Davidson, offering his hand to the tall blond stranger in his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d agreed the other man, shaking hands firmly. \u201cFrank Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Davidson invited and sat behind his desk, appraising the young man in the other chair. \u201cI believe you said you\u2019re a cousin of Ben Cartwright of the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d the young man repeated, then smiled. He had a very charming smile, Davidson admitted, knowing that the young man had set out to charm him. \u201cActually, Ben is my uncle,\u201d he explained, grinning in a deprecating manner. \u201cAdam, Hoss and Joe are my cousins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Davidson replied. \u201cAnd you\u2019re here to do business on his behalf?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Uncle Ben is interested in buying stock in your mine, Mr. Davidson and since I have had a little experience with mines, he asked me to look at it for him.\u201d Frank leaned over the table, his face a lesson in earnestness. \u201cI\u2019m going to be staying on the Ponderosa, you see and Uncle Ben is trying to find something for me to supervise, so I can be like my cousins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d Davidson nodded, smiling. He already knew this young man was lying; Ben Cartwright already owned stock in the mine and Davidson had seen him in town just a week ago and he had not mentioned a nephew at all, and given the length of the friendship between them, Davidson was sure he would have done. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t see that being a problem at all if you can wait for just a few minutes. I have to go over a couple of things in the other office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no trouble at all,\u201d Frank replied, smiling charmingly again. He relaxed in his seat as Davidson left the office, but his eyes quartered the room, checking out the location of the safe and other likely valuables. He would be back to collect them that night after it was dark. Nobody would suspect him, he was quite sure of that. Why, he was a Cartwright, and everyone knew the Cartwrights were above suspicion!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, what it was to be a Cartwright! he thought expansively. He had had a high old time in Carson City and left there leaving a trail of debts that would start to dent Ben Cartwright\u2019s precious name. Satisfaction flared through the young man\u2019s heart. It had been so good to do that, and that was just the start. \u201cYou wait, Ben Cartwright,\u201d he whispered. \u201cJust you wait!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The office door opened again, and Davidson came in, smiling blandly. \u201cAll ready, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Frank replied, jumping to his feet. \u201cAnd please call me Frank. When someone says Mr. Cartwright, I look round for Uncle Ben!\u201d They laughed together, and Davidson led his visitor out to look at the mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhich way?\u201d Joe asked, standing leaning against Cochise\u2019s back. He was loath to go back home, but the trail seemed to be dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we toss a coin?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHeads we go home, tails we look that-a-way.\u201d He gestured to the west.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Joe agreed. It was the best they had to go on.<\/span><\/p>\n

The coin had been tossed, spun into the air and was diving back to the ground when there was a shout from down the street. Both Joe and Ben looked up, and saw the telegraph agent running towards them, flapping a flimsy piece of paper. \u201cMr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked, sudden fear catching his heart. Had something happened at home?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis just came for you, marked \u2018urgent\u2019,\u201d the man puffed. He handed over the telegram and Ben absently handed him a coin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it say?\u201d Joe asked, seeing the fear draining out of Ben\u2019s face, replaced with a kind of glee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRead it,\u201d Ben replied, thrusting the paper into Joe\u2019s hand. He stooped to pick up the coin he had tossed and dropped it into his pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

The telegram was from Len Davidson, sent to Ben in Virginia City and forwarded on to Carson City, marked \u2018urgent\u2019 by Sheriff Roy Coffee. It read<\/span><\/p>\n

MAN CLAIMING TO BE FRANK CARTWRIGHT STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

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

HERE AT MINE STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

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

COME AT ONCE STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

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

LEN DAVIDSON FULL STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was sent this morning,\u201d Joe breathed. \u201cLess than an hour ago!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI think we might have him. Come on, let\u2019s ride!\u201d He swung into the saddle, and Joe stuffed the telegram into his jacket pocket and mounted in one smooth, easy leap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Together, the Cartwrights galloped out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With the hope that Ben Cartwright might arrive at the mine quite soon, Len Davidson gave Frank more than just the 50-cent tour. He showed the young man all the ins and outs of the gold mine and still there was no sign of Ben. Davidson was as wily as they came and when Frank suggested that it was time he was going, Davidson didn\u2019t demur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurrying back into his office, he asked his assistant, \u201cDid you get that wire off?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d the other man replied. \u201cSheriff Coffee replied and told me he was sending for Mr. Cartwright at once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Davidson nodded. \u201cSomething\u2019s slowed him up. We\u2019ll worry about that later. Meantime, we\u2019ve got to get all the gold out of the safe and hidden away. If I\u2019m not mistaken, that young fellow is going to pay us another visit \u2013 and not in daylight!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Working quickly, the gold and paper money was removed from the safe and transferred to the other safe, which was buried deep under the office shack. It wasn\u2019t the first time Davidson had used this second safe and he didn\u2019t suppose it would be the last. Working in such a potentially dangerous job had given Davidson sound instincts and he wasn\u2019t embarrassed to follow them. He\u2019d sooner look foolish than be robbed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Perhaps another hour passed before Ben and Joe rode into the mine. Their horses were lathered and both men were covered in dust. They dismounted wearily and hitched their horses to the rail. Davidson opened the office door to greet them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTook your time, didn\u2019t ya, Ben?\u201d he asked sarcastically. \u201cIt isn\u2019t more than an hour\u2019s ride from the ranch to here usually.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t come from the ranch,\u201d Ben replied, still panting. \u201cWe were in Carson.\u201d He glanced all around. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose my \u2018nephew\u2019 is still here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Davidson replied, in a matter of fact tone and Joe\u2019s heart sank. He hadn\u2019t really expected to find Frank as easily as that, but he had hoped. \u201cBut I think he\u2019ll be back after dark. Come on in and I\u2019ll tell you all about him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The coffee that Davidson supplied them with was much appreciated, even if Joe did wonder privately if it had been on the stove for more than just that day. \u201cI was suspicious straight off,\u201d Davidson told them. \u201cNot with standing the fact that you\u2019re already a share-holder, I\u2019ve only met one Cartwright that wasn\u2019t dark haired, and that was Joe\u2019s mama. Now, I know that ain\u2019t much to go on, but I\u2019ve learned to trust my instincts. And then he told me how you were looking to give him something to supervise, just like your other boys have. He was just too smooth, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t suppose he showed you a photograph of us, did he?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Davidson replied. \u201cAnd of course, when I was talking to you last week, Ben, you hadn\u2019t mentioned a nephew at all and if you had a relative coming to stay I thought you\u2019d have said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding his agreement to Davidson\u2019s power of deduction Ben asked, \u201cWhy do you think he\u2019ll be back tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I stepped out to send that wire to you, I was pretty sure he would have a good look round the office. I watched him through the little peephole I have over there. He didn\u2019t move about any, but he sure had a good, long, look round, if you know what I mean.\u201d Davidson smiled. \u201cHe was really charming, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I gather,\u201d Ben replied, stiffly. He explained how Frank had left behind a trail of bills all over Carson City. \u201cI\u2019ve settled them all, of course,\u201d he concluded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Davidson agreed. \u201cListen, Ben, this is what I was thinking. I\u2019m pretty sure your \u2018nephew\u2019 will make his attempt to rob this place either tonight or tomorrow. I gave him the full tour and told him when the guards change and all that sort of thing. Why don\u2019t you and Joe ride off just now, then circle round and hide where you can see what\u2019s going on? I\u2019ll make sure the men are all alert. If he doesn\u2019t come tonight, then we can set this all up again for tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWhere can we go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRide along the Virginia City road for about a mile and you\u2019ll see a turn off to the left. Follow it and you\u2019ll circle right around to the back of here, where my house is. It\u2019s just over the hill there.\u201d Davidson pointed out the hill. \u201cLeave your horses there and there\u2019s plenty of cover for you to get quite close.\u201d He smiled. \u201cGet yourself something to eat while you\u2019re there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me, Len,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThank you so much for this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem to me, Ben,\u201d Davidson demurred. \u201cYou\u2019ve been a good friend to me on more than one occasion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Going outside, Joe and Ben mounted their horses again and rode in a leisurely fashion towards Virginia City. They found the turn off and followed the road. The house was exactly where Davidson had told them and they quickly put up the horses before making something simple to eat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, it was just a matter of waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Dusk was cloaking the land in soft colors as the tall, blond man made his way cautiously towards the mine. His horse was tethered a short way off, ready for a quick getaway. He grinned to himself. Being a Cartwright was a lot easier and more rewarding than he had anticipated. He had lived the life of Riley in Carson City over the last week or so and even though he had moved on, he was still finding that being a Cartwright had plenty of rewards. Take the tour of the mine that day. He had learned everything he needed to know from that fool of a manager. The gold he would get out of the safe that night would keep him in luxury for the rest of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The change over of the guards went exactly to plan, with the blond man slipping through the undergrowth as the guards had a short conversation. He grinned again, savoring his triumph for a moment before making his way to the office shack.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a lot less cover by the office and Frank decided to be bold and act as though he belonged there. It was a ploy that had worked for him in the past and it didn\u2019t let him down this time either. No one so much as glanced in his direction as he strolled to the office and spent a moment picking the lock before easing inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Or so he thought. Ben, Joe and Davidson all began to creep closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was dim inside the building, but Frank didn\u2019t bother with a light. He went straight over to the safe and began to turn the tumblers, ear pressed to the safe. But the tumblers didn\u2019t make any distinct clicking noises, and Frank decided that a more direct approach was called for. All right, it would attract attention, but in the confusion, he would be able to grab the gold and get clean away. He had done that before, too. He pulled a couple of sticks of dynamite from under his shirt. Quickly, he set to work, and lit the fuse, backing out of the inner office, watching to make sure the fuse would stay lit. Satisfied, he turned around \u2013 and ran straight into Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, he recognized his erstwhile cousin immediately. Not only was he carrying the photograph of the Cartwrights around with him, but he had spent time on the Ponderosa the previous year, helping out when there had been a flood.\u00a0 He swung a punch at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since he had known that Frank was in the building, Joe wasn\u2019t surprised to find him there and he was prepared to block the punch. But Frank knew something that Joe didn\u2019t and he wasn\u2019t going to hang around the office fighting with Joe when there was dynamite about to go off a few feet away! Desperation leant him extra strength and he punched Joe hard on the side of the head, following up with a dirty trip. Joe clattered to the floor, dazed, crashing into the desk on the way down and winding himself. Frank raced outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Determined not to let Frank get away, Joe dragged himself to his feet, shaking his head to clear it. He was still gasping for breath as he staggered outside and paused for a second to get his bearings. Frank was running across the open ground towards the mine. Ben and Davidson were after him and it looked as though Frank was going to be caught.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe ran after Frank, there was a large explosion. A blast of hot air hit Joe and lifted him clean off his feet. The last thing he remembered was flying through the air before he hit the ground hard and everything went black.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The blast caught everyone by surprise as bits of debris rained down on them from above. Whirling, Ben stared in horror at the body of his youngest son lying sprawled on the ground. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried, barely aware of the fire that was now consuming the office. He hurried towards his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Falling on his knees, Ben anxiously looked at Joe, who was unconscious. There was a large graze down one cheek, his palms were skinned and the knees of Joe\u2019s pants had gone, the flesh there grazed and covered in dirt. Ben couldn\u2019t tell if there were broken bones or not. \u201cJoe?\u201d he asked, smoothing the hair back from his son\u2019s head. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d Joe groaned as he regained consciousness. He could hear his father\u2019s voice, but for the moment, his head seemed to be ringing loudly. He struggled to open his eyes. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cLie still, Joe, until we make sure you\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe assured his father, moving to try and find a comfortable position. He rapidly discovered that there wasn\u2019t one to be had. Every bit of him hurt, although Joe decided that it was mostly bruising, as he managed to sit up with Ben\u2019s help. \u201cWhere\u2019s Frank?\u201d he asked, looking around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the confusion, he got clean away,\u201d Davidson replied. \u201cWe all ducked when the office shack went up, but he was expecting it, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Between them, Ben and Davidson helped Joe to his feet and he limped back to Davidson\u2019s house, where Ben treated the myriad grazes and cuts that Joe bore. They all knew that Frank wouldn\u2019t be back again that night, and so they didn\u2019t go back out to stand watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ve seen Frank somewhere before,\u201d Joe mused, as he lay on the couch in front of the fire. His grazed knees and hands stung like mad, thanks to the thorough cleaning Ben had given them and the skin felt tight. He knew that, come morning, his knees would be incredibly stiff. Why hadn\u2019t it seemed as bad when he had grazed his knees as a child, he wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get a good look at him?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Joe replied, thoughtfully, thinking back to his brief encounter with the man. \u201cBut he seemed familiar, somehow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike a long lost relative?\u201d Davidson cracked and the other two smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cBut then, I\u2019ve never met a long lost relative, have I, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I know of, son,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThe only lost relative we have is your cousin Will, my brother John\u2019s son. I haven\u2019t seen him since he was about five years old. When John died, Will just vanished.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Made drowsy by the heat of the fire, Joe drifted away into a place where his mind wasn\u2019t really following the conversation, but he wasn\u2019t actually asleep. Ben was telling Davidson about his brother\u2019s death and the search Ben had embarked on to try and find his nephew. And as often was the case, when the mind was thinking of something else, the elusive answer came to the surface. Suddenly, Joe knew where he had seen Frank before.<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know if he\u2019d made a noise of some kind or not, but as Joe sat up straighter, he realized that both Ben and Davidson were looking at him. \u201cI know who he is!\u201d Joe declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLast year, after the flood, lots of the neighbors came round to help us remove the debris from the river,\u201d Joe began. He could picture the scene in his mind quite clearly. The Truckee River had been completely blocked, creating a huge new lake on some of the best grazing on the Ponderosa. The river below the blockage was still big, but not as big as it had been and many people were struggling to carry on with their businesses and their lives. It was going to benefit everyone to help remove the blockage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was there?\u201d Ben asked. He, too, remembered the flood and the hoards of people who had turned out to help. \u201cHow do you know? There were so many people there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cBut remember when the rope snapped and there were a crowd of us thrown into the water?\u201d Joe spoke quite calmly, but it had been a nasty incident and a couple of men had almost drowned in the muddy, murky water, Joe being one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow could I forget?\u201d Ben murmured, his eyes shadowed with the memories. Joe had been the first person to fall into the water, and a number of men had fallen on top of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sent Clem and me back to the house to recover and dry out,\u201d Joe reminded Ben, even though his father didn\u2019t need reminded. \u201cAnd a couple of guys were sent with us to make sure we got back okay.\u201d Ben nodded. Clem Foster was the deputy sheriff and he had inhaled a lot of water that day. The way Joe was talking, it was easy to picture he and Clem riding back to the ranch, joking about their dip in the water. It hadn\u2019t been that way at all. They had both been taken back by wagon and the doctor had come out to attend to them. Ben shuddered at the memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d he encouraged, anxious to get past those memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember one of the men who carried me to my room, Pa. It was Frank. I had forgotten until now, but I remember opening my eyes and seeing him there, wondering who he was. But I was too far gone to care, really. I don\u2019t remember seeing him again after that, but by the time I was aware of what was going on, you were home again.\u201d Joe looked somberly at Ben. \u201cHe could easily have taken a photograph then, Pa. We had had a batch of them made up, remember? You wanted to send them to various relatives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we thought there was something about the number that had been sent to us,\u201d Ben remembered, his eyes widening as he recalled the maddening hunt for the elusive photograph. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re right, Joe. But why wait until now to use it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps he\u2019s lost his job?\u201d Joe suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d Ben allowed. \u201cBut why us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps it\u2019s taken this fellow that long to pluck up the courage to do it,\u201d suggested Davidson. He glanced from face to face. \u201cOr else if he has just lost his job, it\u2019s only just occurred to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe replied, philosophically, \u201cWe aren\u2019t going to know for sure until we catch him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how are we going to do that?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHe got thoroughly scared off tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRumor,\u201d Davidson replied, cryptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRumor?\u201d Joe echoed, sounding confused. \u201cHow is that going to help?\u201d He glanced at Ben, who shrugged, equally confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning, Davidson replied, \u201cIt\u2019s easy. I just get the guys to start a rumor that we salvaged the gold from the remains of the safe and since we\u2019re sure that nobody will try anything like that again, we\u2019ve got it stored in the supply shack. It\u2019s so flimsy a good wind could knock it over. Then we keep watch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSneaky,\u201d Joe murmured admiringly. \u201cI really like the way you think, Len.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d Davidson grinned. \u201cDoes sound rather like something you\u2019d come up with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does everyone think this about me?\u201d Joe wondered aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps because it\u2019s true,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cCome on, son, I\u2019ll give you a hand getting to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage, thanks, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, getting stiffly to his feet. \u201cBut I am sleepy,\u201d he admitted. \u201cSee you both tomorrow.\u201d He limped his way upstairs, stripped off his clothes and slid between the cool, inviting sheets. He was asleep in moments.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The little roadside tavern was as good a place to hide as any, Frank thought as he sipped a cold beer. He was furious that his plan had been foiled, thanks to Joe Cartwright. He wasn\u2019t sure quite what to do next. He knew there was enough gold in that safe to make him a rich man for the rest of his life and he deeply resented Joe\u2019s interference.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, Frank had deeply resented Joe for over a year. He had been working at the small Bar H ranch, about 15 or 20 miles downstream from the Ponderosa when the flood had occurred and he had been one of the men sent to help with the clearing up. The accident that almost claimed Joe and Clem had shown Frank just what kind of life he could have if he had the money. The opportunity to look around the Ponderosa ranch house had been a stepping-stone towards his plan. If he pretended to be a Cartwright, he could leave behind a load of bills without worrying about them. It wasn\u2019t fair that the Cartwrights had so much and Frank resented having to help Joe when he nearly drowned.\u00a0Spoiled little rich boy playing<\/em>\u00a0at being a man<\/em>, Frank thought, scornfully. He hadn\u2019t seen Joe working harder than most of the men and putting himself in the most dangerous positions simply because he couldn\u2019t bring himself to ask another man to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing the pile of photographs, Frank had pocketed one, jealous because that was something else he couldn\u2019t really afford and he had no pictures of his parents to remember them by. And as the months went past, and the stories of Joe\u2019s bravery at the flood were still being told to pass the long winter nights, Frank\u2019s resentment grew. He began to plot how he could pretend to be a Cartwright. Through gossip, he knew quite a bit about the family and when the Bar H got into financial trouble and the hands were sacked, he decided to put his knowledge to good use.<\/span><\/p>\n

A voice at the next table caught his attention. \u201cSure, the boss says nobody\u2019ll try to rob the mine again after last night. He\u2019s put the gold into the supply shack until they can get a new safe and rebuild the office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that askin\u2019 fer trouble?\u201d asked the barman curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoss says not, and he ought to know,\u201d replied the other, who was dressed like a miner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you fellas try an\u2019 steal it?\u201d joked the barman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughing, the miner replied, \u201cWe\u2019d be the first people they\u2019d look at! Besides, we get good wages and there\u2019s a lot of ore still in that mine. We\u2019re hardly having to dig for it at all \u2013 we can pick it up with our hands.\u201d He winked broadly at the barman. \u201cThe odd little nugget goes home with us, know what I mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d smiled the barman, winking back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling into his beer, Frank knew exactly how he was going to the gold this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The day passed quietly for Ben and Joe. Joe had been allowed to sleep late that morning and he had been horribly stiff in the knees to begin with. However, after a warm bath, his muscles loosened up and by mid-afternoon, only an ache remained. Shortly before dusk, they made their way back to the mine and took up the positions that Davidson had told them to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting waiting had never been one of Joe\u2019s favorite occupations. He could sit for hours engrossed in a book, but he seldom sat very still. Even reading, he changed position regularly, tucking up one foot or the other, or putting his feet on the table, to Ben\u2019s annoyance. Stillness had never been one of Joe\u2019s natural qualities. Sighing softly, he resigned himself to sitting as still as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other side of the supply shack, nearer the burned ruins of the office, Ben worried about what might happen. Would Frank take the bait and come? Or had he decided to cut his losses and leave? Would they ever catch up to him? Peering through the undergrowth, Ben tried to catch a glimpse of Joe, but failed. All they could do now was wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Light rain set in with the darkness and Joe turned up his jacket collar, hunching his shoulders against the cold. He wondered how long they would stay there, waiting for someone who might not turn up at all. He was already bored and stiff, his slender store of patience wearing thin. He felt like he had been sitting there for days, not just a couple of hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Something moving in the corner of his eye brought Joe to full alertness. He peered into the uncertain light, wondering if he had seen a rabbit or a bird. Right now, he couldn\u2019t see anything and he blinked hard. Seconds later, he was rewarded by another furtive moment, and this time he could see that it was a man in dark clothes, almost invisible against the darkness. Joe\u2019s breathing quickened. Their quarry had come!<\/span><\/p>\n

If it had been difficult for Joe to sit still before, it was almost impossible now. He itched to get into action and Adam\u2019s words floated back to him;\u00a0\u201chit first and ask questions after?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Joe grinned tightly. That seemed all right to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

But still he waited, anxious for the pre-arranged signal that would put them all into action. Nearer and nearer came the figure and Joe\u2019s breath shortened in anticipation. But still there was no signal. Joe began to wonder if nobody else had seen the intruder.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the figure was no more than a few feet from the shack, there was a sudden sharp burst of coughing from one of the men in concealment. At once, the figure turned to flee, and Joe realized that he couldn\u2019t afford to wait for the signal any longer. He was probably the closet person and he dived from his hiding place to confront the fleeing figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was definitely Frank, Joe noted as he crashed into the man and bore him to the ground. He caught Frank by surprise, but the advantage didn\u2019t last long. Frank was taller than Joe and determined that he wasn\u2019t going to be caught. The scuffle started to turn nasty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Frank threw a punch that got through Joe\u2019s defenses, striking him hard on the side of his head near his eye. Joe lost his grip and fell off Frank, who scrambled to his feet and began to run. Joe shook his head and pushed himself up, racing after Frank. His blood was thoroughly up and he wasn\u2019t going to let him get away again!<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving his feet, Joe dived at Frank\u2019s legs, bringing them both crashing to the rocky ground. Frank kicked desperately to get rid of Joe, but Joe managed to avoid the worst of the kicks and they were soon slugging it out again.<\/span><\/p>\n

From below them, they could hear the sounds of people running, and Frank realized that Joe wasn\u2019t alone. He had known that, subconsciously, but hadn\u2019t allowed himself to think about it. Now, he figured that perhaps his only way out was to take a hostage with him, and Joe was his only chance. Galvanized, Frank scrabbled frantically with one hand and found a large rock. In one smooth movement, he crashed it off Joe\u2019s head and Joe went limp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scrambling to his feet, Frank bent and grabbed Joe\u2019s jacket, hauling the other man to his feet, snagging his gun and putting it to Joe\u2019s head. Joe was semi-conscious, having partially avoided the blow. He struggled, but Frank had one arm twisted up behind his back and a cocked gun at his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t come any closer!\u201d Frank shouted at Davidson, Ben and the others who were converging on them. \u201cCome any nearer and I\u2019ll kill him!\u201d He jerked Joe\u2019s arm up higher to make his point. Joe groaned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skidding to a halt, Ben froze, gazing in horror at his son. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although his only thought had been escape up until that point, Frank suddenly realized he had a great bargaining tool. \u201cI want the gold, and I want to get out of here,\u201d he replied. \u201cGet the gold, and when I\u2019m away from here, I\u2019ll let Joe go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want to do, Ben?\u201d Davidson asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet him the gold,\u201d Ben replied. His gaze was still fixed on Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following Ben\u2019s gaze, Davidson nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he called. \u201cI\u2019ll get the gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop your guns first,\u201d Frank ordered. \u201cAnd don\u2019t try anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They did as they were told. Reluctantly, Davidson turned away, heading to get the gold. Suddenly, he realized that one of his best men was nowhere to be seen. A tendril of hope crept into his heart. He glanced from side to side as he picked his way carefully down the rocky slope and spotted his missing man just before he went inside the supply hut. He hoped that Ben was concentrating on Joe, for the look on Ben\u2019s face would likely have given away the fact that Davidson was not going to hand over any gold. He lifted the saddlebags full of rocks that had been planted in the shack and went back out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nothing had changed. Joe still stood rigid in Frank\u2019s grip. Davidson made his way back up the slope, carefully not glancing to left or right. He didn\u2019t want to give away his man\u2019s position. Glancing briefly at Ben, Davidson stopped, holding out the bags. \u201cHere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he had expected, this created a dilemma for Frank. He didn\u2019t want Davidson to throw the bags at him, but he certainly didn\u2019t want Davidson to come any nearer. After a pause, Frank ordered, \u201cThrow them carefully to the ground, over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Davidson did as he was told. The bags didn\u2019t land that close to Frank, who was forced to move Joe forward a few steps. \u201cNow, nice and easy,\u201d Frank told Joe. \u201cYou lean down and get those bags. I\u2019ll still have the gun aimed at you and I\u2019m not letting go of you. Don\u2019t try anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Gritting his teeth, Joe did as he was asked. Slowly, because he was still dizzy from the blow to the head, he bent down, feeling the pull on the back of his shoulder from the grip Frank had on his arm. He closed his hand around the bags and there was a shot from the darkness. His arm was hauled backwards and up in a direction nature had never intended and there was a horrific\u00a0crack<\/em>\u00a0and pain consumed Joe\u2019s arm and shoulder with such intensity that the world went dark around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The shot startled everyone, and they watched as Frank arched backwards, a red flower blossoming on his chest as he arched backwards before toppling to the ground. Joe let out an animal sound of pain before crashing to the ground. The crack as his arm broke and his shoulder popped out of its socket was audible to all the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried and raced to his fallen son as Davidson scooped up his gun and raced to cover Frank.<\/span><\/p>\n

He saw at once that he didn\u2019t have to worry about the younger man. Frank was not long for this world. \u201cBen?\u201d he called. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s got long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Covering Joe with his coat, Ben turned to look at his \u2018nephew\u2019. \u201cWhy?\u201d he demanded bitterly. \u201cWhy did you pretend to be a Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2026not?\u201d panted the other. \u201cIt\u2026 got\u2026 me\u2026what\u2026 I\u2026 wanted. And\u2026 your\u2026 reputation\u2026 isn\u2019t\u2026 so\u2026 good\u2026 now\u2026 is\u2026 it?\u201d He laughed, but it ended in a cough and bright blood splattered his lips. His breathing grew even more labored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo damage has been done to my reputation,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cNo one has suffered because of you. Someone told us about you, precisely to stop our reputation being damaged. A good name isn\u2019t really that easy to sully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 hate\u2026 you,\u201d Frank wheezed. His eyes dipped shut and after a moment, the labored breathing stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone,\u201d Davidson announced, unnecessarily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silently, Ben turned his attention back to Joe. He knew that Joe\u2019s arm was broken and that his son would need to see a doctor as soon as possible. \u201cLen, can we borrow a buckboard?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it hitched right away,\u201d Davidson agreed and sent men off to do that and get the Cartwright\u2019s horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meantime, Ben gently moved Joe\u2019s arm from the awkward position up his back. The pain brought Joe screaming back to consciousness and he began to struggle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, easy,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cIt\u2019s all over, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The familiar voice penetrated the fog of pain and Joe drew in a deep breath. It hurt, but he felt a bit calmer. He opened his eyes and saw Ben leaning over him. \u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who\u2019s in trouble again, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling faintly, Joe closed his eyes to better bear the pain. \u201cFrank?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrank\u2019s dead, Joe,\u201d Ben replied. He told Joe what had happened, smiling at the sharp shooter who had saved his son\u2019s life. Joe grunted to indicate he understood, but he didn\u2019t air his opinion about what had happened. He needed to concentrate on not letting the pain take over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before long, the buckboard was brought over and Joe was gently lifted into it. The movement caused rivers of agony to pour outwards from his shoulder and Joe drifted in a mindless delirium for most of the journey into Virginia City. He was aware of Ben\u2019s constant murmurings of comfort and he clutched his father\u2019s hand to show he was listening, but speech was beyond him.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the wagon eventually jolted to a halt outside the doctor\u2019s office in town, it was the blessed absence of movement that tipped Joe over the edge into unconsciousness. He let his body relax and the pain took over, consuming his mind and he welcomed the darkness. He was therefore unaware of being transferred to the surgery, but he opened his eyes again a short time later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do it, Joe?\u201d Doc Martin asked, in a friendly tone when he saw his patient opening his eyes. \u201cThis is going to sting,\u201d he added as he wiped Joe\u2019s face with an antiseptic solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d Joe whimpered pitifully, as the stinging on the side of his face increased.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning at Ben, Paul scolded, \u201cStop being such softie.\u201d He was pleased to see Joe\u2019s eyes were quite clear and Joe seemed to be aware of his surroundings. Certainly, the scornful grunt Joe gave in reply seemed to indicate that he wasn\u2019t badly injured apart from his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Normally, Paul Martin preferred to set a dislocated shoulder while the patient was conscious, since any anesthetic was dangerous. However, since Joe\u2019s arm was also broken, he had no choice but to anaesthetize Joe. But first, he checked him out, asking questions and shining a light into Joe\u2019s eyes. Satisfied that there was no concussion, he sat back. \u201cAll right, Joe, now comes your favorite part. Please don\u2019t fight this off, huh?\u201d He produced the chloroform.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost at once, Joe started to try to back away. He knew how sick he would feel when he woke up, and despite what Paul had said, he resisted with all his might and main. But eventually, Joe had to breathe in the fumes and he was soon asleep. Ben looked both nauseated and relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soon, Paul had set Joe\u2019s arm and reduced the dislocation. He splinted Joe\u2019s arm and wrapped it in layers of bandages before securing it tightly across his chest. Satisfied with his handiwork, Paul leant back with a sigh. \u201cHis arm should heal with no complications, Ben,\u201d he told his friend. \u201cUntil Joe\u2019s awake, I won\u2019t know for sure that his shoulder is correctly in place. It\u2019s always more difficult to be sure when its been out of the socket for quite a while. However,\u201d he added, seeing the look on Ben\u2019s face, \u201cI don\u2019t anticipate problems and I\u2019m not criticizing your decision. You did the right thing in bringing him here.\u201d He patted Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cCoffee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben replied. He sat down beside Joe and took his son\u2019s uninjured hand. He knew he would be giving Joe quite a bit of help in the coming weeks, as it was Joe\u2019s left arm that had been broken and his son was fiercely left-handed. \u201cWhen can I take him home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the morning,\u201d Paul replied, handing Ben a cup of steaming coffee. \u201cWhen you\u2019ve both had a little sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It never ceased to amaze Ben how fast news traveled in the country. Adam and Hoss arrived at the doctor\u2019s office the next morning. However, just for once, it wasn\u2019t the power of gossip that had sped their footsteps, but word from Len Davidson, who had sent them a message. Adam and Hoss had brought the Ponderosa buckboard and sent the mine buckboard back with a ranch hand. They plied Ben and Joe with questions as Joe was assisted into the buckboard, where he leant wearily against Ben on the journey home.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was difficult to talk over the jolting of the buckboard, especially when Adam was on horseback, so the older two sons had to wait until they were home before they heard the story. Joe was settled on the settee in front of the fire, with Hop Sing clucking attendance around him and between them, Ben and Joe told the story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDavidson\u2019s a good man,\u201d Adam said, after the story was finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI jist cain\u2019t figger that Frank fellar,\u201d Hoss murmured. \u201cWhat good would it a done him ta ruin our reputation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cI really don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was jealous,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cAnd jealousy often wants to destroy what it really covets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s profound,\u201d Adam admired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you agree?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI completely agree,\u201d Adam told him, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn historic day,\u201d Ben commented, smiling, too. \u201cJoe and Adam are agreeing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect we both agree on something else, too, Pa,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI think we both agree that we appreciate what it is to be a Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure do,\u201d Joe nodded and Hoss chimed in his agreement, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben knew that for him and his sons, there was nothing better than to be a Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Someone claiming to be Ben’s nephew is running up big bills. But just who is he?<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (9,055 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":11263,"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":[23,32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2479","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-mystery","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-32-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\/normal_Leprechauns3.jpg?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2479","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2479"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2479\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}