{"id":4197,"date":"2002-12-18T15:51:38","date_gmt":"2002-12-18T20:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4197"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:06","slug":"taken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4197","title":{"rendered":"Taken (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>After winning the rodeo, Joe is approached by a stranger about a job. He refuses, then disappears. Can the Cartwrights find Joe, when the stranger seems to be innocent?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(11,720 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

 <\/p>\n

Taken<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cRide him, Joe!\u201d Hoss bellowed, leaning forwards as he watched his younger brother sitting the bucking mustang. If Joe could hang on for another few seconds, he would win the prize. \u201cRide him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Beside Hoss, Adam, his older brother, and Ben, their father, also watched intently. The black horse Joe was riding was the toughest, ugliest horse in the rodeo, and Joe had insisted on riding him. Ben\u2019s heart was in his mouth, even though he knew that Joe was possibly the most skilled bronc-buster he had ever seen. \u201cGo on, Joe!\u201d Adam called, and Ben hid a smile. Cool, detached Adam was as caught up in this battle as the rest of the family.<\/p>\n

The whistle blew, signaling that Joe had won, but the boy made no attempt to get off the horse. The outriders closed in, just as the horse stopped bucking. Joe didn\u2019t relax until the outriders had a firm grip of the bridle, then he slid from the horse\u2019s back, and made his way on unsteady legs over to the corral rails.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, Joe,\u201d Ben said, warmly, clasping his youngest son\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m proud of you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe said, looking up. Sweat ran down his cheek, and after a moment, he raised his arm to wipe it away. A smile flooded his tired face. He looked at Adam. \u201cSo you thought you couldn\u2019t be beaten, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh shut up,\u201d Adam retorted, smiling. He had known all along that Joe would beat him, although he was a very good bronc-buster himself. \u201cWell done.\u201d They smiled at one another.<\/p>\n

The organizer of the rodeo was calling for Joe to come and get his prize of $100. Straightening, Joe walked back to the middle of the corral, and accepted his prize. \u201cThat\u2019s it, folks!\u201d called Mr. Richie. \u201cCome back next year for the second annual Virginia City Rodeo!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was applause from all round, and then the people began to break up, and head towards horses and buggies to go home. Joe walked stiffly back to his family, and groaned inwardly at the thought of climbing onto another horse to get home. As he reached Cochise\u2019s side, a man appeared and said, \u201cJoe Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Joe said, turning to look at him. He didn\u2019t recognize the man at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Lionel Jeffreys. I own a horse ranch down in California.\u201d By this time, Ben and the boys were all listening intently. \u201cI\u2019ve been looking for a new bronco-buster, and having seen you in action, you\u2019re the man I want!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, that\u2019s very flattering of you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want your job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know all about it yet,\u201d Jeffreys rushed on. \u201cI\u2019m offering you $100 a month, plus board. What do you earn in your current position?\u201d<\/p>\n

Exchanging a glance with Ben, Joe said, \u201cMr. Jeffreys, I\u2019m flattered that you think I\u2019m the person you want for your ranch, but no thank you. I live here with my brothers and father, and I don\u2019t want to move on. Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Jeffreys said, \u201cDon\u2019t be too quick to turn me down. Think about it. I\u2019ll get your answer tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Jeffreys,\u201d Ben said, stepping in. \u201cMy name is Ben Cartwright. Joe is my son. He\u2019s already told you he doesn\u2019t want the job, so please leave it at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other man stared at Ben. He was tall and dark, with big hands. Like Joe, he was whipcord lean, but stood almost the same height as Hoss. \u201cVery well,\u201d he said, stiffly. \u201cBut I\u2019ll be in Virginia City for several more days. Please think over my offer. I\u2019m staying at the International Hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t change my mind,\u201d Joe said, \u201cbut thank you for the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

He could feel Jeffreys\u2019 eyes boring into him as they mounted up and rode off.<\/p>\n

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

When they arrived at the house, Joe was practically asleep. He slid down from Cochise, his pinto horse, and could hardly restrain a groan. On legs that felt wooden, he tottered into the barn to tend to his horse. The saddle seemed to weigh ten tons, and he didn\u2019t notice the amused glances his family were exchanging behind his back. His eyes were all but closed, and as he began to brush his horse\u2019s coat, his eyes actually did close.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, taking the brush from his hand. \u201cI think you ought to go inside and go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Joe said, sleepily. He squinted at his father. \u201cI\u2019m not that tired, Pa,\u201d he said, but a yawn shook him.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben gave his son a small push. \u201cGo to bed,\u201d he ordered. \u201cYou\u2019ve had a long, hard day. Good night, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night,\u201d Joe returned, and another yawn shook him. He stumbled out of the barn and disappeared into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is tuckered out, ain\u2019t he, Pa?\u201d Hoss said, affectionately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how he feels,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cAnd I didn\u2019t ride as many horses as he did today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go on, too,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cWe\u2019ll see to Sport.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s done,\u201d Adam said. \u201cBut bed sounds good to me. Good night.\u201d Adam left the barn and went indoors too. He climbed the stairs and glanced into Joe\u2019s room. Sure enough, Joe was on the bed, sound asleep, but he hadn\u2019t even managed to remove his boots. Smiling, Adam went in, pulled off Joe\u2019s boots, and tucked him under the covers. Joe, not surprisingly, didn\u2019t stir. \u201cSleep well,\u201d Adam murmured, and went to his own room. As he undressed, he heard Hoss and Ben come back into the house, but he was sound asleep by the time they came upstairs a few minutes later.<\/p>\n

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

Both Joe and Adam slept late the next morning. Ben thought they deserved it. They had been very involved with the organizing of the first annual rodeo, and had taken part in every single event. Neither of them was any good at barrel racing, but the bronc busting had shown off their talents. There had been 2 groups competing for the prize, and Joe had ended up in the bigger group, and had ridden more horses than Adam. The whole occasion had been thoroughly enjoyable, and Ben was already wondering what would be on show the next year.<\/p>\n

As they all sat around the lunch table, they discussed the offer Joe had had from Jeffreys the previous night. \u201cHe must be pretty rich to offer that kind of money,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be,\u201d Joe replied, indifferently.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts plain he don\u2019t know you, little brother,\u201d Hoss joked. \u201cOr he wouldn\u2019t want you to work for him. He ain\u2019t never tried to get you up in the mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, ha ha, very funny,\u201d Joe said, but there was laughter in his voice. \u201cWhat do you want us to do after lunch, Pa?\u201d he asked, losing interest in the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you and Adam deserve the afternoon off,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou worked pretty hard all day yesterday at the rodeo.\u201d He hid a smile in his napkin as Joe\u2019s eyes lit up like Roman candles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I might go into town,\u201d he said, trying to sound casual. \u201cI know Mitch is going to be in the Silver Dollar later on, and I wanted to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Adam and Hoss\u2019 turn to hide a smile at this subterfuge. They both knew that Joe had his eye on a fancy pistol for their father\u2019s birthday, and now that he\u2019d won the $100, he had more than enough money to buy it. Ben\u2019s birthday was only a week away.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben responded, equably. \u201cBut don\u2019t lose all your prize money in one poker game, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe protested, and they all laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll just stay here,\u201d Adam said, and rose from the table to go to his room. Hoss got up and went back outside.<\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm, restraining him. \u201cJoe, about that offer you got last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about it?\u201d Joe asked, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to take it up, then do it. I would hate to think that you turned down a job you really wanted just because you thought you couldn\u2019t leave here,\u201d Ben said, seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it was a generous offer, but let\u2019s be honest here,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWould you want to break broncs day in and day out? We both know that it\u2019s too hard a thing to do every day. I\u2019m happy here; you know that. I get enough horse breaking here. I need to do other things, too. I don\u2019t want to take him up on the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Joe,\u201d Ben said, relived. \u201cBut the Ponderosa isn\u2019t your prison, it\u2019s your home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd precisely because its my home, I really don\u2019t want to leave,\u201d Joe said, firmly, getting to his feet. \u201cSee you later, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The ride into Virginia City was pleasant, and worked the last of the kinks out of Joe\u2019s back. He dismounted in front of the gunsmith\u2019s shop and looped Cochise\u2019s rein round the hitching pole. \u201cCartwright,\u201d said a voice, and Joe turned slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Jeffreys,\u201d he acknowledged.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright, have you though any more about my offer?\u201d Jeffreys stepped in close.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have, and the answer is still no.\u201d Joe started to turn, but Jeffreys\u2019 hand shot out and grabbed his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be too hasty,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve asked around about you. People say you\u2019re a great horseman. You and your brothers work on your father\u2019s ranch for the same sort of wages as the hands do. You could do a lot better with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Jeffreys, the Ponderosa is my home,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019m already in charge of all the horse breaking that we do. Thank you for the offer, but I don\u2019t want to leave. Goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will work for me,\u201d Jeffreys said. \u201cYou will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe said nothing, just walked into the store. He closed the door behind him, and felt immediate relief. Jeffreys had been angry \u2013 too angry it seemed to Joe. He fervently hoped he would never see the man again. Crossing to the counter, Joe bought the pistol for his father. But his pleasure had been tainted by the encounter outside the shop.<\/p>\n

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

Having been caught out before, Joe did indeed meet Mitch in the Silver dollar, but he didn\u2019t linger. After only one beer, he decided to head for home. He wanted to get the pistol hidden away before Ben had the chance to notice he was carrying a package. Mitch admired the pistol, and agreed that Ben would love it. Ben\u2019s liking for fancy pistols wasn\u2019t a secret.<\/p>\n

The late afternoon sun was warm, and Joe felt sleepy as he rode slowly home. He knew that his father planned to stay haying in the next few days. Haying was not Joe\u2019s favorite pastime. It was hard, hot work, and everyone had to pull their weight.<\/p>\n

Cochise suddenly broke into a trot and Joe looked up, shaking the sleep out of his brain. Coming fast towards him were a bunch of men. Joe immediately urged Cochise into a gallop. He didn\u2019t know who the men were, but he wasn\u2019t intending to wait around to find out. The pinto was one of the fastest horses in the area, and Joe was confident that he could out ride them.<\/p>\n

Perhaps he could have, but he hadn\u2019t reckoned on their dexterity with a lasso. The first throw hissed past him, but the second settled round his shoulders. A third looped over Cochise\u2019s head. Joe was jerked from the saddle. He landed hard, but rolling, and managed to get half way to his feet before the men arrived. He hadn\u2019t managed to get his gun drawn, and the rope tightened around his arms and chest again. Several guns were aimed his way, and they were all cocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeffreys!\u201d Joe exclaimed, disgustedly. \u201cI might have known!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said I wouldn\u2019t take no for an answer,\u201d Jeffreys said. He nodded to two of the men, who dismounted and approached Joe warily. Under the unwavering aim of four guns, Joe wasn\u2019t foolhardy enough to try anything. He submitted with bad grace as they bound his hands tightly behind his back. \u201cLet his horse go,\u201d Jeffreys said, as soon as Joe was securely tied. \u201cGet going, and I\u2019ll see you in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get away with this!\u201d Joe vowed, as he was forced onto a horse. One of the men jumped up behind him, and they rode slowly away.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy am I not surprised that Joe isn\u2019t back?\u201d Adam asked, as they at down to supper.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cProbably for the same reason I\u2019m not,\u201d he responded. \u201cI don\u2019t expect to see him this side of midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

His sons laughed, too, but Ben didn\u2019t notice the glance they exchanged. They were both in on Joe\u2019s secret gift. \u201cWhen are you gonna start haying?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIts ready, and the weather looks promising.\u201d He forked the lamb into his mouth, and watched as Hoss demolished the huge pile of food on his plate. \u201cHoss, there\u2019s plenty of food, son. You\u2019ll give yourself indigestion, eating that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be the day,\u201d Adam commented, and Hoss just grinned good-naturedly at them both. \u201cAnd don\u2019t tell us you\u2019re just a growing boy,\u201d Adam added. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard it all before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I am!\u201d Hoss said, and they all laughed again.<\/p>\n

As they sat by the fire after supper, Ben thought it was a while since he\u2019d seen his sons so relaxed. There was always a lot to do on the ranch, and in the summer especially, they all tended to work too hard to keep up. The rodeo had provided them with a change, and as the old adage said, a change was as good as a rest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might be Joe now,\u201d Adam commented, as they heard hooves in the yard.<\/p>\n

They waited for the rush of feet over the wooden porch, but none came. After a few minutes, Adam got up and went across to open the door. Sure enough, there was Cochise, and Adam wondered if Joe was climbing in over the roof, so he could hide Ben\u2019s gift. He went out to catch the pinto, which Joe hadn\u2019t even hitched to the rail, shaking his head over his brother\u2019s wild ideas.<\/p>\n

It was only as he was looking round to see how close Joe was to coming back that he realized that Joe\u2019s bedroom window was shut tight. Adam frowned. He looked more closely at the horse, and saw a bulge in the saddlebags. Reaching in, Adam found the pistol. Alarm flared through him. \u201cPa!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it\u201d Ben asked, coming to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s horse has come back alone,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

There was no need to say it, but Ben did, anyway. \u201cSaddle the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The men who had taken Joe captive rode throughout the night. The last man in the group brushed away their tracks for a long time. They stopped at one point, and transferred Joe onto a horse they had left tethered. They stopped for a brief meal in the early evening, and then pushed on. Joe had choked down a few mouthfuls of food, but he was growing angrier by the second, and could barely swallow.<\/p>\n

Come morning, he was reeling in the saddle, worn out by trying to sit the horse and keep his balance with his hands tied behind him. However, he didn\u2019t have much further to go. They stopped in the shade of an old tree and pulled Joe roughly from the horse. One man stood guard, while the others prepared a meal. Once again, Joe was fed. The men talked among themselves, but never addressed a word to him. After he had finished eating, Joe fell asleep.<\/p>\n

He was woken a few hours later by the rattle of a wagon, and hope sprang into his heart. His hopes were soon dashed as it became apparent that the men had been waiting for this wagon. He was yanked to his feet, and shoved into the back of the wagon. His feet were tied, and one man sat close by and watched him. Some of the men rode off in another direction, and Joe and the three men with him went another way. Joe had seldom been as uncomfortable, but his lack of sleep caught up with him again, and he slept.<\/p>\n

Two days later, the wagon finally rolled to a stop in the yard of an imposing ranch. The land was green and fertile, and the horses grazing there were magnificent animals. Under other circumstances, Joe would have been impressed. As it was, he was furious and disgusted.<\/p>\n

The bonds on his feet were cut, and he was hauled to his feet. He was prodded into a building, and the ropes on his wrists were finally removed. Joe rubbed the chafed skin, restoring the circulation. He eyed the man who still covered him with a gun. \u201cGet undressed,\u201d he ordered. \u201cThen get in the bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe did as he was told. He\u2019d already learned that not obeying would get him a savage backhand across the face. Besides, the thought of a bath was appealing. He could feel his own smell, and he knew how bad the others he\u2019d been traveling with smelled. Three days of constant traveling, coupled with sleeping on the ground, wasn\u2019t designed to leave a man nicely fragranced.<\/p>\n

Bathed, clean and feeling more human again, Joe found clean clothes and his own boots waiting for him. He dressed slowly, constantly aware of the supervision he was subjected to. He knew where he was \u2013 sort of. He was at Jeffrey\u2019s ranch. He knew it was in California, but he didn\u2019t know exactly where. The topic had never come up. He wondered if his family had questioned Jeffreys. He hoped they didn\u2019t think he was dead, but he had no way to find out. Jeffreys hadn\u2019t traveled with them, and Joe wondered why not. He had the uneasy suspicion that Jeffreys was giving himself an alibi for Joe\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n

Once he was dressed, Joe was taken at gunpoint to the house, and forced to go upstairs. This house was much grander than the Ponderosa, with marble floors, and intricately decorated ceilings. The walls were smooth white plaster, and there was gold paint here and there. It was opulent, and grand, and Joe hated it on sight. He preferred the homely ranch he\u2019d grown up on, where you could wear your dirty boots into the main room without worrying too much about the floor, and where you could put your feet on the furniture \u2013 but only when Pa wasn\u2019t looking!<\/p>\n

The room he was shown into was also opulent. It had a thick carpet in a warm red color, velvet drapes, satin bedspread, comfortable chairs and bars on the window. The door shut behind him and the locked clicked, and Joe was alone. He hadn\u2019t spoken a word to anyone since he had been kidnapped. He stood there, looking round, and thinking that this was not his kind of room at all. \u201cGilded fetters are chains just the same,\u201d he murmured, and was surprised at how hoarse his voice was.<\/p>\n

He prowled round the room, discovering that it was actually a suite. The second room was one of those new-fangled indoor outhouses, complete with a flush. It had no windows or doors. The bars on his window were secure, and the door was stout under its coat of glossy white and gold paint. Joe tapped all the walls, but couldn\u2019t hear any sound that indicated a weak spot. Finally, he sat down in one of the chairs, and simply waited. There was nothing else to do.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s simply no trace of him, Ben,\u201d Roy Coffee said, wearily. \u201cJeffreys was around the city when Joe vanished. He was seen talking to quite a few people, and he\u2019s been very cooperative in answering my questions.\u201d\u00a0 Roy frowned. In fact, Jeffreys had been almost too helpful. As a lawman, Roy had developed a nose for people who weren\u2019t telling the truth, but there was nothing he could do .He couldn\u2019t prove that Jeffreys had anything to do with Joe\u2019s disappearance, and the man appeared to be in no hurry to get back home. \u201cI don\u2019t know what else to do, Ben. I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for trying, Roy,\u201d Ben said, wearily. He seemed to have aged a year since Joe disappeared. \u201cIf there\u2019s any news at all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be the first to know, \u201cRoy assured him.\u00a0 \u201cI wired the sheriff for the area where Jeffreys lives, but its pretty remote there. It could be a few days before he gets the wire, then another few days before he can check the ranch out. Wish I could do more, but my hands are tied.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll give it a few days,\u201d Ben said, rising, \u201cthen we\u2019re going out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do anything rash,\u201d Roy warned. Ben grunted, but Roy wasn\u2019t sure what he meant by it. He watched as Ben mounted his horse and rode away. The Cartwrights had taken Joe\u2019s disappearance badly, as was to be expected. He wished there had been something for him to do, but the boy had vanished into thin air.<\/p>\n

Standing at the door of his office, he saw Jeffreys come out of the hotel with his saddlebags and mount a horse waiting there for him. Roy wasn\u2019t surprised. He\u2019d known Jeffreys was going home; the man had said so the previous day. Roy wished he could see inside his head. He\u2019d wager money that Jeffreys knew more about Joe\u2019s disappearance than he was letting on.<\/p>\n

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

Lying on the bed in the room he was using \u2013 Joe refused to think of it as his room \u2013 Joe nursed his bruises. He had taken a knife from his dinner tray, but the men who brought his food had noticed its absence at once, and had beaten him. They\u2019d found the knife easily, for there weren\u2019t many hiding places in the room. Now, Joe ate all his meals under the watchful gaze of a man with a gun in his hand.<\/p>\n

Over a week had passed since he\u2019d been kidnapped, and Joe was almost climbing the walls with boredom. He had tried talking to the men who brought his meals, but they refused to answer. There had been no sign of Jeffreys at all. As always, Joe\u2019s appetite had been the first thing to suffer, and he barely picked at his food.<\/p>\n

There was a commotion outside, and Joe rose slowly to look through the bars. His room faced the back of the house, and the barn. His heart rate accelerated as he recognized Jeffreys dismounting from a horse. He swung around from the window quickly, not wanting Jeffreys to look up and see him watching. His fists were clenched as a great anger rose in his heart. More than anything, Joe wanted to hurt Jeffreys, as he himself had been hurt.<\/p>\n

By his reckoning, more than an hour passed before Jeffreys came to his room. The usual gunman was with him, and Joe dug his nails into the palms of his hands, trying to keep his temper under control. He stood silently, glaring at the man who had orchestrated his kidnapping.<\/p>\n

For his part, Jeffreys was amused at this show of defiance. \u201cI\u2019m told you aren\u2019t eating properly,\u201d he said, without preamble. \u201cAs of now, that will change. You will eat everything you\u2019re given, or you will be punished. From tomorrow morning, you will start working in the corrals, breaking the horses. There is no point in trying to escape, because you will be guarded at all times. Disobey me, and you will be punished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still silent, Joe slowly shook his head. \u201cYour threats mean nothing to me,\u201d he said. \u201cMy family will be looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh they are,\u201d Jeffreys assured him. \u201cBut they won\u2019t find you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on that,\u201d Joe responded, flatly. He turned away. \u201cI won\u2019t be working for you, Jeffreys.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his back turned, Joe didn\u2019t see the gesture Jeffreys made, or the short, springy whip that the guard passed to him. The first he knew of it was when the crop crashed down between his shoulder blades. The blow stung painfully, and he half-turned, raising his arm to protect his head. Jeffreys hammered blow after blow on Joe, as he fought to gain control of the crop. But Jeffreys was stronger, and when he finally stepped back, breathing hard, Joe was curled up on the floor, bleeding. One eye was swelling shut, and a trickle of blood ran from a cut on his ear. He glared at Jeffreys. \u201cYou can\u2019t force me,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Jeffreys left the room. The door locked behind him, and Joe was alone. His body ached from the cuts and welts, and he lay on the floor for a long time before he struggled to his feet. Surveying the damage in the mirror, Joe couldn\u2019t repress a shudder. He knew what he faced now. For each time he defied his captor, he would be beaten. It wasn\u2019t a pleasant thought. But it wasn\u2019t in his nature to knuckle under. Joe went and lay down on the bed. His back and arms burned mercilessly. He refused to give in to the tears that rose in his throat.<\/p>\n

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

When morning came, Joe was roused by a few rough shoves, and handed his breakfast. He choked it down somehow, unable to face another beating that day. His back and shoulders ached relentlessly. Shortly after he finished eating, he was taken from the room at gunpoint.<\/p>\n

The relief at being out of that room was overwhelming. Joe found himself swallowing repeatedly, trying to keep the lump from his throat. He was ushered out the front door, and round to the barn. Jeffreys was waiting there, and Joe felt his stomach contract. \u201cAh, Cartwright,\u201d Jeffreys said, as Joe stopped silently in front of him. \u201cI hope you slept well, and that you\u2019ve learned your lesson?\u201d As he spoke, he tapped the short whip against the glossy black knee high boots he wore.<\/p>\n

Glancing round, Joe said nothing. He could feel the warmth of the sun on his shoulders, and reveled in it. The sharp crack of the crop against the back of his thigh made him jump.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question,\u201d Jeffreys said, his voice quiet and deadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t sleep well, and I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve learned the lesson, either,\u201d Joe returned, his voice just as quiet and deadly. \u201cYou just proved that, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes narrowed, Jeffreys studied his captive. Joe\u2019s face was washed clean of the blood that had marred it last night, although his eye was black, and his ear looked a little red. There were no other outward signs of the beating he had taken. Jeffreys relished the challenge of breaking Joe to his will. He had done everything he could to hamper the Cartwrights\u2019 investigation into Joe\u2019s disappearance. The sheriff that Roy was waiting to hear from was dead. It would be some considerable time, if ever, before his body was found, and in the meantime, the law would be paralyzed. By the time another sheriff was appointed, Joe would be his willing slave, and the Cartwrights would never find him. Jeffreys gestured with his head, and one of the hands ran forward with a pair of chaps, and handed them to Joe.<\/p>\n

Looking at the leather blankly, Joe let his hand open, and they dropped to the ground. The sting of the crop wasn\u2019t unexpected. He stood stoically, looking into the middle distance, waiting to see what Jeffreys would do next. He guessed that Jeffreys wouldn\u2019t knock him about too much, as he was obviously expected to do some horse breaking that day, and it was impossible for an unconscious man to do that.<\/p>\n

He was right. After a moment, one of the hands buckled the chaps onto Joe. He was then dragged across to the corral, where a horse was penned into the chute, saddled and ready. Joe was forced to climb the rails and drop onto the horse. When he sat there passively, his feet were forced into the stirrups, and he was handed the rope. He automatically shifted it into his left hand, and then the chute opened.<\/p>\n

There was no way Joe could just sit passively on a bucking horse. For one thing, if he was thrown, he would probably get trampled. For another, bronco busting was his favorite occupation, and he was good at it. He rode that jughead to a stand still, but he paid for it. His back was bleeding as he slid down from the sweating animal, and made his way on rubbery legs to the side of the corral.<\/p>\n

One of the men offered him a drink from a canteen, and Joe took it gratefully. He winced as the cool water stung his back as he poured some of it over his head. The guard with the gun stood a few feet away, still covering Joe. He almost laughed. Did they think he had the energy for an escape attempt after that?<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent, Cartwright,\u201d Jeffreys said. He nodded to the foreman. \u201cKeep it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re mad,\u201d Joe said, and ducked the blow, taking it on his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m being held captive, you\u2019re beating me up, and you expect me to break your horses! Well, I have to tell you, Jeffreys, I\u2019m not going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t given an option. Again he was forced onto a bronco, and his choice was ride it, or get thrown. Joe rode it. By early afternoon, he was too exhausted to stand under his own power. He was covered in dust and blood, and his head ached.<\/p>\n

He was led over to the bathhouse, and slid gratefully into a bath. He had realized that he was never allowed into the house dirty and dusty, although there must be a bathroom of sorts in the house, given the fancy plumbing. After, he was prodded back to the house, and this time shown into the dining room. Jeffreys was seated at the table, and as Joe sat down, a servant came in with the meal.<\/p>\n

The food was good, Joe had already noted, but he was too tired to be really hungry. He ate most of the clear soup, and after reflected it was just as well he had. When he picked up the knife and fork to switch them over, he received a sharp rap across the knuckles. Stunned, he looked at Jeffreys. \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d he asked, angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour family might have let you use the wrong hand, but I won\u2019t tolerate it here,\u201d Jeffreys said. \u201cYou use the correct hand at all times, and if I have to tie your hand down to make you, so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 23 years old,\u201d Joe hissed. \u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s a bit late to reform me?\u201d He carried on changing hands.<\/p>\n

That was the last Joe saw of the meal that night. He was wrestled to the floor by his guard and another man that Jeffreys summoned, and his left hand was tied behind his back. Joe fought furiously, but he was already tired and sore from the physical exercise and the beatings he\u2019d had. \u201cTake him away,\u201d Jeffreys said, in disgust. \u201cMake sure he can\u2019t free himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

They dragged Joe back to the room, and threw him on the bed. His right arm was tied to the bedhead, and then the door was shut and locked. Joe struggled against his restraints, but the knots defeated him. Totally helpless, Joe vowed that he wouldn\u2019t give in, no matter what it cost him.<\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Joe was dragged down to breakfast, his left hand still bound behind him. He sat at the table, staring straight ahead, determined not to give into this madman, however hungry and thirsty he was. Jeffreys was almost as stubborn as Joe, and his men were soon forcing the food into Joe\u2019s mouth and holding his mouth shut until he swallowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you insist on fighting me?\u201d Jeffreys asked, after Joe had been fed. \u201cYou could be like my son, if only you\u2019d relax and let yourself enjoy this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not your son,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright\u2019s son, and nothing you say or do will change that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Jeffreys said, softly, grabbing the youth\u2019s chin, and forcing him to look at him. \u201cYou\u00a0are<\/em>\u00a0my son. Somehow, Ben Cartwright has got you brainwashed into thinking you are his son, but it\u2019s not true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dazed, Joe gaped at his captor. What was he talking about? \u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright,\u201d he declared, stubbornly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d Jeffreys went on, gently. \u201cI knew you were my son, Michael, the minute I saw you. You always loved to break horses. You were always the best at it. Why did you run away, son? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not your son,\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cAnd if you treated him anything like the way you\u2019re treating me, I\u2019m not surprised he ran away.\u201d He shoved back his chair and stood up, breaking Jeffrey\u2019s grip. He struggled furiously to free his left arm, but failed. His guard stepped forward and jabbed his pistol into Joe\u2019s back. Joe froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t talk to your father like that,\u201d Jeffreys warned, and backhanded Joe viciously across the mouth. Joe\u2019s head snapped to the side, and he stumbled slightly. He could feel blood running from his nose and mouth. \u201cNow, there are horses to be broken, and I expect you to get out there and get on with it tomorrow. If you don\u2019t, you\u2019ll be punished.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was with a sense of something like relief that Joe was pushed from the room and up to the room. Jeffreys was mad. Joe had know that there was something odd about the man form their very fist meeting, but he hadn\u2019t quite expected to be told Jeffreys thought he was his son. Joe wondered how on earth he was going to get out of this.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll be back as soon as we can, Charlie,\u201d Ben said, as he mounted Buck.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here, and so will the ranch,\u201d Charlie assured him. \u201cJist you bring back Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights rode out of the yard, and headed for California. The last few days had been the longest Ben could remember. He had spent them making preparations to leave. Charlie had been left in charge, and if the search for Joe looked like it was going to stretch into weeks and months rather than days, he would send Adam and Hoss back to take over.<\/p>\n

They spoke very little as they rode over the endless miles to California. Jeffreys\u2019 ranch was south of San Francisco. There hadn\u2019t been any word from the sheriff of the area, and Ben\u2019s patience was long gone. He was going to get his son back. They pushed their horses, and two days later, they arrived in the area.<\/p>\n

After a night spent at least partly asleep, they asked for directions to Jeffreys place. The first man they asked told them how to reach the ranch, and also warned them that Jeffreys wasn\u2019t completely sane.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis only son up and ran off on him three-four years ago,\u201d said the man. \u201cIt was said Jeffreys was real hard on the boy. He had a real gift with horses, and spent a lot of time breaking them. His pa bought that horse ranch for him, you know, so he\u2019d have plenty of horses to break.\u201d The Cartwrights exchanged uncomfortable glances. \u201cBut the boy couldn\u2019t take his old man no more, and he ran off. Jeffreys went after him, and the boy was shot and killed. Jeffreys ain\u2019t been right since. Goes on long trips looking for the boy.\u201d The man shook his head. \u201cBetter be careful if you\u2019re goin\u2019 up there, mister. Jeffreys has the place guarded like a fortress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the warning,\u201d Ben said, and they rode off. Further down the road, Ben pulled up and looked at his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should\u2019ve asked what Jeffreys\u2019 son looked like,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t reckon we needed to,\u201d Hoss commented. \u201cI reckon the description would fit Little Joe to a T.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, too,\u201d said Ben, morosely. \u201cLet\u2019s find the ranch and see how well it\u2019s guarded. Then we can decide what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It was a beautiful spot for a ranch, they all agreed. The horses grazing in the paddocks looked sleek and glossy, the sun shining off their coats. As their informant had said, there were men with guns everywhere they looked. Hiding in a thick stand of trees about a mile from the boundary, Ben surveyed the lay of the land. \u201cNot much in the way of cover,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could sneak down at night,\u201d Adam said. \u201cOr one of us could. Then we would have an idea of how the buildings are set out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cLet\u2019s set up camp here, but no fire! We don\u2019t want them to notice us.\u201d<\/p>\n

After darkness fell, Adam and Ben had a brief, but heated, argument about which of them was going to scout the ranch. Adam finally won, with some help from Hoss. Reluctantly, Ben gave in, and watched Adam slip into the undergrowth, his black clothing blending into the night, until he was invisible. All they could do after that was wait.<\/p>\n

Several hours passed before Adam returned. Ben felt a pang of disappointment that Adam returned alone. Somehow, he had been hoping that Adam might have found Joe and rescued him. He schooled his face to remain neutral, but Adam wasn\u2019t fooled. He, too, had hoped that he might find and rescue Joe, but things were never that easy. \u201cThere are several corrals near the barn,\u201d he began, tiredly. \u201cThere are two doors into the house. The main door isn\u2019t going to be easy to get by. It\u2019s quite thick, and there\u2019s no cover. Round the side, there\u2019s another, plainer door. I would guess that the servants use it. I don\u2019t think it would be difficult to force, if we needed to. Down by the breaking corral, there\u2019s quite a lot of undergrowth. If we made our way down there tomorrow night, we could hide in it, ready for what might happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the men?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the big one,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThere are quite a few of them dotted about. The ones I saw were all in the same places when I came back, so they won\u2019t be difficult to avoid. But once we get Joe, it\u2019ll be hard to get away, with all those armed men around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Adam, quietly. He looked down, not wanting to see the disappointment on his parent\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we\u2019ll go down to the hiding place you mentioned tomorrow night,\u201d Ben decided. \u201cAnd we\u2019ll play it by ear from there.\u201d He patted Adam on the shoulder. \u201cThank you, son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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

Life continued to be hell for Joe. He refused to use his right hand at all, enduring several beatings and force-feeding. His physical strength was ebbing away slowly, and the continual horse breaking was taking its toll.\u00a0 He had had a bad fall that afternoon, and been knocked out. He didn\u2019t know how long he lay unconscious, but when he wakened, Jeffreys was there, looking down at him with an unsettling mixture of hate and affection. Even though Joe was clearly not fit to do more, Jeffreys forced him back onto the horse, and Joe had taken another spill.<\/p>\n

This time, the horse had been injured too, as it crashed through the rails of the corral. How Joe had escaped serious injury, he wasn\u2019t quite sure, but he was stiff and sore, despite the hot bath. His head ached, and he was queasy, yet Jeffreys expected him to eat his meal. Once more, his left hand was strapped down. Joe was depressed to find that he was almost used to it.<\/p>\n

Almost. Perhaps it was the mild concussion he had suffered. Perhaps it was just his survival instinct, but Joe had had enough. As they tried to feed him his meal, Joe fought like a demon. His left hand might have been out of commission, but his right still worked well enough. His guard got an elbow in the diaphragm, and a fist in the face, and went down, caught completely unawares. Joe launched himself at Jeffreys, fighting for his freedom and his life.<\/p>\n

It was a wasted effort. Jeffreys threw his glass of wine into Joe\u2019s face, and the liquid blinded him, stinging in his eyes. Then, Jeffreys systematically began to take the boy apart. Joe tried his best to defend himself, but it was too much. He fell to the floor, and rolled away slightly, trying desperately to gain some time, hoping that Jeffreys\u2019 killing rage would cool. He could see that the man had lost what little control he had, and Joe\u2019s eyes quartered the room, looking for a way out.<\/p>\n

His eye fell on the window. Outside, it was dark, and had been for about an hour. Joe dodged to avoid a swinging boot, and it caught the elbow of his bound left hand. That was the last straw. Heedless of the danger, desperate to get away, regardless of the cost, Joe pushed himself to his feet and dived head first through the window.<\/p>\n

The glass shattered spectacularly as Joe tumbled to the ground outside. The window was higher than he had realized, and he rolled awkwardly, feeling his captive arm take the brunt of the fall. Pain spiked along it, but Joe struggled to his feet, and began to run.<\/p>\n

Something sticky was running down the side of his face, but Joe ignored it. There were pinpricks of pain all over his body, and he stumbled several times. But he was determined to get away, and kept on running, despite the pain it caused him. He could hear shouts from behind.<\/p>\n

A body appeared out of the darkness, and Joe swerved, violently, shouting incoherently. But the person grabbed him around the waist, and spoke, and Joe recognized Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cEasy, Joe, easy. I\u2019m here, you\u2019ll be safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe said, dazed. He suddenly felt overwhelmingly weak. His already throbbing head was ringing, and the pain was becoming too much for him to handle.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, Joe,\u201d Adam said, dragging him frantically back to their hiding place. \u201cJust be quiet, and we\u2019ll look after you.\u201d He was concerned by what he could see of Joe\u2019s appearance in the dark. Luckily for them, there was no moon that night. He glanced over his shoulder towards the light and noise coming from the house. Men were milling about in the light, but none of them appeared to be coming in their direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Adam hissed, as he approached their hiding place. \u201cI\u2019ve got him! But he\u2019s hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuickly,\u201d Ben said, and they pulled Joe under cover. Ben gently ran his hands over Joe\u2019s head, and winced as he encountered the blood running from the cut on Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Pa!\u201d Joe breathed. Ben gathered him against his broad chest, and Joe clung there for a moment. But his strength had run out, and a moment later, his head slumped.<\/p>\n

Working quickly, with Hoss standing guard, Ben and Adam freed Joe\u2019s arm, and checked as best they could for injuries. It seemed to them that Joe\u2019s arm was broken, and their fingers were covered with innumerable little cuts from all the shards of glass sticking in Joe\u2019s clothing. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him out of here,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll carry him,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe can take turns. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

On silent feet, they eased their way from their hiding place, and followed Adam as he led them back to the stand of trees where the horses were tethered. It was a long, tiring journey. Ben took over carrying Joe after a while, then Adam. They had to keep stopping to hide from the men out searching for Joe. Several times, it seemed to Adam that the men had seen them, but no shouts ever went up. Perplexed, they kept going. Finally about 2 hours from dawn, they reached the trees, and laid Joe on the grass. He was conscious, and had been for a while. The need for silence had been obvious to him at once, and he had worked hard at stifling the groans of pain that welled up in him. Now, finally still, he lost the battle with his nausea, rolled over and threw up violently.<\/p>\n

While Ben tended to Joe, Adam and Hoss saddled the horses. They were one horse down, but that didn\u2019t matter. Joe was in no fit state to ride alone anyway. \u201cReady,\u201d Adam said, tersely, and helped Joe to stand.<\/p>\n

Before long, they were riding away from Jeffreys\u2019 place. They had no idea where they were headed; it was enough just to be moving. When dawn came, they were several miles away. Adam pulled up Sport, and looked around. Joe had to get to shelter, so they could let him rest, and see if they could tend to his injuries. Jeffreys would be out looking for them. Up ahead, almost merging with the landscape was a small cabin. It wasn\u2019t too far to ride, and it would give them shelter.<\/p>\n

By the time they got there, Joe was beyond the end of his endurance. He slipped in and out of an exhausted sleep as Ben carefully stripped off his torn clothes and washed the blood from his body. Joe bore many cuts as a mute testimony to his exit through the window, but only the one on his head was deep enough to cause concern. His left arm was clearly broken just above the elbow, and with infinite gentleness, Ben set the bone and wrapped the arm in bandages and a sling. He was horrified by the number of welts on Joe\u2019s back and arms, but forbore to question the exhausted youth.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere they come,\u201d Hoss said, sudden tension in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay right there!\u201d Ben ordered his youngest, as he snatched up his rifle, and made his way to the window. Joe grimaced. He couldn\u2019t lift his head off the pillow, never mind lift a gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can\u2019t miss the trail,\u201d Adam commented, grimly. The grass was clearly flattened, even from this distance.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be helped,\u201d Ben replied, his voice equally grim. They waited as the riders drew closer. Then, inexplicably, they turned away. Ben frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d he said. \u201cA blind man could follow that trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope they don\u2019t try and creep up on us from behind,\u201d commented Adam. He crossed the cabin to the tiny back window, and crouched there.<\/p>\n

They kept vigil for what seemed like an eternity. Joe, waking from a much-needed sleep, groaned as pain hammered through his body. Ben went to his side, and tenderly helped his youngest to drink. The boy was beginning to feel warm to the touch, and Ben hoped that the fever was only the result of shock, not infection.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, there\u2019s a man coming on foot,\u201d Hoss reported, and Ben immediately went back to the window.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, a man was making his way across the grass to the cabin. He appeared to be concerned that someone was following him, given the way he glanced over his shoulder, but the Cartwrights wondered if this was some sort of subterfuge. \u201cHo, the cabin!\u201d he called quietly. \u201cI\u2019m not armed. Can I come over?\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening the door a fraction, Ben slid out, his rifle aimed at the man. \u201cCome on,\u201d he agreed.<\/p>\n

The man halted warily a few feet away, his arms raised. \u201cHear me out,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cI work for Jeffreys. He\u2019s sent us out looking for the boy, but we\u2019re deliberately not going to find him. We all know that Joe isn\u2019t Jeffreys\u2019 son. He\u2019s almost killed that boy, and we all liked him. After dark, we\u2019ll send out a wagon for you, with supplies in it. I can guarantee that Jeffreys won\u2019t bother anyone again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do I know we can trust you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t,\u201d the man admitted. \u201cBut I\u2019ve watched that boy taking the abuse handed out to him, and still manage to do a day\u2019s work. Jeffreys has become odder and odder over the last few months. Even his guards are beginning to be weary of him. We intend to do something about this now. We can\u2019t risk him taking another young man, and killing him.\u201d He eyed Ben. \u201cMy word is my bond. I\u2019ll bring the wagon to you as soon as I can. You may well hear us taking care of things, even from here. Your trail was easy to follow, and we all saw you leaving last night. Nobody stopped you. We could have, but we didn\u2019t. Now do you believe me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lowering the rifle slightly, Ben nodded. \u201cYes, I do,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI do believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Jack Robinson,\u201d the man said. \u201cAre you Joe\u2019s father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can,\u201d Robinson said. He turned and headed back the way he had come.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains a lot of things,\u201d Adam said, thoughtfully, as Ben came back into the cabin. \u201cI knew we\u2019d been seen last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Checking on Joe, Ben saw he was asleep. \u201cYou two boys have a rest,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019ll stay on watch.\u201d He felt incredibly tired.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Adam and Hoss agreed to have a rest, and were soon stretched out on the floor. Ben stood by the window, fighting off sleep. The small cabin was warm under the summer sun. Every now and then, he checked Joe. The boy\u2019s temperature rose steadily, but never got too high. Ben bathed his face. Joe slept on, secure in the knowledge that his family was with him.<\/p>\n

After a couple of hours, Adam roused, and persuaded Ben to lie down. He glanced out of the window and said, \u201cPa, look!\u201d<\/p>\n

Following his son\u2019s gaze, Ben saw a column of black smoke rising into the sky.\u00a0 It was coming from the direction of Jeffreys\u2019 ranch. \u201cDo you think that\u2019s what Robinson meant about \u2018taking care of things\u2019?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben responded. \u201cBut it could be.\u201d He gave into his son\u2019s urgings, and lay down. Sleep claimed him at once.<\/p>\n

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

Several hours had passed before Ben woke. He glanced round, sensing that something was different. Joe was still asleep, muttering under his breath. Hoss stood by the window, rifle in hand, but Adam was nowhere in sight. Ben sat up abruptly, and Hoss turned. \u201cAdam\u2019s outside, talking\u2019 to Robinson,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Stiffly, Ben rose to his feet, checked on Joe, and went to the door. The two men outside looked at him as he came out. \u201cSir,\u201d Robinson said, in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobinson and his friends have solved one of our problems for us,\u201d Adam said, in that wry way he had.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben ventured, unsure what that meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a tragic accident at the ranch,\u201d Robinson said. \u201cThe big house burned down, and Mr. Jeffreys was caught in it. The fire was too fierce for any of us to risk going in. Several of his men died in the fire, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a tragedy,\u201d Ben agreed, feeling a thousand pound weight lift off his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI brought the wagon,\u201d Robinson said, and Ben glanced at it. \u201cI put a couple of mattresses in it, and some blankets and food. Good luck, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said, softly.<\/p>\n

Smiling his understanding, Robinson mounted his horse and rose away. Ben wondered what he would do now, and where he would go, but he suspected that Robinson and his friends would make out just fine. He looked at Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

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

It was a long journey back to Nevada. Joe was very unwell, and his fever raged night and day. Ben pushed on, anxious to get home, and let Doc Martin tend to Joe. Joe was often nauseous and confused, and frequently let out shouts of anguish in his delirium. When they rolled into the yard of the Ponderosa 3 days later, they were all on the edge of total collapse.<\/p>\n

The men helped move Joe into the house, and Hop Sing was soon preparing everything that Doc Martin would need. Somehow, he also managed to get some food on the table, and hot baths organized for all of them. Adam and Hoss bathed first, then bullied Ben into bathing while Paul Martin tended to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he, Paul?\u201d Ben asked, coming back into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cSick,\u201d Paul said, bluntly. \u201cAll those injuries, in such a short space of time. There were some tiny shards of glass in a couple of those cuts. That was what was causing the infection. He\u2019ll get over it in time, but it\u2019ll take a while. Do you know what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe know he was kidnapped because he looked like that man\u2019s dead son. And we know that he was badly treated, but Joe hasn\u2019t said anything about it. I probably shouldn\u2019t have rushed him home like that, but I just couldn\u2019t rest easy knowing he was still close to where it had happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave him a sedative,\u201d Paul said, \u201cso he should sleep the night through. You get some rest, Ben, or you\u2019ll be sick, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having hardly closed his eyes in the last three days, Ben was too tired to argue. He knew Hop Sing would sit with Joe, and so he went to lie down on his bed for a few minutes. He was asleep in seconds.<\/p>\n

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

By morning, Joe\u2019s fever had broken. Ben ate a hasty breakfast, and went to sit with him, while Adam and Hoss went to find out what was happening on the ranch. Ben hadn\u2019t been sitting there long when Joe woke. \u201cPa?\u201d he said, squinting at the figure in the chair. \u201cSo it wasn\u2019t a dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, it wasn\u2019t a dream,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019re home and safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shut his eyes, but the tears seeped out between his lashes, and ran sideways into his hair. Ben, not knowing what was causing his distress, took Joe\u2019s hand in his and held on tight. \u201cIts all right, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re home now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I would never get home,\u201d he admitted, opening his eyes again. \u201cJeffreys was determined to make me into his dead son, and I don\u2019t think he would have hesitated to kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJeffreys is dead,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about him any more. He won\u2019t be coming after you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, those green eyes closed. \u201cHe was mad,\u201d Joe said, flatly, after a moment. His eyes popped open, and he glared at Ben, as though it was his fault. \u201cHe wanted me to use my right hand, and whenever I didn\u2019t, he punished me. He tied my hand behind my back so I couldn\u2019t use it, and when I was alone, my right hand was tied down, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anger coursed through Ben, and he suddenly wished he\u2019d managed to lay hands on Jeffreys. He said nothing, because he wasn\u2019t sure if he would have his voice under control.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I wouldn\u2019t eat enough to please him, I was force-fed,\u201d Joe went on, his voice emotionless. \u201cI wasn\u2019t allowed into the house unless I had had a bath. I was forced to ride those horses, and even after I was knocked out, I was made to get back on.\u201d Then the anguish became too much, and Joe began to sob in earnest, his good right hand holding Ben\u2019s hand so tightly that it would leave bruises. \u201cThe horse broke through the corral rails, and was so bad hurt, it had to be put down. It was my fault! If I had been all right, I\u2019d have been able to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault, Joe!\u201d Ben said, firmly. \u201cThe fault was Jeffreys\u2019. No sane man would force an injured rider to get back on a wild horse. Nothing that happened was your fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI refused to do what he said,\u201d Joe went on, his emotions temporarily back under his control. \u201cHe beat me with a small whip. He beat me for strange things. I put on the wrong color shirt one day. I knew I couldn\u2019t please him, so I didn\u2019t try.\u201d His gaze fastened on to his father\u2019s. \u201cAm I going to be badly scarred?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul doesn\u2019t think so,\u201d Ben answered, steadily. \u201cBy the time your arm is healed, you\u2019ll be as good as new.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down on his broken arm, Joe said, \u201cI broke it jumping out of the window. I couldn\u2019t take it any more, Pa. I just had to try and get away. He said you wouldn\u2019t ever be able to find me\u2026\u201d Once more, the pent-up emotions broke free, and this time, heedless of the youth\u2019s injuries, Ben gathered him into a comforting embrace.<\/p>\n

The emotional release exhausted Joe, and as his tears ceased, he slid into slumber, still clutching his father\u2019s now-soaked shirt. Gently, Ben lowered Joe down onto the pile of pillows placed there to ease his bruised and welted back. He was sure there was more of the story to come out, but the little he had heard made him furiously angry.<\/p>\n

He was downstairs when Adam and Hoss came back in for lunch, but he scarcely heard a word that they said. His thoughts were churning, still. Seeing their father\u2019s preoccupation, the boys gradually stopped telling him the news. After a few minutes, it impinged on Ben\u2019s mind that his sons were silent, and looked up. \u201cYou\u2019d better hear this from me,\u201d he said, \u201cbecause I don\u2019t know if Joe will be strong enough to tell you.\u201d And he poured out the whole, horrendous story.<\/p>\n

When he finished, Adam pushed his chair back and stood up abruptly. He stalked over to the fireplace, and leant one hand against the rough stone. He kicked it sharply, but only the once. Hoss pushed his plate away and buried his face in his hands. Ben reached out and stroked Hoss\u2019 arm. He knew exactly how both his sons felt. He had no idea how to let the anger out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe poor kid!\u201d Adam said, roughly. Ben thought that if Jeffreys had ever seen Adam look as he looked just at that moment, he\u2019d never have touched Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat snake!\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cI reckon Robinson and his friends did us more of a favor than we thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence reigned for a few more minutes, as each man fought to control the emotions bubbling inside him. But it was too hard. Hoss suddenly went outside, banging the door behind him. Adam slammed his fist down on the back of his blue velvet chair. The blow hurt, but he didn\u2019t really notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe going to be all right?\u201d Adam asked. A stranger might have thought that there was a distinct lack of sympathy in his tones, but Ben knew his son well enough to realize that Adam was trying to pretend that everything was normal.<\/p>\n

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

He watched as Adam copied his middle brother and slammed out of the house.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNO!\u201d Joe screamed and startled awake, sitting bolt upright in bed. His eyes flew open, and he looked round the room. As he realized that he was safely home, the pain in his back hit him hard, and he groaned. Ben helped him to lie back, and supported his head as he drank. As Ben wiped the sweat of his nightmare from his face, Joe asked, \u201cWhat was all the banging about earlier?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just Adam and Hoss,\u201d Ben said, soothingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey never fell out?\u201d Joe questioned, skeptically. \u201cNot Adam and Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy,\u201d Ben quoted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure there are,\u201d quipped Joe, \u201cbut that isn\u2019t one of them. Tell me, Pa,\u201d he demanded, the humor going from his face. \u201cDid you… Did you tell them about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cDo you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said, and there was relief in his voice. \u201cI\u2019m glad you did, Pa.\u201d He closed his eyes for a bit. \u201cDid Cochise get back?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s safely in the barn,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cNo doubt waiting with baited breath for your arrival.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s arm, and the youth took his hand, opening his eyes again.<\/p>\n

In a low voice, he told Ben how he came to be captured, and about the three days bouncing about in the back of a wagon. \u201cThey hardly spoke to me,\u201d Joe said, quietly. He sounded tired, but Ben wouldn\u2019t have stopped him for the world. He knew that all these things were better out in the open. That way, Joe could begin to heal. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t do whatever it was at once, they used to hit me round the face. You know, they wouldn\u2019t allow me into the house if I was dusty and dirty? I always had to bathe first.\u201d There was the first trace of humor in Joe\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good idea,\u201d Ben joked, tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey had indoor plumbing, too,\u201d Joe said. He went on to describe the house, and Ben could see immediately why Joe hadn\u2019t been comfortable there. Opulence was not Joe\u2019s thing. He was much more comfortable in the places where he could put his feet up on the table or settee, and where you could wear your dusty boots without worrying.<\/p>\n

There was a short silence after Joe finished speaking. He let out a long sigh, and Ben thought he looked more relaxed. \u201cI wish I could have saved you from that,\u201d Ben said, softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts over,\u201d Joe said, his eyes still closed. \u201cI want to see Hoss and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSleep first,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cThey\u2019re still working. When they get back, I\u2019ll send them up to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before long, Joe slid into a deep sleep. Ben watched him for a long time. He thought it a pity that Jeffreys wouldn\u2019t be brought to trial, for he would have liked to have seen him hang. But he knew that to have made Joe face a trial would have been unnecessarily cruel, and it was better the way things had happened. Ben didn\u2019t approve of thing the law into your own hands, but he couldn\u2019t find it in his heart to condemn the men who had done so.<\/p>\n

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

Within a week, Joe was out of bed for a few hours every day. His back was healing quickly, and no longer gave him pain. He seemed to be his usual self, but he still had nightmares sometimes. Adam and Hoss found it difficult to treat him as they normally would, and relations between the brothers were a little strained. Joe wasn\u2019t quite sure why, and he didn\u2019t want to push to find out what was wrong, since he hated when people did that to him.<\/p>\n

Finally the great day came when Joe was able to totter to the barn under his own power. His appetite had picked up, and he was regaining the weight he had lost. The dark circles were mostly gone form under his eyes, and the bruises were fading. About the only visible reminder was his broken arm.<\/p>\n

As he began to get back into the way of things on the ranch again, something that had been at the back of his mind broke through, and Joe realized that he\u2019d missed his father\u2019s birthday. He frowned, unsure what had happened to the pistol he\u2019d bought. There was no way he could ask Ben, but he thought he could ask his brothers. The difficulty was tracking them down alone.<\/p>\n

As it drew on towards the time that they would be home, Joe made an excuse to wonder out to the barn. He was spending a lot of time with Cochise, and the bond between man and horse was helping his heart to heal. Joe found that he still tired easily, so he perched himself on the side of Cochise\u2019s stall, and waited patiently. Sure enough, a little while later, Adam and Hoss came into the yard, and led their horses to the stable.<\/p>\n

They were tired, and didn\u2019t notice Joe for a moment or two. By the time they didn\u2019t, they were part way through unsaddling their mounts, and so could hardly \u2018run away\u2019, as Joe termed it to himself. It was surprisingly hard to begin. It seemed as if neither of his brothers could make eye contact with him. \u201cThe day I was taken\u2026\u201d he started, and was amazed to see Adam flinch. \u201cAdam? Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, Adam looked at him. \u201cHow can you ask that?\u201d he whispered. \u201cHow can I be all right after all that happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Hoss, Joe was surprised to see tears in his big brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cJoe, you don\u2019t know what it was like,\u201d Hoss said, brokenly. \u201cAll that waitin\u2019, and knowin\u2019 that someone had taken you away, and there weren\u2019t nothin\u2019 we could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa told us what he did to you,\u201d Adam said, harshly. \u201cAnd that makes it worse, knowing that you were suffering like that, while we were looking for you here, and riding out there to get you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you came for me,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd it wasn\u2019t your fault that Jeffreys took me. How were we to know he was plumb crazy? If you hadn\u2019t been there that night, I would\u2019ve died! You have nothing to blame yourselves for.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Hoss who made the first move. He threw his arms round his younger brother, and hugged him as though he would never let go again. Joe didn\u2019t protest, as this was the fist physical contact he\u2019d had with either brother, beyond a brief handclasp, since he got home. After a moment, Adam joined them, and the touching was healing for them all. Hoss wasn\u2019t the only one with wet eyes as they drew apart.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, there seemed to be a lot to say, and it wasn\u2019t until they were heading out of the barn that Joe remembered what he wanted to ask. \u201cDid you find a parcel with Pa\u2019s present in it?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was in your saddlebag,\u201d Adam said, after a moment\u2019s thought. \u201cI put it in the bureau in my room. Do you want it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said, in tones of strained patience. \u201cOf course not! Why would I ask for it if I didn\u2019t want it? Of course I do, you idiot! I missed Pa\u2019s birthday, and I went to a lot of trouble to get that gun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI\u2019ll fetch it for you. I guess we never gave Pa our gifts, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do it now, then,\u201d Joe said, and grinned broadly at both brothers. \u201cHurry up.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As they sat down to supper, Ben knew there was mischief afoot. He wasn\u2019t quite sure what it was, but Joe\u2019s mouth was twitching, Hoss looked shifty and Adam looked superior. All give away signs to their parent. He said the grace and they all began to eat. He eyed the boys covertly, but Adam and Hoss stuck resolutely to talk of ranch work, and Joe asked the odd question \u2013 the first real signs of interest he had shown since his return.<\/p>\n

When Hop Sing cleared away the main course, Adam rose. \u201cPa, it pains me to say it, but your sons are guilty of neglect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiping his mouth with his napkin, Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cAnd you\u2019re admitting this?\u201d he asked, disbelievingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are, and we mean to rectify it at once.\u201d Adam reached under the table, and pulled out a small, flat package. He solemnly handed it to Ben. Joe reached into his sling, and handed another small parcel to him. In chorus, they said, \u201cHAPPY BIRTHDAY, PA!\u201d<\/p>\n

Flabbergasted, Ben just looked at them. \u201cBut my birthday was\u2026\u201d he stopped, not wanting to remind Joe of his ordeal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd I went into town that afternoon to buy your gift. Open it!\u201d he urged. Joe loved gifts, even if they were someone else\u2019s and he knew what was in them. His eyes sparkled with the joy of giving.<\/p>\n

Blinking the tears from his own eyes, Ben opened Joe\u2019s gift first. The pistol was silver plate, and intricately carved. It was a beautiful piece. \u201cThank you,\u201d he whispered, looking at Joe, who beamed even harder.<\/p>\n

The package from Adam and Hoss was a book. It was an old favorite of Ben\u2019s and his copy was dog-eared and falling to bits. \u201cThank you, both,\u201d he said, no less sincerely. \u201cThank you all. I had forgotten about my birthday.\u201d He didn\u2019t say that, while Joe was missing, he felt he never wanted to celebrate it again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not that easy to stop adding years, Pa,\u201d Joe said, and laughed, delighted with his success.<\/p>\n

Watching as Adam patted Joe gently on the shoulder, and Hoss made some comment about cheek, Ben realized that his sons had come together again, for the first time since Joe had come home. He looked down at the gifts, chosen with loving care by his sons. He didn\u2019t say that his greatest gift was the love he could feel flowing round the table.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 After winning the rodeo, Joe is approached by a stranger about a job. He refuses, then disappears. Can the Cartwrights find Joe, when the stranger seems to be innocent?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(11,720 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":14546,"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],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-4197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2471,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/saddle-bronc.png?fit=216%2C233&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":48239,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48239","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"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":2282,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2282","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"position":1},"title":"A Sure Thing (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"September 6, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A traveling rodeo comes to town and Joe enters the competition Rated: K (8,475 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/saddle-bronc.png?fit=216%2C233&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4775,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4775","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"position":3},"title":"Forgiveness (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"June 2, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for \"The Gift.\" Sometimes, the hardest ones to forgive are ourselves. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a02800","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":4152,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4152","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"position":4},"title":"Where’s my horse? (by ViveAdam)","author":"ViveAdam","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Daisy Lovecraft can't help borrowing every others' belongings. One day, she borrows Cochise... \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a01100","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/paint.png?fit=552%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3140,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3140","url_meta":{"origin":4197,"position":5},"title":"The Carson City Rodeo (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"May 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ellie's trip to Carson City with the Family - what could possibly go wrong......\u00a0 Famous last words. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (10,355 words)","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\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14546"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}