{"id":2524,"date":"2008-10-23T23:16:44","date_gmt":"2008-10-24T03:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2524"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:13:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:13:41","slug":"sacrificial-lamb-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2524","title":{"rendered":"Sacrificial Lamb – Part 2 (by Kenda)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Although Ben Cartwright knew his brother Daniel was not easy to get along with, the passing years had brought with them a nostalgic longing to reconnect with the family he\u2019d left behind in Ohio. When word reaches Ben that Daniel has recently suffered difficult heartaches, he invites the man to spend the summer on the Ponderosa, never imagining the trouble Daniel\u2019s presence would bring. In addition to Daniel\u2019s visit that soon has Ben recalling why he\u2019d never been close to his eldest sibling, is trouble from a neighbor bent on revenge. A summer Ben had been looking forward to, quickly changes to one that contains nothing but challenges, disagreements, and worries for his youngest son\u2019s safety. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T (53,675 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sacrificial Lamb Series:<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n

Part 1<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Part 2<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Sacrificial Lamb<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Chapter 37<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth knelt in front of her brother\u2019s gravestone.<\/strong> Her skirts formed a billowing cushion for her knees, though Ruth barely took note of the comfort. She found herself coming to visit Danny more and more often in recent days, arriving at the cemetery after the store closed and staying until the sun began to set.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked down at the playbill she\u2019d brought with her, running two fingers over the grainy, irregular splotches that stained the delicate paper rusty red. Splotches that could only be blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This wasn\u2019t Ruth\u2019s playbill. The one that belonged to her was still in her wardrobe, hidden beneath her undergarments. She\u2019d found this playbill in her father\u2019s wardrobe. It must have been Danny\u2019s. She\u2019d warned him. She\u2019d warned Danny that night after the play that he had to hide the playbill some place Papa would never look. Some place Papa would never find it. Of course, Danny promised he would, but knowing Danny, he was careless about secreting it. Or maybe Papa had grown suspicious of Danny\u2019s activities and searched his room. Or maybe someone from Reedsville had seen Danny perform in the play and mentioned it to Papa. Ruth hadn\u2019t seen anyone familiar in the audience that night, but that didn\u2019t necessarily mean there wasn\u2019t someone there who knew Papa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth dabbed at her wet eyes with a lace hanky. Kneeling in the grass and crying did her no good, but it was something she also found herself doing more and more often. Her own suspicions, the ones she\u2019d harbored ever since Danny\u2019s death, had borne fruit with the finding of her father\u2019s journal, then a few days later, this playbill, followed by the discovery of a leather strap stiff with dried blood that was hidden behind a shovel and axe in her father\u2019s tool shed. The Lord knew, however, this wasn\u2019t what she wanted. It\u2019s what she\u2019d long suspected, but she\u2019d never truly wanted to find evidence to substantiate those suspicions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman took a deep, ragged breath. Her eyes traveled from her brother\u2019s stone to her mother\u2019s where her gaze lingered a long moment before returning to the spot marking Danny\u2019s final resting place. Even with the evidence she\u2019d collected, her chances of seeing justice carried out were slim. First of all, her sisters would never support any claims Ruth made against their father. And second of all, her father was male and the head of the household. Therefore it was unlikely any jury, comprised of men of course, would find him guilty of wrongdoing. After all, by Ohio state law, a father had the right to punish his son in any way he saw fit. If that punishment resulted in a terrible and unforeseeable accident, as Papa would vow was the case, then he\u2019d be found innocent. Given Papa\u2019s position in the community and his advanced years \u2013 well, Ruth knew justice for Danny would not prevail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of all she\u2019d uncovered and yet was helpless to do anything about, Ruth had decided she could no longer live under her father\u2019s roof. She wouldn\u2019t be here when he returned from Nevada. She didn\u2019t know where she was going \u2013 maybe as far away as New York City, like Danny had wanted her to. What she knew for certain was she had money saved from the weekly wage her father paid her, and on the day he arrived home in the fall she\u2019d be gone to some place where he\u2019d never find her. She had skills ranging from sewing, to cooking, to keeping house, to her many years working in her father\u2019s store. Surely she\u2019d find employment of some sort in a large city that would allow her to support herself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman looked at the playbill again. Tears started once more as she apologized softly, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Danny. I\u2019m so sorry. He\u2019s. . .he\u2019s a sick man. You used to tell me he wasn\u2019t right in the head, and what did I do but admonish you for speaking ill of your father. Well, now I know the truth. I\u2019m only sorry I found out after it was too late to help you. I know it doesn\u2019t seem like much \u2013 me leaving Papa\u2019s house. I know it\u2019s not nearly enough to bring justice for your death. But it\u2019s the one thing I can do to honor your memory. I\u2019ll. . .I\u2019ll go to New York City like you wanted me to. I\u2019ll leave this place \u2013 leave Papa\u2019s home, and never return. I only wish I\u2019d left when you wanted me to.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth rested a wet cheek against the cold smoothness of Danny\u2019s gravestone. She put one arm around the marker as though her brother could somehow feel the warmth of her hug. With her other hand, she clutched the playbill to her chest, wrinkling the delicate paper with the force of her grip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Danny, forgive me for not having the courage to leave with you when you wanted me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 38<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to the box-supper revival the Baptists were holding in Virginia City, Daniel left before the evening meal with a picnic basket Hop Sing packed for him. On any other day, Ben would have gone with his brother in an effort to be a good host. But at the moment, he wasn\u2019t feeling overly charitable toward Daniel. In addition, Daniel\u2019s absence gave him the opportunity to speak to Adam and Hoss alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe never came in for lunch, and had barely filled his plate before he lost his appetite for supper. As a platter of roast chicken was passed around the table, Adam asked, \u201cSo, how\u2019d things go with Jim and his boys today?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss paused in the act of pouring gravy on his mountain of mashed potatoes. \u201cYeah, Pa. Little Joe. How\u2019d things go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Ben could shake his head at his older sons to indicate now wasn\u2019t the time for that topic, Little Joe\u2019s utensils clattered against his plate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow things went is Pa hopes you two are up to the job of babysitting for me until I\u2019m eighty years old, or until Paul and Charlie are dead, whichever comes first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss did exactly what Ben didn\u2019t want them to \u2013 made light of Joe\u2019s upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now, that will be rather cumbersome, but sure. I suppose Hoss and I can be your babysitters. It\u2019s not like we haven\u2019t had plenty of practice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a downright awful chore to me, but ain\u2019t no skin off my nose \u2018long as Pa pays me a fair wage for the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm\u2026\u201d Adam pondered, while gazing at the ceiling. \u201cNow just what would constitute a \u2018fair wage\u2019 when it comes to keeping an eye on this rascally little brother of ours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood point, Adam. We best negotiate that with Pa \u2018fore we take on the task of babysittin\u2019 short shanks. No tellin\u2019 what kinda trouble he\u2019ll get into the minute we turn our backs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, come on now, that\u2019s–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cThere\u2019s no telling. You know, Pa, come to think of it, I\u2019m not sure you can afford us. After all, babysitting for Little Joe is a rather big task. Why, you\u2019d need three or four more sons in order for the job to be done properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, that\u2019s enou–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cLeast three or four. Maybe even five. Little Joe can be a trial when he puts his mind to it and–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shot to his feet, threw his napkin on his plate, and headed for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, where are you going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOutside!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOutside where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe kept his back to his father and brothers, his stance stiff and angry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust outside, Pa. To\u2026to…I\u2019ll go to the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFinish your supper first. You haven\u2019t eaten since breakfast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll eat with the men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll just be in the bunkhouse. No farther than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reluctantly gave his permission. \u201cAll right then. Go on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the door opened and closed, he addressed his oldest sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for that comedy act. Neither your brother nor I find it nearly as funny as you two do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, we was just funnin\u2019 with him. We didn\u2019t mean nothin\u2019 by it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, it\u2019s not like Joe can\u2019t usually give as good as he gets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, on this subject he can\u2019t, and you two should have known that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo. . .uh, I take it things didn\u2019t go well at Jim\u2019s today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam, things didn\u2019t go well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the three men ate, Ben told Adam and Hoss what transpired at the Dunn home, and the subsequent decision he\u2019d made regarding Joe\u2019s limited travels without a family member.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good job for Uncle Dan\u2019l iffin\u2019 you ask me,\u201d Hoss joked. \u201cKeepin\u2019 track of Little Joe, that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019d wager a week\u2019s pay that he thinks he can do a better job of it than Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh nothing,\u201d Adam dismissed. \u201cJust some nonsense Uncle Daniel mentioned to me today about Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat nonsense?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething about Satan residing within him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss raised an eyebrow. \u201cSatan? Well now that\u2019s the most dadburn fool thing I\u2019ve ever heard anyone say \u2018bout Little Joe.\u201d Hoss looked at his father. \u201cForgive me for sayin\u2019 so, Pa, bein\u2019 Uncle Dan\u2019l is your brother an\u2019 all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to ask my forgiveness, son. Daniel\u2019s said as much to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would he say somethin\u2019 like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he\u2019s a harsh judge of character, for one thing. And for another, he\u2019s intent on constantly comparing Little Joe to Danny, and to our pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your father, or Danny for that matter, have to do with Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good question, Adam. Nothing, as far as I\u2019m concerned. Or at least not anything to be ashamed of. The worst that can be said about my pa and your brother is that Little Joe inherited his Grandfather Cartwright\u2019s laugh, his curly hair, and his enjoyment of good-natured high jinks. And as far as Danny goes \u2013 I have no idea why Daniel makes comparisons between him and Little Joe.\u201d Ben pushed his plate aside. \u201cNever mind your uncle. September isn\u2019t that far off. He\u2019ll be going home soon. In the meantime, it\u2019s up to the three of us to keep Little Joe safe until this thing with the Dunns runs its course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think it might be time to get Roy Coffee involved as well?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as I wanted to avoid that, yes, I think it\u2019s past time. I\u2019ll ride into town tomorrow and talk to him. At this point, I doubt there\u2019s much he can do since it\u2019s Little Joe\u2019s word against Paul\u2019s and Charlie\u2019s. But if nothing else, I can sign a complaint so Roy has my statement on record should something. . .well, should something happen in the future.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry none, Pa. Nothin\u2019s gonna happen. Me and Adam\u2019ll keep a close watch on Little Joe until them Dunn boys get tired a\u2019 seein\u2019 us around and give up playin\u2019 their games.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d Adam assured, \u201cThere\u2019s no need to worry. We\u2019ll keep Joe safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust make sure you keep yourselves safe while you\u2019re at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will. And that goes for you, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll do the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men ate dessert; then retreated to the great room. Daniel joined them later that evening after returning from the revival. He immediately inquired of Ben as to Little Joe\u2019s whereabouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in the bunkhouse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGambling, I suppose. His time would have been better spent at the revival with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think his time was best spent right here,\u201d Ben said in return. \u201cAnd as for what he\u2019s doing in the bunkhouse, he\u2019s with men he likes and respects. That\u2019s all any of us needs to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019d all gone to bed by the time Little Joe came in. Ben heard him come up the stairs, his footsteps a tad unsteady. He wondered if that unsteadiness simply indicated Joe was tired and should have turned in hours ago, or was a result of the whiskey bottle that had no doubt been passed around the bunkhouse after supper. The drinking aside, he also figured Joe had probably lost a week\u2019s worth of wages playing poker with the men, but unlike Daniel, Little Joe\u2019s gambling habits were the least of his concerns right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing his youngest son was safely in the house allowed the father to finally drift toward sleep. Unfortunately for Ben, he didn\u2019t realize that the danger to Joe wasn\u2019t outside his four walls, but rather, within them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 39<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nan stood in the dining room, soft white cloth scrunched between her fingers, polishing the Sunday silver. It was a chore she did one Saturday each month for Mrs. Dunn. It was boring, and tedious, and on a hot summer morning like this one, when not so much as a wisp of air was fluttering the curtains away from the big windows, sweat trickled down the back of her neck and plastered her bangs to her forehead. She glanced through the delicate lace of the curtains, checking on her young charges. The little girls were playing jacks in the ranch yard, while the little boys played \u201cstallion\u201d with a length of twine Timmy had fashioned into a lasso. Henry ran in circles throwing his head back and snorting like an angry horse, while Gerald tried to rope him. Fortunately for Henry, Gerald wasn\u2019t especially skilled at this game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Any notion Nan might have once held about having her very own set of Sunday silver someday in the future had long ago been disregarded as foolish. After all, why would any woman want to spend part of an already busy day polishing silver? Just plain old every day flatware would be good enough for her when the time came that she was married and keeping house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, if she married Little Joe, maybe he\u2019d want a Sunday silverware set. She supposed the Cartwrights were used to fancy things same as the Dunns were, though she didn\u2019t know for certain as she\u2019d never been to the Ponderosa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, now, Nanette April Henning, you just best chase any thoughts of marrying Little Joe Cartwright out of your head, silly girl. Despite the way you two were making eyes at each other yesterday, he\u2019s still the son of a wealthy rancher, and you\u2019re still just the daughter of miner who can no longer make a living for his family.<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was funny the way Nan heard her mother\u2019s voice in her head at times like this. Practical and sage, that was Mama for you. Her advice had always been both wise and sound in Nan\u2019s experience, and as she\u2019d gotten older, she found she could clearly hear that advice even when Mama wasn\u2019t anywhere around. Like right now, for instance. If Mama were here she\u2019d say one Saturday night dance did not a marriage make. Besides, as far as Nan knew, Little Joe hadn\u2019t gone to her father yet to ask if he could court her, and until he did so, she refused to be just another girl who\u2019d been a passing fancy of his, like so many other girls before her.<\/span><\/p>\n

But still, that didn\u2019t mean they couldn\u2019t continue their friendship. Although maybe having a friendship with Little Joe wasn\u2019t right, considering he was a boy and she was a girl. Nan\u2019s experience with friends thus far had always been friends of the female sex, like her best friend since she was six-years-old, Ellie Newport. Nan wasn\u2019t sure what the Reverend Grady would say about a girl calling a boy her \u201cfriend\u201d if the relationship didn\u2019t extend to courting. Maybe she would have to ask him after Sunday service tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of the reverend\u2019s opinion, Nan knew when you shared a friendship with someone you didn\u2019t want anything bad to happen to your friend. And she also figured that if you knew something bad was going to happen to your friend and you could prevent it by telling her \u2013 or him, in this case \u2013 then you were wrong not to make every effort to do so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem with working for the Dunns was exactly what Nan had told Little Joe some weeks back in that alley \u2013 she heard things at times that she wasn\u2019t supposed to. After Mr. Cartwright and Little Joe left yesterday, Mr. Dunn, Paul and Charlie sat at the table until the younger children came in for lunch, plotting, planning, and scheming. They must have forgotten Nan was in the kitchen and could hear every word they said. Or maybe they just didn\u2019t care, assuming that her loyalty to them extended far beyond any loyalty she\u2019d feel for the Cartwrights. Maybe if she hadn\u2019t gotten to know Little Joe better this summer, that would be a correct assumption. Though Nan wanted to believe that wasn\u2019t so. After all, to inflict cruelty on someone for nothing other than revenge over the loss of some timber contracts was just plain wrong. Mr. Dunn was a wealthy man. Not having a timber contract with the railroad this year wasn\u2019t going to change that fact, or cause his children to go hungry or without shoes come winter. As Nan\u2019s pa often said, better to be an upstanding poor man than to be a rich man with a sour reputation. Not that most people knew what a bad apple Mr. Dunn was, though Nan suspected Ben Cartwright now realized it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan pondered her next move. On Saturday afternoons, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn ran errands in Virginia City. Nan always rode along in their buggy because they dropped her off at the little house her parents\u2019 rented, where she spent the remainder of the day and evening with her family. After services at the United Methodist church on Sunday morning, Nan met the Dunn family outside of St. Ignatius, the only Episcopal Church in Virginia City. She rode back to the ranch with them, helped Mrs. Dunn put Sunday dinner on the table, and got ready for another week of being a \u201cmother\u2019s helper\u201d as Mrs. Dunn referred to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan wondered if she\u2019d have time to meet up with Little Joe as his family came out of the Congregational Church. Sometimes the Dunns were invited to Sunday dinner at the homes of various friends in Virginia City, which meant Nan didn\u2019t have to meet them for the ride back to the ranch until late in the afternoon. Maybe she\u2019d get lucky and they\u2019d have a noontime dinner invitation for this Sunday. She\u2019d have more time to seek out Little Joe that way. Mrs. Dunn always told Nan of their Sunday plans during the Saturday ride into Virginia City. If there was no mention of a dinner invitation, then Nan would see if she could get to the Ponderosa later today. Her pa didn\u2019t own a buggy, or even a horse, so having her own means of transportation was impossible. She did have some money saved from her job, though, so maybe…just maybe, she could rent a rig from the livery and drive herself out there. Pa might not allow it, though. And admittedly, Nan had never driven a buggy. But her younger brother Robbie had. He worked for Mr. Nickels, the wagon maker. Part of Robbie\u2019s job was to hitch Mr. Nickels\u2019 old horse up to wagons they\u2019d made or repaired and make sure everything was aligned correctly. Maybe Robbie could borrow a wagon from Mr. Nickels, and his horse too, and then drive Nan out to the Ponderosa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These thoughts rushing through her mind made Nan hope Mr. and Mrs. Dunn didn\u2019t dawdle after lunch today, but instead, were ready to leave for Virginia City immediately after the meal ended. Sometimes Mr. Dunn even suggested they leave before lunch so he could treat his wife to the noon meal in town. He left Margie and Polly in charge of the lunch preparations then, and allowed Nan to end her workweek that much earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan was so lost in her own plotting and planning that she didn\u2019t hear him approach her from behind. She didn\u2019t know Mr. Dunn was there until his right hand came to rest on her shoulder. She startled and began turning around, only to have him hold her in place by pressing his body into hers. Through her skirt and petticoats, she could feel the hard part of him that made him a man. She wasn\u2019t experienced in the things men and women did behind closed doors, but her ma had told her a little bit about the birds and the bees. Enough for Nan to know what the firmness of Mr. Dunn\u2019s male part meant. It was a reaction meant for a man to have with his wife, not with the sixteen- year-old house girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan\u2019s eyes flicked around the limited view she had of the dining room. She prayed Mrs. Dunn or one of the children would suddenly appear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Dunn–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHush, now, Nan,\u201d he shushed quietly while lifting a few stray hairs from her neck that the heat had caused to fall from her hairpins. He ran two fingers over her bare skin, softly tickling. \u201cI have some concerns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCon. . .concerns?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She was already pressed up against the table, but he pushed with his hips again, bruising her thighs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m awful curious as to how Little Joe Cartwright came to the conclusion that my boys had something to do with that fight he had in that alley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFight? I don\u2019t know anything about a fi–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh now, I think you do.\u201d He slowly rolled her dress collar down and laved his tongue across her damp skin. \u201cFunny thing, but I just don\u2019t see how Little Joe and Ben could have thought my boys had anything to do with that fight unless someone in this household told them.\u201d Mr. Dunn chuckled as Nan shivered and tried to pull away from him. \u201cNow granted, Timmy can\u2019t keep a secret to save his soul, but Timmy was never around when the boys and I. . .talked. I made sure of that. The only person who has been around is you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan\u2019s voice was weak and shaky as she pleaded her case.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Dunn, I work for you, not for Mr. Cartwright. Even if I did overhear things I wouldn\u2019t tell him or Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lie to me, Nan,\u201d the man ordered. He reached around to the front of her dress and gave her left breast a hard squeeze. \u201cI might believe you if I hadn\u2019t heard that Little Joe was seen walking you home from the dance last Saturday night. So you\u2019re not good enough for my Paul or Charlie, but good enough for Little Joe, is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a moment of stubborn defiance, Nan declared, \u201cI might be good enough for Paul or Charlie if they treated me like a lady deserves to be treated. But then, they learned well from their father, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man spun her around. \u201cWhy you little–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before the open hand he\u2019d raised could connect with the side of her face, a voice called from the big porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJim, are we leaving for town soon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man released Nan so fast she would have swore her skin was burning him. He shot backwards four steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs. Dunn entered the house through the front door, carrying a basket brimming with vegetables from the garden. Margie followed in her mother\u2019s wake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Margie, take these to the kitchen for me. You can wash them, then take them to the fruit cellar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Marjorie walked through the dining room with the basket, Mrs. Dunn removed her bonnet, hung it on a hook in the foyer, and then entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Jim, are we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre. . .are we what?\u201d the man stammered, his unsteady voice evidence of the close call he\u2019d just had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeaving for town soon.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. . .uh no. No, Rilla. You\u2019re not going to town today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot going to town? But why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to rest. You know what Doc Martin said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Jim, I\u2019ve been in the family way many times before and never had problems that amounted to anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Dunn walked over to his wife and slipped his arms around her waist. \u201cBut you\u2019re not a blushing bride any longer, dear, just like I\u2019m no longer a young groom. Remember the concerns we had when you were carrying both Nora and Henry. You need to stay off your feet as much as possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the first Nan had heard that Mrs. Dunn was expecting another a child. She didn\u2019t look as though she was in the family way, so she must be in the early months \u2013 the months when a miscarriage was most likely, especially for a woman over forty. From something Nan had overheard Mrs. Dunn say to some lady friends once, she knew there had been problems of some sort that caused Doc Martin worries about her ability to carry first Nora, and then Henry, to full term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope you don\u2019t plan to keep me locked up here in this house forever,\u201d the woman teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot forever,\u201d Mr. Dunn said lightly. \u201cJust until Doc assures us any danger to the baby, and to you, have passed. Humor me for the next few months, please. I\u2019m as excited about baby number twelve as I was about baby number one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman turned and beamed up at her husband. \u201cI can see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Dunn kissed his wife on the cheek; then came to stand behind Nan once again. The light hand he placed on her shoulder could be perceived as an innocent \u201cfatherly touch,\u201d by Mrs. Dunn. However, Nan knew Mrs. Dunn couldn\u2019t see that he\u2019d placed his other hand at the small of her back. That hand slid seductively to Nan\u2019s waist and then pinched a fold of skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the good news is, Nan has agreed to stay on through the weekends to help out, haven\u2019t you, Nan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Nan, no. I can\u2019t let you do that. You should be home with your family on Saturday evenings and attend church with them on Sundays, as was our agreement when Mr. Dunn hired you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe doesn\u2019t mind, do you, Nan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan didn\u2019t know what was worse. The pain from the pinch, or feeling the man pressed against her buttocks once more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026uh, no, I don\u2019t…I don\u2019t mind, Mrs. Dunn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen as soon as Doctor Martin says any worries of losing this baby are past, I\u2019ll see to it that my husband gives you an entire week off to spend with your family \u2013 with pay, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am. Thank you. That\u2019s…that\u2019s very kind of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, Jim, what about Nan\u2019s parents?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to send word that Nan won\u2019t be coming home on Saturdays until sometime in the fall. By the end of October any danger should be past.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already thought of that. I\u2019ll stop and give them the word myself when I go into town this afternoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Then it\u2019s all settled.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Mrs. Dunn approached to take Nan\u2019s hand and give it a grateful squeeze, Mr. Dunn stepped away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI surely do appreciate your presence, Nan.\u201d Despite the woman\u2019s kind words, there was an underlying sadness to her tone that made Nan wonder if she knew exactly what inappropriate actions her husband was engaged in before she entered the room. \u201cYou\u2019ve been such a big help ever since you hired on with us last year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am. That\u2019s…that\u2019s nice of you to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow enough of you being on your feet for this morning,\u201d Mr. Dunn insisted. \u201cGo up and lie down until lunch. Nan can get the meal together while Margie keeps an eye on the young ones outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs. Dunn chuckled at her husband\u2019s solicitous behavior. \u201cIf you insist. Though I still feel as though I\u2019m being held prisoner in my own home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the man escorted his wife up the stairs, Nan couldn\u2019t help but think that it wasn\u2019t Mrs. Dunn who was being held prisoner, but rather, it was she.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 40<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel had become quite an accomplished horseman in the weeks since he\u2019d arrived on the Ponderosa. Or so he thought, anyway. Unbeknownst to him, his nephews weren\u2019t impressed with his abilities. As Joe muttered to Hoss one day when Daniel was bragging about his newfound skill, \u201cSo the old coot can climb on the back of a horse and plod along like a little kid taking his first ride. Don\u2019t see why I\u2019m supposed to think so much of that. I just hope he doesn\u2019t expect me to pick him up the first time he takes a fall, \u2018cause if he does, he\u2019s gonna find himself on the ground until you or Adam come along and take pity on him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But Daniel was prone to thinking highly of himself, ignoring the Bible\u2019s directive to remain humble in the sight of the Lord. As Joe also pointed out to Hoss on more than one occasion that summer, what was good for the goose wasn\u2019t necessarily good for the gander as far as Uncle Daniel was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, all of these thoughts were never voiced in front of Daniel, and no one mentioned that his riding skills were rudimentary at best. Nonetheless, as the summer passed, Ben felt comfortable enough with Daniel\u2019s abilities to let him ride off on his own. He\u2019d given him the gentlest horse on the Ponderosa, Sweet Daisy. Joe said it was a darn shame such a pleasant animal got stuck with such a cantankerous old goat, though Ben wasn\u2019t supposed to overhear that remark, so he diplomatically ignored it while silently agreeing.<\/span><\/p>\n

In recent days, no one paid much attention to Daniel\u2019s lone comings and goings on Daisy. He supposed they\u2019d gotten so used to his presence that they no longer paid him much mind. In addition to that, this latest upset with Joseph had their thoughts occupied elsewhere, which was all the better. Daniel\u2019s thoughts were on Joseph as well, but there was no use in sharing his concerns with Benjamin. His brother\u2019s chance to assist with driving the evil from Joseph had long since passed. Daniel knew now that the Lord sent him so far from home to show Benjamin the error of his ways, and to help him rectify those ways. But Benjamin wanted no part of his help, and Satan closed his ears to any reasoning Daniel offered. Therefore, it was Daniel who must purify the boy; transforming him into the man God wanted him to be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was truly a gift from the Lord, how easily Daniel could spot evil intentions in a young man. For example, those two young men up ahead lurking in that grove of pine trees, not wanting to be seen on Ponderosa land for some reason. Daniel rode on a little ways. He pretended he didn\u2019t spot the boys until he was adjacent to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou there! You two! Come out and show yourselves,\u201d he demanded. \u201cMove along! You\u2019re not in trouble. I just want a word with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys didn\u2019t run off like Daniel half expected them to. He didn\u2019t see their horses anywhere nearby. Possibly they\u2019d crossed onto Ponderosa land on foot, or had their horses tethered a fair distance away. Whichever the case, they must have thought he\u2019d chase them down if they fled. All the better for Daniel then, that the pair didn\u2019t know Sweet Daisy had two speeds \u2013 slow and slower.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome along!\u201d Daniel thundered. \u201cBe men and step out here where I can speak with you. Only little boys and sissies hide behind trees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When the two finally appeared and got a close look at him, they appeared confused and uncertain. As though they had mistaken him for someone else. For Benjamin perhaps, since Daniel and his brother strongly resembled one another. Their voices were difficult to tell apart too. Now that they saw he wasn\u2019t Benjamin, they seemed to regret showing themselves. They also adopted an attitude Daniel instinctively knew they wouldn\u2019t have the courage to display to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, ol\u2019 man, you\u2019re the one who should move along if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, if ya\u2019 know what\u2019s good for ya\u2019 you\u2019ll forget ya\u2019 ever saw us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The young fools hadn\u2019t noticed the leather strap he carried, nor did they expect it to strike with the speed of an ill-tempered rattlesnake. He\u2019d gotten good with a strap over the years, thanks to Danny.<\/span><\/p>\n

The strap left an angry welt on the cheek of the dark haired boy. The fair-haired boy lost his gun when the strap lashed the hand he drew the weapon with. As they cowered, one cradling his face and the other cradling his wrist, they didn\u2019t look nearly as menacing as they gave themselves credit for. That was the thing about boys. You could easily call their bluff if you had the right tools at your disposal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that I have your attention, gentlemen, answer me this. Is your last name Dunn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither boy said a word until Daniel raised his strap again and thundered, \u201cThe Lord commands you to respond to me! Is your last name Dunn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys hesitated a moment; then gave reluctant nods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel did something rare for him. He smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d He climbed off Daisy. \u201cThen I\u2019ve got a business proposition for the two of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness proposition?\u201d the dark haired boy \u2013 the one Daniel guessed to be the oldest \u2013 questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, a business proposition.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The younger boy\u2019s eyes narrowed with suspicion. \u201cWhat kinda business proposition?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe kind that involves my nephew, Joseph Cartwright. Are you interested?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The boys exchanged glances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Daniel assured. \u201cI believe what I have in mind you\u2019ll find to your liking.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it involves accomplishing what you\u2019ve been trying to do all summer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTeaching him a lesson, boys, that\u2019s what.\u201d Daniel smiled while his fingers lightly caressed the strap he\u2019d brought from home without fully knowing why he\u2019d packed it until now. \u201cTeaching Joseph Cartwright a lesson he\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 41<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All was quiet during the three weeks that had passed since Ben and Little Joe visited the Dunn ranch. Despite Joe\u2019s ascertains that the personal protection provided by his family was no longer necessary, Ben didn\u2019t loosen any restrictions he\u2019d placed on his youngest. He knew Joe was itching for freedom. He hadn\u2019t been anywhere beyond the ranch yard without his father or one of his brothers at his side. This wasn\u2019t exactly the ideal situation for an eighteen-year-old boy to find himself in, especially not when that boy \u2013 or \u201cyoung man\u201d as Ben continually reminded himself \u2013 was Joseph Cartwright. Nonetheless, it was how things were going to remain for a while yet. Ben wouldn\u2019t risk his son\u2019s life just because that son was complaining about his \u201cnursemaids and tattletales,\u201d for the fourth time this week.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps your brothers wouldn\u2019t need to be tattletales if you hadn\u2019t tried to sneak off to Mitch\u2019s on Adam, and if you hadn\u2019t tried to slip away from Hoss in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe opened his mouth to argue, but before he got a word out, Ben held up a warning hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnless you want me remind you of several other instances in recent weeks when you\u2019ve tried to shake loose of your brothers, you\u2019ll end this discussion now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had the good grace to look sheepish. As he walked out the front door, headed for the barn that had become his oasis when he was feeling penned in by his family, he teased, \u201cLeast I haven\u2019t tried to sneak off on you, Pa. You keep too close of an eye on me for that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I plan to continue to do so!\u201d Ben called as the door closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Had Daniel been there, he\u2019d no doubt lecture Ben on Little Joe\u2019s impertinence, or encourage Ben to follow the boy to the barn and give him a good strapping. Thankfully, Daniel was nowhere around. In recent weeks, he\u2019d gotten in the habit of taking a long, lone ride on Sweet Daisy after lunch. Perhaps Ben should question his manners as a host if the guest in his home took to disappearing each afternoon, but in this case, Ben didn\u2019t dwell on it. Admittedly, at a time when tension was running high in Ben\u2019s house, he didn\u2019t need the additional tension his brother\u2019s presence brought. As well, Ben assumed Daniel was growing just as weary of them as they were of him. It had been a long summer for many reasons. Ben was ready for his brother to depart, and for his home to once again be a private sanctuary for himself and his sons, where Daniel\u2019s strong opinions didn\u2019t interrupt their discussions, their joking, their teasing, and their disagreements. As he\u2019d told Adam the other day, \u201cAfter your uncle Daniel leaves, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be up to any overnight visitors for a while.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes had twinkled as he looked up from the ledger sheet he was recording figures in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, after Uncle Daniel leaves, I don\u2019t think\u00a0any<\/em>\u00a0of us will be welcoming to overnight guests for at least six months. Probably not for a full year where Little Joe is concerned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cNo, probably not. If Little Joe has his say so, the Ponderosa likely won\u2019t see hide nor hair of guests for the next decade.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And now the time for Daniel\u2019s departure was finally in sight. In just five more days, August would give way to September. Although the heat of summer was still upon them during the day, the evenings were growing cooler once the sun set. No longer did the heat hang on all night without breaking. And the days were growing shorter as well \u2013 sunrise coming later than it had just two months ago, and likewise sunset coming earlier. Daniel was scheduled to depart by stage from Virginia City on September 10th. His journey home would be a long one, but he should arrive well ahead of any snowfalls that would cause travel delays, or make travel impossible until spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glanced around the main floor of the ranch house. Though it was ninety degrees outside, he was picturing a cold winter evening with a glowing fire taking the chill out of the air, Hop Sing\u2019s beef stew simmering on the stove, an applesauce cake baking in the oven, and his sons gathered safely near him. Though winter was several months away yet, Ben held onto that picture as he went outside to find his youngest and assure him that things would be better soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 42<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took off his black hat and ran a shirtsleeve across his forehead, wiping away the sweat trickling down to sting his eyes. Beneath his hat, his curls were limp and damp. At least \u201climp and damp,\u201d meant Uncle Daniel wouldn\u2019t fuss at him about needing a haircut. He was worse than Pa where the length of Joe\u2019s hair was concerned. Thankfully, Uncle Daniel wasn\u2019t with them today. He\u2019d chosen to remain behind and do what, Joe wasn\u2019t sure, other than to assume the old man would take his usual afternoon ride on Daisy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t wait until I\u2019m twenty-one,\u201d Joe thought for not the first time this summer. \u201cThen\u00a0no one\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0gonna tell me when I gotta get my hair cut. Might even let it grow until it hits my shoulders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe laughed to himself, enjoying the thought of how mortified his father would be if he allowed his thick, unruly curls to reach his shoulders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so funny, little brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, kid, would you mind sharing the joke with us. On a day like today, I\u2019d welcome something to laugh about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s reference to a \u201cday like today\u201d meant you could already fry an egg on a rock, and only long, hot hours of back breaking work lay ahead of them up here at the timber camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scowled. He\u2019d been enjoying a few precious seconds alone until his babysitters ambled over and ruined his solitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well quit frowning,\u201d Adam said. \u201cPa\u2019s not ready to give in on this yet, and quite frankly, neither are Hoss and I. Though I have to admit, as much as I never thought I\u2019d hear myself say this, you were considerably more sweet natured the last time I had to keep track of your every move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, short shanks. For some reason this job was a might easier when you were still in diapers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s scowl deepened at the teasing, which only caused his brothers to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked up just then, taking a long drink of water from the barrel. Like the Cartwrights, the timber crew was getting a much-needed mid-morning break. The deadline for the lumber due the railroad was looming ever closer. Once this project was completed the fall roundup would be upon them. Joe didn\u2019t see an end in sight to their long days until cold weather and snow signaled the arrival of winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If nothing else, maybe by then I\u2019ll have my freedom back.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

This was the last day of August. There\u2019d been no trouble from the Dunns in a month now. Joe believed any concerns over Paul\u2019s and Charlie\u2019s pranks could be put to rest. Unfortunately, Pa didn\u2019t agree. When exactly Pa would agree, Joe wasn\u2019t sure. However, it had better be soon, \u2018cause if it wasn\u2019t, then the next time he decided to slip away from Adam or Hoss, you could damn well bet he\u2019d be successful at it.<\/span><\/p>\n

For now, Pa seemed intent on keeping Joe busy and nearby. Not that he wouldn\u2019t have been kept busy without the additional worry of what the Dunns might do. It was that time of year on a ranch \u2013 a lot to get accomplished before the days grew short and bitter cold. But if it weren\u2019t for the Dunns, at least Joe would have been given occasional errands to run into Virginia City, thus allowing him to hook up with Mitch and Tuck, or to squire Nan about town on a Saturday evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t seen Nan since that morning he\u2019d been at the Dunn home with his pa. For all he knew, she\u2019d taken up with another fellow by now. Not that he could blame her if she did. He hadn\u2019t sent word to her regarding his forced imprisonment. He supposed he could have asked one of his brothers to take a message to her, but that would have meant revealing he had feelings for her. Since those feelings were still in the early stages, and since he wasn\u2019t up for any more teasing than he already endured on an almost daily basis from his sibling nursemaids, Joe decided he didn\u2019t want to use Adam or Hoss as messengers. His only other options were Tuck or Mitch, and he hadn\u2019t seen them in weeks either. They were probably wondering why he hadn\u2019t been in town on Saturday nights, but they hadn\u2019t stopped by the ranch to find out. More than likely because their fathers were keeping them just as busy as Joe was. This wasn\u2019t generally the time of year when a rancher, or a rancher\u2019s sons, went calling on neighbors unless someone needed help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa took several long swallows of water, then put the dipper back in the barrel. His gaze took in the fallen trees, and then the thick stand of Ponderosa pines that stretched for acres up the rise of land beyond them. Those trees wouldn\u2019t be harvested this year, and maybe not for several years to come, depending on what their needs were with regard to future timber contracts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boys, I\u2019d say about another week up here, two at most, and we\u2019ll have met our obligation to the railroad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019ll be \u2018bout time for round-up,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you two\u2019ll be off babysitting duty by then.\u201d Joe\u2019s comment was directed at his brothers, but meant for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can only hope,\u201d Adam droned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn\u2019 pray,\u201d Hoss added, glancing upward as though taking his plea right to Heaven.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow come on, boys,\u201d Ben said in a lighthearted tone, \u201cit hasn\u2019t been all that bad, has it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on who you\u2019re asking, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe agreed with his oldest brother, \u201cdepends on who you\u2019re asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cWell, actually, I\u2019m not asking anyone.\u201d He put an arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get back to work. Men! Back to work! Noon will arrive soon enough and then we\u2019ll break for lunch!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe could already detect appealing smells coming from the chuck wagon. The one good thing about working at the timber camp was that Hoss managed to find the best darn chow cook this side of the Rockies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben led his boys back to work, his protective arm not dropping from Joe\u2019s shoulders until they\u2019d all picked up their axes and returned to stripping fallen trees of their branches.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 43<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time since their scheming and plotting against the Cartwrights began, Paul Dunn wasn\u2019t keen on the idea his father and Charlie had come up with. The potential for loss of innocent lives was too great, and as well, to use a little girl as bait \u2013 well, it left an uneasy feeling in Paul\u2019s gut. He wondered what his mother would say if she knew the real reason why Daphne was allowed to leave the ranch that morning, riding in front of Paul on his horse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As with any large family, various members of the Dunn siblings were close with one other, while others were not as close. In Paul\u2019s case, amongst his sisters, it was Daphne he felt the most affection for, for reasons he couldn\u2019t explain. Maybe it was her spunk he liked, or the way she gave as good as she got when Timmy, Matthew and Gerald were teasing her. Or maybe it was the gentle way she \u201cmothered\u201d Nora and Henry, making sure they didn\u2019t wander behind old Bossy when she was being milked, or making sure their hands and faces were clean before they sat down to eat lunch. Or it could have been the way she ran to Paul and hugged him around the waist while telling him she\u2019d missed him each time he\u2019d been gone from the ranch for more than an hour or two. Regardless of the reason, he and his seven-year-old sister shared a special bond, which was why he hated this plan all the more. He\u2019d never forgive himself if something happened to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

If there was one good thing about the plan, it was hooking up with Daniel Cartwright. Exactly what the old man had against Little Joe, Paul didn\u2019t know, nor did he care. He and Charlie had met with the guy several times since they\u2019d first run across him. Once they\u2019d decided they could trust him, and that he wasn\u2019t a spy Ben Cartwright sent to entrap them, he\u2019d proven to be a valuable source of information. No longer did they have to guess where Little Joe would be and when, or simply run across him by chance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, as they rode toward the timber camp, doubts clouded Paul\u2019s mind. He turned to Charlie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, it\u2019ll be okay. Everything\u2019ll go fine \u2018long as we do things just as Pa laid \u2018em out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m gonna help!\u201d Daphne declared from in front of Paul, though she really had no clue as to how her presence would come into play, or even where they were going or what they were up to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sweetheart,\u201d Paul agreed, laying a tender hand on her dark hair pulled back today in two long braids, \u201cyou\u2019re gonna help. But you have to do exactly as I say, you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it might get a little scary, but don\u2019t you worry. I\u2019m not gonna let anything happen to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul couldn\u2019t help but smile at her happy-go-lucky, \u201cOkay.\u201d Proof again that this girl had more spunk than most. Any other child her age who was told something frightening was about to happen would cry for her mama, but not Daphne.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie nodded to the narrow trail up ahead and the figure waiting there for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul looked. For a moment his heart skipped a beat, sure they\u2019d been set up. But as they got closer he saw it was Daniel Cartwright, and not Ben. Daphne, however, couldn\u2019t tell the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s Mr. Cartwright!\u201d she announced gaily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Paul agreed, not explaining, nor planning to explain, this wasn\u2019t the Mr. Cartwright she knew, \u201cthat\u2019s Mr. Cartwright waiting for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And he did look like Mr. Cartwright, right down to the clothes and hat he was wearing. The horse \u2013 well, it was still that old nag from the Ponderosa. There wasn\u2019t much that could be done about that, but Daphne didn\u2019t seem to notice the man\u2019s mount.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She greeted the man as they drew closer. \u201cHi, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul had already explained to Daniel that he\u2019d have to be civil to the little girl, as she\u2019d know something was wrong if he didn\u2019t greet her warmly like Ben always did.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul wasn\u2019t sure if the stiff, \u201cHello, child,\u201d could really be considered a warm greeting, but it seemed to pass Daphne\u2019s inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have an important job to do today,\u201d she revealed. \u201cExcept Paul says it\u2019s a secret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so? Important jobs are pleasing in the eye of the Lord, aren\u2019t they.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daphne\u2019s response came with a hint of uncertainty, as though she suddenly didn\u2019t think Mr. Cartwright sounded like the Mr. Cartwright she knew.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yes. . .yes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul quickly covered the man\u2019s slip, taking the lead in the conversation. Thanks to their mother, Daphne had been taught that children don\u2019t interrupt adult conversations, nor speak unless spoken to, so if she had any misgivings about \u201cMr. Cartwright\u201d she kept them to herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men talked softly as they rode toward the timber camp, being careful to keep their conversation as covert as possible given Daphne\u2019s presence. They\u2019d gone over the plan numerous times during the past several days, so there was little need to go into it again other than to calm Paul\u2019s nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they reached the outskirts of the camp, Paul and Charlie brought their horses to a stop while Daniel rode on ahead. He was to confirm Joe\u2019s presence in the camp below, ideally without being seen. If he was seen their plan would probably fall through, but at least no one would have spotted the Dunns on Cartwright land, while at the same time, no one would question Daniel\u2019s right to be up here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Twenty minutes later Daniel returned. He nodded to the brothers. \u201cHe\u2019s down there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d Paul questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m as sure as am that Jesus is my savior.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul thought the man\u2019s reference to Jesus was rather odd considering what they were about to do, but then, it wasn\u2019t lost on him that Daniel Cartwright was just plain odd in general.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right then. I guess. . .\u201d Paul swallowed hard. \u201cI guess it\u2019s now or never.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul climbed off his horse, took a deep breath, wiped his sweating palms on the legs of his trousers, then smiled at Daphne while holding out his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Lady Daphne, let\u2019s get you down off that horse and put you to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 44<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It happened so fast, Ben was hard pressed to recall all of the details after the crisis ended and he realized Little Joe was missing. Someone shouted, \u201cFire!\u201d and Ben looked up to see smoke and flames rising over Settlers\u2019 Ridge. With as dry as it was, the fire could have reached them in minutes. Only a gentle wind blowing in the opposite direction prevented loss of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben remembered that they\u2019d all raced toward the fire \u2013 himself, his sons, and the entire crew, including their cook. Everyone grabbed a tool of some sort that would help in fighting the fire \u2013 axe, shovel, blanket, or bucket of water. Little Joe ran ahead of him as they raced up the ridge, Adam by his side. Ben and Hoss lagged behind a bit, lost in the sea of running men. Ben didn\u2019t recall being worried about Joe or his whereabouts, though he realized later that was his first mistake. All his mind could focus on was the fire they had to put out before it spread to the timber they\u2019d already cut, or burnt hundreds of acres of trees they\u2019d need in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took hours to get the fire under control. Thank heavens for the sudden storm that blew in. Had it not been for the thirty minutes of heavy rainfall, the fire would still be burning. As it was, morning had turned to late afternoon before they had all the flames extinguished and the hot spots covered with dirt. Ben\u2019s pocket watch revealed it was a quarter past five when they were finally hobbling down the ridge to the timber camp, where they doused themselves with cold water and begin lining up for one of the sandwiches the cook slapped together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas a bad \u2018un,\u201d Hoss said in-between bites of his sandwich. The streaks of soot on his face made it appear as though he\u2019d just cleaned every chimney between here and Carson City, and his sweat-soaked shirt clung to his back. \u201cBut not nearly as bad as it coulda\u2019 been.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for sure,\u201d Adam agreed, taking a large bite of his own sandwich. He wasn\u2019t any cleaner than his brother, but right now food took precedence over washing more than his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben scanned the crowd of men waiting to eat. He wouldn\u2019t get a sandwich until he was certain everyone else was fed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was with Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo he wasn\u2019t. Last time I saw \u2018im he was runnin\u2019 up the ridge \u2018long side you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWell if he was, I never noticed him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben renewed his visual search. \u201cHe must be around here somewhere. I remember seeing him at my elbow while we were fighting the fire.\u201d He headed off for the line of men, sure that his son\u2019s slight stature had him hidden from view. \u201cHe\u2019s probably in line for a sandwich.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, an\u2019 have \u2018im get me another sandwich or two while he\u2019s at it, will ya\u2019, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shot Hoss a disapproving look. \u201cYou can have more after everyone else has been fed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .right, Pa. Sure. Yes, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he walked away, Ben heard Hoss mumble something about fainting dead away from hunger. His son\u2019s mutterings brought a smile to his face, but the smile quickly faded when his search for Little Joe proved fruitless.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Little Joe?\u201d He asked every man he ran across as his search continued. \u201cHave you seen my youngest son?\u201d He asked those who wouldn\u2019t know Joe by name. \u201cEighteen years old, black hat, dark curly hair, slight build, and stands about this high,\u201d Ben held a hand to his shoulder as he described Joe to any man who was new to the crew.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again and again, men told Ben they hadn\u2019t seen Joe, or at the very least, hadn\u2019t seen him in quite some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink I saw him right after the fire started, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d one man said. \u201cBut haven\u2019t seen him since then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d another chimed in. \u201cHe helped me stamp out some flames not long after we got up that ridge, but don\u2019t believe I ran across him again.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And that\u2019s when Ben realized none of them had seen Joe since the fire began. Hoss had seen him racing up the ridge with Adam, and Ben remembered Little Joe being at his elbow while swinging an axe, but that had been hours ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben marched toward his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss. Come on! We need to look for your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s seen him?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not since the fire began.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he used this as an excuse to sneak off–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph wouldn\u2019t do that, Adam,\u201d Ben growled. \u201cNot in the middle putting out a fire. Now come on. Help me find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t hear Hoss take up where Adam ended. \u201cIf Little Joe\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0sneak off, Pa\u2019s gonna ring his darn fool neck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I get a hold of him first,\u201d Adam vowed. \u201cCome along. We\u2019d better get a move on or Pa\u2019s gonna be halfway up that ridge before we\u2019re even on our horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And so their search for Little Joe began. It ended when it grew too dark to see. Any thoughts Adam or Hoss might have had about Joe sneaking off left them as they saw their father\u2019s worry steadily increasing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once night fell, Ben had no choice but to call off the search. He thanked the timber crew who\u2019d readily joined in and helped them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want us to start searching again at first light, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d the crew\u2019s foreman asked as they all gathered together back at the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Slim, I do. Thank you. I appreciate it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d a young man hailed from the back of the crowd. He pushed his way through the men. \u201cMe and Jed found this. Does it belong to your boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took the pale blue jacket from the young man whose name he didn\u2019t know. It was charred and smeared with soot, as though Joe might have grabbed it from his saddle horn as they ran from camp and used it to smother flames. Ben tried to recall if he\u2019d seen his son using the jacket in this manner, but no clear memory came forth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned the jacket over, inspecting it. He didn\u2019t see any signs of what he was looking for \u2013 blood, or other indications of physical trauma \u2013 but that didn\u2019t bring him any great relief. His hand wrapped tightly around the jacket as though he was clinging to Little Joe, he thanked the young man who\u2019d brought it to him and turned to his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boys, let\u2019s bed down for the night. We\u2019ll start searching again with Slim and the men at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head at whatever Adam was about to say. Perhaps, \u201cLet\u2019s head home, Pa, so you can get a good night\u2019s sleep in your own bed.\u201d Or maybe, \u201cPa, why don\u2019t you head on home. I\u2019ll send one of the men with you. Hoss and I\u2019ll stay up here and start searching again in the morning. We\u2019ll send word when we find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault,\u201d Ben said softly as he and his sons walked away from the men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s yer fault, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have been keeping an eye on him. I should have known something like this would happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you couldn\u2019t have predicted an act of nature.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, I suppose that\u2019s true. But what I could have predicted was a fire purposely set.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPurposely?\u201d Hoss questioned. \u201cBy who?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dunns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw now, Pa, doncha think you\u2019re carryin\u2019 this thing a bit too far. The Dunns startin\u2019 a fire and then. . .and then doing what ta\u2019 Little Joe? Kidnappin\u2019 him? More than likely he got hisself turned around up there in them woods and\u2019ll come walkin\u2019 out tomorrow mornin\u2019 wonderin\u2019 what all the fuss is about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, I agree with Hoss. I think–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what either of you think. Call it. . .call it a father\u2019s instinct. I just know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t see the looks his sons exchanged behind his back, but then, he didn\u2019t have to. He could hear the disbelief in their voices. Regardless, their opinions didn\u2019t sway him from his own. As he climbed into his bedroll to face a long restless night, he clung to Joe\u2019s jacket, and the hope that his son would be returned to him unharmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 45<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The pain was beyond anything Joe had ever experienced. It stung like a thousand angry hornets were attacking his bare back, and burned like his skin was on fire. Fire. There was a fire! That much his muddled brain recalled. And then a little girl darting in and out of the trees screaming for help. He raced toward her, scooped her up and ran with her away from the flames. After that, he couldn\u2019t remember so well what happened next. Something hit him hard on the back of the head. He was falling, trying not to drop the girl, when someone slipped her from his arms. She was crying, as though what was happening frightened her. He thought he heard her scream, \u201cPaul! Paul!\u201d with raw terror, and in a fleeting moment realized where he\u2019d seen her before. She was on of the Dunn children, though he couldn\u2019t recall her name.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he started to climb back to his feet, a wad of cloth was shoved against his nose and mouth. He recognized the smell of chloroform, and fought to wrench his face away, only to have a larger, stronger hand join the first one in holding his head still. As consciousness began to fade, he caught a glimpse of a broad shouldered man with a wide, strong chest and muttered, \u201cPa,\u201d sure in that moment that everything was going to be all right.<\/span><\/p>\n

But everything wasn\u2019t all right. He didn\u2019t know where he was because a blindfold covered his eyes. He was secured to something smooth and cold \u2013 a slab of stone perhaps. Whatever it was that bit into his back kept lashing him over and over again in a rhythm that wouldn\u2019t quit while his father\u2019s voice demanded he repent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t want to cry out. He didn\u2019t want to voice his pain, but as that pain reached new heights he couldn\u2019t help himself, which only seemed to spur his tormentor on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRepent, sinner! Repent! Ask the Lord to forgive you! Ask for his forgiveness!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t have asked for the Lord\u2019s forgiveness even if his pride would have let him. His mouth was as dry as a desert, and the pain was so severe he couldn\u2019t get more out than an anguished cry. He heard other voices, and then someone was telling his tormentor to stop. That this was enough, that things had gone too far. And crying \u2013 the little girl from the ridge was crying again. In between her choking sobs she begged, \u201cStop! Stop hurting him! Please stop hurting him!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A struggle ensued behind him, but Joe was losing consciousness again. Even if he hadn\u2019t been, he wouldn\u2019t have been able to see because of the blindfold and the way he was secured by the rough horsehair rope, with stomach and chest against the slab.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe never felt it when they cut him loose. He slid off the slab, landing on the cave floor. The little girl\u2019s crying receded as feet ran away and someone muttered, \u201cYou\u2019re crazy ole\u2019 man, you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The old man Charlie Dunn spoke to as he ran past stood there smiling down at his nephew. Despite the sissies those Dunn boys had turned out to be, his work here was complete. As he looked at his nephew\u2019s torn and bloody back, Daniel knew the devil had been driven out of Joseph Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 46<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The search for Joe resumed as dawn broke. Several of the men had helped the cook get breakfast on. Adam and Hoss encouraged their father to eat, but to no avail. He drank two cups of coffee, then ordered, \u201cLet\u2019s head out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They split up shortly after the search began, deciding that fifty men searching in fifty different directions was the best way to proceed. A single gunshot meant you\u2019d found Joe, or at least something of interest. Adam prayed that \u201csomething of interest\u201d didn\u2019t prove to be a body, and still clung to the same belief as Hoss \u2013 that Joe had gotten turned around during the fire and ended up several miles away. It wasn\u2019t unheard of by any means when men were fighting a fire, and even last night, several crewmen straggled in after dark. Unfortunately, none of them had seen Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right before the search got underway this morning, Pa sent Slim to town with a handwritten message for Roy regarding the missing Joe and his theory that Jim Dunn was involved. He also instructed Slim to ride out to the Ponderosa and leave word with Hop Sing and Daniel about their delay at the camp. Adam wondered if Uncle Daniel would ride up and join the search. He hoped not for two reasons. One, Uncle Daniel didn\u2019t know this part of the country and they didn\u2019t need to end up searching for him as well. And two, Pa didn\u2019t need the strife Uncle Daniel seemed to bring to even the best of situations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rode along slowly, eyes alternating between the ground and the area around him. After almost two hours of riding, he saw no signs of Joe \u2013 not a glove, not a kerchief, not his hat, nor not Joe himself, walking over the charred landscape headed for camp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d he called for what seemed like the hundredth time. \u201cLittle Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike when he found Joe in the hole a few weeks back, no return answer came on the heels of his calls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rode on, faintly hearing the calls of other men as they yelled Joe\u2019s name. He didn\u2019t like the thought of his father searching alone, and hoped Hoss had managed to stick near Pa, as he and Hoss had agreed should be the case before they left camp. If the worst had somehow happened and Joe got caught in the middle of the fire. . .well, Adam didn\u2019t want his father to be alone if he was the one who found Little Joe\u2019s remains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed those dark thoughts aside and moved along, continuing his search. As the morning wore on, he strained to hear a rifle shot. He wasn\u2019t sure if he should wish for such a sound or not. It could mean good news, or it could mean bad news. He\u2019d have no way of knowing until he arrived at the location it came from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When he first spotted the figure coming over a distant blackened ridge, Adam assumed it was another searcher. A good number of the timber crew was on foot because they\u2019d ridden to the camp in wagons. By the way the man was shirtless and staggering, Adam also assumed he\u2019d brought along his own \u201cpick me up.\u201d He was about to lay into the guy for drinking on the job, let alone in the middle of a search for a missing man, when the person drew close enough for Adam to identify him despite his soot streaked face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam jumped off Sport and ran toward his brother, scrambling on all fours up the steep ridge. Joe didn\u2019t seem aware of his presence. He kept stumbling along, putting one foot in front of another like a man trudging through a mud filled bog.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Little Joe! Wait right there! Let me come to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s words didn\u2019t register with his brother. Joe continued his drunken stagger, as though his mind was determined to get him to a specific destination despite the inabilities of his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until Adam was upon his brother that he saw the bruises dotting the boy\u2019s face, neck, and arms, and the blood running from some injury hidden by Joe\u2019s wildly tangled hair. The clear outline of a rope was visible in the red streaks tattooing his bare chest. Someone had roughed the kid up but good.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. Little Joe.\u201d Adam gently grasped his brother\u2019s upper arms, \u201cJoe, it\u2019s me, Adam. You\u2019re okay, Joe. You can stop walking now. I\u2019ve got you. I\u2019ll get you back to camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blinked several times as though Adam\u2019s voice was rousing him from a medicated stupor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAd. . .Adam?\u201d Joe\u2019s hands rose, then fell, then rose again. Trembling fingers grasped the material of Adam\u2019s shirt. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, little brother, it\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAd. . .Ad. . .Adam,\u201d Joe repeated, as though he had something important to convey his brother. \u201cAdam. . .Adam tell Pa. . .tell Pa. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell Pa what, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s knees finally gave way. As he sagged against his older brother\u2019s chest, Adam got his first look at the torn flesh on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh my God. Who did this to you, Little Joe? Who did this to you, boy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As consciousness rapidly faded, a lone tear tracked a muddy trail down Joe\u2019s face as he looked up at Adam and softly beseeched, \u201cTell Pa. . .please tell Pa I repent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 47<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To Ben Cartwright, the trip home seemed to drag on for days. He rode in the back of a wagon with his injured son, Adam beside him to help in any way he could. Hoss drove the wagon, not entrusting that job to anyone else. Ben sent a man to fetch Doc Martin, telling him to have the doctor meet them at the ranch house. Other men from the timber crew followed on the Cartwrights\u2019 horses, while the remainder returned to work under the guidance of a well-seasoned crew boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

The battered, bruised and bloody Joe lay against his father\u2019s chest during the ride home. They\u2019d given him what medical care they could before leaving the camp. Given their limited resources, that care didn\u2019t extend much beyond washing his wounds with water and determining the source of the bleeding head wound. It was Hoss who located the bump on the back of Joe\u2019s head, a few inches from his left ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s hit \u2018im good and hard. There\u2019s a deep gash here.\u201d Hoss cleaned the wound, then lightly bandaged it. \u201cDoc\u2019s probably gonna have to stitch it closed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam washed the blood from Joe\u2019s back, doing his best to be gentle as he tried to flush out dirt and gravel. \u201cThat explains why he was so out of it when I found him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was seated on the ground. He held the unconscious Joe while his sons tended to him, and some of the men hitched a team to the wagon and loaded its bed with blankets, clean towels, and fresh water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t tell you anything? Give you any clues as to what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. The only thing he said was to tell you that he repents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat he repents?\u201d Ben looked down at his son and brushed damp curls from his forehead. \u201cWhat\u2019d he mean by that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably didn\u2019t mean anything by it. Like I said, he was out of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, it was likely just crazy talk brought on by this here bump and that fever he\u2019s got.\u201d Hoss rested a hand on his brother\u2019s forehead a moment to gauge the fever. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry none. Little Joe\u2019ll be all right once Doc\u2019s patched him up and he\u2019s gotten some rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s words contrasted with the concern showing from his eyes, which told Ben there were plenty of reasons to worry. Reasons Ben knew well when it came to raising boys and dealing with the types of injuries Joe had. Infection from the wounds on his back, the fever that was steadily rising, to an array of problems caused by the bump on his head \u2013 Ben had an abundance to worry about it, but there was no use in saying so to Adam and Hoss. They were also well aware of all the reasons to worry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite how furious Joe\u2019s injuries made Ben and his sons, none of them spoke of that fury during the trip. Getting Little Joe home and providing him with the medical care he needed was the priority. Ben knew there would be time enough later to hunt down the bastard who\u2019d taken a strap to his son\u2019s back and give him a taste of his own medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grew restless several times throughout the ride. His head rolled back and forth against his father\u2019s chest, and his left leg moved back and forth as though he was fighting pain. He called out for his father as though crying for Ben\u2019s help, and finally looked up into Ben\u2019s face with eyes clouded by fever and whispered, \u201cI. . .I\u2019m sorry, Pa. I repent. I repent, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben thought it was an odd phrase for Little Joe to use, but given the boy\u2019s injuries, he didn\u2019t dwell on it, or think further as to the possible source of it. Instead, he grasped Joe\u2019s questing hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, then cradled it against his cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have anything to repent for, son. It\u2019s all right. You\u2019re with Pa and Hoss and Adam now, and you\u2019re going to be fine. You\u2019re going to be just fine. You\u2019ll feel better soon, I promise. We\u2019re headed home. Doc Martin\u2019ll be waiting there for us. He\u2019ll fix you up good as new in no time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. . .sorry, Pa. I. . .stop, Pa!\u201d Joe cried, arching his back against what Ben guessed was both real and imagined pain. \u201cPlease stop. Oh please stop, Pa! Please stop!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSssh,\u201d Ben soothed. He caressed Joe\u2019s cheek with his free hand, all the while uncertain as to what his son wanted him to stop. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Joseph. No one\u2019s going to hurt you again. You\u2019re with Pa now. I promise I won\u2019t let anyone hurt you. I promise, son. I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe continued to beg for an end to the pain, Ben didn\u2019t realize his promises meant nothing to the feverish boy who thought his father had demanded his repentance with help from a leather strap.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 48<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was crazy, Pa. Plumb outta his mind crazy. Once he got started with that strap he was like a wild man. He\u2019d a\u2019 killed Little Joe if we hadn\u2019t stopped him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim Dunn ran a hand through his hair as he paced the floor of his office. Only his two oldest sons were present. Right before he\u2019d closed his office door he\u2019d made it clear to the rest of the family that they weren\u2019t to be interrupted. Not that the children or Rilla would be foolish enough to knock on the door given the mood Jim had been in at the breakfast table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t the old man stick to the plan?\u201d Jim muttered with disgust. \u201cWhy would he do something that stupid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he evidently had a plan he didn\u2019t share with us,\u201d Paul said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing he was supposed to do was confirm Little Joe was at the timber camp, then leave the rest up to you boys. Little Joe wasn\u2019t supposed to get hurt. Not seriously anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim shook his head at how everything had unraveled because of one conniving old man they thought they could trust. That fire was meant to destroy some Cartwright timber and create a diversion so that just like a calf being separated from the herd, Little Joe was separated from the protection of his family. Then the boys were to kidnap Joe and leave him trussed up in that cave until a few days had passed, and he was sufficiently hungry, thirsty and had wet himself often enough to be miserable and humiliated, before word sent anonymously would reach Ben Cartwright as to where he was. The beauty of the original plan was that no one would ever know for sure Paul and Charlie were involved. They were to overpower Joe from behind, blindfold him, and remain silent in his presence. When all was said and done, the message to Ben should have been clear. Don\u2019t mess with Jim Dunn again. Would Ben have assumed Jim and his boys were involved in Joe\u2019s kidnapping? Of course he would. But could Sheriff Coffee do anything about it without proof? No, he couldn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor all we know he could have killed Little Joe after we left,\u201d Paul said. \u201cHe could have killed Joe and right now be pinnin\u2019 the blame on us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he didn\u2019t kill him, Pa, then Little Joe saw Daphne. We told her to stay far enough away from the fire that she wasn\u2019t in danger, and so\u2019s all Little Joe would hear was her calling for help just like you said. But the wind blew the fire toward her. He ran to her, picked her up, and carried her outta there. That\u2019s when me and Paul caught up with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he didn\u2019t see the two of you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure he didn\u2019t. But like I said, he saw Daphne. He carried her for cryin\u2019 out loud.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould he have known who she was?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .I don\u2019t know,\u201d Charlie said, starting to pace with agitation just like his father. \u201cProbably. Maybe not by name, but I bet he got a good enough look at her to know she\u2019s our sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim fought to quell the rising panic he could hear in his sons\u2019 voices. Things would fall apart quicker than a shot gun wedding where the bride\u2019s father had an itchy trigger finger if he didn\u2019t calm their fears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, boys, the best thing we can do right now is send the two of you away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got that land in Wyoming territory. There\u2019s an old house of some sort on it. We\u2019ll get you boys there and let you start homesteading the place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHomesteading?\u201d Paul\u2019s voice was filled with doubt. \u201cPa. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim held up a hand. \u201cYou\u2019re men now. Not much younger than I was when I came out here on my own with only a few dollars to my name. You can do this. And you\u2019ll have all the money you need at your disposal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how long\u2019ll we have to stay?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Until this thing blows over.\u201d Jim offered a reassuring smile. \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019m not abandoning you. I\u00a0won\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0abandon you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim walked toward the safe in a far corner of the room. \u201cI\u2019ll give you the money you\u2019ll need to travel on, then wire you more once you get there. You\u2019ll ride to Carson City and catch the stage from there. Rent stalls at the livery for your horses. Glen and I\u2019ll ride over and get them after you\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we don\u2019t even know where we\u2019re going,\u201d Charlie protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will by the time you\u2019re ready to leave. I\u2019ll have everything written down for you. Now go on. Hurry. Get yourselves packed and say your goodbyes to your Mother. There\u2019s no time to waste.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Spurred on by their father\u2019s urgency, the boys rushed from the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim opened the safe, counted out some cash and gold coins, then grabbed a land deed and a map. He hurried to his desk, where he began charting his sons\u2019 escape route to the acreage he\u2019d purchased in Wyoming last year sight unseen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 49<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paul and Charlie had been gone a mere twenty-four hours when Roy Coffee showed up at Jim Dunn\u2019s door shortly before lunch on Thursday. It was bad enough that Rilla was upstairs crying over her sons\u2019 unexplained departure, that Daphne had woken up four times the previous night screaming, and that the other children were in a state of confusion over the tension, secrets and lies in the house. The last thing Jim needed was Roy nosing around and asking questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Nan who led the sheriff to Jim\u2019s office. Jim feigned a welcoming smile at the man\u2019s sudden appearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, this is an unexpected surprise.\u201d Jim stepped out from behind his desk and extended his hand. \u201cWhat can I do for you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy shook the offered hand. \u201cI need ta\u2019 talk to you for a few minutes, Jim.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds serious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, we shouldn\u2019t have a serious conversation without some lemonade to whet our whistles. Can I have Nan bring a plate of cookies, too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, none for me. And I\u2019ll pass on the lemonade too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d The man looked at Nan. \u201cPlease leave us alone, Nan. And shut the door on your way out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Dunn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After Nan shut the door and Jim heard her footsteps recede down the hall, he indicated to a chair across from his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat, Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need.\u201d Roy remained standing, holding his hat. \u201cWhat I\u2019m here for won\u2019t take long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019re your boys, Jim?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine they\u2019re outside doing their chores. Or playing hide and go seek. Depends on which boys you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m talking about Paul and Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well, Paul and Charlie aren\u2019t here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where exactly would they be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sent them on a business trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness trip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They left on Monday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And can anyone verify this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy children can. And Rilla, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone outside the family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOutside the family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said. Can anyone besides your family members verify that your boys left here on Monday?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .our house girl can I suppose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be Miss Henning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I speak with her on my way out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly. Roy, what\u2019s this about? Why are you asking after Paul and Charlie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a fire on Cartwright land on Tuesday. Up at Settlers\u2019 Ridge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh really? I hadn\u2019t heard that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe was hurt pretty bad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot burned I hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not burned. Appears someone grabbed him during the confusion and worked him over pretty good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. . .oh, well I\u2019m sorry to hear that. Please convey to Ben my concerns and best wishes for Little Joe\u2019s recovery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will. Jim, I didn\u2019t come out here ta\u2019 beat around the bush. I know your boys have been dustin\u2019 it up with Little Joe this summer. Ben thinks they mighta\u2019 had something to do with that fire, and with Little Joe gettin\u2019 hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy boys?\u201d Jim said with indignation. \u201cHow dare Ben. . .my boys would have already been miles out of the territory when that fire started.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And you\u2019re sure \u2018bout that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m sure! Exactly what are you insinuating, Roy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t have had reason to double back and make a stop up there on Settlers\u2019 Ridge, would they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they wouldn\u2019t have had reason, and I don\u2019t appreciate you claiming such.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not claiming anything. I\u2019m just trying to find out who it was set that fire and hurt Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. That\u2019s what you should be doing. Which means you\u2019re wasting your time here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe seems to think one of your girls was up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my girls?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t know her name, but said the child he saw was somewhere \u2018round six or seven years old. Now you got a girl \u2018bout that age, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Daphne.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I talk to her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo you can\u2019t. She\u2019s taken to her bed sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSick?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s what I said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe I should get Doc Martin to come out an\u2019 take a look at her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not necessary. Rilla and I haven\u2019t raised eleven children by sending for Doc Martin every time one of them gets a little feverish with a summer cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure you don\u2019t want Doc to check her over? I can send him out when I get back ta\u2019 town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jim shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s no need. Like I said, it\u2019s just a summer cold. The children have been passing it around the last couple of weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy studied him so long that Jim finally broke eye contact.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou look a little peaked there yerself, Jim. I surely hope yer not comin\u2019 down with that\u00a0summer cold<\/em>\u00a0your girl\u2019s got.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy nodded his thanks for Jim\u2019s time. \u201cBest be on my way. Can you tell me where I\u2019ll find Miss Henning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe should be in the kitchen preparing lunch. It\u2019s this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim led the sheriff into the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNan, Sheriff Coffee has a question for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl slowly turned from the chicken she was frying. \u201cYes. . .Yes, Sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The sheriff waited silently, staring at Jim until the man said, \u201cUh. . .I\u2019ll leave you two alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim did just that, but he didn\u2019t go farther than the dining room. He heard Roy tell Nan there had been a fire on Cartwright land and that Little Joe was injured. He smiled, pleased that Nan answered the sheriff\u2019s questions about Paul and Charlie\u2019s whereabouts in the way he\u2019d instructed her to. When Roy then asked her if it was her job to keep track of the younger children, she responded, \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid the little girl \u2013 Daphne, I believe her name is. Did she go missing on Tuesday for any length of time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissing? Why. . .um. . .no, Sheriff. She\u2019s. . .uh. . .she\u2019s been up in her room sick the past few days. The children are passing around a summer cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Well thank you, Miss Henning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Sheriff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Little Joe going to be okay?\u201d There was a brief hesitation as though Nan was embarrassed for asking after Little Joe. She rushed to add, \u201cUm. . .the reason I ask is because we uh. . .we were schoolmates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a few rough days ahead of him, but yes. Doc thinks he\u2019ll be all right provided infection don\u2019t set in.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim could picture Roy nodding his head to Nan as he said again, \u201cThank you,\u201d then exited the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sheriff didn\u2019t say anything to the lurking Jim other than, \u201cI\u2019ll see myself out. Good day to you and Rilla.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Roy. Have a good day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim walked to the dining room windows, watching as Roy crossed the porch, went down the stairs, and took the reins of his horse from Timmy. He thanked Timmy, but didn\u2019t linger to ask him any questions. Nor did he question any of the other children before riding out of the ranch yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim let out a sigh of relief. They\u2019d dodged one bullet. Now hopefully that daft old Daniel Cartwright would keep his mouth shut where this mess was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 50<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nan hated herself for the way she\u2019d lied to Sheriff Coffee, but she\u2019d been too scared to do anything other than what Mr. Dunn demanded. She and the children had been told what to say about Paul and Charlie\u2019s whereabouts, and they\u2019d also been told to say Daphne was in bed with a summer cold. She knew the children were confused by all these falsehoods, but like Nan, they were too frightened to defy their father. Not that Nan had ever seen the man hurt any of them. Beyond the occasional trip to the woodshed most of the Dunn boys had experienced, Jim Dunn was a loving father to his offspring. But like most fathers, he commanded and expected respect as the head of the household. If he told the children to lie, and then readily supplied them with the lie, they\u2019d go along with it. Nan could tell Glen and Margie had more reservations where this was concerned than the younger children did, but even they wouldn\u2019t be likely to go against what their father instructed them to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps Nan was simply a stupid hired girl. A smart girl would have told the sheriff what she knew, and would have had the courage to tell him she was being held here against her will. But what if Sheriff Coffee hadn\u2019t believed her about her imprisonment? What if he\u2019d ridden off and left her here to be subjected to Mr. Dunn\u2019s wrath? So far she\u2019d avoided the man\u2019s advances, but if he was angry with her. . .well, it was hard to predict what he might do to retaliate. That\u2019s why she had her sights set on the latter part of October when she\u2019d finally be going home. She\u2019d already vowed to herself that once she was free of this place, she\u2019d never return, no matter how much Mrs. Dunn and the children begged her to, or how much money Mr. Dunn offered her to.<\/span><\/p>\n

If there was one thing Nan had perfected this summer, it was her eavesdropping skills. She\u2019d stood outside the closed door of the study and managed to catch most of what was said between Mr. Dunn, Paul and Charlie the previous morning, and then again, when Sheriff Coffee and Mr. Dunn had their talk. She\u2019d almost cried out with sorrow when she\u2019d heard Paul and Charlie tell their father about Little Joe. At least now she had confirmation from Sheriff Coffee that he wasn\u2019t dead, and that he\u2019d likely recover from his injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scowl lines etched her forehead as she piled chicken onto a platter. Recovery \u2013 that was more than could be said for poor little Daphne. Whatever she\u2019d witnessed up there on that ridge had terrorized her. Mr. Dunn hadn\u2019t lied to the sheriff when he said Daphne had taken to her bed sick. Only the child\u2019s illness had nothing to do with a summer cold, and everything to do with those stupid men using her as a pawn in their game. Nan wondered if Daphne would ever get over it, and she suspected Mrs. Dunn wondered so too. But whether she\u2019d ever confront her husband about the hysterical condition Daphne had been in after returning from her day out with Paul, Nan couldn\u2019t predict. Lately, Nan got the feeling Mrs. Dunn knew perfectly well what was going on in her home on all accounts, but simply chose to ignore the happenings. Would she ignore the affect it had on Daphne too? Again, Nan couldn\u2019t predict.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the family gathered for lunch in the dining room, Nan prepared a plate of chicken and mashed potatoes for Daphne. Once she had everyone served, she\u2019d go upstairs and try to get the traumatized little girl to eat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan entered the dining room with the platter of fried chicken and set it in the center of the table. She then went back for the basket of rolls, bowl of mashed potatoes, and bowls of steamed vegetables, while Margie retrieved a pitcher of milk. As she watched Mrs. Dunn pour milk for Nora and Henry as though her oldest sons hadn\u2019t been sent into hiding, and as though her seven year old wasn\u2019t sitting upstairs in bed staring blankly at the wall, and as though her husband wasn\u2019t making inappropriate advances toward the teenaged house girl, Nan vowed she wouldn\u2019t be like this woman. She vowed she wouldn\u2019t remain meek and silent when speaking up was the right thing to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But most of all, she vowed she\u2019d somehow get word to Mr. Cartwright that it was his own brother who tried to kill Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 51<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I can\u2019t arrest someone when I have no proof he did anything wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProof! What more proof do you want? You saw what they did to my boy! What more proof can you possibly need beyond bruises, welts, and torn flesh? Do I need to lay a corpse at your feet, Roy? Does Little Joe have to be dead before you\u2019ll do anything about this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw now, Ben, git off your high horse. You know perfectly well that I need the kinda proof that puts Paul and Charlie up on Settlers\u2019 Ridge. I need the kinda proof that tells me it was them who started that fire and hurt Little Joe. Problem is, even Little Joe can\u2019t say for sure it was them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he saw their little sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks he did, I\u2019ll give you that. But as far as him bein\u2019 able to testify to that in a court of law \u2013 Ben, you heard him say that he didn\u2019t know for certain who the child was. That hethought<\/em>\u00a0she was one of the Dunn children, but when I asked him which one he couldn\u2019t give me her name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t give you the names of all Jim\u2019s children either, but I know them when I see them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine. So you know them when you see them. It\u2019s likely Little Joe does too. But right now we have no proof that the little girl. . .or any little girl, was up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Though he didn\u2019t know it, Ben\u2019s actions mirrored those of Jim Dunn in recent days. He paced the great room floor, shaking his head with disgust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you think the Dunns are innocent. Is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never said that. If you\u2019re askin\u2019 me if I\u2019ve got a feelin\u2019 that Paul and Charlie were the ones behind that fire and Little Joe\u2019s injuries, then yeah, Ben, the ache in my gut\u2019s tellin\u2019 me it\u2019s so. Somethin\u2019 fishy\u2019s goin\u2019 on over at Jim\u2019s place. I could tell it the minute I set foot on the property. The children were jumpy as bullfrogs in the spring, Miss Henning wouldn\u2019t look me in the eye, and I never caught so much as a glimpse of Rilla, but I swear I heard her crying upstairs. Added to all that, the little girl Joe claims he saw is sick with a summer cold according to Jim, yet when I offered to get the doc for her, he was firm \u2018bout no doctor bein\u2019 needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Paul and Charlie are supposedly away on business. That\u2019s the story, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s the story. Jim said they left on Monday, and Miss Henning confirmed it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJim could have ordered her to lie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect he did, but there\u2019s not much I can do \u2018bout it. Miss Henning wasn\u2019t under oath when she spoke to me. Unfortunately, there\u2019s no law that lets me put someone in jail for fibbin\u2019 to the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no anger in Ben\u2019s voice when he said, \u201cIf she did lie, it\u2019s because she\u2019s nothing other than a scared teenager. And because she needs her job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI \u2018magine so. Either way, don\u2019t matter much \u2018cause as I said, without proof of wrongdoing, I have no reason to go lookin\u2019 for Paul and Charlie, or to question Miss Henning further.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glanced up the stairs to where his bruised and battered son lay recovering in his room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you might not have reason to go looking for them, but I have reason. Good reason.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man who\u2019d been sitting quietly in the blue chair next to the stairway now stood and approached Ben. He slipped a solicitous arm around Ben\u2019s shoulders and gave a brotherly squeeze.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, Benjamin. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben moved away from Daniel. \u201cThat may be, but the Bible also says that the Lord helps those who help themselves. Perhaps this is one of those times when He expects me to act without His intervention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019d better listen to your brother, Ben. Seeking revenge against the Dunns is only gonna bring you a passel of trouble with both them and me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you go upstairs and tell my son \u2013 the son who for some reason is afraid of me now, who shies away from my touch because of something those Dunn boys did to him \u2013 you go upstairs, Roy, and you tell Little Joe that his father is going to stand by and do nothing. That his father is going to let them hurt him again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned away, but not before the sheriff had seen the tears in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t let that happen, Roy. I promised Little Joe I wouldn\u2019t let them hurt him again, and it\u2019s a promise I intend to keep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 52<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s not your fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is.\u201d Joe was propped up in bed, sitting back against a pile of pillows. He gingerly turned his head and faced the wall. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault Pa\u2019s so upset and yelling at Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, it\u2019s only natural that there\u2019s going to be some upsets in this house for the next few days. Some. . .debate over what needs to be done. But none of it\u2019s your fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have never told Pa about the Dunns to begin with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I remember correctly, he didn\u2019t leave you much choice that day you came through the door with a black eye and a hand wrapped around your ribs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I asked him not to make a fuss over it. I asked him not to go see Mr. Dunn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I don\u2019t think Pa talking to Mr. Dunn changed the outcome of things one way or another.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point. The point is I asked. If it had been you doin\u2019 the asking, he would have respected what you wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe. Maybe not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe would have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. He was sitting in a chair at Joe\u2019s bedside, trying to help his younger brother while away some hours of enforced bed rest by reading the Territorial Enterprise to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this going to turn into one of those discussions where you claim Pa listens to me because I\u2019m the oldest of the family, and doesn\u2019t listen to you because you\u2019re the baby of the family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer to be called the \u201cyoungest of the family,\u201d if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam resisted the urge to smile. Most of the time, Joe would have said that with good humor, but today, it came out sharp and angry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, \u2018youngest of the family,\u2019 have it your way. And I\u2019ll concede that maybe you\u2019re right. But then, I\u2019m thirty years old to your eighteen, so don\u2019t you think that\u2019s what makes a difference where Pa\u2019s decisions about us are concerned?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to scowl, but given the bruises and cuts on his face, his expression changed to a makeshift frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t make a difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cOh, but Joseph, as Pa is often fond of telling me, someday when you\u2019re a father, you\u2019ll understand that it does make a difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe didn\u2019t respond, Adam apologized.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I don\u2019t want to argue with you. I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m not better company. You\u2019d probably prefer a game of checkers with Hoss to me reading aloud.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you\u2019re not reading Shakespeare or Thoreau, I don\u2019t mind. And as long as you leave the word puzzle for me to do later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a man of many facets, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing really. And anyway, it was a compliment, so quit trying to scowl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes traveled to his brother. This time, Adam could tell he was stifling a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is staying at the timber camp tonight, so maybe Pa will play checkers with you after supper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Joe\u2019s eyes drifted to the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam let silence linger in the room a long moment before finally taking the plunge and asking, \u201cOkay, enough of this. What\u2019s going on with you where Pa\u2019s concerned?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that about as much I believed your \u201cnothing\u201d when you were thirteen and I asked what you were up to when I spotted you and Mitch sneaking away from Leon Ferguson\u2019s outhouse. It wasn\u2019t five minutes later that it blew sky high.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, so that time I lied to you. This time just. . .just take my word for it when I say nothing and leave it go at that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on Joe\u2019s demeanor alone \u2013 the way he retreated somewhere deep inside himself each time Pa was mentioned \u2013 Adam wouldn\u2019t have been fooled into taking his word for it, even if he hadn\u2019t been sitting next to Joe on that wagon ride home and heard him begging their father to stop hurting him. After they\u2019d arrived at the house and gotten Joe settled in his room, it was Adam he reached for in his half delirious state, not Pa. And it was Adam he wanted to draw comfort from while Doc Martin began the painful process of cleaning the torn flesh on his back, not Pa. And he\u2019d leaned into Adam\u2019s chest while Doc worked, fighting Pa\u2019s efforts to hold him until Doc finally told Pa to leave the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, it was easy to explain it all away. It was easy to assume that pain, fever, dehydration, exhaustion, and the confusion brought on by Little Joe\u2019s head wound, caused him to behave irrationally. Adam even had Pa believing it for a while, because Adam himself believed it. But now, three days had passed since they\u2019d brought Joe home, and though he was still recovering, it could no longer be said he was running a fever, or was suffering the effects of dehydration, or that his head wound prevented him from recognizing his father. So what could be said? That Joe was afraid of their father for reasons known only to him? No amount of cajoling on Pa\u2019s part, pleading on Hoss\u2019s, or logic on Adam\u2019s, had managed to get Joe to reveal more than, \u201cNothing\u201d when asked what occurred while he was missing that had so greatly altered his relationship with his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because he\u2019d run out of ways to try and get an answer other than \u201cnothing,\u201d Adam returned to reading the paper to his brother. Apparently, it was a wasted effort, because a few minutes into the story about a brawl between some miners and cowboys that left the Bucket of Blood in a shambles, Adam\u2019s reading was interrupted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, when a man is. . .is in a bad way , can his mind think something is happening that really isn\u2019t?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stopped reading, slowly folded the paper and set it aside. Joe was facing him again, his expression reminding Adam of the little brother who used to turn to him for answers to those unanswerable questions like, \u201cHow come the sky\u2019s blue and not yellow?\u201d And, \u201cHow does the air know it\u2019s supposed to be cold in January and hot in July?\u201d And, \u201cIf God loves all of us like we\u2019re his kids, how come he let Tuck\u2019s little sister die from that fever? She was just a baby. How come God didn\u2019t make her well?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In answer to Joe\u2019s current question, Adam said, \u201cWell, I\u2019m not a doctor, which means I\u2019m no expert in this area. But yes, I believe when a man is in a bad way physically speaking, his mind can conjure up a lot of things that aren\u2019t really occurring. It\u2019s not much different than the delirium that accompanies a high fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe only chewed on his lower lip in thought, Adam finally asked, \u201cWhy? Did you think something was happening the other day that you realize now wasn\u2019t actually happening at all? Something that has to do with Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe appeared to be contemplating a revelation of some sort. When he spoke, however, Adam gained no further insight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t realize anything one way or another. I was just asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m tired, Adam. Think I\u2019ll sleep a while before dinner. Thanks for readin\u2019 the paper to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, if you want to discuss something. . .get my opinion about–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I don\u2019t need anyone\u2019s opinion, but thanks for the offer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure can be a stubborn son-of-a-gun when you want to be, you know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe smiled with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cI know. My big brother\u2019s mentioned it often enough over the years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam set the paper on Joe\u2019s nightstand and stood, he warned, \u201cJust don\u2019t let your stubbornness rue the day, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I knew what that meant, I wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA person who can do the paper\u2019s word puzzle in ink and not make any mistakes knows perfectly well what that means, but have it your way. I\u2019ve got work to tend to since I\u2019m doing chores for both of my brothers today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs Uncle Daniel would say, idle hands are the devil\u2019s workshop, Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry, I know who spends the most time in the devil\u2019s workshop around this place, and it\u2019s not me. And since you\u2019re laid up at the moment, Satan is getting a well deserved break.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe laughed, the sound a welcome one to Adam\u2019s ears. But as he left the room and turned to shut the door, he saw the tormented expression on his little brother\u2019s face, and wondered exactly what ghosts were haunting the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 53<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing fine, son. We\u2019ll go one more round, then it\u2019s back to bed for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can make it down the stairs. Maybe sit out on the porch for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Not tonight. Paul said bed rest for three days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, in five hours it\u2019ll be day four. I think it\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time since they\u2019d brought Little Joe home from the timber camp, he and his father were having what Ben deemed a normal exchange. In other words, there was an exasperated tone to Joe\u2019s voice as he tried convincing his father he should be allowed to do something that had been forbidden. But before Ben could capture this moment and figure out how to build on it, he made a fatal mistake. He reached out to place a hand on Joe\u2019s elbow, only to have Joe shy away from his touch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave an internal sigh. To his son, however, he offered a smile that probably looked as weak as it felt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . . no, Joseph. Not tonight. Going downstairs, I mean. Tomorrow morning for breakfast will be soon enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As uncharacteristic as a ninety-degree day in January, Joe didn\u2019t continue the debate. He broke eye contact with his father and gave a terse nod.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa. Sure. Whatever you say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now, that\u2019s nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou being so agreeable. However, I do kind of miss that spunky youngest son of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to shrug beneath his nightshirt. He grimaced, halting the movement that tugged on torn flesh. He continued walking, his steps stronger and more self-assured than they had been even at noon when he\u2019d taken this trip with Adam while Ben watched from a distance. Until Little Joe was recovered enough to go downstairs, Paul Martin wanted him to walk the hall three times a day to prevent pneumonia from setting in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason to miss me,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019m right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben nodded, as he traveled along side his son. \u201cAnd for that I\u2019m grateful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t respond this time. He just nodded again and kept on walking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was rare that conversation didn\u2019t flow easily between Ben Cartwright and his youngest boy. As Roy Coffee was fond of saying, a roomful of cloistered monks who\u2019d taken a vow of silence didn\u2019t have a prayer if coming up against Little Joe Cartwright. Not only would he convince the monks to talk, he\u2019d make the conversation entertaining to boot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But ever since Joe had been hurt, no matter how many times Ben tried getting a dialogue underway between the two of them, Little Joe remained mute, or answered with as few words as necessary. Ben almost wished for a display of Joe\u2019s infamous temper. At least he knew how to handle the boy\u2019s short fuse, as opposed to this burdensome silence Joe seemed to guard as though he feared if caught with his defenses down, he\u2019d reveal some secret he didn\u2019t want his father to know. But what secret? What had happened during those hours Joe was missing that left him wary and on-edge whenever Ben came near him?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t destined to get answers to his questions that night. Nothing about the silence changed as father and son walked the hallway, other than it seemed to grow heavier and more oppressive. When they reached the doorway to Joe\u2019s room, Ben took a step back so his son could enter first. Watching Joe walk into the room of his own accord reiterated to Ben what he\u2019d said minutes earlier \u2013 that he was grateful Joe was here. As Joe made his way to the bed, Ben recalled the happenings from three days ago, when his semi-conscious youngest was carried into the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time they\u2019d arrived from the timber camp, Doctor Martin was at the house. As soon as the wagon entered the yard, Paul rushed out the door with Hop Sing on one side and Daniel on the other. Ben couldn\u2019t remember what orders were given, or even who gave them \u2013 himself or Paul, or possibly even Adam. Regardless, they got Joe lifted from the wagon bed without doing him further harm, then carefully transferred him to Hoss\u2019s arms. Hoss followed Paul up the stairs, where Hop Sing already had a basin of hot water waiting, along with a stack of clean towels and bandages setting beside it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was while they were getting Joe settled in bed and stripped of his boots and trousers that he seemed to become more aware. Later, Hoss claimed it was the fever that made Little Joe act as he did, while Adam claimed it was a combination of many things \u2013 shock, pain, dehydration, fever, and the head injury \u2013 that caused Joe to struggle against his father, trying to push him away. In the melee that consisted of tangled arms, thrashing legs, jumbled bed sheets, and a Chinese housekeeper speaking in rapid Cantonese while trying to assist the doctor, Joe somehow managed to free himself from Ben\u2019s arms and end up in Adam\u2019s. He leaned into Adam\u2019s chest, shoving his father away again when Ben tried to reclaim him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave me alone! Don\u2019t touch me! Leave me alone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. . .Joe, son,\u201d Ben soothed, reaching out to lay a hand on the side of Joe\u2019s face. The fever burned hot against Ben\u2019s palm. \u201cIt\u2019s Pa, son. It\u2019s Pa, Little Joe. You\u2019re home now. No one\u2019s going to hurt you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from me! Go \u2018way! Adam, make him go away! Get him outta here, Adam! Make him go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I can\u2019t get a look at these injuries if he\u2019s thrashing around like that,\u201d Paul scolded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to hold him still!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell do a better job of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hold \u2018im,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I need you right where you are. You\u2019re going to have to keep a firm grip on his shoulders when I start swabbing his back with this disinfectant.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s nose wrinkled at the sharp smell when Doc Martin uncorked the bottle he was holding. \u201cDisin what?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDisinfectant. Something brand new to medical science thanks to a Doctor Lister. It\u2019ll sting to high heaven, but I don\u2019t have a choice. I have to get these wounds clean, or we risk an infection setting in that I\u2019ll never be able to control.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben reached for Joe again, the boy struggled to thrust his father away from the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave me alone! Don\u2019t touch me! Leave me alone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, leave him be,\u201d Adam ordered, sweating almost as heavily now as his injured brother. \u201cI\u2019ve got him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, for whatever reason your presence is only making things worse on the boy,\u201d Paul snapped, short tempered over having to man-handle a struggling patient. \u201cYou need to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Pa,\u201d Hoss urged with gentle understanding from where he stood at his brother\u2019s back, waiting to help the doctor. \u201cGo on and wait downstairs. Little Joe don\u2019t mean none a\u2019 what he\u2019s sayin\u2019. It\u2019s the fever, Pa. It\u2019s got him half outta his mind right now, but he\u2019ll be okay once Doc gits him patched up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t know for certain if he would have let them chase him from the room had it not been for Daniel. He felt an arm slip around his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBenjamin, come with me. Joseph doesn\u2019t want you here right now. He\u2019s confused. He\u2019s just confused. This is just like it was with my Danny. Come along. You\u2019ll help him more by leaving than by staying.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had never felt so close to his brother as he did in that moment. An older brother speaking calmly and reasonably to him was exactly who Ben needed, just like it was Adam who Joe needed. Ben allowed Daniel to lead him from the room and then walk beside him down the stairs. Daniel even brewed a fresh pot of coffee for them and brought a plate of sandwiches to the great room. Ben was too worried to have an appetite, but he did appreciate the coffee. He\u2019d never known his brother could be so caring and attentive. Admittedly, he was surprised that Daniel refrained from quoting Bible verses. Nor did he give a long lecture on the evil that occurs when an eighteen-year-old boy has a run-in with the neighbors. Instead, he asked Ben if he could offer a prayer for Little Joe\u2019s recovery. When Ben nodded, Daniel bowed his head and spoke out loud, but kept the prayer brief and heartfelt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear Lord, please watch over young Joseph. Lay your healing hands upon him Lord, and rise him up from his sick bed healthy and whole, just like you healed the crippled man at the Pool of Bethesda, then ordered him to rise from his mat and go home. Bless Joseph, Lord, and bless all who are in this house who serve your name with honor. Amen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Daniel,\u201d Ben said as he lifted his own bowed head. \u201cI appreciate your prayer for Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Trust in the Lord, Benjamin. He\u2019ll see both you and Joseph through this, and you\u2019ll both be stronger for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a little while, Ben was willing to believe that might be true. But as Joe began to recover and it could no longer be said that he wasn\u2019t in his right mind due to fever or shock, Ben began to doubt that any good could come from the cruel actions of a vengeful neighbor and his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

And now, as Ben pulled back the covers so his son could climb back into bed, he doubted it even more.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe settled against his stack pillows, Ben asked brightly, \u201cHow about a game of checkers, young man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .no, thanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, a game of cards?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDominos?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll just finish reading the paper Adam left here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can read it to you if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s okay. I\u2019ll read it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben switched tactics, trying a new way to gain an invitation to remain with son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like me to bring up some dessert? Hop Sing made the chocolate cake especially for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. He brought me a piece on my supper tray. I don\u2019t want anymore right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen how about later?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think so. I\u2019ll just read the paper and call it a night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s early yet. I could sit up here with you for a while. Keep you company until Adam comes back inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, but I\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .all right then. Guess I\u2019ll go downstairs. If you need anything, call.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood over his son a moment longer. When Joe wouldn\u2019t look up and meet his eyes, he finally said, \u201cGood night, Little Joe.\u201d He bent to kiss the top of Joe\u2019s head, but stopped in mid-action when Joe slid his upper body toward the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Ben\u2019s action effectively thwarted, he said simply, \u201cGood night,\u201d again, turned and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no, \u201cgood night,\u201d called in return. No anything. Just the silence that suddenly seemed an insurmountable fence erected between a loving father and the son who, until recently, had always adored him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 54<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When Ben arrived downstairs, Daniel was seated on the settee reading his Bible. A preoccupied Ben walked to his chair and sat down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, he seems to have learned his lesson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took Ben a moment to realize Daniel had spoken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPardon me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph. I heard you complimenting his newfound compliance when you were walking the hallway with him. It\u2019s as I told you, Benjamin. Trust in the Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrust in the. . .? I\u2019m sorry, but I don\u2019t understand what you mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember? I said if you trust in the Lord you might find that you and Joseph are stronger as a result of this experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a result of my son being kidnapped, and then beaten half to death?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He\u2019s a good son now. A submissive son. The Lord taught him a lesson \u2013 a painful one to be sure, but a lesson nonetheless, and now he knows he must obey you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel, Little Joe didn\u2019t do anything wrong. He didn\u2019t sneak off the day of the fire if that\u2019s what you\u2019re thinking. He was right where he should have been when Jim Dunn\u2019s boys managed to grab him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not talking about that day in particular. I\u2019m talking about all the days in general. About Joseph\u2019s obedience in general. About the Lord\u2019s commandment that a child honor his father. I see Joseph doing that now, so once again I know it\u2019s true that the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf by the Lord working in mysterious ways you mean someone taking a leather strap to Little Joe\u2019s back, then I\u2019m sorry, Daniel, but I don\u2019t want anything to do with those ways. And as far as obedience goes \u2013 you\u2019re confusing obedience with fear. My son isn\u2019t obeying me. For some reason he\u2019s afraid of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInspiring fear in our children is what the Lord wants of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize for disagreeing with you, but to my way of thinking that\u2019s not what the Lord wants at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood, suddenly feeling the need to get away from the brother whose company he\u2019d appreciated just three days earlier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to help Adam finish chores. If Little Joe calls out, please come get me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben left the house, his brother returned to reading the Bible. Ben shook his head as he walked to the barn. He wondered where Daniel had come by the notion that obedience was motivated by fear, rather than by love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 55<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRepent, sinner! Repent! Ask the Lord to forgive you! Ask for his forgiveness!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Stop it! Leave me alone! Stop!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t stop until you repent. Until you admit to being a sinner in God\u2019s eyes!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t! You can\u2019t make me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can\u2019t, can\u2019t I? Well we\u2019ll just see about that, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

The booming voice was his father\u2019s, and as the pace of the lashes across his bare back slashed with blinding speed, it was his father who demanded his repentance.<\/p>\n

\u201cObey thy father, boy! Obey thy father!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d He bit his lip, trying not to beg. But the violence of the strap forced the words out of him. \u201cPlease stop! Pa, please! Please stop, Pa! Please!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot until you repent. Not until you promise to obey your father! Not until you repent!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears filled his eyes as the strap split his flesh open and blood splattered his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .I repent! I repent! Stop! Stop, please, Pa! Please stop! I repent! I repent! Oh God, Pa, I repent!\u201d<\/p>\n

He flew up in bed, heart slamming against his chest. His breaths came in harsh uneven pants, sweat and tears mingled to trickle down his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes darted around the dark space. It took him a moment to realize he wasn\u2019t lashed to a slab of rock in a cave, but safe in his own bed. No one was taking a strap to his back, though the welts seemed to have come alive with the vividness of the dream. They smarted and bit, protesting the memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tossed back the covers and swiped a sleeve of his nightshirt across his face. He didn\u2019t know what time it was, but by the heavy darkness outside his window and the silence in the house, he guessed it was after midnight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gingerly, he swung his feet over the side of the bed and sat on the edge of the mattress. He waited, eyes on his closed door, shoulders hunched and tight with anxiety. When several minutes passed and no one entered the room, Joe knew he hadn\u2019t cried out during the nightmare. He slowly exhaled the breath he\u2019d been holding; thankful he hadn\u2019t awakened his father or Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rubbed a shaking hand over his eyes, wiping away the remnants of tears. He hated himself for the weakness displayed in the dream. He hadn\u2019t begged when it really happened. He was sure he hadn\u2019t begged. He might have cried out in pain. He might have shouted for his tormentor to stop, but he hadn\u2019t begged. Joe Cartwright didn\u2019t beg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and tried to let the tension flow from him body. This is what Adam always advised him to do whenever he had a nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a dream, Joe. It can\u2019t hurt you. Relax, and let it come back to you in bits and pieces as your mind sees fit. You never know, you might learn something from it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe was younger, he though that was dumb advice. What could you possibly learn from a dream that scared the pants off a\u2019 you? But tonight. . .tonight that advice suddenly didn\u2019t seem so dumb for some reason. Adam always said that a dream \u2013 good or bad \u2013 was your subconscious mind trying to send you a message. Or at least he\u2019d said that ever since he\u2019d returned from college. As Hoss said, evidently when a feller went away to a fancy school that cost his pa a lotta money, he learned things like there was some other kinda consciousness \u2018sides the one we walk around with in our heads ever\u2019 day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t too certain about this subconscious idea of Adam\u2019s, but on the other hand, he wasn\u2019t ready to discount it either. This was the first night he hadn\u2019t slept heavily and devoid of dreams since his kidnapping. He attributed that to this being the first night he\u2019d refused a dose of laudanum. Prior evenings, he\u2019d needed it to control the pain enough to sleep. But tonight he hadn\u2019t need it, and refused Adam\u2019s offer of the medication when he\u2019d stopped in after finishing his work in the barn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the pain having lessened, Joe didn\u2019t want to be dopey and slow in the morning from the after affects of the medication. He wanted to join his family for breakfast, then spend the day downstairs. Maybe even venture outside. If he were half loopy from the laudanum, he wouldn\u2019t wake up until well after breakfast time, and wouldn\u2019t be motivated to move around too much until close to noon. By then, Pa would decide he should spend another day in bed. Something Joe was determined not to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, now the dreams start, is that it? It\u2019s bad enough I had to live through the experience once. Now this subconscious mind Adam claims we all have has to go and remind me of something I\u2019d rather forget.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

An owl gave a lonely hoot somewhere outside of Joe\u2019s open window as he sat in the dark, allowing the nighttime sounds to comfort him. The distant whiney of a horse coming from the barn. A single cough that sounded like Pa. Bed springs creaking from down the hall as Adam shifted position in his sleep. If Hoss were here and not up at the timber camp, there was no doubt his snores would be rumbling the windowpanes. They all tried to hurry and fall asleep before Hoss, otherwise those buffalo snores of his could keep a man up all night. Joe was the one who generally ended up in his big brother\u2019s room, socking him on the arm while ordering, \u201cRoll over, Hoss. Roll over and quit that darn snorin\u2019. You\u2019re wakin\u2019 the dead again, not to mention those of us who\u2019d like to get a few hours a\u2019 sleep before dawn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As much as Joe tried to skirt away from the dream, it kept resurfacing like a fish determined to jump from the water and make its presence known. He finally sighed with defeat, giving into its insistence.<\/span><\/p>\n

He tried to think of what Adam would do. Perhaps ponder what he could remember about the nightmare and figure out what reflected the actual events, and what was out of place? Well, if that\u2019s how you started this whole subconscious process, then Joe would have to say that the lashes across his back were actual events, \u2018cause he had the torn skin to prove it. And the cave \u2013 he was pretty sure he\u2019d been held captive in a cave. He recalled the smell of damp earth, a chill that raised goose bumps on his bare flesh, and a heavy dimness, as though the ability for sunlight to reach the area was limited.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As far as what wasn\u2019t true \u2013 he was certain he hadn\u2019t begged. And though he\u2019d wanted to tell the man to stop, and even reached a point where he was willing to ask forgiveness as the man demanded of him, he was pretty sure his injuries had left him unable to speak by then.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRepent, sinner! Repent!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Joe heard again as clearly as if he were back in that cave.\u00a0\u201cAsk the Lord to forgive you! Ask for his forgiveness!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The man demanding he repent accurately reflected a portion of what happened. As well, the demand that he obey his father \u2013 that had happened, too. Joe closed his eyes, trying to force his mind to bring forth the man\u2019s face. He\u2019d never gotten a good look at him. Only bits and pieces of clothing \u2013 a glimpse of a shirtsleeve, a fleeting look at a trouser leg, a brief view of one boot. Since everyone around these parts bought their clothes in Virginia City, he supposed it was possible that someone wore the exact same shirt, trousers and boots that his father favored. But the voice \u2013 there was no explanation for the voice. The voice in the dream was the same voice Joe heard in the cave. But his pa. . .his pa would never hurt him like that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Or would he?<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed and dropped his head into his hands. Something wasn\u2019t right. Something was odd about the events of that day, and his dream was attempting to tell him that. Or so Adam would claim.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe slowly eased back to his pillows, he wondered just how much stock he should put in Adam\u2019s theory of the subconscious mind, versus how much stock he should put in his belief that the voice in the cave was the same voice that lulled him to sleep with a bedtime story each night throughout his childhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Either way, subconscious mind or reality, Joe supposed it didn\u2019t make much difference. Because now, whenever memories of that voice surfaced, they didn\u2019t bring with them the nostalgia of years past, but instead, harsh demands of repentance, while the man the voice belonged to beat him senseless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 56<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sunday morning Joe went downstairs for breakfast, Adam walking along side him to the table despite Joe\u2019s insistence that an escort \u2013 or a nursemaid \u2013 was no longer necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a quiet day, as Sunday was meant to be. Hoss was still at the timber camp. His absence brought a disapproving comment from Uncle Daniel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one should be working on the Sabbath, Benjamin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNormally I\u2019d agree with you, but that fire set us back some. We have no choice but to keep working until we\u2019ve fulfilled the obligations of that contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are always choices.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa let the discussion end with his brother\u2019s pointed comment. Uncle Daniel was due to go home on Friday. Joe supposed Pa was determined to be a gracious host for the short time his brother had left with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Joe wasn\u2019t ready to travel as far as Virginia City, he didn\u2019t attend church that morning. Pa insisted on staying home and keeping him company, despite Joe\u2019s attempts to convince his father it wasn\u2019t necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Hop Sing\u2019ll be here. You go ahead and go to church with Adam and Uncle Daniel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not today. I\u2019d feel better if I stayed here considering this is your first full day on your feet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe couldn\u2019t explain the unease he felt. The nightmare suddenly came back to him, almost making him afraid to be alone with his father. Joe tried to shake that feeling off. He had to keep in mind that, if Adam was correct, the dream was sending him a message that might reveal truths that had been muddled by pain, shock, and a hard knock to the head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike times in the past when Joe was determined to get his way, or at least say his piece, he didn\u2019t argue with his father. That action earned him a smile and a fatherly pat on the arm from Uncle Daniel. Joe looked after the old man as he left the dining room to get dressed for church. He shook his head slightly, wondering at his uncle\u2019s sudden benevolence. Maybe the old guy was feeling sentimental now that his visit was drawing to a close.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Uncle Daniel and Adam left for town, Pa tried to engage Joe in a game of checkers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks, Pa. Think I\u2019ll take a walk outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll go with you,\u201d Pa insisted as he started to stand from his chair at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe negated sharply, then swiftly changed his tone for reasons even he couldn\u2019t fully identify. \u201cI. . .I just wanna be by myself for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled. \u201cWell, Joe, you\u2019ve been by yourself in your bedroom for three days now. I thought you\u2019d like some company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had plenty of company between you, Adam, Hoss, and Hop Sing. I just need. . .I just need to be alone for a few minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, Joe thought his father would deny him permission to venture outside by himself. But finally the man gave a reluctant nod.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. But don\u2019t go any farther than the barn, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when you get tired, have a seat on the front porch. I\u2019ll be out to check on you in a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Pa placed a hand on his arm, Joe pulled away. He saw the hurt in his father\u2019s eyes and immediately regretted his action. His hand seemed to tremble of its own volition as he forced himself to reach out and grasp his father\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon, please,\u201d Pa begged, as he locked hands with Joe. \u201cPlease tell me what\u2019s troubling you. Tell me what I\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .\u201d Joe tried to speak around the lump that suddenly filled his throat. \u201cYou haven\u2019t done anything. I\u2019m just. . .that knock on the head has me mixed up is all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMixed up how, Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .I don\u2019t know. That\u2019s why I need some time to myself to sort things out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa studied him so intently that Joe finally grew uncomfortable and broke eye contact with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019d like to go outside now if that\u2019s okay with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa didn\u2019t say anything for several seconds. When he spoke, it was simply to give his permission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure…yes, sure. You go on outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Joe could turn away, his father gave his hand a gentle squeeze. That action was such a contrast to what Joe experienced in the cave that it brought tears to his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

God, but he was confused. How could you be so certain of something, and yet so uncertain of it at the same time?<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took a deep shuddering breath and hurried from the house. Maybe time alone to sort things out was just what he needed. Maybe time alone would reveal the message his dream had been trying to send him.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

The dream returned that night. The events were the same as the previous night with one exception. The dream didn\u2019t end when Joe screamed out his repentance to his father. At that point, the dream seemed to skip ahead in time and Joe saw himself traveling with Uncle Daniel on a train bound for Ohio, while Uncle Daniel read Bible passages to him about obedience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stupid dream,<\/em>\u00a0the young man thought as he straightened his tangled bedcovers.\u00a0If Adam\u2019s right and this is my subconscious mind tryin\u2019 to tell me something, it\u2019s sure got a strange way of goin\u2019 about it. First I\u2019m in a cave with Pa, then I\u2019m on a train with Uncle Daniel.<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lay back down, but it took him a good hour before his mind quit churning enough that sleep started to overtake him. Just as his eyes finally started to grow heavy and his mind started to slip into a dormant state, an idea came to him. An idea so simple and straightforward, it was a wonder it\u2019d taken him this long to think of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There was one way he could find out for certain what happened in that cave. And first thing tomorrow morning, he planned to pursue it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 57<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Little Joe, you\u2019re not going over to the Dunn ranch today. You\u2019re not going anywhere until your back heals and you\u2019re stronger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m strong enough, and my back feels fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be so, but the answer is still no.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019ve barely had two bites of my breakfast and I have a long day ahead of me. Please don\u2019t start things off on the wrong foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right, Little Joe.\u201d Hoss reached his fork to the center of the table and stabbed three more pancakes from the platter. He\u2019d arrived from the timber camp on Sunday evening to fill a wagon with supplies and spend the night in his own bed.\u00a0<\/span>
\n\u201c \u2019Sides, what you wanna go over there for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI. . .I just have some personal business to attend to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed with suspicion. \u201cWhat kind of personal business?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just. . .I just wanna ask Paul and Charlie a question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul and Charlie aren\u2019t even around for you to ask them a question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u201cWhat? Why? Where they\u2019d go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to Roy, their father sent them on a business trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh bull–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Language!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Forgetting his unease around his father, Joe sounded like himself for the first time in a week. Now that he had an idea of how to discover what happened in that cave, his determination to carry it out overrode his common sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll I was gonna say was exactly what I did. Anyway, Pa., come on. You know as well as I do that they weren\u2019t sent on any business trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, if anyone is going to visit the Dunn ranch, it will be me. Which I fully intend to do when the time is right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean when the time is right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever you mind. Your father will take care of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, right, Pa. Just like you took care of it the first time Paul and Charlie jumped me. Just like how you thought it would take care of things when you and I went together to talk to them and Mr. Dunn. I\u2019m through waiting for you to take care of things where the Dunns are concerned. Now let me take care of things in the way I see fit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ignored his uncle\u2019s admonishment of, \u201cJoseph, hold your tongue and obey your father!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa ignored his brother as well. His eyes bore into Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung man, no son of mine is going to talk to me that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell you don\u2019t seem to listen to me when I talk to you any other way! You didn\u2019t listen when I asked you not to talk to Mr. Dunn. And you didn\u2019t listen when I tried to tell you about those miners\u2019 kids jumping me and the Dunn boys bein\u2019 behind it all. And you–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Enough! That\u2019s enough now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If Joe hadn\u2019t been letting his temper get the best of him, he\u2019d have realized he\u2019d struck a nerve with his father and kept his mouth shut. But because he wasn\u2019t a father himself, he didn\u2019t understand that for Ben Cartwright, there was nothing worse than knowing you\u2019d failed your child because you wouldn\u2019t hear him out \u2013 and then, nothing worse than having that thrown back in your face by said child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so you\u2019re just not gonna listen to me again, is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben slowly pushed his chair back and stood. He loomed over his youngest, taking a deep breath and silently counting to ten. If the boy hadn\u2019t been eighteen, he swore he\u2019d put him over his knee and give him a lesson in listening he wouldn\u2019t soon forget.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben settled for pointing a stern finger. \u201cI\u2019m only going to say this once, Joseph, and I expect you to obey me. You will\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0go anywhere near the Dunn ranch. You will not leave here today. Your brothers and I have no choice but to go to the timber camp like we planned. I\u2019m leaving your uncle behind to make sure you do as I\u2019ve instructed. If I find out you so much as put a little toe beyond the boundaries of this ranch yard,\u00a0<\/span>
\nI\u2019ll–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up with defiance. \u201cYou\u2019ll what, Pa? Take a strap to my back again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, how can you say that ta\u2019 Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can say it because it\u2019s true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe threw his napkin down and headed for the stairway. His father called his name in a voice that almost sounded anguished, but Joe refused to turn around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa. I won\u2019t disobey you. I\u2019ll stay right here in my room and be the good son you want, instead of just bein\u2019 the son I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard the confusion and hurt in his father\u2019s tone when Pa called his name again, but by then he was up the stairs and headed to his room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard his father\u2019s boots on the first step, and then the second. At that point, Adam must have placed a restraining hand on Pa\u2019s arm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, let him be. Give him time to cool off. You can talk to him tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then came Hoss\u2019s, \u201cYeah, Pa. Things\u2019ll be better after you and Little Joe have spent some time apart. He didn\u2019t mean what he said \u2018bout that strappin\u2019. You\u2019ll see. Ifin\u2019 I know Little Joe, by the time we get home he\u2019ll be ready to apologize to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be so,\u201d Pa agreed in a quiet, defeated voice. \u201cBut that he said it all \u2013 regardless of whether he meant it or not–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Pa could finish his sentence, Uncle Daniel interrupted. \u201cBenjamin, I\u2019m not excusing the boy\u2019s insolent behavior, but you must remember he suffered a head injury. You heard your doctor say confusion and false memories brought on by head injuries can last for weeks. Now go on about the business you have planned. I\u2019ll remain here and make certain he stays put.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether Pa would have given into the suggestions to leave Joe alone had one of the timber crewmen not ridden into the ranch yard at that moment, Joe didn\u2019t know. He could sense the hesitation coming from below, as though Pa was contemplating ignoring the advice of his sons and brother, when a shout came from outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright! Hey, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s family headed toward the front door. The excitable messenger said something about needing more saw blades and axes in that supply wagon Hoss was bringing, and that three of the men were sick this morning with a fever and stomach upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat,\u201d Adam muttered. Joe could picture him grabbing his hat from the rack. \u201cAt a time when we\u2019re already behind, we\u2019ve now got some kind of illness being passed around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be okay, Adam,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe\u2019ll head on up there lickety split and git the day started.\u201d He spoke to the waiting crewman next.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAndy, go into Virginia City and see if you can hire on some men for us. As many as you can git, as long as they ain\u2019t drinkers and wanna work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Hoss. I\u2019ll do that. I\u2019ll join ya\u2019 up at the camp just as soon as I can an\u2019 bring as many men with me as I can find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right then,\u201d Adam said as Andy left the house to do as Hoss instructed. \u201cLet\u2019s get a move on.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Joe couldn\u2019t see from his room, was that after his father put on his hat and strapped on his gun belt, he gave one last long look up the stairs. If Joe had seen Pa\u2019s face, he\u2019d have known Ben was uncertain about leaving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComin\u2019 Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .yes. Yes, I\u2019m coming.\u201d Joe\u2019s father called, \u201cWe\u2019re leaving now, Joseph!\u201d but he refused to answer the man.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Joe sensed hesitation, then came Uncle Daniel\u2019s voice assuring, \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine, Benjamin. Boys have to go off and lick their wounds every now and again as our pa used to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. . .yes, I guess that is what pa used to say, isn\u2019t it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If any other words were exchanged, they weren\u2019t spoken loud enough to reach the second floor. A few minutes later, Joe\u2019s father and brothers rode away from the ranch yard, and Joe was left alone in his room with Uncle Daniel sitting downstairs serving as his watchdog.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 58<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Obedience wasn\u2019t always Joe Cartwright\u2019s strong suit when he felt he had a good reason to go against his father\u2019s directive. Therefore, despite his declaration to Pa that he\u2019d be a \u201cgood son\u201d Joe found himself being \u201cthe son I am\u201d as he slithered out of his bedroom window two hours after lunch. He\u2019d gone to the table and eaten silently with the uncle who spent the duration of the meal giving him a cold stare of reproach. It must have been due to God\u2019s grace that Joe didn\u2019t spend the entire thirty minutes having to listen to one of Uncle Daniel\u2019s lectures. Perhaps God figured Joe had already experience a pretty rotten week, and didn\u2019t deserve any more punishment. Or perhaps He\u2019d grown as weary of Uncle Daniel\u2019s litanies as Joe had.<\/span><\/p>\n

When everyone was away from the Ponderosa for the afternoon, it wasn\u2019t unusual for Hop Sing to take a nap. Thankfully, he was doing that today, making Joe\u2019s escape easier. Not that Hop Sing could stop him, but he would sure make a lot of noise while chasing after Joe jabbering, \u201cNumber 3 son be sorry for not doing as Father say! Number 3 son not come crying to Hop Sing when Father temper blow roof off house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing being unaware of Joe\u2019s escape down the trellis meant he didn\u2019t alert Uncle Daniel, who was seated in the great room reading his Bible. He\u2019d taken his responsibilities to Pa seriously when it came to keeping an eye on Joe. By the way the old man appeared to be intent on guarding the front door, he was evidently foolish enough to think there was only one way in and out of this house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe carefully peered around the corner of the house, making sure the front door was closed and that Uncle Daniel hadn\u2019t come out to sit on the porch. When he discovered all was clear, he silently scampered across the ranch yard to the barn. He winced when Cochise nickered in greeting. He put a finger to his lips, as though the horse would understand that he was to shush.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took Joe longer to saddle the horse than usual due to his tender back. Once Cochise was ready, Joe peeked out from the barn to again make sure he could exit undetected. When he didn\u2019t see anyone, he led the horse from the building and didn\u2019t mount him until the house was out of sight. Once he was on Cochise\u2019s back, Joe nudged him into a slow trot. He could already tell that his bruised body wasn\u2019t going to stand for a lot of jostling. Pa had been right. It was too soon for him to undertake a journey to the Dunn ranch. Nonetheless, he was determined to accomplish the trip. He didn\u2019t want Pa confronting Mr. Dunn. He\u2019d heard what Roy said about that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better listen to your brother, Ben. Seeking revenge against the Dunns is only gonna bring you a passel of trouble with both them and me.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Though the happenings in that cave left Joe with a lot of conflicting thoughts and feelings regarding his father \u2013 many he didn\u2019t even understand the source of because that day was still so muddled in his brain \u2013 he didn\u2019t want Pa in trouble with the law. Despite the level head Pa usually displayed, there was a side to the man that wasn\u2019t much different from the way Joe lost all sense of reason when his temper got the best of him. Pa didn\u2019t like to admit that, and he rarely displayed it. But when it came to someone causing trouble for his sons \u2013 well, Pa was like any father would be, Joe supposed. Protective, and like a hen with one chick. Or better put, a mama grizzly bear with one cub. And a mama grizzly who\u2019d been awakened from hibernation to boot.<\/span><\/p>\n

No, to Joe\u2019s way of thinking he wasn\u2019t doing anything wrong. True, there was the issue of having promised Pa to stay his room, but then, technically speaking, Pa never asked him to make that promise. Joe had made it of his own accord, so really, when you gave it some thought, he wasn\u2019t disobeying Pa. And besides, if he could just talk to Paul and Charlie without any fathers interfering \u2013 if he could just ask them the one question he needed to know the answer to, then Mr. Dunn and Pa could fuss over that timber contract until the cows came home for all Joe cared. Timber contracts weren\u2019t important to him any longer. Finding out who had been with Paul and Charlie was.<\/span><\/p>\n

All I\u2019m gonna do is ask them who was there. Maybe it was nobody. Maybe it was just my imagination. Or maybe it was some drifter they paid a few bucks to help them beat the tar outta me. Or maybe they\u2019ll refuse to tell me. Maybe this trip will be a waste of my time. But it\u2019s like Pa says, nothing ventured nothing gained.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe swallowed hard as a small amount of common sense came back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gee, I sure hope he understands that if he finds out I left the house today.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The young man momentarily considered turning around. Within seconds, he discarded that thought and rode on toward the Dunn ranch. If his dream was indeed sending him a message, then he was hell bent on finding out what it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

If Joe had only turned around like he\u2019d contemplated, he\u2019d have seen he was being followed, and right then, would have realized what his dream was trying to tell him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 59<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright was so preoccupied on the ride to the timber camp that he barely paid attention to the path his horse traveled. It was a good thing Buck was familiar with the route and needed little guidance from the man on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben assumed Adam and Hoss engaged in conversation along the way, but once they arrived at the camp, he honestly couldn\u2019t say what his sons discussed on the trip, or if they\u2019d discussed anything at all. He wasn\u2019t sure how many times he\u2019d thought of saying to them, \u201cBoys, you head on up without me. I won\u2019t feel right about things until I go home and talk to Little Joe,\u201d but he knew he\u2019d thought it more than once.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only thing that kept Ben from heading back to the ranch house was the sickness spreading through the camp. If illness prevented men from working for a few days, then they needed all the hands they could come by. As it was, they were already down one man \u2013 Joe. Doctor Martin didn\u2019t want him doing more than light chores around the barn for at least a week, maybe two. And Ben was in full agreement with Paul where that was concerned. That head injury of Joe\u2019s \u2013 well, it had his father worried, and rightfully so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Until this kidnapping the Dunns orchestrated, Joe had never been afraid of him. Never. Oh sure, he\u2019d been afraid of his father\u2019s wrath when he knew some prank he\u2019d pulled or wrongdoing he\u2019d engaged in was going to land him in hot water, but Ben could never recall Joe acting as if he feared his father would purposely harm him. Not even back in the days when he was escorted to the woodshed every now and again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which brought Ben to the words Joe said at the breakfast table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll what, Pa? Take a strap to my back again?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again. What did he mean by that particular word? That he thought Ben had something to do with the beating he\u2019d suffered? Or in anger, had Little Joe simply meant that someone already had taken a strap to him, and was his father going to do the same thing, given their heated argument?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed. With Joseph, it was so hard to guess. When the boy was riled he often said things he didn\u2019t mean, as Hoss pointed out. Or said things that he knew would get everyone lathered up. Joe was clever that way. He might appear angry to the point of not knowing what he was saying, when actually, he knew exactly what he was saying, and had calculated every word. Which might also explain Joe\u2019s other words this morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can say it because it\u2019s true.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Did he really mean that? Did he really mean that he thought Ben beat him? Or was he just so furious over being denied permission to ride to the Dunn ranch that he hurled words he knew would upset his father for the rest of the day?<\/span><\/p>\n

Joseph, I swear. You\u2019ll be the death of me yet.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to mulling over those thoughts, Ben took the head injury into consideration. As Daniel reminded him, confusion and false memories often accompanied a bout of unconsciousness due to a blow to the head. Ben hadn\u2019t raised three boys, nor employed numerous ranch hands, not to have learned that long ago. He\u2019d even seen head injuries cause a person to lose his entire memory of the day the injury occurred, and sometimes even lose his memory of several days leading up to the injury. And then there could be personality changes, too. Paul told Ben that once, but so far, he\u2019d never witnessed such a thing. Or at least not until now. Maybe that\u2019s what was going on with Little Joe and this fear he displayed. Maybe he\u2019d undergone some kind of personality change due to his head wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

Put together, it made a lot for a father to worry about. A few years back a boy Little Joe went to school with died a week after suffering a head injury. Everyone thought he was fine after he fell out of a tree house. His mother said he\u2019d lost consciousness for no more than two or three minutes, and he\u2019d even gone to school the next day. But a few days later he complained of a severe headache, and within hours collapsed and died. Paul Martin said it was likely due to bleeding in the brain from the fall he\u2019d taken. What if something like that was happening to Little Joe? What if he had a more serious injury than they realized?<\/span><\/p>\n

Then atop those worries loomed Jim Dunn and his boys. Ben wasn\u2019t concerned that they\u2019d try to harm Little Joe again. Or at least not any time soon. If he were, he wouldn\u2019t have left Joe home with just Daniel and Hop Sing to protect him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben knew Jim well enough to suspect there was one thing he hadn\u2019t lied to Roy Coffee about \u2013 Paul and Charlie being sent away. No, they hadn\u2019t been sent on a business trip the day before the fire like Jim claimed. But sometime following the fire Jim sent them off somewhere to hide out. Ben was sure of it. Jim would do all he could to protect those boys from trouble with the law. The longer they were gone, the less likely that they\u2019d ever be found guilty of any wrongdoing. Especially if Little Joe could never testify with absolute certainty that it was Paul and Charlie who grabbed him that day. He\u2019d seen the little girl he was certain was their sister, and he\u2019d even heard her call Paul\u2019s name. And at sometime during his captivity he was certain he\u2019d heard both Paul\u2019s and Charlie\u2019s voices, but Ben knew a good lawyer would tear apart Joe\u2019s testimony in seconds. With no eyewitnesses, and with Little Joe unable to say he\u2019d gotten a good look at either Dunn boy, and added to that with the entire Dunn family and their house girl testifying that Paul and Charlie were away on business prior to the fire being set \u2013 well, any charges Ben might try and bring against those two would be an effort in futility.<\/span><\/p>\n

So now it was up to him to decide what to do next. Roy warned him not to take the law into his own hands, and though he\u2019d threatened to do so and was still fighting the urge not to, he was left with two choices. He could either go to the Dunn ranch and give Jim the same kind of beating Little Joe had received, or when he got the money for the timber, he could deliver the check to Jim in exchange for a promise that the nonsense that had gone on this summer was over, and over for good.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In many ways, the thought of doing that rankled Ben. It wasn\u2019t much different than being blackmailed and paying your blackmailer off. But to keep his son safe \u2013 to keep any of his sons safe \u2013 he\u2019d pay the money without thinking twice about it. If nothing else, after delivering the cash, he could at least have the satisfaction of also delivering a strong right hook to Jim\u2019s jaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Ben decided the only way to end this feud was to pay Jim off, he wouldn\u2019t share that with his boys. Not even with Adam. The only thing they\u2019d need to know was that their father had taken care of the problem, and that he expected them to steer clear of the Dunn family. It wasn\u2019t a perfect solution, and there was no guarantee it would work, but at the moment it was the only solution Ben could come up with short of dragging Jim to a cave and whipping the skin off his back with a leather strap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Hey, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s voice pulled Ben away from his heavy thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? What? Did you say something, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said we\u2019re here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked around, surprised to find they were at the timber camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh…um yes\u2026yes, I guess we are, aren\u2019t we.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben dismounted his horse and tied him to a makeshift hitching post.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome along, boys. The sooner we get this day underway, the sooner it\u2019ll be over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t see the glances his sons exchanged behind his back, as though they knew what he\u2019d left unsaid. That the sooner the workday ended, the sooner he could get home and talk to Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 60<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel watched from the window behind Ben\u2019s desk. The foolishness of eighteen-year-old boys never ceased to amaze him. Joseph must think his uncle too decrepit and senile to know what tricks he had up his sleeve. Danny snuck out of his bedroom window on several occasions, too. Therefore, Daniel assumed Joseph might try the same thing, and kept an ear tuned to the second floor. The noises were subtle and muffled, but Daniel recognized them when they came. A chair carefully pushed away from a desk. Cautious boot steps barely gracing the floorboards. The faint sound of a window being raised as high as it would go. Then a slight scraping sound against the side of the house \u2013 a sound Daniel would have likely never noticed if he hadn\u2019t been anticipating it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The man moved away from the window and opened Ben\u2019s middle desk drawer. He took out a piece of paper, then plucked the pen from its inkwell. Using the desktop as the hard surface he needed he wrote,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benjamin,<\/span><\/p>\n

I fear Joseph went to the Dunn ranch. I have gone after him. Don\u2019t worry, all will be fine. We\u2019ll be home in time for supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel folded the note in half and wrote Ben\u2019s name on the outside of it. He returned the pen to the inkwell and walked through the great room. He propped the folded note against the bowl of fruit setting in the middle of the dining room table. Once that was done, he turned and entered his bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel quietly shut the door, then crossed to the dresser. He opened the top drawer. He removed a stack of neatly folded trousers and shirts until he came to the bottom of the pile. He quickly changed his clothing. His brown trousers and charcoal shirt were twins of those his brother favored. He opened the wardrobe and reached to a far end. He pulled the tan leather vest off its hanger and slipped it on. The wide brimmed, light colored cowboy hat came out of hiding next. As he passed the full length mirror on the opposite side of the room, he was pleased to see once again how, with just a change of clothing, he bore a remarkable resemblance to Benjamin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though some would call this deceit, Daniel didn\u2019t see it as such. It was exactly what God sent him here for. If he had to dress like his brother to pull it off, then it was the Lord who had directed him to purchase the clothing at the same store in Virginia City Benjamin favored. If the shopkeeper found his choice of clothing odd, he didn\u2019t comment on it. Possibly he thought it made sense that a visiting brother from far away would want to dress like the well-respected Ben Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel left the house as quietly as Joe had so as not to awaken Hop Sing. He saddled Sweet Daisy and looped a lasso around her saddle horn, grateful to the ranch hand who\u2019d so graciously taught him how to use it this summer. He then filled two saddlebags with the things he needed. He mounted the horse and rode out of the barn, taking the same path his nephew had.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The man shook his head with disappointment as he trailed after the boy. He thought Joseph had learned his lesson in that cave. He thought he\u2019d cast the devil out of the boy that day. But based on the way Joseph spoke to his father this morning, and now this most recent act of blatant disobedience, it was apparent that, just like Danny, Joseph hadn\u2019t learned his lesson at all. It was apparent that Joseph needed another lesson, just like Danny had needed further lessons.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t something Daniel looked forward to. He truly didn\u2019t want to harm the boy, just like he hadn\u2019t wanted to harm Danny. But God commanded that evil be driven out of young men who refused to obey, and although Daniel had failed to fulfill that command where his own son was concerned, he was determined not to fail it where Benjamin\u2019s son was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 61<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sucked in a sharp breath as he tried to stretch in the saddle. He\u2019d never admit it out loud, but Pa was right. He wasn\u2019t strong enough for a trip on Cochise yet. The motion of even the horse\u2019s slow walk caused the tender skin on his back to rub against the fabric of his shirt. And now that he was in the saddle, Joe was discovering all the bruises that dotted his body. He couldn\u2019t sit comfortably, which he found odd considering his injuries were above his waist, but still, for whatever reason, riding Cochise was painful. And because of the way he had to keep adjusting his position, Joe was rapidly growing weary. One of the first things he\u2019d learned about riding when he was no more than five or six years old, was that the rider and horse had to be as one. If you were constantly fighting against the rhythm of the horse\u2019s gait, you wore yourself out in a short amount of time. That lesson was reiterated today. Several times Joe wondered if he\u2019d make it to the Dunn ranch, or if he should just give up on his idea, turn around, and head home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which was the exact action he should have taken. But Joe Cartwright was never one to give up, and was often too stubborn for his good, as Adam was fond of reminding him. Despite his discomfort and increasing exhaustion, he knew getting an answer from Paul and Charlie was a \u201cnow or never\u201d situation. He\u2019d been able to slip away from the house undetected, and had several hours ahead of him before his father and brothers returned home. If he was going to talk to the Dunns, he had to do it this afternoon, because the opportunity might never present itself again. Or at least not in the near future if Pa had anything to say about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first call of, \u201cJoseph!\u201d caused Joe\u2019s heart to skip a beat. The second time Pa yelled, \u201cJoseph!\u201d he stopped Cochise, swallowed hard, and reluctantly turned around. The dreaded anticipation on Joe\u2019s face changed to confusion as the rider approached. What was Pa doing on Sweet Daisy?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until the man was upon him that Joe realized it was his uncle and not his father following him. But why was Daniel dressed like Pa?<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Joe could give that thought the time it deserved, Uncle Daniel began demanding obedience from him. Something that immediately set Joe\u2019s temper to simmering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, come home with me now, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Uncle Daniel.\u201d Joe fought to keep his tone civil. This old man might be Pa\u2019s brother, but regardless, he had no business butting into Joe\u2019s personal affairs. \u201cI\u2019m not coming home right now. I have some things to attend to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard your father this morning. You were told not to leave the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard my father,\u201d Joe acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen what do you have to say for yourself, young man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have anything to say to you, and as for my father, what I have to say to him when the time comes will between Pa and me. It\u2019s none of your concern.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you talk to me like that!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Uncle Daniel. I don\u2019t mean to be disrespectful, but I have business to attend to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only business you need to attend to, young man, is the business of obeying your father by returning home with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head as he urged Cochise to start moving again. \u201cNo, Sir. I can\u2019t do that. Now if you\u2019ll excuse–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who the hell taught the old guy to use a lasso Joe didn\u2019t know. The rope caught him from behind, surprising him as it tightened around his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the–\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was yanked off Cochise. He landed on the ground with a pain filled, \u201cUmph!\u201d as the breath was driven out of him. Before he could wrestle possession of the rope from his uncle, Daniel was on top of him. The old man was stronger than Joe would have given him credit for. As Joe struggled and fought against him, Daniel maintained a solid seating on his nephew\u2019s chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop your struggling Joseph! Stop it now, young man!\u201d A hand slapped Joe\u2019s face. \u201cYou\u2019re going to repent, evil doer! Before this day is over, you\u2019re going to repent!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spit out blood. He looked up into the man\u2019s face and saw the features that were his father\u2019s, and yet at the same time weren\u2019t. Then the voice that was Pa\u2019s, yet wasn\u2019t; demanded again that he repent, and that\u2019s when Joe Cartwright realized it. That\u2019s when he realized the danger he was in. That\u2019s when he realized what his dream had been trying to tell him. That\u2019s when he realized it wasn\u2019t Pa who\u2019d hurt him the day he was kidnapped; it was his uncle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe, you idiot,<\/em>\u00a0he berated himself as his uncle slapped him again.\u00a0You complete idiot. You should have figured this out days ago. You should have known it was him. He\u2019s been a thorn under your saddle all summer long. You should have
\nknown. . .<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts trailed off as the white cloth came toward his nose. He increased his struggles, bucking and kicking, trying to throw his uncle off his chest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the chloroform soaked cloth was pressed roughly against his face, Joe\u2019s last conscious thought was,\u00a0I\u2019m sorry, Pa. I\u2019m so sorry. I was wrong about so much. I should have known. I should have known you\u2019d never hurt me.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Five minutes later, Joe\u2019s limp body was hanging across his saddle, trussed to Cochise\u2019s back as the horse was led in the opposite direction of the Ponderosa ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 62<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t stable Buck when he arrived home that evening. He dismounted the horse outside of the barn, turned the reins over to Adam, said, \u201cThanks, son,\u201d and headed toward the house. Hoss remained outside with Adam to unhitch the team from the wagon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All in all, they\u2019d had a productive day. Andy arrived at the camp shortly after noon with six men in tow. In addition to that, the sickness going through the camp seemed to be of the twenty-four hour variety. The three men who\u2019d been ill that morning were feeling much better by late afternoon, and all of them said they\u2019d be fit to work the next day. Ben hoped that meant if any other men got ill, they\u2019d recover just as quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another week of days as fruitful as this one, and we should have that contract fulfilled with time to spare.<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben thought of that time to spare with satisfaction. It was always nice to have a few days built in for an emergency. As he reached the front door, his feeling of satisfaction left him. The ride home had been devoted to thinking of the best way to get Little Joe to talk to him this evening. Ben had finally decided he\u2019d wait until after they\u2019d eaten supper and then ask Joe to take a walk with him. He wanted to speak to his youngest in private, without the opinions of older brothers \u2013 anyone\u2019s older brothers \u2013 interfering in the discussion. On the ride home, Adam and Hoss had promised Ben they\u2019d keep Daniel occupied and out of his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now if I can just get him to keep silent during supper, both Little Joe and I might actually remain in the right frame of mind for a father and son talk.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben entered the house, he immediately noticed how empty it seemed. The dining room table was set, and the smells coming from the kitchen indicated a ham and sweet potatoes were baking, but there was no sign of Daniel or Joe. He glanced to his left and saw Daniel\u2019s door was open. He stuck his head in the room, but didn\u2019t see any sign of his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben walked through the great room and looked toward his desk. Neither Daniel nor Little Joe was sitting there. He stopped at the foot of the steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe! Joseph!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When he got no answer, Ben called Little Joe\u2019s name again, then switched tactics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel! Daniel!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice brought Hop Sing from the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNumber One Brother and Number Three Son not here, Mr. Cart\u2019light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey not tell Hop Sing where go. But here.\u201d Hop Sing plucked a piece of paper from the table that the plates and glasses had obscured from view. \u201cI think Mr. Daniel leave note. This not look like Little Joe writing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took the paper from Hop Sing. \u201cNo, it doesn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s cursive writing, with its distinct left sided slant, also bore another distinction Ben had learned over the years was common to many left-handed men and women. The letters of his words weren\u2019t always connected, as though he was doing a combination of both writing and printing. Ben had always been amazed at how fast Little Joe could scrawl something out that way, and how despite its odd appearance, his penmanship was usually quite legible.<\/span><\/p>\n

But as soon as Ben saw his name he knew Hop Sing was correct. This note was from Daniel. He opened it and read it, then read it again, almost as though he didn\u2019t believe the words the first time through.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy that little. . .Joseph Francis Cartwright, when I get my hands on you. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Like many threats fathers make when they\u2019re at the end of their rope with a child, Ben\u2019s trailed off because he wasn\u2019t sure exactly what he\u2019d do to Little Joe when he got a hold of him, but for now, he had plenty of time to think about it. He thrust the note back at Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long ago did they leave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing can\u2019t say. Very busy in kitchen all afternoon. But guess two \u2019clock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t bother to tell his housekeeper that he knew perfectly well he\u2019d been napping and not cooking at two o\u2019clock. It didn\u2019t matter anyway. It wasn\u2019t Hop Sing\u2019s fault Joseph decided to do exactly what his father told him not to.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got an errand to attend to. I\u2019m taking Adam and Hoss with me. If Little Joe comes back home, you tell him to wait right here.\u201d As he ran out the door, Ben added, \u201cAnd tell him he\u2019d better believe it when his father said he\u2019ll live to regret it if he doesn\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was already halfway to the barn when Hop Sing trotted back to the kitchen muttering, \u201cNow must keep supper warm \u2018til who know when. Humph! Hop Sing half mind quit and go work for man whose sons behave themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben ran outside, calling to Adam not to unsaddle the horses, then calling to Hoss to get Chubb saddled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, what\u2019s the matter? Where we gotta go to in such a hurry? I was lookin\u2019 forward to some of Hop Sing\u2019s good cookin\u2019. I ain\u2019t ate darn near a thing since lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed with exasperation. \u201cWhat about our brother?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to the Dunns\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Why that little–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh dadburn it, what in tarnation did he go and do that for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he\u2019s Joseph, and because he\u2019s as headstrong as a Missouri mule, and because he\u2019s eighteen and sometimes as foolish as the day is long, and. . .and because I wouldn\u2019t listen to him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, come on. You can\u2019t blame yourself. Besides, just because he went to Jim\u2019s doesn\u2019t mean anything has happened. Where\u2019s Uncle Daniel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe went after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, now see there, Pa. It\u2019s gonna be okay. Uncle Dan\u2019l\u2019ll bring Joe home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he will, but we\u2019re riding out to meet them. Now come on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll three of us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, quit worrying about your stomach and get Chubb saddled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, I don\u2019t see why all three of us have ta go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause if I don\u2019t find Joseph between here and the Dunn ranch, I\u2019m going to need you and Adam with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you stop me from putting a bullet into Jim, that\u2019s why. Now get a move on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s words finally caused Hoss to forget about his empty stomach. He hurried to saddle Chubb, then joined his father and brother in riding away from the ranch yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 63<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJim! Jim! Jim, get out here now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim Dunn yanked his front door open and stepped onto the porch in the fading daylight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what\u2019s the meaning of this? Rilla\u2019s trying to get my little ones down to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, because I\u2019m not here to see Rilla or your little ones, I\u2019m here to see you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim stomped down the steps to meet Ben in the ranch yard. The two men drew an audience as curtains were pushed aside and young faces pressed against the dining room windows.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere to see me about what, Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s fists clenched. \u201cCan\u2019t tell me, or won\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t, because I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe and my brother were headed this way earlier today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I haven\u2019t seen either one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached for his gun. Hoss\u2019s hand flew out and clamped onto his father\u2019s wrist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, come on, now. Take it easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben ignored his son. \u201cIf you haven\u2019t seen them, then you won\u2019t mind if we have a look around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do mind, because now you\u2019re calling me a liar. I haven\u2019t seen them, Ben, and that\u2019s the God\u2019s honest truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing from you, that doesn\u2019t bring me much peace of mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do anything about your state of mind. But I\u2019m telling you, I haven\u2019t seen Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about those boys of yours?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul and Charlie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m not talking about Timmy and Matthew. Yes, Paul and Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re away on business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019d\u00a0better be<\/em>\u00a0away on business, because if I see hide or hair of \u2018em, they\u2019ll know what a strapping is by the time I\u2019m finished with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, get off my property and take your boys with you. Little Joe isn\u2019t here. Your brother isn\u2019t here. I haven\u2019t seen either one of them, and I don\u2019t have anything else to say to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim turned toward the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh really, you don\u2019t have anything to say to me, is that it? Well, Jim, I have something to say to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Adam or Hoss could stop him, Ben grabbed the man\u2019s arm, spun him around, and landed a solid right punch to his jaw. He flew backwards and landed on his rear end in the ranch yard amidst gasps and cries from the children inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben planted a boot in the center of the man\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you listen to me, Jim, and you listen good. This trouble between us is over, ya\u2019 hear? It\u2019s over as of right now. If you really haven\u2019t seen Joseph today, then I\u2019ll let bygones be bygones. But if I find out my son was here and that you\u2019ve harmed him in any way, I\u2019ll come after you and I swear I\u2019ll do to you exactly what you did to him ten times over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Ben had his say, he removed his foot, turned and headed for Buck. Adam and Hoss remained on guard until Jim got to his feet and stumbled into his house cupping his injured jaw. After Adam and Hoss were on their horses, Ben led the way from the Dunn ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go, boys. We have to find your little brother and uncle before dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

While the children gasped and cried with alarm when Mr. Cartwright punched Mr. Dunn, Nan Henning silently cheered. Like the children, she was pressed against the windows watching the drama unfold.<\/span><\/p>\n

For once, Mr. Dunn hadn\u2019t lied. Little Joe hadn\u2019t been here today, and neither had Mr. Cartwright\u2019s brother. Nan had never seen Daniel Cartwright, but there hadn\u2019t been any visitors stop by until Mr. Cartwright, Adam and Hoss arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Mr. Dunn entered the house, Nan gathered the children around her skirts. Glen and Margie went to their father. Nan figured that was sufficient. They were old enough to help him in whatever way necessary. Under the guise of getting the younger children off to bed, she herded them upstairs. She had to get out of this house and tell Mr. Cartwright that if Little Joe had gone off alone with his uncle then he was in the kind of trouble that could leave him dead. As she supervised children washing their hands and faces and getting into their nightshirts and nightgowns, she hit upon a plan that might finally get her out from underneath the watchful eye of Jim Dunn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 64<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When he got a hold of the person who\u2019d wrapped a leather cinch around his skull and tightened it until his blood slammed against his brain in rhythm to each beat of his heart, he swore he\u2019d knock them senseless. Not to mention the Mojave Desert dryness that had returned to his mouth, leaving his tongue thick and swollen. His face stung and burned as though an indignant saloon girl had given him a hardy slap for some fresh remark he couldn\u2019t recall because his thoughts were dull and slow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Man, I sure hope the night I had in Virginia City was worth it, \u2018cause when Pa gets a hold a\u2019 me I gotta feelin\u2019 I\u2019m gonna be real sorry.<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Funny thing was, though, Joe couldn\u2019t remember being in Virginia City. He didn\u2019t recall going to town with his brothers, or any of the ranch hands, or meeting Mitch or Tuck there. And then it was when he rolled from his side to his back with an agonized groan that he realized he was on the ground and not in his bed. He struggled against the rough rope that bound his hands behind his waist and his bare feet at the ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

What the. . .?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

He opened his eyes, his blurred vision revealing nothing but darkness. He squinted against the pain in his head, uncertain of its source. Aside from having removed his boots and socks, someone had removed his hat and shirt as well. Under other circumstances, he\u2019d have been thankful they\u2019d at least left him with his trousers, but he suddenly had an ominous feeling he wasn\u2019t the victim of a bushwhacking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A deep, rich voice came from somewhere behind him. He could vaguely make out the glow of a fire. He shivered, thinking of the fire\u2019s warmth. It was cooler tonight than it had been all summer long, as though autumn picked this night to remind Joe her arrival wasn\u2019t far off. The ground beneath his bareback held a chill, and dampness hung in the air as the sound of water lapping against a shoreline reached Joe. Though on the other hand, that sound could have just as easily been the blood pounding in his aching head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spoken Bible verses seemed to flow with the movement of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them. I am the Lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering and take possession of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As further realization of his predicament solidified, Joe interrupted the litany in a hoarse, weak voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Daniel? Uncle Daniel!\u201d As his voice gained some strength, he demanded, \u201cUncle Daniel, untie me right now,\u201d and hoped like heck he sounded as firm as Adam would in this situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMoses summoned all Israel and said, \u201cHear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe switched tactics and hoped that this time he sounded as amiable as Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Daniel, come on now. You don\u2019t really wanna do this. Cut me loose and we\u2019ll let bygones be bygones.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of whom he sounded like, Joe continued to be ignored.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This time when he spoke, Joe tried to be as reasonable as his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Daniel, please. This isn\u2019t the way to resolve whatever it is that\u2019s gone wrong between us. Untie me so we can talk things out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the man went from one verse to the next without seeming to take a breath, Joe forgot about trying to be firm like Adam, or amiable like Hoss, or reasonable like Pa. Instead, he reverted to being the young man whose temper could shoot from simmering to boiling in a matter of seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Daniel! Uncle Daniel, I mean it! Cut me loose and do it now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Bible verses finally ceased. Joe heard his uncle stand and move toward him. Footsteps came closer, then stopped as a blurry shadow loomed over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Daniel, let me go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re more impertinent than I recall, Danny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not Danny!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t speak to your father that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not my father you crazy old–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A swift kick to the ribs caused Joe\u2019s sentence to trailed off with a breathless, \u201cUgh!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s apparent to me you still haven\u2019t learned your lesson. Being stubborn will get you nowhere, Daniel Weston Cartwright Junior. You must learn to be obedient.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the smell of chloroform drew closer, Joe realized why his head hurt so much. The times Doc Martin had reason to put him under with that stuff, he always woke up with a whopper of headache. He scooted across the ground, trying to get in a position to ram his feet into the old man\u2019s chest. However, being forced to fight like a bound turtle didn\u2019t lend to positive results. The cloth was once again pressed against his face. Joe shook his head back and forth, trying to free himself from Daniel\u2019s grip, but to no avail. The last thing he heard as unawareness once again claimed him was his uncle\u2019s voice reciting Bible verses about obedience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo that you, your children, and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, so that you may enjoy a long life. Amen.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

A touch so tender that Joe wouldn\u2019t have believed it belonged to his uncle rested on the side of his slack face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel\u2019s tone was filled with sorrow as he gazed down at the unconscious young man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Danny, Danny, Danny. How far must this go before you learn to obey me? How far must this go before you learn to obey God?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man sighed heavily, then stood and walked back to the fire. He picked up his Bible and returned to reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnow then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel\u2019s smooth voice filled the quiet night as stars shone overhead, seeming to twinkle in cadence to his words. The sight would have left a visitor to the man\u2019s campfire with a sense of God\u2019s wonder and grace \u2013 provided the visitor didn\u2019t know what Daniel Cartwright had planned come morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 65<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After she got the younger children down for the night, Nan finished cleaning the kitchen and putting the supper dishes away. Those chores gave her the chance she needed to leave the house. The pan of dirty dishwater had to be emptied. She headed out the door located at the end of a long hallway behind the kitchen where during the winter months the children lined up their boots and hung their coats, mufflers, and hats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Though Mr. Dunn would be able to see her from his office window if he took a notion to look out, Nan wasn\u2019t concerned he\u2019d pay her much mind. First of all, he was probably too angry and humiliated as a result of Mr. Cartwright\u2019s thrashing to focus on her. And second of all, even if he did track her movements, it was doubtful he\u2019d know her usual routine when it came to how far behind the outhouse she walked each evening before tossing the dishwater.<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as the outhouse blocked Nan from view, she threw the water, set the pan on the ground, and dashed into a thicket of brush. She ignored the thorny pricks that poked her bare hands and snagged her skirt. She picked the plump purple berries hanging from those thorny branches as fast as she could and popped them into her mouth. She didn\u2019t know the real name of the berries that proved so bitter to the taste that Nan screwed her face with displeasure. She only knew what her brother Robbie called them \u2013 \u201cskippin\u2019 school berries.\u201d Upon eating them, a boy could earn himself a severe case of stomach cramps that resulted in numerous sprints for the outhouse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The affects of the berries never lasted long \u2013 not more than two or three hours from Nan\u2019s past observations. Just enough to make Ma think Robbie was under the weather and should stay home from school. And therein lied the magic of the skippin\u2019 school berries. Ma would no more than go off to work, and Robbie would feel fine, leaving him a whole day to run wild about town. That is until Ma got wise to him, which if Nan recalled correctly was the third time Robbie tried to pull that trick. Not only did he have stomach cramps, but he also had a sore backend thanks to Ma\u2019s wooden spoon. He didn\u2019t appreciate it any either when Ma marched him to school the next day by his ear and informed Miss Jones of his misdeeds, then demanded he be kept after school for an entire week to work on his sums and clean blackboards.<\/span><\/p>\n

After Nan had eaten as many berries as she thought it safe to, she carefully weaved her way out of the thorny thicket, picked up her dishpan, and headed for the house. She wasn\u2019t sure if it was just wishful thinking on her part, but by the time she entered the kitchen she swore her stomach was rolling, and she could feel the first twinges of the kind of cramps she normally associated with her monthly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Never one to enjoy being sick, this time the signs of illness caused Nan to smile as she set the dishpan by the sink and rubbed a hand over her aching middle. If all went as planned, in a short while she\u2019d be free of that wretched Mr. Dunn for good, and on her way to help a friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 66<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nan raced over the rugged terrain, shoving branches aside, zigzagging around fallen logs, and dodging bramble bushes. She\u2019s chosen this challenging route because she wanted to steer clear of Virginia City Road for fear Mr. Dunn might be looking for her by now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A noise behind her cinched her stomach. Nan stopped; worrying her lower lip as she risked a glance over her shoulder. She raised the kerosene lantern she carried, the trembling of her arm causing the flame to flicker back and forth. She peered into the night, cold sweat sending an ominous chill down her spine. The light from the lantern didn\u2019t travel nearly far enough to calm Nan\u2019s anxiety. She never realized just how dark it was after midnight when there wasn\u2019t a full moon overhead. After all, she was a town girl. It was unheard of for Virginia City to ever be completely black. Lanterns glowed from the saloons and brothels on Main Street until dawn. And if one had reason to walk around town late at night, light shone from the windows of various homes as a mother rocked a fussy infant, or a teenager completed his school lessons, or a woman waited up for her husband to return from his shift at the mine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But this was a new experience for Nan; being out in such a desolate area by herself and traveling alone on foot. She might have taken a horse from the Dunn barn if she\u2019d had the confidence she could ride one \u2013 and the confidence that Mr. Dunn wouldn\u2019t charge her with stealing. Horse thieving was punishable by hanging in Nevada. So rather than risk such a horrible fate, the only thing she took when she left was the lantern she carried. She wasn\u2019t concerned that anyone would miss it. Mrs. Dunn had dozens of them lined up on a pantry shelf. Nan hadn\u2019t even bothered to pack her clothes and toiletries in the satchel she kept beneath her bed. Maybe Sheriff Coffee would accompany Robbie out to the Dunn ranch to pick those things up at a later date. If not, then Nan wouldn\u2019t have lost anything she couldn\u2019t sew again, or earn the money to replace once she found a job in town.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the noise Nan heard scurried off into the underbrush she decided all that had frightened her was a rabbit or squirrel. She refused to consider any larger predators, like a wolf or mountain lion. She swallowed hard and looked up, hoping the glow of the lantern would scare off anything that might be ready to pounce on her from a tree or rocky ledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl took a deep breath and willed her legs to stop shaking as she moved forward again. She paid close attention to her path, not wanting to veer off in the wrong direction and end up miles from her intended destination of the Ponderosa ranch house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to the skippin\u2019 school berries; it hadn\u2019t been difficult to flee the Dunn house. They\u2019d done their job and made her good and sick. She lost count of how many times she\u2019d ran to the outhouse after she reached seven. She was surely miserable there for a while with stomach cramps and diarrhea, to the point she even pondered the wisdom of her idea. Nonetheless, she really fooled Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Evidently a girl gone pale with hair hanging limply from its clips, perspiration beading on her upper lip, and the need to bolt to the outhouse every ten minutes, wasn\u2019t appealing to Mr. Dunn. He went to bed while Mrs. Dunn brewed her some peppermint tea and fussed over her as though Nan was one of her own. Those actions made Nan feel guilty about her ruse, but not so guilty that she was willing to confide in the woman. Nan had lost all respect for Mrs. Dunn. Not only did the woman refuse to acknowledge what was going on in her household; even when that information was handed to her on a silver platter she turned a blind eye to it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Daphne was slowly recovering from her trauma. She\u2019d finally begun leaving her bedroom and venturing into the rest of the house, though so far she hadn\u2019t expressed interest in playing with her siblings. She seemed to take comfort in Nan\u2019s presence. Maybe because she sensed that Nan was the only one who really wanted to know the truth about what happened that left her plagued by nightmares and troubling memories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two days ago, while Daphne was alone in the kitchen with Nan baking cookies, the little girl told her what she\u2019d witnessed on Settlers\u2019 Ridge. The story came out in whispered bits and pieces, and with long pauses in-between words. But Nan heard enough to conclude that Daphne witnessed her brothers starting the fire, and then placed her right in the center of it with instructs to call for help as soon as she spotted Little Joe. It was bad enough the child was frightened out of her wits, certain she\u2019d burn to death. Added to that trauma was she then witnessed Little Joe\u2019s uncle beating him. Or rather, witnessed Little Joe being beaten by \u201cMr. Cartwright\u201d as Daphne referred to him. Nan got the impression the little girl thought it was Ben Cartwright who had hurt Little Joe, but by now, Nan knew better than that.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Nan stood from hugging the crying child while assuring her nothing like that would ever happen again, she saw Mrs. Dunn hurrying from the doorway. The woman never said a word to Nan or Daphne about what she\u2019d heard, nor did she confront her husband about it. It was then Nan decided it was better to have a poor man for a father who was honest and loving, rather than having a wealthy father who encourages his children to do wrong. And better to have a mother who knows what\u2019s going on in her home and isn\u2019t afraid to speak her mind when the situation calls for it, rather than a meek mother who chooses to ignore the actions of her husband and the needs of her children.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was after her second cup of tea that Nan encouraged Mrs. Dunn to go to bed as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Ma\u2019am. I\u2019ll just sit right here at the table until my stomach settles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? Perhaps you should come upstairs where you\u2019ll be more comfortable. Oh dear, but I do hope you don\u2019t have what Daphne did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan looked up, not caring if the woman saw anger in her eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ma\u2019am. I don\u2019t think I have what Daphne did. I think Daphne\u2019s sickness was very uncommon, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell. . .um. . .yes, perhaps so.\u201d Mrs. Dunn turned away. \u201cAre you sure you won\u2019t be more comfortable upstairs in your own bed? I\u2019ll tell the girls not to wake you in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. That\u2019s all right. I can sleep on the sofa after my stomach settles some. I don\u2019t want to wake anyone by running down the stairs if I have to make another trip outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mrs. Dunn reluctantly agreed that Nan remaining downstairs was a good idea. Thankfully, the Dunn house contained no servant\u2019s quarters. Nan didn\u2019t know how she would have protected herself from Mr. Dunn\u2019s advances had that been the case. All the bedrooms were on the second floor, where Nan shared a big room with the Dunn daughters. The younger boys shared an equally large bedroom at the opposite end of the hall, with Paul and Charlie having shared the smallest bedroom the house contained. Glenn and Matthew now occupied that bedroom, which indicated to Nan that Mr. Dunn didn\u2019t plan on his oldest sons returning anytime soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

The remaining bedroom, the one closest to the stairway that included an adjoining room the family referred to as the \u201cnursery\u201d, belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. Its location was one reason Nan had been hesitant up until now to sneak out of the house in the dead of night and race for home. Mr. Dunn was known to be a light sleeper. She\u2019d feared he\u2019d alert Paul and Charlie, and then all three of them would chase her down.<\/span><\/p>\n

But so far tonight, good fortune seemed to be smiling on Nan. Thanks to the berries, Mr. Dunn thought Nan was spending the night on the parlor sofa. Little did he know that the last trip she\u2019d taken to the outhouse hadn\u2019t been necessary, but instead, had enabled her to slip off into the night, then make a run for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl estimated she\u2019d traveled three miles as her pace began to slow. Her instinct was to reach the Ponderosa as fast as she could. Yet, she couldn\u2019t run all the way there, or she\u2019d collapse in a heap before she ever arrived. She slowed more, until she\u2019d gone from a trot to a walk. She regretted not bringing a canteen of water with her. Even though the night air was cool with a hint of autumn brushing her flushed face, all of that running had left her thirsty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the light from her lantern guiding her, Nan continued on. After all, if Little Joe could survive a beating from his uncle, then she could survive a walk through the dark without water. She lifted her skirt with her free hand, determined to pick up her pace once again. She\u2019d taken no more than three steps when she heard something behind her. This time it wasn\u2019t the scurrying of a small animal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Horses hooves clacked against the ground. Nan turned and ran. She paid no attention to the branches slapping her face or the thorns snagging her clothes. The horse grew closer as she gasped in uneven rhythm, her attempts for air coming in frightened gulps. Mr. Dunn was after her, and when he caught her he\u2019d do unspeakable things to her. Things he should only be doing with his wife. She knew that was her fate for running away. Somehow, she just knew it. That thought made her run faster, but even if she\u2019d been the fastest girl in the entire territory, she couldn\u2019t have fled a man on horseback.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan cried out as she stumbled over a log, her lantern flying from her grasp. Before she hit the ground, a hand grabbed her upper arm. For a moment, she dangled like a rag doll in the man\u2019s grasp. The man dismounted his horse, setting her firmly on her feet. Without her light, and with her mind numbed by terror, Nan couldn\u2019t see the man\u2019s face. She struggled within his hold, beating his chest with her fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet away from me! Let me go! Let me go I said! Let me go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But her struggles proved fruitless. As she drew back her foot to kick him in one last desperate attempt to free herself; he spun her around and wrapped her tightly in his arms, making escape impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan tried to be brave, but bravery quickly gave way to terror. Fear made her cry, along with the heartbreaking thought that for as much as she\u2019d wanted to help Little Joe, all she\u2019d done was fail him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 67<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey there, Miss, it\u2019s okay. It\u2019s all right now. No one\u2019s gonna hurt ya\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss loosened his hold on the sobbing bundle in his arms. He wasn\u2019t even sure of who he\u2019d been chasing. Given the darkness, all he\u2019d caught was a glimpse of someone fleeing ahead of him. He\u2019d called Little Joe\u2019s name, but when the person didn\u2019t stop Hoss urged Chub to go faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he turned the girl around and got his first good look at her, Hoss questioned with surprise, \u201cMiss Henning? Whatta\u2019 you doin\u2019 way out here by yerself this time a\u2019 night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s questions only made the girl cry harder as her taunt body went slack and she sank into his chest. Awkwardly, he patted her back, not certain if this was what a feller should do when he suddenly found himself with a hysterical teenage girl in his arms. He sure wished Adam or Little Joe were here. Dadburnit, but they\u2019d know what to do better \u2018an him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Henning? Miss Henning, I can\u2019t help ya\u2019 none if ya\u2019 don\u2019t stop cryin\u2019 and tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d Hoss reached around for the back pocket of his trousers. As near as he could recall, his hanky was clean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere ya\u2019 go, Miss. Use this ta\u2019 dry yer eyes. Ya\u2019 take a few minutes to collect yerself now, then maybe you can tell me what\u2019s got ya\u2019 frettin\u2019 so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl barely let loose of Hoss when she took the offered hanky. His big hand continued to pat her back as she sobbed, wiped her eyes, blew her nose, and then started the cycle all over again. Just when Hoss was beginning to wonder how long it was proper for a feller to comfort a young woman he wasn\u2019t courtin\u2019, the girl stepped from his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thick strands of her hair had fallen their clips, and her eyes were red and nose running like she\u2019d been on a weeklong bender.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ran away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPardon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ran away from the Dunns. Bad things happen there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBad things\u2026\u201d Hoss\u2019s eyes narrowed with anger. \u201cYa\u2019 mean like bad things happenin\u2019 to you? Things that ain\u2019t proper like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan nodded, then just as quickly shook her head. \u201cThey could have, only they didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh? Whatta ya\u2019 mean by that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind. It\u2019s not important right now. I ran away because I can\u2019t trust Mr. Dunn to do the right thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight thing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo come and tell your father that Little Joe\u2019s in danger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDanger? You mean Paul and Charlie–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not Paul and Charlie. Oh, they\u2019ve caused plenty of trouble for Little Joe all summer long, that\u2019s for sure, but the real danger is your uncle, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy uncle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright \u2013 Daniel. He\u2019s the one who\u2019s the biggest threat to Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss, I don\u2019t know where ya\u2019 came by yer information, but beggin\u2019 yer pardon, I think someone\u2019s been tellin\u2019 tall tales.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss, no they haven\u2019t, because I heard it all myself. I know what\u2019s been going on. I probably know it better than anyone else, other than those involved. I know it as well as I know my own name.\u201d The girl grabbed Hoss\u2019s vest and latched on, her eyes wide and certain of her beliefs. \u201cYou have to listen to me, Hoss. You have to. Little Joe\u2019s life might depend on it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, now, Miss, I think maybe you\u2019ve had yerself an awful fright an\u2019–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t! Don\u2019t do that! Don\u2019t treat me like I\u2019m just. . .just some stupid house girl who doesn\u2019t have an ounce of sense. Who doesn\u2019t know when a friend is in danger. I do\u00a0know,<\/em>\u00a0Hoss. I know. And if you don\u2019t get me and yourself up there on that horse and headed toward your father as fast as you can, then by golly I\u2019ll set off on foot again and walk until I reach his doorstep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss pondered his next move. He, his father, and Adam had split up once it grew dark and their search for Little Joe and Uncle Daniel proved fruitless. They were to meet back at the house when they\u2019d covered the areas between the Dunn ranch and the Ponderosa that Pa assigned each of them. Hoss had been headed home when he\u2019d run across Miss Henning. He figured that by now, Adam and Pa were waiting for him there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though he was still doubtful of the girl\u2019s story, he decided it wouldn\u2019t hurt none to hear her out. Even if all he ended up doing was clearing up false notions on her part. Besides, he couldn\u2019t hardly leave her out here to fend for herself. And from the sounds of things, he couldn\u2019t return her to the Dunn Ranch, either. If any of what she\u2019d hinted at was true, it wasn\u2019t safe for her there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss lumbered over to where Nan\u2019s lantern had landed, picked it up, and blew out the flame.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Miss. Come along. I\u2019m gonna get on old Chubb, then give ya\u2019 a hand up. There\u2019s no call to be afraid. He\u2019s real gentle. You just climb on behind me and once yer settled, we\u2019ll be to my pa in two shakes of a lamb tail. In the meantime, why don\u2019t ya\u2019 start tellin\u2019 me \u2018bout what\u2019s been goin\u2019 on that\u2019s got you so sure my uncle might hurt Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At that invitation, the girl was talking a blue streak before Hoss even mounted Chubb. By the time they\u2019d ridden through the darkness and the lights of home were shining a welcoming glow across the ranch yard, Hoss no longer doubted Nan Henning\u2019s story. From all he\u2019d gathered, what started as schoolboy revenge on the parts of Paul and Charlie, had turned into something much more dangerous thanks to Uncle Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Hoss couldn\u2019t figure out was why. Why would Uncle Daniel want to hurt Little Joe?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As he climbed off Chubb, then paused beside the horse to lift Nan down, Hoss decided he\u2019d leave the whys to Pa and Adam. All he cared about right now was getting Little Joe away from Uncle Daniel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they walked past Buck and Sport, who were tied to a hitching post, Hoss hurried the girl along, no longer caring if it wasn\u2019t proper to be clasping her hand. She had to tell her story to Pa, and then they had to find Little Joe before it was too late.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 68<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Upon the initial impact of something hard and solid sending waves of pain between his shoulder blades, Joe was certain he\u2019d overslept again, and his brothers thought they were being funny by dragging him out of bed and down the stairs. Bounce, bounce, bounce. Know he knew just how Old Sam felt each morning, when Joe was a small boy and hauled him down the stairs to the breakfast table by one foot. But Old Sam was a toy \u2013 a rag doll Joe had been fond of, not someone\u2019s real live brother. He wanted to shout, \u201cHey, you two, stop it! That hurts! If you think this is funny, just wait \u2018til I get the chance to drag the two of you down a set of stairs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe started to open his eyes, then just as quickly squeezed them shut at the sharp \u201cwhack!\u201d to the back of his skull. It felt like he\u2019d been bounced right over a rock! He wondered where his father was, and why he didn\u2019t put a stop to this craziness. He tried to call for help, but the only sound his voice could produce was a weak and breathy, \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left but few in number, because you did not obey the Lord your God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d The confused Joe questioned again in recognition of the soothing, baritone voice that had chased away so many of his childhood fears and nightmares. \u201cPa, make\u2026make it stop, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Pa, stop,\u201d Joe pleaded, as he was dragged carelessly over rough ground as though he were made of the same rags that had given Old Sam his shape.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the night I remember your name, oh Lord, and I will keep your law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe\u2019s eyes opened, the first rays of light from the breaking dawn brought forth a fuzzy, out of focus world. A medicated fog made it difficult for his thoughts to collate in a logical fashion. He looked around, trying to make sense of this nightmare. Trying to make sense of the Ponderosa Pines towering above him, and the cold, hard ground beneath him. His brothers weren\u2019t hauling him down the stairs, nor was his father sitting at the breakfast table passively watching their high jinks. He shivered as the morning chill kissed his bare skin. He glanced down, seeing that his black trousers were his only covering, and even they looked worse for wear. Their fabric was torn in spots, and shredded in others. Even during the most rough and tumble moments of his boyhood, he\u2019d never arrived home from school with his trousers in this condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa\u2019s gonna kill me for bein\u2019 so careless with my school clothes.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

That thought made no sense. He wasn\u2019t in school any longer. Hadn\u2019t been for over two years now. Where was he? Why was he so confused? Why wouldn\u2019t this bad dream end?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That voice! Those words!<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to sit up, even as he was being pulled toward Lake Tahoe. Uncle Daniel kept a firm grip on the rope that bound Joe\u2019s ankles, dragging him across the ground like a man might drag a roped calf.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his hands secured tightly behind him yet, Joe clawed at the ground as it moved beneath him. He found his voice, sounding more like his father than he\u2019d ever realize, as he demanded, \u201cUncle Daniel! Uncle Daniel, stop! Uncle Daniel, untie me! Do you hear me? Untie me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet, Danny!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not Danny! I\u2019m Joe. Now untie me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, the answers came to Joe with clarity as pure and pristine as the water stretched out beyond the hillside. Suddenly, he knew why his uncle had been intent on tormenting him since the day he arrived. He reminded his uncle of Danny. Danny, the person Daniel Cartwright wanted most to control. But despite all of his efforts, and rules, and punishments, and Bible verses, Danny proved to be the one person he couldn\u2019t control at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one can be your treasured possession, Uncle Daniel. No one! Not your son, and not me. Children aren\u2019t meant to be possessions. They\u2019re meant to grow up and make their own way in the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man stopped and whipped around to face Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo they\u2019re not, Danny! They\u2019re not! Children are meant to obey their parents. It says so in His word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Danny wasn\u2019t a child any longer, was he? That was the problem, wasn\u2019t it? You couldn\u2019t make him obey you, because he\u2019d grown up. Because he wasn\u2019t a little boy any more. He was a man. A man who was making his own decisions, regardless of whether you approved of them or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe quiet! Be quiet I say! Your father should have taught you proper obedience years ago, Joseph, but since he so obviously did not, the Lord has left that job to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With one mighty yank backward, Joe wrenched his ankles free from his uncle\u2019s grasp. As the man came at him, Joe brought his knees to his chest and then kicked harder than an angry bronc. He caught Daniel square in the chest. The old man stumbled and fell. That\u2019s all the opportunity Joe needed. He pushed himself to his feet, hopping barefoot toward their distant campsite.<\/span><\/p>\n

There must be a knife there! There must be something I can use to get these ropes off.<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because he was young and invincible \u2013 or so he thought \u2013 the notion never crossed Joe\u2019s mind that escape was impossible. As soon as he cut himself loose, all he had to do was climb on Cochise and hightail it for home. His uncle wasn\u2019t a skilled enough horseman to catch up to him. Especially not when riding Sweet Daisy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe flew forward with a startled, \u201cHumph!\u201d The body slamming into his at full force threw him to the ground. He fought to get back to his feet, surviving now on nothing but adrenaline and the desire to escape the clutches of a deranged man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Cartwright, who outweighed his nephew by sixty pounds, was easily able to keep the youth pinned face down in the dirt. He pulled the rag from the pocket of his vest, shoved it against Joe\u2019s nose, and waited for the struggling boy\u2019s body to go slack. When it did, Daniel stood. He took a moment to catch his breath, then grabbed Joe by the ankles and once again began dragging him toward the lake. He paused to look out over the water. It was so beautiful. Upon seeing the shimmering waves dancing like diamonds, how could one doubt the existence of God?<\/span><\/p>\n

As Daniel resumed this journey of salvation, he glanced back at his unconscious nephew and said with a note of regret in his voice, \u201cJust as it pleased the Lord to make you prosper and increase in number, so it will please Him to ruin and destroy you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 69<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The early morning dawn was just beginning to give Ben Cartwright enough light to see by. With each passing minute, came additional light that made it less perilous to urge Buck to increase his speed. Sport kept pace with Buck, as did Chubb, despite the long night he\u2019d already put in for Hoss. Lake Tahoe lay ahead of them. Ben could feel the change in the air \u2013 the dampness and chill \u2013 that indicated they were getting closer to her shoreline. Closer, but not close enough, as they were still too far away to see the water, or to confirm Ben\u2019s worst fears and suspicions.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was during the darkest portion of the pre-dawn hours that Ben and Adam had been sitting at the dining room table, trying to determine where they\u2019d next search for Daniel and Little Joe, while at the same time hoping further search wouldn\u2019t be needed. Hoping that when Hoss arrived, he\u2019d have his uncle and younger brother in tow.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they heard Hoss\u2019s heavy footsteps clomp across the wooden boards that made up the floor of the front porch, and when Adam said, \u201cIt sounds like he\u2019s got someone with him,\u201d Ben was sure their long night of worry had ended. He wasn\u2019t certain if he was going to hug Joseph, wring his neck, or do a little of both, and he was still undecided in that regard when the door burst open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Hey, Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rounded the dining room wall with Adam at his heels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, Hoss. You don\u2019t have to holler. And before you say anything, don\u2019t try and protect that little brother of yours, or make excuses for him. Young man,\u00a0<\/span>
\nI don\u2019t know what you think you were doing when you left this house. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s tirade died off when he saw it wasn\u2019t Little Joe standing behind Hoss, unless Little Joe had taken to wearing a dress, that is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. . .oh, Miss Henning. I apologize. I assumed \u2013 wrongly, I see \u2013 that Hoss had Little Joe with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what Miss Henning here has gotta tell ya\u2019 \u2018bout, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe and Uncle Dan\u2019l. She\u2019s gotta tell you somethin\u2019 about \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben scowled. \u201cWere they at the Dunn place today? Did Jim lie to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan shook her head. \u201cNo, Sir. They weren\u2019t there \u2013 honest they weren\u2019t. But it was Paul and Charlie who set that fire and kidnapped Little Joe with help from your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u00a0brother<\/em>?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh now, Miss, you must be mistaken. I realize you\u2019ve likely been exposed to a lot of hearsay about my family, given the tensions this summer between us and the Dunns,\u00a0<\/span>
\nbut–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please,\u201d Hoss interrupted. \u201cI know it sounds plumb loco. I thought so too, at first. But hear Miss Henning out. I don\u2019t cotton to holdin\u2019 one mean thought against Uncle Dan\u2019l, but for Little Joe\u2019s sake, you gotta hear what she has to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank heavens for Adam\u2019s clear head at a time of crisis. Given that none of them had eaten supper, and that Miss Henning looked ready to faint from exhaustion, Adam called for Hop Sing to bring them whatever food he could put together quickly, along with something cold for Miss Henning to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing made good use of the meal he\u2019d cooked hours earlier. Despite the fact that their housekeeper should have been in bed, he was evidently expecting Adam\u2019s request to come sometime before the long night was over. It seemed to Ben as though they\u2019d barely sat down before a platter of ham, a plate stacked high with slices of bread, a bowl of sweet potatoes, a dish of apple butter, a basket of corn bread muffins, and a pitcher of water were on the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s, \u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d was preoccupied, yet grateful. It might seem odd to an observer to eat at time like this, but regardless of what Miss Henning told them, Joseph and Daniel were still missing. They couldn\u2019t resume the search on stomachs that hadn\u2019t seen a meal since noon the previous day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As food was passed around the table, Ben said, \u201cPlease, Miss Henning, don\u2019t wait until we\u2019ve filled our plates. Tell me what it is you\u2019ve heard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s story came forth quickly between bites of ham and a warm muffin she slathered with apple butter. As for Ben, his appetite only diminished further despite the way his stomach had growled when the food was first brought to the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Nan\u2019s story drew to a close, Adam looked at his father for what Ben could only assume was either confirmation or denial. Ben didn\u2019t know if he\u2019d gone as pale as he suddenly felt. As though all the blood had drained from his body because of his own mistake. Because he\u2019d invited his brother to come for a visit. Because since childhood he\u2019d always known Daniel was odd. Had always known Daniel\u2019s view of the world was off-kilter at best. Because if Little Joe had been hurt \u2013 or worse \u2013 at Daniel\u2019s hands, then the blame was Ben\u2019s to carry with him for the remainder of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, Adam didn\u2019t make Ben confess his thoughts. Perhaps he easily read his father\u2019s face, or perhaps he was too busy bearing some of the blame himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould have known what, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should have known that day after the fire when I found Joe. When he kept saying he repented. I should have tied that word to Uncle Daniel. I should have known it was him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, now, don\u2019t go blamin\u2019 yerself. Ya\u2019 couldn\u2019t have known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I could have. I should have. Who else but Uncle Daniel uses a phrase like that? Where else would Joe have heard it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, but still–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter now.\u201d Ben stood. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Adam. I\u2019m the one who invited Daniel here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, ya\u2019 can\u2019t go blamin\u2019 yerself, either. Ya\u2019 can\u2019t–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can and I will. Especially if Little Joe is. . .is. . .\u201d Ben couldn\u2019t finish his sentence. He turned toward the kitchen. \u201cHop Sing! Hop Sing! Get out here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For once, the housekeeper arrived without complaint. Either he\u2019d been listening from the doorway, or he sensed the mood of the household.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Cart\u2019light? You call Hop Sing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, come first light we\u2019re leaving to look for Little Joe. I\u2019ll get a horse harnessed to the buggy, then I\u2019ll wake Hiram. I want you and Miss Henning to wait in town for us. Go to Chung Lee\u2019s. Stay there until I send someone for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHumph! Number Five cousin and Hop Sing not on speaking terms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Then go to Li Chin\u2019s. Or to Trang Vey\u2019s. I don\u2019t care where you go, just as long as you stay in town. I don\u2019t want to risk Jim Dunn coming after Miss Henning and finding either of you here unprotected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded and began clearing the table. Ben explained to Nan, \u201cOne of my hands is laid up right now. Given our need for men at the timber camp, he\u2019s the only one in the bunkhouse. He can\u2019t run too fast these days, but he\u2019s still a good shot. Hop Sing will drive the buggy and Hiram will ride along. They\u2019ll take you to your parents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan nodded with what Ben perceived to be gratitude. She seemed relieved at the thought of going home.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben headed toward the door, he stopped abruptly and turned around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and Miss Henning, I\u2019ll be asking Hiram and Hop Sing not to go to the sheriff. This situation with my brother is a. . .a family matter I prefer to take care of myself. While I\u2019d appreciate it if you wouldn\u2019t go to Sheriff Coffee at this time either, I have no right to tell you not to. You\u2019ll have to do what you deem best in that regard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s answer came without hesitation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t go to the sheriff, Mr. Cartwright. I just want you to find Little Joe. I just want him to be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I want too, Miss. Believe me, that\u2019s exactly what I want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben and his sons rode out of the ranch yard shortly before daybreak, the buggy carrying Hop Sing, Hiram Vickers, and Nan Henning left as well. Ben advised Hop Sing to travel Virginia City road. While it might be the road Jim Dunn would travel if he suspected Nan was trying to get home, it was also the quickest and safest route to town. Besides, Hiram was riding \u201cshotgun\u201d, and had been told by Ben not to take any chances where Jim was concerned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want harm to come to Mr. Dunn, Hirman, yet I don\u2019t want him to harm any of you, either. You understand me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir, Mr. Cartwright. I understand straight away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After the buggy disappeared into the pre-dawn shadows, Ben swung Buck around in the opposite direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on where?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, where are we headed? Doncha\u2019 think it\u2019d be better if we split up like we did before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t, because I know where your uncle has your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben silently recalled something Daniel said weeks earlier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to thank you for making the time to show me Lake Tahoe today. She\u2019s a fine example of the beauty of God\u2019s work. She\u2019d be the perfect host for a repentance and baptism ceremony.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Pa, Adam asked where you think Uncle Dan\u2019l\u2019s taken Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLake Tahoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLake Tahoe?\u201d Adam\u2019s skepticism was broadcast with just those two words. \u201cWhy would he take Joe to Lake Tahoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a repentance and baptism ceremony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA\u00a0what<\/em>?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind. It\u2019s the only idea I have, and if I\u2019m wrong. . . if I\u2019m wrong and he kills your brother, then I\u2019ll never forgive myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t wait for any words to the contrary his sons might have offered. He plunked his heels into Buck\u2019s side and headed the horse toward the road that led to the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they\u2019d finally climbed the final crest that looked down upon the vast body of water, Ben\u2019s fears were waiting there for him, as though he was an active participant in the nightmare every father has now and again when it comes to the well being of one of his children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaniel! Daniel!\u201d Ben urged Buck into a gallop. \u201cDaniel, let him go! My God, Daniel, stop it! Let him up! Let my son up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he raced to the shoreline, Ben was forced to watch as his brother held Little Joe\u2019s head beneath the water. Joe fought and flailed, but his bound wrists prevented him from obtaining any kind of advantage. Just when Ben\u2019s hand reached for his sidearm, Daniel brought Joe up from the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe coughed and choked, gasping for air and all the while fighting to wrench himself from his uncle\u2019s grasp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My stubborn, determined child,<\/em>\u00a0came Ben\u2019s fleeting thought. That stubbornness and determination that so often led Little Joe to trouble, might just be what had kept him alive thus far.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop fighting me, Danny. Stop it, I say! Obey thy father! Obey thy father, I say unto you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not my father! You\u2019re not my father, you crazy old man!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For his impertinence, Joe was dunked once again. Ben hollered, trying to break whatever spell had come over Daniel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not Danny! Daniel, stop it! That\u2019s not Danny, that\u2019s my Joseph! That\u2019s my son, not yours!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel either didn\u2019t hear Ben, or was, like Little Joe had just declared, \u201ca crazy old man.\u201d As he held Joe beneath the water, he called up to Ben, \u201cHe deserves this, Benjamin! You stay out of it now! This is between Danny and me! He\u2019s evil! He laid with other men, you know. He must be punished! I will not allow him to bring Sodom and Gomorrah into my home! The Lord has commanded that this sinner repent or spend eternity with Satan!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not Danny! Daniel, listen to me! That\u2019s not Danny! That\u2019s my Joseph! That\u2019s\u00a0my<\/em>\u00a0son, not yours! That\u2019s my Joseph!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel took no further notice of Ben as he recited Bible verses while holding Little Joe beneath Lake Tahoe\u2019s waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was dimly aware of Hoss\u2019s voice joining his as Hoss pleaded with his uncle to let Joe go. Ben closed his eyes briefly, then reached for his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulled the pistol out of its holster. As Ben Cartwright took aim, he prayed that his parents would forgive him for what he was about to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 70<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His nightmares usually centered on falling. On plunging from a great height, arms and legs failing for some kind of hold, for some way to stop his terrorizing descent before he hit the ground. He couldn\u2019t recall ever having a nightmare about drowning, like the nightmare he was experiencing now. He fought to wake up. To break the illusion of his head held beneath frigid water until he could no longer hold his breath. He opened his mouth to scream; sure that action would end the horror. Certain he\u2019d find himself safe in his room, all the while wondering at the source of the dream until a day or two passed and he was able to laugh about it, then another day or two passed, and he forgot about it for good.<\/span><\/p>\n

But when he tried to scream, water poured down his throat. His heart rammed against his chest, as though it wasn\u2019t getting any air either. Joe struggled to free himself from the steel grip that pinned him below the surface. Just as his awareness began to dim, a hard yank on his hair brought him up. He coughed and sputtered and gasped for life-giving air. Until that moment, he\u2019d never realized how much he took for granted the simple act of breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Muffled shouts reached Joe, but who was speaking and what was being said he didn\u2019t know. His ears felt thick and full of fluid, like they had when he was a child and suffered from occasional earaches brought on by a winter cold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the sounds finally grew more distinct, words floated past in disjointed fashion. Something about someone named Danny, and lying with men, and Sodom and Gomorrah, and baptism and purification, and then another voice shouting, \u201cThat\u2019s my son, Daniel! That\u2019s my Joseph!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As though a thick fog had finally dissipated, the world around Joe suddenly grew clearer. His uncle was the man intent on drowning him for reasons Joe couldn\u2019t identify, and it was his father shouting at the man to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe seized the only opportunity at hand. While Uncle Daniel\u2019s attention was on Pa, he mustered all the strength he could into his cold, stiff limbs and rammed his bound elbows into the soft spot between the old man\u2019s ribs. For just a second, the old man bent forward and struggled to catch his breath, but the incapacitation didn\u2019t last long enough for Joe to get the advantage. His head was plunged downward once more. He heard his father shout, \u201cDaniel, no! No!\u201d And then heard his uncle intone, \u201cThere he built an alter, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed Himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As water filled Joe\u2019s nose, mouth, and finally his lungs, he realized he\u2019d wasted a lot of years worrying that he\u2019d die from a fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 71<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch had been wrong. Drowning\u00a0wasn\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0a peaceful way to die. If Joe lived through this, he\u2019d have to remember to tell Mitch that. It was a debate he, Mitch, and Tuck engaged in every so often \u2013 what would be the best way to die. And the first rule was, you couldn\u2019t say dying in your sleep, \u2018cause everyone knew that was probably the best way to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

So Tuck usually said gettin\u2019 shot real quick right through the heart was probably the best way for a feller to meet his maker. Especially if the guy doin\u2019 the shootin\u2019 did you a favor and shot you from behind. Tuck said that way you\u2019d never see it comin\u2019, and wouldn\u2019t have time to be afraid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe always thought that maybe the best way to go was from a fever. After all, if your fever got high enough you became delirious and didn\u2019t know what was goin\u2019 on anyway, and eventually, your body just kind of gave out and then death took you.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Mitch had always said that he reckoned drowning was the best way to go. He said he\u2019d always heard it was peaceful. That comment never failed to make Joe laugh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know it\u2019s a peaceful way to die? Did someone who drowned come back to life and tell you that?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, don\u2019t be an idiot. \u2018A course not. It\u2019s just what I\u2019ve heard. I suppose people who\u2019ve come close to drowning say that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey say it\u2019s peaceful, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t see how not bein\u2019 able to breathe can be peaceful. I say a fever\u2019s best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think both you fellas is wrong. I still say gettin\u2019 shot in the back would be best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I think you\u2019re both loco. Mark my words, if ya\u2019 don\u2019t get lucky enough to live to a ripe old age and die in your sleep, then drownin\u2019 is what you\u2019d better pick. Like I said, I hear tell it\u2019s the most peaceful way to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As far as Joe was concerned there was nothing peaceful about drowning. Now he knew what a fish on the end of a line felt like, only the fish was fighting to get back in the water, while Joe was fighting to get out of it. If a drowning man wanted to just let the Lord take him, Joe wasn\u2019t sure how you went about doing that when you couldn\u2019t breathe. Seemed to him as though his body was forcing him to fight. As though the instinct for air was too strong to ignore. He pictured himself as a big, thrashing powerful swordfish caught in some fisherman\u2019s net. As his lungs screamed for air, Joe wondered if his father could see him, or if his struggles were far beneath the surface of the water and therefore went unnoticed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It all changed so quickly, as Joe supposed happened to a person when the end was near, no matter how he died. One moment his mind was sharp and alert and his will to survive strong, when the next moment all grew dim. Joe\u2019s body went slack. As he slowly sank toward the bottom of Lake Tahoe, Joe realized the peaceful part of drowning came only after a man was already dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 72<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s evil!\u201d The man thundered; his face turned upward, as though seeking affirmation from God above. \u201cYou simply refuse to see it! To accept it and correct it! You must take action before it\u2019s too late! You must!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His hand maintained steady downward pressure on Joe\u2019s back until he could no longer feel his nephew struggling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to break the boy, Benjamin, or you\u2019ll regret it for the rest of your life. Train up the child in the way he should go, sayeth the Lord. Train up your son! Train him up right, or spend the rest of your days on this earth begging the Lord to forgive you your failures. I\u2019m sparing you, Benjamin! Don\u2019t you see I\u2019m sparing you from the same regrets I have? From the same failures I\u2019ve suffered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Cartwright received no answer to his inquiries – or at least, not a verbal one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 73<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His hand was steady, his aim true. The time for hesitation had passed. He cleared his mind of what he was about to do, cocked the hammer, and pulled the trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 74<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For as suddenly as death had claimed him; life returned. He coughed, sputtered, choked, and gasped, his body bucking against something broad and solid as he struggled to get air into his lungs. He was flipped over in someone\u2019s arms as easily as Hop Sing flipped the pancakes on the griddle. He hung over a massive arm on his belly, his head and feet dangling mere inches above the water, that action once again reminding him of another way he used to carry Old Sam. But the water was moving \u2013 or maybe he was moving \u2013 and pretty soon the distance between the water and his head grew wider. The heel of a hand whacked him solidly between his shoulder blades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCough it up, Joseph! Cough it up, son!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Throwing it up seemed like a better idea, which is exactly what Joe did when they reached the shore and Hoss set him on the ground. He didn\u2019t mean to vomit on his father\u2019s boots, but Pa didn\u2019t seem to mind. Actually, he seemed relieved, because once the water was out of Joe\u2019s body, air was able to flow into it. As soon as they could all see he was breathing, someone cut the ropes from Joe\u2019s wrists and ankles. He gave a low moan at the pain of stiff limbs finally being freed from the positions they\u2019d been confined to for so many hours now.<\/span><\/p>\n

If he\u2019d had the ability to complain about physical discomfort, Joe didn\u2019t know which discomfort he\u2019d voice first. The multitude of bumps, bruises and abrasions covering him from head to toe? Or the powerful headache that threatened to make him throw up again? Or the way his throat burned and his lungs ached, as though he\u2019d just sprinted ten miles from a scalp-hungry band of Apaches? Or the cold that seemed to penetrate all the way to his bones, making him feel like he had no hope of ever being warm again. As though it were mid-January on the Ponderosa, and not early September.<\/span><\/p>\n

Somehow, Pa must have known he was cold, and sore, and sick, and too exhausted to voice any of it, because what was left of his shredded trousers were removed and replaced with the extra pair Adam always carried in his saddlebags. The pants were too big around Joe\u2019s waist, and the shirt Adam supplied hung off his shoulders, but beggars can\u2019t be choosers, as the expression went. Once dressed in the dry clothing, Joe was wrapped in a blanket, and then he was pulled into his father\u2019s arms with all the gentleness a grown man uses when cradling a newborn baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, the words floating above him blended together, muffled even further by the towel Adam retrieved from a saddlebag that Pa now gingerly used to dry Joe\u2019s hair. Quiet reassurances were exchanged \u2013 Adam apologizing for doing something, while Hoss told him there\u2019d been no choice, and then Pa adding, \u201cI was just about to do it myself,\u201d to which Adam responded, \u201cI know. That\u2019s why I did it. I couldn\u2019t let you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But what exactly Adam had done Joe wasn\u2019t sure of until Hoss said quietly, \u201cWe\u2019ll get \u2018im out, and put him on Daisy, Pa. Once we git home we\u2019ll worry \u2018bout the rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now Joe understood. Getting \u201chim out\u201d meant getting Uncle Daniel\u2019s body out of the water. And \u201cworry \u2018bout the rest\u201d meant all that would follow \u2013 explaining to Roy Coffee what had happened, holding a proper burial, and getting word to Uncle Daniel\u2019s family of his death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If Joe were honest, he\u2019d confess he hated that old man. Hated Uncle Daniel for the way he\u2019d treated Joe since the day he arrived, and hated him even more for what he\u2019d put Joe through for reasons Joe still didn\u2019t fully understand. But he didn\u2019t confess any of it out loud, because it wasn\u2019t something you told your father about his brother, even if the crazy old coot had just tried his best to kill you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, Joe was surprised when tears welled up in his eyes. Tears for what Adam had been forced to do. Tears for what Pa had to witness. And tears for Danny. Danny – the cousin Joe had never met, but was somehow linked to in Uncle Daniel\u2019s mind. The cousin Joe now knew died a frightening, painful, and tragic death at the hands of his own father.<\/span><\/p>\n

As his brothers headed back for the water, Joe sought comfort against his father\u2019s warm chest. In a voice both raspy and weak, he said with choked emotion, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m so sorry. If I\u2019d listened to you, none of this would have–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa wouldn\u2019t let him finish. His arms tightened around Joe\u2019s body, and through the towel still draped over his head, Joe felt his father\u2019s kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have happened regardless of anything you did or didn\u2019t do, Joseph. Don\u2019t blame yourself. Daniel. . .I\u2019m only now beginning to understand just how. . .how ill your uncle really was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if I\u2019d done what you\u2019d told me to. . .I. . .I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m not a good son, Pa. I\u2019m sorry I\u2019m the son I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure, but he thought Pa might have started crying then, too. He was being held too close to his father\u2019s chest to raise his head and look, but he heard the same choked emotion in Pa\u2019s voice that he\u2019d heard in his own when he was assured, \u201cYou are a good son. Don\u2019t ever doubt that. Don\u2019t ever doubt it for a minute. And far as being the son you are \u2013 that\u2019s exactly the son I want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t consider tradin\u2019 me in for one that causes less trouble?\u201d Joe quipped.<\/span><\/p>\n

He felt the chuckle building from his father\u2019s chest before he heard it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been tempted a time or two, but no. No, Joseph, I wouldn\u2019t trade you for anyone, and that\u2019s a promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the moment of heavy emotion between father and son slowly receded, Joe shivered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo cold,\u201d he murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

His father wrapped him ever more snuggly in his arms and in a soothing voice comforted, \u201cWe\u2019ll be headed home in just a few minutes. I\u2019ll have Hop Sing fill the tub with hot water, and I\u2019ll have him make you a hot breakfast, and we\u2019ll get Doc Martin out to look at you. How\u2019s that sound?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It all sounded good to Joe except for the part about Doc Martin. He didn\u2019t argue with his father though, because he knew it would do him no good to, and because he was suddenly too tired to do anything but let his eyes close.<\/span><\/p>\n

They remained like that, father and son, with their backs to Lake Tahoe, Joe wrapped protectively in his pa\u2019s arms, as the body of Daniel Cartwright was carried from the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 75<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s memory of what happened after his brothers brought Uncle Daniel\u2019s body to shore was sketchy at best. He\u2019d fallen asleep in his father\u2019s arms, the heavy slumber brought on by both his ordeal and the lingering affects of chloroform. A few days later, Doc Martin would say it was a wonder the chloroform alone hadn\u2019t done him in, seeing how liberally it was administered by someone without medical knowledge. Added to that, Pa and Doc fretted over the possibility of pneumonia setting in given all the water Joe swallowed, but thankfully, that malady never came to pass. And although he was stiff and sore for the better part of a week, Little Joe healed with remarkable speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what happens when you\u2019re a young buck of eighteen,\u201d Joe overhead Doc say to Pa on the day he made his final house call, declared Joe \u201cfit as a fiddle\u201d and said he could return to his normal routine. \u201cNow if this same thing happens to Little Joe when he\u2019s thirty-eight\u2026well, you can bet the recovery won\u2019t be so swift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI surely hope this same thing doesn\u2019t happen to Joseph when he\u2019s thirty-eight.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI surely hope it doesn\u2019t either, Ben, but knowing your youngest son as well as I do forces me to say I wouldn\u2019t count on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa chuckled, although Joe could tell his heart wasn\u2019t in the joke. But then, given the circumstances that brought Joe so close to drowning that he himself wasn\u2019t certain he might not have been dead for a few seconds \u2013 if such a thing were possible \u2013 it was understandable that Pa couldn\u2019t find much humor in Doc\u2019s words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, the oblivion sleep brought meant Joe hadn\u2019t seen his uncle\u2019s body wrapped in a blanket and tied over Sweet Daisy, nor was he awake when Hoss loaded the body onto a wagon and drove it to Virginia City\u2019s undertaker. Joe was, however, present for the graveside service at the cemetery in the Baptist churchyard. Pa had left it up to Joe as to whether he\u2019d attend the funeral or not. It was only out of respect and love for his father that Joe went. Had Daniel Cartwright been anyone other than Pa\u2019s brother, Joe would have skipped the entire affair in favor of a couple of beers and a card game at the Bucket of Blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As it was, the service was brief and private. Uncle Daniel hadn\u2019t gotten to know many people during his stay other than some of the Ponderosa\u2019s ranch hands, the Dunn boys, the Baptist preacher and a few members of his congregation. A larger attendance would have undoubtedly come to pass had Pa opened the funeral to the public, but only because Pa was well known and well thought of. However, Pa kept things as quiet as he could, making it clear to those who asked that attendees to the service wouldn\u2019t extend beyond himself, his sons, and the Baptist minister whom he\u2019d hired to preach a few appropriate words from the Good Book.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother\u2019s family back in Ohio will hold a memorial service,\u201d Pa said to those who asked, though Joe thought Pa was only guessing a ceremony of some sort would take place, as opposed to having confirmation of it. Uncle John was telegraphed about Daniel\u2019s death, but Joe assumed the words were fleeting and without details. After all, how could Pa convey in a telegram all that had happened since Uncle Daniel\u2019s arrival?<\/span><\/p>\n

The inquest into Uncle Daniel\u2019s death was only a tad lengthier than his funeral. Or at least Joe\u2019s portion of it was. He told Roy Coffee, and then later Pa\u2019s lawyer, all that occurred from the moment he snuck out of the house, until he was held under the waters of Lake Tahoe by the uncle determined to kill him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam had no choice but to do what he did,\u201d Joe declared to both the sheriff and the lawyer. \u201cMy uncle. . .my uncle would have killed me. I know Adam didn\u2019t wanna do it, but Uncle Daniel didn\u2019t leave him any other option.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After all the statements were given and accurately recorded, the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Weston Cartwright were presented to the circuit judge. Pa kept the date and time of this presentation to himself, not even sharing that information with Adam. All Joe and his brothers knew was that two weeks after Uncle Daniel\u2019s death, Pa came home from Virginia City and said that the matter was behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatta ya\u2019 mean, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean that no charges will be brought against Adam. . .against any of us. There won\u2019t be a trial. Daniel\u2019s death was ruled a justifiable homicide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After that, Pa said nothing further about his brother, until the morning arrived in late September when Pa announced he was leaving for Ohio on the afternoon stage. As Joe and his brothers saw their father off, Joe knew Adam and Hoss were still reeling from the shock of what seemed to them an impulsive, foolhardy decision on the part of their father. Given the time of year, he\u2019d be lucky to get home before the heavy winter snows came and left him stranded somewhere between Reedsville and Virginia City. But Pa didn\u2019t appear to care. He seemed determined to return to the place of his birth, and no amount of pleading on the parts of his oldest sons to wait until next spring to make the trip could change his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike his brothers, Joe didn\u2019t plead. Nor did he question. Nor did he debate. Actually, he didn\u2019t say much of anything in response to Pa\u2019s announcement. He wanted to understand his father\u2019s reasons for this trip, but since Pa wouldn\u2019t voice his reasons, Joe was left guessing. That is, he would have been left guessing if he\u2019d cared enough to put the effort into it. Instead, as the stage pulled away with Ben Cartwright on it, all Joe could recall was how he\u2019d felt in that cave the day his back had been whipped raw \u2013 alone and abandoned by the man he wanted most to remain by his side; his pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 76<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth Cartwright wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. A biting autumn wind blew, rustling what few rusty colored leaves still clung to the old trees that shaded the cemetery in summer, and stood like stern, ancient sentries in the winter, their thick gnarled branches bare and powerful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman bent and leaned forward, lightly tracing her fingers over the etching of the recently added stone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Weston Cartwright Sr.
\nBorn: April 3rd, 1794
\nDied: September 7th, 1861<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t allow her touch to linger long. Not nearly as long as it did each time she repeated this same action when bending before her mother\u2019s gravestone, or when kneeling in front of Danny\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth straightened and stepped backwards. She sensed the man\u2019s presence just before his arm slipped around her shoulders in the way she imagined a loving father offered comfort to his children in time of need, no matter how old those children were.<\/span><\/p>\n

She relished the warmth of his embrace. It not only offered protection from the raw wind, but it also seemed to offer the love and understanding she never received from her own father. She glanced up at him as she spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you weren\u2019t leaving already. You\u2019ve barely just arrived.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I weren\u2019t leaving either, but if I delay my departure, snow will block the mountain passes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded her agreement, even though she\u2019d never seen a mountain pass, let alone traveled through one by stagecoach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for buying the stone and having it placed. You didn\u2019t have to do that. I could have paid for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But I wanted to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you didn\u2019t do it out of guilt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do it out of guilt,\u201d he assured her. \u201cI did it out of respect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRespect for my father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His answer was a neutral, \u201cOut of respect for my entire family. Out of respect for my parents. Out of respect for you and your sisters. To give you a place to come and remember him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned back toward the stone. Her father\u2019s body didn\u2019t lie beneath it. His body was in a Baptist cemetery in Virginia City. Uncle Ben said Papa enjoyed attending the Baptist Church during his summer stay, so it seemed fitting that the church\u2019s cemetery was his final resting place. Beyond that, where his soul resided. . .well, Ruth didn\u2019t think his eternal home was likely in the place he\u2019d always predicted it would be, but she preferred not to dwell on that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to harm one of your sons, didn\u2019t he.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a question, and for a long moment her uncle didn\u2019t answer. When he finally spoke, his answer was an honest one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He tried to harm \u2013 he\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0harm Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you did the right thing, because he would have killed Little Joe had he gotten the chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She sensed his confusion. He\u2019d been here ten days, and he hadn\u2019t given her or her sisters any details of their father\u2019s death, other than to say it had been sudden and he\u2019d died early one morning without suffering. Ruth\u2019s sisters assumed Papa\u2019s heart had given out on him, or perhaps he\u2019d had a stroke like old Mr. Wilkes did last year. But Ruth knew better. After all, she\u2019d read Papa\u2019s journal. Only she knew what he was capable of. And ever since Uncle Ben had arrived she\u2019d sensed a sorrow about him. A sorrow born of guilt over unspoken words, half-truths, and things he didn\u2019t understand the root of.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unspoken words and half-truths were his alone, but the root of understanding she could help him with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe murdered Danny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d He asked the question because it would have appeared odd had he not. But his tone of voice said he\u2019d already guessed the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father. He murdered Danny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you. . .did you see this happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t see it. But I suspected it almost from the very day Danny died, and then when Papa was gone this summer I found a journal he\u2019d kept. The details \u2013 well, the details don\u2019t matter. And there\u2019s never been a point to me telling anyone. My sisters would never believe me, even if I let them read his journal and they saw the words for themselves. And no one else in this town would believe me either. Besides, it\u2019s too late for my brother. My father ended his life far too soon. Therefore, whatever you had to do to save Little Joe, to protect him, then you did the right thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She felt his arm tighten around her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did what any father would do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth shook her head and felt the weight of sadness deep in her heart when she replied, \u201cNot any father. But a good father. You did what a good father would do, Uncle Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth cast a final gaze upon her father\u2019s stone. When she turned to walk away, she smiled and nodded at her uncle in way of letting him know she would be all right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She reached out for his hand \u2013 the hand that was calloused and rough and strong from years of hard work \u2013 and clasped it within her own. Together, they walked toward the cemetery\u2019s gate, where Ruth was suddenly bathed with a sense of the paternal love and support she\u2019d never received from her father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Ben, do you think there\u2019s any reason why a woman can\u2019t run her own general store?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ruth, I can\u2019t think of one reason why a woman can\u2019t run her own general store.\u201d He chuckled while giving her hand a gentle squeeze. \u201cWhy? Do you have such a business in mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The self-confidence and happiness his reply inspired almost made her break out in one of Danny\u2019s jigs right there in the cemetery. Instead of a jig, though, Ruth settled on behavior more befitting a woman her age. She stopped their progress for a brief second, got on her tiptoes, and bussed her uncle on a cheek that smelled of musky cologne.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Uncle Ben. I promise I\u2019ll make you proud.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no doubt you will.\u201d He patted her hand and headed them out of the gate and down the sidewalk toward the store that would undergo a minor name change in the weeks to come. No longer would it be just Cartwright\u2019s General Store. It would be\u00a0Ruth<\/em>\u00a0Cartwright\u2019s General Store.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow come along,\u201d Uncle Ben urged. \u201c I won\u2019t be leaving until for two more days. Perhaps there are things I can help you do in that store of yours before my departure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always work to be done, Uncle Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruth\u2019s uncle laughed. \u201cIf Little Joe were here he\u2019d say that you sound just like your cousin Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd from things you\u2019ve told me about Little Joe, I\u2019d tell\u00a0him<\/em>\u00a0that he sounds just like my brother Danny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood memories?\u201d Uncle Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time, tears didn\u2019t spring to Ruth\u2019s eyes as she thought of her deceased brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood memories,\u201d she confirmed. \u201cBelieve me, Uncle Ben, I have nothing but good memories of my little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And because they were no longer in the cemetery, and because her brother\u2019s lively spirit seemed to surround her, Ruth lifted her skirts and did a little jig on the sidewalk, then threw her head back and laughed. Uncle Ben laughed with her, because although she hadn\u2019t told him why she suddenly felt the need to kick up her heels and dance, he seemed to understand a lot about love, and loyalty, and brothers, and treasured memories that would forever be carried in a sister\u2019s heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 77<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe pantomimed from outside the storefront. He indicated to the young woman on the other side of the glass that the hem she was sewing in a dress on a display mannequin should be shorter. Shorter to the point it would be considered scandalous, and the exaggerated expression on her face told him so. As did the way she made a \u201cNow shoo!\u201d motion with her hand, her silent message clearly saying, \u201cGo about your business, Joseph Cartwright, and behave yourself while you\u2019re at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winked at her and waved goodbye, then headed down the sidewalk without going inside. First of all, if Mitch or Tuck saw him entering Mrs. Mason\u2019s dress shop they\u2019d give him nothing but heck for a month of Sundays. And second of all, he was no longer Nan Henning\u2019s suitor. As it was, their courtship had been a brief one born of friendship and gratitude, and never quite blossoming to love. Joe\u2019s gratitude toward Nan was for the courage she\u2019d shown the night she\u2019d fled the Dunn ranch intent on telling his family he was in danger. Nan\u2019s gratitude resulted from Joe\u2019s father and brothers believing her story, and then for the way Pa made certain she was returned safely to her parents\u2019 home. Not to mention Pa had being instrumental in convincing Mrs. Mason to hire Nan. A decision Mrs. Mason didn\u2019t regret.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nan\u2019s mother already worked at the dress shop, and \u201clike mother like daughter.\u201d Nan proved to be an industrious employee who did anything asked of her without complaint, from stitching ruffles on a petticoat, to sewing on buttons, to sweeping the floor. She also possessed a talent that was previously unknown, even to Nan herself \u2013 a knack for designing and creating ladies\u2019 hats. Though she\u2019d only been employed at the shop for a couple of months, her hats were already the talk of Virginia City. Or at least the talk amongst the women-folk. Joe didn\u2019t pay much attention to any of it, other than to be glad new opportunities had come to Nan, and that through them she was finding success. Success, as well as a gentleman caller by the name of Raymond Mayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t know Ray other than in passing. His family was new to Virginia City. Ray\u2019s father owned the mercantile, and Ray worked there. He seemed like a nice enough fellow, and Joe hadn\u2019t heard any gossip to make him think otherwise. But after Joe and Nan mutually agreed to be just friends, and after a few weeks passed and Ray started courting Nan, Joe grabbed a fistful of Ray\u2019s apron front one day in the mercantile and yanked him behind a stack of brooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither Joe\u2019s smile nor charm kept Ray from getting all pale and shaky-like, as though certain he was about to be called out to the street for a gunfight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Ray, I hear you\u2019re sparkin\u2019 Nan Henning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYe. . .uh. . .uh yes. Yes, that\u2019s right. I am. I thought. . .I\u2019m sorry, Little Joe, but I thought you and she had. . .had\u2026you know\u2026gone your separate ways. But if you still have a mind to court her then I\u2019ll–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Joe assured. \u201cI don\u2019t have a mind to court her. You\u2019re right. Me and Nan parted ways. I just want ya\u2019 to understand she means a lot to me. Matter a\u2019 fact, I think of her as the sister I never had. So I better not hear of you treatin\u2019 her with anything less than the respect she deserves, you got it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ray\u2019s Adam\u2019s apple bobbed in time to his head. \u201cSure. . .sure. I got it, Little Joe. I got it just fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat.\u201d Joe winked while straightening the young man\u2019s apron. \u201cSure glad we could have ourselves this nice chat. You have a good day now, Ray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. . .uh, yeah. You too, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That conversation took place a few weeks back. Joe had seen Nan and Ray leave the Methodist Church together this past Sunday, so he didn\u2019t figure his talk with Ray had hurt anything, and if nothing else, felt assured Nan would never have to worry about Ray treating her the way Jim Dunn had.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe headed toward the Bucket of Blood he looked up at the sky heavy with gray clouds. Not rain clouds, but the kind of clouds that often accompanied a \u201cBig North\u2019ner\u201d as the old timers referred to the first hard snow of the season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled his green jacket closed and nimbly wrapped the clasps around the buttons. Soon, he\u2019d have to hang it in his closet in favor of his winter coat. He\u2019d only had this jacket since the end of October, but he\u2019d already grown fond of it for some reason. Maybe because of its comfortable fit, and the way it possessed just the right amount of lining to make it serviceable in both fall and spring. Or maybe because it was cut short at the waist and didn\u2019t hinder his movement as he jumped on Cochise. Or maybe because the jacket, along with the gray trousers, tan hat, and tan shirt he was wearing, had been birthday gifts from his brothers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The black trousers he\u2019d once favored were torn to shreds when Uncle Daniel dragged him to the lake. His white shirt and black hat had never been found. Joe assumed Uncle Daniel tossed them into Lake Tahoe. And his blue jacket was damaged beyond repair when he\u2019d used it smother flames the day of the fire. He had other clothes to wear of course, and had made do with those, but the old red jacket he\u2019d been wearing since fall set in was too small and tight. He hadn\u2019t used it since his school days and should have put it in the church\u2019s donation box last year. It was in the donation box now, however, thanks to these new clothes his brothers had given him. Joe thought the colors looked good on him \u2013 far better than black and white. And he liked the style of the hat. It made him look older somehow. Or so he thought now that he\u2019d been nineteen for almost one full month.<\/span><\/p>\n

In-between recovering from his injuries, seeing Pa off to Ohio, his brief courtship with Nan, and his birthday, had been the fall cattle drive. Even without Pa present, the drive was a success. Not that Joe had any reason to think he and his brothers couldn\u2019t get the cattle to market, but he\u2019d just never before imagined that Pa wouldn\u2019t be a part of the annual ritual. And especially not voluntarily absent from it. But Pa hadn\u2019t seemed concerned when Adam tried to use the cattle drive as a way of getting him to put his trip on hold until spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys are perfectly capable of getting the cattle to market and getting a fair price for them. You don\u2019t need me there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not even Hoss\u2019s, \u201cWell, now, we might not\u00a0need<\/em>\u00a0ya\u2019 there, Pa, but we sure want ya\u2019 along with us. Can\u2019t quite cotton to a cattle drive without ya\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very nice of you, Hoss. But since I can\u2019t be two places at one time, you boys will take care of the cattle, and I\u2019ll take care of the family business I must attend to in Ohio.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pa hadn\u2019t so much as mentioned whether Little Joe should be allowed to go on the cattle drive given his recent injuries. That was another decision he apparently decided Adam and Hoss were capable of making. After Pa left for Ohio it was brought up for debate. Joe protested over the thought of remaining behind with Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine. You both heard Doc say so. Besides, Hop Sing looks forward to all of us being gone every fall so he can air out the house and give it a good cleaning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat right,\u201d Hop Sing had agreed as he plopped platters of pancakes and side pork in the middle of the table. \u201cLittle Joe go on cattle drive. Hop Sing not want anyone under feet during fall cleaning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So in the end, it was Hop Sing who settled the issue. Though Joe surmised his brothers gave in so easily because of their concerns for his safety. To leave him behind meant they couldn\u2019t keep an eye on him should Jim Dunn try to once again seek revenge. Not that Hoss and Adam said that in front of Little Joe, but he overheard them talking in the great room one evening when they didn\u2019t realize he was standing at the top of the stairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Worries over Jim Dunn proved to be unnecessary, however, since by the time the three Cartwright sons arrived home from the cattle drive, the Dunn family was gone. No one knew for certain where they went. The gossip spreading around Virginia City regarding their sudden departure had them meeting up with Paul and Charlie somewhere, as Orville Houston seemed to think Mr. Dunn owned land in Wyoming or Colorado, or perhaps it was the Dakotas. At any rate, most people were in agreement that it was a foolish time of year to set off traveling a long distance in a covered wagon with young children and a wife soon due with another baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe himself figured it wasn\u2019t any more foolish than his father\u2019s decision to head to Ohio and then try to make it back to Virginia City before winter set in, but of course he didn\u2019t say that to anyone. Not even to his brothers, who had voiced it several times amongst themselves when they didn\u2019t think Joe was within earshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from fattening the Ponderosa\u2019s bank account, the cattle drive had given Adam and Hoss a chance to make their apologies to Joe. Little Joe was pretty certain the apologies weren\u2019t coordinated or spoken of between them. Instead, it seemed to him that what they hadn\u2019t recognized about Uncle Daniel gnawed at them individually.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam caught Joe alone beside one of several campfires lit when they\u2019d stopped for the night. Cattle bawled in the background while men stood in line at the chuck wagon, talking and joking as they waited their turn for the evening meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you getting in line?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn a minute. I\u2019m not like Hoss. I don\u2019t have a big belly to fill. I\u2019d rather wait until the line dwindles some instead of just standin\u2019 there and watchin\u2019 everyone\u2019s boots shuffle forward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been known to have a good thought on occasion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI\u2019d debate you on that point, but I\u2019d lose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure he\u2019d heard his brother correctly. \u201cYou\u2019d what?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said I\u2019d lose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that\u2019s a first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think I\u2019d ever hear you say you\u2019d lose a debate to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let it go to your head, kid. But in this case, I would.\u201d Speaking of shuffling boots, Adam\u2019s shuffled a bit right then as he scuffed at the dirt as though he didn\u2019t know how to voice what was on his mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .look, Joe, I owe you an apology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor not recognizing how dangerous Uncle Daniel was. For not recognizing that he was intent on harming you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow could you have recognized it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy his actions. By some things he said–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust\u2026things. Nothing that seemed very important at the time. Oddities I passed off as more of Uncle Daniel\u2019s quirks, let\u2019s put it that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Adam, you can\u2019t see around corners any more than I can, and you\u2019re not one of them gypsies with the travelin\u2019 shows who claims to be able to tell the future.\u201d Joe shot his brother a sly look as he finished with, \u201cAnd just because you\u2019re the oldest and a know-it-all to boot, doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re\u00a0always<\/em>\u00a0expected to know it all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of a tongue twister was that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink about it for a few seconds, big brother. With all that college learnin\u2019 you got under you\u2019re belt, I\u2019m sure you\u2019re smart enough to figure it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m sure I am,\u201d Adam agreed as he lightly cuffed the back of Joe\u2019s head, then placed a hand on his shoulder and steered him toward the chow line. \u201cAnd what\u2019s this about me being a know-it-all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe laughed but refused to answer his brother. Soon his playful insult was forgotten as they filled their plates and coffee cups, then joined Hoss and a group of men who were already gathered around a fire eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the following day that Hoss extended an apology. He and Joe were riding beside one another at the back of the herd, keeping an eye out for strays while at the same time urging the cattle to continue their forward movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .Little Joe, listen, I been wantin\u2019 to say I\u2019m sorry an\u2019 all \u2018bout Uncle Dan\u2019el.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about what? That he was a crazy ole\u2019 coot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell yeah. Just like you said all along. He was a crazy ole\u2019 coot, and when you tried to tell me that I made fun a\u2019 ya.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, if I had me a nickel for every time you\u2019ve made fun of me over the years when I\u2019ve tried to tell you something, I\u2019d have more money in my bank account than Pa\u2019s got in his.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo you wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes I would.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo you wouldn\u2019t, \u2018cause iffin you had more money than Pa, you\u2019d have it all spent on poker games and saloon girls in less than two days time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, I would. Which is why I\u2019m a heck of a lot more fun than Pa is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss wouldn\u2019t let Joe sidetrack him. Before the conversation could take a further turn toward teasing and joking, he grew serious again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Little Joe, I really am sorry. I shoulda\u2019 listened to ya\u2019 when you tried to make me see that Uncle Daniel always acted different toward you than he did toward me and Adam. Harsher. Kinda mean-like. I shoulda\u2019 seen it with my own two eyes instead a\u2019 teasin\u2019 you right there in front of him at the supper table I don\u2019t know how many times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, forget it, okay? You couldn\u2019t have known what he was capable of. You and Adam had your fun at my expense, just like I woulda\u2019 done to either of you given the chance. It\u2019s what brothers do. Besides, when I needed you the most you were there for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you pulled me out of Lake Tahoe, you big galoot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d That comment made Hoss smile. \u201cOh, yeah. Guess that was one a\u2019 those times when you needed me most, wasn\u2019t it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother, you can bet it was,\u201d Joe agreed. He\u2019d never told his family how close he came to death that day \u2013 how he was certain he was on the brink of standing at the Pearly Gates when those two massive hands that belonged to Hoss Cartwright brought him up and out of that water where air flowed into his starving lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n

They spotted a couple of stray cattle right about then, which put an end to their conversation. That was fine with Joe. Both of his brothers had now gotten the opportunity to say their piece, and Joe hoped it would allow them to bury any further guilt they were carrying. As he\u2019d told each one of them, they\u2019d couldn\u2019t have foreseen the events that would eventually unfold. However, it wasn\u2019t beneath Joe Cartwright to use their guilt against them in the future when some \u201cbrotherly blackmail\u201d was necessary to keep them from telling Pa about some escapade of Joe\u2019s, or to wheedle money out of them for use at a poker table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shivered and picked up his pace. The cattle drive and those apologies seemed long in the past now. The evening Adam had spoken with him the air had just a mild autumn nip to it, and the day he and Hoss spoke was warm enough that they\u2019d stowed their jackets in their saddle bags and rolled their shirt sleeves up past their elbows. But autumn was behind them now. Maybe not based on the date on the calendar, but certainly based on the temperature as far as Little Joe was concerned. He wondered if Pa would make it home before the heavy snows began, or if he\u2019d end up spending the winter somewhere between Virginia City and Reedsville. Although they knew based on the most recent telegram Pa had sent that he\u2019d started his journey home, Adam and Hoss still spoke of his foolishness and the risk he was taking. Joe, however, was finally beginning to understand the reasons behind both the foolishness and the risk. He didn\u2019t share those thoughts with his brothers, though. He figured it was up to Pa to explain it all to them if he wanted to, or to keep his own counsel if that\u2019s what he chose to do. Besides, when you were the youngest of three sons, sometimes it was nice to know something your brothers apparently hadn\u2019t figured out. Such an event didn\u2019t happen often. Joe wanted to silently bask in the knowledge for as long as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he entered the Bucket of Blood, Joe saw Mitch and Tuck were already waiting for him at a corner table. He picked up a mug of beer from Sam as he passed by the bar, then joined his friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

As often happened when the three young men got a few beers in them on a lazy afternoon, their conversation veered in all directions \u2013 most of them initially about women, before heading toward downright silly. The alcohol evidently made Joe\u2019s friends forget about his recent brush with death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Tuck asked after his fifth beer, \u201cwhatta you fellas think is the best way to die?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still say drownin\u2019,\u201d Mitch drawled with a bad Southern accent that always seemed to come over him when he\u2019d had too much to drink. \u201cSeems to me it would be real peaceful like. What do you say, Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though Joe had been matching his friends drink for drink, he was suddenly as sober as an old lady in church. He stared into his mug for a moment, then pushed it aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it from me, fellas. Drownin\u2019 ain\u2019t peaceful at all, and as of today I\u2019m changin\u2019 the rules of this game.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChangin\u2019 the rules? How?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy declaring that it\u2019s okay to say the best way to die is when you\u2019ve lived to be an old old man and you go in your sleep with your family standing around you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Mitch. \u201cNo buts. Unless you\u2019ve almost drowned, you don\u2019t get to make the rules.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch looked like he was about to argue with his friend, but then something \u2013 the expression on Joe\u2019s face, or perhaps a look in his eye \u2013 made him back down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right. Unless I\u2019ve almost drowned I don\u2019t get ta\u2019 make the rules. Fair \u2018nough. We all agree dying in your sleep after you\u2019ve lived to be an old man is the way to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three friends raised their glasses, clinked them together, and said, \u201cHere here,\u201d for good measure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Talk of death was quickly replaced by talk of girls, which was fine with Little Joe. Girls meant life. Death \u2013 well death he could happily wait on until he was years and years older than Pa, and a grandfather at least ten times over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 78<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben always knew where Little Joe\u2019s impulsive nature came from, and while he\u2019d allowed everyone to believe that was a trait Joseph inherited from his mother, it was actually a Cartwright trait. A trait that had run heavily through the veins of Ben\u2019s father, and one that ran heavily through Ben\u2019s own veins. After all, why else would an Ohio farm boy leave home just two days after his sixteenth birthday, headed for Boston with little more than the clothes on his back and three dollars in his pocket, with the dream of sailing around the world on an ocean he\u2019d only read about in books? Or why would, some years on down the road, that same farm boy strike off for the untamed west in search of land he could homestead?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben hunkered into his thick winter coat, its fur-lined collar tickling his ear lobes. He burrowed his hands into the deep pockets as he stared out the window at the passing landscape, now dead and brown from winter\u2019s chill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The stagecoach retraced the route it had traveled in September, this time taking Ben toward the Ponderosa, instead of away from her. No one shared the coach with Ben other than the driver up top. His sons would probably explain his lack of companions by saying no man in his right mind would be foolish enough to travel such a great distance by stage this time of year. And if they\u00a0did<\/em>\u00a0say that, Ben couldn\u2019t deny they were correct. But it was that old impulsive nature Ben had never quite grown out of, but instead learned to temper over the years, that had him traveling when common sense dictated otherwise. And for once, his impulsive nature left Ben with no regrets. There were things about Daniel he had to lay to rest, and Reedsville was the only place he could do that. From paying for the placement of Daniel\u2019s gravestone, to supporting Ruth in her venture as a storeowner, to visiting his parents\u2019 graves in the little cemetery on the farm, to having a family dinner with his siblings, their spouses and offspring, to roaming the old familiar fields and pasture land with John, to arriving at conclusions about Daniel he couldn\u2019t have reached without traveling to the place of his birth and visiting the family he\u2019d long ago left behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glanced up at the sky. He didn\u2019t like the look of the clouds overhead, and hoped he\u2019d make it home before the first Big North\u2019ner of the season blew in. If he didn\u2019t \u2013 well, if he didn\u2019t, it would be a long, boring winter spent at some rickety way station trying to keep warm, all the while hoping the food supply lasted, and that his sons didn\u2019t act on their impulses and set out looking for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 79<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was sufficiently jostled and bruised by the time he climbed off the stage in Virginia City. His knees were stiff and his lower back achy and sore, but he didn\u2019t voice any complaints for the rough ride. For the past two days they\u2019d been outrunning a brewing winter storm and had made it home ahead of the snow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t linger in Virginia City. Cold air and a threatening sky caused him to bypass Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office, the Cattleman\u2019s Hotel, the saloons, the cafes, the general store, and any other places he could catch up on all the goings-on since he\u2019d been away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben paid two passing teenage boys to get his trunk off the stagecoach and carry it to Jensen\u2019s Livery. He followed them, carrying his valise. He rented a rig and a horse from Tom Jensen, getting a few tidbits of town gossip while Tom hitched the horse to the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been gone quite a spell, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I had quite a distance to travel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice you were able to visit yer family and then make it back \u2018fore the snow flies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his agreement. He hadn\u2019t told Tom where he\u2019d gone or why, but he supposed word had traveled around town by now. Given Daniel\u2019s death, then Ben\u2019s sudden departure, it wouldn\u2019t take people long to assume he had business to attend to in Ohio. Perhaps they thought he\u2019d had to settle Daniel\u2019s estate. Or break the news of Daniel\u2019s death to other family members. Regardless, what folks assumed didn\u2019t matter much to Ben, and he didn\u2019t plan to fill in any details now that he was back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, Tom didn\u2019t dwell on the subject.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSay, Ben, did any a\u2019 yer boys wire with the news \u2018bout Jim Dunn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. What about him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust up and left. Him and the whole family. Even the missus and the two little ones. Foolish if you ask me, her being with child like she was, and then Nora and Henry not even old enough for school yet. Bad time of year for travelin\u2019 under those circumstances, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had no desire to discuss Jim Dunn with Tom, anymore than he had the desire to discuss Daniel with him. He wasn\u2019t going to assist in pouring fuel on the fire of gossip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s a difficult time of the year to travel with a young family,\u201d Ben acknowledged in a neutral tone. \u201cBut Jim\u2019s a smart man. I\u2019m sure he thought it through before leaving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome folks are saying he high-tailed it \u2018cause he got himself in trouble with the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom glanced up from his work, landing an expectant gaze on Ben as though sure he\u2019d get confirmation of this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t know.\u201d Ben smiled amiably. \u201cI\u2019ve been away for some time, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Yeah, sure. Just thought maybe Adam wired ya\u2019 with news now and again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not with news that extended beyond letting me know the cattle drive was a success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And that was true. Ben wired his sons when he\u2019d arrived in Ohio to let them know he\u2019d gotten there safely, and then wired again while he was in Ohio with happy birthday wishes for Little Joe. He\u2019d wired them once more when he left Reedsville to head home, and then a final time when he transitioned from the train to the stagecoach at St. Joseph, Missouri. He\u2019d only heard from Adam once, after the boys arrived home from the cattle drive. As far as Ben was concerned, hearing from Adam just one time was good news. It meant nothing had occurred like fire, flood, famine, illness, or anything else of a nature to cause a father worry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben plopped his valise next to the trunk in the back of the buckboard, then climbed on the seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf the weather holds, I\u2019ll send someone into town tomorrow with your buckboard and horse, Tom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo hurry. There\u2019s plenty more where those came from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben said a final thank you and goodbye, then lightly slapped the reins against the horse\u2019s rump and headed the animal down Main Street. He soon left Virginia City behind as he traveled toward the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 80<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The barn was absent of three familiar horses when Ben arrived home that afternoon. He was disappointed, although had no reason to be. After all, he hadn\u2019t wired the boys when he\u2019d reached Carson City to let them know of his impending arrival. Maybe given his abrupt departure and lengthy time away, he was concerned his homecoming would be greeted with indifference, and the absence of his sons proved him right?<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, Ben Cartwright, now\u2019s a fine time to second-guess that old impulsive nature of yours.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. Adam and Hoss might think him an old fool, but they understood his reasons for going. Of that he was certain. Little Joe \u2013 well, Little Joe was younger and the adult world was still new to him, so Ben didn\u2019t expect him to understand. Yet, unlike his brothers, Joe hadn\u2019t voiced any opposition to his father taking the trip. Which could mean he didn\u2019t have opposition to voice, or could mean he\u2019d left a lot unsaid. With Joseph, it wasn\u2019t always easy to guess, and Ben had learned long ago that when it came to his youngest son, assumptions shouldn\u2019t be made because they often proved to be wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stowed the wagon in the carriage house. He left his trunk in the wagon\u2019s bed for the time being. He\u2019d get Hoss to bring it inside later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben picked up his valise with one hand and led the horse to the barn with the other. He put the animal in a stall, then fed and watered it. He took a few minutes to say hello to Buck, who was nickering a greeting. After Buck\u2019s nose and long neck had been sufficiently rubbed and petted, Ben fed and watered him as well. He gave both horses fresh bedding, plucked his valise from the hook he\u2019d hung it on, and headed for the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He bent his head, holding onto his hat, as a fierce, cold wind blew. When he entered his home, Ben placed his valise on the sideboard by the door and gave his feet a few hardy stamps, trying to bring feeling back to his cold toes. As he hung up his hat and coat he took note of the fire crackling in the fireplace, while the smells of simmering beef stew and baking bread drifted from the kitchen. Ben also thought he detected the aromas of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples. He recalled the summer day a few months earlier when he envisioned just this scenario, while longing for the stress of Daniel\u2019s visit and the trouble with the Dunns to be in the past.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, now those things were in the past, and though both situations ended in ways Ben never could have imagined, he\u2019d be lying if he didn\u2019t admit he was happy to have this moment when the comforts of home and family were close at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow many time Hop Sing say not stamp mud off boots in clean house? I get broom right now and you sweep–\u201d The houseman\u2019s tirade ended as he came around the corner and saw who had arrived. His scowl changed to a wide smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cart\u2019light! Hop Sing not know you here. Think Little Joe home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hop Sing, it\u2019s just me. And I can assure you that I don\u2019t have mud on my boots. I was just trying to get my toes warm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you come sit by fire \u2018til supper ready. Hop Sing not know you coming home today, but made plenty eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing. It smells delicious. And to be honest, I didn\u2019t know for certain that I was coming home today either. But the stage made good time, so here I am.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat down in his favorite chair, savoring its soft cushioned seat after weeks of traveling on a stage. \u201cSpeaking of being home, where are the boys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam leave for town little while ago. He hold practice for Christmas play.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. Adam directed the town\u2019s Christmas pageant each year, and with Christmas just two weeks away, he\u2019d be spending numerous evenings in Virginia City. They must have missed one another as Ben traveled home. Since Adam wouldn\u2019t have been encumbered with a wagon, he likely took a shortcut across Ponderosa land, rather than travel Virginia City road.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe say eat supper in town, and if storm come he stay at Cattleman\u2019s Hotel tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good idea. And what about my other two sons?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Hoss help friend Mr. Jed add room on house for children. Mrs. Jed soon have baby, and say no space left for family. He say probably eat supper there, and spend night if snow start.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Ben nodded. Jed Donavon was a friend of Hoss\u2019s from boyhood. He owned a piece of land west of the Ponderosa. With Jed\u2019s wife due with baby number five shortly after the new year, an educated guess told Ben a bedroom was being added on for the older children to share.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe say he stuck with all the work while older brothers go off and have fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cThat sounds like Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe checking shelters to make sure good for cattle before snow come. He say be back before dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen he should be home soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Hop Sing agreed. \u201cMake supper Little Joe asked for since he only Cart\u2019light at home tonight until Mr. Ben come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me. Whatever you\u2019re cooking smells wonderful. I\u2019ll be happy to eat what Little Joe has chosen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeef stew, loaf bread, applesauce cake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cSomehow, I knew that\u2019s what was on tonight\u2019s menu, and believe it or not, it\u2019s just what I would have ordered.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen Hop Sing better go check make sure nothing burn unless Mr. Cart\u2019light need something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. I don\u2019t need anything, thank you. You go about your work and pretend I\u2019m not here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded and headed back to the kitchen. Ben stared into the fire, the warmth radiating outward providing a sense of tranquility he hadn\u2019t felt in months. He dozed off, waking to the sound of Hop Sing setting the table, before drifting into a light sleep again. The next time he awoke, it was to the sound of someone stamping his feet, followed by Hop Sing threatening to hand that someone a broom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Hop Sing, my boots ain\u2019t muddy. I\u2019m just warming up my toes, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHumph! That\u2019s what father say. Only Hop Sing believe father, but not believe you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, father home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wondered when I saw the strange horse in the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe \u2018sleep in chair, so be quiet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I\u2019ll be quiet. But–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben peered around his chair. \u201cIf that\u2019s you being quiet, I\u2019d hate to hear what noisy sounds like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Based on the enthusiastic hug Ben received as he rose to meet Little Joe, the man suddenly knew he\u2019d been worrying for no good reason when it came to concerns about his return being greeted with indifference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son barely had time to say hello before Hop Sing was putting supper on the table. They moved as one, Ben sitting in the chair he\u2019d been long absent from, while Joe took his familiar place at his father\u2019s right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe might as well eat while the food is hot. Hop Sing said your brothers won\u2019t be joining us tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, they won\u2019t be.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe handed his father his bowl. Ben ladled stew into it thick with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes \u2013 just the way Little Joe liked it \u2013 and seasoned with finely chopped onions along with a multitude of spices Hop Sing wouldn\u2019t reveal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope neither one of them starts home later if it\u2019s snowing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t. To tell ya\u2019 the truth, Pa, I think they planned it this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh you do, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. They both seemed pretty eager to high-tail it outta here and leave me with all the work. And they also seemed pretty eager to tell me they probably won\u2019t be back until sometime tomorrow.\u201d Joe grinned as he accepted a slice of warm bread and then lathered it with butter. \u201c \u2018Course if they\u2019d a\u2019 known you were gonna come home I bet they woulda\u2019 been here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they missed me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeck no. Because it doesn\u2019t look good for them to be gone and leave me in charge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cFrom where I\u2019m sitting it looks just fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess it must, or you wouldn\u2019t have been sleepin\u2019 in your chair when I got home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t have been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah. You\u2019d have been out searchin\u2019 for me to make sure I wasn\u2019t gettin\u2019 myself into trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell see there. That thought never even crossed my mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The conversation moved on to a discussion about the cattle drive, and from there to whatever news Joe wanted to share. He never mentioned the Dunn family, his uncle Daniel, or his father\u2019s trip, so Ben didn\u2019t bring up any of those subjects either. They talked about Christmas some, and the fact that they both had presents to buy yet, and that soon they\u2019d have to make their annual trek over the Ponderosa with Adam and Hoss in search of the perfect tree for the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see you bought yourself some new clothes while I was gone. Saw your new hat and jacket hanging on the hook, too. They make you look quite dapper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the good-natured teasing. \u201cThey were presents from Adam and Hoss for my birthday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of which, I\u2019m sorry I wasn\u2019t here to help celebrate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m nineteen now. No need for celebrating.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always a need for celebration, no matter how old a man gets. And we\u2019ll do just that as soon as your brothers are back and Hop Sing is able to put together a special meal and a cake. Perhaps the day after tomorrow. What do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to sound grown up, as if he was far too old now to be concerned with a family birthday party held in his honor. \u201cNo need really.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes there is. Besides, I\u2019ve got some gifts for you in my trunk that I bought in Ohio.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The young man, who moments earlier was too old to be concerned with birthday celebrations, suddenly changed his mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well okay. Then I guess there is a need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled before taking another mouthful of stew. He hadn\u2019t been gone that long, but Little Joe seemed to have changed somehow. Maybe it was the new clothes. Maybe they made him look older. Or maybe he\u2019d grown some. Back when Ben had concerns Hoss would never stop growing and that Little Joe never\u00a0would<\/em>\u00a0grow, Paul Martin had told him that a young man could continue adding height and muscle mass until age twenty-five.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until the table had been cleared and Hop Sing was eating his supper in the kitchen that Joe brought up his father\u2019s trip. They had moved to the great room, plates of applesauce cake in one hand and cups of coffee in the other. Ben settled in his chair once more, while Joe sat on the settee. Joe ate three bites of cake before finally asking what was on his mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, did you\u2026did you uh\u2026.have a good trip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf by that you\u2019re asking was my journey uneventful, then yes, considering the miles I traveled it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good I s\u2019ppose. Though it sounds kinda boring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben cocked in eyebrow. \u201cWhen you reach my age, Joseph, you\u2019ll come to appreciate boring now and again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t imagine it, but if you say so, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd um. . .Uncle Daniel\u2019s family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow. . .I mean. . .well, the news and all. How\u2019d they take it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say I gave them much news beyond what I informed them of in the telegram I sent right after Daniel died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what exactly was that? If you don\u2019t mind me askin\u2019 that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind. I told them Daniel passed away suddenly and peacefully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was no need to tell them more, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never said there was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you didn\u2019t. But your tone of voice sounds as though you disagree with my decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe ate the last few bites of his cake and drained his cup before speaking again. He set his dishes on the coffee table, then relaxed against the back of the settee. He gazed into the fire, not meeting his father\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t necessarily disagree with it. I\u2019m not sure what I would have done in your place. Guess there was no point in tarnishing Uncle Daniel\u2019s memory for his daughters and grandchildren.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, there wasn\u2019t.\u201d Thinking of Ruth, Ben added, \u201cBesides, there were those who knew the truth without me speaking it aloud.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour uncle didn\u2019t arrive here with thoughts and opinions that weren\u2019t a large part of who he was back in Ohio as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, I suppose he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd for that, I owe you an apology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do. As difficult as it is for me to admit this about my brother, I always knew he was. . .odd. Not quite right in his thinking. Or at least his thinking was a far cry different from my own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank the Lord for that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled rather than admonishing Little Joe for his use of the Lord\u2019s name. Besides, he quite imagined Joe\u2019s, \u201cThank the Lord,\u201d was indeed a heartfelt prayer, as opposed to a curse of any kind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. . .well, when I received John\u2019s letter about Daniel\u2019s loss of Clara and then Danny, both so close together, I allowed sentiment to overrule clear thinking. I should have known inviting him were wouldn\u2019t be a good idea due to his somewhat…<\/span>
\nuh. . .sour personality, is how I\u2019ll phrase it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing something isn\u2019t a good idea just \u2018cause a guy\u2019s a sour puss isn\u2019t the same as knowing a man is capable of kidnapping and attempted murder. You can\u2019t make me believe for even one minute that you knew Uncle Daniel was anything more than self-righteous, opinionated, and cantankerous. If you had, you never would have asked him to come.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben set his own empty dishes on the coffee table, he gave his son an appraising look. \u201cAre you sure you only turned nineteen back in October?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you askin\u2019 me that? You know I turned nineteen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you suddenly have the wisdom of a man twice your age.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, do me a favor and make sure you tell that to Adam when he gets home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cI\u2019ll do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo anyway, Pa, quit blaming yourself. You invited Uncle Daniel \u2018cause you thought a change of scenery would do him good. That being able to get away from his grief for a while might help him heal. He was your brother. You hadn\u2019t seen him in twenty-five years. You just. . .you just couldn\u2019t have predicted all that was gonna happen once he got here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026no, I guess I couldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The gentle hissing and spitting and crackling of wood in the fireplace were the only sounds in the room until Joe finally spoke again. His voice was quiet and contained a note of confusion. As though he was still trying to figure out why his uncle had wanted to hurt him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t. . .he wasn\u2019t right in the head, was he. I mean, his thinking \u2013 it wasn\u2019t right, was it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, his thinking wasn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Cause he was old?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave a slight smile of amusement at that question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that could have had something to do with it, yes. But even as far back as when I was young boy, your uncle Daniel viewed the world in a manner that greatly differed from the way the rest of us saw it. My pa used to tease and say it was because he had a lot of Weston in him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour mother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Only Ma. . .I\u2019ll be the first to admit she was the one who made the Bible a focal point in our household, and saw to it that we attended church each Sunday and knew our scriptures, but nonetheless, there was a warmth about her and a sense of humor that was lacking in Daniel. Of course, the poor woman had to possess a sense of humor in order to be married to the first Joseph Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour pa was. . .what\u2019s that word Adam uses? Irrepressible? Is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s it. And that describes my pa pretty well. Impossible to hold back or restrain. He embraced life in much the same way you do \u2013 by just plunging right in instead of checking the water first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot checking the water first is half the fun, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow I knew you\u2019d say that. Which is also the reason I have this head full of gray hair, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Joe\u2019s turn to laugh. When he sobered, he seemed to be contemplating a question that was too big to ask.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s, \u201cHm?\u201d sounded drowsy and distant. The long trip, his full stomach, and the warm room all combined to make him sleepy. Alertness returned, however, as Joe asked, \u201cWhat Uncle Daniel said about Saddam and Gomorrah. . .about Danny. . .do you think Danny did what he said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid what he said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm. . .uh. . .you know\u2026uh, was with. . .was with men?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard that?\u201d Ben asked; certain Daniel was holding Joe under the water when he claimed Danny had been with men.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s reply was no louder than a whisper. \u201cYou\u2019d be amazed at how many things you can hear when you\u2019re almost dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d you say, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh…I said yes, I heard him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shifted his chair, slowly sitting up straighter. This wasn\u2019t a conversation he\u2019d ever imagined having with one of his boys. Talking to them as young teenagers about the responsibilities and actions of an honorable man when he was alone with a woman had been difficult enough. A necessary talk, Ben felt each time he conducted it throughout the years, but not a comfortable one. Fortunately, Adam just nodded and left the room with a thoughtful look on his face, while Hoss blushed and hurried from the room as fast as he could. It was Little Joe who, at fourteen years old, dragged the talk out, peppering Ben with questions until it was the father who was blushing and hurrying from the room rather than the son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless, those years were behind him, thank goodness. But tonight was a conversation of a different sort. A conversation full of speculation, assumptions, and educated guesses, all based on the ranting of a sick man, and that focused on a side of human nature Ben admittedly didn\u2019t know much about.<\/span><\/p>\n

He sighed heavily before he finally answered his son.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I. . .to be honest with you, son, I just don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t know anything about Danny\u2019s personal life, and what he might or might not have done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Uncle Daniel seemed so certain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he did. But we\u2019ve both already acknowledged that Uncle Daniel might not have been thinking correctly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if he was? What if he had proof of some sort?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he did?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes. . .does a father quit loving his son because of that? I mean, I know what the Bible says, but. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s a big question, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it is. I can see why a father\u00a0could<\/em>\u00a0quit loving his son over it, but at the same time, I can\u2019t see it either. A father\u2019s love \u2013 well, it seems like it\u2019s pretty big, you know? That it forgives a son of a lot of wrong doings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA father\u2019s love\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0big. I suppose how big, depends on the father. As for myself, I\u2019ve always believed that a father\u2019s love is unconditional.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnconditional? That sounds bigger than big.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt encompasses a lot, no doubt. But it doesn\u2019t mean a father always agrees with the decisions his children make or the actions they take. It doesn\u2019t mean a father can\u2019t be ashamed of something his child has done, or embarrassed by it, or just plain angry over it. However, it does mean that at the end of the day, the father forgives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything?\u201d Joe questioned with a hint of doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything,\u201d Ben confirmed. \u201cEvents can happen that cause a terrible breach in a father\u2019s relationship with his child \u2013 I hope that never happens between me and any of my sons, but I\u2019d be lying if I didn\u2019t say I\u2019ve known it to occur in other families. Nonetheless, even through the widest of breaches for the most terrible reasons imaginable, forgiveness and love would still be a given. At least for this father they would be, and I believe that someday, when you\u2019re a father, you\u2019ll feel the same way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven. . .even for something like Uncle Daniel claimed Danny did?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe, even for something like that. I might not understand it. I might find it distasteful. I might find it to go against all that the Bible has taught me. But if what your uncle Daniel said is true, and if he killed his son because of it, then he not only broke a commandment, but he also turned his back on his child when that child likely needed him the most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s pretty much how I see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019ve been thinking it over for a while now, and no matter what Danny did, I can\u2019t imagine a father killing his son, or thinking he had reasons to justify that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeither can I, Joseph. The only regret I have was that I couldn\u2019t help Danny in some way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you had to go back to Ohio, wasn\u2019t it. It\u2019s why you couldn\u2019t wait until spring like Adam and Hoss wanted you to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo help Danny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not to help Danny. Guess he was long past helpin\u2019 unfortunately. But to get it all straight in your head. To try and figure out what made Uncle Daniel do the things he did. To try and reconcile yourself with it. To be with the people who had known you since you were a boy. The people that came from the same place you did \u2013 from the same family you were raised in. To ask your parents to forgive you, and then to let Uncle Daniel rest in peace for good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gazed at son. Suddenly, sitting here with Little Joe was like sitting on the front porch of the old farmhouse with John. The same curly hair. The same wiry build. The same green eyes. The only difference was John\u2019s curls were now gray, and his wiry build was broader through the shoulders and chest than it had been twenty-five years ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

John was the only person to whom Ben confided the true happenings of Daniel\u2019s summer visit and his subsequent death. And from John, he received the same gentle understanding he was now getting from his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemember when I said you possessed the wisdom of a man twice your age?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you do. And for that I\u2019m grateful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrateful?\u201d The confused Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cNever mind. Let\u2019s just say all of your assumptions as to why I had to go to Ohio are correct and leave it at that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned, looking very pleased with himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s got you suddenly looking like the first bull in the heifer pen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just the fact that those older brothers of mine haven\u2019t figured any of this out yet \u2013 I mean about why you insisted on goin\u2019 to Ohio at a time of the year when most men wouldn\u2019t risk traveling so far. And based on things they\u2019ve said recently, they\u2019re still no where near figurin\u2019 it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t plan on telling them, is that it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, when you\u2019re the youngest of three boys, you don\u2019t usually get the chance be the first one holdin\u2019 all the aces. Considering this may never happen again, I\u2019m just gonna sit here holdin\u2019 onto my aces and let the two guys holdin\u2019 the jokers come to their own conclusions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, your secret\u2019s safe with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winked and nodded. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Their conversation died as Hop Sing came in to collect their dishes. After the houseman had returned to the kitchen and Ben could hear the clanking of plates and silverware being washed, he asked, \u201cAny more trouble with the Dunns after I left?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. They\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that rumor while I was in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a rumor. One day they were here, the next day they were gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot even Rilla and the little ones remained behind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d they go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cNo one seems to know, or if they do, they\u2019re not saying. I\u2019ve heard they\u2019re headed back east \u2013 all the way to Pennsylvania \u2013 but then I\u2019ve also heard they\u2019re headed to California, and then a few weeks back someone said something about Texas, but not long after you left there was talk they were meeting up with Paul and Charlie somewhere. Wyoming, or the Dakotas, Mitch said he heard at the general store.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one seems to know anything about that either. Word is Mr. Dunn left instructions with Mr. Kartcher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lloyd Kartcher was Jim Dunn\u2019s attorney. Ben supposed it was possible that Lloyd had instructions to act on Jim\u2019s behalf to either sell the ranch or lease it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Hoss\u2019ll know more when he gets back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJed was interested in finding out if it\u2019s for sale. Don\u2019t know if he can afford such a big spread, but like Hoss said, never hurts to ask what a man\u2019s price is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no it doesn\u2019t,\u201d Ben agreed, while thinking that if the ranch was for sale for a fair price, he might be able to assist Jed with a loan. The Donavons would make good neighbors, and after the recent incidents with the Jim and his sons, good neighbors looked mighty appealing.<\/span><\/p>\n

One minute Ben was mulling over the potential sale of the Dunn ranch, and the next minute Joe was giving him a playful swat on the knee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, if you\u2019re that tired, you\u2019d better go on up to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh. . .what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said if you\u2019re that tired, you\u2019d better head up to bed. This the second time you\u2019ve fallen asleep since we sat down over here.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe second time, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled with an almost paternal air. \u201cYeah, the second time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about you? You\u2019ve had a long day, too, from the sounds of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have. I\u2019ll probably go to my room and read for a while. Hoss gave me a whole passel of new dime novels for my birthday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. Joe had yet to outgrow his love of the thinly-plotted stories Adam found distasteful and a \u201cwaste of the boy\u2019s time,\u201d as he\u2019d often put it over the years each time he saw Joe\u2019s nose buried in one of the books. Ben had always taken an opposite stance from his eldest where this subject was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe important thing is he\u2019s reading, Adam. You enjoy fine literature, while Little Joe enjoys books filled with adventure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam would always snort with disdain, \u201cbooks filled with inane adventures that aren\u2019t worth the paper they\u2019re written on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not to you, but to Little Joe they\u2019re worth gold. And as I said, he\u2019s reading, which is what really counts. I\u2019d venture to guess he gleans just as much from them as you glean from Shakespeare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And at that, Adam would always sigh with defeat, \u201cTo each his own I suppose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Ben\u2019s stiff knees and back didn\u2019t allow him to rise from his chair without a groan, Joe held out a hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Pa, let me help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled, \u201cI\u2019m not that old yet, Joseph,\u201d but willingly accepted Joe\u2019s assistance. \u201cThat stage ride sure left me stiff and sore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that happens when a man reaches your age.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shot his son a stern look, but couldn\u2019t maintain it when Joe started to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

They climbed the stairs together. As they reached Joe\u2019s room and he turned to go inside, Ben laid a hand on his arm. There was one final thing regarding Daniel\u2019s visit that Ben had to put to rest for good.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped as he was about to step into his room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGiven all of our discussion about Daniel and what he did to Danny, I want you to know that there\u2019s nothing on this earth you could do that would cause me to harm you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u201cI know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut for a while there you didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. . .you mean after the. . .after the cave and all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s what I mean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rather then just say he was mixed up in the head and let it go at that, Joe finally told his father the truth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor a while, I did think it was you, even though at the same time I didn\u2019t wanna believe it. But then once I let my subconscious mind get all the right messages to me, and once I figured out what those messages meant, I not only knew it wasn\u2019t you, but I also knew it never could be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSubconscious mind, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of Adam\u2019s ten dollar words, as Hoss would say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019ve heard him use it a time or two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t usually have much use for his big words and fancy theories, but for once, I can\u2019t argue with him. And so as Hoss always says too, you don\u2019t look a gift horse in the mouth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached out and pulled his son into his embrace. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I brought Daniel here. I\u2019d never let anyone hurt you if I could help it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s words brushed softly across Ben\u2019s right ear. \u201cI know that, Pa. And do you know how I know it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause your love is even bigger than the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot even the Ponderosa comes close to comparing to the size of my love for you boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s reply was quiet and full of deep thought. \u201cNo. No, I don\u2019t suppose it does.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They parted with Ben giving Joe a final pat on the back. They said goodnight, and Ben took three steps toward his room. Joe\u2019s voice stopped his progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned. \u201cYes, Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not because I\u2019m all that smart that I knew the reason why you had to go to Ohio.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s not?\u201d Ben replied with a teasing lilt to his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen how did you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause if something like happened to Uncle Daniel happened to one of my brothers, I\u2019d have to come see you too, Pa. No matter how far away I was, I\u2019d have to come see you, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gazed at his son a long time, then finally nodded. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor understanding. And for being the son you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the reference. \u201cGuess that\u2019s the only son I know how to be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Because where you\u2019re concerned, it\u2019s the son I want. . .most of the time, that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe laughed. \u201cCan\u2019t fault you for adding that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe into one last playful hug and mussed his already mussed curls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think you could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They parted ways for good then, Joe\u2019s bedroom door shutting first, and Ben\u2019s shutting a few seconds later. Ben was asleep within five minutes of his head nestling into his pillow. The light in Little Joe\u2019s room burned for another hour, the young man engrossed in one of his dime novels and not willing to quit reading until the words finally grew bleary and he found himself nodding off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe marked his page, blew out the light, and burrowed beneath his quilt. He could hear snow pelting his window as a strong wind made the logs of the house creak and moan. The Big North\u2019ner had finally arrived, and Pa had beaten her home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled as he drifted off. With his father sleeping just down the hall, and with the house snug and warm and secured for the night, all felt right in his world.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the wind raged and snow piled up in the yard, Joe slept the night away. For the first time in months, there were no dreams of falling, or drowning, or of forest fires, or of being beaten by a man whose face he couldn\u2019t see but who wore his father\u2019s clothes. Instead, his dreams were pleasant, filled with images of past Christmas seasons, and snowstorms, and sledding down the hill behind the carriage house with his brothers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As pale gray light began to filter in behind Joe\u2019s curtains, his final dream held the image of a young man he didn\u2019t recognize. There was something familiar about his curly blond hair, green eyes, and slight build, but where Joe knew him from, he couldn\u2019t say. The young man\u2019s grin was playful, and his words \u2013 \u201cTell Ruthie I\u2019m happier than I\u2019ve ever been, and in a place where I can dance all the jigs I take a notion to,\u201d didn\u2019t mean anything to Joe until several hours later, when memories of the dream suddenly came to the forefront of his mind as he shoveled a path to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it was possible that the dream really had been a message from Danny or not, Joe didn\u2019t know. What he did know was that he no longer disregarded messages from his subconscious mind. And given that, when his father sat down that afternoon to write his annual Christmas letters to far away family members, Joe asked if he could include a note of his own in the letter addressed to Ruth Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

His father looked at him a moment, surprised, Joe supposed; that he wanted to write to a cousin he\u2019d never met. Pa didn\u2019t question him, however. He nodded his agreement, saying, \u201cI just finished the letter I\u2019m sending to Ruth. You write what you want and put it in the envelope I addressed to her. It\u2019s right here in this stack on the corner of my desk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Thanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe took the piece of paper his father handed him and grabbed the extra ink well and a dip pen. He carried everything to the dining room table where he sat alone and wrote as daylight slowly faded outside the window and the smells of a warm supper cooking filled the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Ruth,<\/span><\/p>\n

Although we\u2019ve never met, I feel like I know you. I\u2019m sorry about the passing of your brother and mother, and now the passing of your father, too. I\u2019m glad my pa was able to visit you. It meant a lot to Pa to see his family, and to convey his sympathies to you. He tells me you own the store now. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll have great success with it. Pa says you are an accomplished businesswoman.<\/span><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know if you put much stock in dreams. I didn\u2019t use to, but recently, I\u2019ve learned to have a greater appreciation for them, and the truths they sometimes hold. I hope you don\u2019t think me daft in the head when I tell you this. Although I never knew your brother Danny, last night he came to me in a dream. He was smiling, and he wanted me to tell you that he\u2019s happier than he\u2019s ever been, and is in a place where he can dance all the jigs he takes a notion to. I figured that might mean something to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

I know what it\u2019s like to need answers, and then when finally getting them, find peace also. I hope what I\u2019ve told you brings you both of those things \u2013 answers and peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

I wish you a Merry Christmas, Ruth, and a new year full of prosperous beginnings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Your Cousin,<\/span>
\nJoe Cartwright<\/span><\/p>\n

~ ~ ~<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe allowed the ink time to dry then folded the letter. He stood and walked over to his father\u2019s desk, enclosing it with the one Pa had written Ruth. Pa never looked up from the letter he was writing to his sister Dorcas. If he was curious as to what Joe had said to Ruth, he didn\u2019t indicate it. Instead, he instructed casually, \u201cYou can go ahead and seal that envelope to Ruth, and if you don\u2019t mind, you can seal the others in that pile as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Joe said, as he sat in a chair across from his father\u2019s desk and began securing the envelopes\u2019 flaps with the warm wax seal that was a replica of the Ponderosa brand.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time supper was on the table, the Christmas letters were addressed and ready to mail. Hoss and Adam arrived within minutes of one another, Hoss claiming the smells of Hop Sing\u2019s good cooking had led him through the snow, while Adam claimed he\u2019d estimated he\u2019d been gone long enough for Joe to have all the chores done.<\/span><\/p>\n

For once, Joe didn\u2019t balk at the teasing or toss a smart remark back at his brother. Although he didn\u2019t say it, he was happy they were able to gather again as a family on this cold winter night, the first time they\u2019d sat down to supper together since Pa left for Ohio back in September. No, it wasn\u2019t Christmas yet, but as Hop Sing carried out two plump roasted chickens, and as Joe looked at the smiling faces of his father and brothers, it sure felt like a holiday to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts flicked to Ruth, maybe eating alone tonight in the rooms Pa had described above the general store. As he piled his plate with chicken and mashed potatoes, and took in the animated chatter as Adam and Hoss peppered Pa with questions about his trip, he hoped his letter gave Ruth assurance that the brother she\u2019d loved so much would always be seated at her table and eager to dance a jig.<\/span>
\nEpilogue<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Winter, 1862<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

They huddled together in tight-knit group, as much to assuage their grief as to try and keep warm. The baby had come early and died. He\u2019d seemed big enough to Jim. Probably weighed six pounds \u2013 not as large as the other children had been, but then, he\u2019d been born at the end of miles of hard travel through harsh weather and even harsher territory. Whether that\u2019s what caused the baby they\u2019d named Lawrence to die within hours of his birth, or whether his death was the result of the stress the events of recent months had caused Rilla, Jim didn\u2019t know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The children were cold, hungry, and tired when they\u2019d arrived in Wyoming to nothing other than the drafty lean-to Paul and Charlie had hastily erected \u2013 the drafty lean-to where Lawrence had been born in the middle of a frigid January night. Aside from baby Lawrence, they\u2019d lost Daphne as well. She\u2019d never fully recovered from the trauma of the fire. Just when Jim thought he was beginning to see some sparkle in her eyes and hear some childish laughter in her voice, her spirits seemed to sink again after Nan Henning left. She\u2019d grown more and more despondent as they\u2019d traveled, becoming frail and weak and sick until she eventually refused to eat. She\u2019d died in Idaho. It had broken Rilla\u2019s heart to bury her there in a grave with no tombstone that bore her name, and in a place they\u2019d likely never find again no matter how long they searched.<\/span><\/p>\n

They stood together now over the grave they\u2019d dug for Lawrence in the cold, hard earth. As his family quietly wept for the baby forever lost to them, Jim gently sidled away from the distraught Rilla\u2019s embrace. He slipped her into Paul\u2019s arms, whispering, \u201cTake care of your mother,\u201d and then said quietly to Charlie as he passed him, \u201cGet everyone in the lean-to and stoke the fire. I\u2019ll be there in a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As his family walked away from him in a mass huddle of grief, Jim looked west. His eyes narrowed as though he could see all the way to Nevada. He glanced back at the obscenely tiny grave, and then thought too, of Daphne, left behind in an unmarked grave in Idaho.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As his gaze slowly turned toward the west again, he vowed, \u201cYou\u2019ll pay for this, Ben Cartwright. Mark my words, I\u2019ll take from you what is most precious, just like you\u2019ve taken what is the most precious from me. An eye for an eye, Ben. An eye for an eye.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jim nodded firmly in a silent promise to himself as he turned and slowly walked past Lawrence\u2019s grave.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll pay, Ben Cartwright. You\u2019ll pay in a way that will haunt you and bring you grief all the rest of your days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

* A big thank you to Jane L. for beta-reading this story each time I completed a chapter. Due to my slow progress, it was a long journey. Thanks, Jane, for sticking with the Cartwrights and me.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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

\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\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><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Although Ben Cartwright knew his brother Daniel was not easy to get along with, the passing years had brought with them a nostalgic longing to reconnect with the family he\u2019d left behind in Ohio. When word reaches Ben that Daniel has recently suffered difficult heartaches, he invites the man to spend the summer on the Ponderosa, never imagining the trouble Daniel\u2019s presence would bring. In addition to Daniel\u2019s visit that soon has Ben recalling why he\u2019d never been close to his eldest sibling, is trouble from a neighbor bent on revenge. A summer Ben had been looking forward to, quickly changes to one that contains nothing but challenges, disagreements, and worries for his youngest son\u2019s safety. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (53,675 words)<\/p>\n

Sacrificial Lamb Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":0,"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":[7,23],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-2524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","tag-joe","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3420,"today_views":5},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2513,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2513","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"position":0},"title":"Sacrificial Lamb – Part 1 (by Kenda)","author":"Kenda","date":"October 23, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Although Ben Cartwright knew his brother Daniel was not easy to get along with, the passing years had brought with them a nostalgic longing to reconnect with the family he\u2019d left behind in Ohio. When word reaches Ben that Daniel has recently suffered difficult heartaches, he invites the man\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":9732,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9732","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"position":1},"title":"Lessons (by Belle & Mumu)","author":"Belle and Mumu","date":"September 17, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 When Ben finds himself in a dire situation, he finds he has to draw upon unexpected resources.\u00a0 A\u00a0Camp Pines 2014 collaboration by Belle and Mumu74. Rating: K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (1,420 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\/09\/Didnt-pay-to-be-Ben.jpg?fit=467%2C341&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":62283,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62283","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"position":2},"title":"Double Trouble (by JC)","author":"JC","date":"June 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A glimpse into the future with grandchildren on the Ponderosa. Ben gets more than he bargained for when he offers to keep Joe's twins while their parents are away.\u00a0 (Part of the Jacob's Ladder series, links below.) Rating: G\u00a0 WC: 520","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Ben-leaning-on-fence-The-Lonely-Runner.png?fit=659%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Ben-leaning-on-fence-The-Lonely-Runner.png?fit=659%2C431&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Ben-leaning-on-fence-The-Lonely-Runner.png?fit=659%2C431&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5392,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5392","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"position":3},"title":"The Ballad of Ben Cartwright (by ansinico)","author":"ansinico","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0l have put my own words to the\u00a0air of an Irish drinking song, \u00a0'The Wild Rover' also called 'No Nay Never' \u00a0l hope you like it. Rated: K \u00a0(500)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-1.jpg?fit=234%2C234&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13441,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13441","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"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":18767,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18767","url_meta":{"origin":2524,"position":5},"title":"Ole Daniel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"October 31, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Each of Ben Cartwright's sons had a meeting with Old Daniel. Only Hoss realized the danger they faced when they did. 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