{"id":3826,"date":"2002-07-20T17:38:25","date_gmt":"2002-07-20T21:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3826"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:33:09","slug":"for-the-love-of-a-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3826","title":{"rendered":"For the Love of a Horse (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe encounters Satan again, and then finds his life depends on the unpredictable stallion.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(10,195 words)<\/p>\n

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

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

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

 <\/p>\n

For the Love of a Horse\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hot summer sun beat through the thin material of Joe Cartwright\u2019s shirt as he laboured to mend the fence on the far South Range of his father\u2019s ranch, the Ponderosa. Joe had been at this task for several days now, sleeping out each night as he continued his patrolling of the fence line. It was a task that needed doing every few months, and Joe had found quite a few places where the fence was broken down.<\/p>\n

As he worked, he threw the occasional word to the black and white pinto horse that stood nearby. Cochise, the pinto, would snort and bob his head up and down in response, and it gave the impression of a two-way conversation being carried on. Joe loved and cherished the pinto, and the feeling seemed to be mutual.<\/p>\n

That section of fence secure again, Joe took a long drink from his canteen, and remounted. They ambled off, Joe\u2019s eyes skimming the fence, but with very little conscious thought behind it. Fence riding was a chore he had done all his life, and he was on autopilot on this trip.<\/p>\n

Cochise suddenly stopped, and snorted. Joe, alert for danger, found his hand near his gun. He looked all around, then back at the horse to see where Cochise was looking. The black and white ears flickered back and forth, and finally pricked so hard that they touched. Joe smoothed his hand down Cochise\u2019s neck, and the gelding whinnied.<\/p>\n

There was an answering call, and Joe smiled. \u201cFound a buddy, huh, Cochise?\u201d<\/p>\n

The horse bobbed his head, and took a few small sideways steps. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s go see who you\u2019ve found,\u201d Joe said, amused. He assumed that one of Cochise\u2019s stable mates was nearby, and urged the horse forward. They rounded the small stand of trees, and there before Joe was a herd of wild horses.<\/p>\n

Now, Joe understood. It wasn\u2019t Sport, Buck or Chubb that Cochise had smelt. It<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

was Satan!<\/p>\n

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

Turning Cochise, Joe rode him back a little way and dismounted, tethering him to a tree. Giving the horse a pat, Joe headed back on foot to view the herd. Two years before, Joe had managed to corral Satan, a magnificent brown and white pinto stallion. Breaking the stallion had almost cost Joe his life, and in the end, Joe had let the stallion loose. In the intervening two years, Joe had had glimpses of Satan, but never up this close. He approached slowly, so that he didn\u2019t spook the herd.<\/p>\n

Satan watched Joe emerge from the trees. Joe had been the only human being Satan had tolerated in the months he had lived in the corral. Even so, he had frequently bitten and kicked, reminding Joe that he wasn\u2019t tame. Now, the familiar scent brought back memories to the skewbald stallion, and he snorted uneasily. He had had a love\/hate relationship with Joe, and was unsure what to make of the human\u2019s appearance.<\/p>\n

Watching the stallion, Joe was well aware of his conflict. Satan\u2019s ears flickered back and forth, and he pawed the ground nervously. \u201cSatan,\u201d he called, gently.<\/p>\n

For a moment, there was no response, then the stallion took one pace forward. Joe felt in his pants pocket for the little bit of liquorice he had there for Cochise. He knew that Satan had a weakness for the sticky black sweet. Joe held his hand out, and took a small step towards Satan and stopped again.<\/p>\n

Taking another step forward, Satan\u2019s nostrils twitched as the smell of the liquorice reached him. He snorted. \u201cCome on, fella,\u201d Joe coaxed, his voice pitched softly. Satan moved closer.<\/p>\n

It took nearly ten minutes for man and horse to close the gap between them. Joe could hardly breathe with excitement. He kept his voice soft and calm, and held the liquorice out. His arm ached from the strain, but he didn\u2019t dare swap hands, in case he startled the horse. Finally, he felt Satan\u2019s soft lips moving over his hand, and the liquorice was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSatan,\u201d Joe said, and moved his arm slowly up to stroke the velvet nose. Satan stood still, sniffing at Joe\u2019s shirtfront. \u201cHow\u2019ve you been, boy?\u201d he asked, looking the horse over.<\/p>\n

There was a new scar on his shoulder, and it didn\u2019t look very old. But apart from that Satan was in prime condition, and Joe could see how muscular he was. \u201cIts good to see you, Satan,\u201d he said, and put his hand up to the side of Satan\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Satan didn\u2019t like his face stroked, and Joe had forgotten. In a movement so quick it was a blur, Satan sank his teeth into Joe\u2019s left biceps, placed so temptingly close to his mouth. Joe let out a yell, and Satan, startled, reared, ripping the shirtsleeve, and the skin underneath. Joe was knocked to the ground by the stallion\u2019s hoof, but luckily, he was too close for it to be a heavy blow. Still, Joe was in danger, as the stallion crashed to the ground, only inches from Joe\u2019s prone body. With a scream, Satan turned and fled back to his herd. Within moments, the whole herd was galloping off in a cloud of dust, leaving Joe groaning on the ground.<\/p>\n

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

Stumbling back to Cochise, Joe could hardly believe that the reunion had gone so wrong. It shouldn\u2019t have been a surprise to him; he knew horses had only two weapons \u2013 teeth and hooves. Still, he should have been more careful. The bite on his arm was deep and bleeding. He was glad that Hop Sing had put a roll of bandage into his saddlebags.<\/p>\n

It was awkward tying up his own arm, especially as it was his left, but he finally got the bandage secure. Having another drink of water, Joe debated returning to the ranch, but decided against it. There weren\u2019t that many miles of fence left to check, and the job had to be done. Joe looked ruefully at the tattered remnants of his shirt, but he hadn\u2019t brought a change of clothes. He shrugged, and mounted Cochise.<\/p>\n

There was more purpose in the pace Joe rode at now, as he really didn\u2019t want to spend another night out on the range with a sore arm. He stopped to water Cochise, and refill his canteens at the stream, and rode on. Fortunately, the fence seemed to be in very good order.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until he reached the last segment of fence that he found more damage. Dismounting, he examined the fence closely, and decided that it had been chopped with an axe. No way could a steer make that kind of straight, even, cut. Joe was immediately furious. They were always on their guard against poachers, and this was a sign that poachers were back.<\/p>\n

Resolutely, Joe set about repairing the damage. There weren\u2019t any cattle in that area of the ranch at that time, so they at least wouldn\u2019t have to go looking for strays, or rustled cattle. Still, Joe knew that it was an area they would have to keep an eye on. So engrossed was he in these thoughts, that he didn\u2019t hear someone behind him until a gun barrel pressed hard against the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

Joe froze. He could see from the shadow on the grass that it was a man, wearing a stetson. \u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doin\u2019 there, boy?\u201d he asked, with a distinctive Southern drawl.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m mending our fence,\u201d Joe replied, as evenly as he could. \u201cWhat does it have to do with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get cocky, boy,\u201d the man returned. \u201cI\u2019m the one holdin\u2019 the gun, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe drew in a deep breath, trying to hold on to the embers of his temper. If there was one thing he hated, it was being called \u2018kid\u2019 or \u2018boy\u2019. Joe started to turn his head, but froze again when the hammer\u00a0clicked<\/em>\u00a0back.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I think you ought to just leave that there fence be, boy,\u201d the man went on. \u201cSee, me and my friends, we\u2019re gonna be runnin\u2019 some horses through here later, and I\u2019d hate to have to knock it all down again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only horses on this land belong to the Ponderosa,\u201d Joe returned, hotly. The horses were his special area of interest on the ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cShoot, you sure are all fired up fer a ranch hand,\u201d the man said, sounding amused.<\/p>\n

Biting his lip, Joe resisted the urge to tell this man that he was a Cartwright. Joe frequently spoke first and thought after, but he wasn\u2019t stupid, and so far this man hadn\u2019t recognised him. The only chance he had of getting out of this mess was to carry on pretending he was just a hand. He shrugged instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cLie down, boy,\u201d instructed his captor. \u201cPut your hands behind your back, and don\u2019t try nothin\u2019 fancy with that there gun of yourn.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the gun resting on his neck, Joe had no choice but to obey. His left arm was stiff and sore, and he had trouble getting it behind his back. He felt a lasso being slipped over his wrists. It was drawn tight, and the gun finally moved away from his neck.<\/p>\n

Grabbing his chance, Joe kicked out at his captor, and caught the man by surprise. He sat down abruptly, and the rope loosened slightly. Joe forced himself up to his knees, struggling against the restraint on his wrists. He had a glimpse of a lean face, lined and browned by the sun. Then the man was on him again, and Joe still didn\u2019t have his hands free. He threw himself at the man, head butting him in the stomach, and rolling away. He hadn\u2019t made it to his feet when the rope was yanked hard, and Joe tumbled backwards to the ground.<\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t beaten yet. He swung his legs over and kicked the man in the groin. Using the momentum he\u2019d gained, Joe rolled himself to his feet, and turned to face his opponent, still struggling against the lasso. His gun had fallen from his holster, and Joe was desperate to get it out of the other\u2019s reach. He lunged for the gun, and managed to kick it towards Cochise. Of course, it didn\u2019t go far enough, but it was out of immediate grasp.<\/p>\n

The stranger had recovered from Joe\u2019s kick, and was advancing on him again, his hand reaching for the rope, which trailed between them. Joe danced backwards, trying to keep it out of reach, but failed. The rope tightened cruelly, and Joe could feel blood on his wrists. He was jerked towards the man, who threw several quick punches to Joe\u2019s belly and face. Helpless to defend himself, Joe was soon bleeding on the ground.<\/p>\n

The lasso was wound round Joe\u2019s wrists again, and then bound round his arms and body. Joe fought as best he could, but it was hopeless. Finally satisfied, the man straightened up, panting. \u201cYou\u2019re really lucky, boy,\u201d he said, standing over Joe. \u201c\u2019Cause I\u2019m gonna send you back to the Ponderosa, \u2018stead of killin\u2019 you. But make no mistake. If\u2019n I ever see your sorry hide round here again, I\u2019m gonna kill you. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all Joe could do to nod. Pain came in waves from his abused body. The stranger dragged Joe to his feet, and punched him a couple more times to make his point extra clear, then pushed him to Cochise. Joe was thrown over the saddle like a sack of meal. Then he felt the weight of his gun drop back into his holster. \u201cDon\u2019t say I ain\u2019t good to you,\u201d the man said, laughing, then slapped Cochise on the rump, and sent him running for home.<\/p>\n

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

Cochise trotted into the yard shortly after darkness fell that night. After some time had passed, Ben Cartwright crossed to the door and looked out, to see what was keeping Joe. He let out a cry, for Cochise\u2019s saddle was empty. Adam and Hoss, Joe\u2019s older brothers, came to the door to see what was wrong. They were immediately concerned, and began to saddle up horses, and hitch the team to the buckboard, without any instruction.<\/p>\n

They set out at once, having summoned a hand to tend to the lathered pinto, and putting him on stand-by to fetch the doctor. Hoss led the way, following Cochise\u2019s tracks using a lantern. It was painfully slow going. For each of Joe\u2019s family, the desire to gallop to Joe\u2019s rescue was almost overwhelming, but since they had no idea where Joe was, they had to go slow. They had only gone a couple of miles when they came across Joe lying unconscious on the ground.<\/p>\n

Gasps of horror came from the family as they saw the state Joe was in. Adam used his knife to cut away the ropes binding Joe\u2019s hands and body, and they gently lifted him into the buckboard. Adam galloped off towards home, to send for the doctor, and alert Hop Sing. Hoss tethered Chubb to the buckboard and took the reins, and Ben sat with Joe in the back.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine,\u201d Paul Martin said, coming down the stairs. \u201cNo major damage, aside from that bump on the head. He must have landed with quite some force, but there doesn\u2019t appear to be a fracture, and he\u2019s quite coherent. Just keep him in bed tomorrow, and on light work for a week, allowing those muscles and bruises to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a sigh of relief that he didn\u2019t attempt to hide, Ben said, \u201dThank you, Paul.\u201d\u00a0 He made for the stairs, hearing Adam offering Paul coffee, brandy and a bed for the night. Laughing, Paul refused all three. He bid the family a cheery goodnight, and let himself out, freeing them all to go up to see Joe.<\/p>\n

Lying securely between the blankets, Joe was dozing when his father and brothers entered. He opened his eyes with a great effort, and produced a slightly battered smile. \u201cPa,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Blinking back tears of relief, Ben sat on the bed beside his youngest son. \u201cCan you tell us what happened, Joe?\u201d he asked, gently.<\/p>\n

Briefly closing his eyes, Joe nodded, and told the story, from his encounter with Satan, to his nightmare journey home. When he was finished, he sank back against the pillows. Hoss offered him some water, and he sipped gratefully. He looked at the three dear faces around him, and saw anger on each one.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow, Adam,\u201d Ben said, his hand stroking Joe\u2019s curls gently, \u201cI want you to take some men and ride up to that fence, and repair it. I want guards left there. Hoss, I want you to ride into town and tell Roy Coffee what has happened. Everyone has to be on the lookout for these men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about me?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Exchanging an amused glance with his sons, Ben said, sternly, \u201cYou\u2019re going to stay right there in that bed tomorrow, Joseph. Paul says you may get up the day after, but you stay put tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa,\u201d Joe protested, and Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo arguments, young man,\u201d he said. \u201cGood night, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNight,\u201d Joe answered, and was asleep within moments.<\/p>\n

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

Arriving in Virginia City next morning, Hoss discovered that Roy Coffee wasn\u2019t in his office. Hitching Chubb to the rail outside, Hoss set off to try and track the sheriff down. However, his luck was out, as nobody seemed to have seen Roy that morning. Hoss even tried his house, to no avail. Discouraged, Hoss crossed to the Bucket of Blood saloon to get a beer while he waited.<\/p>\n

The saloon was quiet, as it was still early. There were one or two men sitting around, but the only face Hoss knew was that of Sam, the barman. \u201cMorning, Hoss,\u201d he said, surprised. \u201cDon\u2019t often see you in here this early. On your own?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI\u2019ll have a beer. I\u2019m looking for Sheriff Coffee. You ain\u2019t seen him have you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot this morning,\u201d Sam replied, getting Hoss\u2019s beer. \u201cWhat d\u2019you need the sheriff for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss took a swallow of his beer before answering. \u201cSomeone beat up Little Joe real bad last night. Pa sent me to tell Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad,\u201d Sam exclaimed. \u201cIs Joe okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019ll be okay,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe\u2019s a bit sore today, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be back to normal tomorrow. He ain\u2019t no stranger to fights, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that the truth,\u201d Sam agreed. He glanced across the street and saw Roy Coffee dismounting outside his office. \u201cHey, Hoss, looks like Roy\u2019s back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Sam,\u201d Hoss said, and downed the rest of his beer in a single gulp, and left.<\/p>\n

Sitting alone, close to the bar, a tall, thin man, with a lined, sun-browned face had been listening. He knew it was too much of a coincidence that another man had been beaten up last night, and obviously not in town. He decided it would pay to find out more. He rose and crossed to the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother beer,\u201d he said, putting his money down. \u201cThat\u2019s one big fella,\u201d he commented, nodding at Hoss\u2019s disappearing back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Sam agreed. \u201cThat\u2019s Hoss Cartwright. You know, Cartwright, as in the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019ve heard of it,\u201d the man nodded. \u201cBut I only got into town yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all the invitation that Sam needed. \u201cBen Cartwright owns the biggest spread in the area. He has three sons. That was Hoss, the middle boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImpressive, three sons all that size,\u201d the thin man remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister..\u201d Sam paused. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJake Masterson,\u201d the thin man replied, and they shook hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cJake, the boys aren\u2019t all Hoss\u2019s size. Adam the oldest one, he\u2019s tall, well built, too, but not as big as Hoss. Ben, the father, is tall, too. But Joe is shorter than all the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Joe?\u201d Masterson asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s the youngest boy. They don\u2019t look much alike, the Cartwrights. Adam is dark, and usually wears black. Hoss you\u2019ve just seen. Joe is slim, with curly hair and green eyes. Usually, if you see one, you see them all.\u201d Sam looked out the window. \u201cBut I only see one horse today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know their horses?\u201d Masterson asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Sam exclaimed. \u201cBen, he rides a buckskin. Hoss has that big black. Adam rides a chestnut, and Joe has this real flashy black and white pinto.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome family,\u201d Masterson said, knowing now that he had beaten up Joe Cartwright last night. \u201cThey own the biggest spread round here you say? How big?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJake, you sure are new here!\u201d Sam said, laughing. \u201cThe Ponderosa covers about 1000 square miles. The Cartwrights are rich.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what d\u2019you know,\u201d Masterson said, and continued to drink his beer. His mind was racing. If he\u2019d only known who Joe was the night before, he could\u2019ve had a good ransom, was well as the money for the horses. Well, he and his mates could keep an eye out for these Cartwrights. Any one of the sons would do for ransoming. It had been a most productive morning in town.<\/p>\n

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

At supper a few nights later, Adam said, \u201cPa, we can\u2019t afford to leave those hands watching that fence any longer. We need them back with the herd. The others are working double shifts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I agree,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThere hasn\u2019t been any sign of trouble up there. We must make sure we keep an eye open in that direction, but call the men back. Do we have any horses running up there?\u201d this last question was directed at Joe.<\/p>\n

Swallowing down a mouthful of food, Joe said, \u201cJust Satan and his band, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, caustically, \u201cthat horse isn\u2019t one of ours!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong, big brother,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cSatan carries our brand. That makes him our horse!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince when has he carried our brand?\u201d Ben asked, quietly.<\/p>\n

Drawing a deep breath, Joe looked his father in the eye. \u201cSince not long after we corralled him, Pa. I had intended to keep him, and I just got him cornered, and branded him.\u201d Joe blushed, remembering. \u201cThat was when he took that chunk out of my backside.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a great guffaw of laughter from Hoss, and Adam swiftly followed his example. Joe looked at Ben, hoping for some sympathy, and saw his father\u2019s lips twitching, too. Under Joe\u2019s accusing glare, Ben could hold his mirth in no longer. Joe sat, glaring at his family, until his lips began to twitch, too. Shortly, the whole family were wiping tears of glee from their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is what I call fitting revenge,\u201d Adam finally gasped. \u201cI wish I\u2019d been there to see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks for the sympathy,\u201d Joe said, mock sourly. \u201cAs I recall, you laughed then, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

This set Hoss off again, as he remembered Joe hobbling into the yard, leading Cochise, as he was far too sore to sit down. It had been a very nasty bite, but its placement had entertained the family for several days.<\/p>\n

Regaining control of himself, Ben said, \u201cWell, then I suppose we have some horses in that area. Do you think this man was after them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said horses, Pa,\u201d Joe answered. He frowned. \u201cI must admit, I was surprised, because surely they would make more money rustling cows?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would think so,\u201d Ben replied, frowning also. \u201cI wonder why he wants them. There aren\u2019t any more army contracts due out for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might know, Pa,\u201d Adam said, suddenly. \u201cWhen I was in town last week, I heard someone talking about some big rodeo that they\u2019re planning to hold in town. What was it again?\u201d Adam closed his eyes, thinking hard. \u201dI\u2019ve got it,\u201d he declared, opening his eyes again. \u201cMary Ellen told me that old man Peterson had decided to hold a rodeo on his land. The only thing is, he didn\u2019t have any wild horses, and was talking about hiring someone to get some for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard about that, too,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cBut the way I heard it, anyone who could bring enough horses would get $2000.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben said \u201cPeterson has gone mad since he came into that money.\u201d Peterson had lived around Virginia City for years, but had inherited a lot of money from a relative. He\u2019d bought himself a ranch, and was trying to prove to everyone that he was the equal of the Cartwrights. It had apparently escaped his notice that the Cartwrights never held rodeos on their land.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Pa,\u201d Joe said, tentatively, \u201cwe need to keep an eye on Satan and his band, but we can\u2019t spare the men. Well, I\u2019m on light duties right now. I could do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on Ben\u2019s face didn\u2019t come as a surprise to Joe. He\u2019d seen it any number of times in his life when he proposed something risky. \u201cJoe,\u201d Ben started.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I wouldn\u2019t go alone. I\u2019m not completely crazy,\u201d Joe pleaded, drawing a snort from Adam. Joe ignored his big brother, his attention fixed on Ben. \u201cIf I go up there with one other hand, we could take turns watching. After all, if something does happen involving Satan, how many of us can handle him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us,\u201d Adam said, pointedly, looking at Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

The glare Joe threw Adam ought to have fried him on the spot. However, Adam just looked calmly back, a tactic that was guaranteed to inflame Joe\u2019s temper. Ben broke in before the debate could become heated. \u201cYes, all right, you can sort of handle Satan. But\u00a0one<\/em>\u00a0other hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, two, then\u201d Joe returned, still glaring at Adam, who appeared oblivious of his brother\u2019s displeasure. \u201cThat should be enough. We\u2019re only watching, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo hands?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWhich two did you have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

His sarcasm passed over Joe\u2019s head completely. \u201cWell, Walt isn\u2019t up to riding herd all the time, but he\u2019s fit enough to keep watch. And maybe Charlie?\u201d he addressed this last question at his father.<\/p>\n

Thinking it over, Ben was impressed with Joe\u2019s thinking. Walt and Charlie were two of the older hands on the ranch. They could still put in a hard day\u2019s work, but the constant riding herd, and sleeping on the ground, took its toll on them very quickly. Joe\u2019s solution would provide them with necessary work, but work that wouldn\u2019t tax them too much. The only down side was that they wouldn\u2019t be much use in a fistfight, if it came to that. He couldn\u2019t think of another solution. \u201cAll right, son,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBut don\u2019t try to tackle these men alone! No horse is worth getting killed for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe said. He disagreed with his father. He would cheerfully lay down his life for Cochise, and for the wild stallion that had captured his heart.<\/p>\n

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

The first thing Joe did when he reached the south Range was to scout for Satan and his band. Walt and Charlie set up camp while he did that. Joe liked both the hands that were with him, but they were both old enough to be his grandfather, and he sometimes felt uncomfortable giving them orders, especially as they had known him when he was barely out of diapers.<\/p>\n

It took Joe a lot less time than he had expected to find Satan. The big pinto wasn\u2019t all that far away from where Joe had last seen him. Once again, Joe dismounted, and left Cochise a short distance away, and approached on foot.<\/p>\n

This time, Satan was too wary to come within touching distance of Joe. He stood nervously about 10 feet away from Joe, his ears flickering back and forwards, betraying his mixed feelings. Joe sat down on the grass, and let his eye rove over the stallion\u2019s band. Most of the mares had a foal at foot, and they were a good-looking bunch. In a year or so, Joe would be rounding them up, ready to break. He had already got a few of Satan\u2019s get in the corrals, and had sold one or two onto the army. For all that Satan was intractable, his offspring were excellent mounts.<\/p>\n

After a couple of hours, Joe abandoned his vigil, and set off back towards camp. Walt and Charlie had everything set up, and they were in a good place to watch the fence. The fire was set behind a small rocky outcropping, which shielded it from casual observation. They had already got a meal under way. That was a plus Joe hadn\u2019t mentioned to his father. Walt was a good cook.<\/p>\n

As the sunset spread gold and pink streamers across the sky, Satan and his band appeared in the meadow where Joe, Walt and Charlie were camped out. Joe rose to his feet, and moved a few steps away from the fire. Satan ignored him, settling his family into the new grazing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s some horse,\u201d Charlie said, admiration in his voice. \u201cIt\u2019s a real pity you never could get him clear broke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Joe agreed, wistfully. Charlie had witnessed many of Joe\u2019s battles with the horse. \u201cBut that\u2019s the way it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling a little melancholy, Joe went over to Cochise, and petted him, but his eyes were still on Satan. Cochise was his first love, but Satan had taken a large piece of his heart when Joe had set him free. Satisfied that Cochise and the other horses wouldn\u2019t get loose, Joe walked away into the growing darkness, taking another close look at the fence. After a few minutes, he felt soft lips on the back of his neck. Turning slowly, he stroked Satan\u2019s nose gently.<\/p>\n

Later, Joe had no idea how long he spent just talking to Satan, and gently petting his nose. There were no mistakes this time; Joe didn\u2019t touch his face. When, finally, the stallion had had enough, he snorted once, and trotted away, taking up his duties again. It was a bittersweet moment for Joe. Satan had shown Joe some love, and now had withdrawn it again, as he had done all those months when Joe had battled to tame him. Joe knew he had to take the stallion on Satan\u2019s terms, or not at all, but it didn\u2019t make the moment any less poignant.<\/p>\n

Back at camp, Joe took the first watch. He was unusually quiet, and the others left him alone. They had seen him on the meadow with Satan, but neither knew what to say. Some time after midnight, Joe woke Walt, and fell into his bedroll, exhausted from his emotions.<\/p>\n

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

They fell into a pattern in the next few days. They watched in shifts, both day and night, prepared to ride for help, or defend the Ponderosa against attack. Joe spent most of his off time in the meadow with Satan. The horse would graze close by, sometimes coming up to nuzzle Joe, leaving grass stains on his shirt, other times watching the human. Walt and Charlie were perplexed. They knew the horse had the potential to be a killer. After all, Joe had nearly died just before setting Satan free. Yet, here was the same horse, behaving not unlike Cochise. It wasn\u2019t what they were expecting at all.<\/p>\n

As each day passed, Joe itched more and more to ride Satan. He curbed himself fiercely, because he feared driving Satan away for good. Joe became quieter as he wrestled with himself. To relieve his feelings, he would sometimes take Cochise for a gallop. But since they were on watch, they stayed hidden as much as possible.<\/p>\n

At the end of the week, Walt rode back to the ranch to collect fresh supplies. Joe and Charlie remained behind. Satan and his band seemed content to stay in the meadow, which allowed Joe the chance to keep a close eye on him.<\/p>\n

Charlie was sleeping, and Joe was keeping watch from within the shade of a large tree. The sun was beating down relentlessly, and Joe checked that Cochise and the other horse were still sheltered. As was becoming customary, Satan was grazing fairly close to Joe, keeping a weather eye on his family, and the human. Suddenly, he lifted his head, and gazed over his shoulder, ears pricked. Joe looked in that direction, too, but saw nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, boy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Satan flicked an ear towards Joe, but didn\u2019t look at him. He lifted his top lip, scenting the air. His stance suddenly conveyed tension, although he didn\u2019t move. Joe sat up, loosening the gun in his holster. He strained his eyes, peering off into the heat haze, but he still couldn\u2019t see anything. Glancing at Cochise, he saw the pinto was also looking in the same direction as Satan.<\/p>\n

Rising slowly, he stared into the distance. Still nothing. Satan let out a snort, and stamped a rear hoof. Immediately, the mares began to bunch together, with the foals in the middle of the bunch. It was accomplished without a single mare lifting her head from grazing. It was something Joe had seen before, but it never failed to amaze him. But it convinced him that whatever Satan heard or smelt, it was dangerous. Satan turned around, so he was now facing the opposite way, head on to the danger he scented.<\/p>\n

Deciding he\u2019d better waken Charlie, Joe turned his head, in preparation to move away, and saw movement. Horsemen! Joe felt a sudden surge of adrenalin. Just when they were one hand down! Joe slowly sank down, knowing that sudden movement was more noticeable at a distance, and headed back to camp.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t far to go, and Joe roused Charlie with a single touch. \u201cGet mounted up, and go back to the ranch. We need help here. There are horsemen coming in. Looks like six all together.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. You just get help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Within moments, Charlie had his horse saddled, and was gone. Joe crept back to his spot under the tree, and watched. The men weren\u2019t in a hurry. They rode slowly towards the band of horses, and four of them moved round, getting between Satan and freedom. The other two men went to work on the fence. Joe clenched his jaw till it ached, trying to control his temper. He was one against six, and stood no chance. But he hated to see anyone attack the Ponderosa; he and his brothers had been brought up to defend the place.<\/p>\n

Time passed. Joe watched as the men kept the band of horses penned up in the meadow. Satan was getting restless, pacing round and round his band, his ears pinned back against his head. When he passed, Joe would whisper his name, hoping to calm the horse, but it wasn\u2019t working. The two men working on the fence already had it broken down, and were clearing away the broken spars of timber. Joe wracked his brain to think of what lay behind the fence. As far as he could remember, it led to a dead end canyon. With a little work, it would be perfect to keep horses in, but not a lot of use for taking them to Peterson\u2019s place. Then Joe remembered the little, covered trail that led from there down to the valley where Peterson\u2019s ranch lay. It was treacherous on foot, suicidal on horseback, but if the men were new to the area, and had been told about the trail, maybe they didn\u2019t know how dangerous it was.<\/p>\n

Completing another circuit of his mares, Satan stopped so close to Joe that he could have reached out to touch the sweating hide. \u201cEasy, fella,\u201d he whispered. \u201cEasy, now.\u201d Satan snorted, twitching his tail irritably. Joe watched him uneasily. In this mood, Satan could turn on him without warning.<\/p>\n

The thought had barely passed through his mind when Satan lunged at him! Joe scrambled hastily back, hardly escaping the raking teeth. Forgetting about staying hidden, he leapt to his feet, and began to back away. Satan stalked him, one step at a time. Joe kept backing off, and the sudden warmth of the sun on his head surprised him, after the shade of the trees.<\/p>\n

From further down the meadow, there was a shout. Joe didn\u2019t have the time to spare to look. His whole attention was focused on the angry animal in front of him. \u201cEasy, Satan,\u201d he kept repeating, striving to keep the fear out of his voice. \u201cEasy now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sound of a galloping horse reached Joe\u2019s ears, and distracted Satan. The killing rage went out of the horse between one heartbeat and the next. Joe realised that he was safe \u2013 for now. Too late, he became aware of the men riding towards him, and a lasso fell over his shoulders, tightening round his arms. Helpless, Joe still tried to fight, but it was useless. He was trussed up within a very short time. Satan, the cause of his discovery, had fled when the lasso fell.<\/p>\n

A tall, thin man with a lined, sun-browned face dismounted from a raw-boned buckskin. \u201cWhy, Mr Joe Cartwright. We meet again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyeing the man with undisguised disgust, Joe said, \u201cYou told me you\u2019d kill me if we met again.\u201d He was pleased that his voice didn\u2019t waver at all.<\/p>\n

Smiling, the thin man shook his head. \u201cAre you so eager to die? Well, it doesn\u2019t matter. I was a little hasty the last time we met. I didn\u2019t know who you were. But now I do know, and I won\u2019t kill you quite yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t going to get away with this,\u201d Joe said, angrily. \u201cI sent one of our men for help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry too much about help, \u201c the thin man said. \u201cWe spotted your man leaving, and one of my comrades took care of him. I am sorry, but he won\u2019t be fetching help here after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked at the thin man, barely able to believe what he was being told. Charlie couldn\u2019t be dead? Joe hadn\u2019t heard any shots. Joe\u2019s face was an easy one to read. \u201cShow him,\u201d said the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr Masterson,\u201d replied another man, and a few moments later, a horse came into view with Charlie\u2019s body hanging from the saddle. He was quite clearly dead. Joe swallowed convulsively, struggling to hold back the tears. He\u2019d known Charlie almost all his life.<\/p>\n

Yanking Joe to his feet, Masterson pushed him across to Cochise, and hoisted the youth onto the pinto\u2019s back. Nodding to another man, Masterson watched as Joe\u2019s saddle and bridle were picked up, and the traces of the camp efficiently removed. Then Masterson untied Cochise\u2019s tether, and Joe made his move.<\/p>\n

He dug his heels into the pinto\u2019s sides, and Cochise, used to more delicate instructions from his master, shot off at high speed, pulling the tether from Masterson\u2019s hand. Joe dug his knees into the pinto\u2019s side, trying to maintain his tenuous grip. Joe was an excellent rider, but he knew there was no way he could stay on, not with his hands bound behind him. Already, he was slipping, and he knew a moment of horror at the thought of a fall at such a high speed. \u201cGo home, Cochise,\u201d he yelled. \u201cGo home!\u201d<\/p>\n

The fall was quite a cruncher. Joe rolled as best he could, but still bounced painfully across the rock hard ground. Winded, he lay still, watching his horse\u2019s black tail streaming out behind him as he galloped for home. Joe knew he had no chance of escape, and he was right. Masterson was beside him in a moment.<\/p>\n

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

Walt had been away for too many hours, he knew. But the chance to catch up on the gossip of the ranch had been too much for him, and he had lingered until it was nearly suppertime. Ben Cartwright caught him as he walked across to the barn to get his horse saddled and ready to go. \u201cStill here, Walt?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cIs there a problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Sir,\u201d Walt replied, sheepishly. \u201cJust had one or two things to catch up on. You know how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Concealing a smile, Ben said, gravely, \u201cYes, I do know how it is. Well, ride carefully, Walt. I wouldn\u2019t want you boys to go hungry out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unsure of the correct response, Walt tried another smile, and edged away. Ben stood, his hands on his hips, watching him go. The house had been quiet without Joe, although he and the boys had been too tired to do much more than sleep, and the prolonged hot spell had made even sleep a rare commodity.<\/p>\n

Turning back to the house, Ben heard a horse galloping into the yard. Frowning, he prepared to give the unfortunate rider a piece of his mind. But the horse had no rider, and wore no saddle or bridle. It was Cochise.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalt!\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cRouse the hands!\u201d He called to Cochise, who came willingly. The pinto was well lathered, blowing hard. Ben soothed his neck. \u201cAdam! Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take that long to get the men mounted and ready to go, but it seemed an age to Ben. He sent someone to alert Roy Coffee, and then led the men towards the place where Joe, Walt and Charlie had been camped.<\/p>\n

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

Darkness fell, but Ben still pushed on. Walt knew the exact location of the campsite, and led the way. Luckily, it was a moonlit night, the full moon shining down and reflecting off Lake Tahoe. Even though the light was quite good, they didn\u2019t dare risk galloping. The slow pace began to tell on the nerves of the Cartwright family.<\/p>\n

The first faint streaks of dawn were visible in the east when they finally neared the place where Joe should be waiting. There was no sign of the herd of horses that Walt had told them was in the meadow. There was little trace of the camp, and almost no tracks. Hoss guessed that they had been deliberately erased. The only thing they found was Charlie\u2019s body, still draped over the back of his horse. Ben and Adam went to look more closely, and saw that his neck was broken. \u201cGet him buried,\u201d Ben ordered, his voice husky with emotion and fatigue.<\/p>\n

As the light grew, they could plainly see the broken down fence. \u201cWhat\u2019s behind there?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJus\u2019 that little draw that leads to Dead Man\u2019s Trail,\u201d Hoss replied. His eyes widened. \u201cThey wouldn\u2019 try \u2019n\u2019 take them horses down Dead Man\u2019s Trail, would they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything\u2019s possible,\u201d Adam replied, tersely. \u201cEspecially if they don\u2019t know the area that well.\u201d He exchanged a concerned glance with Ben. \u201cIts really easy to defend that draw,\u201d he said, reluctantly voicing his concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

They mounted up and rode towards the fence.<\/p>\n

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

Sitting with his back to the rock wall of the draw, Joe surreptitiously rubbed the ropes that bound his hands against the rock. It was slow, painful work, because he had to stop each time someone looked at him. He wasn\u2019t sure how far he was getting, as the ropes still seemed as tight as ever. But stubbornly set on trying to free himself, Joe persevered.<\/p>\n

Satan and his band were in the draw, too, and Satan was boiling mad. Joe was quite glad that Masterson\u2019s men were between him and the stallion, as he was sure Satan would blame this on him. The only captivity Satan had ever known had been at Joe\u2019s hands. Still, Joe was sure it wouldn\u2019t take him long to give Satan back his freedom, if he could only get loose. The fence Masterson and his men had built was crude, and probably wouldn\u2019t take much to knock it down.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the man on lookout gave a shout. Masterson scrambled over beside him, gun drawn. Then Joe heard another voice. \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright. Those are my horses you\u2019ve got there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Mr Cartwright. They were your horses, but they\u2019re mine now. And just so you\u2019ll not do anything stupid, I should mention that I have your son Joe here.\u201d Masterson flashed a grin over his shoulder at his captive. \u201cI\u2019d hate to see harm come to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re out numbered,\u201d Ben said. \u201cGive up, and I\u2019ll let you ride away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Masterson gestured to one of his men, who dragged Joe to his feet, and pushed him across to Masterson. \u201cI don\u2019t think you understand, Cartwright,\u201d Masterson said, his voice now menacing. \u201cI need these horses, and I\u2019ve got your son. Now, if you give me $10,000, I\u2019ll let him go free. But if you don\u2019t back off, he\u2019ll die.\u201d Masterson grabbed Joe\u2019s collar, and pulled him into view, placing his gun against Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben breathed, in mingled relief and fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa,\u201d Joe called, and winced as Masterson kicked him.<\/p>\n

\u201c$10,000,\u201d Masterson called, \u201cand I\u2019ll let him live. Now, back off, before I change my mind!\u201d He cocked his gun.<\/p>\n

Given no choice, Ben backed off. Concealed further back, Adam and Hoss waited for their father. \u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to get the money,\u201d Ben replied, bleakly.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDo you really think you\u2019re going to get away with this?\u201d Joe asked, bitterly, as Masterson pushed him back to the ground. \u201cYou\u2019ll be hunted till the day you die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that meant to frighten me, boy?\u201d Masterson asked, with a laugh. \u201cThey\u2019ve got to catch me first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be much of a problem,\u201d Joe retorted, hotly. \u201cThey need only wait for you to try and deliver the horses to Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Masterson looked at Joe, the laughter gone. Joe glared back, defiantly. \u201cDid you think we didn\u2019t know?\u201d he taunted. \u201cBut these aren\u2019t ordinary wild horses. The stallion belongs to the Ponderosa. He\u2019s got our brand. Did you think nobody would notice? It\u2019s the best known brand in the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

Without changing expression, Masterson backhanded Joe across the face. \u201cWhat I can\u2019t figure is how you\u2019ve lived this long, boy,\u201d he commented, calmly, looking at the blood streaming from Joe\u2019s nose and mouth. \u201cOr why your Pa out there would pay to get you back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t tend to break the law,\u201d Joe replied, spitting blood. \u201cAnd since you rule by fear, I can see why you don\u2019t understand love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove,\u201d Masterson sneered. \u201cLove\u2019s a fairy tale!\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe shook his head. \u201cYou poor fool,\u201d he commented softly. He moved as though to walk away, and Masterson was suddenly furious. Joe somehow had the upper hand, and Masterson wasn\u2019t sure how he\u2019d accomplished it. But if he was to maintain control of his men, he had to get back on top. Grabbing Joe\u2019s jacket, Masterson swung him around and buried his fist in Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

The unexpected punch drove Joe to his knees. He gasped from the shock, trying to catch his breath. Masterson hit him again, and again. Joe tried to avoid the blows, but failed. He slowly crumpled to the ground, barely aware of his surroundings. After a while, he realised the beating had stopped. His head throbbed and he swallowed desperately against a wave of nausea, which threatened to overwhelm him. Finally finding his voice, he said, \u201cDo your men know what you\u2019ve done? How you\u2019ve got them cornered here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Masterson screamed, kicking Joe heavily in the ribs.<\/p>\n

Curled in a ball, fighting the pain, Joe raised his voice. \u201cDo they know the only way out is too dangerous for men on horses? Do they know that they won\u2019t get paid, because you can\u2019t make a horse go down that trail?\u201d<\/p>\n

By this time, Joe had the attention of Masterson\u2019s men. He took the next kick on his hip. \u201cThat stallion\u2019s a killer,\u201d Joe said, his voice almost hysterical in his desire to plant doubt in the minds of the men.<\/p>\n

\u201cSHUT UP!\u201d Masterson yelled, and grabbing his rifle, he swung the butt towards Joe\u2019s face. Joe, sensing the blow, half turned, trying to get up, and took the blow on his shoulder. He heard the crack as the rifle struck his collarbone, and the bone, under pressure already, snapped. Joe screamed, and passed out.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was past sunset before Ben returned with the money. Faint pink streaks were still visible in the luminous pale blue sky as he reined in his tired horse. Adam and Hoss were waiting for him, and in the feeble light from the nearest lantern, Ben could see the strain that the waiting had put them under. \u201cAny word?\u201d he asked, anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, briefly, avoiding his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d Ben asked. He looked at Hoss, who was also having problems making eye contact. \u201cHoss?\u201d Ben was beginning to be angry. \u201cWhatever has happened, tell me. Joe isn\u2019t\u2026?\u201d He couldn\u2019t bring himself to finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, too quickly, and Ben snagged his gaze this time. \u201cNo, its just\u2026 Well, we heard Joe cry out, and then there was this scream\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the poor light, Adam saw his father\u2019s face go ashen. \u201cWe went to check,\u201d he hurried on. \u201cAnd they said Joe was still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Hoss who added the unbearable bit. \u201cBut they wouldn\u2019t let us see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

In the outlaws\u2019 camp, Joe lay on his side, and cradled his injured arm. Masterson had untied his hands while he was unconscious, reasoning that Joe\u2019s injury was too painful to allow him to escape. So far, he had been proved correct. Joe ached all down his left side. His ribs were sore, his hip was sore, his collarbone was broken. But Joe was determined that his father wasn\u2019t going to have to pay $10,000 for him.<\/p>\n

Sometime during the night, Joe thought he must have slept. Now, he marshalled his strength, and slowly eased to a sitting position. Moving was excruciating. He hung his head until the world stopped whirling, and wondered how on earth he could escape, when simply sitting up took everything out of him.<\/p>\n

A shadow moved out of the pre-dawn gloom. Joe knew instantly that it was Satan. The stallion, in one of his quirky mood changes, had stood guard over Joe, snapping at anyone who came too close. An idea began to form in Joe\u2019s brain, and his eyes grew wide at the audacity of the plan. He had no idea if it would work, but what did he have to lose? Pa would hand over $10,000, and Joe would still be killed. They all knew that. This way, he might have a chance.<\/p>\n

Bracing himself, Joe got unsteadily to his feet. He would have to signal to his family somehow, and the usual gunshots were out of the question. He hadn\u2019t seen his gun since he was captured. \u201cSatan,\u201d he whispered, and the horse came over to him. \u201cI need your help, buddy,\u201d he went on. \u201cJust this once.\u201d<\/p>\n

And in the biggest gamble of his life, he grasped Satan\u2019s mane, and jumped onto his back.<\/p>\n

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

The outlaw camp woke to the sound of the stallion\u2019s clarion call, and they looked around blearily, to find the horse riding down on them, with their prisoner on its back!\u00a0 Leaping to their feet, more than one man unshipped his gun, and began to fire wildly into the air. Satan swerved, but Joe relentlessly drove him on, knowing that if Satan turned back, he was doomed.<\/p>\n

On the other side of the draw, Ben, Adam and Hoss were already approaching, ready to make the exchange. As the firing began, they started to run, knowing that their chance had come, if they could only take it. They charged to the edges of the outlaw camp, where total chaos reigned.<\/p>\n

Men were diving for cover as the panicked herd of horses milled around, whinnying and churning up clouds of dust. Satan was herding his mares towards the crude fence that lay between him and freedom. Thanks to Joe\u2019s direction of the big horse, part of the fence lay on the ground where Satan had crashed into it. A couple of the men were firing at the horses, and Ben quickly yelled, \u201cGet them!\u201d<\/p>\n

A wild melee broke out between the Cartwrights and the outlaws. The ranch hands had come at Ben\u2019s back, and swiftly joined in. Several fistfights broke out, but Ben had only one objective \u2013 Joe! He didn\u2019t realise that Joe was on Satan\u2019s back, hanging on for grim death, trying to control the rolling waves of nausea crashing in his stomach. Joe\u2019s injured left arm was tucked inside his jacket, and his right hand was wrapped in the long, coarse mane in front of him. If he fell off now, he would be trampled.<\/p>\n

As the Ponderosa men gained the upper hand in the fight, Adam realised how close they were to having a stampede. \u201cBreak that fence down!\u201d he shouted above the noise. He ran over to the fence, and applied his broad shoulder to it. It gave at once, and he had no trouble knocking it flat. Other hands followed his example, and within a very short time, the fence was down.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t any too soon. Satan had had enough, and drove his band back towards the meadows they lived on. Twenty some horses in one small space can create a lot of dust and noise. The men all flattened themselves against the walls of the draw, and watched the horses gallop out to freedom. Then the Ponderosa men tied up the outlaws, and prepared to take them into town.<\/p>\n

Grimly, Ben took charge of Masterson. \u201cWhere\u2019s my son?\u201d he grated.<\/p>\n

Flicking his eyes, Masterson didn\u2019t answer. Ben shook him, angrily, and glanced over his shoulder at Hoss. \u201cPerhaps you could make this man tell us where Joe is,\u201d he suggested, although he knew Hoss was the gentlest of men, for all his size.<\/p>\n

Of course, Masterson didn\u2019t know this. Adam stepped forward, and said, \u201cDon\u2019t kill him, yet, Hoss,\u201d in a tone that suggested that Hoss routinely killed people.<\/p>\n

Nodding grimly, Hoss flexed his huge hands, and cracked his knuckles for good effect. Masterson was now chalk white. \u201cHe\u2019s over there,\u201d he yelled, terror in his voice. \u201cThat big pinto wouldn\u2019t let us near him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exchanging appalled glances, Ben threw Masterson at the nearest hand. \u201cGet him to Virginia City.\u201d He turned away. \u201cCome on, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though they searched diligently, there was no sign of Joe anywhere in the draw. Hoss even checked Dead Man\u2019s Trail, but there were no fresh prints. Perplexed and concerned, they retraced their steps back to their own camp, back on Ponderosa land.<\/p>\n

The horse herd were milling about in the meadow there, but they seemed to be calming down. Instinctively, they looked for the stallion, and found him standing like a rock on the outskirts of the herd. Whenever a mare or foal came too close, he snapped at them, but he didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n

Dawn had broken without any of the men noticing. Now, they realised that daylight was growing stronger, and with the better light, they all saw something lying on the ground by the stallion\u2019s feet. Drawing closer, they realised with a shock that it was Joe!<\/p>\n

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

The herd moved away warily as Ben, Adam and Hoss approached. Satan gave ground slowly, watching the Cartwrights all the time. Only when Ben knelt down by Joe, and touched him, did Satan snort, and lead his family away, deeper into Ponderosa territory.<\/p>\n

Joe was filthy, his face battered and bruised, and caked in dried blood. In his right hand, he clutched a handful of long brown and white hair that he wouldn\u2019t let go of. As Ben gently turned him over, Joe groaned, and his eyes flew open. For a moment, those startled green eyes looked at his father without recognition. \u201cOh, Pa,\u201d he said, and passed out again.<\/p>\n

Without exchanging a word, Adam and Hoss began to make the necessary preparations to take Joe home. As soon as a travois was made, Hoss mounted up, and rode towards town to fetch the doctor. Adam had tidied up the camp, and arranged the bedrolls to keep Joe warm and still during the long ride back to the house.<\/p>\n

It was a long ride. Joe had woken several times on the way back, and twice he\u2019d been sick. Ben had tenderly held his youngest son as he\u2019d thrown up, trying to make Joe\u2019s ordeal easier for him. Joe had said only three more words. The first had been \u2018Pa\u2019; the second was \u2018Cochise\u2019; and the third was \u2018Satan\u2019. Each time, Ben said \u201cIts all right, Joe.\u201d Joe had then fallen back to sleep.<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee and Paul Martin were both at the ranch before Ben arrived. Paul did a swift examination before they moved Joe off the travois, and upstairs to his room. Once Joe was settled, he ordered Ben and Adam to go and eat something, while Hop Sing helped him tend to Joe.<\/p>\n

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

When Ben was finally allowed back upstairs, Joe was resting comfortably, thanks to a small dose of laudanum. His shoulders were wrapped in a figure eight bandage, to protect his broke collarbone, and his arm was in a sling. The many cuts and bruises he bore had been cleaned. His ribs were wrapped, although none were broken. There was a vast bruise spreading across his hip. But Joe\u2019s biggest problem was that every muscle in his body froze when he tried to move. Paul had explained that it was a sign of severe damage, and that Joe mustn\u2019t try and move on any account.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat caused such damage?\u201d Ben asked, frowning.<\/p>\n

Drawing in a breath, it seemed to Ben that Paul was trying not to smile. \u201cI\u2019ll let Joe tell you that,\u201d he answered. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry, it will sort itself out. The freezing is just the body\u2019s way of protecting itself against more harm. Joe will have no choice but to remain bedridden until his body is capable of movement again.\u201d<\/p>\n

More confused than ever, Ben sat down on the edge of Joe\u2019s bed. \u201cJoe? Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe\u2019s eyes opened. The green depths were sleep-hazed, giving the impression of a wayward angel. \u201cPa,\u201d he breathed. \u201cMasterson?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn jail,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cCochise got home safe and sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile tugged the corners of Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cAdam. Hoss.\u201d He swallowed with difficulty, and Ben helped him to drink. \u201cThey come up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Ben responded, and went to the door to call his others sons. They arrived so quickly, that Ben decided they must have been listening at the door.<\/p>\n

With all his family there, Joe smiled and said, \u201cSatan okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Satan is fine,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe saved me,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cStood guard over me.\u201d His weary eyes flickered to Adam. \u201cDon\u2019t laugh, Adam. He did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you, fella,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Joe questioned, and seemed relieved when Adam nodded. \u201cI rode him, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rode Satan? When?\u201d Ben wondered if Joe was dreaming it.<\/p>\n

A vivid smile lit Joe\u2019s face. It was a beautiful smile, conveying a sense of wonder and awe. \u201cRode him when he was rounding up his mares.\u201d The awe was in Joe\u2019s tired voice, too. \u201cI got on him, and rode him towards the men. We knocked down a bit of the fence. Satan knew it meant freedom.\u201d Joe paused, and Ben offered him more water. \u201dHe got his mares together. I was still on his back. Didn\u2019t dare fall.\u201d There was a wobble in his voice, and each man knew exactly what was in Joe\u2019s mind at that moment. They had all had similar moments. \u201cI rode him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence fell for a moment. Joe\u2019s eyelids dipped, and his long lashes brushed across his cheek. With an effort, he opened them again. His eyes were luminous. \u201cEver watch a stallion rounding up?\u201d he asked. The others nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s never still. He twists this way and that, worse than a bronco. I had no saddle, nothing.\u201d Ben thought of the hair in Joe\u2019s fist then, and looked down, but Joe\u2019s hand was empty. \u201cThere,\u201d Joe whispered, pointing. Lying beside the picture of his mother was a long twist of horsehair.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, that\u2019s incredible,\u201d Ben said, at last. \u201cWhen we found you, Satan was standing over you, stopping the other horses from trampling you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tears suddenly drowned the green eyes, reinforcing the impression of an angel. \u201cRemember how you told me that if you love something, you let it go? \u201c Ben nodded. \u201cI think that Satan maybe just came back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A rush of tears threatened to overwhelm Ben. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, but couldn\u2019t find any words.<\/p>\n

With a sigh, Joe closed his eyes. \u201cPaul says that\u2019s why I can\u2019t move. Too much strain on my muscles.\u201d He dragged his eyelids open once more. \u201cSatan will never be my horse like Cochise is my horse,\u201d he said, so quietly, that all three listeners had to lean closer to hear. \u201cBut he does love me a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It was nearly a month before Joe was able to sit a horse again. It had been a frustrating month, especially at the beginning, when he was barely able to move. But his injuries did finally heal. When he was able to escape from the house, he saddled Cochise, and rode out, looking for Satan. Somehow, it didn\u2019t come as a surprise to find him grazing fairly close to the house.<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted from Cochise, and tethered him to a tree. He moved away from the herd, and sat down. After a while, Satan came over, but today he was wild and wary, and wouldn\u2019t come close enough to touch. \u201cI\u2019ve got to thank you, Satan,\u201d Joe said. \u201cYou saved my life, and I\u2019m so grateful. You gave me an experience I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a snort, Satan shook his head, and turned away. Joe watched as he gradually moved the herd of mares away. Somehow, he knew he would see Satan again, and would get to touch him. His heart sang for the love of a horse like this – a horse wild and free. A horse that loved Joe, but only on his own terms.<\/p>\n

Rising to his feet, Joe threw a salute after the retreating herd. He walked back to Cochise, who welcomed him with a nicker. Joe ran an affectionate hand down the pinto\u2019s neck. For the love of a horse like this, he had tried to make another horse into his image. Now, he knew he had to love each one as they were, loving the differences, as well as the similarities.<\/p>\n

Swinging into the saddle, Joe patted the pinto once more. \u201cLet\u2019s go home, Cochise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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

The Next Story in The Mustang Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the Love of a Horse<\/a>
\nThe Medicine Hat Horse<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe encounters Satan again, and then finds his life depends on the unpredictable stallion.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(10,195 words)<\/p>\n

The Mustang Series, links to all stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":14945,"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":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1863,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48239,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48239","url_meta":{"origin":3826,"position":0},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #14 – June 2019 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"June 30, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Rodeo Roundup - The theme this month revolves around a roundup, cattle drive, or rodeo. Use \"Mustang Sally\", \"Cotton-eyed Joe\" for your OC inspiration. Rating: G, Word Count: 2159","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5278,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5278","url_meta":{"origin":3826,"position":1},"title":"The Squirrel Incident (by Born in the USA)","author":"Born in The USA","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0With Hoss and Joe away, Adam has to take care of his brother's chores. And gets a little 'surprise' along the way. 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(by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","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":22339,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=22339","url_meta":{"origin":3826,"position":3},"title":"Mustang Sally (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"June 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"SUMMARY:\u00a0 On a trip to catch mustangs, Adam learns about breaking horses from an unlikely source.\u00a0 Edited in a second Mustang Sally story based on a Pinecone challenge from Brand -- McTeague. 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Rating and Reader Alerts: PG, mild language Words:\u00a0 12,625 Cartwright Romance Series, links to stories included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3823,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3823","url_meta":{"origin":3826,"position":5},"title":"The Mustang (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"July 2, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe sets his heart on capturing a skewbald stallion, and breaking him. Will giving his heart so recklessly to the horse cause it to break instead? 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