{"id":3568,"date":"2003-06-18T00:30:46","date_gmt":"2003-06-18T04:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3568"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:53","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:53","slug":"jock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3568","title":{"rendered":"Jock (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>This is the story of the mysterious Jock, the ranch hand mentioned in The Witches Coven and Witch Hunt.<\/p>\n

Rated: T \u00a0 (7,405 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

Witches Coven Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Witches Coven<\/a>
\nWitch Hunt<\/a>
\nJock<\/a><\/p>\n

Jock<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hoss said, as he and his brother laboriously painted the walls in the main room of the Ponderosa. They were almost finished this chore, and were just touching up some bits. \u201cD\u2019you remember telling us about Jock, who used ta work here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Hoss said, putting down his brush, \u201cI were thinkin\u2019 and you was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was?\u201d Adam parried, not having the least clue what Hoss was leading up to. He remembered the conversation they\u2019d had just a few days before about Jock, but he couldn\u2019t imagine why Hoss was bringing it up now. \u201cIn what way?\u201d he enquired, putting his own brush down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 reckon we was kids when Jock worked for us,\u201d stated Hoss. \u201cJoe was jist a young\u2019un, but we was both growed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Adam thought back. He had mentioned Jock a few days before, when they had been talking about Patty Smith, a young woman who had escaped from an asylum. Patty had tried to kill both Joe and Ben, the boys\u2019 father, and had set fire to the house. Luckily, the damage was minimal and both Joe and Ben were going to be fine. \u201cYes,\u201d he admitted, \u201cI was wrong. It just seems long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s cuz you\u2019re gettin\u2019 old,\u201d Hoss assured his brother. \u201cThey do say time moves more quickly as you get older.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, shut up and do some painting,\u201d Adam advised, but he couldn\u2019t keep the laugh out of his voice.<\/p>\n

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

By the next day, the room was finished. The furniture had been cleaned and was set back into its usual position and life began to return to normal. Joe was laid up in bed still with his sprained ankle and stab wound, but Ben was resuming his usual role once more. Deciding that the freshly painted room demanded a celebration, Ben got Hop Sing to organize a special meal and hatched plans to allow Joe to come down stairs.<\/p>\n

When evening came, Hoss carefully carried Joe downstairs and laid him on the couch. Ben tenderly tucked a blanket around Joe\u2019s legs, and made sure he was comfortable. Joe gazed around the room, his eyes finally coming to light on Ben\u2019s face. He looked disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Ben asked, suddenly worried that Joe had hurt himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it might be pink,\u201d Joe offered in a small voice, and let out a great shout of laughter as he saw the look on Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPink!\u201d Ben roared, while Adam and Hoss exchanged puzzled glances. Neither of them had been privy to the conversation where Joe had asked his father if he was intending painting the main room pink or green. However, Ben wasn\u2019t able to keep up the fa\u00e7ade of being annoyed with Joe as he saw the laughter glittering in the youth\u2019s green eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll give you pink, boy!\u201d he threatened.<\/p>\n

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

The meal was a wonderful as usual, and everyone ate enough to satisfy Hop Sing \u2013 even Joe. His appetite had suffered as he lay in bed, but being up had excited Joe and he ate with gusto. Meals alone in his room had very little appeal for him, despite the excellence of the food.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, they gathered round the fire once more. Joe looked tired, but he insisted he was all right, and Ben allowed him to sit up longer, knowing that he would spend the next day in bed. Joe and Hoss played checkers, but it was awkward for Joe to lie on the settee and reach the board and after only one game, he was ready to give up.<\/p>\n

Casting around for something to entertain Joe, Hoss once more brought up the subject of Jock. \u201cHey, Pa, you know somethin\u2019?\u201d Hoss began. \u201cAdam here was wrong about somethin\u2019 today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder we\u2019re having funny weather,\u201d Joe commented. \u201cDid Adam admit he was wrong?\u201d Hoss nodded solemnly. \u201cIt\u2019ll be purple snow next!\u201d Joe exclaimed, giggling away.<\/p>\n

The struggle to keep a straight face was almost too much for Adam. He shot Hoss what he fondly imagined was a dirty look, but since Hoss was guffawing along with Joe\u2019s giggling, he wasn\u2019t entirely successful in his endeavors.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you talking about?\u201d Ben asked, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Jock,\u201d Hoss puffed. \u201cAdam said the other day that Jock had worked for us when we was kids. I told him Jock worked for us when we was growed up and Joe was a young\u2019un.\u00a0 You\u2019d a bin about 16, Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d Joe murmured, his laughter gone. Hoss looked at him with deep concern. Joe was suddenly very pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right, Joe?\u201d he asked, puzzled by his brother\u2019s sudden change in mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured him. The color was coming back into his face. \u201cI just hadn\u2019t thought of Jock in a long time, that\u2019s all.\u201d He glanced at his father to reassure Ben that he was all right. \u201cJock was a nasty piece of work,\u201d Joe commented, and they all thought back.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWatch what you\u2019re doing!\u201d Adam chided Hoss, as the middle brother almost knocked Joe out of the hay loft with the bale of hay he was heaving up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna do this?\u201d Hoss demanded, his back and arms aching from the strain of hauling bale after bale into the loft. Joe had been left in the loft to snag each bale as it came his way, and stack them neatly. Adam had the easiest job of all, passing the bales to Hoss from the back of the wagon. Quite how things always worked out this way was a mystery to Joe and Hoss. They knew Adam was cheating somehow, but neither of them had figured it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s all right,\u201d! Adam assured him. \u201cI\u2019m quite happy doing what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen,\u201d Joe called down, indignation coloring his tones. \u201cI don\u2019t want to learn to fly here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh hush up!\u201d Hoss panted. He eyed with disgust the bale that Adam had just attached to the pulley.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the racket about?\u201d Ben asked, coming out into the yard. He was destined to never get an answer, for at that moment, a horseman came riding into the yard, and they all stopped to look at him, for he was a stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m looking for Ben Cartwright,\u201d the man said, his accent decidedly Scottish.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve found him,\u201d Ben replied, stepping forward. \u201cHow can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Jock,\u201d the other said. \u201cI\u2019m looking for a job and was told you\u2019re looking for men.\u201d His voice was cultured, in contrast to the shabby clothes he wore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben answered, cautiously. \u201cBut I\u2019m looking for cowboys. Have you ever pushed cows?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I\u2019ve done just about every job there is,\u201d Jock responded. \u201cI have done a little. I wouldn\u2019t say I\u2019m experienced, but I\u2019m willing to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cWe pay $30 a month, bunk and beans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Jock replied. He swung down from his horse and looked around him for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are my sons,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAdam, Hoss and Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you,\u201d Jock responded, eyeing the brothers closely. Ben could see that he was curious about the differences in the brother\u2019s appearance, but he didn\u2019t offer to explain. He knew the hands would soon have the man apprised of the family situation. Jock\u2019s eyes lingered longer on Joe, but he didn\u2019t stare. \u201cWhere\u2019s the bunkhouse?\u201d he asked, and Ben pointed him in the right direction.<\/p>\n

They stared after him until Joe called, \u201cAny chance of finishing this today? I don\u2019t want to get old and grey up here you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a comin\u2019,\u201d Hoss grumbled, putting his not inconsiderable muscle into the job.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh to be 16 again,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cAll that youth and energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd trouble,\u201d Adam added in an aside. Ben grinned and went back inside.<\/p>\n

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

Over the next few days, they all kept an eye on Jock, making sure that he was up to the job. They had round-up coming up and would be on the trail for a few weeks, and the last thing they wanted was a hand who wasn\u2019t up to the job. However, although it was clear that Jock wasn\u2019t experienced, he did have a good idea of what he was meant to do, and they stopped worrying about him.<\/p>\n

As they got underway on the big cattle drive, Joe found himself riding drag with Jock. It was the worst position on the round-up, and Joe hated it. However, he knew that he had to take his turn with everyone else. Joe was very conscious of his new adult status. He had left school finally that spring, after persuading his father that he didn\u2019t want to go to college. Ben had guessed this would be how Joe felt, but lived in hope that his son would change his mind. But the boy\u2019s eloquent pleading had finally worn down Ben\u2019s resistance, and he had agreed to let the boy leave school and work full time on the ranch. It was the only thing Joe had ever wanted to do and he could turn his hand to most of the jobs around the place.<\/p>\n

At 16, Joe seemed to have stopped growing. He had been small for his age for a long time, but over the last few months had shot up. He was still smaller than everyone else in the family, and slender, but Ben thought he might always be that way. His mother had been small and slender, and Joe resembled her very much. Since starting full time work, Joe had calmed a lot, although he still had a spectacular temper and could lose it at the drop of a hat. Ben thought the change had done him good.<\/p>\n

\u201cBet you never thought you\u2019d end up in Nevada pushing cows,\u201d Joe commented cheerfully to Jock as they stopped for lunch. Joe was coated in dust, as was Jock, but his laughing green eyes were unchanged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right there,\u201d Jock replied. \u201cIt\u2019s not quite what I thought I\u2019d be doing here in the New World.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you from?\u201d Joe asked, not wanting to ask what Jock had envisaged himself doing. \u201cI know its Scotland, but where abouts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from Aberdeen,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThe Granite City, lad.\u201d Seeing the blank look on Joe\u2019s face he added, \u201cIt\u2019s on the North-East coast, and is a big fishing port and university town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never heard of it,\u201d Joe admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t surprise me, lad,\u201d Jock replied with a grin. \u201cMost Americans haven\u2019t heard of it.\u201d He stretched. \u201cAye, but this is a good country, lad. I miss my home, but I like it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the next few days, Joe began to make friends with Jock, interested in the stories he had to tell about his life in Scotland. Joe learned a great deal, although not about Jock himself. In fact, Jock still hadn\u2019t told them his surname and he never mentioned a family. Joe, although young, wasn\u2019t tactless enough to ask about family. For all he knew, there might have been a tragedy that Jock found too difficult to talk about.<\/p>\n

That didn\u2019t stop Joe regaling Jock with stories about his own family. Jock had casually mentioned the differences in appearance between the Cartwright sons, and Joe had needed no more prompting to tell about the boys\u2019 mothers. Jock had been very interested, and was keen to learn how Ben had built up the Ponderosa and all his other business interests. It didn\u2019t occur to Joe that he was being pumped for information.<\/p>\n

One of the things that Jock taught everyone was some of his native Scots words. He told them he spoke Doric, which was the name of the north-east dialect. His dour performance had them all laughing as he explained that you never sounded joyful, even if you were and his response of \u201cI\u2019ve been affa weel this whilie bock,\u201d to a question about his health, reported in doleful tones, had them all in kinks. He told them that girls were called \u2018queans\u2019 and the boys \u2018loons\u2019. He told them that if someone was \u2018sleekit\u2019, they were sly and untrustworthy. Jock was a great raconteur.<\/p>\n

But for all that, Ben didn\u2019t really like the man. He didn\u2019t know what it was, but he couldn\u2019t bring himself to warm towards him. Neither Adam nor Hoss were particularly drawn towards the man either, even though Joe spent a good deal of time with him. Joe was still young enough and impressionable enough not to see the barrier the man kept around himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more than just a feeling,\u201d Ben murmured to Adam quietly as they stood near the chuck wagon a few mornings later. Jock was regaling them with the history of Dunnottar Castle, which lay outside a small village called Stonehaven, about 15 miles from Aberdeen. Joe was entranced, listening closely as Jock told the story with a great deal of flair. \u201cHave you noticed that since Jock arrived, we\u2019ve been missing some small things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d Adam asked, looking, to all intents and purposes, as though he was listening to the story, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a bit of that rawhide Hoss had prepared; a couple of hammers, that sort of thing,\u201d Ben elucidated. \u201cNothing big, but I\u2019ve gone a few times to pick up some tool I thought I needed and it was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know for sure it was Jock?\u201d Adam asked, glancing at Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, or I would have said something to him before now,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cBut just keep your eyes open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam assured him. His gaze was drawn to Joe. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you warn Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t do any good,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou know what Joe\u2019s like. He\u2019ll defend his friends until his dying breath unless he has concrete proof of their ill-doing. No, leave Joe out of this, but keep an eye on him. It\u2019s odd that a man of Jock\u2019s age should be so interested in the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heeding his intuition, Ben had Joe ride with him that day. He was dismayed that Joe\u2019s chatter should be all about Jock, and found it difficult to introduce a new subject. Joe could be frighteningly single-minded about things, but as he listened with half an ear to Joe\u2019s monologue, Ben realized that the boy had absorbed quite a bit of Scottish history without being aware of it. Jock\u2019s style of teaching had struck a chord with Joe and he had sucked up the information like a sponge. Ben couldn\u2019t imagine that Scottish history might be of any use to Joe, but he was pleased the boy was showing an interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Jock,\u201d Ben said, coming to sit beside the man. \u201cHow are you \u2018enjoying\u2019 the cattle drive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts pretty much what I expected it would be,\u201d Jock replied. \u201cHard work, but its good work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry we haven\u2019t had much time to talk,\u201d Ben went on. \u201cJoe was telling me you\u2019re from Aberdeen. You\u2019re a long way from home. What did you do there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to university,\u201d admitted Jock. \u201cMy people are landed, and there was enough money to let me do that. But, I\u2019m the younger son, Mr. Cartwright, and I have to make my own way in the world, so I decided to come across here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you study?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHistory,\u201d he replied, and gave a small laugh. \u201cAt one time, I thought I might become a dominie, but teaching seemed a bit of a come down, so I came over here, where my title doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTitle?\u201d Ben echoed. \u201cShould I call you my lord?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJock suffices,\u201d the other replied, his face alight with laughter. \u201cYou might guess that it isn\u2019t my real name, but that\u2019s what everyone calls me over here, and I don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a dominie?\u201d Ben wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we call the teacher back home, Mr. Cartwright. The dominie is a feared and respected man. He and the minister are beings high above everyone else. Well, almost, anyway. But I didn\u2019t want to have to strap my pupils and boss them around and have everyone hate me. There isn\u2019t much money in it, either, and I\u2019m used to money. I\u2019ve got my chance to make my fortune over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you luck,\u201d Ben said, truthfully. \u201cBut you would have made a good teacher. Joe has learned a lot from you over the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s bright,\u201d Jock agreed. \u201cBetter watch out, Mr. Cartwright. I might steal him away from you to help me earn my fortune. He would be very good company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben shook his head. \u201cJoe\u2019s too young to be going off,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut good luck all the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cTomorrow we\u2019ll reach Sacramento,\u201d Ben told his tired crew as they ate supper. Darkness was falling softly around them, and it promised to be another warm night.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve made good time, men. Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

From all around the hum of voices broke out. It was always the same as the reached the end of the drive. Men who had been too tired to speak suddenly rediscovered their tongues. The next night, they would be sleeping in a real bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re on the first shift for watch tonight, Joe,\u201d Adam commented as he put down his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t forgotten,\u201d Joe responded, indignantly. \u201cLet me finish eating at least!\u201d He glared at his older brother as he continued to shovel the bacon down his throat. The prospect of sitting up half the night on watch wasn\u2019t something that Joe had looked forward to. He was tired after the long drive, although he wouldn\u2019t have admitted it under torture, and just hoped he would be able to stay awake.<\/p>\n

Finishing his meal, Joe returned his plate to the chuck wagon and went back to mount Cochise. Ben eyed him covertly. He was well aware that Joe was tired, and had been keeping a discreet eye on his youngest. The grin Joe gave one of the hands as he passed a funny comment told Ben that Joe wasn\u2019t too tired to cope with his shift on watch and so he said nothing, just let Joe mount up and ride off. Joe was working full time now, and wasn\u2019t being treated any differently to any other youngster who came round looking for a job. It seemed that Joe was thriving on the challenge, although Ben made a mental note to tell Adam to stop reminding Joe about his chores all the time. Joe got his work done, without Adam riding him all the time.<\/p>\n

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

The herd was settled for the night, some asleep, some grazing peacefully, but all quiet. Joe yawned convulsively once more, and rubbed his eyes, which were grainy. From somewhere along the perimeter of the herd, he could hear a cowboy whistling an aimless little tune. Joe didn\u2019t recognize the melody, but since the cowboy only seemed to know only one line of it, that didn\u2019t help with identification! When the irritation grew too much, Joe moved further along the herd, until he could no longer hear the thready little whistle.<\/p>\n

Dismounting, Joe offered Cochise some water, and loosened the cinch slightly. He stretched his tired muscles and yawned again. He still had another two hours until his shift ended. How on earth was he going to keep awake? he wondered.<\/p>\n

Movement in the darkness shot a surge of adrenalin through Joe\u2019s system. He reached for his gun and drew it quietly. \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d he challenged, and was disgusted to hear a quiver in his voice. \u201cShow yourself!\u201d he added, and found his voice was stronger that time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just me, lad,\u201d said a familiar voice, and Joe relaxed as Jock came into view. \u201cIts good to see you\u2019re alert, lad,\u201d he added. \u201cI might have been a pack of rustlers.\u201d Moving closer to Joe, who holstered his gun, Jock dropped his arm round Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIn the Borders of Scotland, we call rustlers reivers,\u201d he confided.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Joe asked, and was caught completely unaware as Jock clapped a hand over his mouth and bore the startled boy to the ground. Joe fought furiously, but Jock\u2019s weight easily kept Joe a captive.<\/p>\n

From all around Joe came furtive sounds, and with a sinking heart, Joe realized that these were indeed rustlers, come to steal some of the herd. Furious at being caught out, Joe struggled even harder, but he got nowhere. Jock produced a bandanna from his pocket and released Joe\u2019s mouth to gag him. Joe took his chance. \u201cRustlers!\u201d he yelled, and Jock back-handed him savagely across the mouth, before jamming the gag in.<\/p>\n

The silence of the night was disturbed as the other men on watch took up the cry. Cursing, Jock pulled the struggling boy to his feet and started to drag him away. Joe fought furiously, and managed to free one arm. He swung a punch at his captor and for an instant the grip on his arm loosened. Joe wrenched himself away, but not far enough or fast enough. A moment later, Jock\u2019s hand fastened on Joe\u2019s wrist, and he reeled the boy in like a fish.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, lad!\u201d Jock growled, clearly furious. He twisted Joe\u2019s arms up behind his back, and the youth whimpered with pain. He was powerless to resist as Jock dragged him further away from the herd. They stopped beside a horse that, even in the dim light, Joe recognized as Jock\u2019s, and the Scotsman took his rope from his saddle. Throwing Joe to the ground, he swiftly bound the boy\u2019s hands behind his back and looped rope around his ankles. With Joe immobilized, Jock stood up again to take stock of the situation.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s shout had roused the camp and there was no chance now of them getting away with any cattle. It was time to cut his losses, Jock realized, and gave a piercing whistle. Men on horses rode towards him and he called, \u201cForget it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice shouted. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing his gun, Jock knelt by Joe as his men melted into the darkness. A moment later, Ben appeared out of the gloom and froze. \u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see we understand each other, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Jock said, slowly rising, and pulling Joe up with him. Joe\u2019s green eyes were fixed pleadingly on his father\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m going to ride out of here with your son, and if anyone tries to stop me, or if the sheriff should come after me, young Joe here is going to meet with an unfortunate accident. Do you understand? I\u2019ll let you know how much it\u2019ll cost to get your son back, once I see you\u2019ve sold your herd. Now, unless you want that accident to happen here and now, I suggest you back off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be all right, Joe,\u201d Ben called, as he backed his horse slowly away.\u00a0 \u201cIf you harm him, Jock, there won\u2019t be anywhere in this world big enough for you to hide!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better do as I say then,\u201d Jock returned, coldly. \u201cBecause I have no compunction about roughing him up a little.\u201d He tightened his arm around Joe\u2019s throat and the boy choked. \u201cUnderstand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cJoe, don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be all right, son. Just do what you\u2019re told and I\u2019ll get you back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting back the sob that rose in his throat, Joe nodded as he saw his father ride slowly away, looking back over his shoulder all the way until he was lost from sight. As Jock hustled him onto the front of his saddle, belly down, Joe realized that he was on his own and he couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d been so frightened.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe can\u2019t just sit here!\u201d Adam exclaimed, jumping to his feet to start pacing again. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Ben returned wearily. \u201cBut there\u2019s nothing we can do tonight, Adam. Sit down, son, please.\u201d After a moment, Adam resumed his seat. \u201cIn the morning, we\u2019d better start to pull out like we intended. Hoss, I want you to stay here. We might be being watched, and I don\u2019t want to take any chances with Joe\u2019s life. So, son, I want you to pretend that you\u2019re not well. If you get the chance, see if you can locate any tracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Hoss agreed, quietly. Worry lines were etching themselves between his brows.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, when we get to town, I want you to circle back and meet up with Hoss here. If you think you aren\u2019t being watched, follow those tracks.\u201d Adam nodded. He was frowning as well.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ve got to sell the herd,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cJock is going to want whatever money we make from the sale as his ransom for Joe.\u201d Bitterness had crept into his voice. \u201cHe even warned me, you know,\u201d he growled. \u201cTold me he might steal Joe away from me to help him make his fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Hoss squeezed Ben\u2019s arm. He wanted to say something encouraging and urge his father not to worry, but he couldn\u2019t find the words. Fear for Joe was eating away at his insides. He had never seen what attracted Joe to Jock and now he wished he\u2019d done something more to keep the man and boy apart. However, a small voice in his head told him that there was nothing he could have done to prevent this. All they could do now was try and get Joe out of this situation without a tragedy occurring.<\/p>\n

It was a long night for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

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

As dawn broke, they mounted up and headed off towards Sacramento. Hoss stayed behind, curled miserably in his bedroll. He did feel genuinely unwell, his stomach churning from fear and lack of sleep. Ben looked haggard, and he touched Hoss\u2019 shoulder before he left. \u201cBe careful,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, too,\u201d Hoss replied and closed his eyes for a few minutes. Once everyone was gone, Hoss rose and pottered about the camp, stirring up the fire and heating up the pot of coffee that had been left behind.<\/p>\n

Several times over the course of the morning, Hoss made a simulated dash behind a tree, pretending that he was ill. There was no sign of movement from anywhere round about. At last, Hoss had worked his way around to the area where Joe had been taken the night before and he set about looking for tracks. They weren\u2019t difficult to find and he made a note of the direction they were heading before returning to the fire and drinking some more coffee.<\/p>\n

Adam returned in the afternoon. By then, Hoss had had a good scout about and was convinced that if there had been anyone watching him, they were long gone. Adam had also been keeping a sharp eye out on his way back to camp and had seen nothing, so they decided the risk was worth taking and began to follow the tracks that they hoped would lead to their younger brother.<\/p>\n

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

Lying trussed on the ground over by the horse lines, Joe watched every move Jock made. The big Scot had slept for a good part of the night and into the morning, and Joe had envied him the rest, for he had been unable to close his eyes. Sleep would sweep over him, but when he tried to surrender to it, it vanished leaving him gazing into darkness once more.<\/p>\n

On and off all night, Joe had fought his bonds, but the ropes never slackened. Joe\u2019s wrists hurt and he knew that he would have bad rope burns on them. His mouth was as dry as a desert, but these were at least his only miseries at that moment. He hadn\u2019t been maltreated as such and for that Joe was grateful.<\/p>\n

However, as the camp roused and men headed off this way and that, Joe knew that Jock would be keeping a close eye on him. Joe remembered what his father had said, and vowed that he could keep his temper, no matter the provocation. His life might depend on his good behavior.<\/p>\n

At last, Jock came over to Joe and stood looking down on him. Joe could feel a flush creeping up his neck, but he didn\u2019t dare drop his eyes from the big man. \u201cWell, Joe, sleep well did you?\u201d Jock asked, finally sitting down beside him. \u201cNo, I see that you didn\u2019t,\u201d he noted, the betraying circles under Joe\u2019s eyes telling him what he needed to know. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose your precious family did either.\u201d He laughed at the look of rage that swept over the boy\u2019s face. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have told me so much about your family, Joe. You told me everything I needed to know to set this whole thing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guilt, swiftly followed by anger, swept through Joe. He glared at his captor, renewing his struggles against the ropes that bound him. Jock watched, clearly amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are spirited, Joe,\u201d he commented, as worn out, Joe lay still once more. \u201cYou\u2019re a good kid. I like you.\u201d He grinned. \u201cYou\u2019re bright, you know. You run yourself down, lad. You told me brother Adam is the clever one, but you\u2019re no slouch yourself. Unlike brother Hoss, who isn\u2019t in the same class.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another bust of anger shook Joe as he heard Hoss being run down in that fashion.\u00a0 Hoss might not be good at book learning, but he knew things Jock would never learn. Adam was recognized as the clever one of the family, but Joe had never thought about his own abilities in that direction. He had never thought he was running himself down at all. He just knew he didn\u2019t want to stay on at school or go to college. But praise from this man was not something he could accept.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Jock reached down and pulled the gag from Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cYou hungry?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe whispered. His lower lip began to throb as he spoke. He had forgotten about the smack in the face he\u2019d received the night before. He\u2019d had too much else on his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you might be,\u201d Jock commented and got up to fetch some food and water. Coming back, he set it on the ground and pulled Joe into a sitting position, leaning him back against a tree. \u201cI\u2019m not going to free your hands, lad,\u201d he warned, \u201cSo don\u2019t get any ideas.\u201d He held a cup to Joe\u2019s mouth and the boy drank gratefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d Joe asked, looking with distaste at the rubbery scrambled eggs on the plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you I\u2019d come to America to make my fortune,\u201d Jock reminded him. \u201cAnd when you so gaily told me the kind of price your father could expect for his herd, why, I saw my chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re despicable,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cAfter Pa gave you a job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPushing cows isn\u2019t a great job,\u201d Jock told him. \u201cIf you\u2019re stupid enough to want to do that all your life, then you\u2019re as brainless as that fat lump of a brother of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop calling Hoss stupid!\u201d Joe flared. \u201cHe\u2019s not stupid!\u201d<\/p>\n

Anger erupted in Jock\u2019s eyes and Joe shrank back in fear. He remembered his earlier vow to keep his temper and cursed himself silently. Jock reached out and casually backhanded Joe again. \u201cDon\u2019t raise your voice to me, boy,\u201d he warned. \u201cIf I say your brother\u2019s stupid, then he\u2019s stupid, got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at him, Joe didn\u2019t answer. He couldn\u2019t bring himself to say his brother was stupid, no matter the cost to himself. Jock grinned. He lifted a forkful of eggs towards Joe, but the boy was too angry to be hungry and he turned his head away.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself, lad,\u201d Jock commented, putting the plate aside. \u201cIt\u2019s no matter to me if you decide to starve yourself. I\u2019m not going to make you eat.\u201d He lifted the gag again and Joe recoiled.<\/p>\n

As Jock tried to put it on, Joe kicked out with his feet, desperate to avoid having the gag on again. He struck Jock painfully on the shin and the big man dropped the gag to clutch his leg until the sting went out of it. Joe looked at him wide-eyed, suddenly realizing what he had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was very stupid, laddie,\u201d Jock said, as he regained his breath. \u201cVery stupid indeed.\u201d Moving very slowly and deliberately, Jock grabbed the front of Joe\u2019s jacket and hoisted the boy to his feet. He relished the look of fear in the boy\u2019s eyes as he cocked his fist then threw the first of many punches.<\/p>\n

When he had finished, Joe lay semi-conscious on the ground. Kneeling beside him, Jock examined his handiwork. The boy\u2019s face was already puffy with bruising and there was blood running from his nose and mouth. Both his eyes were starting to swell and blood ran down his cheek from a cut by his ear, where he had struck his head on the tree. \u201cI told you that was a stupid move, lad,\u201d he commented as he gagged Joe, oblivious of the boy\u2019s torn lip. \u201cBelieve me the next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Never had a sale of beef seemed so slow to Ben, yet he had sold his herd in record time and for a record price. The big cities were desperate for beef, and Ben had built up a good reputation over the years. The buyers were waiting for him to arrive, and as he was one of the first breeders to appear, he got top dollar prices. Within 2 hours, every head of beef had been sold, and Ben, after paying the men off, had a profit of $10,000.<\/p>\n

Normally, he would have been cock-a-hoop over such a profit, but the nagging worry for Joe robbed his triumph of its luster. Ben knew that this money would go towards freeing Joe. He didn\u2019t begrudge the money for Joe\u2019s life, for he loved his son. He just feared that the wily Scotsman wouldn\u2019t keep to his side of the bargain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go back and join Hoss,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cBe careful, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, too, Adam,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cBoth of you.\u201d He watched as Adam rode off out of sight.<\/p>\n

Disconsolately, Ben walked back to Buck, and patted his horse absently. He had no idea what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning, Ben saw a young, dark-haired man, dressed like a cowboy. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJock sent me.\u201d At those casually uttered words, Ben stiffened. The young man noticed at once. \u201cDon\u2019t do anything stupid,\u201d he warned. \u201cI\u2019ve got a message for you. Bring the money and follow me if you want your son back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed, knowing he had no choice. He tightened his cinch and led Buck over to where the cowboy\u2019s horse was and mounted. They headed off out of town, the cowboy saying not another word. Ben started to pray.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan you see anything?\u201d Adam hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s Joe,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cHe\u2019s tied up by the horses and Jock\u2019s with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does he look?\u201d Adam wanted to know. There wasn\u2019t room for them both to peer down from the vantage point Hoss had found.<\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t tell,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cHe\u2019s all curled up.\u201d Hoss slithered backwards until he was once more beside Adam and out of sight of the camp below. \u201cI seen a trail leadin\u2019 over that way. If\u2019n we go on foot, we shouldn\u2019t be seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, lead the way,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHow many men are there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI seen four countin\u2019 Jock,\u201d Hoss replied, as he led the way to the trail he had seen. They kept their voices down and moved slowly, so as to avoid knocking any loose rocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet there\u2019s one meeting with Pa,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cBound to be, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cI jist hope we can get Joe out a there without any o\u2019 us bein\u2019 hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too brother,\u201d Adam said, fervently. \u201cMe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It was late afternoon before Ben arrived at Jock\u2019s camp. He had been led in a circuitous route, which hadn\u2019t fooled him at all, although he didn\u2019t mention this. He dismounted as told, wondering if Adam and Hoss had found the camp yet. He fervently hoped so, as his chances of getting out of this alive were very slim.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here, Cartwright,\u201d Jock called, and waved cheerfully.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben made his way over, careful to keep his hand away from his gun, which was still in his holster. He was rather surprised at this, but was willing to take any lucky cards that fate dealt to him. Anything that might give him an edge was welcome.<\/p>\n

Jock was kneeling by Joe. As Ben neared, he saw that Joe\u2019s face was bruised and bloody, and his heart contracted. \u201cWhat have you done to Joe?\u201d he demanded angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh-ah,\u201d Jock chided. \u201cMind your manners! Joe and I had a little falling out this morning, Cartwright. I had to teach him a few lessons. You really should teach him not to cheek his elders and betters.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was on the tip of Ben\u2019s tongue to retort that Jock might be Joe\u2019s elder, but he certainly wasn\u2019t his better, but he held his tongue. This was no time to play games. \u201cLet me go to him,\u201d Ben pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet,\u201d Jock returned. \u201cHow much did you get for your herd?\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing his rage as best he could, Ben said, \u201c$10,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s much more than I expected,\u201d Jock said, delightedly. He nudged Joe, none too gently, with his foot. \u201cDid you hear that, lad? Your father did real well.\u201d Joe groaned. His eyes were so swollen he could barely open them more than slits. \u201cJoe doesn\u2019t seem to be pleased by your success, Cartwright,\u201d Jock went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the money, just let my son go,\u201d Ben ground out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been a slight change of plans, Cartwright,\u201d Jock said, slowly. Ben stared at him, wondering what was coming. He shot a glance at Joe. \u201cI think I might just have to keep Joe around for a while. I\u2019m sure you could find another $10,000 to get him back, couldn\u2019t you? I\u2019d be much more comfortable with $20,000 in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou animal!\u201d Ben cried, and threw himself at Jock.<\/p>\n

From their hiding place, Adam and Hoss took that as their signal and leapt into action. Ben was wrestling with Jock and his men were watching. As the Cartwright brothers jumped into view, one of them went for his gun, but Hoss was too quick for him and he fell where he stood before he managed to fire more than one shot.<\/p>\n

As Adam and Hoss shot it out with Jock\u2019s men, Ben and Jock fought furiously. Joe curled up to try and avoid being stepped on, but it seemed to him that Jock was doing everything he could to keep Ben close by Joe. Suddenly giving Ben a push, Jock broke free of the older man\u2019s grip and threw himself on top of Joe. Ben went for him, only to pull himself up short, for Jock had his gun pressed to Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care, Cartwright,\u201d he panted. \u201cI don\u2019t care if I kill the boy.\u201d He glanced at his men, but they were all defeated. Adam and Hoss stood frozen, staring in horror at Jock and Joe.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Jock got to his feet, using the injured boy as a shield. \u201cYou all just stay put,\u201d he ordered, pulling Joe along with him. The nearest saddled horse was Buck, and Jock made his way towards him. \u201cI\u2019m getting out of here,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd if any of you move, I\u2019ll kill the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s bound feet became entangled in some brush, and although Jock pulled, the brush wouldn\u2019t give up its hold. Distracted, he yanked harder, and Joe groaned. Again, Jock tugged, and this time, Joe\u2019s feet came free, but with much greater speed than Jock was expecting. As he tugged, Joe\u2019s weight, slight though it was, knocked Jock off balance. His gun dropped, and Adam threw himself onto the Scotsman, bearing both he and Joe to the ground.<\/p>\n

For a terrifying instant, Joe found himself squashed between Adam and Jock, and couldn\u2019t catch his breath. He struggled to get free, and a moment later, Adam and Jock rolled away from him, and Joe gulped in a lungful of air.<\/p>\n

Turning his head, frantic with worry for his oldest brother, Joe was in time to see Hoss join in the fray and knock Jock out with one solid punch. The next moment, Ben loving arms were round Joe, pulling him gently to a sitting position and taking the gag from his torn mouth. \u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed and gathered the boy into his arms.<\/p>\n

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

That riding was going to be painful for Joe was obvious. However, Joe himself made no complaints when Ben helped him onto Buck. His body ached all over, and although there were no broken bones, Joe was in no fit state to ride alone. Ben had washed the blood from Joe\u2019s face and had given the boy water. While Adam and Hoss prepared the bodies to bring back to town with them, Ben had found something for Joe to eat and he had managed to keep it down.<\/p>\n

They only heard Joe\u2019s story when they got back to Sacramento and turned Jock over to the sheriff. Before that, Joe had barely spoken, apart from his heart-felt, \u201cI\u2019m so glad to see you!\u201d Once in town, he told the sheriff his story in a low voice, pausing frequently to rest and gather his thoughts. By then, he was exhausted and was very glad when Ben tucked him up in a hotel room bed and he drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJock was indeed a nasty piece of work,\u201d Ben muttered, remembering.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was one thing I never quiet understood,\u201d Adam ventured, looking at Joe. \u201cWhy did he beat you up? You didn\u2019t say at the time. You just said that you\u2019d made him angry. What did you say to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t something I said,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cHe wanted me to say Hoss was stupid, and I wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStubborn little cuss,\u201d Hoss muttered, proudly. \u201cAs if sayin\u2019 it makes it so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I was furious. When I wouldn\u2019t say it, and refused to eat the horrid looking eggs he was going to feed me, he was going to put the gag back in, and I really couldn\u2019t face it. So I kicked him on the shin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOuch!\u201d Adam commented, having had experience of Joe kicking him on the shin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was when he went mad, and beat me up,\u201d Joe went on. But I couldn\u2019t say that to the sheriff. I was too embarrassed. It wasn\u2019t my mouth that got me into trouble, but it was still my temper.\u201d He glanced at Ben. \u201cI wonder what happened to Jock after he got out of prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs it happens, I do know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWhen he was released, the sheriff of Sacramento wired me to let us know, just in case he fulfilled his threat and came after you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Adam prompted when Ben paused. All three pairs of eyes were riveted on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went to hold up a bank and was shot and killed, the very day he was released.\u201d Ben sat back and enjoyed the looks of surprise on his sons\u2019 faces. He\u2019d seen no need to remind them of Jock\u2019s existence, when Joe had so successfully put it out of his mind. He\u2019d been worried when Hoss had brought the subject up again, but Joe had clearly made peace with his ordeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleekit indeed,\u201d he observed, almost to himself.<\/p>\n

Deciding it was time to change the subject, he glanced at Joe. \u201cSo you thought the room might be pink, huh, son?\u201d he questioned and they all laughed as a flush crept up Joe\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a suggestion, Pa,\u201d he protested.<\/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 This is the story of the mysterious Jock, the ranch hand mentioned in The Witches Coven and Witch Hunt.<\/p>\n

Rated: T \u00a0 (7,405 words)<\/p>\n

Witches Coven Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":14947,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1528,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15541,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15541","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":0},"title":"Kilt While Traveling (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"July 4, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0What happens when a Scotsman arrives in Virginia City after months of traveling. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (2,460 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\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3566,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3566","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":1},"title":"Witches Coven (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"January 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe is invited to a birthday party on Hallowe'en. Spooky goings-on culminate in near tragedy. Rated:\u00a0 T (10,465 words) 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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11903,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11903","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":2},"title":"Half a Man (by HazelMom)","author":"HazelMom","date":"February 17, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Hoss fights his family while they fight for his life. \u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (15,371 words) (Author\u2019s note: Characters appear from several episodes including The Scapegoat, The Tax Collector, The Wild Ones, Gift of Water, The Good Samaritan, Half a Rogue, Lothario Larkin, Enter Thomas Bowers, and Once a Doctor.)","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":15523,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15523","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":3},"title":"Autumn on the Ponderosa (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 9, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It happened on autumn. Rating T (1,375 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\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3564,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3564","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":4},"title":"Witch Hunt (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"May 28, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Ben returns home with bad news for the family, but Joe in particular. Patty is once more at large. Rated: T (9,850 words) Witches Coven Series, links to all the 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\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Coven.png?fit=600%2C585&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12257,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12257","url_meta":{"origin":3568,"position":5},"title":"Of One Man’s Blood (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben's three sons have vanished, but where could they be?\u00a0 Months of worry and fear leave him devastated over his loss.\u00a0 When Ben offers the Ponderosa for sale, a reformed criminal comes to Ben's aide and together they set sail on the high seas in search of Ben's most\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&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\/3568","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=3568"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3568\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}