Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe puts himself in danger when he tries to help a friend.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (14,790 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Just a Chance<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The soft breezes of early summer blew gently across the south pastures of the Ponderosa ranch, making the grasses ripple like gentle waves on the sea, and cooling the sweaty skin of the two shirtless young men working to repair a section of broken fencing.<\/p>\n Winding wire around the fence post he\u2019d just put in, Joe Cartwright looked across at his companion with a grin. \u201cAlmost finished,\u201d he said with satisfaction. \u201cAnd I think we\u2019ve done a pretty good job.\u201d<\/p>\n Returning the grin, Tom Jenner straightened from tamping the earth around the post and reached for his shirt. \u201cWe sure have,\u201d he agreed. \u201cAnd we did it in good time as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Finishing with the wire, and shrugging into his own shirt, Joe nodded in agreement; smiling with satisfaction as he thought how pleased his father would be at a job well done. At sixteen Joe was in his first year of working the Ponderosa full time, and was enjoying the freedom from school and the feeling of being grown up and pulling his weight on the family ranch. Repairing fences wasn\u2019t the most exciting of jobs, and Joe hadn\u2019t been very enthusiastic when his elder brother, Adam, had allotted him the task that morning, but he had found a good working companion in Tom Jenner and the day had turned out to be quite enjoyable. Tom was the same age as Joe, a skinny blonde youth, who had signed on at the Ponderosa with his father, Jeb, a few weeks before. They were accompanied by Tom\u2019s younger brother, Jake, and Ben had allotted the three one of the cabins usually reserved for married couples. The small family came from Baltimore, but had left there after the death of the boys\u2019 mother, and were working their way west, intending to settle in California. Joe had seen Tom around the ranch, but this was the first time he\u2019d exchanged more than a few words with the youth. Missing his schoolmates, he had enjoyed the companionship of someone the same age and over the course of the day the two boys had begun to form a friendship.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Tom.\u201d Joe called over to the youth as he picked up the spades they had been using. \u201cWhen\u2019s your day off?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDay after tomorrow.\u201d Tom answered, coming over to take the tools from Joe and stow them in the back of the buckboard. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMine\u2019s tomorrow.\u201d Joe told him with a disappointed frown. He reached for the canteen that sat on the buckboard\u2019s seat and took a long drink of water, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he turned back to Tom. \u201cIf I can get my Pa to change my day so it\u2019s the same as yours, wanna come fishing with me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d Tom said, happy to be asked. \u201cBut I ain\u2019t ever been fishing before, Joe. I got no fishing pole or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can borrow one from one of my brothers.\u201d Joe told him as he leapt up onto the buckboard and took the reins, waiting for Tom to climb aboard before he set off home. He was already looking forward to a day\u2019s fishing, now all he had to do was persuade his father.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n To Joe\u2019s surprise Ben readily agreed to change his day off. Even the expected protest from Adam hadn\u2019t been forthcoming, though his oldest brother did start to say something before being quickly stopped by his father.<\/p>\n \u201cPa said he thought it was a good idea, us going fishing.\u201d Joe told Tom as the two youths settled down in the sunshine beside the lake. \u201cSaid it\u2019d be nice for you to make a friend round here.\u201d He handed over the fishing pole that he\u2019d brought along for Tom to use, and opened a container of fat pink worms that he\u2019d dug that morning from Hop Sing\u2019s garden.<\/p>\n \u201cHere.\u201d He offered, as Tom poked a tentative finger at the wriggling creatures. \u201cI\u2019ll show you how to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n For a while the two sat quietly as Joe threaded a worm on the hook for Tom, before selecting one for himself. Lines cast into the water, the youths sat back to wait for the fish to bite, enjoying the sunshine and the break from work.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t you ever go fishing in Baltimore?\u201d Joe asked after a while, breaking the silence. \u201cYour Pa didn\u2019t take you?\u201d<\/p>\n Tom shook his head. \u201cHe don\u2019t fish.\u201d He said shortly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d Joe looked out over the lake, remembering all the times he had fished here. \u201cI learned when I was just a little kid.\u201d He told Tom reflectively. \u201cUsed to come here with Pa and my brothers, and my Mama before she died.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom turned round, sympathy in his blue eyes. \u201cGuess you must miss her.\u201d He said quietly. \u201cI know I miss my Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes.\u201d Joe admitted, his gaze fixed on the still waters of the lake. \u201cThough I was only young when she died, I don\u2019t remember her that well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy Ma died just last year.\u201d Tom said, his voice husky with sorrow. \u201cAnd I miss her every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded understandingly. \u201cAt least you\u2019ve got your Pa and brother.\u201d He said. \u201cThat must help some.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess so, though Jake misses Ma something awful.\u201d Tom told him. \u201cHe still cries himself to sleep some nights.\u201d He bent forward and adjusted the fishing pole before he spoke again. \u201cWas your Pa upset when your Ma died?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d Joe said, surprised at the question. \u201cHe grieved for a long while, and he was kinda distant with me\u2026but my brothers were there to help me get through it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s your brother isn\u2019t he?\u201d Tom asked, not knowing the Cartwrights very well and unsure of their relationship. \u201cAnd Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s them.\u201d Joe confirmed with a nod. \u201cLater, when my Pa got over Mama\u2019s death a bit he was great. He tried to explain, to help me understand about death and everything. You know, kids at school used to tease me sometimes, \u2018cause I had no mother, but Pa, well, he worked real hard to make sure I never felt left out because of it. He\u2019s just the best\u2026.\u201d Joe trailed off, a little embarrassed as he saw Tom\u2019s intent gaze on him. \u201cSorry.\u201d He apologised. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to hear all this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d Tom reassured him. \u201cIt\u2019s kinda nice that you get on so well with your father. I\u2019ve seen him around, he seems like a good man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is.\u201d Joe said softly. Leaning back on the grass, he propped himself up on his elbow and looked over at Tom. \u201cDon\u2019t you get on well with your Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s okay.\u201d Tom said, turning abruptly away and getting to his feet. \u201cYou reckon these fish are ever gonna bite?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure they will.\u201d Joe said with a laugh, recognising the change of subject for what it was. \u201cBet we\u2019ll catch enough for both our families to have a good supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow much you gonna bet?\u201d Tom asked with a grin as he settled back down beside Joe. Through the rest of the warm afternoon as the two boys continued to fish, they talked desultorily of many things, but the subject of family wasn\u2019t raised again.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n The days break soon forgotten Joe and Tom were back at work the following morning, to the hard toil of ditch digging. The weather had undergone a change, it was a cool, cloudy day, seeming more like autumn than summer, and the boys were eager to get the task finished and head back to the Ponderosa. Joe worked quickly, digging with practised ease, but he soon noticed that Tom seemed to be having some difficulties, wincing from time to time as he bent down or reached for the spade.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all right?\u201d Joe asked eventually, as Tom straightened up and gave a little gasp of pain.<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d The other boy replied shortly, digging his spade deep into the dirt and turning away from Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s just get on with this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Tom.\u201d Joe said with concern. \u201cYou\u2019re in pain, I can see that. What\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u201d Tom shook his head and looked down at the spade in his hands. \u201cI just fell over, jarred my back a little. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow d\u2019you do that?\u201d Joe teased, relieved to find that nothing serious ailed his friend. \u201cTrip over those big feet of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Tom shot him an angry glare that plainly said he didn\u2019t want to talk about it. \u201cI just fell, all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d Joe held up a hand to show he wouldn\u2019t press the subject. \u201cBut if it hurts bad come by the house. Our cook, Hop Sing makes a pretty good liniment, it\u2019ll take the ache away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that bad.\u201d Tom said dismissively. \u201cProbably be better by tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell if it isn\u2019t just let me know and I\u2019ll get you some of that liniment.\u201d Joe told him, but Tom had already turned aside and ignored Joe\u2019s offer, setting to work on another part of the ditch.<\/p>\n The two young men worked in silence for a while until Joe looked up to see two figures riding towards them.<\/p>\n \u201cHere comes Adam.\u201d He informed Tom with a smile, stopping what he was doing and leaning on his spade. \u201cAnd it looks like he\u2019s got your Pa with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Turning to greet his brother, Joe completely missed the look of apprehension that flickered over the other boy\u2019s face as he too stopped digging and watched the horsemen approach.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam!\u201d Joe called out to his eldest brother as the two riders drew abreast of the partially dug ditch. \u201cCome to check up on me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly.\u201d Adam leaned forward to inspect the ditch as he spoke. \u201cI just happened to be passing this way and thought I\u2019d see how you were doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Straightening up with a satisfied nod, he turned to the man beside him and smiled. \u201cLooks like they\u2019re making a pretty good job of it, wouldn\u2019t you say, Jeb?\u201d<\/p>\n Not returning the smile, Jeb Jenner gazed down solemnly at his son. \u201cHope you\u2019re pulling your weight, Tom.\u201d He said gravely. \u201cA good day\u2019s work for a good days pay, like you been taught.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTom\u2019s been working real hard Mr. Jenner.\u201d Joe piped up quickly, his delight at Adam\u2019s approval fading as he saw the hurt look that had appeared in his friend\u2019s eyes. \u201cProbably harder than me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not difficult to believe.\u201d Adam said dryly, though his smile as he turned back to his brother told Joe he was only teasing. \u201cYou\u2019d both better get back to it.\u201d He added, casting a quick glance skyward as he spoke and grimacing. \u201cLooks like there might be rain on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Obediently Tom took up his spade and began to dig, earning him a sombre nod of approval from his father and a muttered. \u201cNo slacking, mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee you at supper.\u201d Joe called to Adam as his brother wheeled his horse about and rode away, followed by Jenner. Adam raised a hand to acknowledge the words and, with a final wave, Joe turned back to the ditch digging. He glanced over at Tom as he worked, wondering whether to say anything about Jeb\u2019s attitude, but the other boy kept his face averted and, as a faint rumble of thunder made itself heard in the distance, Joe dismissed his annoyance at Tom\u2019s father and hurried to get the job finished.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n The threatened rain arrived, and settled in for the rest of the day, just as Tom and Joe finished work. It was still raining heavily the following morning and, as that meant ditch digging was impossible, Ben decided to give his youngest son a few rudimentary lessons in the art of bookkeeping. Joe wasn\u2019t too happy to be cooped up inside, even on a wet Saturday morning, but with the anticipation of the monthly Virginia City dance that evening to help pass the time, he set to with good grace. Looking around as they entered the hall where the dance was being held, Joe was pleased to see that Tom was already present, standing with his young brother over by the food table.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t eat those if I was you.\u201d Joe whispered confidingly to his friend, walking over just as Tom reached out towards a plate of small cakes. \u201cI happen to know that Mrs. Ada Simpson made those, and she\u2019s just about the worst cook in the whole town. Even my brother, Hoss, wouldn\u2019t eat her cooking and he\u2019ll eat most anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Joe.\u201d Tom turned to greet his friend with a smile, leaving the cakes on the plate. \u201cHoped you\u2019d be here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t miss a Saturday night dance.\u201d Joe told him, snagging a piece of chicken from the table, and waving his free hand at the crowded room. \u201cIt would disappoint all the pretty girls if I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, sure it would.\u201d Tom said disbelievingly, and looked down at the small boy at his side. \u201cJake, this here\u2019s Joe Cartwright. Joe, meet my brother, Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPleased to know you.\u201d Joe held out his hand to the boy. \u201cTom tells me you go to Virginia City school.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake nodded, not looking up as he solemnly shook hands. He was a skinny child of nine, as blonde as his brother, and small for his age. Joe assumed both boys must take after their mother in looks, Jeb was a tall, powerfully built man with a shock of dark brown hair, totally unlike his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cI was in school there till last year.\u201d Joe told Jake with a grin that held just the tiniest hint of wistfulness. \u201cMiss it a bit, to tell the truth. You get on all right with Miss Jones?\u201d<\/p>\n Once again the boy nodded, not smiling or meeting Joe\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a bit shy.\u201d Tom excused his brother as Joe looked at him quizzically. \u201cDoesn\u2019t like meeting new people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTom, Jake.\u201d The deep voice behind them made both Jenner boys start and swing round quickly. \u201cIt\u2019s time we were going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Tom shot an apologetic glance at Joe and caught hold of his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cWe\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut the dance has hardly started yet.\u201d Joe protested, as the Jenner family began to walk away. \u201cSurely you can stay a bit longer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJake is too young to be out late.\u201d Jeb answered, turning round to address Joe, his tone brooking no argument. \u201cHe has to be up early in the morning to get his chores done before church.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Tom could stay couldn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe asked, and spotting his eldest brother in the crowd called over to him. \u201cWe could take Tom home, couldn\u2019t we, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Excusing himself from the young lady he had been talking to, Adam made his way over to join his brother. \u201cWe\u2019d be pleased to escort Tom home.\u201d He told Jeb, seeing the pleading look that Joe was sending his way. \u201cWe won\u2019t be very late back, and I think he deserves a bit of a treat after working so hard this past week.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment it looked as though Jeb was going to refuse and insist that Tom left now, but eventually he nodded grudgingly. \u201cJust mind your manners and do as Mr. Cartwright tells you.\u201d He warned Tom sternly before turning to leave. \u201cAnd remember, no alcohol and keep away from the girls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo drinking and no girls!\u201d Joe exclaimed as soon as Jeb was out of earshot and Adam had rejoined his companion. \u201cDoesn\u2019t know much about enjoying himself, does he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe says alcohol is the devil\u2019s brew.\u201d Tom said gloomily. \u201cAnd girls are\u2026\u201d He shook his head and blushed as Joe raised an enquiring eyebrow. \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, at least I get to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnlike your Pa, I do know how to have a good time.\u201d Joe told him with a wink of his eye and a wicked looking grin. \u201cAnd don\u2019t worry about the girls, I know you were told to keep away from them but it\u2019d be downright rude to ignore any that came and introduced themselves to you, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d Laughing at Tom\u2019s reluctant nod of agreement, Joe excused himself, darting quickly across to where his friends Mitch and Johnny were talking with a group of young ladies. It took only a few moments for Joe to persuade one of the girls to do him a favour and go talk to his friend, and it was just minutes later that Tom took the floor to be instructed in the art of dancing by pretty Lynne Kemp.<\/p>\n The rest of the evening seemed to go all too quickly, both Joe and Tom thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was close to eleven by the time the dance finally wound to a close and Joe sought out his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cHey there, Little Joe.\u201d Turning from the table where he was helping himself to a final glass of punch from an ornate crystal bowl, Hoss greeted his young brother with a grin. \u201cHave a good time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure did.\u201d Joe told him, inspecting the last few inches of alcoholic liquid remaining at the bottom of the punchbowl. \u201cThink I\u2019ll take a drink before we head home.\u201d<\/p>\n Surveying his youngest brother gravely, Hoss decided that he looked sober enough and nodded. \u201cHelp yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Scooping a ladle full of punch from the bowl, Joe filled two glasses and handed one to Tom just as his eldest brother came walking over to join them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just going to escort Susan home.\u201d Adam told Hoss. \u201cMeet you three outside in about twenty minutes.\u201d Looking at the two younger boys as he spoke his brow creased in a frown. \u201cI thought your father said no alcohol, Tom?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Adam.\u201d Joe complained, rapidly draining his own glass before his older brother could object to that. \u201cOne drink won\u2019t hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe.\u201d Tom put in quickly. \u201cI had a sip and I don\u2019t think much of it anyway. Here, you take it.\u201d<\/p>\n He held out the glass to Joe just as Hoss reached over for one of the remaining cakes on the table and, in doing so, inadvertently jostled the boy\u2019s arm, spilling the drink.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d Hoss apologised immediately, staring in dismay at the rivulets of punch running down Tom\u2019s jacket. \u201cIt was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course it was.\u201d Adam snatched up a napkin and handed it to Tom. \u201cIt\u2019s quite light coloured.\u201d He reassured the boy. \u201cI don\u2019t think it will stain too badly.\u201d He cast a glance across the room to where Susan was waiting. \u201cI\u2019d better go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not too bad.\u201d Joe said, examining the mark on Tom\u2019s jacket as Adam walked away. \u201cAnd it\u2019ll be all dried out by the time we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time is it, anyway?\u201d Tom asked, scrubbing hard at the spilt punch, a worried frown creasing his brow.<\/p>\n \u201cJust about eleven.\u201d Hoss told him around a mouthful of cake. \u201cBit later than we intended leaving, but it sure was a good night wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded in agreement, stopping as he turned to Tom. The other boy was standing quite still, his face drained of colour.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d Joe asked in concern. \u201cYou feeling ill, Tom?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s going to be after midnight when we get home.\u201d Tom\u2019s voice was a strained whisper. \u201cAnd I smell of alcohol. My Pa\u2019s gonna to be so mad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that all?\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, we can explain to him what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Tom cried out, then lowered his voice at Joe\u2019s startled look. \u201cNo, I\u2019ll explain. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re right, it\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it will.\u201d Joe assured him, exchanging a puzzled glance with Hoss as they all headed out to meet Adam, not sure why Tom was so worried about a spilt drink and a late arrival home.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n The sun shone brightly through the coloured glass of the church windows, as Joe sat in the pew with his family the following morning, dust motes dancing in its multihued beams.<\/p>\n The late night was catching up with the youngest Cartwright, and the warmth of the morning combined with a long and tedious sermon delivered in Reverend Jones deep monotone didn\u2019t help. Several times he found his eyelids drooping and had to fight to stay awake, sitting up straighter and trying hard to concentrate on what the Reverend was saying.<\/p>\n Once or twice Joe glanced across the aisle to where Tom sat between his father and brother, but his friend kept his gaze firmly fixed on the front of the church and, with a stifled sigh, Joe gave up trying to attract his attention.<\/p>\n At long last, or so it seemed to Joe, the final words were spoken, the last hymn sung and the congregation were dismissed to file out into the summer sunshine.<\/p>\n \u201cPa.\u201d Joe caught his father\u2019s arm as they left the church, blinking a little in the brightness of the day. \u201cWould it be all right if I asked Tom to have lunch with us?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled down at his son, pleased that the boy seemed to have made a friend in Tom Jenner. He knew that Joe had been missing the company of his schoolmates these last few months. \u201cOf course it would.\u201d He said with a nod of approval. \u201cI think Hop Sing was making stew and I\u2019m sure that will stretch to an extra person.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d With a quick grin, Joe took off along the path to where Jeb Jenner was talking to Reverend Jones, his two sons close beside him.<\/p>\n Seeing his friend approach, Tom smiled at him, holding a finger to his lips. Nodding his understanding Joe stood patiently beside Tom and Jake as Jeb finished his conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Jenner.\u201d Joe began, when the Reverend eventually shook hands with Jeb and walked away. \u201cI was just wondering if it would be all right for Tom to have lunch at the Ponderosa today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid that\u2019s out of the question.\u201d Jeb replied coolly, barely glancing at Joe. \u201cTom is restricted to the house for the rest of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRestricted?\u201d Joe looked at Tom quizzically and the boy gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow I choose to punish my son is no concern of yours.\u201d Jeb told him, his tone tinged with annoyance. \u201cBut, as you are partly to blame for his behaviour, I think you probably know the reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of what happened at the dance?\u201d Joe asked incredulously, and saw Jeb\u2019s small nod of confirmation. \u201cBut that\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTom was told not to partake of alcohol.\u201d Jeb said, his voice rising angrily. \u201cBut he came home reeking of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he didn\u2019t drink any.\u201d Joe protested, his temper starting to flare. \u201cIt just got spilt on him, didn\u2019t he tell you that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA convenient excuse.\u201d Jeb brushed aside the explanation. \u201cThen there\u2019s how late he got home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you knew where he was, who he was with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI trusted him to obey me, and you and your brother to make sure he did. It seems my trust was misplaced.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe just got delayed.\u201d Joe was practically shouting now and, with a worried frown, Ben started towards his son, Adam and Hoss close behind.<\/p>\n \u201cTell him.\u201d Joe saw his brothers approaching with relief. \u201cTell Tom\u2019s father that he never took a drink, and that it was our fault he was late. He won\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s true, Jeb.\u201d Adam assured the man, as Ben laid a soothing hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI had some\u2026er\u2026business to take care of and that made us late leaving the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it was me spilled the drink down Tom\u2019s front.\u201d Hoss put in apologetically. \u201cIt was just an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did offer to see Tom to the door and explain.\u201d Adam said softly, looking over at Tom who was staring at the ground, his face a picture of misery. \u201cBut he said he\u2019d be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re real sorry if it\u2019s caused any trouble.\u201d Hoss added with a conciliatory smile. \u201cAnd after he\u2019d had such a good time, dancing with all the girls and\u2026\u201d He trailed off at the enraged look that had appeared on Jeb\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cGirls!\u201d Tom\u2019s father hissed, turning furiously on his oldest son. \u201cI told you to keep away from girls!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS\u2026sorry, Pa.\u201d Tom stuttered, and threw an apologetic look at Joe as his father reached out and roughly grasped his arm. \u201cIt was Joe\u2019s idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Jeb turned back to Joe, who, open mouthed in surprise at Tom\u2019s words, flinched at the man\u2019s angry glare.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Jeb.\u201d Adam interrupted, attempting to calm the man. \u201cIt was a dance after all, and they were all respectable girls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Tom has to work with Joe.\u201d Jeb said, his voice controlled now, though still angry. \u201cBut apart from that I don\u2019t want to see them together, is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb.\u201d Ben put in, his hand squeezing Joe\u2019s shoulder warningly as his youngest son opened his mouth to speak. \u201cDon\u2019t you think you\u2019re being a little harsh? Tom is sixteen after all, not a child.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking over at his employer, Jeb shook his head. \u201cYou may be my boss, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d He said evenly. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t give you the right to interfere with how I raise my boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not.\u201d Ben agreed quickly. \u201cBut\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it anymore.\u201d Jeb interrupted, turning to go, his hand still grasping Tom\u2019s arm firmly. \u201cAs I said, Tom is restricted to the house for the rest of today, and for the next few Sundays.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoy, he sure is strict.\u201d Hoss exclaimed as Jeb marched Tom away, Jake trailing silently behind. \u201cIt\u2019s my guess that boy won\u2019t be sitting comfortable for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t, would he?\u201d Joe exclaimed in horror, looking up at his father and brothers. \u201cI mean, Tom\u2019s my age, too old for a tanning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did disobey his father.\u201d Ben said quietly, watching the Jenner\u2019s disappear into the distance. \u201cJeb might feel that\u2019s a good enough reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Little Joe.\u201d Hoss said with a smile, seeing the apprehensive expression on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cJeb\u2019s all right. He loves them boys of his, they\u2019re all he ever talks about when we\u2019re out on the range together. Besides, you\u2019ve had enough tannings in your time, don\u2019t hurt for long.\u201d<\/p>\n Lips twisting in a wry smile, Joe had to agree. He had indeed suffered a few tannings over the years and it had never done him any harm. Though he was glad that his father considered him well past the age of such a punishment now.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Joe had been all for defying Jeb\u2019s order to stay away from Tom, and it had taken Ben some time to persuade him that it might be best to comply with the man, at least for now, and that it would be wisest to let Jeb calm down before attempting to make him change his mind.<\/p>\n Work however was a different matter, and although Adam assigned Joe and Tom different tasks for a couple of days, agreeing with Ben that it was the best thing to do in the circumstances, by Wednesday he had the two boys together again, and clearing ditches.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was the big idea telling your Pa it was my fault about the girls?\u201d Joe asked his friend as the two youths left their horses tethered in the shade, shouldered their spades and trudged across the meadow to begin work. \u201cAnd what\u2019s so bad about dancing with girls anyway? That\u2019s what you\u2019re meant to do at a dance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s just a bit funny about things like that.\u201d Tom told him, not explaining any further. \u201cBut I\u2019m sorry I said it was your fault, reckoned perhaps Pa might not mind so much if he thought you were to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe give you a hard time about it?\u201d Joe looked at the other boy sympathetically. \u201cHe sure seemed angry.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom shrugged, pausing at the edge of the ditch and staring down at the tangle of weeds that clogged it. \u201cLooks like we\u2019ve got our work cut out for us here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded in agreement, tossing his spade into the ditch and jumping down beside it. \u201cHot day for digging as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure is.\u201d Tom glanced up at the sky above him, not a cloud marring the bright blue. \u201cReckon we\u2019ve got just about the worst job on the ranch today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause we\u2019re the youngest.\u201d Joe observed with a sigh as Tom joined him in the ditch and they set to work. \u201cPa says you gotta learn from the bottom up, and I guess that\u2019s true, but I\u2019d sure like to be out checking stock or breaking horses at the corral instead.\u201d<\/p>\n By lunchtime the ditch was clear, and the two hot and sticky boys decided it was time for a well-earned rest before heading back to the ranch. Fetching the canteens from the horses, Joe threw Tom\u2019s over to him, before settling down on the grass and taking a drink. Joining him, Tom swallowed a deep draught of water, then soaked his bandanna and wiped his flushed, sweaty face. \u201cBoy, is it ever hot.\u201d He said with a tired sigh. \u201cI feel like I\u2019m gonna melt clean away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh.\u201d Joe agreed, then flashed a sudden grin as an idea occurred to him. \u201cBut I know how we could cool off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d Tom asked warily, seeing the crafty look that had appeared on his friend\u2019s face. \u201cWhat have you got in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe lake\u2019s not far.\u201d Joe explained. \u201cAnd I bet Adam wasn\u2019t expecting us to finish work just yet. He won\u2019t know if we go take a quick swim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA swim!\u201d Alarm edged Tom\u2019s voice. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure we could.\u201d Joe said with a laugh, getting to his feet. \u201cIt\u2019ll be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuppose your brother finds out?\u201d Tom asked worriedly, then swallowed hard as another thought struck him. \u201cSuppose my Pa finds out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey won\u2019t.\u201d Joe assured him in a wheedling tone. \u201cAnd you said yourself how hot it is. A cool dip is just what we need.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom dropped his eyes to the ground, fingers plucking nervously at a strand of grass. \u201cBut I\u2026er\u2026can\u2019t swim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d Joe\u2019s disappointment at this news only lasted a few seconds. \u201cThen you can just wade in and cool off.\u201d He declared. \u201cYou don\u2019t actually need to swim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, you go in if you like.\u201d Tom got reluctantly to his feet and followed Joe toward the horses. \u201cI\u2019ll just watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou scared of showing off that skinny body of yours?\u201d Joe teased, tying his spade securely to his horse\u2019s saddle. \u201cIs that the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo it ain\u2019t!\u201d Tom denied indignantly. \u201cI just don\u2019t wanna go in, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMust be scared of the water then.\u201d Joe mocked, grinning widely. \u201cBet that\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t scared!\u201d Annoyed, Tom shoved Joe on the shoulder. \u201cYou take that back.\u201d<\/p>\n With a laugh, Joe returned the shove, pushing Tom in the stomach. He sobered immediately as the other boy recoiled with a cry of pain. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d Joe asked in alarm, worried that he\u2019d somehow hurt his friend. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t.\u201d Tom said shortly, recovering his composure. \u201cI got in a bit of a fight with my brother, just playing around, you know how it is. Guess I\u2019m still a bit bruised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA bit bruised?\u201d Joe asked disbelievingly. \u201cShouldn\u2019t hurt that much, let me see….\u201d Before Tom could stop him he had pulled the boy\u2019s shirt aside, his voice trailing off as he stared in horror at Tom\u2019s bared torso. The youth\u2019s stomach was a mass of bruises, dark purple fading to yellow and grey. \u201cMy God.\u201d Joe whispered at last, his voice shaking slightly. \u201cWho did that to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you.\u201d Tom said angrily, jerking away from Joe and tucking his shirt securely into his pants. \u201cIt was just a bit of rough housing with Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, c\u2019mon.\u201d Joe protested. \u201cJake\u2019s nine years old, and a skinny little thing at that, he couldn\u2019t have done that much damage. Who was it, Tom? You have a run in with one of the other hands, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust leave it, Joe.\u201d Tom pleaded softly. \u201cPlease, just forget about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForget about it!\u201d Joe exclaimed, angry at whoever had done this to Tom. \u201cI\u2019ll speak to my Pa, if someone\u2019s been hurting you he\u2019ll deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Tom practically shouted the word, his voice echoing through the still heat of the afternoon. \u201cI said leave it.\u201d Turning on his heel he marched rapidly to his horse, mounted up and galloped away, leaving Joe staring after him in concern and wondering who could have inflicted such vicious damage on his friend.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Coming into the barn while Joe was stabling Cochise that evening, Ben watched his son for a while before asking idly. \u201cDid you and Tom have some kind of argument today? Adam said Tom rode in well before you did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t argue.\u201d Joe hung his saddle over the edge of the stall before turning his attention to the horse\u2019s bridle. \u201cWell, not exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d The single word wasn\u2019t exactly a question, but there was a hint of enquiry in the way Ben said it, and Joe paused for a moment, debating whether to tell his father what had happened.<\/p>\n \u201cSo long as everything\u2019s all right.\u201d Ben said, as his son remained silent. \u201cI\u2019ll see you inside, supper will be ready soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTom\u2019s in trouble.\u201d Joe\u2019s quiet words halted Ben as he turned to go. \u201cHe told me not to say anything, but I think someone ought to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Ben said, and then waited quietly, leaning against Cochise\u2019s stall, as his son collected his thoughts before relating the details.<\/p>\n \u201cTom\u2019s been beaten.\u201d Joe said eventually. \u201cHis stomach is a mass of bruises.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he say who did it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe said it was Jake. Said they were fighting, but I don\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d Ben asked gently. \u201cBrothers do fight sometimes, as you well know.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded in agreement. \u201cNot like this though.\u201d He said insistently, turning to meet Ben\u2019s concerned gaze. \u201cThese are serious bruises, Pa, and they aren\u2019t anything a skinny little nine year old could inflict on someone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Tom just bruises easily.\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cSome people do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope.\u201d Joe shook his head vehemently. \u201cHe\u2019s been beaten. If you saw the bruises you wouldn\u2019t doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo if it wasn\u2019t Jake, who do you think it was?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI reckon he must have had a run in with one of the other hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes you think that?\u201d Ben asked, a little surprised at Joe\u2019s assertion. \u201cHas he mentioned any trouble with anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Joe said with a frown. \u201cBut who else could it be? You know that some of the hands are a bit hard on new kids.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, he was aware that the youngsters sometimes bore the brunt of a lot of teasing from the older, more experienced, men, but he\u2019d never heard of any outright violence. It was possible, of course, but Ben was inclined to suspect that the injuries came from a source much closer to Tom.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re not hard on me of course.\u201d Joe added with a quick grin. \u201cThey don\u2019t mess around with the boss\u2019 son. Not that I expect any favours.\u201d He added quickly, seeing Ben\u2019s raised eyebrows. \u201cI mean I never point out that I\u2019m a Cartwright, but they all know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose they do.\u201d Ben acknowledged with a dry laugh. \u201cSo you think one of the men may have got a bit rough with Tom?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh. But I don\u2019t know what to do to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see that you can do anything if Tom won\u2019t say who did it.\u201d Ben counselled quietly. \u201cIf you like I could have a word, see if he\u2019ll confide in me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d Joe said uncertainly. \u201cHe got pretty angry when I mentioned telling you about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen how about I ask Adam if he\u2019s aware of anything? He knows most of the hands pretty well, he might have heard if any of them have a problem with Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d Joe agreed with a nod, giving Cochise a final pat and leaving the stall.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd perhaps I could ask Jeb a few discreet questions.\u201d Ben continued, putting an arm around his son\u2019s shoulders as they left the barn and headed for the house. \u201cHe may know something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have thought so.\u201d Joe grimaced wryly as he thought of the last time he\u2019d seen Jeb. \u201cHe and Tom don\u2019t seem to get along too well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWon\u2019t hurt to ask.\u201d Ben said, and Joe shrugged, just happy to turn the problem over to his father for now, and not to have to face the disquieting suspicion that had begun to niggle at the back of his mind.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be riding fence with Smithy today, Joe.\u201d Adam announced as he came in from the barn and joined his family at breakfast the following morning. \u201cSeems Tom\u2019s not well so he won\u2019t be working today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot well?\u201d Joe looked up in alarm. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA stomach upset apparently.\u201d Adam told him, sitting down and helping himself to eggs and ham from the serving dishes in the middle of the table. \u201cYoung Jake just came over and told me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he say if Jeb had sent for the doctor?\u201d Ben asked, a worried expression on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, just said Tom was sick and that they reckoned it was something he ate.\u201d Adam said with a shrug, picking up his fork and turning his attention to his food.<\/p>\n The meal over, Ben waited until Hoss and Joe had gone out to saddle their horses before turning to his oldest son. \u201cHow did Jake seem when he told you about Tom this morning?\u201d He asked quietly. \u201cDid he appear upset at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam looked at his father curiously. \u201cWhy? Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe told me that Tom had been beaten up.\u201d Ben informed him gravely. \u201cAnd quite badly. Your brother thinks that the boy may have had a run in with one of the hands but I\u2019m not so sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think one of the hands would do anything like that.\u201d Adam said thoughtfully, thinking of the men he worked alongside. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve certainly seen no sign of any animosity towards the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think so.\u201d Ben rubbed a hand across his forehead and shook his head slightly. \u201cI had a word with Jeb last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb!\u201d Adam exclaimed. \u201cYou surely don\u2019t think he\u2019s to blame? I mean, I know it happens, but I wouldn\u2019t have suspected\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho else could it be?\u201d Ben asked softly. \u201cTom told Joe it happened fighting with Jake but I don\u2019t believe that any more than he does.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Jeb?\u201d Adam protested again. \u201cI know he\u2019s a bit harsh with the boys, there\u2019s no denying that, but you should hear him talk about them, he\u2019s really proud of them both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe certainly seemed to be when I talked to him.\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cBut it comes back to who else could have done it. I tried to be as discreet as possible in the questions I asked of course, but\u2026Tom\u2019s illness this morning is worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to check on the boy?\u201d Adam asked, pushing his empty coffee cup aside and getting to his feet. \u201cI could go over before I start work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter not.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cIf Jeb is hitting Tom it could get worse if we interfere any more than we already have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue.\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut should we just stand by and do nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Ben said grimly. \u201cJeb\u2019s already pointed out that I have no say in how he raises his sons. I suppose I could dismiss him, but what good would that do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou might try having a word with Roy Coffee.\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cSee where the law stands in a situation like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMight be an idea.\u201d Ben nodded in agreement. \u201cThat is, of course, if my suspicions are even correct. Perhaps I\u2019ll ride in to Virginia City later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I have to get to work.\u201d Adam told him as Hop Sing came bustling in from the kitchen and began to clear the table. \u201cI\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d Ben stood up as Adam headed for the credenza to get his gunbelt. \u201cDon\u2019t say anything to Joe will you?\u201d He added as his eldest son grabbed his hat from the rack and opened the door. \u201cI\u2019d rather he didn\u2019t know that I suspect Tom\u2019s father.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t say anything.\u201d Adam promised, pausing in the doorway. \u201cNot until we know for sure anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n The taciturn middle-aged ranch hand known as Smithy wasn\u2019t the most pleasant of companions and the day went very slowly for Joe. Riding past the corral late that afternoon, glad that work was finished for the day, he spotted Tom\u2019s father helping out with the horsebreaking. It looked as though Jeb would be occupied for some while, and Joe decided that this might be a good time to call on Tom and see if he was feeling better. The little cabin that the Jenners occupied was quite close to the ranch house, and it wasn\u2019t long before Joe was dismounting from Cochise and heading for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHey.\u201d Joe greeted Jake as the boy cracked the door in response to his knock. \u201cI just came to see Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not v-very w-well.\u201d Jake stammered, blue eyes staring owlishly up at Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s s-sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh, I know.\u201d Joe glanced beyond the boy into the dark interior of the house. \u201cI thought I\u2019d just call in for a few minutes, see how he is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s all right.\u201d Jake told him shortly, a hint of panic edging his voice. \u201cP-please go away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to see him for a moment.\u201d Joe said, inching a little closer to the door. \u201cI won\u2019t stay long, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet him in, Jakey.\u201d Came Tom\u2019s resigned voice from behind the youngster, and with a sigh, Jake moved slowly aside.<\/p>\n The cabin was dim, shades drawn even at this hour, and Joe blinked as he entered, his eyes taking a moment to grow accustomed to the semi-darkness. As his vision adjusted he couldn\u2019t hold back the gasp that rose to his lips when he saw Tom\u2019s face. The boy had a split lip and numerous small bruises, but it was the black eye standing out purple and red against his pale skin that horrified Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI walked into a door.\u201d Tom mumbled by way of explanation as he saw his friend\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t expect me to believe that, do you?\u201d Joe said with derision. \u201cSomebody did that to you, Tom, and I want to know who.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, I did it.\u201d Tom\u2019s eyes slid away from his friend as he spoke. \u201cJust clumsy, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho was it?\u201d Joe persisted, determined to find out who was hurting Tom. \u201cTell me and I\u2019ll get my Pa to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Jake\u2019s shrill voice from behind them startled both boys. \u201cYou can\u2019t tell Mr. Cartwright. That\u2019s the reason\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Jake!\u201d Tom ordered quickly and, with a scared look at Joe, the boy fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cMy Pa?\u201d Joe questioned, puzzled. \u201cHow is my Pa the reason for this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause he spoke to my father.\u201d Tom murmured miserably. \u201cYou really want to know, Joe? You really want to know the truth? It was my father that did this to me. My Pa. Happy now?\u201d<\/p>\n For a long moment Joe said nothing, just stared at the other boy in stunned silence. He couldn\u2019t believe that Jeb had done this to his own son, and yet\u2026Joe finally acknowledged the feeling of disquiet that had been haunting him since discovering Tom\u2019s injuries. He had suspected Jeb, but hadn\u2019t been willing to admit it, not even to himself. \u201cWhy?\u201d He whispered at last. \u201cWhy did he\u2026 why does he\u2026 do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t need much of a reason.\u201d Tom said with a bitter little laugh. \u201cDisobeying him, talking about family business with outsiders, things like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long?\u201d Joe asked numbly, mind whirling at the horror of Tom\u2019s situation. \u201cI mean, has he always\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot when Ma was alive.\u201d Tom walked stiffly over to Jake. \u201cHe had her for a punchbag then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour mother?\u201d The words came out in a strangled gasp as Joe began to realise what life was like for the Jenner boys.<\/p>\n Tom nodded, his bruised face a mask of despair. \u201cMa could never do anything right where he was concerned. Now she\u2019s gone he takes it out on me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you stay?\u201d Joe\u2019s dismay and concern was fast turning to anger. \u201cYou\u2019re sixteen, you could get away from him, get a job somewhere, look after yourself.\u201d Looking at Tom standing protectively over his brother, Joe understood. His friend was living this nightmare in order to protect Jake. \u201cYou could both leave.\u201d He said softly. \u201cI could help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019d find us, Joe.\u201d Tom\u2019s tone was resigned. \u201cJake\u2019s only a kid, they\u2019d bring him back to Pa.\u201d He laughed again, a chilling despairing sound. \u201cSee, in his own strange way our father loves us. He\u2019s convinced that he\u2019s doing the best he can for us, teaching us right from wrong. So, sometimes he goes a little far, he\u2019s always sorry, says it will never happen again.\u201d The boy\u2019s voice broke on a sob as his hands tightened convulsively on Jake\u2019s shoulders. \u201cBut it always does, Joe, it always does.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Knocking softly on Joe\u2019s bedroom door Ben waited until he heard the mumbled \u201cCome in.\u201d before entering, finding his son laid out on top of the bedcovers, still fully dressed, his hands folded beneath his head.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you said you wanted an early night.\u201d Ben observed mildly, pushing the door shut behind him. \u201cNot tired after all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted to be alone to think.\u201d Swinging his legs to the floor, Joe stood up. \u201cBut I\u2019m glad you came in, Pa. There\u2019s something I want to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout Tom?\u201d Ben seated himself on the end of Joe\u2019s bed and scrutinised his son. \u201cI noticed you didn\u2019t have much to say at supper, guessed what was bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI went to see Tom.\u201d Joe told him. \u201cThis afternoon. He told me who it is that\u2019s been hitting him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb.\u201d Ben said quietly, to Joe\u2019s obvious surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cYou knew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guessed.\u201d Ben patted the bed beside him. \u201cSit down, Joe. Tell me what Tom said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb beats him.\u201d Joe confided, sitting down beside his father. \u201cAnd he used to beat Tom\u2019s mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Jake?\u201d Ben asked gravely.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019s why Tom stays. He thinks if he left his father might turn on Jake.\u201d Raising troubled eyes, he looked at Ben. \u201cHow could Jeb do that, Pa? How could he beat Tom like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose that Jeb feels it\u2019s justified.\u201d Ben said, shaking his head sadly. \u201cI imagine he would say that Tom needs the discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDiscipline!\u201d Joe exclaimed, anger flaring. \u201cThat\u2019s not discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what do you consider discipline to be, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked, laying a soothing hand on his son\u2019s thigh. \u201cDon\u2019t you think a man has a right to punish his son if he does wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot like that.\u201d Pushing his father\u2019s hand aside Joe stood up again and began to pace agitatedly. \u201cNobody should be allowed to do that. Tom was beaten black and blue and it isn\u2019t as though he did anything that bad.\u201d Running his hands through his hair, Joe forced himself to stand still for a moment, taking a deep breath and trying to bring his temper under control before he turned to face Ben. \u201cYou punished me when I did wrong.\u201d He said quietly. \u201cI had plenty of tannings over the years and sure, they hurt, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what?\u201d Ben questioned kindly as Joe fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat Jeb does to Tom is different.\u201d Joe frowned, biting his lip as he gathered his thoughts. \u201cI knew if I did wrong I\u2019d get punished.\u201d He said softly. \u201cAnd I knew what you considered wrong. Any punishment I kind of brought on myself. But Tom\u2026\u201d He grimaced. \u201cJeb punishes him for no good reason and he hurts him, Pa, really hurts him. Not a tanning that makes it a bit sore to sit for a day or two but a beating that leaves him in pain for weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really that bad?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cI saw his belly.\u201d He said. \u201cAnd now his face, a black eye, a split lip. And he\u2019s scared, terrified of his father.\u201d Looking down at his own father, Joe smiled softly. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine ever being terrified of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw Sheriff Coffee today.\u201d Ben said and sighed as he saw the gleam of hope on Joe\u2019s face that was swiftly extinguished by his next words. \u201cHe said he can\u2019t do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d Joe demanded angrily. \u201cWhy can\u2019t he stop Jeb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA father has a right to bring up his son how he sees fit.\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe, but that\u2019s the way the law sees it. Jeb has a right to discipline his son, just as he had a right to discipline his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not fair.\u201d Joe declared quietly, sitting down on the bed again, a defeated expression on his face. \u201cIf Jeb beat someone else like that, Sheriff Coffee would throw him in jail but because it\u2019s his own son he can get away with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree.\u201d Ben told him. \u201cIt isn\u2019t right, but that\u2019s the way it is, Joe. I\u2019m afraid you have to face it, you can\u2019t help Tom. All you can hope is that the boy decides to leave home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d never do that.\u201d Joe said with a sigh. \u201cHe\u2019d never leave Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d Ben put a comforting arm around his downhearted son and drew him close. \u201cI could try speaking to Jeb if you like, warn him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, knowing that would just cause more trouble. But an idea was beginning to take shape in his mind, an idea that just might work.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Friday brought Joe the opportunity he sought to put his plan into action. At breakfast Adam mentioned that he\u2019d sent Smithy and Jeb out to the fenceline in the south pasture, Jeb was going to make a start on mending fences while Smithy took the buckboard into Virginia City to pick up some supplies and some more fence wire. Adam had business in town and would meet Smithy there and go with him to deliver the wire to Jeb.<\/p>\n \u201cChecking up on him?\u201d Ben remarked mildly, when he heard Adam\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, that\u2019s not the reason.\u201d Leaving the table, Adam buckled on his gunbelt and picked up his hat. \u201cI\u2019ve had to send Billy and Dave to round up some strays so Jeb\u2019s on his own. Smithy and I are going to have to give him some help if the job\u2019s going to be finished today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you be back for supper?\u201d Ben asked as Adam opened the door to leave. \u201cOr shall I ask Hop Sing to save you something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should be back.\u201d Adam told him, pausing in the doorway. \u201cI plan on getting up to the south pasture around noon, and with the three of us working together we should be finished and on the way home by four.\u201d<\/p>\n Mounting up on Cochise some twenty minutes later, Joe was wishing that he could forget all about his plan and let his father deal with Jeb. Tension was knotting his stomach and he felt slightly sick at the thought of what lay ahead. For a moment he considered calling it off, and riding out to join Hoss at the timber camp, which was where he was supposed to be going. But knowing that Ben couldn\u2019t help Tom, and recalling the black eye and bruises that the boy still bore, gave Joe even more determination to go through with it. Inside his jacket he could feel the weight of the pocket watch he had taken from his father\u2019s bedroom, and cast a quick glance back at his home, hoping that Ben would forgive him for borrowing it without asking. Then, straightening his back and summoning his courage, he headed out towards the place where Jeb was mending fences.<\/p>\n For his plan to work Joe needed a witness to what he was about to do, and he intended that to be Adam, but everything depended upon his brother arriving at the fence line at the time he had said, and until then he needed to keep out of sight.<\/p>\n Approaching the meadow where Jeb was working, Joe reined in his horse and slipped from the saddle. Leaving Cochise tethered back beyond the ridgeline of the hill that sheltered the meadow, Joe began to move cautiously down the slope, keeping under cover, until he spotted Jeb in the distance, hard at work digging post holes. Settling down against a rock from where he could keep watch, he began his wait.<\/p>\n The warmth of the sunshine on his body was soporific and, despite the churning in his gut, Joe found himself drifting into sleep, waking only when the shade of the rock crept over him as the sun moved through the sky. A quick glance round at Jeb showed that the man had stopped work and was stretched out on the grass, hat over his eyes, probably awaiting the wire that Smithy was bringing. Pulling his father\u2019s watch from his pocket, Joe found that it was already close to noon, Adam should be arriving at any moment, and if his plan was to work he needed to act now.<\/p>\n Summoning up his courage, for he knew what lay ahead was likely to be very painful, Joe retrieved Cochise and, mounting up, started down towards Jeb.<\/p>\n Hearing the rider coming, Jenner lazily pushed his hat back to watch the horse approach, scrambling to his feet as he realised who it was.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing out here, boy?\u201d He asked sharply as Joe dismounted a few feet away from him, and there was no mistaking the dislike in the words.<\/p>\n \u201cI came to talk to you about Tom.\u201d To Joe\u2019s annoyance his voice quivered a little when he spoke, his mouth and throat dry with apprehension. \u201cTo tell you to leave him alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow I treat Tom is no business of yours.\u201d Jeb informed him icily. \u201cNor of your interfering father and brothers. He\u2019s my son and I\u2019ll deal with him how I see fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that includes beating him?\u201d Anger was fast overcoming Joe\u2019s fear. \u201cWhat kind of man are you, beating on your own son like that?\u201d<\/p>\n A dangerous glint of fury flashed in Jeb\u2019s eyes, and Joe took an involuntary step backwards as the man strode towards him, stopping just inches away.<\/p>\n \u201cGet out of here, boy.\u201d Jeb loomed menacingly over Joe, jabbing his finger at the youth\u2019s chest as he spoke. \u201cBefore I give you the hiding you so richly deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on then.\u201d Joe taunted, though inwardly he was quaking with trepidation. \u201cYou haven\u2019t got the guts to touch me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026\u201d Jeb drew back his fist and let fly, the heavy blow catching Joe on the side of the head and almost knocking the smaller, lighter youngster over.<\/p>\n What happened next was just about the hardest thing Joe had ever done, every fibre of him cried out to hit back, to put up a fight as Jeb hit him again and again. The pain was blinding as the man\u2019s powerful fists caught him in the stomach and ribs. A violent uppercut to Joe\u2019s chin finally floored the youth and Jeb followed him down, aiming his blows now at Joe\u2019s head. When, at last, the young man lay unconscious, bloody and beaten beneath him, Jeb finally seemed to come to his senses. Standing up shakily he looked down at his victim, with something akin to fear in his expression. He knew that the Cartwrights would never let him get away with this. He had to leave the Ponderosa, and quickly. Grabbing Cochise\u2019s reins he leapt into the saddle and spurred the horse away, never once looking back at the battered body by the fence line.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Urging the horses on, Adam chafed at the slowness of the buckboard, and silently cursed Deputy Clem Foster for keeping him talking in town. He was at least half an hour later than he had intended arriving to meet Jeb, and he\u2019d have to work quickly to make it home in time for supper. Of course it would have been quicker if he\u2019d ridden Sport, but there was little point arriving before the buckboard with its load of fence posts and wire, so he\u2019d tied the big horse to the back of the vehicle. He cast a sideways glance at Smithy, dozing in the seat beside him and grimaced, it hadn\u2019t helped matters that he\u2019d had to practically drag the ranch hand from the saloon before he could set off.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Smithy!\u201d He dug the older man sharply in the ribs. \u201cWe\u2019re almost there.\u201d<\/p>\n Waking with a start, Smithy peered blearily at his employer, and then at the pastureland around them. \u201cDon\u2019t see Jeb.\u201d He said thickly.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t either.\u201d Adam squinted off to the fence line where he had expected to find Jenner working. \u201cThough I can see something on the ground over there.\u201d<\/p>\n More alert now, Smithy stared at the object and gave a gasp as he realised what it was. \u201cIt\u2019s a man.\u201d He said urgently. \u201cMust be Jeb, and he\u2019s in trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n Flicking the reins, Adam drove the horses as fast as he could, his eyes widening and colour draining from his face as he at last pulled the buckboard to a halt and saw that the body on the ground wasn\u2019t Jeb at all.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe!\u201d Leaping from the vehicle, Adam quickly reached his fallen brother, dropping to his knees beside the youth.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone\u2019s worked him over real good.\u201d Smithy observed, coming over to join Adam at Joe\u2019s side. \u201cJust look at the state of his face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb.\u201d Adam said shortly. \u201cMust have been Jeb.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would Jeb hurt young Joe?\u201d Smithy asked, perplexed. \u201cAnd where is he anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t answer, his attention on his brother. \u201cJoe.\u201d He said softly, leaning over the youth\u2019s recumbent form. \u201cJoe, can you hear me?\u201d The question elicited no response and Adam looked up at Smithy worriedly. \u201cFetch some water.\u201d He instructed.<\/p>\n As Smithy went to fetch a canteen from the buckboard Joe stirred slightly and groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe.\u201d Adam said again, taking the canteen from Smithy as he came back and splashing a little water on his brother\u2019s swollen face. \u201cJoe, it\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Turning his head away from the cold liquid, Joe groaned again then blinked dazedly. \u201cAdam?\u201d He mumbled, a note of alarm entering his voice as he tried to focus. \u201cWhere\u2019s Jeb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s gone.\u201d Adam reassured him. \u201cIt\u2019s just me and Smithy. We\u2019ll get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you don\u2019t understand.\u201d Joe said agitatedly, trying to get up. \u201cYou have to get Jeb, you have to stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019ll get him all right.\u201d Adam assured him, his eyes hard, though his hands, as he assisted his brother to his feet, were gentle. \u201cHe might hide behind the law when it comes to dealing with his son, but there\u2019s no way he\u2019s going to get away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Instructing Smithy to get the horse blanket from beneath Sport\u2019s saddle, Adam wrapped it around his brother, before lifting Joe up into the buckboard and trying to make him as comfortable as he could for the ride back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be all right.\u201d Joe whispered weakly as Adam settled himself beside him. \u201cJust go and get Jeb.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m taking you home.\u201d Adam told him firmly. \u201cI\u2019ll see to Jeb later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he might go after Tom.\u201d Joe said worriedly, peering up at Adam from eyes partially closed by swelling, the skin around them beginning to show the discolouration of bruised tissue \u201cYou\u2019ve gotta stop him, Adam, you just gotta.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will.\u201d Adam assured him softly. \u201cBut not until you\u2019re safe at home.\u201d<\/p>\n The buckboard lurched forward at that moment, Smithy taking up the reins and starting for the ranch house, and Joe bit down hard on his already swollen lip, trying to hold back a moan of agony.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened anyway?\u201d Adam asked gently, hoping to distract him from the pain. \u201cWhy did Jeb do this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n The question went unanswered; Joe had lapsed back into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry up.\u201d Adam yelled up to Smithy, and as the buckboard gathered speed, he pulled his brother into his arms, bracing himself as best as he could to try and stop the bouncing of the vehicle from jostling Joe too much and perhaps adding to the youth\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n It seemed a very long journey back to the house and Adam was never more relieved to arrive in the yard of the Ponderosa. Almost before the buckboard had come to a halt he had picked Joe up and was awkwardly clambering to the ground, yelling back at Smithy to get a horse and ride for Doctor Martin.<\/p>\n As Adam approached the house, Joe a dead weight in his arms, the door opened and Ben came out, fear clouding his eyes as he saw his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s alive, Pa.\u201d Adam said hurriedly, before his father could think the worst. \u201cBut he\u2019s been pretty badly beaten up. I\u2019ve sent Smithy for the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n Standing aside to let Adam carry Joe into the house and over to the settee, Ben followed him inside. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d He asked as Adam carefully lay his burden down. \u201cHe was meant to be up at the timber camp with Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll I know is that I found him out at the fenceline.\u201d Adam told him, as Ben knelt beside the settee and gently examined Joe\u2019s injuries. \u201cI don\u2019t know what he was doing there, but I know who did this to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d Ben asked, looking up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was Jeb Jenner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeb!\u201d Ben exclaimed. \u201cWhere is he now?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d He said. \u201cThough if he\u2019s got any sense he\u2019ll be high tailing it out of here. I\u2019ll give you a hand to get Joe to his room and then I\u2019m going after him.\u201d<\/p>\n An angry frown creased Ben\u2019s brow as he looked down at his bruised and battered youngest son. \u201cI\u2019ll deal with Jenner.\u201d He said coldly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you need to stay with Joe.\u201d Adam told him grimly. \u201cI told Joe that I\u2019d stop Jeb, and make sure Tom was safe, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Leaving Joe in his father\u2019s capable hands Adam lost no time in saddling a horse and heading for Jeb\u2019s house. He didn\u2019t really expect to find the man there, assuming that after what he\u2019d done Jeb would be leaving town as quickly as possible, so it came as a surprise to find all three of the Jenner\u2019s horses tethered outside of the little cabin, as well as Cochise. Dismounting and hitching his horse alongside the others, Adam gently patted his brother\u2019s pinto in passing, before striding to the cabin door and pounding on it loudly with his fist.<\/p>\n \u201cJeb!\u201d He yelled when there was no reply. \u201cGet out here, now!\u201d<\/p>\n For a minute nothing happened, and Adam had just raised his hand to hammer on the door again when it swung wide, revealing a terrified looking Jake.<\/p>\n \u201cI need to see your father.\u201d Adam said, trying to keeping his tone of voice even so as not to scare the child further. \u201cIs he here?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s in the b-bedroom with Tom.\u201d He told him in a quivering voice.<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d Adam caught the boy gently by the arm and pulled him out into the sunshine. \u201cI want you to stay out here, Jake.\u201d He told him quietly. \u201cYour Pa and I have some private things to discuss. Would you do that for me?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake looked up at him, wide blue eyes beginning to well with tears and bottom lip quivering. \u201cPlease don\u2019t hurt my Pa.\u201d He begged softly. \u201cPlease don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just want to talk to him.\u201d Adam said reassuringly. \u201cSo will you stay here while I do that?\u201d<\/p>\n Tears trembled on the blonde lashes before brimming over to run down the child\u2019s thin cheeks, but he nodded slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood boy.\u201d Adam told him with an encouraging smile, and a comforting pat on the shoulder. \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n Leaving Jake on the porch, Adam cautiously entered the house, right hand hovering over his gun, alert for any sign of trouble. The main room of the cabin was empty but showed signs that Jeb and his sons were getting ready to leave, untidy piles of clothes and food were heaped on the table, ready to be packed into waiting saddlebags. The door to the bedroom was closed, and Adam hesitated for a moment before reaching for the handle, keeping to one side in case he should be met with gunfire.<\/p>\n As the door swung open Adam heard Tom\u2019s voice. \u201cIt\u2019s all right Mr Cartwright, you can come in.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking round the door, he saw Tom standing by the window, his gaze fixed on his father, who was sitting on the bed. Adam had expected to find an angry, defiant man but Jeb\u2019s whole posture was one of defeat, his shoulders slumped, his eyes downcast.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you\u2019d be long gone.\u201d Adam said coldly, walking into the room. \u201cYou must have known I\u2019d come after you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t leave without my boys.\u201d Jeb said, staring down at his bruised hands, his voice flat, unemotional. \u201cI had to come get them.\u201d He darted a quick glance at Adam, unable to meet his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry!\u201d Adam exclaimed angrily. \u201cYou beat him, left him lying unconscious and you\u2019re sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe taunted me.\u201d Jeb explained, as though that excused what had happened. \u201cI was trying to show him a little discipline, let him know he shouldn\u2019t talk to his elders that way. Then I guess I lost my temper, just couldn\u2019t stop.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you beat up a sixteen year old kid.\u201d Adam sneered. \u201cThe way you beat your own son. What kind of a coward are you, Jenner? Why don\u2019t you try taking on a man instead of a boy? You want to fight me as well as my brother?\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment Jeb tensed, and anger suffused his face but the moment passed and the anger drained away. Slowly, he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you gonna take him to the law?\u201d Tom asked, his voice breaking the silence that had fallen in the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to take him into Sheriff Coffee in Virginia City.\u201d Adam told him.<\/p>\n \u201cWill he go to prison?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n At Adam\u2019s words Jeb reached out a tentative hand towards his son. \u201cLook after Jakey for me.\u201d He said softly.<\/p>\n Ignoring his father\u2019s gesture Tom nodded, his face solemn. \u201cI\u2019ll look after him.\u201d He said quietly. \u201cBut I want to tell you, Pa, I hope they put you in jail for a good long time. And when you get out I hope I\u2019m big enough to do to you what you\u2019ve been doing to me all this time. You ain\u2019t never gonna beat me again, you hear that? Never.\u201d Turning away he walked from the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI ought to hate you for what you just did to my kid brother.\u201d Adam said, grasping Jeb\u2019s arm and jerking the man roughly to his feet. \u201cBut I almost feel sorry for you. You\u2019ve got two fine sons, two boys who should care for you the way my brothers and I care for our father. But instead of giving them the love they deserve you terrorise them, beat your elder son and frighten young Jake until he\u2019s scared of his own shadow. Perhaps there\u2019s something wrong with you, I don\u2019t know, but I do know that your kids will be glad if they never see you again and I can\u2019t say I blame them.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n Coming down the stairs into the great room of the Ponderosa, Doctor Paul Martin smiled reassuringly at Ben, who was waiting anxiously for his verdict.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s awake at last.\u201d He told him. \u201cAnd I think he\u2019ll be just fine. He\u2019s battered and bruised, but no broken bones. Oh, he\u2019s going to feel pretty sore for a week or so but there won\u2019t be any lasting damage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought at the very least his nose was broken.\u201d Ben said, relieved at the doctor\u2019s verdict. \u201cHis face is so badly beaten.\u201d<\/p>\n Paul shook his head. \u201cOnce the swelling goes down and the bruises fade he\u2019ll look as good as ever.\u201d He told him with a wry smile. \u201cI\u2019ve just had to reassure him about that. The bruises on his chest and stomach were more worrying, but I\u2019m confident that there\u2019s no internal damage. He\u2019s very lucky, Ben, it could have been a lot worse. You do realise he pretty much goaded Jeb into attacking him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know, but it makes sense.\u201d Ben said, not quite sure whether his overriding emotion right now was thankfulness that Joe had come off so lightly, or anger at his son for confronting Jeb in the first place. \u201cI should have seen it coming, Joe was so angry about what was happening to young Tom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told me about Jenner beating his son. He thought that if Jeb went to prison everything would turn out all right for Tom and his brother.\u201d Paul told him, retrieving his hat from the credenza where he\u2019d left it on the way in. \u201cSaid the law couldn\u2019t do anything. So, Joe planned to get the man sent to prison for assault. He thinks with Jeb gone all the boys\u2019 troubles will be over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe gets some half-cocked notions at times.\u201d Ben said, opening the door for the doctor. \u201cGoing up against a big strong man like Jenner. It\u2019s hardly any wonder he lost the fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, it wasn\u2019t a fight.\u201d Paul told him, to Ben\u2019s amazement. \u201cJoe didn\u2019t want to fight Jeb, that way the man could have claimed self-defence. No, Joe just stood there and let Jeb beat him up.\u201d<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n As soon as the doctor had left, in a hurry to get back to Virginia City while there was still a touch of light in the sky, Ben headed up the stairs to Joe\u2019s room, eager to find out for himself how his youngest son was feeling. Opening the door he was met by an anxious, though mumbled, enquiry. \u201cDid Adam get Jeb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, son, he\u2019s not back yet.\u201d Ben said, taking a seat on the chair beside Joe\u2019s bed, and casting a sympathetic look at the youth\u2019s battered features. \u201cMore importantly, how are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore.\u201d Joe owned thickly, through bruised lips. \u201cGuess you\u2019re wondering why I did it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor Martin told me what you said.\u201d Ben shook his head in a show of exasperation. \u201cIt was a foolish thing to do, Joe, the man could have killed you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t think he\u2019d have time to do much damage.\u201d Joe admitted ruefully, the words more than a little slurred as he tried not to move his aching jaw too much. \u201cAdam was s\u2019posed to turn up and stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so that was the plan.\u201d Enlightenment dawned on Ben. \u201cYou worked that out when you heard what Adam said this morning, I suppose?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cBut Adam didn\u2019t turn up when he said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd by the time you realised that, it was too late?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh.\u201d Joe grimaced at the memory of Jeb\u2019s furious attack. \u201cDidn\u2019t think it would be so bad, or hurt so much.\u201d He touched a finger to one bruised cheekbone, and looked away from his father as he confessed huskily. \u201cI was scared, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s hardly surprising.\u201d Ben said, his heart going out to his son as he heard the shame in the young man\u2019s voice at this admission. \u201cIt was a brave thing you did, Joe. Foolhardy, but brave. Tom is very lucky to have you as a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of Joe\u2019s mouth at the words of praise. \u201cHope I haven\u2019t made it worse for him, what if Jeb went home and found him, what if he\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no point in worrying about it now.\u201d Ben interrupted quickly, seeing that Joe was becoming agitated. \u201cWe\u2019ll know soon enough, when Adam comes home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHope he\u2019s found him, and taken him to Sheriff Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Privately, Ben hoped that was all that Adam had done, his eldest son had left in an angry mood. \u201cJoseph.\u201d He said softly, hating to broach the subject of what was likely to happen to Jeb, but knowing he must. \u201cYou do realise that even if Adam has found Jeb, and he goes to trial, he\u2019s not likely to be sentenced to a long prison term?\u201d<\/p>\n Even through the dark swellings around his son\u2019s eyes Ben could see the alarm flare in them. \u201cBut he has to.\u201d Joe protested angrily. \u201cThat\u2019s why I did it! To keep him away from Tom and Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Ben told him gently, noting sadly the bitter look that settled on his son\u2019s face as he spoke. \u201cI\u2019m sure that Jeb will be punished, but not as severely as you hoped. I doubt that the court would jail him for long anyway, and when they hear that you provoked the attack they aren\u2019t going to be very sympathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019ll tell them what he does to Tom, he has to be stopped, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head gravely, compassion in his dark eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to say that a lot of people would think that what happens between Jeb and his son is a family matter, Joseph. They might not agree with it, but they won\u2019t condemn it either. And as we\u2019ve already discussed, he\u2019s breaking no law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just not fair\u2026.\u201d Furious, Joe was about to voice his objections, ignoring the pain that talking was causing him, but he was halted by the sound of hooves in the yard outside.<\/p>\n Getting to his feet, Ben crossed to the window, pulling aside the drape to peer out into the dusk. \u201cIt\u2019s Adam.\u201d He confirmed, seeing the shadowy figure of Sport tied to the hitching rail, and the spill of light on the ground as his oldest son flung open the ranch house door.<\/p>\n Arriving in Joe\u2019s room moments later, Adam was relieved to see his brother awake and alert. He\u2019d met Paul Martin on the road and the doctor had assured him that Joe would be fine, but the memory of the unconscious young man he\u2019d left at the Ponderosa had haunted him until now.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you find Jenner?\u201d Ben asked, and tensed at Adam\u2019s curt nod. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n Taking the seat beside Joe\u2019s bed, Adam ignored the question, his attention on his brother. \u201cYou all right, Joe?\u201d He asked, a concerned frown creasing his brow as he took in the myriad cuts and bruises that adorned the youth\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Managing a crooked grin, Joe shrugged, and then winced as the movement caused a flare of pain. \u201cBeen better.\u201d He allowed.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d Ben persisted, moving closer to the bed. \u201cYou didn\u2019t\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t what?\u201d Adam asked, tearing his gaze from Joe and turning to look at his father. \u201cBeat him up like he did Joe? No I didn\u2019t.\u201d He chuckled mirthlessly at Ben\u2019s audible sigh of relief. \u201cOh, don\u2019t think I didn\u2019t want to Pa, after what he did to Joe, but I just couldn\u2019t. For a start young Jake begged me not to, but even then, if Jeb had started anything\u2026.. But\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026the man appeared to have no fight left in him. He seemed pathetic somehow, almost pitiable. To hit him would have been a bit like beating a whipped dog.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTom?\u201d Asked Joe anxiously, thoughts of his friend uppermost in his mind. \u201cHe all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s fine, just fine. In fact he surprised me today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurprised you?\u201d Ben queried. \u201cIn what way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust how he handled things.\u201d Adam thought back to Tom\u2019s parting words to his father, and how the youth had comforted young Jake as Adam led Jeb away. \u201cHe seemed older somehow, and not scared of his father at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot scared!\u201d Joe exclaimed in disbelief. \u201cBut he is, Adam, he always has been.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe certainly didn\u2019t act it this afternoon.\u201d Adam looked up at Ben. \u201cI\u2019m assuming it will be all right with you, Pa, if the two boys stay on here until Jeb comes home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cAs long as necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be a couple of weeks before the circuit judge gets here.\u201d Adam told him. \u201cThen it\u2019s up to the court.\u201d He turned to look at Joe once more, hazel eyes quizzical. \u201cJeb said you taunted him, Joe, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded gloomily, not bothering to explain his actions. His anger had faded now, his face and body were throbbing with pain, and he felt miserably guilty. He had set out with the best of intentions, to help his friend and Jake, now it seemed all he\u2019d achieved was a painful beating. Worse than that, he could have put Tom in even more danger, for he was pretty sure Jeb wouldn\u2019t take kindly to being locked up, and his son would no doubt bear the brunt of his anger when he got home. And whatever Adam said, he knew how frightened Tom was. Sliding down in the bed, Joe closed his eyes and feigned sleep, hoping that his father and brother would leave him alone. But, when they did eventually exit the room, Ben pausing to gently adjust the covers around him, he felt bereft and despondent. Aching as much with guilt as from his bruises, it was a very long time before he finally drifted into a troubled sleep.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss.\u201d Seeing his brother seated at the breakfast table with Adam and Ben the following morning Joe greeted him with delight. \u201cWhen did you get home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2019Bout an hour ago.\u201d Hoss told him, blue eyes narrowing in unspoken sympathy as he took in the state of Joe\u2019s face, and the slow and painful way his brother descended the stairs and limped across the room. \u201cPa\u2019s just been tellin\u2019 me about your run in with Jeb. Sure messed you up didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grimaced, he\u2019d just seen the damage for himself in the mirror in his room, and had to agree that he wasn\u2019t a pretty sight.<\/p>\n \u201cGuess you won\u2019t be dancin\u2019 with too many girls at the next dance.\u201d Hoss added, with a gently teasing grin. \u201cYou\u2019ll frighten \u2018em all away lookin\u2019 like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know.\u201d As Joe lowered himself carefully onto the seat next to him, Adam scrutinized the youth\u2019s battered features. \u201cYou could always go for the sympathy vote, Joe. I\u2019ll bet there are plenty of girls only too willing to kiss you better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery funny.\u201d Joe scowled at his brothers, a hint of pink touching the few parts of his face that weren\u2019t already coloured by his bruises.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Joe will be back to normal very soon.\u201d Ben put in, though an anxious frown creased his brow as he surveyed his youngest son. \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re feeling well enough to be down here, Joseph? It might be best if you stayed in bed today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa.\u201d Joe protested, though it had, in fact, been far more painful to get up and dressed than he had anticipated. \u201cBesides, I\u2019d just get bored upstairs on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you up to eating breakfast?\u201d Ben asked, not at all reassured by his son\u2019s answer, but not wanting to force the boy to stay in bed if he didn\u2019t want to.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps some scrambled eggs?\u201d Joe suggested hesitantly, feeling a stir of hunger but knowing that there was no way he could tackle the bacon that the rest of the family were eating.<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose that\u2026\u201d Ben began, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Pushing his plate aside, Adam went to answer it, not surprised to find that the caller was Tom Jenner.<\/p>\n \u201cMorning Mr. Cartwright.\u201d Tom shuffled his feet nervously as he looked up at Adam. \u201cI was just wondering if I might have a word with Joe? That is, if he\u2019s fit enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s up and about.\u201d Adam said, ushering the boy inside. \u201cAnd I think he\u2019ll be glad to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n Approaching the table, Tom stopped short as he caught sight of his friend\u2019s face. \u201cJoe.\u201d He breathed hoarsely. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve nothing to be sorry for.\u201d Joe said, getting to his feet. \u201cI\u2019m the one should be sorry. I tried to help, but seems all I\u2019ve done is made things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom shook his head. \u201cNo, you haven\u2019t.\u201d He declared firmly. \u201cIn fact. . .\u201d He hesitated and cast a quick glance at Joe\u2019s family seated round the table. \u201cEr\u2026could we talk privately?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could go out on the porch, I guess.\u201d Joe suggested, looking to his father for approval. \u201cThat all right with you, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cBut don\u2019t be too long.\u201d He cautioned.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t be.\u201d Joe assured him, leading the way out on to the porch and settling himself down in the old rocking chair, while Tom squatted down beside him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry how things turned out.\u201d Joe began, guilt taking hold of him once more as he looked down at his friend. \u201cI thought if I\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cListen, Joe!\u201d Tom held up a hand to stop the other youth. \u201cI came to tell you what happened yesterday, when my Pa came home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt you, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Tom shook his head. \u201cFar from it in fact.\u201d He looked up Joe, a triumphant gleam dancing in his blue eyes. \u201cI stopped being scared, Joe, I\u2019m not frightened of him anymore and it\u2019s all due to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo me?\u201d Joe asked, puzzled by Tom\u2019s assertion. \u201cWhat have I got to do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen he rode in I could see he was angry.\u201d Tom told him. \u201cAnd I was scared, thought I must have done something to upset him. But he practically ignored me, just started pulling open drawers and cupboards and told me we had to leave. Then he told me why.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told you what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep. Told me he\u2019d hit you. Oh, he said it was your own fault, and that he needed to show you some discipline, same kind of excuses he used with me. I don\u2019t know what happened but suddenly I just got mad at him. It was kind of the final straw, but instead of being scared I was angry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, what did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI stood up to him. First time in my whole life, I stood up to him. Told him what I thought of him, that he was a bully and a coward. And you know what, Joe, he didn\u2019t know what to do!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t hit you?\u201d Joe was surprised. He\u2019d expected Jeb to take his anger out on his son.<\/p>\n Tom shook his head. \u201cI reckon he was actually scared of me.\u201d He said with a touch of pride, and a grin. \u201cHe\u2019s never had anyone stand up to him before, and he just backed off. Now I\u2019m gonna make sure he never touches me again, not me or Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s going to be real angry when he gets home.\u201d Joe said anxiously. \u201cWhat are you going do then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t be there.\u201d Tom informed him. \u201cThat\u2019s the other thing I came to tell you. I\u2019ve decided to take my chance, take Jake and get away from here. I\u2019m not scared for myself anymore, but I don\u2019t want him anywhere near Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what about what you said?\u201d Joe protested, worried for his friend. \u201cYou said they\u2019d send people after you, bring you home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey still might.\u201d Tom said, and his blue eyes clouded at the thought. \u201cBut I have to take the chance. I\u2019m going to head west, to the goldfields. There\u2019s some lawless places there, and plenty of kids on their own. Hopefully there\u2019ll be no questions asked. I\u2019ve got a little money, a few dollars my Ma made from doing some dressmaking and gave me before she died. It\u2019s not much, but it\u2019s enough for Jakey and me to live on for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTonight.\u201d Tom looked up at Joe, and smiled nervously. \u201cAnd I need to ask you a favour about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything.\u201d Joe assured him earnestly. \u201cI\u2019ve got a few dollars you could have, and I could borrow\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need money.\u201d Tom interrupted him, with a shake of his blonde head. \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026when I don\u2019t turn up for work in the morning, it won\u2019t take Adam long to find out I\u2019ve taken Jake and left. I need you to stop him going to the law, or coming to look for us. Do you think you could do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do my best.\u201d Joe wasn\u2019t too sure how he\u2019d dissuade Adam if he decided the law should be brought in, but he was determined to try.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d Getting to his feet, Tom held out his hand to Joe. \u201cThanks for everything. It\u2019s been good to know you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll write?\u201d Joe asked, grasping Tom\u2019s hand and shaking it firmly. \u201cLet me know how you get on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBest if I don\u2019t.\u201d Tom said softly. \u201cNot that I don\u2019t trust you not to tell anyone where we are, but letters can be intercepted.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his understanding. \u201cI guess so.\u201d He agreed. \u201cWell, best of luck to you both, wherever you end up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d And with a last quick smile for his friend, Tom turned and walked away.<\/p>\n ^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t so much Joe\u2019s entreaties that stayed Adam and Ben\u2019s hand the following morning, when they found out that the Jenner boys had left the ranch, but the sight of his still livid bruises. The thought that Tom had undergone such beatings on a regular basis sickened both father and son to their stomachs, and despite Ben\u2019s misgivings about young Jake\u2019s welfare it was agreed that the boys\u2019 departure wouldn\u2019t be mentioned, unless Jenner or the Sheriff asked after them. By the time Jeb returned to the Ponderosa, after serving a month in jail, his sons were long gone.<\/p>\n The years passed, and though Joe occasionally wondered what had become of Tom and Jake, he\u2019d almost forgotten about them, when, some six years later, a letter arrived at the ranch. It was just a short note, but for Joe it finally laid to rest the lingering guilt he had felt over his part in the break-up of the Jenner family, and reassured Adam and Ben that they had done the right thing in letting the boys go.<\/p>\n Dear Joe,<\/em><\/p>\n I guess you\u2019ll be surprised to hear from me after all this time, but I ain\u2019t ever forgotten you, or what you did for me and Jake. I just thought you might like to know that it turned out well for us both. We had some hard times, but we came through them, and at least we had each other and didn\u2019t have to be scared of Pa anymore. Jake\u2019s grown-up real well and I\u2019m mighty proud of him.<\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019m a married man now, Joe, with a baby on the way. You know, I remember how you used to talk about your Pa, and, though I never said anything, I used to get a little jealous, wishing my Pa was like yours. Now I\u2019m gonna get the chance to be a good father to my own kid, and I aim to make my child as proud of me as you were of your Pa.<\/em><\/p>\n I reckon I owe that chance to you, Joe. You gave me the courage to stand up to my father, the courage to finally break away from him. For that I will always be grateful.<\/em><\/p>\n Your Friend,<\/em><\/p>\n Tom<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n THE END<\/p>\n Kathleen Pitts. May 2003<\/p>\n
\nSeven thirty saw the three Cartwright brothers arriving in town together, all smartly dressed and looking forward to a convivial evening with their friends and neighbours.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAnd then what?\u201d Tom asked hollowly, putting his hands on his brother\u2019s shoulders and looking down at the younger boy with affection. \u201cIf I\u2019m not here who do you think would suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n