{"id":3560,"date":"2003-12-10T00:27:32","date_gmt":"2003-12-10T05:27:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3560"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:34","slug":"sold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3560","title":{"rendered":"Sold! (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Home alone, Joe is kidnapped, but then events take an unexpected turn. Will Joe survive until his family finds him?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 MA \u00a0 (9,270 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

Sold<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

As the house came into sight, Joe Cartwright heaved a sigh of relief. He had been away from home for almost three weeks and he couldn\u2019t wait to get back. He had been delivering 4 horses to a customer near the Arizona border and had been held up by torrential rains on the way home. Joe was at least four days late and he hoped that his pa and brothers were still at home waiting for him.<\/p>\n

But Joe was to be disappointed. The house was cold and deserted. The note that Ben had left his youngest son explained that they couldn\u2019t delay the cattle drive any longer and had had to go on without him. If Joe arrived home within 24 hours of the date on the note, he should follow them and try to catch up. If it was any later than that, he was in charge of the ranch. Glancing at the date, Joe saw that it was dated three days before. \u201cGuess I\u2019m in charge then,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

His first priority was to get fires going. Hop Sing had gone with Ben, Adam and Hoss, as they were only taking some cattle into Reno. It wasn\u2019t a long trip. Meantime, all the hearths in the house were cold and Joe couldn\u2019t make himself a hot meal until the fires were going.<\/p>\n

Although it didn\u2019t take long to get the fires going and a meal cooked, Joe was much more appreciative of Hop Sing than usual by the time he had done it all. He hadn\u2019t realized how much he had come to rely on a meal being ready for him when he came in cold and tired and he was grateful that he didn\u2019t have to clean up very often afterwards. By then, exhaustion was closing his eyes, so Joe shot the bolt on the door, banked the fires for the night and took himself off to bed.<\/p>\n

Dropping his dirty clothes in a heap on the floor, Joe flung himself onto the bed, dragged the blankets up over his bare shoulders and fell asleep at once.<\/p>\n

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

The sun was well up when Joe stirred the next morning. It was a pleasant feeling to lie there, relaxing, but soon Joe\u2019s natural ebullience had him up and out of bed. He went down stairs and washed at the kitchen sink, a thing his father never allowed, before making a quick breakfast. There wasn\u2019t much food in the house, and Joe decided he\u2019d have to go into town for some supplies to tide him over for a few days.<\/p>\n

The ranch was never left unattended and Joe saw the men that Ben had left behind working down by the corrals, so he headed over there to let them know that he was back, and that they should carry on with whatever chores they had been given to do. By the time Joe had caught up on the ranch gossip and told about his time away, it was almost noon before he reached town.<\/p>\n

First things first, Joe decided and went to have some lunch in one of the cafes, reasoning that there was no need to eat his own cooking when there was good food available! Feeling replete, he then headed over to the store.<\/p>\n

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

Recognizing the voice, Joe turned and smiled at Sheriff Roy Coffee and waited for the older man to catch up with him. \u201cHi, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, yerself,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cWhen d\u2019ya git home, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wincing silently, Joe wished Roy would just start calling him Joe and forget about the \u2018Little\u2019. \u201cLate yesterday,\u201d he replied. \u201cI got held up and missed Pa and the others. How\u2019re things here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, about the same,\u201d Roy replied, sagely. \u201cDon\u2019t ya go getting inta any fights while yer pa\u2019s away, ya hear, boy? There ain\u2019t nobody ta come an\u2019 bail ya out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cI\u2019ll see you around, Roy. Take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cYou, too, Joe.\u201d He watched as Joe sauntered across the street and into the store before he headed back to his office.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take Joe long to buy a few things to tide him over, and he packed them into his saddlebags before heading across to the saloon. He tethered Cochise outside and went in.<\/p>\n

There were a fair number of customers patronizing the place and Joe nodded greetings to half a dozen different men as he made his way to the bar. \u201cHi, Sam, gimme a beer,\u201d Joe said, as he leaned onto the polished surface of the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cComin\u2019 up, Joe,\u201d Sam replied. A cool beer was soon in front of Joe and he took a deep draught. \u201cHaven\u2019t seen you in town for a while, Joe? You grounded again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, back off,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cGrounded! You sure are tired of living, aren\u2019t you, Sam?\u201d He laughed again as the barman chortled. \u201cNo, I was delivering some horses. I only got back last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I believe you,\u201d Sam agreed. The two men had been acquaintances for a long time. He moved off to serve someone else. Joe turned to lean against the bar, looking idly around the room. His eye fell on a group of his friends sitting up at the back, and Joe took his beer and went over to join them, not noticing the two pairs of eyes that were following his every move.<\/p>\n

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

An hour and a half and several beers later, Joe left the saloon and mounted the patient Cochise. He felt pleasantly relaxed and a lot less tired than he had earlier. He didn\u2019t see the man who mounted up and raced off, trying to outdistance Joe. Nor did he particularly notice the fancy black carriage that was parked outside the hotel. As soon as he left the confines of the town behind, Joe put his heel to his horse for no other reason that the love of speed and in perfect harmony, man and horse raced across the land.<\/p>\n

As Joe pulled Cochise back to a lope, he saw a man on the road ahead, waving frantically. Joe straightened, frowning. \u201cLooks like trouble of some kind, Cooch,\u201d he remarked. With his hand resting on his gun, Joe rode on.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp, please!\u201d the man called as Joe drew closer. \u201cMy wagon overturned and my brother is trapped. I can\u2019t move the wagon alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismounting, Joe could see the overturned wagon lying in a dip by the road. \u201cWhat do you want me to do?\u201d he asked. He thought the man seemed familiar, but he was trying to figure out how he could help free the trapped man. He started to move down the slope.<\/p>\n

From the corner of his eye, Joe saw a fast movement, but before he could react, something heavy crashed down on his head and he tumbled down the dip, out cold. Another man stood up from behind the wagon and grinned at the first one. \u201cWe got him!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

Movement on the road caught the men\u2019s attention, and they glanced up worriedly. A man was coming towards them, riding a limping horse too hard. After a moment, the men relaxed, recognizing the third partner. As the horse pulled up, one of the men repeated, \u201cWe got him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou idiots,\u201d the third man swore. His partners, his brothers, looked astounded. Before they could speak, the oldest one went on, \u201cThere ain\u2019t any other Cartwrights home right now! There\u2019s no point in holding Joe for ransom when there ain\u2019t anyone to pay it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow was we meant to know that, Jim?\u201d asked the one who had been hiding behind the wagon.<\/p>\n

Relenting, Jim replied, \u201cAll right, so you didn\u2019t know. If this horse hadn\u2019t turned lame on me, I might\u2019ve got here before him an\u2019 warned you.\u201d He sighed and looked down on Joe. \u201cWe\u2019d better tie him up and take what money he\u2019s got on him. Then we\u2019ll get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t much money in Joe\u2019s wallet and his left-handed gun belt was too distinctive to take into town to sell. Rob, the middle brother, gave Joe a hefty kick in the ribs. \u201cFor a rich man\u2019s son, he ain\u2019t carryin\u2019 much money,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can help you there,\u201d offered a voice and all three men swore, not having heard the dapper little man approaching. They drew their guns.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019re you?\u201d Jim asked. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name isn\u2019t important,\u201d the man replied. \u201cI work for Lady Jane Beresford. She would be willing to pay you to take this young man off your hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncertainly, Jim looked at his brothers. None of them were great shakes as thinkers, but he could see the greedy gleam in the eyes of his youngest brother, Jake. This seemed like a good way out of their predicament. Joe Cartwright knew them slightly, and when he came round and got free, he would undoubtedly go to the sheriff and report them. \u201cHow much?\u201d he asked, warily.<\/p>\n

\u201c$5000,\u201d the little English man replied, and the brothers nodded. That was more than twice the amount they had thought of asking!<\/p>\n

\u201cDone!\u201d Jim agreed, putting his gun away. His brothers copied him. He watched as the man extracted some money from his inside pocket and handed it over. Jim counted it quickly and nodded to his brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, go away,\u201d the Englishman ordered. He watched as the brothers rode away, then knelt by Joe, swiftly blindfolding and gagging him. That done, he stood and whistled piercingly. A moment later, the black carriage appeared and drew to a stop beside him. The driver jumped down and helped the little man load Joe into the carriage. It then drove away, with Joe a prisoner inside.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe came round a short while later, he couldn\u2019t figure out what was happening. He was being bumped around and he could hear talking, yet he was ignored, even as he struggled against the tight ropes that bound him. The way he was cramped up, he couldn\u2019t move his head enough to rub off the blindfold and by the time the carriage stopped its journey, many hours later, Joe was exhausted and his limbs were cramping badly.<\/p>\n

As he was dragged from the carriage, Joe renewed his struggles, but it was hopeless. He couldn\u2019t loosen the ropes at all. He drew in a draught of fresh air before he was taken inside a building of some kind. Joe heard a big door boom shut behind him, and many feet on wooden floors. Then he seemed to be going upstairs. He heard another door open and then his journey ended as he was dropped on a carpet covered floor. The door closed behind him again.<\/p>\n

Now, Joe at least had a way to remove the blindfold and he rubbed his head on the carpet until the material pulled away from his eyes. Joe had to blink several times before his vision cleared. He looked around curiously.<\/p>\n

He was in a large bedroom. A big, canopied bed occupied part of the room. A dark armoire stood against the wall, with a matching dressing table and chest close by. Thick velvet curtains hung over the window and they were closed. Candles burned in sconces all round the walls. Joe didn\u2019t know where he was; he had no idea if it was night or day; he was hungry, thirsty, sore and he needed to pee. Joe felt that his temper was ready to explode at any second.<\/p>\n

The bedroom door opened and a strikingly beautiful young woman came in. She was wearing dark traveling clothes, and Joe could see at once by the style and cut that they had cost a lot of money. The woman came straight across to Joe and stood over him, looking down. He craned his stiff neck to look at her more closely. He did not like what he saw.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Lady Jane Beresford,\u201d she announced. \u201cI have just bought you as my personal servant. Please me, and you\u2019ll live like a king. Displease me, and you\u2019ll regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Incensed by her words, Joe tried instinctively to protest, but the gag held back his words. He was outraged.\u00a0 He was not a piece of property to be bought or sold! He renewed his struggle against his bonds, but he was too tired to fight for long. He slumped back and realized that Lady Jane was looking at him with amusement.<\/p>\n

Calmly, she went over and pulled on an embroidered bell pull and a few moments later, the dapper little man who had negotiated for Joe came in. \u201cYes, my lady?\u201d he enquired politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake out the gag, Giles and let\u2019s find out who he is,\u201d Lady Jane instructed. She perched herself on the trunk at the end of the bed and watched with interest.<\/p>\n

Joe was more than relieved to be rid of the gag, but he found his mouth was too dry to speak for a few moments. \u201dLet me go,\u201d he demanded. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep me here! I\u2019m a free man!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot any more,\u201d Lady Jane replied. \u201cYou were free, but you aren\u2019t now. These are the facts, accept them. What is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Joe Cartwright, and my father and brothers will be looking for me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose stupid men I bought you from said that there was no one in your family at home right now,\u201d Lady Jane informed him. \u201cThey were rather in a quandary about what to do. I gather they were going to hold you to ransom. I offered them a large sum of money which they accepted. So you are mine, Joe Cartwright. I know of your father, if he is Ben Cartwright, but that doesn\u2019t worry me. Soon, you\u2019ll be willing to be mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll never willingly be yours, because I\u2019m a free man, not a slave,\u201d Joe retorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake him away,\u201d Lady Jane ordered. \u201cHe\u2019s boring me. Make him secure for the night. I\u2019ll start training him tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, m\u2019lady,\u201d Giles agreed and went to the door.<\/p>\n

A moment later, two other men came in and Joe was dragged out of that room, along a corridor, up another flight of stairs and into a different room with no furniture in it. There, his jacket and boots were stripped off and the ropes were exchanged for shackles, despite Joe\u2019s best efforts at resistance. He was chained to the wall and left alone.<\/p>\n

Looking round, Joe saw that there was some food and water set out for him. The one lamp burned dimly, and there was a blanket for him. No fire burned in the empty grate, and curtains covered the windows. Joe made use of the chamber pot and ate. Then he wrapped himself in the blanket and waited for morning to come.<\/p>\n

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

Next morning, Lady Jane was the first person into the room, followed by the faithful Giles. \u201cGood morning,\u201d she smiled. Joe looked back, but said nothing, remaining huddled beneath the blanket. It had been a cold night.<\/p>\n

A flash of annoyance crossed her face, the lips tightening noticeably. \u201cWhen I come into a room, you will rise and answer me politely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe responded, quietly. \u201cYou haven\u2019t treated me with respect, so I don\u2019t have to treat you with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without saying another word, Jane swept out of the room and the door slammed shut behind her. Joe winced slightly and made a rueful face. He had laid his cards on the table now, and would have to live with the consequences. But Joe had no intention of buckling under. He had to fight to get free until Pa and his brothers arrived home and discovered he was missing.<\/p>\n

Miserably, Joe wondered just how long that would take.<\/p>\n

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

Knocking briskly on the door of the big house, Fred waited impatiently for a reply. He tried again a few moments later, and when there was still no answer, opened the door and went in. \u201cJoe?\u201d he called, with the familiarity of a long-term ranch hand, which he was. \u201cJoe!\u201d There was no reply.<\/p>\n

Perplexed, Fred looked back out of the door, and sure enough, Cochise still stood in the yard where Fred had tethered him a few minutes ago. Fred hadn\u2019t seen Joe come home, and he was rather surprised that his boss hadn\u2019t tended to his horse, but perhaps Joe was going back out again. However, the continuing silence was making Fred uneasy and he took the reluctant decision that he had to search the house for Joe.<\/p>\n

The kitchen fire was out, as was the fire in the great room. A few dirty dishes were sitting by the pump in the kitchen. Fred lifted a moldy apple from the bowl on the table and dumped it. Joe was obviously nowhere downstairs and so Fred ventured into new territory and went upstairs.<\/p>\n

The bedrooms were deserted. Joe\u2019s bed was unmade and a breeze fluttered the curtains at the partially open window. The water in the glass by his bed sparkled with dust motes in the afternoon sunshine.<\/p>\n

Leaving the house, Fred searched the barn, spring house, smoke house and corrals, but all the time he did that, he knew that he wasn\u2019t going to find Joe. With a sinking heart, Fred went to put Cochise away, then saddled a horse for himself and rode into town to report Joe missing.<\/p>\n

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

The wire reporting that grim news reached Ben, Adam and Hoss the next morning, three days after Joe\u2019s disappearance.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss both watched their father\u2019s face as he read the telegram. \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben replied, with a distracted air. He read the words once more. \u201cHe\u2019s disappeared.\u201d He handed the paper to Adam and Hoss crowded in close to read it. Ben thought furiously. \u201cHop Sing can bring back the wagon alone. Boys, you and I will head for home at once. Fred says that he\u2019s alerted Roy Coffee, so hopefully he\u2019ll have found something out by the time we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

They hurried to their hotel rooms and packed. Ben sent a wire back, saying they were on their way. After a brief stop to despot the money from the sale of the cattle, they were in the saddle and riding as though the devil was on their tail.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe breathed, barely aware of his surroundings. Joe\u2019s body begged for water and he moaned as a cramp spasmed through his empty belly. He had not had food or drink for 2 days and his body was beginning to shut down.<\/p>\n

A hand lifted his head and some cool water trickled into his mouth and Joe swallowed eagerly. He cried out in distress as the water was withdrawn. \u201cYou\u2019ll get some more soon,\u201d a voice soothed, and Joe was too weak to protest any further. He slipped into a restless sleep.<\/p>\n

Over the next day or so, Joe\u2019s strength gradually crept back as Lady Jane allowed him to eat and drink again. Joe used the time to think. He wasn\u2019t sure how long he had been there, having lost track of time while delirious, but he knew that resistance wasn\u2019t going to get him anywhere. His only hope, as he saw it, was to play along, pretend to be cowed and hope for a relaxation in his captivity. Now that he was getting better, he was in shackles once more. But he didn\u2019t have the physical reserves right then to have made a break, even if he hadn\u2019t been in chains. So, despite it going against the grain, Joe did what was expected of him and tried to be meek. It didn\u2019t come easy.<\/p>\n

Yet after a few days, he began to see a glimmer of light. Lady Jane seemed to believe that his spirit was broken. She allowed him more contact with the other servants, and Joe began to gather some information about his \u2018mistress\u2019.<\/p>\n

He already knew that she was English. Her father had been Lord Beresford, but he had not been married to Jane\u2019s mother. She had no right to use the title, but here in America, nobody knew any better. Jane\u2019s mother had also been aristocratic, but her father had thrown her out when it was discovered that she was with child. Jane\u2019s mother had managed to make a marriage with a rich draper; something of a comedown in class for her, but a huge step up for the man.\u00a0 They had had no other children, and when he died, Jane\u2019s mother had inherited his wealth. A few years later, Jane had come to America, bringing many of her servants with her.<\/p>\n

It was there that Joe suddenly found the servants less willing to talk. There was some mention of living back east, but nothing specific. Joe tried not to appear too curious, and as it became obvious that Jane was preparing to make Joe earn his keep, he soon reaped the reward for his patience. The first evening that Jane sent for Joe, the footman who took him whispered, \u201cShe\u2019s mad. Just remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe whispered back. He was becoming depressingly used to the shackles, but was still forced to walk more slowly than he was used to. \u201cWhat do you mean, mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was in an asylum,\u201d the other whispered. Joe thought his name might be Mark. \u201cGiles got her out, but she\u2019s crazy! You be careful not to make her angry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the warning,\u201d Joe replied. He had already been apprehensive about what she wanted from him and he was doubly so now. Reluctantly, he walked into her room and the door shut behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, Joe,\u201d Jane purred. She was stretched out on a chaise lounge in front of a blazing fire, wearing a filmy negligee.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood evening, m\u2019lady,\u201d he replied, as he\u2019d been taught.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome over here and kneel down,\u201d she ordered. Joe nervously obliged. She studied him closely, her face only inches from his own, one hand caressing his cheek. \u201cSo beautiful,\u201d she breathed and leant forward and kissed him.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe resisted, then allowed her tongue to insinuate itself between his lips.\u00a0 Jane put her hand on the back of his head and drew him closer. After a moment, she backed off. \u201cYou will kiss me back,\u201d she ordered. Without waiting for a reply, she claimed his mouth again. Joe could not bring himself to do as she asked. After a moment, she drew back, but she clamped her sharp white teeth into his lip as she did so and ripped mercilessly back. Joe let out a startled cry as his lip began to bleed heavily. \u201cYou won\u2019t defy me again,\u201d Jane warned him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, m\u2019lady,\u201d Joe agreed. He longed to raise his hand and wipe away the blood that ran down his chin, but he couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Satisfied, Jane reached over and began to unbutton the white shirt Joe was wearing. She pushed the fabric as far back on his shoulders as she could and ran her fingers down his chest. Joe shivered slightly. \u201cStand up,\u201d she ordered and Joe did as he was told.<\/p>\n

Swinging her legs to the floor, Jane sat up and reached for a bunch of keys on a small table near by. She slowly opened the lock that kept Joe\u2019s hands attached to his waist, then the chain round his waist, and lastly opened the shackles on his ankles. It was complete bliss to be almost free again. Joe hopefully held out his hands and was elated when she opened one cuff.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your clothes off,\u201d Jane ordered. \u201cShirt first, and don\u2019t try anything.\u201d She patted a cushion significantly, and Joe assumed that she had a gun there. But he had to gain her trust, even though he knew now what was expected of him. He slid his shirt off and submitted meekly when she refastened the cuffs round his wrists.<\/p>\n

When at last Joe stood before her in all his glory, Jane caught her breath. She had spotted Joe on the street in Virginia City and had wanted him from that first moment. Her delight when they had found him already unconscious and tied up had been great. Money was no object to her and she intended to have this young man. It hadn\u2019t taken much to break him, she mused. She had thought it might require more brutal methods, but she was just as glad not to have to mar that golden skin. He had a few odd scars, but they only enhanced his perfection. She hadn\u2019t suspected how muscular he was. His slender build had been deceptive.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome over here,\u201d she coaxed and led Joe to the bed. He kept his face impassive. He had known this was coming.<\/p>\n

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

Next day, Joe deliberately kept his mind away from the coming evening. Joe knew he had to do what was necessary to survive and he was in no doubt that if he displeased Jane enough, he wouldn\u2019t survive for long. By now, Joe knew that his family would be looking for him, and he had to stay alive long enough to escape or for them to find him.<\/p>\n

But already, his cooperation had provided dividends. Joe\u2019s ankles were no longer shacked! He reveled in this relative freedom and spent quite a long time walking about his room, stretching out the cramped muscles in his legs. Joe was concerned that all the time he had spent in inactivity would adversely affect his fitness. He had to be as fit as possible when he came to make his escape.<\/p>\n

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

The faint hope that Ben had had that Joe would be home before they were was crushed. Joe was still missing. It was too late that night to do anything other than fall into bed and try to sleep, but when morning came, Ben felt that he hadn\u2019t closed his eyes at all.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was a sketchy meal, as Hop Sing was coming home more slowly with the chuck wagon. Ben and the boys grabbed a few mouthfuls standing in the kitchen, then headed out to mount the horses that Fred had saddled for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Ben!\u201d Roy cried, as Ben walked into the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou know that Joe is missing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cAn\u2019 I think I might be able ta help ya out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can?\u201d Ben cried. \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ya know the Morton boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMorton?\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have that little spread on the outskirts of town, Pa,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cThey raise chickens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, them,\u201d Ben nodded, his tone betraying what the entire town thought of the Mortons. \u201cWhat do they have to do with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019s been spreadin\u2019 a lot o\u2019 money about town fer the last week,\u201d Roy explained. The frown on Ben\u2019s face told him that he still had no idea what Roy was talking about. \u201cSo I started askin\u2019 questions. Jim decided to take me on, an\u2019 I arrested him. O\u2019 course, his brothers had to git involved, an\u2019 so I got all three o\u2019 \u2018em in the cells.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Ben asked, clearly baffled as to what this had to do with Joe.<\/p>\n

Patiently, Roy continued. \u201cJim was in the Silver Dollar the day Joe disappeared. Jim lit out after Joe an\u2019 the very next day they had lots of money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe wasn\u2019t carrying lots of money,\u201d Adam objected. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have had much money on him at all. He banked the money before he came home. It was wired here the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJim admitted to me that they sold Joe to some woman.\u201d Roy settled back to wait for the explosion. He wasn\u2019t disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d Ben bellowed. \u201cSold<\/em>\u00a0him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFer $5000,\u201d Roy agreed. He stepped in front of Ben as the irate man turned towards the cells. \u201cNow, Ben calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down?\u201d Ben repeated, dangerously. \u201cThey sold my son! Why should I calm down?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I think I might know where Joe is,\u201d Roy told him. \u201cThis Lady Jane Beresford has a place right near Carson City. Jim says that\u2019s who he sold Joe to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 unnerstand,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cHow could they sell Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems that they was gonna hold him for ransom,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cBut Jim discovered, too late, that you folks wasn\u2019t home, an\u2019 there wouldn\u2019 be anyone to git the money. But by the time he reached his brothers, they\u2019d already knocked Joe out an\u2019 was in a real state. They ain\u2019t much fer thinkin\u2019, that\u2019s fer sure,\u201d he added in disgust. \u201cThis English feller came along an\u2019 offered them the money. It was more than what they was gonna ask ya fer, an\u2019 so they took it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get out there right now,\u201d Ben declared and they all rose to their feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cSlow down, Ben,\u201d Roy advised. \u201cThere\u2019s somethin\u2019 ya ought ta know. This Lady Jane is crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCrazy?\u201d Adam echoed. \u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was locked up fer a while back east in an asylum. Seems some relation o\u2019 hers, a fellow called Giles Ponsonby, come along an\u2019 persuaded the doctors that he would look after her. Seemed ta be doin\u2019 a good enough job, till now.\u201d Roy chewed his moustache meditatively. \u201cMight not be a real good idea ta go chargin\u2019 in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might not seem like a good idea to you, Roy,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cbut it seems perfectly reasonable to me. Come on, boys!\u201d He glared at Roy. \u201cI thought you\u2019d have gone to arrest her by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t my district,\u201d Roy replied, nettled. \u201cI done wired the sheriff down in Carson. He\u2019s gonna go out an\u2019 ask some questions. Should be there by now, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben told his sons and they left without a backward glance.<\/p>\n

Roy slumped in his chair. That had gone just about as well has he had feared it would.<\/p>\n

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

Pacing restlessly around his room, Joe threw a frustrated look at the windows. The curtains were still shut, but even if they had been open, Joe had no way of looking out. The windows were shuttered tight on the outside. His door was always locked. Joe knew that he was on the first floor of the house, but he had no idea how far up that was. It didn\u2019t matter. He was going to make his escape the first chance he got. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to sit passively at Lady Jane\u2019s feet and take her odd moods. The night before, Joe had looked at her for too long, and she had hit him on the shoulder with the poker. Luckily for Joe, he had seen the blow coming and managed to duck far enough away that the blow didn\u2019t break his arm, but the resulting bruise was extremely painful.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the door to his room opened and the two footmen, Mark and George, raced in, with Giles just a step or two behind. Joe looked at them blankly as they grabbed him. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked, but got no further. A wad of cloth was shoved into his mouth and another strip tied around his head to keep it in place. Joe was thrown to the floor and his feet were tightly tied together, and then he was hustled across the room and the doors to the large armoire were thrown open. Joe was thrust inside, made to sit down and his hands, still handcuffed together, although no longer chained to his waist, were dragged over his head and tied to the sturdy clothes rail. Moments later, his feet were similarly secured, so that Joe could not move at all. The armoire doors were then shut, with him still inside.<\/p>\n

Desperately, Joe struggled against his bonds, but his position was too awkward and uncomfortable to allow him to move about at all. He was balanced precariously on his tail bone and the weight of his body caused the handcuffs to bite painfully into the flesh of his wrists. Joe had no idea what was going on.<\/p>\n

Joe had no idea how long he had been in there when he suddenly heard muffled voices in the room outside. Hope flared in Joe\u2019s heart, and he tried desperately to rid himself of the gag, but all he managed to do was slide on the bottom of the armoire slightly and place yet more weight on his hands. In a last ditch effort to get help, Joe deliberately slid further and banged his feet off the side of the armoire and waited.<\/p>\n

Nothing happened. Joe had left his attempt too late and he was left hanging in that painful position for some time before the doors opened and Giles stood there.<\/p>\n

By then, Joe was sweating and feeling light headed. The air inside the armoire was growing rapidly stale. Joe looked up and met the Englishman\u2019s gaze. He felt a surge of fear curl through his belly. What if Giles had heard his feet banging? Would his chance to escape come to nothing?<\/p>\n

Silently, Giles cut through the rope holding Joe to the clothes rail and the young man slumped down in gratitude. Still silent, Giles pulled Joe from the armoire and left him sprawling on the floor while he checked the gag. Satisfied that it was secure, he then checked the ropes binding Joe\u2019s bare feet and nodded. \u201cLady Jane will be up to see you shortly,\u201d he informed his puzzled, apprehensive, prisoner. \u201cIf you are still like this, she has promised that you will get a treat tonight. If, however, you have broken free, you will be punished.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shudder ran down Joe\u2019s spine. He met Giles\u2019 eyes. The Englishman smiled. \u201cThat was the sheriff,\u201d he told Joe. \u201cHe had come here with a warrant to search the place for you. As you can see, he wasn\u2019t very thorough, and you are still here. Rest assured, you will be remaining here. I will make sure of that!\u201d Nodding, Giles left.<\/p>\n

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

Over three hours passed before Lady Jane appeared. Joe was still lying there obediently, gagged and bound. He was determined that tonight was the night he was going to escape and he wouldn\u2019t do anything to mess up his chances. He carefully kept his eyes down as Jane walked over and knelt beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a good boy,\u201d she praised him and Joe wanted to vomit. He forced himself to remain still as she ran her hand down his cheek, lingering on the gag. After a moment, she moved on, running her fingers down his bare chest, for she insisted that Joe was shirtless and bare foot at all times. Her fingers then brushed over his groin before she looked with interest at the chafed and reddened skin on his ankles where the rope bit into them. \u201cI do like you like this,\u201d she purred.<\/p>\n

Keeping his eyes averted, Joe tried to appear cowed, not revolted, for he knew that she would punish him if his revulsion showed. He bore a number of dark bruises on his abdomen from her boot. Jane appeared to be delighted with his meekness.<\/p>\n

After a minute of reveling in his helplessness, Jane untied the gag and Joe was able to spit out the wad of cloth with relief. His mouth was bone dry and he licked his lips in a fruitless attempt to gain some moisture.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, my darling, drink,\u201d Jane whispered, offering Joe a glass of water.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe croaked and began to drink carefully, knowing that Jane could snatch away the glass at any second, or tip the water down his throat so fast that he choked. Oh, he knew most of her little \u2018tricks\u2019 by now. This time, Jane was honest with him and allowed Joe to drink.<\/p>\n

Reaching for the stiletto that she kept with her all the time, Jane cut the rope binding Joe\u2019s feet and ordered him to get up. Joe knew what was coming now. It was the same every night. Giles would be outside the door to make sure Joe obeyed Jane\u2019s commands. Then, Jane would find some new way to tie Joe up so that he couldn\u2019t run away while she tormented him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be dark when we get there, Pa,\u201d Adam worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben replied, in a discouraged tone. \u201cBut I still think Joe is there, even if that sheriff says he\u2019s not! I\u2019m going to find him, if it\u2019s the last thing I do!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re with you on that, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cbut we\u2019ve got to be careful. If we go in there with our guns blazing, who knows what might happen to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll be careful, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the turn-off,\u201d Hoss called from ahead. As twilight fell, the road became less distinct and Ben had been afraid that they would miss the turning.<\/p>\n

As the house came in sight, Ben felt his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that Joe was a prisoner in there and he determined to do what he had to, to ensure his son\u2019s freedom.<\/p>\n

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

At last, Jane was asleep and Joe rolled over painfully, being careful not to jostle her. He was bleeding from a dozen scratches and Jane had tied his ankles together again. But this time, she had not bound his hands and as Joe slipped silently to the floor, he was more than grateful.<\/p>\n

It took him an anxious couple of minutes to untie his feet. Joe cast another look at the bed, but Jane slept on. On silent feet, he made his way across the room to the window. There was no time to hunt for the handcuff keys. He had to get out of there before Jane awoke.<\/p>\n

Sliding behind the curtains, Joe was surprised to discover that it wasn\u2019t completely dark outside. He had not seen daylight since he had been sold, and had lost track of time. Judging by the light and the time of year, Joe thought it must be about 8 pm. The sun was clearly going down and Joe knew his timing couldn\u2019t be better. It was tough to track someone in the dark!<\/p>\n

It was awkward opening the window with his hands cuffed together, but Joe was determined and managed. He drew in a deep breath of fresh air, swung his legs out of the window and lowered himself as far as he could before he dropped to the ground.<\/p>\n

It was easily an eighteen foot drop. The shock reverberated up Joe\u2019s legs and he bit the inside of his cheek to muffle any outcry as he fell to his side on landing. Breathing heavily, Joe tried to decide which way to go. It didn\u2019t really matter, he decided, since he had no idea where he was. There were some trees about 20 feet across a stretch of grass, and Joe decided that was his best option.<\/p>\n

Rising to his feet, he caught his breath as he realized that he had not escaped unharmed from his fall. Pain radiated up his left leg from his foot to his knee. Clutching the offending limb just above the knee, Joe limped off as fast as he could, heading for the trees.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The frantic knocking on her bedroom door roused Jane from her sleep and it took her a moment to realize that Joe was not beside her. Snatching up her robe, she slid it on while calling, \u201cCome in!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was no surprise to see Giles, but he looked alarmed. \u201cM\u2019lady, three armed men are approaching!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Jane cried, looking all round. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Quickly, Giles moved so he could see around the room, but there was no sign of Joe. He knew that Joe had not gone into the corridor, as he had been outside the room all the time. Suddenly, a breath of air moved the curtains, and he raced across the room to throw the curtains aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere he is!\u201d he cried, pointing.<\/p>\n

Running across, Jane saw Joe limping across the grass. Her temper ignited; Joe was the best man she had ever had and she didn\u2019t want him getting away. In two steps, she crossed the room, snatched up a rifle and raced back to the window.<\/p>\n

She was an excellent marksman. Her bullet hit Joe in the leg, knocking him over, but not causing the fatal injury she had hoped for. His limp had foiled her plans. \u201cGet him!\u201d she shrieked at Giles. \u201cGet him and bring him back. He\u2019s not going anywhere!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut those men,\u201d Giles reminded her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll deal with them,\u201d Jane told him, lifting the rifle significantly. She glanced back out of the window, where Joe was dragging his injured leg across the ground.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat was a shot!\u201d Hoss exclaimed, as they pulled their horses to a halt.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like it came from the other side of the house,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d Ben urged and they sent their horses in that direction.<\/p>\n

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

As the bullet bit into his already injured leg, Joe collapsed to the ground with a cry of pain. Jane knew he was free and she would be coming after him, he knew. Despite the pain and the blood that flowed from his thigh, Joe began to drag himself along the ground. His breath panted away from him as he tried to hurry, but his task was made doubly difficult by his handcuffed hands.<\/p>\n

Somewhere behind him, a door banged shut, and Joe knew that the chase was on. He managed to get part way to his feet before his leg refused to hold him. Turning his head, he saw Giles running towards him, a gun in his hand. Joe braced himself for the bullet, even as he dragged his wounded body closer to his goal.<\/p>\n

His heart was thudding in his ears, sounding like galloping hooves, but Joe knew that was the blood loss causing delusions. He wished that he had had one last chance to say goodbye to his family. The world was going dark around the edges and Joe didn\u2019t realize that he had stopped moving. A shadow appeared on the edge of his vision and Joe squinted at it, realizing that it was Giles. Giles slowly raised his gun until it was aimed at Joe\u2019s head, and Joe closed his eyes, not wanting to see the moment when death came racing towards him.<\/p>\n

He heard a shot and slid into the waiting darkness.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cLook!\u201d Adam panted, and grabbed his rifle from its scabbard. The man on foot glanced briefly at the Cartwrights, but dismissed them. He raised his gun and took aim at the man huddled on the ground. Adam didn\u2019t hesitate. He fired.<\/p>\n

The man went down, and the Cartwrights urged their horses forwards again. It was only as they drew closer that Ben realized the other man on the ground was Joe! He flung himself from Buck\u2019s back and knelt by his youngest son, while Adam and Hoss checked on Giles.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he, Pa?\u201d Adam asked coming over to look down on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in a bad way,\u201d Ben replied. He ripped the neckerchief from his throat and pressed it against the bleeding wound in Joe\u2019s thigh. Joe groaned and moved slightly. \u201cWhat about him?\u201d he asked, tilting his head in Giles direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cFrom the sheriff\u2019s description, I think this must be that Giles fellow he talked about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next moment, a shot rang out and Adam let out a grunt as he slumped to the ground. Ben ducked over Joe protectively, and he sensed, rather than saw, Hoss throw himself over Adam. Another bullet bit into the ground near Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get \u2018em outta here, Pa,\u201d Hoss cried. He grabbed Adam by the back of his coat and hauled him away. Ben spotted blood on the custard-colored fabric and felt a pang of worry. He ducked as another bullet whined overhead and pulled Joe a few feet further over, where they had a little shelter from the curve of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d he panted as he laid Joe carefully down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Adam replied, as Hoss picked up his brother\u2019s rifle and then groaned, giving the lie to his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, be careful,\u201d Ben ordered as another bullet flew past his middle son\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed, and a moment later, he fired. There was no answering fire and Hoss rose slowly to his feet and disappeared from sight.<\/p>\n

Ben wanted desperately to go after him, but he couldn\u2019t leave Joe and Adam alone. Adam was sitting up, cradling his left arm, where the bullet had passed. Ben checked the wound on Joe\u2019s thigh and was relieved to see that the bleeding was almost stopped.<\/p>\n

Footsteps approached and Adam drew his gun, but his caution was unnecessary, because it was Hoss. He put the rifle down heavily and sat down. \u201cIt were a girl,\u201d he announced. \u201cAn\u2019 she\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did what you had to do to protect your brothers,\u201d Ben soothed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Hoss agreed and Adam began to reassure him too.<\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe groaned and mumbled his way back to consciousness. He opened pain-dulled eyes to see his father\u2019s anxious face hovering above him. \u201cPa?\u201d he breathed. \u201cHow did you get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben replied, \u201cOn horseback, son, the way I usually get places.\u201d He glanced at his other sons. \u201cCome on, Hoss, let\u2019s get these two to shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

After commandeering a wagon, Hoss drove slowly to Carson City, while Ben rode beside the wagon. Adam and Joe were in the back and there wasn\u2019t room for Ben, too. Joe was weak from blood loss and the bullet was still in his leg. He was wrapped in Ben\u2019s bedroll and his head lay on Adam\u2019s lap. Adam slumped against the back of the seat. The high-powered bullet had done a lot of damage to his arm on the way through. A few inches to the side, and Adam would have been a goner. To Ben\u2019s intense frustration, Joe\u2019s hands were still in cuffs, as when they had gone to the house, they had found it deserted.<\/p>\n

There was no doctor available in Carson City when they got there. He had been called out and had not yet returned. Reluctant to wait, Ben made the decision that they would push on to Virginia City. Joe was quite stable and the sheriff had a key that fitted the handcuffs. Ben put Hoss\u2019 bedroll over Joe and they set off.<\/p>\n

It was nearing dawn before they arrived in Virginia City. Joe was running a fever, and Adam looked little better. Ben and Hoss were exhausted with worry. It had been a very long night.<\/p>\n

Knocking on the door of Dr Paul Martin\u2019s surgery, Ben was astounded when the doctor opened the door almost at once, fully dressed. \u201cPaul,\u201d he muttered. \u201cSorry, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Paul told him, pushing past. \u201cIts Joe and Adam. I got a wire from the sheriff in Carson. Bring them in, Hoss,\u201d he called. \u201cBen, go and sit down. I\u2019ll help Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening his mouth to protest, Ben found that he would only be talking to himself if he did, so he went in and slumped in the nearest seat. Ben felt as though he had been in the saddle for weeks. Next moment, Hoss appeared with Joe in his arms and Ben got up to hurry over and support Joe\u2019s head, which lolled on his shoulders in an alarming fashion. Moments later, Paul came in supporting Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Paul said, as he deposited Adam in a chair. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to operate on Joe to take out that bullet. Adam, you sit down there and rest. Hoss, put this into a glass of water and make Adam drink it, even if you have to sit on him to get it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ve got your brothers mixed up there,\u201d Adam retorted, dryly. \u201cI\u2019m the one who can obey orders, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt never hurts to remind you who\u2019s in charge,\u201d Paul smiled and Adam couldn\u2019t help smiling back. \u201cThe kitchen is through there, Hoss and we could all use some coffee, I think.\u201d He watched for a moment to be sure that Hoss was following his instructions, then turned his attention to Joe.<\/p>\n

The youngest Cartwright was lying on the examination table. His eyes were open, and he was trying to smile at Ben, who was stroking the hair back from Joe\u2019s damp forehead. Paul went over and took Joe\u2019s pulse. The tired green eyes turned in his direction. \u201cHi, doc,\u201d he breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m just going to give you something to make you sleep,\u201d Paul told him. \u201cYou should feel a bit better when you waken, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t feel much worse,\u201d Joe responded and Paul took heart from the bad joke.<\/p>\n

Within a couple of minutes, Paul had Joe anaesthetized and began to unwrap the blankets. He paused, looking down at Joe, then slowly raised his eyes to Ben\u2019s. \u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know he was shot,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know what to tell you about this.\u201d Ben sounded tired.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam rose from the chair he\u2019d been sitting in and came over. \u201cAll these scratches,\u201d Adam muttered. \u201cThey were done by fingernails, weren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be surprised if they weren\u2019t,\u201d Paul replied, sighing. \u201cAdam, go and sit down. Try and get some sleep if you can. Ben, perhaps you could clean up these marks while I remove this bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, all right,\u201d Ben agreed, numbly. He wondered what on earth had happened to his son. The only person who could tell them was soundly asleep.<\/p>\n

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

Later that day, Joe was transferred back to the Ponderosa. He had roused briefly after the surgery, which had gone well and Paul had loaded him up with painkillers for the trip. Although it was more convenient for Paul to have Joe on his premises, a certain morbid curiosity had sprung up about his kidnapping and subsequent ordeal and Paul thought it would be better if he was protected from the rumors and gossip until such time as the trial of the Morton brothers was held.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo inside, Adam,\u201d Ben ordered, as he helped his oldest son down from the wagon seat. \u201cI\u2019ll come and help you get ready for bed in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him. His arm was in a sling and Paul had told him not to use it for a few weeks. \u201cYou see to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll be in,\u201d he repeated. \u201cIn a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed, realizing that Ben wouldn\u2019t rest easy until he was sure Adam was settled. He went carefully into the house, seeing by the roaring fire in the hearth that Hop Sing was home. Sure enough, the diminutive Oriental came out of the living room and looked at Adam gravely. \u201cYou find Lil Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa and Hoss are bringing him in now,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoom all ready,\u201d Hop Sing informed Adam and went back into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Adam had barely sat down on his bed when Ben and Hoss carried Joe into his room. Hoss had Joe\u2019s shoulders and Ben was dealing with the unwieldy cast that Paul had put on Joe\u2019s leg. Joe ankle and knee had both been badly sprained and Paul did not want Joe even attempting to walk on that leg until they were healed properly.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben came in and pulled off Adam\u2019s boots. He helped his son slip on a night shirt, then pulled the covers back for him. Adam couldn\u2019t help sighing as he relaxed onto the soft bed. He had had a couple of hours sleep at Paul\u2019s office, but he was still exhausted. His eyes closed involuntarily and he was drifting off to sleep even as Ben adjusted the covers around him Adam never heard his father leave the room.<\/p>\n

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

It was early evening before Joe stirred. By then, Ben had had a few hours sleep, leaving Hoss, who had slept at Doc Martin\u2019s watching Joe. Now, feeling refreshed, and having had a meal, Ben was back on duty at his youngest\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back,\u201d Ben said, leaning in to feel Joe\u2019s head. The fever had broken a few hours previously. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d His dark eyes spoke of the love he had for Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. He glanced around the room without moving his head. \u201cWhen did I get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEarlier,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou slept all the way. Do you want something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think I do,\u201d Joe agreed. He let Ben help him sit up and relaxed back on the pile of pillows. After a moment, he raised his wrists and looked at the bandages there. \u201cFree,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Troubled, Ben paused, but Joe had his eyes shut again and so Ben decided to leave the questioning until after Joe had eaten. He was glad that he had put a nightshirt on Joe so that he couldn\u2019t see the scratches on his skin.<\/p>\n

After Joe had eaten two bowls of Hop Sing\u2019s chicken soup, Ben put the tray aside and looked at Joe. \u201cCan you tell me what happened, son?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

A shadow flitted across Joe\u2019s face and was gone. Slowly, he told Ben what had happened to him over the course of the time he had been gone. Ben listened without interrupting. Joe faltered as he came to the part where he had done as Jane expected, but Ben\u2019s face didn\u2019t change. \u201cI did it to survive, Pa,\u201d Joe stated defiantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, son,\u201d Ben replied, his warm hand resting on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat about the\u2026 scratches?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJane was even crazier than usual,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI think it was the sheriff\u2019s arrival that tipped her over. I don\u2019t know. But she wanted to hurt me. She hit me and I blacked out and when I came round, I was covered in marks.\u201d Joe shuddered. \u201cHow bad is my leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing broken,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cBut your knee and ankle are in a bit of a mess. The bullet didn\u2019t mess up your thigh too much, though. Paul says you won\u2019t even have a limp when it\u2019s healed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Adam get shot, too?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cOr did I just dream that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam got hit in the arm, but he\u2019ll be fine in a few weeks,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about\u2026Jane and Giles?\u201d Joe had to force the names out.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth dead,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cThere won\u2019t be a trial as far as they are concerned, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it kidnapped me in the first place?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI thought I knew one of the men, but everything happened so fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mortons, who have the chicken farm outside town,\u201d Ben told him and Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow embarrassing,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cBeing kidnapped by them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. Joe was obviously going to be all right. \u201cEveryone\u2019s entitled to an off day,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Home alone, Joe is kidnapped, but then events take an unexpected turn. Will Joe survive until his family finds him?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 MA \u00a0 (9,270 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":9336,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41,690],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-3560","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-ma-rated","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-690-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3778,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/casanova-joe-e1409523388544.jpg?fit=410%2C384&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":0},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12120","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":1},"title":"Blundered Seduction (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught with his pants down and in a compromising situation by the one person he'd least likely want to find him as such, Joe learns three valuable lessons; no one ever died of embarrassment, chose your friends carefully, and being 16 and still a virgin is nothing to be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":2},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":3},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":4},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":3560,"position":5},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","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\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3560","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=3560"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3560\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9336"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3560"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3560"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3560"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}