{"id":3847,"date":"2002-10-26T18:11:34","date_gmt":"2002-10-26T22:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3847"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:50:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:50:50","slug":"the-deadliest-sins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3847","title":{"rendered":"The Deadliest Sins (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Alone on the ranch while his family is on a cattle drive, Joe is kidnapped by a jealous hand. When the man dies, an injured Joe is forced to try and get back home alone.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (11,245 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

The Deadliest Sins<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Riding up to the corral, Adam Cartwright saw his youngest brother, Joe, standing by the rails, drinking from a canteen. The weather had been hot for days, and the area round the corral was a dust basin. In the heat of the sun and in the dust, Joe had been breaking a string of horses now for several days. Adam knew from experience how tiring such work was, and as he drew nearer, he grimaced, for one of the hands helping Joe was Clem French. Clem hadn\u2019t been on the Ponderosa long. He had been at school with Joe, and had come to work for them after trying out several jobs. He was one of the most useless men Adam had ever met. He wouldn\u2019t be much help to Joe, he thought, caustically.<\/p>\n

Pulling up beside Joe\u2019s pinto, Cochise, Adam slid gracefully off Sport, his chestnut, and loosened the cinch. Sport plunged his head into the trough of water and drank deeply. Adam slid his hat back and wiped the sweat from his brow. They were all hard at work right now. \u201cJoe!\u201d he hailed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. Is everything all right?\u201d Joe looked exhausted. He poured some of the water from his canteen over his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. I just came to see how you were doing.\u201d Adam looked into the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one left, so I figure I might as well get it broke tonight. Can you tell Pa I\u2019ll be a little late for supper?\u201d Joe rubbed the back of his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, buddy.\u201d Adam lowered his voice. \u201cHow\u2019s Clem making out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows how to saddle a horse,\u201d Joe replied, in a neutral tone. \u201cHe\u2019s a good rider. Once he\u2019s learned how to do things, he\u2019ll be all right.\u201d Joe had never been close friends with Clem, but he felt the youth needed to be given a chance. \u201cGot to get on.\u201d Joe knew that if he stopped moving for too long, he\u2019d never get going again.<\/p>\n

Adam watched as Joe climbed the side of the chute. Clem had saddled the last mustang, and stood ready to open the door. Joe eased himself onto the horse, and nodded. \u201cLet him go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mustang catapulted out of the chute, and began to buck, stiff legged, round the corral. Joe hung on with one hand, the other thrown out for balance. Adam smiled. Joe was very good at this. The mustang would give in very soon. As Adam started to turn away, Joe let out a shout. Looking back at his brother, Adam was in time to see the saddle slip sideways. Joe hastily tried to adjust his seat.<\/p>\n

Startled by the shout, the mustang threw a bigger buck than it had so far. The saddle was suddenly flying through the air, Joe with it. He sailed across the corral and crashed heavily into the rails. He tumbled to the ground, and didn\u2019t move. Adam let out a shout, but the wranglers in the corral were already riding down the loose horse.<\/p>\n

Ignoring them, Adam scrambled through the rails and raced to Joe\u2019s side. He saw at once that Joe was conscious, but winded. \u201cEasy, fella,\u201d he soothed. \u201cTake it easy. Don\u2019t try to move.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyelids fluttered as he gasped for breath. Adam thought he was trying to speak, but he didn\u2019t encourage Joe to try.<\/p>\n

With a burst of coughing, Joe\u2019s breath returned. He moved his arms and legs, and Adam could see that he hadn\u2019t broken them. Gently, he helped Joe to sit up. Joe groaned at the movement, and clutched at his ribs. \u201cI think I\u2019ve got bruises on my bruises,\u201d he joked, weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you home,\u201d Adam suggested, not fooled by the joke for an instant. \u201cI\u2019ll get the buckboard\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d interrupted Joe. \u201cI can ride. I\u2019m fine, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Helping Joe to his feet, Adam\u2019s eye fell on Clem. He knew that Clem had put the saddle on the mustang, and thought it wouldn\u2019t be long before he had a reputation for being unlucky. At that point, the other hands wouldn\u2019t want to work with him. \u201cSee what happened to the saddle, Clem,\u201d he said, wondering why the youth hadn\u2019t thought of it for himself.<\/p>\n

They walked slowly across to their mounts, and Adam tightened the cinches. Joe stood leaning against Cochise, breathing carefully through his mouth. When his saddle was secure, he accepted help to mount, something he would never usually do. Adam turned to mount Sport, and found Clem at his elbow. \u201cMr Cartwright, the cinch buckle came off,\u201d he said, showing the offending article to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it back to the bunkhouse for mending,\u201d Adam ordered. \u201cGuess you\u2019re finished for today.\u201d He mounted his horse, and followed Joe slowly home.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere are Adam and Joe?\u201d Ben enquired, shortly. \u201cIts bad enough that Joe is tardy without Adam being, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied, looking longingly at the table, where Hop Sing was laying out supper. \u201cMaybe they weren\u2019t quite finished. They\u2019ll be along.\u201d The words were hardly out of his mouth when Sport appeared round the corner of the barn. Adam rode to the barn and dismounted, looking over his shoulder. Ben went out of the house. \u201cAdam. Have you seen Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing at this father, Adam replied, \u201cHe\u2019s coming.\u201d He immediately looked back in the direction he\u2019d just come from.\u00a0 Following his gaze, Ben saw Cochise\u2019s black and white head come into view. Joe was slumped in the saddle, every fibre of his being declaring silently that he hurt.<\/p>\n

As the pinto stopped of its own accord outside the barn, Ben crossed to his son\u2019s side. \u201cJoe! Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, producing a shaky grin. He eased his feet from the stirrups, and straightened up gingerly. \u201cJust give me a minute to get down.\u201d With Ben\u2019s help, he slid from the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben demanded, looking at Joe\u2019s pale face.<\/p>\n

They walked back to the house, as Adam told the story. Joe\u2019s every movement caused him obvious pain, but he insisted that he was well enough to eat supper. Ben watched him throughout the meal, as he chased the food around his plate, with next to none reaching his mouth, but said nothing. As soon as they left the table, Joe announced he was tired, and was going to bed. He walked slowly and carefully to the stairs, and winced his way upwards.<\/p>\n

The remaining family members exchanged glances. \u201cI think we need the doctor,\u201d Ben commented. \u201cIf we wait for Joe to admit how sore he is, hell will freeze over. I\u2019m going to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send for Paul,\u201d Adam said, and crossed to the door.<\/p>\n

Knocking on the door of Joe\u2019s room, Ben went in without waiting for a response. Joe was sitting wearily on the edge of the bed, contemplating his booted feet. He raised his eyes, and for an unguarded moment, his hurt shone out clear. \u201cCould you use a hand?\u201d Ben asked, mildly.<\/p>\n

A tired smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI guess I could, at that,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI\u2019m a bit stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling at the admission, Ben knelt and pulled Joe\u2019s boots off as smoothly as he could. Joe caught his breath. Ben, still kneeling on the floor, placed his hand on Joe\u2019s. \u201cSon, its not a crime to admit you\u2019re hurt. Let me help you get ready for bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cOkay, Pa.\u201d He sat still while his father unbuttoned his shirt, and eased it down his arms.<\/p>\n

As Ben got his first glimpse of Joe\u2019s back and chest, he was the one who caught his breath. Joe was covered in angry red blotches and welts that were taking on the hue of bad bruises. The marks made by the corral rails were all too clear. \u201cJoe, son, no wonder you hurt.\u201d Ben gently placed his hand on the back of Joe\u2019s neck, and began to massage it. \u201cI\u2019ve sent for Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy am I not surprised?\u201d Joe remarked, tiredly. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa, honest. I\u2019ve just had a few falls from the broncs. That one this afternoon was just a bit harder than the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to fool me, young man,\u201d Ben said, mock sternly. \u201cThat fall this afternoon sounded dreadful. You may have broken ribs. You were lucky not to break anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe agreed, listlessly. He sighed, then winced as pain stabbed through his battered body. \u201cI\u2019m tired, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned against his father\u2019s broad shoulder, just as he had done when he was a child. Ben supported him gently. It had always been easier to show affection to Joe than to the other boys, because his very nature made him more inclined to show and return caresses.\u00a0 Ben felt goose bumps rising on Joe\u2019s bare arm, and rubbed briskly. Joe winced. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d Ben apologised. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to hurt you.\u201d He rose and found a nightshirt, and helped Joe into it.<\/p>\n

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

Joe was in a restless sleep when Paul Martin arrived. Paul had treated Joe from birth, and knew his young patient inside out. He woke Joe with a light touch, and set about examining him. Adam told Paul the story of Joe\u2019s fall. Paul looked with professional detachment at the dark bruises spreading all over Joe\u2019s back and chest. \u201cBroken ribs,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ll be sore for quite some time, Joe. Take it easy for a few days.\u201d He mixed Joe a powder to help with the pain, and bound up his ribs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for coming, Paul,\u201d Ben said, as they went downstairs. \u201cWhen I saw those bruises, I feared the worst.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not surprised, Ben,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cI thought about internal injuries, too, but there was no sign of any. Don\u2019t worry. Joe will be very sore for a few days, but he\u2019ll heal.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Next morning, Joe was too stiff to even sit up unaided. His body was black and blue. For once, Joe made no complaint about staying in bed.\u00a0 He dozed on and off all day, while Ben, Adam and Hoss carried on with the chores of the ranch. It was their busiest season, and they could ill afford to have Joe laid up. Even less could they afford to have someone sit with him all day, so Joe put up with his own company. Hop Sing popped in and out, but he was busy, too, preparing for the big cattle drive. All the Cartwrights were going to go on it, and Hop Sing had elected to go along as cook.<\/p>\n

As the week went on, and Joe got better, it became apparent to them all that he wasn\u2019t going to be fit enough to go on the cattle drive. It was already Thursday, and they were due to leave on Monday. Joe became short tempered as he realised that his family were going to be one hand down when they most needed him. He knew that he would be left behind at home.<\/p>\n

Finally, Ben cornered Joe alone. \u201cSon, I know you want to come with us, but we have to face facts. You simply aren\u2019t able to do it, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d Joe said, in a sulky tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI managed to hire two extra men today, so I\u2019m going to leave Clem behind, too, with Charlie and Dave. Clem is learning, but he hasn\u2019t the experience to do a long drive like this. I\u2019m leaving you in charge of the ranch, Joe. Please, take it easy. We\u2019ll be back as soon as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa,\u201d Joe said, and tried to smile. He hated to be left alone at the ranch, but he could see there was no point in objecting. At least, he could send his father away with a smile, however forced it might be. Ben had enough to worry about already.<\/p>\n

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

The ranch house seemed big and echoey to Joe, sitting there alone that first night. He had been in the house alone before, but he was never totally comfortable. He had picked at his meal, but most of it had gone uneaten. Charlie, Dave and Clem were doing the work, because Joe still wasn\u2019t up to more than light duties. Joe had spent the afternoon grooming Cochise, who was restive for lack of exercise.<\/p>\n

The family had been gone for two days, and Joe had begun to ride gently around the place when Clem came back into the yard at a gallop. \u201cJoe,\u201d he gasped, bursting into the house. \u201cThe north pasture fence is down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heaving a sigh, Joe got to his feet. \u201cThe fences are often down,\u201d he commented, mildly, smothering his impatience. \u201cThere\u2019s no call to panic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t any sign there were ever fences there,\u201d Clem panted. \u201cThe posts are gone and everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a minute, Joe couldn\u2019t believe his ears. There were miles of fencing around the Ponderosa. Joe knew almost every inch of them. \u201cGone?\u201d he echoed. \u201cI\u2019d better come out and see. Then we can decide what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shouting to Charlie, Joe quickly brought him up to date, while Clem saddled Cochise. Joe threw some food into a bag, and checked his bedroll before mounting up. He knew they would be away at least one night, maybe two. Once he saw the damage, he\u2019d know what equipment he\u2019d need to repair it.<\/p>\n

He and Clem set off at an easy lope. Clem rattled on about how he\u2019d found the fencing down, but Joe barely listened. He still found riding uncomfortable, and after a time, had to slow Cochise to a walk. Clem gave Joe a questioning look, and slowed his mount, too. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still sore,\u201d Joe replied, shortly. Anyone else would have guessed what was wrong, and said nothing. Clem still hadn\u2019t learned tact.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what\u2019s it like to be rich?\u201d Clem asked, after a short silence.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Joe said, \u201cYou\u2019d better ask someone who\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0rich, Clem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u00a0are<\/em>\u00a0rich,\u201d Clem insisted. \u201cYour Pa owns all this land, so you\u2019ve got to be rich.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stifling a sigh, Joe tried to explain. \u201cYou just said it, Clem,\u201d he began. \u201cMy Pa owns all the land. Not me, Adam or Hoss. Pa. We get our wages, same as you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but you get more than just wages,\u201d said Clem. \u201cYour Pa buys you whatever you want. You don\u2019t have to work, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you hear that?\u201d Joe asked, frowning. \u201c We do have to work! Sure, Pa sometimes buys things for us, but usually for our birthday or Christmas. Anything else we want, we have to work and save for, just like everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem chewed on his lower lip while he thought it through. \u201cBut you will be rich, won\u2019t you, when your Pa dies? All this will be yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d Joe replied, beginning to get annoyed. \u201cThe land will be split between Hoss, Adam and myself, I suppose. What is this? Do you think we don\u2019t do our share around here?\u201d<\/p>\n

From past experience, Clem recognised the signs of Joe\u2019s ill temper, and hastily retracted. \u201cNo, of course not. I just wondered, is all. We ain\u2019t never had money. I wondered what it was like not to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

As quickly as that, Joe\u2019s bed temper soothed away. He laughed. \u201cClem, I don\u2019t know what you\u2019ve been reading, but rich people worry just the same as everybody else. We still have to pay taxes, we still have to eat. It might be that we worry about different things.\u201d<\/p>\n

They rode on in silence for a while. Joe\u2019s mind was fixed on the problem with the fencing. He knew it would be tough to get the fence mended. He wasn\u2019t in any condition to mend fences. \u201cJoe,\u201d Clem said. \u201cDid you ever want to go to college?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe wondered if he\u2019d heard correctly. Clem\u2019s mind seemed to wander from thing to thing without any reason. He summoned what was left of his tiny store of patience, and said, \u201cNo, I never did want to go to college.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother Adam did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cBut neither Hoss nor I wanted to. The kind of things we wanted to learn can\u2019t be taught in a college. It was different for Adam. He\u2019s interested in Shakespeare and them kind of fellas. Me, I just wanted to work the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Clem replied, all innocence. \u201cDon\u2019t they teach stuff about ranching in college?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cI told you I was never interested. Do you want to go to college, or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Clem answered. \u201cWhat would I study?\u201d<\/p>\n

By now, Joe was really exasperated. \u201cClem, you\u2019re the one who brought the subject up! How do I know what you want to study?\u201d He gave Cochise a kick, and quickened the pace a bit.<\/p>\n

Not to be put off, Clem persisted, \u201cJoe, it must help to get girls \u2013 I mean bein; rich and good lookin\u2019 an all.\u201d He smiled. \u201cLike that there Susie, who works in the Bucket Of Blood. She\u2019s sure sweet on you.\u201d He giggled. \u201cLooked like you\u2019re sweet on her, too, the way you was kissin\u2019 her an\u2019 all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a nice girl,\u201d Joe said, shortly, not wanting to get drawn into this discussion. \u201cI like her fine. Can we just drop this \u2018rich\u2019 thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The fence was indeed gone. Joe looked with disgust at the tracks where the posts had obviously been dragged away. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s see if we can find those posts.\u201d<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t have far to go. The posts were lying about 50 feet inside the tree line. The wire was gone, but that didn\u2019t surprise Joe. At least finding the posts saved them one job. \u201cGive me a hand to drag these posts back to the fence line,\u201d Joe said, pulling on his gloves.<\/p>\n

They worked in silence, more or less. Joe found that his ribs still hurt a great deal, as he struggled to help carry posts that normally wouldn\u2019t trouble him at all. He tried not to groan aloud, but Clem noticed how pale his boss had become. \u201cJoe? Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe snapped, wiping sweat off his brow with the back of his hand. \u201cLook, Clem, you go back to the ranch and tell Charlie to wire my father about this. He knows where they\u2019re stopping. Get Dave to throw some wire and tools into the buckboard and bring them out here. I\u2019ll go on moving the poles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe, you can hardly manage them poles,\u201d Clem pointed out, truthfully, if tactlessly.<\/p>\n

That was the last straw for Joe. \u201cDamn it, Clem, can\u2019t you just do as you\u2019re told for once, without making a big deal out of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger man backed off, looking shocked. Joe realised how tired he was, for he wouldn\u2019t normally have cursed like that. Ben didn\u2019t approve of it, and the boys generally stuck to his wishes. But now, Joe was tired, sore, and fed up of the young cowboy\u2019s lack of initiative. Angry, as much with himself as at Clem, Joe turned back to the woods, to get another pole. He heard Clem walking towards him, and half turned, ready to blast him again. From the corner of his eye, Joe saw Clem\u2019s hand raised high, and coming down at speed. The next moment, something crashed onto his head, and he blacked out.<\/p>\n

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

Someone was groaning. Joe could hear them far away. He wondered who it was. He wished they would be quiet. After a while, he realised that\u00a0he<\/em>\u00a0was doing the groaning, and was able to stop. As consciousness fully returned, he became aware of the merciless thumping of his head, and the queasy sensation in his stomach. Joe tried to raise his hand to his aching head, but his arms wouldn\u2019t move. It took him a moment to realise that they were tightly bound behind his back.<\/p>\n

Cranking open his eyelids, Joe gazed blearily round at the inside of one of the line shacks. He was alone, and he felt cold. Gathering his wits, he tried to free himself from the ropes. As he struggled fruitlessly against the knots, Joe\u2019s eyes fell on his feet. To his astonishment, they were bare. Looking round, he spotted his boots sitting across the room. Joe wondered why his boots had been removed, but his feet not tied. He shook his head, bemused, then wished he hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The ropes round his arms continued to defy Joe\u2019s efforts to break free. He was desperately uncomfortable, as it wasn\u2019t just his wrists that were tied. The rope was wrapped round his forearms, so his elbows were also touching. The strain this placed on his shoulders and ribs was appalling.<\/p>\n

Footsteps sounded on the wooden porch of the shack, and the door opened. Joe wasn\u2019t surprised to see Clem. He gave the young cowboy a scathing look. \u201cWhat are you playing at, Clem?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI give the orders here, Joe,\u201d Clem replied. \u201cI\u2019m in charge. I\u2019m holdin\u2019 you for ransom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing the totally inappropriate laugh that rose in his throat, Joe realised that Clem was deadly serious. \u201cFor ransom?\u201d he repeated. \u201cHaven\u2019t you got the timing a bit wrong? My Pa isn\u2019t due back for a couple of weeks, assuming all goes well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try an\u2019 be clever with me,\u201d Clem warned. \u201cI know what I\u2019m doin\u2019. I wired your Pa to come home, that you\u2019d taken a turn for the worse. When he gets back, he\u2019ll pay me a lot of money to let you go. Then I\u2019ll be rich.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avoiding Clem\u2019s eyes, Joe realised he was in real trouble here. Clem was no great shakes as a thinker. His ineptitude was nearly legendary round the ranch, and Joe feared that things could go wrong. He took a deep calming breath, trying to ignore the stab of pain from his ribs. \u201cClem, even when you do get the money, you\u2019ll be a wanted man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Joe, Clem sneered. \u201cIf\u2019n I get enough money from your Pa, I\u2019ll go to California or somewhere, an\u2019 nobody will bother me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Clem, you\u2019ll be a wanted man wherever you decide to go,\u201d Joe said, patiently. \u201cLet me go, and I\u2019ll give you some money. Enough to tide you over until you get another job. This need go no further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u201d Clem said, scornfully. \u201cYou\u2019d turn me over to the sheriff the minute I let you out of here. I\u2019m not stupid, Joe, even though you all think I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t think you\u2019re stupid,\u201d Joe contradicted. \u201cYou\u2019re inexperienced; there\u2019s a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot from where I\u2019m standin\u2019,\u201d Clem retorted. \u201cI\u2019m as good a rider as you, Joe! You know that, but you won\u2019t admit it! That\u2019s why you wouldn\u2019t let me try breaking them broncos.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a good rider,\u201d Joe admitted, \u201cbut you aren\u2019t good enough to break horses. Not everyone is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re jealous of me!\u201d Clem shouted. \u201cYou are! That\u2019s why you kept giving me the dirty jobs! I thought that when I cut the cinch buckle, and you were hurt, that I\u2019d get to finish that horse! But no \u2013 Adam did it! You\u2019re all jealous of me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Listening to the diatribe, Joe realised that Clem had told him exactly why he was there. Clem was jealous of the Cartwrights. He had some misconceived ideas that the boys didn\u2019t have to work, and that all his problems would go away if he had money. Working his way to riches seemed an alien concept to Clem, and so he had decided on a get-rich-quick scheme, without thinking the consequences through.<\/p>\n

Remembering back to their school days, Joe realised that Clem had always been like that. He was a grade lower than Joe, but had tried to be friendly. Joe had tolerated him, but hadn\u2019t liked him much. Clem had assumed that it was because his parents weren\u2019t rich, not seeing that Joe\u2019s friends were from both rich and poor families. Clem just wasn\u2019t terribly likeable.<\/p>\n

Knowing there was nothing he could say to make Clem listen and understand, Joe kept silent. He remembered one time, at school, when Clem, provoked by a girl\u2019s thoughtless laughter, had pushed her against the hot stove, causing a bad burn on her hand. He had been unrepentant, despite a beating from his father, and a lecture from the teacher. Clem might be the ranch joke, but he was also potentially dangerous. Joe swallowed against the fear rising in his throat.<\/p>\n

Clem ranted on for a few more minutes, before finally falling silent. Joe eyed him covertly. \u201cClem, please, let me go. I promise I won\u2019t go to the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere, Joe. When your Pa pays up, I\u2019ll tell him where to find you.\u201d Clem sniffed, rubbed a hand over his face, and went back towards the door. He hesitated, and then picked up Joe\u2019s boots. \u201cI\u2019ll be takin\u2019 these along with me,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t want you goin\u2019 anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realising he was going to be left alone, Joe lunged to his feet. Clem looked surprised, but swung his fist at Joe, who ducked. Joe had no fists to punch with, but he threw his shoulder into Clem\u2019s mid section, and drove the startled cowboy backwards out of the door. They both crashed to the ground, and Joe rolled quickly to his feet, panting from the pain in his ribs.<\/p>\n

Ignoring Clem, Joe set off running away from the shack. He had no idea exactly where they were, but knew he could find his way back to the ranch if he could only get clear of Clem. Running with his arms bound behind him was extremely difficult. He had barely taken more than a few steps when he saw the reason behind his bare feet. Clem had scattered broken glass all round the cabin. No matter how careful Joe was, he couldn\u2019t avoid standing on it. Within moments, his feet were badly cut, and bleeding.<\/p>\n

Stumbling on, Joe tried to tell himself that the pain wasn\u2019t too bad; that he would manage to run far enough and fast enough to escape. He could hear Clem running behind him, getting closer, but didn\u2019t dare look round. Then the footsteps stopped, and Clem hit Joe around the knees in a flying tackle. Joe crashed painfully to the ground, unable to do anything to break his fall. He groaned as the pain hit him.<\/p>\n

While Joe\u2019s head was still reeling, Clem grabbed him by the shirt collar, and pulled him half way to his feet. \u201cDamn it, Joe, you are so stupid! Why\u2019d you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you really think I would just tamely sit there and let you steal money from my father?\u201d Joe wheezed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t stealin\u2019!\u201d Clem bellowed, puce with rage. \u201cI\u2019m holdin\u2019 you to ransom. That ain\u2019t stealin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts stealing in my book,\u201d Joe retorted.<\/p>\n

With an incoherent shout of rage, Clem let go of Joe and turned away. Joe watched him, wondering what he was going to do. \u201cYou Cartwrights! You think you\u2019re so much better than me! Well, you ain\u2019t!\u201d Clem was working himself up into an even worse rage.<\/p>\n

Glaring at Joe, Clem lifted his foot in an oddly deliberate gesture, and stamped down hard on Joe\u2019s unprotected left ankle. He stamped again and again and again, grinding the heel of his boot into Joe\u2019s flesh. Joe, stunned by the action at first, was soon unable to prevent himself from yelling in agony. When Clem stumbled away, rage spent, Joe lay on the grass, panting and sobbing, holding on to consciousness by a thread.<\/p>\n

How long Joe lay there, he was never to know, but darkness had begun to fall when Clem returned. Joe was chilled, the dampness from the grass soaking into his thin shirt and tan pants. His ankle was black and swollen, and Joe thought it might be broken. He could barely manage to wriggle his toes. He knew he couldn\u2019t walk, and with his arms bound the way they were, he couldn\u2019t crawl, either. He\u2019d dragged his aching body a few feet along the ground, and knew he couldn\u2019t go any further.<\/p>\n

Still, he couldn\u2019t quite repress a shudder when he saw Clem approaching, and he tried to squirm away. Clem didn\u2019t even notice. He yanked Joe unceremoniously to his feet, and flung Joe over his shoulder. Back in the shack, he dropped Joe on the bed, careless of the injuries he\u2019s caused. Joe caught his bottom lip between his teeth as his ankle bounced off the frame of the cot. His head swam with the pain, and although he didn\u2019t black out entirely, he was certainly very close. When he was again aware of his surroundings, his hands were tied in front of him, and Clem was offering him a plate of cold beans. Joe was queasy, but reasoned that he would have to eat something, so he was strong enough to escape when his chance came.<\/p>\n

There was silence while they ate. Joe glanced frequently at Clem, trying to gauge his mood. The killing rage seemed to have gone completely. Then Joe noticed something odd. Clem\u2019s mouth was swelling. A faint memory stirred, and Joe allowed it to come to the forefront of his mind. It was in school, and Clem had just had his lunch. His mouth had begun swelling, and he\u2019d been very sick. His skin was clammy and pale, and the teacher had sent for the doctor urgently. Clem had been taken home, and no more had been said about it. Next day, he was back in school, still looking a bit puffy, but otherwise back to normal. Joe had buried the memory, as the sight of Clem\u2019s hideously swollen mouth had given him nightmares.<\/p>\n

Now, the same thing appeared to be happening. Clem dropped his spoon with a clang, and dashed to the door. Joe could hear him throwing up, and swallowed convulsively, so as not to copy him.\u00a0 Clem came back in after a few minutes. His mouth was still swollen, and Joe couldn\u2019t help but feel a pang of pity. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Flinching, Clem looked at Joe. \u201cWhat do you care?\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI care because I\u2019m trapped out here, and you\u2019re the only person who can get me out of this!\u201d Joe flared.<\/p>\n

Shifting his shoulder uncomfortably, Clem grunted. \u201cThis happens sometimes,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019ll go away. It always does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uneasy, Joe watched Clem for the rest of the evening. The swelling gradually died away, and Joe eventually relaxed. He was bone tired, and he wasn\u2019t sure which bit of him hurt most \u2013 his head, his ribs, his feet or his ankle. It was well into the night before sleep claimed him.<\/p>\n

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

The buckskin horse was well lathered when it galloped into the yard of the Ponderosa. Close behind was the black horse ridden by Hoss Cartwright. It had been 2 days since they received the telegram saying that Joe had taken a turn for the worse, and Ben was needed urgently at home. Adam and Hoss decided that one of them should go with him, and Hoss was elected. They had ridden hard, stopping only when they had to, and they\u2019d made good time.<\/p>\n

As they slid wearily out of their saddles, Charlie came into the yard. \u201cMr Cartwright! Is something wrong? I didn\u2019t expect you for another couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben said. \u201cI came because of the telegram you sent. About Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? He\u2019s up at the North Pasture, mending fences with Clem. Left, oh two-three days ago now. Clem came back to get the tools, and said they\u2019d be back when the job was done.\u201d Charlie scratched his bald head and frowned. \u201cI didn\u2019t send you no telegram, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I quite believe you, Charlie. But somebody did.\u201d Ben rubbed his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we gonna do, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, go into town and find out who sent that wire. Hoss, we\u2019ll rest and feed the horses, and get something to eat ourselves. Its almost dark, and I don\u2019t think we can do more tonight.\u201d Ben hated to do nothing, but he knew they needed to rest. When Charlie found out who had sent that wire, they might know what to do.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey ain\u2019t at the North Pasture now,\u201d Dave reported, \u201cBut they had been there. The buckboard was there, but nothin\u2019 had been used outa it. The fence is scattered all over. I followed the tracks a bit, but I lost them on hard ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Dave,\u201d Ben said, his tone grave. Charlie\u2019s report the night before that Clem had sent the wire, confused them.\u00a0 Surely if something had happened to Joe, Clem should have reported to Charlie, and brought Joe back to the ranch. If something hadn\u2019t happened to Joe, why had Clem sent the wire?<\/p>\n

A horse trotted into the yard, and the young son of the storekeeper pulled up beside Ben. \u201cGot a note for you, Sir,\u201d he said, and handed it over, and then turned and left.<\/p>\n

Curious, Ben opened it, and looked at the badly spelled note. \u2018I got yore boy. Give me $10,000 by tonight or he dies. Meet me at the north pasture fence at 8pm\u2019<\/p>\n

Horrified, Ben showed the note to Hoss. For a moment, he couldn\u2019t think what to do. Hoss made some sound of disbelief. \u201cPa?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go into Virginia City and get the money,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019ll tell Roy, too. Hoss, maybe you could look at those tracks, and see if you can follow them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

They each mounted their horse with a heavy heart.<\/p>\n

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

The days passed in a blur for Joe. He couldn\u2019t sleep for more than a short time, and his body cried out for rest. His ankle burned without ceasing, and every incautious move sent a flare of pain from his ribs. Rope burns marked his wrists, but he couldn\u2019t prevent himself from trying the ropes, hoping against hope that there would be slack in them. There never was. Clem\u2019s ineptness didn\u2019t seem to extend to knots.<\/p>\n

Despite this, Joe had twice more tried to escape. Each time, Clem had caught him, and taken his anger out on Joe with his feet and fists. Joe still ached from his last assault. He watched Clem pace around the shack, and guessed that he would be trying to collect the ransom soon. But there was no point in trying to talk Clem out of his course of action. He had decided, and Joe hurt enough that he didn\u2019t want to provoke another beating.<\/p>\n

About mid-afternoon, Clem shoved another plate of cold beans at Joe. Joe wasn\u2019t a huge fan of beans at the best of times, and he had eaten nothing but beans since Clem took him prisoner. He picked at them listlessly, trying to force himself to eat the unappetising mess.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Clem coughed, and vomited. Joe looked at him, and saw the now-familiar swelling appearing. Clem was gasping for breath, choking and wheezing. Joe was alarmed. Clem clutched at his throat. His skin was pale and clammy. Joe could see the sweat breaking out on his forehead. Clem\u2019s mouth opened, and Joe, to his horror, saw that Clem\u2019s tongue was hugely swollen. It lolled out of his mouth, as though there wasn\u2019t enough room for it inside.<\/p>\n

Joe thrust his plate aside, and scrambled to Clem\u2019s side. But there was nothing he could do. Clem was already unconscious. His eyes rolled up and he collapsed to the floor. His desperate struggle for breath didn\u2019t last long. Within ten minutes, Clem was dead.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d Ben grated, fiddling impatiently with his rein. \u201cHe said 8 pm, and its nearly 9!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, helplessly. \u201cPerhaps he ain\u2019t comin\u2019.\u201d He looked round nervously. \u201cWhat we gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

They stood and waited until darkness blanketed the land. Only then did they acknowledge that Clem was not coming for the money. Roy Coffee, who\u2019d been watching the spot since early in the afternoon, joined them. \u201cIts odd, Ben. We\u2019ll have a posse out lookin\u2019 for them in the mornin\u2019. We\u2019ll find them, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben just nodded, knowing that Roy couldn\u2019t promise him anything, and keep it. \u201cHoss, let\u2019s spend the night here, and in the morning, we\u2019ll follow those tracks to the end, and then make a guess as to where they might have gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding agreement, Hoss set about making camp, but his mind was on his missing younger brother.<\/p>\n

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

Almost one hundred miles away, Adam Cartwright sat by the campfire and stared sightlessly into the flames. Nearby, Hop Sing watched Adam, and both were thinking about Joe. Their next stop at a town was almost two days away. Adam wondered if Joe was still alive. He didn\u2019t yet know that Joe had been kidnapped.<\/p>\n

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

The shock of seeing Clem die like that had yet to wear off. Joe had seen men die before, but never had he seen anything like that, and he hoped he never would again. The trauma of the last few days paralysed Joe for a while, and it was several hours before his tired brain began to think about what happened next.<\/p>\n

It was dark outside. Joe shivered as he looked at the body lying there in the room with him. Fumbling with his bound hands, he took Clem\u2019s blanket and covered the corpse. The shack stank of vomit, but Joe had no way to clean it up. He slid over to the cot and crawled onto it, pulling his blanket up as best he could. He didn\u2019t sleep at all that night, as he lay with his head buried under the rough wool.<\/p>\n

As daylight came, Joe took stock of his situation. No one but Clem knew where he was, so it was up to him to get home. With a sudden surge of hope, he wondered if Cochise was outside. If so, his problems would be over. Joe looked round for the things he would need. Reluctantly, he searched the corpse for a knife, and found one inside Clem\u2019s boot. For an instant, Joe thought about taking Clem\u2019s boots, but he decided against it. They were far too big for him, but he reasoned his swollen, blackened ankle wouldn\u2019t fit.<\/p>\n

Wedging the knife into a crack in the floor, Joe set about cutting his bonds. It was a slow, tedious, painful job. The knife slipped frequently, and Joe\u2019s hands were soon a mass of bleeding cuts. But he persevered, and eventually, the last strand severed. Joe looked ruefully at his hands. They were now nearly as painful as his feet. However, at least he had the use of them again, and he spent some time sitting rubbing them, helping the circulation return to normal. He slit a couple of strips off the blanket, and wrapped his bleeding hands in them. He did the same for his feet, and felt he at least had a slim chance. His gun belt and canteen were in the corner, along with Clem\u2019s things, and he felt better when the familiar weight of his holster was round his waist.<\/p>\n

Feeling he was as prepared as he could be, Joe limped out of the shack. After circling carefully, Joe realised that Cochise was nowhere to be found. He let out several of the piercing whistles he used to call him, but there was no response. The next situation was the glass. Joe had to walk over it. He knew that his current method of travel \u2013 sliding along on one hip \u2013 wasn\u2019t going to do him any favours on glass. Taking a deep breath, Joe stood warily on his aching feet, and limped off.<\/p>\n

Later, he couldn\u2019t tell how many times he fell. But by the time the glass was crossed, he was bleeding from numerous cuts on his feet, hands and legs. Joe had to stop to rest. He felt desperately sick. His ankle was unmitigated misery, and he had no idea how he was going to make it home.<\/p>\n

After a short rest, he resolutely lifted his head to get his bearings. It didn\u2019t take him long to figure out where he was, but that gave him no real comfort. He was many miles from his home. Joe took a drink, and checked the wrappings on his feet. He picked a few persistent shards of glass from them, noting that the fabric was already fraying badly. He knew they wouldn\u2019t last long, but resolutely put the thought from his mind.<\/p>\n

Checking his bearings again, Joe began to drag himself along the ground in the direction of home. He had to stop and rest frequently, and to brush debris from his hip. His muscles, unused to this form of locomotion, were soon cramping badly. Wiping the sweat from his eyes, Joe forced himself to go on. When night fell, he had gone barely a quarter of a mile.<\/p>\n

Wrapping himself in what was left of the blanket, Joe huddled beneath a tree and tried to sleep. Despite his exhaustion, the best he could manage was a fitful doze. Nightmares crowded in on him, and adding to his misery was a growing ache in the hip he was constantly dragging over the ground.<\/p>\n

Soon enough, he was supine, gazing at the star-filled sky above him. \u201cPlease, God, get me out of this,\u201d Joe prayed. \u201cI wish Pa knew where I am right now. I wish I could tell him I\u2019m all right.\u201d After a moment he added wryly, \u201cI wish you would find me, Pa,\u201d and swallowed the sob that rose in his throat.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you get any sleep, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, handing Ben a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHow about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, me either,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI jist cain\u2019t rest easy until we find Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Ben patted Hoss on the shoulder and they ate their breakfast in silence. Packing their gear, they mounted up and rode on. Hoss scanned the ground as they rode, searching for tracks. But the ground was baked hard, and there was nothing to see.<\/p>\n

After a brief break to rest the horses, they pushed on. Suddenly, Buck stopped and snorted and pricked his ears. Chubb copied him, and, unurged, they quickened their pace slightly. Hope flared in Ben\u2019s heart. Coming into a glade, they saw Cochise tethered to a tree, on a long rein. The pinto was looking at them, and they saw he was still saddled.<\/p>\n

A thorough examination showed Cochise was unhurt. Hoss watered the horses, and joined Ben in searching the area. There was no sign of Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake the signal, Hoss,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cPerhaps Joe will hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unshipping his gun, Hoss fired twice into the air. As the echoes died away, father and son stood listening, straining their ears for a response. None came.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a few faint tracks over there, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, pointing. \u201cShould we follow \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Ben answered, shrugging. \u201cIt\u2019s the only thing we have to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again, they mounted, and Hoss hitched the pinto\u2019s reins to his saddle. He was soon leading them towards the eastern boundary of the ranch.<\/p>\n

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

Morning found Joe still awake. His eyes were grainy from lack of sleep and his stomach felt hollow. He wished he\u2019d been able to take some food, but there had been almost nothing in the shack, and he had no way to carry it. Knowing that he couldn\u2019t lie there forever, Joe gritted his teeth and resumed his journey. The sun was hot, and Joe was hatless. He wiped sweat out of his eyes more and more often. Each time he moved, his muscles protested. Within an hour, Joe was slumped, exhausted, on the ground.<\/p>\n

After a time, the gentle breeze revived him slightly, and he sat up, taking stock of his situation. He had to accept that he wasn\u2019t going to get home under his own steam. He had no food, limited water, and only the bullets in his gun \u2013 5 in total \u2013 so he couldn\u2019t simply fire his gun until someone happened to be near enough to hear. He had to find somewhere to stop, where he could get water, if nothing else. So far, the weather had been kind, but Joe knew it could change in an instant.\u00a0 He had to find water.<\/p>\n

The decision taken, Joe surveyed his surroundings. There was a stream further on, and he made it his goal to get there. He could go without food for a few days, but he had to have water. Joe knew there were big trees there, and he would be able to shelter beneath one of them, and still be within crawling distance of the stream.<\/p>\n

Deciding to test his ankle again, Joe attempted to put it to the ground. The pain was agonising, and he abandoned the attempt at once. Taking a deep breath, he began to shuffle his way forward.<\/p>\n

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

It was almost dark before Joe finally reached the stream. His head thumped painfully from lack of sleep and the heat of the sun, and his mouth was dry. He drank direct from the stream, relishing the cool water, and then splashed his face. He re-filled his canteen. By then, the blanket wrappings on his hands were soaking, and he decided to remove them. They were pretty much stuck on, and he had to soak his hands again and again before they began to come loose.<\/p>\n

Examining his hands, Joe noted that some of the cuts showed signs of infection. It was hardly surprising, he supposed. His hands were badly bruised, and the knuckles were almost raw where he had scraped them more than a few times. The rags that had been on his hands were dirty, and Joe decided to remove the ones from his feet, too. He plunged his feet into the stream, crying aloud at the pain in his ankle. After a while, the cold numbed the pain, and he was able to strip away the dirty rags.<\/p>\n

His feet were in a dreadful state. Bruised, cut and dirty, they were swelling, too. Joe shook his head, wondering what he could do to help himself, but in the end, decided just to leave well alone. He crawled over to the base of a tree and fell into an exhausted sleep.<\/p>\n

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

Following the tracks, Ben and Hoss travelled miles. They stopped for the night when the light grew too poor, and both managed to get a little sleep. When dawn came, they were on the move again.<\/p>\n

About mid-morning, the tracks faded. Hoss cast around on foot, but couldn\u2019t pick up the trail again. He shook his head, but took out his gun and fired twice.<\/p>\n

Again, they held their breath and waited. From far away, two shots came back. Ben looked at Hoss, and the sparkle was back in their eyes. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben exclaimed. \u201cCome on, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

His son needed no urging. He was already mounted.<\/p>\n

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

Nearly four hours passed before they found Joe. He had been too tired to move much that morning, and really didn\u2019t feel all that well. He dozed on and off, following his little patch of shade around the tree as the day went on. He knew help was on the way, and could hardly bear the waiting. But when Hoss and Ben arrived, Joe was asleep, worn out.<\/p>\n

Throwing himself from Buck\u2019s back, Ben knelt by his son, horrified by the state he was in. As well as the obvious injuries to his hands, feet and head, Joe was as dirty as Ben had ever seen him. One leg of his pants was torn all the way down, and the flesh underneath was badly abraded.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, softly, touching his son\u2019s tousled curls. \u201cJoe.\u201d He could feel a slight warmth that might indicate a fever.<\/p>\n

Opening his eyes, Joe felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Tears sprang into his eyes. \u201cOh, Pa, thank goodness you found me.\u201d He sobbed as Ben gathered him carefully in his arms.<\/p>\n

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

As Hoss made camp, Joe told Ben his story. His voice faltered as he told of Clem\u2019s death, and his own journey to this point.<\/p>\n

When supper was ready, Ben gently fed Joe, as Joe had found that his hands were too sore to hold the spoon. He ate next to nothing, and Ben anxiously checked for signs of fever. They were there, but slight.<\/p>\n

Next morning, the fever was still low, and Joe brusquely insisted he was able to ride. In actual fact, he wasn\u2019t riding so much as just sitting in the saddle. He couldn\u2019t hold the reins, or put his feet in the stirrups. Hoss rode out in front, leading Cochise, while Ben rode at Joe\u2019s side, keeping a watchful eye on him.<\/p>\n

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

Riding at a pace Joe could endure, it was a long journey home. As they finally drew near to the ranch house, 3 days later, Ben sent Hoss for the doctor. \u201cAnd wire Adam. He\u2019ll be worried sick,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

Watching Hoss gallop off, Joe produced a shaky smile for his father. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to get home,\u201d he admitted. He hadn\u2019t told his father how bad he was feeling, but Ben wasn\u2019t fooled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t be long now, son,\u201d he comforted. Joe looked dreadful. His face was pale, apart from two patches of hectic colour in his cheeks. His eyes were dulled and sunken with pain. He was at least comparatively clean, now, and no longer unshaven, but he was clearly not himself. Every movement of the horse caused Joe more pain than he was willing to admit to. He was practically at the end of his endurance.<\/p>\n

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

Back at the ranch, their arrival coincided with that of Paul Martin and Hoss. Moving Joe into the house proved too much for him, and he fainted. When he roused, Ben was washing his face with a soft cloth. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine, son,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so tired, Pa,\u201d he breathed. \u201cEverything hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go back to sleep, yet, Joe,\u201d Paul insisted. He peered into Joe\u2019s eyes and felt all round his head. \u201cNo skull fracture. And the concussion is almost gone. I\u2019m going to clean up your hands and feet. You\u2019re not going to be walking anywhere for quite some time, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

By the time Paul was through treating the cuts, the patient was nauseated and sweating. Whatever Paul had used to clean the cuts stung unremittingly, and the salve he then put on only made things worse. Up until then, Joe\u2019s hip had given him very little trouble, compared with everything else, but it sure stung now. Paul bandaged Joe\u2019s hands and right foot, until they were like giant snowballs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, doc,\u201d Joe protested, weakly. \u201cYou haven\u2019t left my thumbs out. How am I gonna manage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll think of something,\u201d Paul retorted, amiably. \u201cNow, look, your ankle is broken, and I\u2019ve got to re-break it, as its begun to set and its not properly aligned.\u201d Joe went green. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m going to knock you out. Just relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before Joe succumbed to the ether, and Paul started the tricky operation. Eventually, it was done, and when Joe came round, his ankle was wrapped in many layers of bandage.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Joe, drink this,\u201d Paul said, holding out a glass.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Joe resisted. \u201cPaul, I want to know what caused Clem to die like he did.\u201d He described what had happened.<\/p>\n

Listening intently, Paul searched his memory. \u201cTo be honest, Joe, I haven\u2019t a clue. I do remember Clem having a swollen mouth a few times as a child, but I don\u2019t know what caused it, and I don\u2019t have any idea how to treat it. Perhaps if I had been there, I might have saved him, but I don\u2019t know for sure. It must have been awful for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d Joe replied, his green eyes sober. \u201cI couldn\u2019t help him. Even if I hadn\u2019t been tied up, I couldn\u2019t have done anything.\u201d He shuddered. \u201cIt was so quick, but\u2026.\u201d He swallowed, and looked away, rubbing a bandaged hand over his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrink this,\u201d Paul insisted, and supported Joe\u2019s head while he drank.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before the laudanum did its job, and Joe was sound asleep. He looked a defenceless, defeated 16; a broken angel fallen to earth. Ben shook off such fanciful thoughts, and went downstairs with Paul to plan Joe\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n

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

By morning, Joe\u2019s temperature was rising. A thin line of red running up Joe\u2019s arm told them that an infection was spreading. Ben, knowing that Paul wasn\u2019t due in until later, wondered what to do, and dredged up a memory of his mother putting bread on a similar injury he\u2019d once had as a child. With nothing to lose, he was soon slapping a piece of bread, soaked in boiling water, on the offending cut. The hot bread on hot, painful flesh, was almost more than Joe could bear. However, it certainly worked. Delighted with his success, Ben proceeded to treat other nasty looking cuts, ignoring Joe\u2019s weak protests.<\/p>\n

When Paul arrived, he brought with him a wire from Adam.<\/p>\n

TO BEN CARTWRIGHT PONDEROSA NEVADA STOP<\/p>\n

SALE WENT WELL STOP<\/p>\n

COMING HOME AT ONCE STOP<\/p>\n

HOPE JOE IS FINE STOP<\/p>\n

ADAM<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s coming home?\u201d Joe asked. His temperature was still climbing, and he was generally very drowsy. Paul had just given him laudanum, but the pain was still quite bad, and Joe panted as he spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s on his way,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cBut I suppose it will be quite a few days before he gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he hurries,\u201d Joe said, and sighed.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben exchanged a worried glance with Paul. Joe slipped into an uneasy doze. Paul drew Ben out into the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but it looks as if the worst is yet to come. Joe\u2019s had a week of hell, and it seems to have caught up with him. I\u2019ll go back to town, and get one or two things I might need. I\u2019ll be back as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry and keep his temperature under control. He appears to have a generalised infection, and we need to keep him as cool as possible.\u201d Paul put his hand comfortingly on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cHe\u2019s young and strong, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben replied, but he didn\u2019t look any less worried.<\/p>\n

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

As the day went on, Joe condition worsened. He lapsed into a state of semi-consciousness, living in a world peopled by shadows. His fevered brain replayed Clem\u2019s death over and over, and the memory of his own harrowing struggle for survival robbed him of the rest he needed. Ben, Hoss and Paul laboured to bring his temperature down. Finally, they packed him in ice, and his fever lowered slightly.<\/p>\n

Worried and exhausted, Ben stayed by Joe\u2019s side, coaxing him to drink sips of water, bathing his hot forehead with cool cloths. Joe seemed a little calmer for a time. But during the night, Joe\u2019s temperature shot up again. Paul asked Ben to bring as many lamps as possible, and he opened all the bandages and checked all the wounds again, one by one. They all were healing, and the inflammation gone.<\/p>\n

Finally, reluctantly, Paul unwrapped Joe\u2019s ankle, and there found what he was looking for. Almost invisible amongst the bruising was a deep cut just below Joe\u2019s anklebone, running along the side of his foot. It was red and crusted with pus. \u201cThere must be something in there,\u201d Paul said. \u201cBen, I must probe for it. Can you and Hoss hold him? This is going to hurt him quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Half an hour later, Paul had extracted a shard of glass and a tiny piece of grit from Joe\u2019s foot. He cut away the infected flesh, and flushed the wound with water several times before putting in a couple of stitches. He then re-bandaged the ankle, and sank down in the nearest seat. Ben and Hoss, looking scarcely less tired, tucked the covers around Joe, and also sat down. \u201cThat should sort out the infection,\u201d Paul said. \u201cIts up to Joe now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill he make it?\u201d Ben asked, fearfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. We should know more in the next 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe moaned, tossing his head restlessly. \u201cTired, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son,\u201d soothed Ben. \u201cI know. You rest now, Joseph. You\u2019ll feel better after you\u2019ve had a sleep.\u201d He wrung out a cloth in cold water, and placed it on Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Another sigh. Joe\u2019s eyes opened a little. \u201c \u2018M I gonna die?\u201d he asked, breathlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe! No!\u201d Ben replied, horrified. \u201cYou\u2019re a bit better already. Go to sleep, and you\u2019ll feel much better when you wake up again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hurt,\u201d the youth complained, moving uneasily on the bed, using up precious energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrink this,\u201d Ben urged, and this time kept the cup at Joe\u2019s mouth until the bitter laudanum was all gone.<\/p>\n

For another few minutes, Joe fought the drug, fretting his strength away. Finally, the laudanum worked, and Joe drifted into a deep sleep. Ben continued his ministrations for a while longer. By then, Joe was noticeably cooler. Ben slumped back in the chair, and closed his eyes for a moment. Of course, he fell asleep immediately.<\/p>\n

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

Opening the door, Hoss smiled briefly at the sight of his sleeping father. Looking at Joe, Hoss saw at once that his brother looked better. He was pale, but that was better than the hectic flush that had ruled for the last few days. Shadows lay under Joe\u2019s eyes, and he looked thinner. If he was truly on the mend, Hoss knew these were things that could be easily rectified.<\/p>\n

For such a big man, Hoss could be surprisingly light on his feet. He crossed to the bed without disturbing either of his slumbering relatives. With a gentle, loving hand, Hoss felt his brother\u2019s forehead. Although slightly warm, still, it was much cooler than the previous day.<\/p>\n

Lifting an extra blanket, Hoss started tucking it around Ben. Ben stirred and woke, staring at Hoss blankly for a moment, until his mind cleared. His eyes flashed towards the bed. \u201cHe\u2019s much cooler,\u201d Hoss whispered. \u201cYou get some breakfast, and I\u2019ll sit with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

After checking Joe for himself, Ben stretched. \u201cThanks, Hoss,\u201d he said, quietly, and patted his middle son on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

Scraping together a sketchy breakfast, Ben heard a horse gallop into the yard. Weary, despite the sleep, he headed towards the door. Before he got there, it was flung open and Adam stood there. \u201cAdam!\u201d Ben exclaimed.<\/p>\n

His oldest son was dressed in his customary black, but was covered in dust, with several days\u2019 growth of dark beard. He had circles under his eyes, and his mouth was taut with tiredness and worry. \u201cPa. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems a little better,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cCome and get some coffee, and then you can go up. Paul should be here fairly soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Bathed, shaved and changed, Adam let himself into Joe\u2019s room half an hour later. Joe was lying with his eyes closed, his body relaxed. Adam gazed with disbelief at the heavily bandaged hands lying on the counterpane, along Joe\u2019s body to where the covers were pulled back so as not to rest on the injured feet.<\/p>\n

As the door clicked gently shut, Joe\u2019s eyes opened, and he slowly turned his head. \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, buddy.\u201d Adam crossed the room and sat onto the edge of the bed. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have to go to all this bother to prove you weren\u2019t up to the cattle drive, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling thinly at Adam\u2019s joking, Joe\u2019s green eyes twinkled for a moment. But that small effort visibly tired him. The mischievous youth vanished, and the broken angel returned. \u201cAdam, it was awful,\u201d Joe said, simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about it,\u201d Adam invited.<\/p>\n

As Joe unburdened himself, Adam listened in silence, hiding his anger and horror. He hadn\u2019t known Clem, except as a ranch hand. He hadn\u2019t thought much of Clem, but he certainly hadn\u2019t thought him capable of dreaming up such a hair-brained scheme. \u201cI wish I\u2019d been here,\u201d Adam said, the anger spilling into his voice, despite his best efforts.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you had been, too,\u201d Joe said, but his attempt at levity failed. He closed his eyes, briefly.<\/p>\n

Looking tenderly at this boy, who frequently drove him to distraction, Adam felt a savage sense of satisfaction that Clem was dead. He hadn\u2019t realised that his thoughts showed so nakedly on his face until Joe said, \u201cDon\u2019t hate him, Adam. He died a way that nobody deserves to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it, Joe,\u201d retorted Adam. \u201cLook what he\u2019s done to you! You can\u2019t even lift your head!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Joe agreed, because he\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0too weak to lift his head from the pillow. \u201cBut I\u2019m still alive,\u201d he added, softly.<\/p>\n

Wordlessly, Adam looked at Joe. Brown eyes met green and locked. In that moment, Adam was forced to re-assess his younger brother again. It seemed to be something he had to do quite frequently.<\/p>\n

Lying sick in bed, Joe looked like a child. But he was an adult; a complex, loving, infuriating adult. Joe had just endured an ordeal that Adam knew would have broken many a man, yet he had come through it with his spirit intact. A shudder ran through Adam as he remembered a similar ordeal he had suffered at the hands of a madman named Kane. He wouldn\u2019t have survived if he hadn\u2019t had his family\u2019s love and support after it was over. Yet here was Joe, managing to feel pity for the death of the man who had held him captive. Adam hadn\u2019t felt any pity for the death of\u00a0his<\/em>\u00a0captor. Was it that there was such a difference between the two men who had done these things? Kane had been evil, but Clem was simply misguided.<\/p>\n

Before he could follow through on that thought, Paul came into the room. He greeted Adam warmly, then turned to smile at Joe. \u201cWell, this is an improvement,\u201d he said, cheerfully.<\/p>\n

To Joe\u2019s intense disgust, Paul refused to change the bandages on Joe\u2019s hands. Paul carried on with his examination, while Joe moaned away. \u201cI can\u2019t do anything for myself,\u201d he complained, but both Paul and Adam could hear the tiredness in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can\u2019t lift your head from the pillow,\u201d Adam observed. \u201cWhat difference does it make?\u201d<\/p>\n

The glare directed at the oldest Cartwright was another indicator that Joe was on the mend. Adam appeared not to notice Joe\u2019s displeasure, which annoyed Joe even more.<\/p>\n

Declaring that Joe would make a full recovery, in time, Paul prepared to leave. Joe lifted a weak hand to stop him. \u201cPaul, I have to know. Have you seen Clem\u2019s body?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hesitating, Paul looked at Adam. \u201cTell him,\u201d the older Cartwright suggested, laconically. \u201cI\u2019d like to hear it, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting heavily in the nearest chair, Paul ran a hand over his face. \u201cClem died of asphyxiation,\u201d he said. \u201cHis windpipe was swollen shut, so he couldn\u2019t get enough air. His internal organs had all collapsed, too. I\u2019ve sent wires to a few colleagues, but none of them have ever seen this either. It\u2019s a complete mystery.\u201d Looking at Joe, he added, \u201cClem was buried yesterday. Only his mother came. Poor fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pity rushed through Adam, sweeping away the hate he\u2019d felt. Clem had been jealous of the closeness the Cartwrights had. He\u2019d been angry that he hadn\u2019t had the same affection from his family. Living as they did, the Cartwright boys sometimes forgot how fortunate they were to have such a good strong family. Adam was reminded of their good fortune now, and said a brief prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n

Coming back to the present, Adam belatedly realised that Paul had gone. Joe was watching him intently. \u201cWhat? What are you thinking, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, for Joe always wanted to know what he was thinking, Adam gathered his thoughts. As he started to speak, Ben and Hoss came in. \u201cTell me!\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are the Seven Deadly Sins, Joe? Do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Joe replied, \u201cSloth, lust, envy, gluttony\u201d and he shot a mischievous glance at Hoss, \u201cjealousy \u2013 no the Bible calls it covetousness \u2013 anger and pride. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Clem had several of those sins,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cHe coveted a piece of the Ponderosa wealth, and envied us for the privileges we have. And he was angry because he didn\u2019t have any of those things.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you know, the deadliest of the sins is often jealousy \u2013 covetousness. Jealousy drove Clem to do what he did. He had anger, too, and its just as deadly. Look what he did to your ankle, Joe. Those sins controlled him. Most people have some of those sins, but we control them, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a silence. Joe\u2019s eyes were thoughtful. Hoss was frowning and nodding, and Ben was wondering at his eldest son\u2019s prescience. Joe was often reckoned to be the most sensitive of Ben\u2019s sons, but Adam wasn\u2019t far behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe said. \u201cBut why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll never know that,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJust like we\u2019ll never know what killed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be simply that we have a loving family to keep our feet on the ground,\u201d Adam concluded, throwing a loving glance at Ben, but adding a wry tone to his voice to lighten the atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeakin\u2019 o\u2019 keepin\u2019 your feet on the ground,\u201d Hoss interjected, \u201cyour share o\u2019 Joe\u2019s chores are waitin\u2019 for you outside!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter hop to it, older brother,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I mention pushy in the family description?\u201d Adam asked, mock sourly.<\/p>\n

They all laughed.<\/p>\n

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

Author\u2019s note:<\/em><\/p>\n

The condition Clem died from is called anaphylaxis \u2013 potentially fatal allergies. This condition didn\u2019t have a name until 1902, and at the time this story is set, it was almost unheard of. Nowadays, it is becoming more common. There is no cure, and no treatment can guarantee survival. The usual treatment is by adrenaline (epinephrine), and sufferers often carry adrenaline pens. Victims can still die from organ failure, even after receiving prompt treatment. Reactions vary from mild, to fatal. Your health, age, and state of fitness have no bearing on whether you live or die.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is a terrifying condition. My oldest daughter suffers from this, and her biggest obstacle is the ignorance of others. If you would like more information about this condition, please email me, and I will do my best to explain it, and what it is like to live with.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Alone on the ranch while his family is on a cattle drive, Joe is kidnapped by a jealous hand. When the man dies, an injured Joe is forced to try and get back home alone.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (11,245 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":11096,"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":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3847","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":3216,"today_views":2},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/LJC.jpg?fit=201%2C258&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":45545,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45545","url_meta":{"origin":3847,"position":0},"title":"Faith, Hope, and Family (by Heidi)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"April 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: What holds a man like Adam Cartwright up when his confidence wavers? 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Ben makes some quite interesting observations, and Juliet learns something, too. 2,300 words 2450 words, rated K The Art-Universe Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/AdamRiding.jpg?fit=455%2C411&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6720,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6720","url_meta":{"origin":3847,"position":2},"title":"Conflict (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"April 30, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This was written for the Chaps & Spurs Literary Challenge in April.\u00a0 Adam and Joe fight and Ben steps in to help. 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