{"id":2693,"date":"2004-08-18T22:23:33","date_gmt":"2004-08-19T02:23:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2693"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:29","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:29","slug":"the-balance-of-his-mind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2693","title":{"rendered":"The Balance of His Mind (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/strong>Ben encounters a bank robber and the subsequent shoot-out leads to a trail of tragedy and terror for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 \u00a0(11,915 words)<\/p>\n

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

The Balance of His Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMake one move and I\u2019ll shoot!\u201d the young man cried and cocked his gun to show he was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do it, Mark,\u201d Ben Cartwright warned. \u201cYou\u2019ll ruin your life. Throw down your gun and we\u2019ll forget about this.\u201d Ben could see Mark\u2019s eyes narrow and knew that his plea was in vain. But still he persisted in trying to talk Mark out of his course of action. \u201cMark, if you shoot at me, I\u2019ll have to shoot back,\u201d he reminded the young man. \u201cAnd think of your father \u2013 Mark, you can\u2019t do this to him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Mark screamed. \u201cI\u2019m not one of your sons! You can\u2019t order me around like you do them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMark\u2026\u201d Ben began, but Mark wasn\u2019t listening any more. He snatched up the bag containing the money he was stealing from the bank and fired at Ben.<\/p>\n

Pain flared through Ben\u2019s hip and he fell, pulling the trigger involuntarily as he went down. \u201cNo,\u201d he moaned, but the plea was not for his own safety, but for the welfare of the young man who had shot him. It was too late \u2013 Mark would go to jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe\u2019s voice sounded in Ben\u2019s ear, dragging him back from the sepia-toned world he\u2019d been inhabiting. Pain flared anew through Ben\u2019s hip and he winced. In that other world, he hadn\u2019t felt the pain. Slowly, Ben opened his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026 all right,\u201d he lied. His eyes swiveled, trying to see Mark. \u201cJoe \u2013 Mark?\u201d He found it impossible to form a coherent sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got him, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, cradling his father in his arms. He looked across at Hoss, who was kneeling over Mark Armstrong.\u00a0 Hoss glanced back at Joe and shook his head. Joe looked down at Ben, who once more had his eyes closed. \u201cThe doctor\u2019s coming, Pa,\u201d Joe soothed, seeing Paul Martin running down the street behind the sheriff, Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened here?\u201d Roy puffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI seen it all!\u201d cried one of the citizens of Virginia City. Joe knew his face, but didn\u2019t know the man\u2019s name. \u201cArmstrong came out o\u2019 the bank with that big bag o\u2019 money, an\u2019 Ben Cartwright challenged him. He tried ta talk Armstrong out a shootin\u2019 him, but Armstrong jist shot him down! Ben fired as he went down!\u201d He babbled on excitedly, repeating his story over and over. More witnesses came out of the bank to report that Mark Armstrong had indeed been robbing the bank when Ben happened across him.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Paul Martin knelt by Ben, checking him over. \u201cYou\u2019ll be all right, Ben,\u201d he soothed his friend. \u201cJoe, go down to my office and get the stretcher please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Worried green eyes met his own and Joe hesitated. \u201cGo on,\u201d Paul urged gently. \u201cYour Pa\u2019s going to be just fine, I promise. But I don\u2019t suppose you want him walking on it\u2026\u201d He allowed his voice to trail off, knowing that Joe knew what it was like to walk on an injured leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right back, Pa,\u201d Joe told Ben and jumped to his feet, running off.<\/p>\n

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

The furor seemed to be dying down at last. Mark\u2019s father, Jim, had been summoned from his blacksmith\u2019s work and stood staring in disbelief at his dead son. Soberly, Roy Coffee explained what had happened, but the one thing no one could tell the bereaved father was why his son had done what he did.<\/p>\n

Turning away from the body, Armstrong wiped his eyes. \u201cI want to see Ben Cartwright,\u201d he said, quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno if\u2019n that\u2019s such a good idea,\u201d Roy protested mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t hold no blame ta him,\u201d Armstrong assured Roy, although there was little the slight sheriff could have done to prevent the well-built blacksmith from leaving if he had decided to be nasty. \u201cI jist want ta apologize ta him fer what ma boy done,\u201d he explained. \u201cHe is gonna be all right, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cAll right, Jim, but no trouble, mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together the two men walked slowly over to the doctor\u2019s surgery. This was the second son that Armstrong had lost in the last twelve months. His older son, named Jim like his father, had been found dead on the Ponderosa. From the signs, it appeared that Jim had been part of a gang of rustlers and there had been a falling out among thieves. The other members of the gang got clean away, despite the trail they had left. Roy grimaced as he remembered that it had been Ben who had found young Jim\u2019s body. This meeting had the potential to turn nasty.<\/p>\n

But Roy\u2019s fears were unfounded. Both Hoss and Joe were still at the surgery, and Ben was resting on a bed, covered by a blanket. Roy was grateful for Hoss\u2019 presence, as he was about the only man in town of a comparable size to Jim Armstrong. \u201cI jist wanted ta see how yer pa was doin\u2019,\u201d Jim assured Joe as the younger, slighter man got hastily to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben replied. He no longer felt the pain of the wound on his hip and as Paul Martin had already told him, it wasn\u2019t serious. \u201cJim, I\u2019m sorry about your boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t your fault, Ben,\u201d Jim assured him. \u201cHe were doin\u2019 wrong. I jist wanted ta see if ya was all right.\u201d He looked at Joe and Hoss. Joe had relaxed slightly, but still stood protectively near Ben. \u201cYa\u2019ve got yer boys, Ben, an\u2019 that\u2019s what matters.\u201d He smiled sadly at Joe. \u201cRelax, young\u2019un, I ain\u2019t gonna hurt yer pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Abashed, Joe smiled tentatively back and moved aside. However, he didn\u2019t sit down again; instead, he lifted a glass of water and offered Ben some. His father took a few sips and then lay back. The pain relief that Paul had given him was making Ben sleepy now and his eyes drifted shut involuntarily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI better go,\u201d Armstrong suggested and did just that, leaving before any of them could speak or make a move.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be movin\u2019 along, too,\u201d Roy declared. \u201cBye, Ben. Bye, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBye, Roy,\u201d Joe replied and Hoss echoed him just a heartbeat later. As their visitors left, both of them turned their attention back to Ben, but he was already asleep.<\/p>\n

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

Within a few days, Ben was getting about on a stick and his hip was healing well. Joe had gone to represent the family at Mark\u2019s funeral and had overheard a great deal of talk about the way Jim Armstrong was dealing \u2013 or rather, not dealing \u2013 with his youngest son\u2019s death. Although he turned up at his forge each day and worked, he spent his evenings drinking himself sodden in the saloon. He had never been outwardly violent to anyone, but several people told Joe that they would not risk crossing him and the barman was too afraid to refuse to serve him.<\/p>\n

It was sad news. Joe had always respected Jim Armstrong, although he couldn\u2019t say he had ever really liked the man. Jim was too reserved to get to know well and Joe, who had known him since he was a kid, was wary of the older man. As a child, Joe had found the forge fascinating and terrifying in equal measures and keeping away from the forge unless he was accompanied by Ben or Adam had been one rule that Joe had never broken.<\/p>\n

The service was over and people began to file towards the gate. Jim shook hands with one or two people, but he looked remote from what was happening. Slowly, Joe walked over and waited patiently to speak to the bereaved man. It was something he hated doing, but never felt he could shirk. At last, it was his turn and he put his hand out and shook the smith\u2019s hand, somewhat taken aback by the way his own hand disappeared in the other man\u2019s grip. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Until that point, Jim Armstrong hadn\u2019t really been looking at the people who were paying their respects. He had simply shaken hands and avoided meeting anyone\u2019s eyes. But hearing Joe\u2019s voice, his head snapped up and he fixed Joe with an un-nerving gaze. His grip tightened on Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou have a nerve coming here,\u201d he whispered in a raw voice.<\/p>\n

Startled, Joe replied, \u201cI came to represent Pa, Mr. Armstrong. He couldn\u2019t make it himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, rub it in!\u201d Armstrong hissed, his grip tightening even further. Joe was struggling to pull his hand away, but had no luck. \u201cMy boy shot your father. It was a mistake, do you hear? A mistake!\u201d He pulled Joe towards him and Joe couldn\u2019t back bite a small yelp of pain. \u201cYour father killed my boy and the sheriff tells me it was in self-defense! My boy\u2019s dead and your father is gettin\u2019 away scot-free! There\u2019s no justice in this world, boy, and you remember that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa didn\u2019t want to kill Mark!\u201d Joe protested. The pain in his hand was getting worse and Joe wondered if it was broken. \u201cHe didn\u2019t mean to!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just watch out, boy!\u201d Armstrong hissed and Joe could smell the alcohol on his breath. \u201cNow get out of my sight!\u201d He shoved Joe violently away and the younger man fell to the ground. Armstrong turned and walked quickly away, completely ignoring the murmurs of the people gathered there.<\/p>\n

As Joe picked himself up off the ground, Roy Coffee arrived at his side. \u201cYa all right, Joe?\u201d Roy asked, seeing Joe grip his wrist and grimace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, Roy,\u201d Joe replied, deciding that his hand maybe wasn\u2019t broken. It was, however, red and swollen and bruising was starting to form.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe do that ta ya, boy?\u201d Roy asked and Joe wondered why he had suddenly lost his status as an adult.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was drunk and upset,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t think he realized what he was doing. Leave it, Roy; I\u2019m all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n yer sure, Joe,\u201d Roy agreed, doubtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Joe nodded and bent to retrieve his hat. He walked quickly to his horse and mounted to ride home. As he picked up the reins, his hand began to throb painfully and Joe quickly transferred the reins to his other hand. He was more shaken by the incident than he had been willing to admit to Roy. Armstrong had been drunk, but Joe was pretty sure he had meant to do him some harm and the warning to \u2018just watch out\u2019 seemed to be as much a promise as a threat.<\/p>\n

Going home, Joe wondered if he should tell Ben what happened and decided in the end to tell him the version that he\u2019d told Roy. There was no point in starting up some kind of feud. Armstrong was upset and would see that when he sobered up.<\/p>\n

At least, Joe hoped he would.<\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s hand was sore for several days, but it soon healed up. With Ben partially laid up, Joe and Hoss found themselves doing Ben\u2019s work too, and it was a nice change for Joe to take the wagon into town and get the supplies.<\/p>\n

But his heart sank as he entered the store and saw Armstrong there. Although Joe had been quite successful in persuading both Roy and Ben that Armstrong meant him no harm, Joe had not been as successful in convincing himself. The incident at the cemetery had un-nerved him. But it was too late to leave the store now \u2013 Armstrong had seen him and was coming across.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I just wanted ta apologize for the other day,\u201d Armstrong offered. His voice was once more quiet and reserved as it usually was. His breath smelt clear. \u201cI hope I didn\u2019t hurt ya and I hope ya know I didn\u2019t mean those dreadful things I said. It was \u2013 I wasn\u2019t thinkin\u2019 straight. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, sir,\u201d Joe replied, relaxing slightly. He resisted looking down at his hand, which was now at the green and yellow stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very generous, Joe,\u201d the smith answered. \u201cTell me, how\u2019s your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a lot better, thank you,\u201d Joe replied. He was anxious to finish the conversation now, but didn\u2019t want to seem rude. \u201cHe\u2019ll soon be going about as usual. The doc says he can start riding again next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Armstrong smiled and left. Joe heaved a sigh of relief before going over to give the storekeeper his list.<\/p>\n

Outside the store, Armstrong stopped to fondle the nose of one of the Cartwright\u2019s horses, then bent to pick up a back leg and examine the shoe with a professional air. Casually, he reached out and loosened the nut that kept the wheel locked on the hub. Putting down the horse\u2019s hoof, he patted it gently and walked away. Nobody had even noticed.<\/p>\n

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

The town seemed to be busy as Joe set off for home and he kept the team to a walk to avoid running down careless pedestrians and tired cowboys. But once he was clear of the town, Joe put the team into a trot and let his mind wander. He had driven the road hundreds of times and could probably have made it home with his eyes shut.<\/p>\n

As they came to a slight downhill slope, the team picked up speed as the weight of the wagon behind them pushed them on. Joe came out of his reverie as the wagon hit a large rut that he hadn\u2019t noticed while wool-gathering. The whole wagon bounced and the next moment, the left front wheel bounced off the axle. It careened past the horses, startling them thoroughly and as the wagon sank down at that side, the horses panicked.<\/p>\n

The crash was inevitable, but that didn\u2019t stop Joe trying his best to avoid it. He pulled back on the reins as the horses broke into a canter. They only managed a few steps before the weight of the wagon dragging along the ground hauled the nearside horse to an abrupt standstill. The offside horse kept going for another couple of steps until its companion\u2019s inertia pulled it sharply back on its tracks and the wagon slewed around, pitching over onto the exposed axle. Joe, despite being braced, was thrown from the seat.<\/p>\n

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

He didn\u2019t know where he was, or what had happened. All he knew was that his head hurt fiercely and it seemed like too much trouble to open his eyes. Feeling pulped, the young man continued to lie there, despite the discomfort of a rock poking in his side. He didn\u2019t want to move, afraid of the consequences.<\/p>\n

Later, Joe didn\u2019t know how long he lay, drifting between full wakefulness and unconsciousness, but when he finally opened his eyes, he realized quite a long time had passed. The wagon lay tipped on its side, the supplies scattered all around. The team stood patiently in the twisted traces, but Joe couldn\u2019t tell if they were hurt or not from where he lay, some distance away.<\/p>\n

He would have to move, Joe knew, and as soon as he thought it, pain assaulted him from all over. He groaned and breathed deeply, trying to sort through what his body was telling him to find out where the worst hurts were. He finally decided that nothing was broken and raised himself onto one elbow. His head spun violently and Joe closed his eyes until the dizziness subsided. Gingerly he continued to move until he was sitting up.<\/p>\n

His ribs hurt, but after gently probing them, Joe decided it was just bruising. His right hand and wrist had been twisted under his body and Joe winced miserably as he tried to wriggle his fingers. He didn\u2019t think his wrist was broken, but it was swollen all the same and hurt to move. A sprain, Joe decided and checked out his legs, both of which seemed to be in one piece.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll live,\u201d he told himself aloud and gently probed at his sore head. His fingers barely brushed the wound on his hairline and pain burst through his whole head. His fingers came away bloody. \u201cJust take it slowly, Joe,\u201d he told himself and put down his good hand to push himself to his feet.<\/p>\n

The wave of dizziness that swept over him caught Joe completely by surprise and he tumbled back to the ground, instinctively putting out his right hand to save himself. His wrist buckled under his weight and Joe let out a cry of pain as he collapsed to the ground.<\/p>\n

Nausea twisted in his stomach and Joe retched helplessly onto the ground, over and over again, until his stomach was empty and his head reeling even more. Exhausted, Joe barely managed to drag his body away from the vomit before dropping his head down to the grass to rest. His eyelids drifted shut and he slipped into sleep.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe didn\u2019t arrive home by supper time, Ben began to get worried. Although it wasn\u2019t unusual for Joe to be back later than expected, he had been the model of reliability since Ben had been laid up and it seemed completely out of character for Joe to suddenly not turn up when expected. After supper, Hoss saddled Chubb and went out to look for his younger brother, more to placate Ben than any real belief that disaster had befallen Joe.<\/p>\n

So when Hoss beheld the scene of the accident, he was immediately stricken with remorse. The wagon lay tipped on its side, the supplies scattered around. Joe was lying in a crumpled heap, not moving, and Hoss\u2019 heart skipped a beat.<\/p>\n

Urging Chubb to a gallop, Hoss raced across the distance separating him from his brother and threw himself from his mount to kneel by Joe\u2019s side. \u201cJoe?\u201d he called. \u201cJoe, can ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

From a long way away, Joe heard his name being called. The voice sounded familiar and Joe struggled to hear it again. When he did, he made a gargantuan effort and opened his eyes. A face swam into focus, making Joe feel nauseous again, but he blinked and saw Hoss kneeling beside him looking anxious. \u201cHoss,\u201d he breathed, his voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it me, lil brother,\u201d Hoss assured him. \u201cYa jist lie there, young\u2019un and ol\u2019 Hoss\u2019ll git ya home. But ya mustn\u2019t go back ta sleep, Joe, ya hear me? Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you,\u201d Joe sighed. His head felt like it was splitting and his eyelids seemed to have hundred ton weights on them, but he fought his weariness as Hoss got to his feet and examined the team and the wagon.<\/p>\n

He saw at once that the team wasn\u2019t injured and after a bit of work, he managed to get the wheel back onto the wagon and the nut secured again. Then he hastily gathered up what supplies he could and turned back to Joe. His heart sank when he saw his younger brother\u2019s eyes were closed again, but as he knelt by Joe and touched his shoulder, Joe readily opened his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m gonna put ya in the wagon, Joe,\u201d Hoss told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBusted,\u201d Joe replied, inexplicably.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s busted?\u201d Hoss asked, perplexed and worried. Had Joe got broken bones? Hoss hadn\u2019t really checked him over for injuries, other than the obvious one on his head. Now, his fear rose to choke him. Should he have been fetching the doctor, not trying to right the wagon?<\/p>\n

Making an exasperated sound, Joe elucidated further. \u201cWagon,\u201d he muttered. \u201cBusted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Hoss said, understanding. \u201cIts all right, Joe, I dun fixed the wagon.\u201d His momentary amusement gone, Hoss turned his mind to more important matters. \u201cJoe, ya hurt anywheres? Anythin\u2019 broke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied, doubtfully, but he didn\u2019t go on. Thinking made his head hurt and it was easier just to drift.<\/p>\n

Worried all over again, Hoss wondered if he should go for help. But he didn\u2019t fancy leaving Joe alone again. His brother could have been lying out here for long enough. \u201cListen, Joe, I\u2019m gonna lift ya and put ya in the wagon, unnerstand? If\u2019n anythin\u2019 hurts, jist sing out, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019k,\u201d Joe agreed. His body tensed in preparation for the expected pain, but apart from a horrible swimming feeling in his head, nothing hurt any more than it had while he was lying down. Joe gratefully rested his aching head against his older brother\u2019s brawny shoulder and felt obscurely comforted.<\/p>\n

When he had Joe settled as comfortably as he could, Hoss hitched Chubb to the back of the wagon and checked the wheel nut again before climbing onto the seat. He started the team moving again and heard a groan from Joe. But Hoss didn\u2019t dare stop; he wanted to get Joe safely home and into bed as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

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

For Joe, the journey home was a nightmare, as his head throbbed relentlessly and his stomach roiled. Although he had no broken bones, enough bits of him ached from the developing bruises to make him feel desperately uncomfortable and he passed most of the journey with his eyes shut, as otherwise the passing trees and sky made him dizzy. It was with immense relief that Joe felt the wagon jolt to a halt and heard Hoss calling for Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Pa, quick!\u201d Hoss hurried round to the back of the wagon and looked anxiously at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it\u201d? Ben called as he came out. \u201cYou found him? Oh, lord, Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Wearily, Joe forced his eyes to open and tried gamely to smile. He failed. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cHoss, let\u2019s get him inside and then send one of the men for the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoisting Joe into his arms once more, Hoss carried him carefully inside and upstairs, telling Ben what he knew of the story, which wasn\u2019t very much. \u201cI found Joe lyin\u2019 at the side o\u2019 the road a couple o\u2019 miles outa town,\u201d Hoss began. \u201cThe wheel had come off o\u2019 the wagon an\u2019 it had turned over. Joe was lyin\u2019 a bit away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn\u2026 accident,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cNot\u2026 late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it was an accident, son,\u201d Ben soothed him. He didn\u2019t want Joe getting agitated. The way his eyes were rolling about his head told Ben that his youngest son had a concussion. \u201cYou just lie still and let me get you more comfortable. Hoss, send for the doctor, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed and hurried from the room.<\/p>\n

Gently, Ben pulled off Joe\u2019s boots, then slid off his gun belt. He helped Joe to sit up and eased off his green jacket, discovering in the process Joe\u2019s swollen and bruised wrist. Laying Joe back down, Ben took off his belt and then pulled the blankets up. He knew it would be quite some time before the doctor arrived and he concentrated on keeping Joe awake, giving him tiny sips of water and talking to him quietly.<\/p>\n

When at last the doctor arrived, Ben was more than relieved.\u00a0 He was finding it more and more of a strain keeping Joe awake and when he told Paul how long it had been since Joe had been found, Paul smiled. \u201cWell, once I\u2019ve checked him over, he might be able to have a sleep at last,\u201d he told Ben. He wasted no time in starting his examination and peered closely into Joe\u2019s eyes and asked him several questions.<\/p>\n

Eventually, he straightened up. \u201cI don\u2019t see any signs of a skull fracture, Ben, \u00a0but Joe is definitely concussed. Keep him quiet and wake him every two or three hours during the night. I\u2019ll pop a bandage on that wrist. It\u2019s quite a severe sprain.\u201d He smiled down at the glazed green eyes that were watching him. \u201cYou can go to sleep now, Joe,\u201d he told his patient and saw Joe\u2019s eyes drift close immediately.<\/p>\n

With Joe safely asleep, Ben accompanied Paul downstairs. \u201cDo you think it was just an accident?\u201d Paul asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else could it be?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cI am surprised, for the boys keep the wagon wheels greased properly and always make sure that the nuts are done up tightly. Its just bad luck, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was lucky,\u201d Paul sighed, sitting down. He was dog tired, having been on the go from early morning. \u201cHe\u2019s badly bruised, as you can see, but he\u2019s essentially all right. Just keep an eye on that head wound.\u201d He grinned suddenly. \u201cI know; that\u2019s superfluous advice around here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling ruefully, Ben said, \u201cThank you for coming out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny time,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cAnd now I\u2019d better get back into town before I fall asleep here.\u201d He held up a hand anticipating Ben\u2019s offer. \u201cI\u2019d love to stay, but not tonight, Ben. Not when you\u2019ll be up and down all night to Joe. No, I\u2019ll be just fine going home, thanks all the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always welcome here, Paul,\u201d Ben assured him, and saw his friend to the door. He didn\u2019t envy Paul\u2019s life at all.<\/p>\n

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

Once more, Joe made one of his trade-mark swift recoveries. He was perplexed, as was Hoss, as to how the wagon had lost a wheel. As Ben said, they were very careful \u2013 almost obsessive \u2013 about making sure that the wheels were kept well greased and the nuts tight. But accidents did happen, especially to Joe and they dismissed it as bad luck.<\/p>\n

Meantime, Ben\u2019s hip healed finally and he resumed his usual active life. He had been quite relieved to hear that there would be no charges over the death of Mark Armstrong. Ben had not meant to shoot the young man, but it was viewed as self defense. Jim Armstrong had agreed that Mark was in the wrong and that was an end to it.<\/p>\n

Once or twice, Ben met Armstrong in town, but the men had very little to say to one another. Ben\u2019s heart ached for the smith, but Armstrong didn\u2019t invite expressions of sympathy and Ben respected that. He was quite glad not to talk to Armstrong, for there was something about the other man that made Ben feel uncomfortable. He wasn\u2019t sure what it was, exactly, but he sometimes fancied that the smith was standing the in shadows of the forge and watching him.<\/p>\n

About a month later, Ben decided that the stock of ready-made horseshoes he kept around for emergencies needed replenished. Joe and Hoss both went in, as there were various other chores that needed seeing to around the town. The monthly bill for the store was due to be settled, it was pay day and Ben was hoping that a timber contact he\u2019d been bidding on might have come through. He estimated the amount of money they would need for the wages, then sat down to tot up what each hand was due while Joe and Hoss set off.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go to the forge last,\u201d Joe suggested to Hoss as they arrived in town.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Joe, why?\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cIt\u2019s easier ta git the horseshoes an\u2019 then do the other stuff. I hate hangin\u2019 around town when we\u2019ve got all that money on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe as going to object, but he could see the sense in what Hoss was saying. \u201cAll right,\u201d he sighed. \u201cWe\u2019ll go to the forge first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did ya want ta go there last?\u201d Hoss asked, curiously.<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe found it difficult to articulate his feelings. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he finally admitted. \u201cTo put off going, I suppose. I find Armstrong difficult to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts bin that way since Mark\u2019s funeral, huh?\u201d Hoss sympathized. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have nuthin\u2019 ta do with yer hand bein\u2019 so bruised afterwards, would it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently saluting his brother\u2019s perspicacity, Joe smiled and said no more. He didn\u2019t really need to confirm it though; his silence spoke eloquently for him. Hoss nodded, as though having his suspicions laid to rest. \u201cI can unnerstand that, little brother,\u201d he smiled.<\/p>\n

The buckboard rattled to a stop and Armstrong came out to see who had arrived. His face was cold and closed, difficult to read. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked. The words weren\u2019t welcoming, but Armstrong didn\u2019t say them in a manner that suggested the boys weren\u2019t wanted. He just sounded disinterested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want 100 horseshoes, please, Jim,\u201d Joe replied, as pleasantly as he could manage.<\/p>\n

Without replying, Armstrong took the box Hoss lifted from the back of the buckboard and marched into the shadowy interior of the forge. The brothers exchanged glances, then Hoss shrugged and followed him, with Joe a few steps behind. The air was soon filled with clanging, as Jim put the shoes into the box \u2013 with rather less care than usual, Joe thought.<\/p>\n

Hoss attempted several times to make small talk, but there was never any response from Armstrong. At last, the requisite number of shoes was in the box, and Hoss bent over to help Armstrong carry the box to the buckboard. Joe produced the money, and it was snatched from his hand, accompanied by a dark glare. Still wordlessly, Armstrong disappeared back into the forge and shut the door.<\/p>\n

Exchanging another glance, the brothers got back onto the seat and Hoss shook up the team. They had gone some distance before Hoss spoke. \u201cI can see why ya didn\u2019 want ta go there first, lil brother,\u201d he remarked. \u201cI\u2019ve met porcupines that were friendlier than him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was worse than I expected,\u201d Joe confessed with a shudder. \u201cYou know the saying\u00a0\u2018if looks could kill\u2019<\/em>? Well, I just got one of those looks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor man,\u201d Hoss sighed, his kind heart moved by the man\u2019s plight. \u201cIt must be real hard fer him, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied. He squared his shoulders. \u201cWell, it\u2019s done and I don\u2019t have to worry about going there any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy were ya worried?\u201d Hoss wondered aloud.<\/p>\n

Cracking the first grin Hoss had seen for a while, Joe retorted, \u201cHe\u2019s bigger than me!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It didn\u2019t take so very long to get the rest of the chores done. As Joe set out to the bank, Hoss nudged him with his elbow. \u201cYa be careful an\u2019 make sure there ain\u2019 nobody robbin\u2019 the bank, okay?\u201d he teased. \u201cSeems ta me like ya cain\u2019t hardly go ta the bank without somethin\u2019 happenin\u2019 ta ya!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ha-ha,\u201d Joe replied, but he was finding it hard to keep a straight face. \u201cEveryone\u2019s a comedian.\u201d He made a face at Hoss, who simply laughed, then headed off to the bank. It only took a few minutes for the clerk to gather together the money and Joe headed back to the buckboard as soon as he had it tucked securely into his jacket. Hoss was waiting for him and they headed for home.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess Pa got the bank robber this time,\u201d Joe mentioned as they left town. He sighed, realizing that this wasn\u2019t a joke any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is a strange coincidence, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss mused. \u201cYoung Jim bein\u2019 found dead on our place, an\u2019 then Pa shootin\u2019 Mark.\u201d Hoss shook his head. \u201cNo wonder Jim\u2019s gone all funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

There didn\u2019t seem to be any reply to that and the brothers fell silent. So when the bullet whined past Joe\u2019s head, they both got the fright of their lives. \u201cCome on!\u201d Joe cried, leaning over to reach for the reins. \u201cMove!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t need any urging. He slapped the reins down on the teams\u2019 backs and yelled, \u201cGiddap!\u201d The startled team broke into a reluctant trot and then a slow lope. Joe glanced anxiously over his shoulder, his gun in his hand, but there was no one in sight.<\/p>\n

And then the rifle spoke again, and this time, there was no chance for either of them to duck. The bullet hit Hoss high in the back of the shoulder and the big man lurched, the reins falling from his suddenly slack fingers.<\/p>\n

There was no opportunity for Joe to shoot back. He thrust his gun back into its holster and grabbed at Hoss, just catching his older brother before Hoss toppled from the buckboard. But that wasn\u2019t the end of the troubles. Hoss was big and heavy and Joe struggled to hold him upright. The team raced on, and the reins were flapping uselessly just out of Joe\u2019s reach. Joe had somehow to hold onto Hoss and grab the reins, or he would be facing another accident \u2013 and he didn\u2019t want that!<\/p>\n

\u201cSit up!\u201d he screamed in Hoss\u2019 ear. \u201cHoss, sit up!\u201d He had no real hope that his brother heard him, for he thought Hoss was unconscious, but after a moment, Hoss took his own weight and Joe reached down just in time to snag the end of the reins before they disappeared out of sight in amongst the wheels.<\/p>\n

Frantically, Joe hauled on the reins and gradually the team came back to his hand. Joe kept them moving and put the reins into one hand as he turned to look at Hoss. \u201cHoss, are you all right?\u201d he asked, putting a hand onto his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 feel too good,\u201d Hoss mumbled and began to lean on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you home, big brother,\u201d Joe assured him and moved slightly to accommodate Hoss\u2019 head on his shoulder. He was only too aware how vulnerable they were, but the shooting seemed to have stopped for the moment and Joe knew they had been lucky.<\/p>\n

But as they carried on homewards, Hoss\u2019 head heavy on Joe\u2019s shoulder, the younger man wondered;\u00a0who has it in for us?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d Paul Martin assured Hoss\u2019 worried father and brother several hours later. \u201cHis shoulder\u2019s going to be sore for some time to come, of course. That bullet hit him at fairly close range and it tore up the muscles pretty good. However, he\u2019s awake and hungry, so I\u2019m counting that as a good sign.\u201d He smiled at the relief this last statement evoked on each face. \u201cYou sure you\u2019re all right, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was all Hoss\u2019 blood,\u201d Ben explained as Joe nodded. \u201cHoss was leaning so hard on Joe that it\u2019s a wonder Joe wasn\u2019t squashed.\u201d He smiled gently at his youngest son, knowing that Joe had had a hard journey back to the ranch, supporting his injured brother as best he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone would think I\u2019m still a skinny little kid,\u201d Joe sniffed, disdainfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll always be that skinny kid to me,\u201d Ben told him, ruffling Joe\u2019s hair affectionately. \u201cPaul, would you like something to eat before you go back into town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ben, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Paul replied, smiling as Joe tried to brush his mussed curls back into some semblance of order, and failed. \u201cBut thanks for the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the physician left, Ben headed upstairs to see Hoss. He wasn\u2019t surprised when Joe came in a few minutes later and leant over the bed, his green eyes dark with worry. Hoss smiled up at his brother and the worry lightened slightly, but the frown still remained. \u201cWhat\u2019s eatin\u2019 ya?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was shooting at us?\u201d Joe responded. \u201cWhy? They weren\u2019t after the payroll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see a pattern?\u201d Ben enquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut something about this makes me uneasy, Pa. First you get shot, then I have an accident with the wagon and now Hoss gets shot. What else is going to happen and are we going to be as lucky the next time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think my getting shot had anything to do with this,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d Joe asked. He fidgeted for a minute, then said, \u201cAt the funeral, Jim Armstrong was angry that I was there.\u201d He rubbed his right hand absently as he remembered the dreadful grip tightening on his hand. \u201cHe told me to watch out,\u201d he admitted at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what you said at the time,\u201d Ben frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe admitted, wretchedly. \u201cBut, Pa, you had just been shot and you had enough on your mind without me telling you that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me Armstrong was drunk and that he squeezed your hand too hard before pushing you away in a paroxysm of grief and leaving,\u201d recalled Ben. \u201cWhat part of that was the truth?\u201d he added coldly.<\/p>\n

Flinching away from his father\u2019s angry voice, Joe replied, \u201cNot much. Armstrong was drunk, and he did squeeze my hand too hard, but I don\u2019t think it was by accident.\u201d Miserably, Joe told Ben what had happened. Ben listened in silence, taken aback by the viciousness of Armstrong\u2019s threats.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did Roy say?\u201d Ben asked, in a gentler tone when Joe stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him it was an accident,\u201d Joe confessed. He glanced up and quickly looked away again. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to cause trouble, Pa,\u201d he added in a low voice. \u201cThere\u2019d been enough trouble, with Mark dying and Jim being left alone.\u201d He kept his head down and eyes averted, a sure sign he was upset.<\/p>\n

After a moment of endless silence, Ben\u2019s hand touched the back of Joe\u2019s neck, rubbing gently. Joe risked lifting his eyes and saw understanding in Ben\u2019s warm eyes. \u201cI understand why you did it, son,\u201d Ben reassured him. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not angry. You did a nice thing. But I think now we have to mention this to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Straightening slightly, Joe felt the burden of his knowledge lift. \u201cRoy will be angry though,\u201d he predicted gloomily.<\/p>\n

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

That turned out to be something of an understatement. Roy paced the floor of the jail house, glaring furiously at Joe the entire time. \u201cI cain\u2019t unnerstand ya, boy!\u201d he snapped at last. \u201cWhat was ya thinkin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d Joe insisted, feeling his temper beginning to rise in response to Roy\u2019s derision. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to cause more trouble for Jim; he\u2019d been through enough. It\u2019s just been since Hoss was shot that I began to think perhaps I should\u2019ve said something sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Roy,\u201d Ben appealed. \u201cYou would have put it down to grief, too, wouldn\u2019t you?\u00a0 Jim is stronger than he realizes; he could easily have pushed Joe over without noticing. Would you have arrested him on the strength of that incident?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roy admitted. \u201cBut ya should a told me the truth, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe replied, wretchedly. \u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna have ta question him, o\u2019 course,\u201d Roy responded. \u201cBut if\u2019n I cain\u2019t git any proof, there ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he didn\u2019t do it, then I\u2019ve just made everything worse,\u201d Joe whispered, but neither Ben nor Roy caught what he said.<\/p>\n

In silence, Joe followed Ben and Roy outside and down to street level. Roy said something that Joe, sunk in misery, didn\u2019t catch, but it clearly didn\u2019t require a reply, for Roy didn\u2019t wait for one. He started walking up the street in a determined fashion. Sick at heart, Joe watched him go, only belatedly becoming aware that Ben was already mounted and waiting for him. Quickly, Joe vaulted into the saddle and they rode off.<\/p>\n

As they left the outskirts of town, Joe glanced back and saw Armstrong standing at the door of the forge, watching them. A moment later, Roy came into sight and Joe\u2019s heart sank even further. He had a really bad feeling about this. Cochise broke into a lope and Joe faced front again, thankful that he was nowhere near when Roy spoke to Armstrong.<\/p>\n

But he had the feeling that he would discover the outcome of the meeting sooner than he really wanted to.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr. Cartwright! Boss!\u201d The voice belonged to Charlie, the foreman and Ben frowned. Charlie sounded agitated and it took a lot to agitate Charlie. Ben hurried to the door and opened it as Charlie reached it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked. He sensed Joe coming up behind him, also attracted by Charlie\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cStampede!\u201d Charlie panted. \u201cThe section of herd in the west pasture was stampeded \u2013 we\u2019re not sure what by, it might have been a big cat. They\u2018re scattered all over the place and some of them went through the fence\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be right there,\u201d Ben replied, his face paling as he thought of the damage the beasts might have done to themselves tearing through the barbed wire fences.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll come with ya,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you won\u2019t!\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cHoss, you only got out of bed today! You stay put. Joe and I will deal with this.\u201d He found a smile from somewhere. \u201cI appreciate the offer, son, but no. You stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Hoss pleaded. Joe gave him a pre-occupied smile as he buckled on his gun belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you behave,\u201d he teased his older brother as he went out the door.<\/p>\n

Neither Ben nor Joe spoke as they rode out to the west pasture. They knew only too well how bad things might be. They would not get home again before dark, Joe was certain, and possibly not until morning, depending on what needed done.<\/p>\n

If anything, the scene was worse than they imagined. The mournful bellows of injured beasts filled their ears. The grass was all trampled and the fences hung askew. The cowhands were slowly rounding up the cattle, but they were scattered far and wide. Looking at the number of injured animals stretched on the turf and staggering around, Joe knew that they would be putting them out of their misery. Barbed wire fencing was effective, but when something went wrong, it was devastating.<\/p>\n

Dismounting, Joe tethered Cochise firmly and walked over to start inspecting the injured animals. He drew his gun and swallowed hard as he put the first animal out of its misery. He moved along to the next wounded creature and repeated his movements. Behind him, Joe was aware of one of the hands coming in with the wire clippers, cutting the strands of barbed wire as close to the blood-splotched hide as possible.<\/p>\n

It was a devastating afternoon and Joe was more than glad when Ben asked him to go looking for strays. They were quite a number of head down and Ben didn\u2019t want the herd left in the west pasture. Willingly, Joe mounted up and left the blood, guts and gore to others to deal with.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben rode up to him as Joe skillfully herded two recalcitrant cows back towards the main body of the herd. \u201cI\u2019ll take these from here, son. You go and have one last sweep and then come in. It\u2019ll be dark soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed. He was tired, and quitting sounded just fine to him. He watched for a moment to make sure Ben was managing the cows and then smiled to himself. His father would give him what for if he knew Joe was wondering if he could manage! Ben had been pushing cows since before Joe was born!<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe was about to ride away when he heard a calf bawling from the top of a nearby slope. Cursing, for he had no idea how the calf had managed to the top of the rocky incline, Joe dismounted and prepared to start climbing. He had gone no more than a few feet when everything suddenly gave way and Joe was caught in a rockslide!<\/p>\n

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

Hearing the clatter behind him, Ben turned in his saddle and saw the rocks sliding down the hill. Cochise, loose at the bottom, shied and galloped off. Ben caught a glimpse of Joe\u2019s green jacket before it was swept away. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried and turned Buck, spurring his horse towards the cloud of dust that rose into the air.<\/p>\n

As Buck baulked, refusing to go closer to the swirling morass, Ben jumped from his horse, hoping that Buck wouldn\u2019t run off. He was going to need him. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried again, hoping against hope that there would be a reply. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nothing. Ben took a step nearer, and movement caught his eye. Glancing up, he saw Jim Armstrong standing at the top of the slope. It didn\u2019t occur to Ben to wonder what Armstrong was doing there. He just saw someone who could help him look for Joe. \u201cJim! Thank goodness! Can you\u2026\u201d His tongue cleaved to the roof of his mouth as Ben saw the gun in Armstrong\u2019s hands, aimed directly at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does it feel, Ben?\u201d Armstrong called, slowly making his way down the denuded slope. \u201cHow does it feel ta know your son is dead? Dead by another man\u2019s hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing, Ben tried to speak. \u201cJim\u2026\u201d he began, but Armstrong interrupted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me it was an accident, Ben,\u201d he snarled. \u201cYou\u2019d have shot my boy anyway!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben denied. \u201cI was trying to talk him out of doing anything stupid. Jim, I didn\u2019t want to hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n

A groan sounded from close by and Ben\u2019s head snapped round. A rock moved and Ben saw Joe\u2019s green jacket. Ignoring the man with the gun, he hurried over to Joe and stood gaping at him in horror. \u201cJoe!\u201d he breathed and sank to his knees.<\/p>\n

Struggling to open his eyes, Joe was aware only of pain. His head throbbed and he couldn\u2019t remember what had happened. He groaned aloud and moved slightly. Something solid moved off his ribs and Joe felt immediately able to breath more easily. He cranked open his eyes and winced as the light struck him. He heard his name spoken softly from behind him and tried to turn his head. \u201cPa?\u201d he croaked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d Ben replied, reaching to move some of the rocks covering Joe. It wasn\u2019t as difficult as Ben had anticipated, as when he moved the first one, the rest rolled off alone and Ben was able to brush off the smaller rocks. Joe\u2019s eyes were barely open and there was blood streaming down his face. \u201cI\u2019m just going to turn you over, Joe,\u201d he continued, in the same soothing tone, totally ignoring Armstrong.<\/p>\n

Grunting in pain, Joe allowed Ben to gently roll him onto his back. He crammed his eyes tight shut as rivers of agony coursed up and down his battered body. His clothes were torn and the exposed skin was scraped and bleeding. But it was Joe\u2019s leg that grabbed Ben\u2019s attention. His son\u2019s thigh had a rock partially driven into the flesh and from the angle the leg lay, Ben feared it was badly broken.<\/p>\n

Something cold and round came to rest on Ben\u2019s cheek and he froze at once. \u201cMove away from the boy,\u201d Armstrong ordered.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben turned, but he kept his body between Joe and Armstrong. \u201cI\u2019m not going to let you kill him,\u201d Ben told his captor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour son is a dead man,\u201d Armstrong replied, coldly. \u201cThe bible says \u2018an eye for an eye\u2019, Ben. I reckon that means a son for a son. I tried before, but neither of your sons would die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou caused the wagon accident?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cAnd shot Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he didn\u2019t die,\u201d Armstrong complained. \u201cAnd then ya sent the sheriff out ta question me. Didn\u2019t work, Ben. I can pull the wool over Roy Coffee\u2019s eyes. Like leadin\u2019 a lamb to the slaughter. I\u2019m a grieving father, Ben; I don\u2019t have time to seek revenge.\u201d He laughed. \u201cBut I managed ta get ya out here, didn\u2019t I, Ben? Rigged the rocks to fall and set yer herd to stampede. Ya came, just as I knew ya would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe murmured. He could hear the voices, but he couldn\u2019t seem to catch every word. The pounding in his head was deafening.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to move, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed not turning his head. He wished he could take the chance of rising, but he was afraid that if he offered the slightest chance to Armstrong the other man would shoot Joe.<\/p>\n

Something about Ben\u2019s tone seemed to be not right to Joe. He wasn\u2019t sure what it was. With an effort, he forced open his eyes and peered blearily at the figures in front of him. One was Ben, he knew. The other seemed to be much larger. Hoss? Joe squinted, trying to bring his vision into focus. No, he didn\u2019t think it was Hoss. He frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove out of the way, Ben. I\u2019ll go through ya to get ta him, you know.\u201d Armstrong sounded quite calm, which made his words all the more horrific.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll kill you before I allow you to hurt my son,\u201d Ben warned him angrily.<\/p>\n

The anger clearly reached Joe. \u201cPa?\u201d he repeated, trying to sit up. Pain hammered him from all round.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe still, Joe!\u201d Ben urged. He didn\u2019t dare take his eyes off the mad man in front of him.<\/p>\n

Unsure what exactly was wrong, but sensing that the other person was the cause of Ben\u2019s anger and distress, Joe began to feel around with his left hand. There were rocks aplenty within his reach, but most of them were too big to fit into his hand. He shifted position slightly and caught his breath at the stab of pain from his right side. But then his hand fastened on a rock of the right size and he grasped it firmly.<\/p>\n

With a gargantuan effort, Joe sat up and hurled the rock with all his might. It struck Armstrong full in the chest and Ben took the chance Joe had given him, throwing himself on Armstrong and wrestling the bigger man for the rifle. He knew that he couldn\u2019t afford to lose. If he did, both he and Joe would die. He didn\u2019t know where Joe had found the energy to throw the rock, but he wasn\u2019t going to waste the chance his son had given him.<\/p>\n

Behind him, Joe sank back on the rocks, exhausted beyond measure. His eyes closed and he slid away into darkness, oblivious to the life and death struggle raging just a few short feet away.<\/p>\n

The tide of the battle was starting to go against Ben. He was older, smaller than Armstrong and he had had a tiring afternoon. Armstrong threw Ben off, and Ben rolled away. His hand groped for his holster and he drew and fired his gun in one smooth movement. Armstrong lurched as the bullet bit into his arm, but he didn\u2019t stop coming. Again, Ben fired and this time he hit the other man in the stomach. Armstrong faltered, took another few steps, then sank to his knees. As he collapsed to the ground, dying, his rifle went off. Ben felt a searing pain in his head and then knew no more.<\/p>\n

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

There was pain in his head. Moving made everything worse, so for some time he just lay there, drifting in a twilight world between the darkness and the light. Suddenly, memory returned with a rush and Ben forced himself to sit up, groaning as his head whirled madly. He shut his eyes until the dizziness past, then cautiously opened them again. Joe! He had to get to Joe!<\/p>\n

Standing was clearly beyond him at that point, so Ben crawled, not even glancing at the body of Jim Armstrong, stretched out on the grass. The pool of blood on the ground told its own story. Armstrong had bled to death. Ben didn\u2019t feel one single iota of regret; that would come later, when he had got Joe to safety and could afford to think of other things.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben whispered, looking down on the pale, blood-streaked features of his youngest son. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no reply. Blinking sweat out of his eyes, Ben gently began to check Joe over for injuries. The head wound was obvious; there seemed to be ribs either broken or badly bruised on Joe\u2019s right side and his right arm was broken, too. Ben already knew about the broken thigh and he thought about removing the rock that puncture Joe\u2019s flesh, but he wasn\u2019t sure he would be able to control any bleeding that might result from that action, so he changed his mind.<\/p>\n

Despair gripped Ben; how was he going to get Joe home? He would somehow have to make a travois, but doing so alone was time consuming and he was feeling worse and worse with every moment that passed. Putting his hand to his aching head, Ben was astonished when it came away red with blood.<\/p>\n

What was he to do? Ben closed his eyes, trying to think. The hands! He opened his eyes wide. Why hadn\u2019t he thought of that before? Just a short distance away \u2013 no more than a mile \u2013 were the hands! All Ben had to do was go and get them. He faltered there. He didn\u2019t want to leave Joe alone, but it seemed he had no choice. Staggering to his feet, Ben set out to get his horse.<\/p>\n

Buck had strayed a little way, but came when Ben whistled. It seemed an incredibly long way up into the saddle, but Ben persevered, hanging onto the saddle horn for grim death. Resolutely, he turned his horse, for already his reluctance to leave Joe was starting to assert itself. If he didn\u2019t go now, he would never go.<\/p>\n

Speed was out of the question. Ben\u2019s head reeled at a walk and he knew he would never be able to hold on if Buck broke into a lope. He still clutched the saddle horn, the hard leather giving him a point of reference in a world suddenly out of kilter.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoss!\u201d The cry roused Ben from his stupor and he squinted vilely as he tried to focus on the figure riding towards him. He recognized Charlie with a rush of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccident\u2026 Joe\u2026 get help\u2026\u201d he babbled.<\/p>\n

Grasping at once the seriousness of the situation, Charlie twisted in his saddle and whistled piercingly. Ben winced, as the sound seemed to rip right through his head. He noticed vaguely that Charlie had hold of his rein, but it didn\u2019t occur to him to wonder why. Almost immediately, two cowboys appeared from out of nearby trees and rode over. In a few short sentences, Charlie had them organized to take Ben back to the west pasture and to send on the wagon that had arrived a short time before with more wire in it. Charlie himself was going to find Joe.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe?\u201d Charlie called, looking down at his young boss. He was shaken by the young man\u2019s visible injuries and by the dead body lying so close by. Ben\u2019s hat lay a few feet further on and Charlie had no problems envisioning the scene that had occurred. \u201cCan you hear me, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo tired,\u201d Joe breathed, not opening his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Joe, but ya gotta wake up fer me now,\u201d Charlie coaxed. He kept talking, drawing Joe out of the darkness and finally being rewarded by a hint of green eye. \u201cYou gotta stay awake now, Joe. The wagon\u2019ll be comin\u2019 fer ya, an\u2019 ya gotta stay awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy\u2026head\u2026hurts,\u201d Joe sighed, wishing Charlie would go away and leave him alone. When he was awake, everything hurt, especially his head and Joe wanted nothing more than to remain in the darkness where he couldn\u2019t feel anything. \u201cTired,\u201d he added, and his eyes dipped closed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay awake fer me, Joe,\u201d Charlie pleaded, but it was more than Joe could manage. Although he roused briefly once or twice, he basically remained unconscious the whole time that Charlie was waiting for the wagon to arrive.<\/p>\n

Loading Joe into the wagon was an unpleasant business for both Joe and the cow hands. No matter how careful they were, it was impossible not to jostle Joe and he slid off into another period of unconsciousness, which really was a mercy for him, even though Charlie was growing more and more concerned.<\/p>\n

As soon as Joe was settled, Charlie sent one of the hands off to fetch the doctor out to the ranch and began the journey back. Ben was collected on the way, and he sat beside Joe in the wagon, fighting off his own nausea and headache to give his son what comfort he could.<\/p>\n

To Ben, it took far too long to get Joe home. He was grateful to stumble out of the wagon and into the house, leaving it to the others to carefully bring Joe inside. Hoss hovered anxiously. He had been worried when Cochise arrived home without Joe and had been on the point of going out looking for his brother when the wagon came in. Now, he was uncertain who to see to first. Ben looked almost as pale as Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see to father,\u201d Hop Sing ordered, seeing the big man\u2019s indecision. \u201cI see to Lil’ Joe till doctor come.\u201d He gave Hoss a push to emphasize his words. \u201cMake father lie down, rest.\u201d He nodded imperiously and Hoss took the hint.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa,\u201d he urged Ben, helping him up. \u201cYa need ta go ta bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Ben objected, but he was too weak to resist Hoss and soon found himself lying on his bed, with Hoss tugging his boots off. \u201cI must see to Joe,\u201d he said, vaguely and his eyes drifted shut and Ben fell asleep.<\/p>\n

Satisfied that Ben was all right for the moment, Hoss went to see to Joe and found Paul Martin had arrived and was leaning over Joe looking concerned. \u201cHow is he, doc?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust from what I can see, Hoss, he\u2019s in a bad way,\u201d Paul replied, soberly. \u201cI\u2019ll need to examine him properly.\u201d He glanced at the big man. \u201cAren\u2019t you supposed to be resting?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but Pa\u2019s hurt, too,\u201d Hoss explained, \u201can\u2019 someone had ta make sure he went ta bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t wear yourself out,\u201d Paul instructed, tacitly accepting that he was going to need Hoss\u2019 help one way or another. \u201cSit down while I examine Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Paul stripped off Joe\u2019s clothes, Hop Sing went to bring hot water, knowing that there was going to be an extended session with Joe. He gently began to wash the dirt and blood off Joe\u2019s face while Paul listened to Joe\u2019s heart and lungs and Joe gradually began to revive. He had barely stirred, and Paul had been very concerned. \u201cCan you hear me, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe slurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. You have to stay awake now and tell me what hurts. Can you remember what happened?\u201d Paul listened with half an ear as Joe struggled to remember what had happened to make him feel so bad.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was\u2026a rock slide,\u201d he began. \u201cPa was\u2026 there. So was\u2026 someone else.\u201d Joe swallowed painfully. \u201cHe was\u2026 big. Pa\u2026worried.\u201d Frowning, Joe dredged up the memories. They were pretty hazy. \u201cI threw\u2026 a rock\u2026at him.\u201d Another breath. \u201cHit him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore or after the rock slide?\u201d Paul enquired, sure that Joe meant before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter,\u201d Joe panted. The pain was bad.<\/p>\n

The other men looked impressed. \u201cGood for you,\u201d Paul nodded. He had no idea who Joe was referring to, and neither did Hop Sing or Hoss. \u201cNow, what hurts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHead,\u201d Joe began, for his head was pounding after the effort of talking. \u201cEverywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere especially, Joe?\u201d Paul persisted. \u201cThis is important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArm\u2026ribs\u2026leg,\u201d Joe elucidated. \u201cRight side.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Paul relaxed slightly. Joe hadn\u2019t mentioned an area that Paul hadn\u2019t already catalogued. \u201cAll right, young man, you just relax and let me help you. I\u2019m afraid that you\u2019re in for a spell in bed and I\u2019ve got to do a small operation, all right?\u201d He began to sort out the things he would need to remove the rock from Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe asked, looking round. \u201cPa?\u201d he repeated, louder this time. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe sounded frantic.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d Hoss soothed, hurrying over to gently pin his brother to the bed. \u201cPa\u2019s sleepin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frantic green eyes fastened onto Hoss\u2019 blue ones. \u201cReally?\u201d he demanded, fear still coloring his tones.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally,\u201d Hoss promised. \u201cI ain\u2019t never lied ta ya, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought\u2026\u201d Joe murmured, relaxing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not dead,\u201d Paul stated firmly. \u201cI promise.\u201d He slipped the chloroform mask over Joe\u2019s face and within a few minutes, Joe was slumbering peacefully. \u201cHoss, go back and keep your father in bed until I\u2019ve seen him,\u201d Paul instructed. \u201cI\u2019ll come and see you as soon as I\u2019m finished with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Hoss agreed, reluctantly and looked down on Joe for a long minute before mussing his curls and leaving. Paul smiled; how alike the Cartwrights were in some respects!<\/p>\n

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

Paul\u2019s big worry had been that the rock was piercing an artery, but his fears proved unfounded. Joe had a nasty, deep puncture wound to the thigh that required stitches, but the bleeding was minimal under the circumstances. The broken bones were soon set, and the plaster casts applied. Stitches were needed in the head wound and a bandage was applied there. Joe\u2019s broke ribs were wrapped. At last, Paul straightened up, exhausted. It had been a long few hours, but Joe was going to live.<\/p>\n

Wearily, he went through to Ben\u2019s room. It was well past midnight and Paul wasn\u2019t in the least surprised to see Hoss sitting in a chair in front of the fire, sleeping soundly. Ben was awake, which was also no surprise, as Hoss was snoring vigorously.<\/p>\n

There were plenty of indications that Ben had a concussion, not least the basin resting on the edge of the bed, within easy reach. Ben\u2019s eyes immediately flew to meet Paul\u2019s and the physician could almost see him wince. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben asked, as fearfully as his son had earlier asked for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll live,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be out of action for some considerable time, Ben, but he\u2019s alive. He\u2019s hurt badly \u2013 a broken leg, arm, ribs, but he was lucky. He could have died in that rock slide.\u201d Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Paul examined Ben, not giving him time to say anything else. \u201cWell, you\u2019ve got a nasty concussion, Ben and I suspect you\u2019ll be spending quite a bit of time in bed yourself over the next day or two. Take things easy until you start to feel better, do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe\u2026\u201d Ben started and Paul interrupted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe isn\u2019t going anywhere right now,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cI\u2019ll help you through to see him in a minute and then you are coming right back here to go to sleep.\u201d Curiosity won out. \u201cBen, who was the man Joe threw a rock at? He said you were worried by him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Jim Armstrong,\u201d Ben replied, sounding subdued. \u201cHe had set up the rock slide to try and kill Joe. He was the one who loosened the wheel nut so that Joe had the accident with the buckboard. He shot at Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of Mark?\u201d Paul guessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of Mark and because of young Jim, too, I suspect.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cJoe knew I was worried?\u201d he questioned. \u201cJoe was barely conscious. I wondered how he knew to throw that rock \u2013 and I wondered where he found the strength.\u201d Ben\u2019s dark eyes were focused inwards as he remembered Joe sitting up and heaving that rock with deadly accuracy. It would have been quite a throw under normal conditions, but was especially impressive considering how badly injured Joe was.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you hurt your head?\u201d Paul asked, leaning in for a closer look at the shallow furrow that marred Ben\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJim shot me,\u201d Ben replied, sighing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not too serious,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cBut I still want you to take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see Joe,\u201d Ben demanded and Paul nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, then, and maybe you\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told and go to sleep,\u201d he grumbled good-naturedly. He assisted his friend to his feet and made sure he was steady before they began their trek to Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Once there, Ben leant over his sleeping son, reveling in the fact that Joe was safe, but dismayed by the casts and bandages marring his son\u2019s body. \u201cI love you, Joe,\u201d he whispered and was rewarded with a wordless murmur as Joe nestled into the warmth of his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

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

The furor began the next day. Roy Coffee arrived out at the ranch very early and found the place in chaos. Ben was still in bed, but arguing that he had to get up and see Joe. Paul Martin was arguing back, looking very tired indeed and Hoss was practically sitting on Ben.<\/p>\n

Along the hall in Joe\u2019s room, things were slightly calmer. Joe still slept soundly, thanks to the large dose of morphine he had received in the early hours of the morning. Knowing that Joe would sleep for some time to come, Paul was reluctant to let Ben get out of bed and just sit with Joe. The older man was concussed and had been stricken with bouts of nausea repeatedly overnight and the last thing Joe needed was to see his father being sick. The longer Joe slept, the less likely it was that Joe would suffer from the same nausea, given that Joe had a concussion, too. Throwing up with broken ribs was not a pleasant prospect.<\/p>\n

However, Roy\u2019s arrival allowed Paul to escape and get some well deserved breakfast, leaving Roy to deal with Ben. \u201cWhat happened out there, Ben?\u201d Roy asked, and listened patiently as the other man recounted the horrors of the previous afternoon. \u201cHe admitted it all?\u201d Roy asked, when Ben was finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied, wearily. \u201cBut I don\u2019t have any witnesses, Roy. Joe was unconscious most of the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon I don\u2019t need none,\u201d Roy avowed stoutly. \u201cI\u2019ve known ya a long time, Ben, an\u2019 I know ya wouldn\u2019t lie ta me.\u201d He gestured to Ben\u2019s head. \u201c\u2019Sides, that\u2019s evidence of sorts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want to kill him,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t get him down. He was determined to kill Joe and I couldn\u2019t let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cO\u2019 course ya couldn\u2019t,\u201d Roy comforted. \u201cDon\u2019t fret none, Ben. Ain\u2019t nothing gonna be said about it.\u201d He chewed his moustache meditatively. \u201cMind if I stick ma head in ta see yer boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I can come with you,\u201d Ben agreed and Roy didn\u2019t have the heart to say no, even knowing that Ben should be resting.<\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t move as they went in and Roy didn\u2019t stay. He didn\u2019t think Joe could add anything pertinent to the case and it was open and shut as far as Roy could see. He was quite appalled at Joe\u2019s injuries, though and thought it was probably just as well that Armstrong had died when he did. Otherwise, there would have been a trial and all this would have been dragged up, when he was sure Joe and Ben would prefer to forget about it if they could.<\/p>\n

A few minutes after Roy left, Joe stirred uneasily and moaned. Ben took his uninjured hand in his larger, warm one and gently stroked it. With a sigh, Joe settled again, but only for a few more minutes. Then his glazed green eyes opened and fastened on Ben. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered, his voice cracked and hoarse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi there,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cI thought you were going to sleep forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour\u2026head,\u201d Joe breathed. His throat was dry. Ben somehow divined this and helped Joe to drink, realizing as he did so that his son was going to be helpless for the next few days, until his injuries began to heal. He would need a lot of nursing and they were none of them in any great condition to do so. Ben knew that they would have to rely on help from friends until he and Hoss were back on their feet. Thank the Lord for Hop Sing, he thought, fondly, as the Chinese factotum came into the room bearing a cup of coffee for Ben.<\/p>\n

For a moment, the smell made Ben nauseous, but he fought down the feeling and took a sip. \u201cMy head is going to be just fine,\u201d he assured Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to kill you,\u201d Joe remembered, a distressed look on his face. \u201cWho? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Quietly, Ben explained. Joe drank in all the information, but he didn\u2019t understand. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked, plaintively. \u201cYou didn\u2019t\u2026mean to kill\u2026Mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cHe spoke to me about the bible stating \u2018an eye for an eye\u2019. Perhaps he thought that justified it. Perhaps the balance of his mind was disturbed when he lost both his sons. Lord knows, I don\u2019t know how I would act if I thought I\u2019d lost you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot like that,\u201d Joe protested. He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his side kept him in place. He saw Ben\u2019s worried face and tried to smile. \u201cPa, you would\u2026never do something\u2026like that,\u201d he insisted and Ben was touched by his son\u2019s devotion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope not, but you never know,\u201d Ben averred.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cPa, you taught us\u2026that vengeance wasn\u2019t\u2026 right. I know\u2026I almost\u2026 let you down\u2026 once\u2026but I learned. You wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI second that thought,\u201d interjected a voice from the door and Paul came in. \u201cI don\u2019t think for a single instant that you would deliberately set out to murder someone to get revenge.\u201d He smiled at his friend. \u201cWhat are you doing through here? I thought I told you to stay in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you give me\u2026into trouble\u2026for trying to\u2026get out of bed,\u201d Joe wheezed. He sniggered and clutched his ribs. \u201cLaughing hurts,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t laugh,\u201d Paul advised prosaically.<\/p>\n

At that, Ben laughed. \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll go back to bed in a minute,\u201d he agreed. \u201cJust let me sit here a bit longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing at Joe, Paul could see that this was the best medicine that Joe could have. \u201cPerhaps you would like to help this young man have something to eat,\u201d he suggested. \u201cAnd then you\u2019ll go back to bed, or I\u2019ll dose you with my worst tasting medicine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could give you\u2026some suggestions,\u201d Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

His smile slipped away as Paul helped him sit up, but he was soon propped comfortably on pillows, gloomily examining the cast that reached from his hips to his toes and prodding the cast on his right forearm. He glanced at Ben, who was watching him closely. \u201cI\u2019m going to need help doing everything, aren\u2019t I?\u201d he mourned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so, son,\u201d Ben sympathized. He knew how the independent Joe hated to have to rely on others, especially for his personal needs. He watched as Joe made up his mind to bear the indignities as best he could. Joe was nothing if not a realist, but Ben knew how hard it was to accept help.<\/p>\n

Finally Joe sighed. \u201cI guess I shouldn\u2019t complain,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI might have been dead, mightn\u2019t I? And then I wouldn\u2019t be in a position to moan about what I can and can\u2019t do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe might both have been dead,\u201d Ben agreed, soberly. \u201cBut thanks to you, we aren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to both of us, Pa,\u201d Joe corrected him. \u201cTogether, we Cartwrights are unbeatable.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Ben encounters a bank robber and the subsequent shoot-out leads to a trail of tragedy and terror for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 \u00a0(11,915 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":9733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3631,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Didnt-pay-to-be-Ben.jpg?fit=467%2C341&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3993,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3993","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":0},"title":"Nod or a Wink (by Writing Woman)","author":"Writing Woman","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Hoss struggles to understand why a woman is gunned down on the streets of Virginia City. Rated:\u00a0T \u00a0WC \u00a0750","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5392,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5392","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":1},"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":3555,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3555","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":2},"title":"The Last Viking (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"May 21, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHB the ending scene.\u00a0 How did the Cartwrights get Joe home after he had been shot? If you ever wondered, read on. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (9,075 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5284,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5284","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":3},"title":"No Flash in the Pan (by Cowgirl8)","author":"Cowgirl8","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is\u00a0a story that I wrote for my English class. My teacher really liked it. It's about the boys while Ben is out of Town. There is foreshadowing. And we weren't supposed to have blood and Gore so nothing gruesome in this story. Any spelling or grammar errors\u00a0are my fault.\u2026","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\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13951,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13951","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":4},"title":"Luck of the Day (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It's a bad day to run a bank errand for Pa. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (12,650 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\/10\/feature-4.jpg?fit=387%2C387&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":47236,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47236","url_meta":{"origin":2693,"position":5},"title":"Anything for Family (by Lynnette Smith)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 31, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: When Richard Darvey is out for revenge on Ben Cartwright for the death of his son, Joe must decide how much he is willing to give to protect his father. When Darvey fails to claim his revenge on the Cartwrights it becomes quite clear that someone other then Darvey\u2026","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\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2693"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2693\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}