{"id":3553,"date":"2003-10-08T18:11:32","date_gmt":"2003-10-08T22:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3553"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:40","slug":"the-medicine-hat-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3553","title":{"rendered":"The Medicine Hat Horse (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Despite the reservations of some members of the family, Joe breeds his bad-tempered mare to his famous wild stallion, Satan. The result is something none of them could have foreseen.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(11,405 words)<\/p>\n

The Mustang Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mustang<\/a>
\nFor the Love of a Horse<\/a>
\nThe Medicine Hat Horse<\/a><\/p>\n

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

The Medicine Hat Horse<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it this time?\u201d Adam asked, in resignation, as his younger brother Joe came into the house cradling his right arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a bite,\u201d Joe replied, lightly. He tried for a grin, too, but it was just as unsuccessful as his light tone had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see,\u201d Adam demanded, going over to Joe.<\/p>\n

With a sigh, Joe turned slightly so that Adam could view the remains of his shirt and the huge, bleeding bite mark on the back of his upper arm. Sighing in his turn, Adam shook his head and drew Joe over to a chair by the dining table, made him sit down, then went to get water to clean it with. \u201cDo I have to guess which horse did this, or do I already know?\u201d he enquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was Patch,\u201d Joe agreed, gloomily. \u201cI swear, Adam that is the most mareish mare I\u2019ve ever met!\u201d He winced as Adam daubed gently at his arm. \u201cWhat did you put in there? Vinegar?\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

Ignoring the complaint, Adam carried on, wondering if he\u2019d put too much medicinal salt into the water. \u201cWhat are you going to do about her, Joe?\u201d he asked. \u201cWe can\u2019t have a horse like that around the place. So far, we\u2019ve been lucky it\u2019s just been you she\u2019s savaged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, she\u2019s a nice little mare when she\u2019s not being mareish,\u201d Joe defended her. \u201cShe can be real sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut when she\u2019s not, she\u2019s a nightmare,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cPun intended.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re worse than Pa,\u201d Joe told him and Adam smiled, enigmatically.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d Adam asked, a few minutes later, as he finished winding the bandage around Joe\u2019s bicep. \u201cWhat are you going to do? You\u2019ve been sitting there thinking so hard I could almost hear the cogs turning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, the cogs were turning,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cAnd I do know what I\u2019m going to do.\u201d He rose, gathering the tattered remnants of his shirt into his hand. \u201cThanks, Adam.\u201d He began to walk away towards the stairs to get a fresh shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, wait a minute!\u201d Adam protested. \u201cTell me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning over his shoulder, Joe replied, \u201cI\u2019m going to breed her to Satan, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

When supper time came, Joe and Adam were still at odds. Adam had lost his temper the minute Joe had posited his idea; Joe had shouted back and thereafter neither one had spoken to the other. Ben, arriving back from town as they sat down, diagnosed the atmosphere in seconds and glared at them all disapprovingly until he realized that it was just Adam and Joe who were at odds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it with you two?\u201d Ben asked in disgust.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam doesn\u2019t approve of a decision I\u2019ve made,\u201d Joe replied, with a scornful glance at Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s a decision involving the horses, Pa and I\u2019m in charge of the horses, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed, warily. \u201cWhat is this decision, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve decided to breed Patch,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cPerhaps having a foal will settle her down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Ben approved. \u201cGood thinking, son.\u201d He was instantly irritated when Joe flashed Adam a look of pure triumph.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only half the story!\u201d Adam objected. \u201cTell him it all!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the important bit!\u201d Joe argued back. \u201cThe rest doesn\u2019t matter!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it does!\u201d Adam shouted. \u201cPa, he\u2019s going to breed her to Satan.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben had no idea what Adam was talking about. Then he remembered the big skewbald stallion and he could see why Adam was upset. The idea held very little appeal to him, either. However, knowing of Joe\u2019s love for the stallion, he knew this had to be handled carefully.<\/p>\n

Too late. Adam was on the attack once more. \u201cCome on, Joe what good is it going to do to breed a vicious mare to a killer stallion?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the wrong tack to take with Joe. \u201cSatan isn\u2019t a killer!\u201d Joe yelled back. \u201cHe\u2019s wild and don\u2019t you forget it! None of his get have any kind of temper, and you know it! Patch just needs something to settle her down, and this might be the answer! You always have to interfere in things that don\u2019t concern you, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Ben thundered, slamming both hands down on the table top. \u201cI will not have fighting at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe started it!\u201d Joe returned sulkily, and Ben was forcibly reminded of a much younger Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben warned and Joe subsided, glaring at Adam.<\/p>\n

Drawing in a deep breath, Ben knew that whatever he said, one son was going to get hurt. \u201cI might not think this is the best pairing in the world,\u201d he said to Adam, \u201cbut as Joe pointed out, the horses are his responsibility, and I have to accept his judgment. He knows these animals better than I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa\u2026\u201d Adam began. When Ben glared at him, he rushed on, regardless. \u201cPatch savaged him again this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a bite!\u201d Joe retorted, furious all over again. \u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who cleaned it up for you?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cAnd I said thanks. And if there hadn\u2019t been anyone here, I\u2019d have managed to clean it up myself. What are you implying here, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a sudden stillness. Hoss raised a miserable face from his plate and looked from one antagonist to the other. There was a quality about Adam\u2019s stillness that Hoss didn\u2019t like. Joe began to rise. \u201cSit down,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cThis discussion is over. Eat your meal, both of you. I don\u2019t want to hear another word!\u201d<\/p>\n

After another scorching exchange of glances, Joe sat down and began to eat mechanically.<\/p>\n

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

Come morning, the atmosphere was still tense. Joe was seldom very forthcoming in the mornings anyway, but his furrowed brow signaled that his temper was still hot. Adam had his usual calm demeanor, but the little glances he shot at Joe spoke volumes. Hoss ate quickly and left the house as soon as he decently could. Ben debated raising the whole topic, or just ignoring it. However, before he could decide which was the worst course of action, Joe had finished eating and left the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you\u2019re not going to forbid Joe to breed that mare to Satan, then?\u201d Adam asked, insolently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d Ben replied, shortly. \u201cThe horses are his responsibility, Adam. I said this last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard you,\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cBut I just thought that this morning you would have come to your senses and told Joe the answer was no.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting down his cup very deliberately, Ben glared at his oldest son down the length of the table. \u201cWhat Joe said is true, you know. Satan\u2019s off-spring are not vicious. The horse has caused no problems since Joe set him free. I agree that Patch is unpredictable, but having a foal often settles down a mare, and you know as well as I that some mares make great mothers, but are never worth riding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not the point!\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed, trying hard to be patient. \u201cIts not. The point is that Joe is in charge of the horses, and\u00a0he<\/em>\u00a0has made the decision. There is nothing more to be said.\u201d Rising pointedly, Ben threw his napkin down on his plate and walked away.<\/p>\n

Furiously angry, Adam balled his napkin in his hands before throwing it at Joe\u2019s seat. He pushed his chair back with unwarranted energy and followed his father out to work.<\/p>\n

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

Joe might not have thought of breeding Patch if she hadn\u2019t come into season the day before. Catching the mare, he put on a halter and, mounting his horse, led her out of the yard. Behind him, Joe knew that everyone in the house thought he was mad, but he was sure that Patch would be a good mother and he knew for a fact that Satan would be a good sire. The added attraction for Joe was that both dam and sire were pintos. Satan was a skewbald \u2013 brown and white \u2013 and Patch was tri-colored \u2013 black, brown and white. A few of Satan\u2019s foals had been colored, and Joe hoped that with colored blood on both sides, the resulting foal would be a pinto, too. He had a weakness for pintos.<\/p>\n

As Joe had expected, the stallion came out to greet them. Cochise snorted and moved uneasily, but Satan knew Cochise\u2019s smell and knew the gelding was no challenge to him. Moreover, Cochise always brought Joe, and Satan mostly respected him.<\/p>\n

But this time, Satan didn\u2019t have eyes for anyone except the mare. He walked up to her very deliberately, while the mare danced nervously at the end of the short lead that Joe had her on. Joe smiled, recognizing the first steps to the courtship. As the stallion started to sniff the mare\u2019s hind end, he leaned over and unfastened the halter.<\/p>\n

It took a moment for Patch to realize that she was free, but she then fled towards the other mares in Satan\u2019s band, the stallion in hot pursuit, his excitement evident for all to see. \u201cShe doesn\u2019t stand a chance, Cooch,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cHey, Satan!\u201d he called. \u201cI\u2019m coming back for her in a few days! She\u2019s not yours to keep.\u201d He patted the pinto\u2019s neck and heeled him gently. Cochise began to move obediently. \u201cDo you think he understood me, Cooch?\u201d Joe asked, and laughed aloud as the pinto snorted and shook his head.<\/p>\n

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

Arriving back in the yard, Joe saw that Adam was splitting logs. From the way his brother was swinging the axe, Joe knew that his anger wasn\u2019t appeased. Sighing, Joe took his horse over to the rail and hitched it.<\/p>\n

When Adam paused to pick up another log, Joe went across. He knew that Adam knew he was there. \u201cHey, Adam, I don\u2019t want to quarrel with you,\u201d Joe began.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have fooled me!\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cYou were quick enough to lose your temper!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t like me interfering with your decisions,\u201d Joe replied, trying to hang on to his temper. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t like you interfering in mine. Is that so hard to believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping the log, Adam slammed the axe into it and spun round to face Joe. \u201cI just know that you always get your own way with Pa because you\u2019re the baby of the family,\u201d he snarled. \u201cYou presented your case back to front last night, knowing that Pa would have to agree with you, and once he\u2019d done that, he could hardly back down. That\u2019s contemptible, Joe! If you were that sure of your decision, you wouldn\u2019t have told Pa that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Angry now, Joe retorted, \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to tell Pa at all!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy doesn\u2019t that surprise me!\u201d Adam snapped. \u201cYou were going to do it behind his back!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the last straw for Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t tell Pa about every mare I plan to breed!\u201d he yelled. \u201cI just go ahead and breed them! Why the sudden interest in Patch? You have nothing to do with her! I run the horses, Adam, and I run them as I see fit! If that doesn\u2019t suit you, well, tough!\u201d Turning, he stalked away across the yard before he could say something he would regret. In one fluid leap, he was onto Cochise and riding out of the yard at a gallop.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it, Joe, get back here!\u201d Adam shouted, but he only served to entertain a few passing crows. Joe did not even look back.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe returned that evening, it was clear he had been in town. Although nowhere near drunk, Ben could smell the cheap whiskey on his breath and it worried him. Joe seldom touched the hard stuff, preferring to stick to beer. \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d he demanded, going out to meet Joe. \u201cYou missed supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI just had to go into town to cool off for a while.\u201d He glanced significantly at the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard about the row,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cHop Sing told me. Joe, I don\u2019t really know why Adam is so against what you\u2019re doing. As you said, you are in charge of the horses, and it\u2019s your responsibility. I don\u2019t have time to worry about which mare you are breeding to which stallion. But it\u2019s difficult for both Adam and I to remember that you\u2019re a grown-up all the time. All parents tend to think of their children as needing protection and Adam has often acted\u00a0in loco parentis<\/em>\u00a0to you. Please try and be patient with him, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa,\u201d Joe sighed. Pulling the saddle off his horse\u2019s back, Joe dropped it onto the stand and began to brush down his mount. Ben watched him, seeing how tired and discouraged Joe appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupper will be waiting for you when you come in, Joe,\u201d he added, softly. \u201cDon\u2019t be too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Joe replied. He found a smile for Ben, but when he was alone with Cochise, Joe leant against the horse\u2019s side. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to facing Adam again.<\/p>\n

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

Nothing more was said about the row that Joe and Adam had had. Ben decided to leave things alone, as both his sons were old enough to sort out their problems without him having to order them to do so. It took several days for the atmosphere in the house to calm down, but by the end of the week, a semblance of normality ruled. Joe and Adam were civil to each other, even if they weren\u2019t friendly, like usual.<\/p>\n

That day, Joe rode out again to reclaim Patch from Satan. He had told Ben privately where he was going, knowing that if the herd had moved, he might be gone for quite a long time. He knew the mare\u2019s season would be over, and he hoped that she would be carrying a foal. For all that Adam didn\u2019t like Patch, when she was on form, she was a great little mare, quick on her feet and intelligent. Joe was very fond of her.<\/p>\n

The herd had indeed moved. Joe followed the tracks through the grass, keeping his eyes open for a sight of the herd, and trusting on Cochise\u2019s instincts to tell him when they were close. The sun was past its zenith when he found them in a secluded little meadow. It was a favorite place of the cattle, as well, when stormy weather was on the way. Joe frowned. It was early in the season and the weather could change dramatically without warning.<\/p>\n

Pushing that thought aside, Joe securely hitched Cochise out of the way, gathered up the lasso and halter that he would need, and went to reclaim his mare.<\/p>\n

The wild horses snorted and began to move away as they caught Joe\u2019s scent as the wind changed. Satan\u2019s head went up and he neighed his clarion call. Joe whistled, the sound the same one he had always used for the stallion, hoping that this would calm Satan. Unfortunately, he knew that it was just as likely to annoy him.<\/p>\n

From behind the stallion, Patch appeared, attracted both by the whistle and the familiar scent of the man. Satan turned his head and nipped at her. Joe continued to walk slowly forward. \u201cCome on, Satan,\u201d he coaxed. \u201cI told you I\u2019d be back for her. You\u2019ve had your turn, now she\u2019s mine again. Easy, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The big skewbald seemed uneasy, and Joe, glancing momentarily at the herd, saw why. The first spring foals had been dropped. He counted no more than half a dozen, but could see that there were no barren mares in his herd this season. Within a few weeks, all the mares would have a foal at foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not gonna touch your family, Satan,\u201d Joe went on, still speaking in a calm tone. \u201cNot this time. I\u2019m just gonna take Patch here away.\u201d By now, Joe was close enough to touch the horse, but he held back, sensing that this would be too much provocation. Instead, he put his hand out to the mare, which obligingly put her muzzle on his palm.<\/p>\n

There was nothing there for her, but Joe had looped the halter over his arm, and it was an easy matter for him to caress her nose with that hand while the other pulled the halter up and into position. Taking a deep breath, Joe stepped between the stallion and the mare and fastened the buckle. He could feel Satan\u2019s hot breath on the back of his neck, but the stallion made no attempt to savage him.<\/p>\n

Relieved to have come this far without being bitten by either horse, Joe found his tense muscles were actually tightening, rather than loosening. The trickiest part of this was still to come; he was going to take the mare away. \u201cCome on, girl,\u201d he urged and began to walk forward, the lead rope firmly in his hands.<\/p>\n

There was an angry snort from behind him, and Joe risked a quick glance over his shoulder. Satan was clearly torn between trying to get this new mare away from the man, or staying with his bunch of mares. \u201cGo back to your family, Satan,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cShe\u2019s mine.\u201d He continued to walk.<\/p>\n

Next moment, he heard hooves and half turned, throwing his arm up to protect his face. Satan took a lunge at Joe, but thanks to Joe\u2019s moving, mostly missed. His teeth raked Joe\u2019s left hip, tearing the fabric of his pants, and grazing the skin underneath. Then, his protest registered, Satan wheeled away and trotted back to his herd.<\/p>\n

Wincing, but resisting the urge to touch the bite, Joe limped back to Cochise. There, he tied the mare while he cleaned out the bite as best he could before mounting Cochise for the long journey home. \u201cSatan, you always have to have the last word, don\u2019t you?\u201d he muttered under his breath as he heard the stallion\u2019s mocking cry rent the air once more.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat sounds like hail,\u201d Ben commented to Adam as they became aware of the thundering on the roof. They were sitting in the office alcove, going over branding records. The first calves would be born any time, and Ben wanted to check last year\u2019s numbers to compare to this year\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hope Hoss is nearly home,\u201d Adam commented, without raising his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe, too, I trust,\u201d Ben remarked, mildly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe too,\u201d Adam agreed in a resigned tone. He lifted his head and met Ben\u2019s gaze. He sighed. \u201cOh, I know, Pa. It was none of my business what Joe decided to do with that mare. But whenever he gets together with that horse, I get a bad feeling in my gut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPatch?\u201d Ben asked, knowing perfectly well this was not the horse Adam was referring to.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo; Satan,\u201d Adam corrected, grimly. \u201cTell me you aren\u2019t worried about him going out there alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am,\u201d Ben agreed. As Adam began to look vindicated, Ben added, \u201cBut no more worried than I am whenever you boys go off to do something alone. That\u2019s part and parcel of being a parent, Adam. I\u2019ve got to let you grow up, and that means allowing you to make your own decisions. Now, do you think you could make up with your brother when he gets back? Joe will be more than willing to meet you half way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam nodded. \u201cAll right, Pa. I\u2019ll apologies to Joe. I just forget sometimes that he is a grown up, because he acts so young!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he is still young,\u201d Ben reminded him. \u201cAnd remember as well that he is not you. You each have a different way of working, because you are different people. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean one of you is right and the other is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cAnd thanks for the gentle reminder. I guess I needed it this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at Adam. \u201cWe all need reminders sometimes,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss was soaked to the skin and chilled when he arrived home. \u201cSure is cold all of a sudden,\u201d he commented as he came in. He went straight over to the fire and held out his frozen hands. \u201cI see Joe ain\u2019t back, yet. I hope he ain\u2019t long, \u2018cos it looks like there\u2019s snow on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think so?\u201d Ben asked, rising to go over to the door to peer out. He had a great respect for Hoss\u2019 weather sense.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon so,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cI\u2019m gonna git changed afore supper. Don\u2019 worry, Pa, Joe\u2019ll be back afore long.\u201d He headed upstairs.<\/p>\n

Putting down his book, Adam looked thoughtfully at his father. From long years of experience, he could see that Ben was worried about Joe. Adam wished that Hoss hadn\u2019t said anything about the weather. Joe could take care of himself, and Ben knew that, but it wouldn\u2019t stop him worrying. \u201cJoe should be back soon,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

Coming in and closing the door, Ben nodded. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t be long,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBut it is getting very cold out there. I think Hoss could be right. There may well be some snow tonight. But at least it won\u2019t lie long at this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hope,\u201d Adam added, cynically. He wished instantly that he hadn\u2019t said anything. A frown crossed Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bad time of year to have this kind of weather,\u201d he worried. \u201cLet\u2019s hope it is just an aberration.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Supper had been over for some time and still there was no sign of Joe. There was no pretence now of not worrying, for it had been snowing steadily for some time and there was a covering of white on the frozen ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re we gonna do?\u201d Hoss asked, at last. \u201cGo out lookin\u2019 fer him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be too easy to miss him in this weather,\u201d Ben replied, his tone grim. He wanted nothing more than to look for Joe, but he knew that in weather like this, it was all too easy for the rescuer to become the victim.<\/p>\n

There was a sound from outside, and they rose as one and headed towards the door. Peering through the snow, they could see someone limping heavily into the yard, leading two limping horses. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried, and hurried out to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I\u2019m late,\u201d Joe slurred. He was exhausted, frozen, soaked and filthy; his trembling legs barely able to support him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get him inside,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cAnd get someone to tend to those horses!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it,\u201d Adam replied. He shouted to one of the hands to take the animals from him as he led them into the barn. By the lantern light in there, he saw that the pinto had a swollen fetlock and the mare had a gash on her flank. \u201cTake good care of them,\u201d Adam ordered Fred as he handed over the reins and hurried after his younger brother. He had no idea what had happened, and he wanted to find out.<\/p>\n

As he went inside, Ben and Hoss were just lowering Joe onto the sofa. Adam saw Joe\u2019s gun and hat were on the credenza. He went over in time to hear Ben exclaim as he got his first good look at his son\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

The right-hand side of Joe\u2019s upper body and all of his lower body was caked in mud and he was soaking. His hair was plastered to his head, and his boots squelched as he moved his feet. There were no obvious signs of blood, apart from a graze on his left hip. \u201cGet a blanket!\u201d Ben ordered and Hoss hurried away upstairs.<\/p>\n

Helping Joe to pull off his filthy jacket, Ben asked, \u201cWhat happened, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe snow hit us on the way back,\u201d Joe answered, slowly. His words were still slurred, for he was shivering with cold. \u201cThe ground was wet, and Cochise slipped. Patch shied, and pulled him further off balance and the next thing I knew, all three of us were on the ground in the biggest mud puddle you ever saw.\u201d Joe tried to laugh, but his teeth were chattering too hard to make the try successful.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you hurt?\u201d Ben asked, anxiously, crouching to pull off Joe\u2019s wet boots and socks. He briskly rubbed Joe\u2019s cold feet between his big, warm hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied, but a sudden chill shook him and he shuddered violently.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him something warm to drink,\u201d Ben told Adam, who hurried off to the kitchen. Hearing Hoss on the stairs, Ben urged, \u201cWarm the blanket by the fire while I help Joe out of these wet things.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam came through from the kitchen carrying a mug of hot chocolate, Joe was wrapped warmly in the blanket. He took the mug in both hands, cradling the china so that the heat began to penetrate his cold flesh. He took a tentative sip and continued to shiver. \u201cWhen you\u2019re a bit warmer, we\u2019ll get you into a bath,\u201d Ben told Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re filthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking another sip of the warm drink, Joe simply nodded. He had his jaw firmly clenched so that his teeth didn\u2019t chatter. Joe couldn\u2019t remember the last time he had been that cold. He hadn\u2019t told Ben the half of why he was so dirty and the horses were lame. He\u2019d neglected to mention that the mud \u2018puddle\u2019 they had fallen into was about 6 feet below the track they had been on at the time! Joe shivered again, and not just from the cold this time. Ben crowded in beside his son, adding his body heat.<\/p>\n

After about an hour, Joe\u2019s shivering was practically stopped. Adam went to organize the bath, for as Joe warmed up, the mud dried. \u201cIts ready,\u201d Adam reported, coming back into the room.<\/p>\n

Helping Joe to his feet, Ben was worried to see that his son was still limping. \u201cI thought you said you weren\u2019t hurt?\u201d he demanded, worry roughening his tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just stiff,\u201d Joe replied, for he was indeed stiff. But the hip where he had been nipped was sore, too, probably from the mud oozing into it. Joe was feeling incredibly tired now that he was warm again, but he had no intention of telling Ben the full story of his accident. He allowed his father to help him to the bath, and sank gratefully into the warm water.<\/p>\n

He had no recollection of doing so, but Joe realized that he must have fallen asleep in the bath when he felt Ben grab his arm. \u201cCome on, son,\u201d Ben urged. \u201cLet me help you get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Groaning, Joe was glad of the help. Glancing down at his now-clean body, Joe saw that there were bruises growing everywhere. Worst, way and by far, was his left hip. Taking the towel Ben offered him, Joe saw that his father was assessing him critically. \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough bites to recognize one when I see it,\u201d he informed Joe, dryly. \u201cWas that a little love-token from Patch or Satan?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling tiredly, Joe admitted, \u201cSatan. He was jealous that I was taking Patch back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joseph!\u201d Ben scolded, but he couldn\u2019t help but smile. \u201cLet\u2019s get you to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Joe agreed, yawning widely.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe awoke next morning, he was immediately aware that it was late. The light was very bright, and Joe guessed that the sun was shining. He started to sit up and for a moment, his body rebelled. He groaned, but persevered, and by the time he was sliding out from under the covers, he had loosened up.<\/p>\n

As he dressed, Joe wondered where his boots had got to. There was no sign of them in his room, even though he hunted for them. Shrugging, he elected to go downstairs in his socks, and made extra sure that he took his time and held the banister, as he didn\u2019t want to add more bruises to his motley collection.<\/p>\n

The big room downstairs was empty as Joe rounded the corner from upstairs and he glanced across at the clock to discover that it was almost 9.30.\u00a0 But it was only as his eye fell on the view from the dining room window that Joe realized why it was so bright. The snow was still lying, and the sun was glittering on it. It created a stunning vista, but one that was not welcome at that time of the year.<\/p>\n

As Joe limped his way across to the table, Ben appeared from the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee. He smiled when he saw Joe. \u201cWell, good morning,\u201d he said, cheerfully. \u201cI thought you had decided to hibernate today!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize it was so late,\u201d Joe apologized. \u201cAnd look at the snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed, wryly. \u201cLook at the snow.\u201d He made a face. \u201cWell, the good side is its beginning to melt already. The eaves were dripping when I went out to the barn.\u201d He watched as Joe eased himself into his seat. \u201cHow are you feeling this morning? You look a bit sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just this hip that hurts,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThe rest of me is all right now that I\u2019m up and moving. I\u2019m fine, Pa.\u201d He glanced around as Hop Sing brought in some breakfast for him. \u201cThanks, Hop Sing. Err, have you seen my boots, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoots in kitchen, drying out,\u201d Hop Sing told him. \u201cBoy get them later.\u201d He pointed imperiously to the table. \u201cYou eat now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe replied, and helped himself. He was hungry, he now realized and his stomach rumbled loudly. Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

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

The snow melted away and was soon forgotten as the ranch work swung into full production. Summer was the busy time and they worked steadily through calving, branding, haying and all the myriad jobs that needed to be done on the ranch. Joe and Adam had made up their quarrel and Joe was delighted to discover that Patch was indeed carrying her first foal. He was also vindicated, as the tri-colored mare settled down a tremendous amount and was an absolute pleasure to handle. Both Patch and Cochise recovered from their mishap quickly.<\/p>\n

All too soon, summer was drawing to a close and first fall and then winter was upon them. It was a hard winter that year, with blizzard after blizzard sweeping in from the mountains. On the rare occasions they managed to get into town, they heard stories about unwary travelers being caught out by the weather and perishing.<\/p>\n

When the next spring rolled around, the Cartwrights were still there, and had suffered less than some of their neighbors. They had had a few losses in the herd, but not much compared to some of the local ranchers. As the weather warmed, they were all caught up in the quickening tempo of nature\u2019s rebirth.<\/p>\n

One fine April morning, Joe went into the barn to discover that Patch had foaled through the night. He paused at the edge of the stall and looked at the foal slumbering by its mother\u2019s feet. A thrill went through Joe and it wasn\u2019t just the thrill of seeing new life.<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe walked decorously out of the barn, then raced across the yard to the house. \u201cPa! PA!\u201d He burst in through the door, as Ben hurried towards him, wondering what had got Joe so excited. \u201cPa, Patch has foaled. Quick, you\u2019ve got to see this! Come on, hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSlow down, boy,\u201d Ben chided him gently. \u201cWe\u2019ve all seen foals before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot like this one you haven\u2019t,\u201d Joe told him, practically dragging his father across to the barn. \u201cCome on!\u201d He slowed down once inside the barn and approached Patch cautiously. He knew how protective mares could be of new foals. \u201cLook!\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was shot with triumph. \u201cI told you it would be a great foal!\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at the foal, Ben felt his heartbeat quicken. The foal was white at first glance; it was only when you looked closer that you could see that the ears were dark, and as it stretched out in its sleep, Ben could see that there was a dark pattern on its chest and flanks, too. \u201cA Medicine Hat horse,\u201d he breathed. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve got a Medicine Hat!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Medicine Hat horses, prized for their rarity, were born approximately every 10,000 pinto horse births. Ben had seen one once before, a long time ago, and Joe, although he had heard of them, had never seen one. The foal, a colt, had dark eyes, with white skin around them, and was, Ben assured Joe, a War Bonnet Medicine Hat, the rarest of the lot. Medicine Hats were highly prized by some Indian tribes, including the Kiowa, of whom the Shoshone were an off-shoot.<\/p>\n

For the first few days, the colt was the wonder of the ranch, but as the season got into full swing, the colt was mostly forgotten about and was treated just like all the other foals on the place. Joe did make a point of going to visit Patch and her foal every day, and soon Joe found that he had named the colt War Bonnet, as it seemed appropriate. He watched the colt grow tall and strong as the summer progressed. His experiment with Patch seemed to have worked, as she had become much nicer. Joe had bred her again after her foaling heat, but this time to the black stallion he kept solely for breeding, and the mare was in foal again.<\/p>\n

By the time Patch dropped her second foal, War Bonnet was a yearling, tall and well grown, as many mustangs were by that age. Joe brought all the yearlings in, assessed them and decided which ones would be gelded, which sold, and which turned away for a while longer. War Bonnet, along with another few colts, was turned away. Joe had gelded them all except for War Bonnet. There was something very spectacular about the colt \u2013 not unlike his sire, Satan \u2013 and Joe hoped that in time, he might breed from him.<\/p>\n

The next winter was mild and damp and there were a lot of diseases doing the rounds. The Cartwrights barely left the ranch at all, keeping well clear of the epidemics that swept through Virginia City and the Indian encampments. It was a long, insular time for them, and they were relieved when spring came round once more, and the epidemics died away.<\/p>\n

That spring, Joe broke his foot. He had been working with some horses he was training as a team, and one of them, with some heavy horse blood in it, had stepped sharply onto his foot. He was working alone at the time, and it had taken some persuading to make the horse move off his foot. Several times, Joe thought it was on the point of moving, and then it resettled its weight, back onto Joe\u2019s foot. Eventually, he got the horse to move and made his way home. By the time he got there, the foot had swelled and Joe soon found it immobilized in bandages.<\/p>\n

Frustrated that he was unable to get about much, he spent a good bit of time with the now two year old colts that were in the home corral. Before long, Joe had them all standing while they were groomed and had their feet picked out, and by the time June was over, he had been able to have them shod. And unbeknownst to anyone else, he had had a bridle on War Bonnet.<\/p>\n

As with any stallion, the trick was knowing how to handle them. A stallion is accustomed to fighting to be dominant, and to handle one well, you must be prepared for any eventuality. Joe was accustomed to handling stallions and had soon built up quite a rapport with War Bonnet. By the time Joe\u2019s foot had healed \u2013 almost 2 months later \u2013 he had the young stallion accustomed to carrying a saddle, too.<\/p>\n

Normally, Joe wouldn\u2019t have broken a horse as young as two. He preferred to let them finish growing, as he\u2019d seen too many horses broken down by being ridden too young. But at 2, War Bonnet stood 16hh, more than tall enough for Joe to think that he had done the majority of his growing. He was very strong, too and ready to learn.<\/p>\n

The day he first mounted the young stallion, he had an audience, consisting of his father, brothers and most of the hands. For Joe was scorning the usual method of penning the horse in the chute, getting on there and then letting him go. Joe simply took the horse into corral, slipped on the saddle and bridle as he usually did, then slowly climbed onto War Bonnet\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

For one instant, the horse tensed and Ben drew in a sharp breath. Then Joe spoke quietly and reassuringly to the horse and touched his side gently with his heel. War Bonnet took a step forward, then another and within a short time, was obeying Joe\u2019s commands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, son!\u201d Ben exclaimed as Joe dismounted and handed the horse over to one of the hands. \u201cThat was very impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good way to work a horse,\u201d Joe replied, smiling. \u201cTime consuming, but it works.\u201d He glanced proudly over his shoulder at the horse. \u201cHe\u2019s really something, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Hoss agreed. Adam just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done a wonderful job with him, Joe,\u201d Ben praised. \u201cI\u2019m very proud of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019d better go and rub him down.\u201d\u00a0 He headed off to the barn, but his triumph was tinged with disappointment that Adam had said nothing to him about War Bonnet. In fact, Adam mostly behaved as though the horse did not exist.<\/p>\n

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

With haying finally over, and round up still a few weeks ahead, Joe at last had the chance he\u2019d been looking for to do some intensive riding of War Bonnet. Each day, he set out riding longer and longer distances, building up the horse\u2019s stamina. War Bonnet was fast, like his sire and loved to run. He was an exhilarating ride.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere are you going, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, coming out of the barn and seeing Joe flinging the saddle onto War Bonnet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWherever the wind takes me,\u201d Joe replied, airily. He grinned at Adam over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you finished your chores?\u201d Adam demanded, ignoring this remark.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure I have!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cWhat, did you think I was playing hooky?\u201d He sighed, trying to keep his temper. \u201cYou sure don\u2019t trust me, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou spend so much time playing with that horse, that someone has to make sure you do your work first,\u201d Adam snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks for the support,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ve been down on War Bonnet since before he was born, and you\u2019ve barely acknowledged he exists until now. What do you have against him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got nothing against him, don\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe was not put off. \u201cYou\u2019re annoyed because my experiment worked, aren\u2019t you?\u201d He studied Adam more closely. \u201cThat\u2019s it, isn\u2019t it? You disapproved of what I wanted to do and now that the proof is in front of you, you don\u2019t like it, do you? Well, too bad, big brother. You can\u2019t be right all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring this last crack, Adam stalked wordlessly across the yard. Joe\u2019s mocking laughter could be heard behind him. The usually cool and reserved Adam Cartwright slammed the front door behind him as Joe rode away.<\/p>\n

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

It was too warm to let the horse run a lot that day. Joe found himself riding along on a loose rein while both he and the horse enjoyed the sunshine. War Bonnet had settled into a good mount, spirited but good mannered. He was still inclined to be restless if made to stand still too long, but Joe could sympathies with that.<\/p>\n

From the hillside above Joe came a war whoop and he glance over his shoulder in surprise as about a dozen Indians appeared from the trees, all racing towards him. Joe clapped his heels into War Bonnet\u2019s side, and the horse broke into a gallop.<\/p>\n

Flattening himself out along the horse\u2019s neck as best he could, Joe thought how lucky it was that he hadn\u2019t been racing his horse that day, because it meant that War Bonnet could easily outrun the chasing group.<\/p>\n

But Joe hadn\u2019t reckoned on the accuracy of one of the braves. The first arrow struck him in the thigh; the second hit in his shoulder. Joe lurched in the saddle, clutching the saddle horn to prevent himself falling. War Bonnet, confused by his rider\u2019s signals, slowed into a trot, then a standstill. Joe was barely aware of what was going on; he was trying desperately not to lose consciousness. The next thing he knew, he was surrounded by angry Indians.<\/p>\n

One of them took the horse\u2019s rein, while another bound Joe\u2019s hands to the saddle horn. A strip of cloth was bound around his eyes and another over his mouth, and then he felt the horse beneath him start to move. Pain flared through his shoulder and thigh before Joe slipped into darkness.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s Little Joe!\u201d Fred exclaimed and drew his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be stupid!\u201d Dave snapped at him, grabbing Fred\u2019s arm before he could fire. \u201cHow are the two of us gonna git Joe from all them Injuns? Come on, we\u2019d better go tell Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, the two cowboys galloped back to the ranch. As they clattered into the yard at high speed, Adam came out, but the reprimand he was about to give them died on his lips as Dave shouted, \u201cLittle Joe has been taken by Injuns!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Indians?\u201d Adam demanded. Fear spiked through his gut.<\/p>\n

\u201cShoshone,\u201d Fred replied, and Dave nodded. \u201cHe got hit by an arrow here, and here.\u201d He pointed to the places on his own body. \u201cThere weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 we could do, Mr. Adam. There were too many of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFire three shots,\u201d Adam told them. \u201cPa and Hoss have only just left a few minutes ago. I\u2019ll saddle my horse.\u201d He hurried into the barn as Dave fired the three shots that the Cartwrights used as their distress signal.<\/p>\n

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

The ride seemed to go on and on to Joe. He tried very hard to stay in the darkness, where there was no pain, but the constant jogging of the horse brought him back to hellish wakefulness and kept him there. The Indians round him spoke no words that he understood, and blindfolded as he was, Joe had no way to tell where they were going.<\/p>\n

Eventually, they arrived at their destination. Joe had been smelling fires and cooking for a while and now he heard murmurs as they drew to a stop. He knew that they had arrived at the camp. Rough hands untied Joe and dragged him carelessly from the saddle. Joe was glad of the gag in his mouth, so that he didn\u2019t cry out in pain.<\/p>\n

The blindfold and gag were ripped off abruptly and Joe winced away from the light. When his sight cleared, he was looking directly into the face of the chief of the Shoshone, Running Wolf. Joe swallowed against the dryness in his mouth, fighting not to lick his parched lips. He knew who Running Wolf was, although he did not know the chief. The Cartwrights lived in peace with the Shoshone, but they were not particularly friendly with them. Joe couldn\u2019t imagine what they wanted with him. Why had they shot him? he wondered. And why had they brought him back here, where everyone was looking at him angrily. Had he somehow violated some unknown taboo?<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere white man get horse?\u201d Running Wolf demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHorse?\u201d Joe panted. He didn\u2019t understand this at all. \u201cHe\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you get him?\u201d the chief asked again, and one of the braves shook Joe. He couldn\u2019t prevent a groan from escaping.<\/p>\n

\u201cI \u2026I bred him,\u201d Joe gasped. He suddenly remembered that the Shoshone revered Medicine Hat horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pale face lies,\u201d one of the braves suggested. \u201cHe stole horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe carries my mark,\u201d Joe insisted, gulping for air. The pain was coming in waves now. \u201cHe is mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will see,\u201d Running Wolf said. He gestured to the braves. \u201cTake him to the medicine man and treat his injuries. Then we will see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe had no idea what they would see, but he was all for his injuries being treated. He bit his lip as his injured leg dragged over the ground, but the medicine man\u2019s tepee wasn\u2019t far away, and he was dropped unceremoniously on the ground inside.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe saw a middle-aged man, clearly powerful. He gestured and the braves held down Joe\u2019s arms and legs. He couldn\u2019t stop the yell of pain as the first arrow was pulled brutally from his flesh. As the next one was grasped, Joe passed out.<\/p>\n

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

The group from the Ponderosa followed Fred and Dave as they led the others to where they had last seen Joe. Hoss dismounted and studied the signs on the ground. \u201cThey rode off that way,\u201d he told his father, pointing. \u201cAn\u2019 there\u2019s some blood on the ground, here.\u201d He indicated the few drops of blood.<\/p>\n

\u201cLead the way,\u201d Ben replied. His face was tight with worry. \u201cKeep alert,\u201d Ben advised the men, \u201cBut don\u2019t draw your gun unless I say so. For whatever reason, they have Joe and we don\u2019t want them to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were murmurs of assent from all around. Most of the men knew Joe well. They were almost as worried as Ben was<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand why the Shoshone took Joe,\u201d Adam complained to Ben. Adam had been tight-lipped since Joe disappeared. \u201cThis is not their land, and the boys said he did nothing to provoke them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting his lip, Ben hesitated before mentioning his theory. \u201cCould it be the horse?\u201d he asked, tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cHorse?\u201d Adam repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot Cochise,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cYou know Joe\u2019s riding War Bonnet. You told me yourself. He\u2019s a Medicine Hat.\u201d Seeing the non-comprehension on his son\u2019s face, he added, \u201cThe Indians prize them very highly. They are considered sacred in some tribes. Perhaps they thought he was violating some custom, or maybe they thought he had stolen it.\u201d Ben fought to control the shudder that ran down his spine again. Adam said nothing, digesting this information.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to be very, very careful,\u201d Ben muttered, finally. He sent a silent prayer winging heavenwards as they rode along.<\/p>\n

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

Pain was the first thing Joe became aware of as he regained consciousness. He lay for a few moments with his eyes shut, listening to the sounds around him. He was lying on a soft fur, and there was someone moving around nearby. Although his shoulder and leg still hurt, they were less sore than they had been when he passed out. As Joe tentatively tried to move, he realized that his hands were tightly bound in front of him.<\/p>\n

His movement had attracted attention, and as his eyes slit open, the medicine man that he had seen before came into his line of vision. \u201cSo you are awake,\u201d he stated, flatly. \u201cYou are stronger than you look.\u201d Kneeling beside Joe, he lifted his head and gave him something to drink.<\/p>\n

The water was cool, refreshing and more than welcome. \u201cThank you,\u201d Joe croaked. He glanced down at himself, seeing that his left pant leg had been ripped off, and his shirt and jacket were gone. A rough bandage was round his thigh and another one on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

In one smooth movement, and with no warning, the medicine man pulled Joe to his feet and dragged him over to the flap in the tepee. Joe struggled with dizziness and weakness, but managed to stay on his feet. He knew how much the Indians valued stoicism, and guessed that his passing out earlier had reduced their respect for him.<\/p>\n

War Bonnet was hitched to a post in the middle of the camp. His saddle and bridle were gone and he wore a halter made of rawhide. His ears pricked as he saw Joe, and a whicker escaped him. \u201cEasy, fella,\u201d Joe crooned, as he was dragged past.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not speak to the great one, pale face,\u201d the medicine man chided him. \u201cYou dirty him with your foul speech.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not understanding, Joe looked at him. \u201cYou speak good English,\u201d he complimented.<\/p>\n

Ignoring his captive, the medicine man nodded to two braves. He spoke in his own language and Joe began to struggle as he was manhandled over to another post. One of the braves untied his hands, while the other held a knife to his throat. Joe\u2019s wrists were bound to a peg above his head and the rawhide tied around the post itself. The wound on Joe\u2019s shoulder instantly sprang to agonizing life. His leg was already shaking underneath him. A gag was shoved in his mouth and he was left alone.<\/p>\n

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

Darkness fell, and the Cartwrights were forced to make camp. They had no idea how close they were to finding Joe. There had been no smell of smoke on the air, and they didn\u2019t light a fire themselves. They did not want to alert any scouts to their presence if they could help it.<\/p>\n

The night passed undisturbed, but none of the Cartwrights slept for more than a few minutes.<\/p>\n

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

Morning found Joe tied to the post in the middle of the camp once more. He had been left there for most of the previous evening, for reasons he couldn\u2019t comprehend, then cut down and taken to a tepee, where he was tied up and left alone for the night. Exhausted by his ordeal and the blood loss, Joe had fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep. He still felt incredibly shaky and his injuries burned unmercifully, but he was determined to face whatever it was the Indians had in mind.<\/p>\n

Running Wolf Came from his tepee and walked slowly over to Joe. He looked for a long time into the white man\u2019s face, and Joe kept his gaze level, never letting his eyes drop, and trying not to appear too challenging. Finally, the chief spoke. \u201cWhere did you get sacred horse?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s mine,\u201d Joe replied, slowly. \u201cI bred him. He bears my mark.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chief nodded. A moment later a whip bit into Joe\u2019s back and a cry escaped his lips.\u00a0 Panting, he raised his head and looked at the chief. \u201cI bred him,\u201d he repeated. \u201cHis sire and his dam belong to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was braced for the whip-stroke this time, but it didn\u2019t hurt any the less for having his muscles tightened. No cry got past his lips that time, but it took him longer to get his head up. \u201cHe\u2019s mine,\u201d Joe repeated. Again the whip bit into his back.<\/p>\n

There was no way for Joe to tell how long this went on. After a time, he was no longer able to speak, but he dragged his head up and mouthed \u2018mine\u2019. The chief turned away and Joe gratefully leant against the post.<\/p>\n

A sudden commotion broke out in the camp and Joe raised his head to peer at the fracas. He was astounded, and judging by the reactions of the people around him, they were astounded, too, for the chief and the medicine man were fighting each other.<\/p>\n

The shouting in the camp grew louder as the fight went on, but it seemed to Joe that the medicine man was winning. There was a sudden flash of steel and the chief crumpled to the ground, his hands clutched around a knife that was buried hilt-deep in his stomach. Running Wolf tried to speak, but only a gush of bright red blood came out of his mouth. The light went out of his eyes, and he was gone.<\/p>\n

As the tribe gaped in disbelief, the medicine man drew another knife from his clothing and darted to Joe\u2019s side. Dragging the young man\u2019s head back by the hair, he put the knife to Joe\u2019s throat and shouted something. One brave looked like he might object to whatever it was, but after a burning look from the medicine man, he backed down.<\/p>\n

Another brave broke from the ranks of the people and went to fetch War Bonnet. The horse pranced nervously, upset by the smell of blood. \u201cNow, white man, you will give the horse to me, or I will cut your throat,\u201d the medicine mad declared.<\/p>\n

Unable to see his tormentor, Joe swallowed convulsively. He knew he had no choice. No horse was worth dying for. Yet the words stuck in his throat, the pain blocking them. The Indian nicked his throat with the knife and Joe felt the blood trickle down his neck, to pool in the hollow by his collarbone.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it and be damned!\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

The knife eased away from his flesh, although Joe\u2019s head was still dragged back at a painful angle. His abused back began to throb again as the more serious threat eased. Joe gulped in a mouthful of air, looking at his horse with deep regret.<\/p>\n

Next moment, there was a shot and a band of white men rode into the camp. The braves were for once caught unawares, all their attention focused on the struggle between their chief and medicine man over a horse. War Bonnet reared, pulled the halter rope from the hands of the man holding him, and fled.<\/p>\n

With an incoherent cry of rage, the medicine man yanked Joe\u2019s head further back, almost cutting off the youth\u2019s air. The knife came up once more, but this time Joe was not alone. Another shot rang out and the medicine man jerked, then slid slowly to the ground, his fingers still tangled in Joe\u2019s hair. For an agonizing moment, Joe was hauled back by the weight, unable to breathe, then gravity prevailed and the fingers slid free. Joe slumped forward against the post, gasping for breath, his heart hammering erratically.<\/p>\n

As his breathing eased, Joe became aware of the fighting around him. Lifting his head, he saw that the Ponderosa men were winning. Ben, Adam and Hoss were all fighting their way towards him. Joe\u2019s knees suddenly felt weak and he hoped he would not fall. His hands were sore enough without adding his bodyweight to them.<\/p>\n

A few moments later and the fighting was over. Ben hurried to Joe\u2019s side, Adam and Hoss just a step behind. \u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d Ben asked, running his hands down his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he whispered, unable to lie and say he was all right, for Joe doubted that his legs would hold him for another moment. As Adam sliced through the ropes that bound him to the pole, Joe found himself collapsing to the ground. Ben and Hoss both reached out to catch him and Joe let out a cry of pain before sinking into welcome blackness.<\/p>\n

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

Rising before dawn that morning, Ben, Hoss and Adam had found it difficult to force down their cold rations. They were on the trail the moment the light was good enough and after traveling for less than half an hour, they could all distinctly smell wood smoke. They picked up the pace then, knowing they were close.<\/p>\n

Bursting into the camp, they had already been aware of the uproar and were shocked to see the body of the chief lying on the ground. But there had only been one thought in Ben\u2019s mind, and that was to get Joe away from the Indian who had a knife to his throat. When the opportunity presented itself, Ben had fired, hitting the Indian under his arm. It had taken a few more moments for him to reach Joe\u2019s side, but the relief at finding his son alive had quickly turned to fear as Joe collapsed in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him home,\u201d Ben said, urgently. Joe was cradled in his father\u2019s arms, resting on his stomach, so as not to further injure his back. He glanced around. \u201cFind out what went on here, and see if they have a travois we can have. Someone must speak English.\u201d He glanced at the dead Indian lying beside him, then looked away.<\/p>\n

A few moments later; Adam came back with a brave that Ben thought he recognized. \u201cI am son of Running Wolf,\u201d he announced, gesturing to the dead chief. \u201cHe and Red Feather argued over who should have the sacred horse. The white man said the horse was his. Red Feather killed my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is the horse now?\u201d Adam asked, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ran away,\u201d the brave told him. \u201cOur chief is avenged.\u201d He hunted for the words and found them. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho will be chief now?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI,\u201d the brave replied. \u201cI did not wish this to happen.\u201d He gestured towards Joe, who was now groaning as he approached consciousness again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben told him, realizing that the young man was trying to apologies.<\/p>\n

Nodding, seeing that he had been understood and that things were all right between them, he shouted a command and a few minutes later a fur-covered travois appeared, hitched to an Appaloosa pony. As Ben and Hoss lifted Joe onto it, Adam was given his brother\u2019s shirt, jacket and gun belt. Within another few minutes, the Ponderosa crew were mounted and ready to leave.<\/p>\n

As the travois pulled out, Ben glanced back at the young brave. \u201cGood luck,\u201d he said, gravely.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay the Great Spirit be with you,\u201d the brave replied, and they nodded to each other.<\/p>\n

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

It took them all day to get home. Ben sent one of the men off to get the doctor, and since they didn\u2019t have to follow a trail, they were able to cut a lot of time off the return journey. Joe drifted in and out of consciousness throughout. He was running a temperature, and Ben didn\u2019t know if it was the result of the latest abuse his body had suffered, or the start of an infection in the arrow wounds he had received the previous day.<\/p>\n

They arrived back at the house as dusk fell. Paul Martin\u2019s buggy was already in the yard and as Adam and Hoss carried Joe inside, he appeared at the top of the stairs and cried, \u201cUp here, boys,\u201d before disappearing from sight again.<\/p>\n

A single look at the exhausted family told Paul all he needed to know. \u201cYou people go and eat your supper and I\u2019ll be down as soon as I can. Don\u2019t bother arguing with me, because I can see you are all worn out and haven\u2019t eaten all day. Now, go on. Joe and I can manage here.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a tired chuckle from the bed, which did much to reassure the others and they reluctantly left. Paul bent over the bed, feeling the heat coming from Joe, but pleased to see that he was awake and aware. \u201cHow are you feeling, Joe?\u201d he asked. \u201cAnd don\u2019t say fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again there was the tired chuckle. \u201cThirsty,\u201d Joe replied, his voice low and hoarse. Smiling, Paul set about remedying that.<\/p>\n

After a thorough examination, Paul smiled down at Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ve been lucky, young man,\u201d he told him. \u201cApart from the fact the surgery to remove those arrows was quite crude, there isn\u2019t any infection present, which is good news. The bad news is that leg needs stitches, as does the shoulder. I\u2019m going to put some salve on your back and bandage it up and in a few weeks, you won\u2019t know anything had happened to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it,\u201d Joe murmured. He winced as Paul shot some morphine into his backside, but the drug soon worked and Joe slumbered throughout the time it took to stitch and bandage him up.<\/p>\n

Downstairs, Paul accepted a cup of coffee as he assured the others that Joe would be just fine and his fever was nothing to worry about. He got the story of what had happened, as far as they knew. He waited expectantly for a moment as the narrative drew to a close then asked, \u201cWhat happened to the horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t seen hide nor hair of it since it ran off,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI half expected War Bonnet to appear as we rode home, but there was nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll turn up,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cHorses usually do.\u201d He rose. \u201cWell, I\u2019m off. I don\u2019t expect there to be any problems, but if there are, send for me. Night, everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Paul left, Ben rose. \u201cI\u2019m going to sit with Joe,\u201d he told them. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you boys get some sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come in later, Pa,\u201d Adam offered. He watched as Ben climbed the stairs, then returned to staring into the fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpit it out,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Starting, Adam looked at his brother. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, spit it out,\u201d Hoss repeated. \u201cI can see there\u2019s somethin\u2019 botherin\u2019 ya, so spit it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts something Joe said,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cJust before he left yesterday. He accused me of being annoyed that his experiment worked. We had words before that, but you know what, Hoss? He was right. I was furious that Joe had been proved right and that Patch and Satan had proved such a good match.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all knew that, Adam,\u201d Hoss informed him, gravely. \u201cYa never said that horse\u2019s name. Joe was real hurt. He wanted ya ta say ya was proud o\u2019 him, but ya never did. That\u2019s why ya argued.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0proud of him,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI was, underneath the jealousy. I still am. I would never have thought of pairing those two horses and Joe did and not only was the colt nice, it was a Medicine Hat horse. How could I not be jealous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t easy,\u201d Hoss remarked, philosophically. \u201cJoe allus seems ta have it all, don\u2019t he? Good looks, charm, and a way with horses. Don\u2019t seem fair, somehow, do it? But look at what he has ta put up with.\u201d Hoss hooked Adam\u2019s dark gaze with his guileless blue eyes. \u201cHe sure is accident prone, ain\u2019t he? Cain\u2019t hardly have a season go by, but what Joe hurts hisself. But he don\u2019t complain, none, Adam. I don\u2019 know if\u2019n Joe sees it this way, but I reckons that he jist accepts it as payment for the gifts he\u2019s got.\u201d Nodding, Hoss sighed. \u201cJoe\u2019s real special, seems to me, an\u2019 it\u2019s hard to accept sometimes. But ya know what, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa loves all o\u2019 us jist the way we is. It don\u2019t matter ta him that we ain\u2019t like each other. I ain\u2019t the beauty o\u2019 the family, but it don\u2019 matter. I know I\u2019m a nice person, an\u2019 that\u2019s what counts. Ya know what ya are, Adam. Ya don\u2019t need ta be jealous o\u2019 Joe. Ya got lots goin\u2019 fer ya, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding his big little brother fondly, Adam smiled. \u201cHoss, you\u2019re not only a nice person, but you are the wisest man I know, apart from Pa. As always, when I\u2019ve got myself into a corner, you come along and help me out. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing, Hoss replied, \u201cAh, ya don\u2019 need ta thank me, Adam. I\u2019m yer brother. I love ya whatever ya do, even when ya behave like a jerk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling through the tears that sprang to his eyes, for Adam cherished Hoss\u2019 words, he mumbled, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning back, Hoss saw that he had found the words necessary to prevent Adam eating his heart out over the episode and deciding in the end that it was all his fault. \u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 ta bed,\u201d he yawned. \u201cWake me when ya gits tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam promised, rising to go to bed, too. He felt a lot lighter and knew he would sleep well that night.<\/p>\n

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

Next morning, Joe was looking much better and he filled his family in on the things that had happened to him before they arrived. \u201cI didn\u2019t understand why they kept asking who War Bonnet belonged to,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cUntil one of the braves suggested that I stole him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hoss grunted. \u201cWhat\u2019d he mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he thought I\u2019d killed someone to get him,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cWhat I never figured out was why Red Feather killed Running Wolf.\u201d Adam had told him the medicine man\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey both wanted the horse,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cTraditionally, only a great warrior or shaman can ride a Medicine Hat horse. They thought you had killed a chief and stolen him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is War Bonnet now?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t been seen since he ran away from the camp,\u201d Adam told him. Joe frowned. \u201cHe\u2019ll probably turn up,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cHorses usually do.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Later, when they were alone, Adam turned to Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve got to apologies for the way I behaved over War Bonnet,\u201d he began. \u201cI was down on you and the horse right from the word go. I\u2019m sorry. I should\u2019ve trusted your judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe replied, embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, its not,\u201d Adam went on. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m not sure I can explain this properly, but I\u2019ll try. You see, ever since you found Satan, all those years ago, I\u2019ve been afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfraid? You? Why?\u201d Joe gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been afraid for your life, buddy.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cI know that you could handle Satan, after a fashion, but I\u2019ve always been afraid that he would turn on you and that this time, you wouldn\u2019t get away. We all know the risks with wild horses, but you had that horse almost tame, and I\u2019ve always feared that one day, the temptation would get too strong and you\u2019d try to ride him again, and this time he\u2019d kill you. And somehow, the fact that you were right about Patch and Satan got all mixed up with the arrival of the foal and the fact that he was a Medicine Hat horse just seemed to rub my nose in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts just crazy, I guess, but I was jealous of the horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe just lay there, looking at Adam. \u201cI know that breaking a horse like Satan is a chance you\u2019d never take,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut we\u2019re different people, Adam. Sure, we do have the same ideas about some things, but we\u2019re different. I take risks, because that\u2019s the way I am. I don\u2019t know why; perhaps it\u2019s because I had a more settle childhood than you. Perhaps it\u2019s because we have different mothers; perhaps there isn\u2019t really another reason to find. I guess I knew that you worried about me seeing Satan. I had hoped to get one of his colts that was as special as he was. And I did.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cYou have nothing to apologies for. Isn\u2019t that what big brothers do? Look out for their younger brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam nodded. \u201cI guess so,\u201d he admitted. He ran his thumb down Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cAnd sometimes, the younger ones look out for the older ones, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The apology made, accepted and, in the long run, unnecessary, Adam found that he was no longer upset by Joe\u2019s connection to the big skewbald stallion and Joe found that he understood his brother\u2019s protective urges that caused him to disapprove of actions he thought were too risky.<\/p>\n

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

Joe soon recovered from his ordeal and was back to his usual self, filled with boundless energy and cheeky enough to make his family want to throttle him at least once a day.<\/p>\n

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

They never saw War Bonnet again.<\/p>\n

But the Shoshone talked of the big white Sacred Horse that roamed the shores of Lake Tahoe.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Despite the reservations of some members of the family, Joe breeds his bad-tempered mare to his famous wild stallion, Satan. The result is something none of them could have foreseen.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(11,405 words)<\/p>\n

The Mustang Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":14946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-3553","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2384,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/warbonnet-pinto.jpg?fit=700%2C530&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48239,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48239","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":0},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #14 – June 2019 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"June 30, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Rodeo Roundup - The theme this month revolves around a roundup, cattle drive, or rodeo. Use \"Mustang Sally\", \"Cotton-eyed Joe\" for your OC inspiration. Rating: G, Word Count: 2159","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":22339,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=22339","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":1},"title":"Mustang Sally (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"June 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY:\u00a0 On a trip to catch mustangs, Adam learns about breaking horses from an unlikely source.\u00a0 Edited in a second Mustang Sally story based on a Pinecone challenge from Brand -- McTeague. Rating: PG\u00a0 Word count = 2215","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"horse","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mustang-Sally.png?fit=754%2C644&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mustang-Sally.png?fit=754%2C644&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mustang-Sally.png?fit=754%2C644&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Mustang-Sally.png?fit=754%2C644&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3823,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3823","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":2},"title":"The Mustang (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"July 2, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe sets his heart on capturing a skewbald stallion, and breaking him. Will giving his heart so recklessly to the horse cause it to break instead? Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0(8,746 words) The Mustang Series, links to all stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":23253,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=23253","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":3},"title":"The Return (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"August 5, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam\u2019s upcoming return from Boston affects his brothers in an unexpected way. Rated: K+ Word Count: 1,015","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/PPPT-pic.png?fit=588%2C325&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47118,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47118","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":4},"title":"Cartwright Romance #3 – Heart and Home (by Emmy)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 This part of my trilogy about the romantic lives of the three Cartwright sons. Rating and Reader Alerts: PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 12,625 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3790,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3790","url_meta":{"origin":3553,"position":5},"title":"Christmas Surprise (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"September 26, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Written originally for Bonanza Gold, here is a little tale of a surprise at Christmas, funnily enough! Rated:\u00a0 T (1,150 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3553","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3553"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3553\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3553"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3553"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3553"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}