{"id":3147,"date":"2005-06-01T23:43:42","date_gmt":"2005-06-02T03:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3147"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:45","slug":"hunting-for-hidden-gold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3147","title":{"rendered":"Hunting for Hidden Gold (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe falls foul of a group of young men who are hunting for something on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (8,555 words)<\/p>\n

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

Hunting for Hidden Gold<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t afraid \u2013 and that was his first mistake. He rode in amongst the young men and shook his head. \u201cWhat are you boys doing away out here?\u201d he asked jovially. \u201cLooking for work or are you lost?\u201d<\/p>\n

The hand that pulled him from his horse was only the first of many that found its way to his body in the next few minutes. When the onslaught was over, Joe was bleeding, semi-conscious and knew he was in deep trouble.<\/p>\n

Trouble was not unusual for Joe Cartwright to be in \u2013 but this time, he had no idea what was going on.<\/p>\n

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

The voice of reason edged its way into one of the young men\u2019s minds. He backed away from the bleeding man on the ground and muttered, \u201cThis is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another of the young men, exhilarated by the beating, looked at him contemptuously. \u201cWhat?\u201d he sneered. \u201cYou aren\u2019t getting cold feet about this are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Stung, the other glared back. \u201cI agreed to go along with the plan but you didn\u2019t say anything about hurting anyone!\u201d He gestured to Joe. \u201cJoe could be badly hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you worried about Cartwright?\u201d The other man shook his head. \u201cWhat difference does it make to you if we beat him up a bit?\u201d He kicked Joe and the injured man groaned and rolled slightly away from his tormentor.<\/p>\n

By now, the first man\u2019s worry was spreading, infecting the others as their killing rage cooled. \u201cRay\u2019s right,\u201d stammered a thin, unkempt youngster with a straggly beard. \u201cNobody said nothin\u2019 about beatin\u2019 up a Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll tell on us!\u201d yet another objected.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d the leader bellowed. He glared at Ray, who glared back, unrepentant. \u201cSo we\u2019ve beaten up Joe Cartwright! So what? The Cartwrights aren\u2019t the law around here. Nothing\u2019s changed, except we have a handy hostage if anyone gets too close.\u201d His eyes gleamed maliciously. \u201cYou want to back out?\u201d he asked Ray and in one smooth movement, he stooped and drew Joe\u2019s gun from the holster.<\/p>\n

Looking down the barrel, Ray knew what his answer would have to be. \u201cNo, Floyd,\u201d he murmured. \u201cI don\u2019t want to back out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Floyd stuffed the gun into the front of his pants. \u201cI thought you\u2019d feel like that,\u201d he commented. \u201cNow, get me some rope and we\u2019ll make our \u2018guest\u2019 feel more at home.\u201d He sniggered loudly as he flipped Joe over onto his stomach and dragged the man\u2019s arms behind his back. \u201cI never thought I\u2019d see the time when I was pleased to see you, Cartwright,\u201d he mentioned, tightening the rope viciously around Joe\u2019s wrists.<\/p>\n

He laughed again when Joe didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n

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

To say Joe was confused was something of an understatement. He lay on his side on the ground, watching as the young men set up a crude camp. Joe\u2019s body ached where the fists had caught him; he didn\u2019t think anything was broken, but the bruises were bad enough. What he couldn\u2019t figure out was why these men were on the ranch. None of them showed much inclination towards working, despite being in their late teens or early twenties. Joe knew them all, as he knew most of the young men in town, but he was friends with none of them. He knew none of them were the types to come and do a hard day\u2019s work on the ranch.<\/p>\n

The ground was cold and damp, following a heavy rain shower earlier in the day and Joe could feel the chill seeping into his bones. But he was more interested in noticing the way the young men persistently failed to get things right while making their camp.<\/p>\n

First of all, they didn\u2019t dig a deep enough fire pit, nor surround it with rocks. Joe was quite glad that they were so inept, as it would have taken only one small gust of wind to allow the fire to escape its confines. However, they had chosen probably the greenest, dampest wood around and it stubbornly refused to light for them. Despite the situation he found himself in, Joe could barely keep from laughing aloud.<\/p>\n

In the second place, Joe was surprised that they were camping out in the middle of a field, in plain sight. Given what he had heard \u2013 or what he thought he had heard \u2013 Joe assumed that they were trying to hide, since he might be a valuable hostage. Being in the middle of an open field didn\u2019t constitute \u2018hiding\u2019 to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe grew colder and stiffer as what was left of the afternoon wore into evening. The fire was still not going, which meant there was going to be no warm meal for any of them that night \u2013 assuming they even decided to feed Joe. He continued to watch his captors, but he was no longer amused by their ineptitude.<\/p>\n

Finally, Floyd crossed over to crouch in front of Joe. \u201cI seen you laughing,\u201d he accused. \u201cYou think you can do better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I can,\u201d Joe replied, not bragging, but with a matter of fact air. \u201cBut I\u2019m not going to help you.\u201d Joe would not admit, even to himself, just how good a warm fire would feel.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will if you want to stay alive!\u201d Floyd threatened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe answered. He kept his level gaze on Floyd, but despite seeing the violence in the other man\u2019s eyes, he still flinched when Floyd grabbed him by the collar and yanked him closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ought to cut out your tongue,\u201d Floyd hissed and Joe fought back a wave of nausea. He fully believed that Floyd would do it. Floyd had never been entirely mentally stable.<\/p>\n

\u201cFloyd.\u201d The single word was spoken quietly, but the warning was clear. Floyd dropped Joe back to the ground and Joe valiantly fought back a groan of pain. Ray stood there, watching them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got something to say?\u201d Floyd challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThreatening Joe isn\u2019t going to work,\u201d Ray replied. \u201cYou should know that.\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cBut one of the boys saw Adam riding that-a-way,\u201d he pointed, \u201ca little while ago. It shouldn\u2019t be hard to catch up with him and I\u2019m sure we could persuade Joe to help us if Adam was here.\u201d He grinned.<\/p>\n

It was a bluff; Joe knew it was a bluff. He was sure of it. Yet his heart was racing uncomfortably at the thoughts of what they would do to Adam to make him help them and he knew that it was a bluff that he couldn\u2019t call. What if Adam had been fairly close by? What if they could catch up to him? Joe knew that he couldn\u2019t let anything happen to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he allowed, grudgingly. \u201cI\u2019ll help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He knew he would take the bitter memory of Floyd and Ray\u2019s triumphant grins to his grave.<\/p>\n

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

Despite the hobbling ropes on his wrists and ankles, Joe managed to get the little camp set up efficiently in a very short time. He hadn\u2019t suggested that they move to a more secluded spot \u2013 he wanted them to be found \u2013 but he had persuaded Ray to dig a deeper fire pit and showed a couple of the others how to find dry wood. By the time the fire was blazing, Joe was exhausted. His body ached fiercely as he was shoved to the ground and his hands retied behind his back.<\/p>\n

The sky was darkening, deep purple shadows clothing the land as twilight claimed sway. Joe wished that he was at home, wondering what his father was thinking and feeling. He was rather surprised to be pulled from his reverie and offered some food. Although reluctant to be fed, Joe knew that he had to keep his strength up and ate what he was offered. Unfortunately, that added to another growing problem, but it was quite some time before Joe could persuade himself to ask for what he needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRay.\u201d Joe caught the young outlaw\u2019s attention, feeling that his face had already started burning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Ray was something of an enigma to Joe. He seemed to sometimes be on Joe\u2019s side, yet had showed no real friendliness or a willingness to help Joe out of this dilemma.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to go.\u201d Joe kept his voice as low as possible. He didn\u2019t know why he should be embarrassed about this \u2013 after all, he had been watching the other guys step behind the trees since he was captured.<\/p>\n

For a long moment, Ray stared at him blankly and Joe thought he was going to have to repeat his request. He braced himself to be slightly more explicit to make his need understood. Then the light dawned. \u201cOh right.\u201d Ray looked embarrassed, too. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll loose your hands, but if you try anything\u2026\u201d He didn\u2019t elaborate on his threat, but the way he patted his gun told Joe a lot.<\/p>\n

It was a huge relief to have his hands free for a few short minutes. Joe made the most of it, fully aware that several pairs of eyes were watching him, but doing his best to ignore them. He finally turned to face Ray again. \u201cThanks.\u201d It was the best he could do under the circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn round,\u201d Ray ordered. \u201cPut your hands behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing and wincing, for his shoulders were stiff and sore from the unnatural position, Joe did as he was told. \u201cRay, why are you doing this?\u201d he asked, as the other man worked on his bonds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make?\u201d Ray asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes a difference to me!\u201d Joe flared. \u201cI\u2019m a prisoner here in case you haven\u2019t noticed! It would be nice to know why!\u201d<\/p>\n

His conscience prodding him again, Ray tightened the ropes more than was necessary and only slackened them slightly when Joe winced. \u201cThe less you know, the safer you\u2019ll be,\u201d he replied. He turned Joe around and guided him back to the spot where Joe had been sitting, making sure that the hobbled man didn\u2019t trip.<\/p>\n

\u201cSafe,\u201d Joe scoffed. He looked up at Ray. \u201cI\u2019ve seen your faces,\u201d he reminded the other. \u201cHow safe does that make me?\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m dead as soon as you have no more use for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Ray hissed and struck Joe across the face. For a moment, he gazed at Joe, horrified at what he had done. There was a trickle of blood coming from Joe\u2019s mouth. Ray turned and walked away, unable to watch any more.<\/p>\n

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

It was so late now that none of them doubted that Joe had run into some kind of trouble. He had been out since very early that morning \u2013 even if he had decided to go into town for the evening, he would have been back long before now. The snag was that it was also too late to do anything about Joe\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben Cartwright pushed himself away from the fire, where he had been standing, gazing into the flames, leaning on the stonework. \u201cWe ought to try to sleep,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasier said than done,\u201d Adam replied. He had spent a good part of the evening reading, but it had been hours since he had turned a page. The volume lay, forgotten, on his lap. Ben idly wondered if it was a new book or an old favorite.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, how comes its allus Joe what gits inta trouble?\u201d Hoss muttered. He clenched his large fists as though doing violence to something neither of the others could see.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a target on his back?\u201d Adam suggested, trying to lighten the atmosphere. The dark looks he got from father and sibling told him that he had failed dismally. \u201cSorry. Pa, you\u2019re right; we have to try and sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cAnd you were right, too. It won\u2019t be easy, but we need to be fresh to look for Joe come morning.\u201d He started to put out the lamps and Adam and Hoss slowly mounted the stairs. Following closely behind them, Ben bid his sons good night and went to his room.<\/p>\n

Closing the door, he leaned against it for a moment, trying to discipline his thoughts, not allowing the disturbing, frightening, picture of Joe, lying on the ground, helpless and bleeding, to dominate his mind. He failed. His son \u2013 his youngest \u2013 was somewhere in the night, alone and in trouble. Ben hated the feeling of helplessness he was experiencing.<\/p>\n

He undressed and slid under the covers, extinguishing the lamp, waiting for the heat from his body to warm the chill sheets. A shiver wracked his body that came not from the smooth linen, but from his imagination, as he once more pictured Joe alone in the night.<\/p>\n

When sleep came, it was filled with amorphous images that wakened him often. When dawn came, Ben rose with gritty eyes and an aching heart.<\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing was going to be annoyed that they hadn\u2019t eaten more breakfast, Ben mused, as he pushed the food around on his plate. Even Hoss hadn\u2019t eaten as much as usual and it took a lot to put the big man off his food. But as the Chinese housekeeper cleared the table, he didn\u2019t say a word and Ben knew that his concern for Joe was a great as theirs was.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was checking the timber stand over on the lower slopes of Wild Horse Ridge yesterday,\u201d Ben started, as they gathered by his desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good hour ta an hour and a half ride over there,\u201d Hoss mentioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there are two different routes from there to here,\u201d Adam mused. \u201cWhich one is he most likely to have taken?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis one,\u201d Hoss declared decisively. He pointed to the map and traced the route with his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy that way?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWhat makes you so sure? I\u2019m not doubting you, son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cBut Joe allus goes that road ta Wild Horse Ridge. There\u2019s a meadow here, see? Joe jist loves ta race that pony o\u2019 his across it. I reckon Cochise likes it as well as Joe does, \u2018cos he\u2019s allus champin\u2019 at the bit ta git goin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one time I went there with Joe, that\u2019s the route we took,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cAnd he did race Cochise over that meadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he win?\u201d Ben asked, dryly and they all laughed, for they knew that Cochise would have won. \u201cAll right,\u201d Ben concluded, the momentary light-heartedness gone, \u201cwe\u2019ll start from there. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere!\u201d Hop Sing thrust the small parcel at Ben as he shrugged on his coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Ben asked, making no move to take it.<\/p>\n

\u201cFood,\u201d Hop Sing replied, in a tone that implied Ben was lacking a few brain cells. \u201cLil Joe be hungry.\u201d The look he gave told Ben that the food was for them all, but if they wanted to think it was all for Joe, they could please themselves. \u201cHe need good food.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you\u2019re right, thank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben nodded, giving in graciously. He knew that he would not have been allowed out of the house without the parcel of food. Sometimes, he thought Hop Sing rang the ranch and he just worked there.<\/p>\n

The horses were waiting in the yard and the Cartwrights didn\u2019t hesitate to mount up and ride out. They were determined that, by nightfall, Joe would be home with them once more.<\/p>\n

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

The night was long and cold for Joe. He did manage to get some sleep, but most of the time was spent gazing up at the cold stars above him, or at the embers of the camp fire. He had struggled uselessly against the ropes that held him captive. The knots defied his tingling fingers and eventually, he gave up, knowing that his wrists were raw and bleeding.<\/p>\n

With nothing else to do, Joe spent his time trying to figure out what on earth this gang wanted. It was clear that there was a purpose behind their being on the ranch, but Joe hadn\u2019t the least idea what it might be. They weren\u2019t knowledgeable enough to be cattle rustlers, although rustling was a constant problem for the Ponderosa. Trees were impossible to steal in their raw state. What else could they want?<\/p>\n

The answer was still eluding Joe when morning arrived. He watched them men bickering as they stirred up the fire and someone burned bacon and beans. Joe was almost glad that he wasn\u2019t offered anything, judging by the expressions on everyone else\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Finally, they started to pack up the camp. One man poured water on the fire and Ray came over to haul Joe to his feet. \u201cI need to go,\u201d Joe told him, past embarrassment now. \u201cAnd I need some water.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a nod, Ray repeated his actions of the evening before. Joe was grateful, although his fingers were clumsy and the tingle of returning circulation was agonizing. But he kept his face impassive as he went about his business and then accepted a canteen.<\/p>\n

As he sipped the water, resisting the urge to gulp it down, Joe looked around as best he could. Cochise stood, saddled, near by. Joe knew that if he could get to his mount, he would be able to escape. Cochise was the fastest horse in the district.<\/p>\n

It took no more thought than that \u2013 and that was Joe\u2019s second mistake. He thrust the canteen into Ray\u2019s face and turned to run for his horse, quite forgetting that he was hobbled at the ankle. He made one step before he crashed down, face first, over the fire.<\/p>\n

It was Ray\u2019s quick thinking that saved Joe from a severe burn. He grabbed the back of Joe\u2019s green jacket and yanked the other man off the dying flames. Joe fell onto his back, gasping and risked a glance down. His shirt front was scorched, but intact and Joe hoped that the flesh underneath was the same.<\/p>\n

He had no chance to find out for himself, though. Floyd was on him in a moment, growling and yelling. Joe couldn\u2019t catch the words, but he could guess the gist. Floyd was furious that Joe was trying to escape and Joe was about to get the beating of his life.<\/p>\n

But once again, he had Ray to thank for his deliverance. Floyd\u2019s first two open-handed slaps caught Joe viciously across first one cheek, then the other. As Ray grabbed his arm, Floyd\u2019s hand missed its mark \u2013 Joe\u2019s nose, and caught him full between the eyes. It was a painful blow, but Ray undoubtedly saved Joe from having his nose broken.<\/p>\n

\u201cFloyd! If you beat him too bad, he won\u2019t be able to show us what we\u2019re looking for!\u201d<\/p>\n

For an instant, Joe hung in mid-air, suspended by his jacket collar, as Floyd glared at him, panting. Then, the killing rage went out of his eyes and he dropped Joe to the ground. \u201cMake sure he can\u2019t run away,\u201d he ordered. He kicked Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re going to lead us to what we want and no arguing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Too breathless to say anything at all, Joe lay quiescently as his hands were tied in front of him. As everyone else mounted, he was led to his horse, his ankles freed and boosted into the saddle. His hands were tied to the saddle horn and Cochise was snubbed tight to Floyd\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

There was going to be no easy escape from this predicament.<\/p>\n

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

They rode for quite some time, but it took Joe a while to realize that this wasn\u2019t just a random trek. It appeared that the gang was looking for something. The nagging question was \u2013 what? Apart from trees, grazing and a few shallow caves, there was nothing of any interest around. The herd was on a different part of the ranch. Joe was more than confused.<\/p>\n

He watched in puzzlement out of two swollen, blackening, eyes, as they reached one of the caves and Floyd and Ray dismounted and disappeared inside. They emerged a short time later and remounted. Neither said anything, but Joe would have given odds that Floyd was furious. He didn\u2019t understand at all.<\/p>\n

About noon, they stopped for a break. Joe was tied to a tree and offered neither food nor water. He didn\u2019t expect to get them, so he wasn\u2019t disappointed. Or so he told himself. His mouth was as dry as a desert and his stomach was rumbling on a regular basis. The food looked less than appetizing, especially to someone used to the delicious food Hop Sing produced, but it didn\u2019t smell too bad. But nobody so much as looked in Joe\u2019s direction while they ate.<\/p>\n

Mounted once more, they continued their meander around the ranch, eventually arriving at another small cave. Joe watched silently once more as Floyd and Ray disappeared inside once more. When they emerged this time, Floyd wasn\u2019t just furious, he was in a tearing rage and it looked as though someone was going to pay for his frustration \u2013 and that someone was Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is it, Cartwright?\u201d Floyd cried. He grabbed Joe\u2019s lapel and dragged him down so that they were face to face. Joe might have had the height advantage, but with his hands tied to his saddle horn, there was nothing he could do with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s what?\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t play the fool with me!\u201d Floyd snarled and dragged Joe off the horse. Joe winced as his captive wrists objected to the move. Pain shot all the way up his arms to his shoulders. \u201cTell me where it is!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere what is?\u201d Joe shouted back. \u201cHow can I tell you where something is when I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

The blow to his stomach caught Joe unawares and he sagged at the knees, gasping for breath. Cochise sidled away, adding to the pain in Joe\u2019s arms. Somehow, he managed to get his feet underneath him again. He slowly raised his head to meet Floyd\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Seeing that he had Joe\u2019s full attention again, Floyd gave a nasty grin. \u201cI never thought any of you Cartwrights had much brains,\u201d Floyd sneered. \u201cEven your so-called clever brother Adam. None of you are as smart as me.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seemed a pointless waste of breath to tell Floyd that he hadn\u2019t a clue what he was raving about, so Joe said nothing. He kept his gaze on the other man. He had no idea what Floyd might decide to do next, but Joe was sure it would be something unpleasant.<\/p>\n

Leaning forward so that his face was only inches from Joe\u2019s, Floyd hissed, \u201cThe gold, Joe. I want the gold.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beginning to wonder if he had taken more of a blow to the head than he had realized, Joe blinked. He still had no idea what Floyd was talking about. Gold? What gold? There wasn\u2019t gold on the Ponderosa, nor ever had been, apart from the odd nugget washing through in the rivers. If the Cartwrights had to rely on finding gold to keep the ranch alive, it would have died years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat gold?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

The blow knocked Joe against, Cochise, who startled sideways and this time Joe felt something give in his wrist. The pain was overwhelming and for several seconds, the world was obliterated by a whirling maelstrom of agony. When he finally could open his eyes again, Joe had lost the thread of the conversation entirely. He wondered if he was going to throw up.<\/p>\n

Joe might have lost the thread of the conversation, but Floyd certainly hadn\u2019t. He was still glaring at Joe with an expectant air about him, as though waiting for the answer to a question. Joe had no idea what the question was. He blinked sweat out of his eyes and tried to control the pain. He remembered what the topic of conversation had been and repeated, \u201cWhat gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, but with his temper seemingly under control, Floyd sneered again. It wasn\u2019t attractive. \u201cThe gold, Cartwright,\u201d he explained with exaggerated patience. \u201cThe gold you\u2019re hiding for Brownstone Mines.\u201d<\/p>\n

Things became slightly clearer to Joe, although he was still a bit puzzled. Brownstone Mines was a new operation that had taken over an old silver mine, renamed it and struck gold. With the discovery of a new load on the Comstock, there had been an up-turn in the number of men prospecting in the area. Brownstone had reputedly hidden the gold somewhere other than in the mine and it was proving very tempting to the less honest citizens of Virginia City. Several attempts had been made on the bank recently and the manager had issued a statement in the newspaper saying that the gold was not being kept there. It had to be admitted that most people thought he was lying.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re hiding the gold?\u201d Joe queried. It was the first time he had heard that particular theory. \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but I do,\u201d Floyd replied. \u201cThis place is perfect \u2013 out of the way, but close enough to get it when they want it. So come on, Cartwright, spill the beans. Where is it?\u201d Floyd\u2019s voice had turned menacing again.<\/p>\n

Despairingly, Joe wondered what on earth he could say that would save him from another beating. But nothing came to mind, so he fell back on the truth. \u201cWe aren\u2019t hiding the gold,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

It was the last thing he remembered for quite some time.<\/p>\n

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

The campsite was easy to find. The thin tendril of smoke from the nearly extinguished camp fire led them there. Kicking dirt over the last embers, Adam glanced around. \u201cI wonder who they were,\u201d he mused. \u201cAnd where did they go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey went this way,\u201d Hoss replied, pointing. He frowned at the tracks on the ground. \u201cSomething don\u2019 seem right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Ben asked, looking down at the spot Hoss indicated.<\/p>\n

\u201cLookee here,\u201d Hoss told him, pointing to a certain spot. \u201cThere\u2019s bin a scuffle o\u2019 some sort. Someone fell there, I reckon.\u201d He crouched and frowned at the tracks. Adam joined him, leaning over to get a clearer view. \u201cI reckon someone fell here, too,\u201d Hoss concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the fire?\u201d Ben gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks that way,\u201d Adam agreed. He put a calming hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cPa, we don\u2019t know that this has anything to do with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t we?\u201d Ben shot back. \u201cWe find this camp on a direct line from the house to Wild Horse Ridge. What do you expect me to think?\u201d He looked down at the fire again and felt a thrill of fear in his stomach. \u201cI think we ought to follow these tracks. Even if they have nothing to do with Joe, they might be able to help us.\u201d He walked over to Buck and mounted. Adam and Hoss exchanged a glance and copied him. Despite his words, Adam was sure that the tracks at this camp would eventually lead them to Joe. He kept his misgivings to himself.<\/p>\n

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

It was the pain that woke Joe. He felt as though he couldn\u2019t catch his breath as the pain seemed to consume his whole body, but as his grip on consciousness improved, the pain settled mostly into his arms. Joe slowly opened his eyes, unable, for a blessed moment or two, to remember what had happened to him.<\/p>\n

Reality came back with a crash. Joe found himself hanging from his saddle horn by his arms, his legs folded beneath him so that he was almost on his knees. Pain was the only constant of his world as he tried to grasp what had happened. Turning his head, Joe saw Floyd from the corner of his eye and he remembered.<\/p>\n

It seemed important to Joe to regain his feet before Floyd realized that he was awake. But that was harder than he anticipated. His hands were still bound to the saddle horn and it was abundantly clear that there was something the matter with them. Joe could barely make his fingers twitch, let alone grip the horn so he could maneuver to his feet.<\/p>\n

Moving was hellish, there was no other word for it. Joe gritted his teeth together, but no amount of stoicism could prevent the groans that escaped his lips. Getting to his feet was probably the hardest thing Joe had ever done. By the time he was upright again, he was grey, sweating and nauseous, his head reeling unpleasantly.<\/p>\n

As he gained control of his roiling stomach, Floyd came back over. \u201cYou gonna tell me now?\u201d he asked. He lifted a bloody, bruised fist. \u201cOr do you want some more of this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking was pretty much beyond Joe at that point. He could barely catch his breath and it was taking him all his time to stay conscious. It felt to Joe like he had been ripped to pieces, the pain was so intense. \u201cI\u2026 I can\u2019t\u2026 can\u2019t tell you\u2026 something\u2026 I\u2026 don\u2019t\u2026 know,\u201d he panted. He gritted his teeth, sure that he was going to vomit and dreading the experience.<\/p>\n

Floyd growled, but by now, Ray wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s only advocate. The others in the gang were looking uneasy at Floyd\u2019s continuing violence against the helpless man. \u201cLeave him alone, for pity\u2019s sake!\u201d cried one of the others.<\/p>\n

Whirling, Floyd glared at them all. \u201cHe could tell us what we want to know!\u201d he objected. \u201cHe will, soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t know anything about the gold,\u201d Ray countered. \u201cYou\u2019ve always hated Joe; we all know that. I think you\u2019re beating him because you hate him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, Joe congratulated Ray on his insight. He and Floyd had always disliked one another, although Joe wasn\u2019t sure why. He hoped that Ray wouldn\u2019t regret his words, for Floyd had an unpredictable temper. Joe leaned against his horse\u2019s side, grateful for both the warmth and support. He wasn\u2019t sure how much longer he could keep on his feet and the prospect of falling was a daunting one. Surely something had to happen to end this stand-off. Joe didn\u2019t allow himself to think that what might happen could make matters worse.<\/p>\n

But it did. A scuffle broke out between Ray and Floyd and they fought viciously, trading punches, kicks and bites as they staggered around the impromptu arena created by their watching gang. Joe could only watch in mesmerized horror. Ray was not his friend, but he was the only one who had shown any concern for the prisoner and Joe was afraid of what would happen should Ray lose the fight.<\/p>\n

Seconds later, Joe lost all interest in the proceedings. Ray reeled backwards from a particularly brutal punch and crashed off Cochise\u2019s shoulder. The pinto shied sideways and the sudden movement was too much for Joe\u2019s injured arms. The pain overwhelmed him and he blacked out, falling and hanging from the saddle once more.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cListen!\u201d Adam\u2019s face was fierce and alert and he held his breath as he tried to pinpoint the sounds he had heard.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss froze, too, straining their ears to hear over the sounds of their horses\u2019 breathing. But just as Ben was about to ask what Adam had heard, the sound reached him, too. \u201cSomeone\u2019s fighting,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d Hoss urged and they urged their horses into a lope, throwing caution to the wind.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t matter \u2013 the crowd of young men were oblivious to their new audience as they urged and cheered and jeered the two fighters in their midst. The two men in question didn\u2019t notice the newcomers either \u2013 not until the Cartwrights were suddenly among them. Adam dragged Ray away, while Hoss had the unenviable job of stopping Floyd.<\/p>\n

As for Ben, he had eyes for only one person. It had taken him only seconds to spot Joe and he threw himself from Buck\u2019s back to reach Joe\u2019s side. Desperately, he supported his unconscious son\u2019s weight and cried, \u201cHelp me, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ray was spent. Adam dropped the other man and hurried over to Ben\u2019s side, seeing for the first time what had scared their father so much. For Ben was scared and with good reason. Joe\u2019s face was bruised, bloody and swollen. Both his eyes were black and dried blood flecked his torn lips. But it was Joe\u2019s arms that scared the men the most. Joe was tied to the saddle horn and his left shoulder was clearly dislocated. His right wrist appeared to be broken about mid-way between hand and elbow. His hands were swollen and their color was bad. Joe\u2019s shirt front was scorched. All in all, it was not a picture to bring Joe\u2019s family any kind of comfort.<\/p>\n

It was the work of only a couple of minutes for Adam to cut through the ropes that bound Joe. Then he helped Ben lay his brother gently down on the ground before he looked up to see how Hoss was coping.<\/p>\n

Admirably was the answer. The young men had all dropped their guns. Floyd was lying face down on the grass and Ray was sitting in a dazed heap near by. Hoss looked angry, as well he might and the gang seemed to think it was prudent to do as Hoss had asked of them. Adam thought it was probably a wise move, too. Hoss was furious at whoever had caused such hurt to Joe and until he discovered who was to blame, he was holding everyone responsible. Hoss would never hurt anyone deliberately, but when provoked, he had his share of the Cartwright temper.<\/p>\n

There was no time to ask questions. The day was well on and Joe needed to get home and be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Adam set about gathering up the guns and Hoss bullied a couple of the young men into helping him piece together a makeshift travois.<\/p>\n

While Adam and Hoss were doing that, Ben knelt by Joe, raising his head to dribble a little water into his mouth. After a few minutes, Joe moaned and rolled his head, wincing as he regained consciousness. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben questioned. \u201cCan you hear me, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered, disbelief clear in his voice. He forced his swollen eyes to open just a crack and gazed at his father. \u201cHow\u2026?\u201d he started but Ben shushed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you all about it later,\u201d he promised. \u201cMeantime, let\u2019s get you ready to travel. Joe, I\u2019m sorry, but I\u2019m going to have to move your arms. I need to do something to protect them and I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s going to hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019S okay,\u201d Joe mumbled. The pain was making it very hard for him to think clearly, but he would have agreed to almost anything Ben said, so pleased was he that his father was there.<\/p>\n

Working quickly, Ben tore the bedroll from behind his saddle into strips and used them to bind Joe\u2019s arms to his torso. He had to steel himself to ignore the winces and moans of pain that escaped Joe\u2019s lips every now and then, but he knew that he had to do something. Joe\u2019s arms were already injured and he didn\u2019t want them to get any worse before they got home. Ben was also concerned about Joe\u2019s stomach, wondering how bad the burns were, but he again didn\u2019t want to meddle in something he knew nothing about. The priority was getting Joe home and getting the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ready, Pa,\u201d Adam told him.<\/p>\n

Glancing over his shoulder, Ben saw that the men were mounted, with Hoss keeping a close watch on them, his rifle in his hand. Hoss still looked angry and as Ben looked at the men, he could quite understand his middle son\u2019s feelings. These men were responsible for the terrible pain Joe was suffering. \u201cHelp me get Joe on the travois, Adam,\u201d Ben suggested. Together, they lifted Joe to the contraption and covered him with yet another bedroll. Ben made sure he was as comfortable as possible and then looked round. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It was a slow journey home and darkness had fallen when they arrived. The arrival of a large number of people drew the hands from the bunkhouse and they were quickly roped into helping. One was sent to town and the others were set to guarding the gang. Then, Adam, Hoss and Ben carried Joe inside and up to his room. Joe had had a bad time on the journey and passed out again as he was carried inside, but Ben didn\u2019t think this development was all bad. It meant he was able to get Joe\u2019s filthy, burned clothes off while his son couldn\u2019t feel the pain.<\/p>\n

Looking down at Joe, Ben was horrified at the extent of his son\u2019s injuries. His stomach was not much burned, just slightly red, like sunburn. It was, however, dotted with dark bruises. Joe had clearly dislocated his left shoulder, but the left wrist looked to have a break in it, too. The right wrist was swollen and discolored as well and the bruising ran to the top of his arm. Again, there were other bruises dotted here and there. The only positive thing Ben could find was that Joe\u2019s legs, aside from some bruises, showed no other signs of injury. Joe had enough to deal with.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Ben whispered, anguished. He hadn\u2019t realized that Joe was awake again until the hoarse voice spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were\u2026 hunting\u2026 for hidden\u2026 gold,\u201d Joe croaked. He was finding it difficult to focus, but knew it was important to tell Ben this. \u201cFloyd thought\u2026 we were hiding\u2026 Brownstone\u2019s gold.\u201d He gritted his teeth and rode out another wave of pain with only a slight moan escaping his control.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben gasped. When it looked as though Joe was going to try and repeat himself, Ben hurriedly assured his son that he had actually understood what had been said. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe, I heard you. But I can\u2019t understand why he would that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t,\u201d Joe remarked and made a sound remarkably like a chortle. Ben was even more perplexed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d The conversation seemed to be spiraling out of control.<\/p>\n

\u201cFloyd,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThinking\u2026\u201d Again came the chortle, accompanied by a gasp of pain. \u201cFloyd doesn\u2019t\u2026 think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Ben smiled, reflecting that Joe was quite probably right in that respect. Floyd wasn\u2019t inclined to spend time thinking. \u201cHe\u2019s the ringleader, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d Joe licked his dry lips. Ben immediately offered him a little water. Joe took some, but he didn\u2019t drink as much as he would have liked because he felt slightly sick, still. The last thing he wanted to do was puke up what little was in his stomach. \u201cRay\u2026 tried to\u2026 help me,\u201d he added. \u201cHe stopped\u2026 Floyd.\u201d Joe longed to move to try and relieve some of the pain, but he knew that wasn\u2019t possible. \u201cPa, am I\u2026hurt bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough,\u201d Ben answered as steadily as he could. \u201cWe\u2019ll need to wait for Paul to tell us just how bad. But you\u2019ll be all right, Joe, I promise.\u201d Ben stroked the dirty, tangled curls back from Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHow about I get some hot water up here and give you a wash, huh?\u201d he suggested. \u201cThat\u2019ll make you feel a bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed, listlessly. He tracked Ben\u2019s movements to the door without turning his head and when Ben was gone from his sight, he sighed, wincing at the pain that the movement caused him. Joe just wanted to fall into some sort of oblivion until he could wake up and find that his hurts were all healed. Bearing the pain was becoming harder and harder.<\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2026and that\u2019s what Joe told us,\u201d Adam concluded. He looked expectantly at Roy Coffee, the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t jibe with what Floyd tol\u2019 me,\u201d Roy groused. \u201cBut I guess I didn\u2019 expect it to.\u201d He nibbled on the edge of his moustache, a habit that Joe found highly amusing. Thinking about Joe\u2019s reaction to this, Adam had to hide a smile of his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about them others?\u201d Hoss asked. He laid down his coffee cup and cast another longing glance at the stairs, but the people upstairs ignored this cue and remained out of sight in Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon they\u2019ll say more when they don\u2019t got Floyd sitting glarin\u2019 at \u2018em across the room,\u201d Roy admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Ray?\u201d Adam probed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t said a word,\u201d Roy replied. He didn\u2019t sound concerned about it and reached out to snag another of Hop Sing\u2019s delicious biscuits. Hoss lifted the coffee pot to offer a top up and Roy nodded. Roy appreciated his visits to the Ponderosa, not being much of a cook himself.<\/p>\n

That kind of exhausted the topic of conversation for the time being and Hoss returned to gazing aimlessly into the fire and Adam eyed the book he had left on the coffee table. It would have been rude to read while Roy was in the room anyway, but Adam knew he would be unable to concentrate on his book. His mind was upstairs with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon I\u2019ll be able ta talk ta Joe tonight?\u201d Roy asked. The biscuits were finished and he looked disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it,\u201d Adam replied. He couldn\u2019t get the image of Joe\u2019s broken, dislocated arms out of his mind. Roy looked concerned, so Adam elucidated a bit. \u201cPaul had to give him ether so that he could set the shoulder and wrists. Joe probably won\u2019t be up to talking to you until morning at the earliest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too bad,\u201d Roy clucked sympathetically. \u201cMind if I wait an\u2019 find out how he\u2019s doin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Adam replied automatically, although he had to fiercely suppress the sigh that wanted to break free. He wanted to be alone with his family so he could brood in peace, not play polite host, even if Roy was an old friend of the family.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t have much longer to wait. About half an hour later, they heard footsteps on the upstairs landing and then Ben and Paul appeared on the stairs. Both looked tired. Adam realized that he was on his feet and glancing round, saw that Hoss was, too. Roy watched from the sofa. \u201cHow is he?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping right now,\u201d Ben answered. He sat down on the sofa and rubbed a weary hand over his face. Paul slumped down beside him. Hoss hurried off to order some fresh coffee for them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s going to be sore for a few days,\u201d Paul elaborated. \u201cI\u2019ve set the breaks and the shoulder and when the swelling comes down, I\u2019ll put him in plaster. But it\u2019s going to be hard for him, as both his hands are going to be out of commission. I have no doubt that life will be hard for you all until the plaster is off.\u201d He grimaced. \u201cJoe\u2019s going to need quite a lot of painkillers until I can get those casts on, so I would expect him to be fairly drowsy for a couple of days.\u201d He glanced at the sheriff. \u201cYou can try talking to him tomorrow, Roy, but you\u2019ll need to catch him early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that,\u201d Roy agreed. He rose. \u201cI\u2019d best be headin\u2019 back ta town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are welcome to stay,\u201d Ben offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Ben, but I got them prisoners ta watch. I\u2019ll be back tomorra.\u201d Roy hitched his pants up slightly and made for the door. He had it open before Adam caught up with him to see him out. Unfazed, Roy sketched a goodbye and continued into the darkness.<\/p>\n

Closing the door, Adam returned to his seat and slumped into the blue velvet. The sigh he had repressed earlier escaped with a vengeance. He heard a slight chuckle and looked up to meet the tired eyes of the family doctor. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked defensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it\u2019s not as bad as you think,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cYes, Joe is going to be in a lot of pain for a day or two and I have no doubt at all that he will try your patience endlessly in the weeks to come, but it could have been so much worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026\u201d He stopped, unable to put into words what he was feeling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Hoss who put it into words.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt jist ain\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The next six weeks were something of a nightmare for the Cartwrights. Joe\u2019s frustrations grew with each day that passed. He was unable to do anything for himself and found it humiliating to be fed and require help with personal needs. Tempers grew short all round as Joe lashed out verbally, often driving away the very people he needed around to help.<\/p>\n

The only thing that made this whole scenario bearable was the fact that Joe was genuinely contrite after he had lost his temper. His family all knew how trying the situation was for him and made allowances for the tantrums. As Hoss pointed out, at least Joe couldn\u2019t throw anything at them!<\/p>\n

But gradually, things got better and after 6 weeks, Paul removed the cast from Joe\u2019s left hand. The muscles were weak after their long imprisonment, but Joe was more than eager to build the strength up again. His mood improved by leaps and bounds and the depression that had lingered so close by vanished as though it had never been. Joe\u2019s appetite improved, until he was rivaling Hoss with the size of his portions. It was only then that Ben realized how thin Joe had become.<\/p>\n

The only set back that Joe faced was the trial. He was dreading it. Ray had finally talked and corroborated Joe\u2019s story, but Floyd was furious about that. Then, the night before the trial was due to start, Roy Coffee appeared at the ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Roy,\u201d Ben cried, as he let his friend in. \u201cWhat can we do for you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, nothin\u2019,\u201d Roy replied. His eyes gleamed. \u201cBut if\u2019n Hop Sing\u2019s got any o\u2019 them biscuits\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben assured Roy that Hop Sing would have something tasty tucked away somewhere and showed the sheriff to a seat. Roy tucked into the coffee cake as though he hadn\u2019t seen food in a month. Ben contented himself with sipping a cup of coffee and waiting to find out what Roy wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI come ta see Joe,\u201d Roy announced, when he was pleasantly full. \u201cIt\u2019s about Ray.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get him,\u201d Ben replied and went to fetch Joe from his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think it is?\u201d Joe asked apprehensively, as Ben helped him slide a shirt over his remaining cast.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied, buttoning the garment. \u201cBut I\u2019ve no doubt you\u2019ll find out as soon as you get downstairs.\u201d He looked at Joe, and saw that his son had paled. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe sighed. He took a step, then stopped. \u201cPa, what if Ray isn\u2019t going to tell the truth anymore?\u201d he blurted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that going to stop you telling the truth?\u201d Ben enquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026\u201d He frowned and drew in a deep, claming breath. \u201cIt\u2019s just that makes it my word against theirs, and there are a lot more of them. Who is the jury going to believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go borrowing trouble,\u201d Ben advised. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what Roy is going to say. But your duty is to tell the truth, Joe. And we\u2019ll deal with whatever happens after that.\u201d He cupped his hand over the back of Joe\u2019s neck. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, they made their way down stairs; Ben watching attentively to make sure Joe\u2019s balance was all right. He made it safely to the bottom and sat in the nearest chair. \u201cHi, Roy,\u201d he offered listlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cI came ta tell ya that Ray ain\u2019t gonna be testifyin\u2019 tomorra.\u201d He looked slightly surprised at the in-take of breath and sharp look Joe sent Ben, but ploughed on. \u201cSee, when we brung them back from the county jail, Floyd managed ta get hold o\u2019 a knife an\u2019 he stabbed Ray.\u201d Roy looked sorrowful \u2013 or at least, that\u2019s how Ben thought he was trying to look. \u201cRay didn\u2019 make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence while Ben and Joe absorbed that information. Joe grew paler. \u201cWhat does that mean for the case?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWall,\u201d Roy began, expansively. \u201cFloyd an\u2019 the others is still facin\u2019 a charge o\u2019 kidnap an\u2019 assault. Ain\u2019t no question they\u2019ll be found guilty there.\u201d He sounded satisfied. \u201cFloyd\u2019s facin\u2019 a murder charge now an\u2019 I reckon he\u2019ll hang fer it.\u201d Roy didn\u2019t sound as though he regretted the potential loss of the young man\u2019s life. \u201cBut them others has changed their tune since Ray died. They\u2019re backin\u2019 everythin\u2019 ya said, Joe. So I reckon that it\u2019s likely ya won\u2019 need ta testify after all. Ya still gotta come ta court, but ya ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 ta worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

The relief was overwhelming. Suddenly, Joe wasn\u2019t facing being the lone voice against the gang. He was sorry that Ray had died, for Ray had done his best to protect Joe. \u201cThanks, Roy,\u201d he croaked.<\/p>\n

Breathing heavily down his nose, Roy waved his hand. \u201cKinda ironic when ya think there weren\u2019t no gold in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

It had come as a nasty shock to everyone \u2013 not just the Cartwrights \u2013 to discover that Brownstone had not stuck gold after all. Quite how the rumor had started was anyone\u2019s guess. A new vein of silver had been discovered, but it was considered too dangerous to work, due to the instability of the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose ironic is the word,\u201d Ben mused. He felt it wasn\u2019t quite right, but couldn\u2019t think of another word in its place. He glanced at Joe, relieved to see that the anger Joe had first felt at hearing the news was missing this time. The youngest Cartwright appeared to be in a world of his own.<\/p>\n

Joe was barely aware of the rest of Roy\u2019s short visit, but when Ben closed the door and turned around, he was met by something he hadn\u2019t seen in weeks \u2013 Joe\u2019s wonderful, happy smile. He couldn\u2019t help but respond as he crossed the room again. Of course, Joe had smiled sometimes, but it hadn\u2019t been that wonderful, heart-stopping smile that seduced every lady in Virginia City without trying. Joe\u2019s eyes were sparkling, suddenly very green and he was so like his mother in that moment that Ben felt a sudden wrench of grief for Marie\u2019s loss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Pa,\u201d Joe commented, \u201cI think everything\u2019s going to be all right.\u201d His grin \u2013 impossibly \u2013 widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know something, Joe?\u201d Ben replied. He suddenly found a wide smile stretching his mouth in reply. \u201cI think you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe falls foul of a group of young men who are hunting for something on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

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