{"id":4636,"date":"2002-10-02T23:27:27","date_gmt":"2002-10-03T03:27:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4636"},"modified":"2026-01-20T15:48:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:48:17","slug":"hate-and-fear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4636","title":{"rendered":"Hate and Fear (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A local man marries an Indian girl, and stirs up a racial backlash, which encompasses the Cartwrights, who offer friendship.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (10,500 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

 <\/p>\n

Hate and Fear<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smoke writhed under the wooden door, and set the man coughing. He struggled against the ropes that tightly bound him to the supporting pole in the middle of the cabin, but his struggles only seemed to make the knots tighter. He coughed again. From outside, the howling of the mob grew louder and louder, and the man could hardly believe that these people, who he\u2019d known all his life, were intent on burning him to death, all because he had tried to protect the woman who lived here.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know where Grace was anymore. He hadn\u2019t seen her since the mob had dragged him away from the corral, beaten him, tied him in the cabin, and then set it on fire. Again, the smoke tickled his throat, causing him to cough. The movement of his ribs set off painful spasms in the bruised, strained muscles of his chest. \u201cLet me out of here!\u201d he yelled, and choked on the smoke. It came to him that he would die there, and the thought of never seeing his family again sent a sharp pain through his heart.<\/p>\n

Every breath was torture now, as the door burst into flames. The man felt his head swimming as he was forced to breathe in the smoke, which thickened with every passing second. He knew a last moment of fear, as he slumped unconscious in his bonds.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell now,\u201d murmured Adam Cartwright, \u201cthat\u2019ll set the cat among the pigeons.\u201d He spoke in the dry tones that often covered his real feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will?\u201d asked Joe Cartwright, the youngest of Adam\u2019s brothers. He hitched his pinto pony to the rail in front of the church, and looked at Adam. Following his brother\u2019s gaze, he saw one of their neighbours, Jed Wilkins, driving his buggy along the street. There was a woman sitting beside him. \u201cIs that Jed\u2019s new wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s her,\u201d Ben Cartwright replied. He patted his buckskin horse. \u201cI wonder what the reaction will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you could guess,\u201d retorted Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s got everyone so fired up?\u201d enquired Hoss, the middle brother, as he saw the undercurrent of disapproval surge around the good folks of Virginia City who were gathered outside the church.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe chimed in. \u201cYou\u2019d think Jed had murdered somebody, the way they\u2019re all acting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Neither Ben nor Adam replied, because Jed and his wife were now close enough to hear. Jed stopped the buggy beside the Ponderosa horses, and Joe and Hoss could immediately see what had the townsfolk so riled up.<\/p>\n

Jed\u2019s new wife was an Indian!<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow do you do, Mrs Wilkins?\u201d Ben said, stepping forward, and ignoring the disapproving stares of the townspeople. \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright. I\u2019m pleased to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d responded the beautiful woman, in perfect, unaccented English. \u201cJed has told me about you.\u201d She smiled, seeming oblivious to the staring crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are my sons,\u201d Ben added, and introduced them one by one. Adam was as calm as ever, touching his hat politely. Hoss blushed, and mumbled something none of them caught. Joe whipped his hat off and smiled his most charming smile, and kissed Mrs Wilkins hand. Ben hid a smile. He could have predicted each of his sons\u2019 reactions exactly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Ben,\u201d said Jed, warmly. He assisted his wife down from the buggy. \u201cGrace, you have to watch Little Joe here,\u201d he said, jokingly. \u201cHe likes to flirt with the ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning her large, dark eyes on Joe, she smiled at him. \u201cWhy are you called Little Joe?\u201d she asked. \u201cYou seem quite tall to me.\u201d She stood barely more than 5 feet tall.<\/p>\n

Unabashed, Joe grinned back. \u201cWell, ma\u2019m, you see, its this over sized family I have. I seem quite little in comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Joe\u2019s family, Mrs Wilkins began to laugh. \u201cWell, I suppose you\u2019ll just have to call me Tiny Grace, then,\u201d she responded.<\/p>\n

The church bell began to toll, and they composed themselves to go into church. Joe couldn\u2019t suppress a sigh, for he found it very difficult to sit still through the long service. He often thought the reverend repeated himself too many times, and could say the important things in half the time. A small hand patted him on the arm, and he found himself getting a sympathetic smile from Grace.<\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights and the Wilkins settled themselves in their pews, the muttering grew louder. From where he sat, Joe could see Jed\u2019s neck getting red, and he was angry on their behalf. He and his brothers had been brought up to treat everyone the same, no matter their race, colour or creed. Unfortunately, it was an unusual attitude to find, and the people of Virginia City were acting in the same way that most of the people in America would act. It didn\u2019t excuse them, in Joe\u2019s eyes. He thought Grace was one of the most beautiful women he had ever set eyes on. She was small, and slender, and moved with uncommon grace. Her black hair was straight and shiny and fashionably styled. Her clothes were immaculate, down to the black kid boots, which peeped out below the hem of her silk dress. She had large, almond shaped eyes, a small nose and sensuous mouth. Grace was altogether one of the most exotic women Joe had ever seen.<\/p>\n

Noticing Joe\u2019s preoccupation, Ben nudged his youngest son in the ribs. With a start, Joe realised he\u2019d been staring, and hastily looked away. He could feel a flush crawling up his neck. Turning his head, he smiled guiltily at Ben, who nodded reprovingly. Joe didn\u2019t know that Ben was fighting not to laugh at his son\u2019s puppy dog eyes.<\/p>\n

The service began. They stood to sing the first hymn, and Joe mouthed the familiar words, while watching the minister, who glared at Grace all the time. Joe was rather shocked. Shouldn\u2019t the minister be above feeling like that? Surely he tended to all God\u2019s creatures, regardless? Joe resolved to ask his father about it after the service was over.<\/p>\n

Above Adam\u2019s beautiful baritone voice, Joe heard a new female voice singing, one he hadn\u2019t heard before. It was only when Grace turned to look at Adam and smile that Joe realised it was she who was singing so wonderfully. Joe could sing a bit, but he didn\u2019t have Adam\u2019s talent. It made him appreciate people who did.<\/p>\n

The church was warm and stuffy, and as the sermon began, Joe found himself drifting off to sleep. He was jarred awake several times as the reverend thumped the pulpit vigorously to make a point. When this had happened a few times, Joe sat up and began to take more notice. He realised the reverend was talking about heathen savages, and some of their less Christian practices, and was looking directly at Grace all the time.<\/p>\n

Furious, Joe wondered what he could do. Ben\u2019s hand suddenly clamped down on Joe\u2019s wrist, and he looked up in surprise. Ben was glaring at Joe and shaking his head. For a moment, Joe resisted, but Ben\u2019s grip didn\u2019t slacken. Swallowing hard, Joe relaxed his tensed muscles, and after a moment, that bruising grip had gone.<\/p>\n

When finally the service was over, the Cartwrights moved to join the people leaving the church and shaking the reverend\u2019s hand. Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cJust shake the man\u2019s hand and say nothing,\u201d he warned, in his hardest voice. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to start any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph, its not our place to start this fight. Its up to Jed and Grace. Don\u2019t say anything!\u201d And the flint edge to Ben\u2019s voice left no doubt in Joe\u2019s mind what would happen if Joe disobeyed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe muttered, sulkily. He shuffled obediently into the queue, and shook fingertips with the reverend at the door. Not waiting for the rest of his family, he went across to Cochise, his pinto gelding, and began to tighten the cinch. Hoss appeared on the other side of Joe\u2019s mount, and his face was as white and pinched as Joe\u2019s felt. Beyond him, Adam looked almost as calm as ever. Almost.<\/p>\n

\u201cJed, Grace, I was wondering if you\u2019d like to come back to the Ponderosa for some lunch?\u201d Ben said, loudly.<\/p>\n

A round of shocked muttering broke out as Ben\u2019s powerful voice carried easily on the balmy air. Several heads turned to look at the Cartwrights. \u201cIndian lover!\u201d muttered one person, safely lost in the crowd. Ben acted as though he hadn\u2019t heard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mighty neighbourly of you, Ben,\u201d Jed said, in a falsely bright voice. \u201cBut its real short notice. It would be too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts no trouble at all,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cGrace, prevail upon your husband to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to go,\u201d Grace said, looking at Jed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess its settled then,\u201d Jed said, with a laugh. He helped Grace into the buggy.<\/p>\n

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

Lunch was a pleasant affair, with Hop Sing delighted to show off his skills to somebody new. Grace was a witty companion, and soon had them all laughing. Only Joe couldn\u2019t quite shake off the bad taste left in his mouth by the attitude of the so-called Christians that morning. Ben glanced at his youngest son several times during the meal, hoping that Joe wouldn\u2019t say anything inappropriate. However, Joe\u2019s manners were excellent, and he contained his anger.<\/p>\n

After they left the table, Joe wandered outside for a breath of fresh air. He stood by the corral, desperately wanting to hit someone or something, anything to ease his frustration. A soft step sounded behind him, and he turned to see Grace following him. \u201cI\u2019ll go if you want to be alone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s all right. Please stay.\u201d Joe found a smile, but by now Grace had realised that something was troubling the youngest Cartwright, and she didn\u2019t have to look far to find the cause.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m used to it, you know,\u201d she said, pleasantly.<\/p>\n

It was like releasing a cork from a bottle. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have to be used to it!\u201d cried Joe, passionately. \u201cIts wrong! I don\u2019t know why people behave like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know either,\u201d Grace admitted, sadly. \u201cBut they do, time and again. You and your family are exceptions, you know. Not many people of your father\u2019s standing would ask an Indian girl into their home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make if you\u2019re an Indian!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn an ideal world, it wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Grace said. \u201cBut this isn\u2019t an ideal world. Nobody sees that I\u2019m more than just an Indian. In fact, I\u2019m more you than I am like the Indians. I never lived with a tribe. I know a little about my people, but I was raised in New York, and was adopted by kind people, who taught me to love myself. But the colour of my skin, and my breeding puts me apart from others. I\u2019m even shunned by the Indians, because my mother was from one tribe, and my father from a different one, and neither tribe wanted me when my parents died. If it hadn\u2019t been for the preacher who came to the reservation, I would have died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ashamed of the way those people treated you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI never thought they were like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grace put her hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cJoe, the important thing is you\u2019re not like that. You aren\u2019t responsible for others\u2019 behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I guess not,\u201d agreed Joe, calming down now after his outburst. \u201cBut I\u2019m still sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome back inside,\u201d Grace coaxed. \u201cTell me all about your part in the Ponderosa\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gallantly offering his arm, Joe led her back to the house, talking about his beloved horses.<\/p>\n

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

The whole of Virginia City was in an uproar, following that Sunday. Ben\u2019s invitation to the Wilkins had shown the town firmly where he stood, not that it was any real surprise. But many were unhappy about Grace being allowed to live with a \u2018civilised\u2019 man, and worse, that she came to the church. There was a growing ground swell of resentment against the Cartwrights. It bubbled and swelled, fuelled amongst the younger men by drink.<\/p>\n

Not that anyone would dream of taking on Ben. He was too well respected for them to take their displeasure out on. Adam was much the same. He came to town and drank in the saloon, but he generally kept out of trouble, unless his brothers were involved. He was impossible to goad into a fight. Hoss was simply too big. Nobody in their right mind picked a fight with Hoss Cartwright!<\/p>\n

But Joe was a different story all together. Everyone knew how volatile his temper was. He was in town alone more often than anyone apart from Ben, and there wasn\u2019t a person who knew him who\u2019d be surprised if he became involved in a fight. So the young men of the town hatched their plans and waited.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t have long to wait. On Tuesday morning, Joe rode into town shortly before noon to collect the mail. He had one or two other small tasks to see to, then he headed for the Bucket of Blood for a beer, before setting off for home.<\/p>\n

\u201cA beer, Sam, please,\u201d Joe said, tossing a coin onto the bar.<\/p>\n

In silence, Sam drew a beer, and placed it in front of Joe. \u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said, cheerfully, and took a mouthful, pretending not to notice that Sam wasn\u2019t talking to him. Turning to lean against the bar, Joe found he had become a pariah. Everyone he knew avoided his gaze. Joe immediately knew what was going on. He felt angry again, but carried on pretending he hadn\u2019t noticed anything. He drank his beer as slowly as he could, then gave Sam a cheerful farewell, and went outside.<\/p>\n

Cochise stood drowsing in the heat of the day, and Joe paused to look up and down the street. Everyone seemed to be avoiding looking at him. Joe squared his shoulders defiantly. If that was how they wanted to be, it was fine with him.<\/p>\n

Something hard poked him in the ribs, and he froze, recognising the feel of a gun. \u201cInto the alley, Cartwright,\u201d said a low voice, and Joe glanced round to see one man on each side of him. He felt his gun being lifted from his holster. Joe had no choice, and he went into the alley.<\/p>\n

There was quite a crowd by this time. Joe thought about 12 men, most of them the worse for drink. He tried to get some room, but they crowded in around him, and a couple grabbed his arms. Joe struggled uselessly. \u201cWe don\u2019t like Injun lovers round here,\u201d said the spokesman, Drew Dunn. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna show you what we do to Injun lovers!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking off one of the men who held him Joe took the initiative, and threw the first punch. He decked the guy he hit, but it was the last person who felt his wrath. The mob, egged on by drink and company, jumped on him and Joe went down under a welter of kicks and blows. When they finally broke and ran, Joe was unconscious.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, Sam,\u201d said, Sheriff Roy Coffee as he entered the saloon. \u201cIs Little Joe Cartwright still here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sheriff, he left some time ago,\u201d Sam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Roy said, mystified. Cochise still stood at the hitching rail, but Joe was nowhere to be seen. Roy had hoped to send a message to Ben saying that he would be coming out to play checkers, as invited, the following evening. Knowing that Joe wouldn\u2019t leave Cochise, Roy had been hunting for him all over town, but hadn\u2019t found him.<\/p>\n

A noise from the alley drew Roy\u2019s attention, and he glanced down it to see Joe trying to get up. \u201cJoe!\u201d Roy exclaimed, and rushed to the young man\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

He let out an exclamation of horror as he got a close look at Joe. Joe\u2019s face was gashed, swelling and bleeding. His lips were split, his clothing torn. It was obvious that Joe had no idea where he was. He tried to take his weight on his right arm, and it collapsed underneath him, and Joe let out a fearful groan. \u201cDon\u2019t try to move, son,\u201d Roy ordered, and rushed back to the street. \u201cSomebody get the doctor!\u201d he bellowed, and saw a figure run off in response.<\/p>\n

A short while later, Joe was in Dr Paul Martin\u2019s office, carried there by willing hands. Paul was horrified by Joe\u2019s condition. He gently cleaned the cuts on Joe\u2019s face, and felt carefully round his ribs, deciding that he\u2019d broken at least one on each side. Joe\u2019s wrist was swelling, but Paul decided it was only a sprain, and bandaged it securely. A whiff of smelling salts had brought Joe round completely, and Paul helped the injured youth to unbutton and removed the rags of his shirt, so he could clean the cuts and bruises on his arms. \u201cWho did this to you, Joe?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were lots of them,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cDrew Dunn was one of them. He said they would show me what happens to an Injun lover round here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing round at Roy, Paul nodded. \u201cSend someone to get Ben. Joe won\u2019t be able to ride home,\u201d he said, softly. Roy left, the frown on his face boding ill for Drew Dunn when he caught up with him.<\/p>\n

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

The Ponderosa buckboard rattled into town, the team going faster than they had in a long time. Ben and Hoss sat silently on the seat. Adam rode behind on Sport. Clem, Roy\u2019s deputy, had found all the Cartwrights together, finished with the day\u2019s work and eagerly anticipating supper. They were on their feet and out of the door practically before he had stopped speaking.<\/p>\n

Leaping down from the buckboard, Ben rushed into Paul\u2019s office. Linda, the young girl who came in to help Paul out sometimes, met him. \u201cJust through there, sir,\u201d she said, and stood back, knowing what they went to face. She had been shocked by Joe\u2019s injuries, and was still concerned for her friend.<\/p>\n

Entering the inner office, Ben let out a shocked sound. Joe lay asleep on the couch, aided by a pain powder. He had his ribs taped up, and his arm in a sling. His face was bruised and swollen. All in all, it was a painful sight. Ben didn\u2019t think he\u2019d seen anyone so badly beaten. \u201cPaul?\u201d he said, his eyes fixed on Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Ben,\u201d Paul said. \u201cA concussion, broken ribs, sprained wrist, cuts, bruises and abrasions. Somebody beat him pretty badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho did it?\u201d Ben asked, finding himself seated beside his youngest son. He gently stroked Joe\u2019s tangled curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy is looking for one of them now,\u201d replied Paul. He glanced at the two older sons, standing together in the doorway, wearing remarkably similar expressions. \u201cJoe gave him a name. Ben, I think you should take Joe home. There\u2019s a lot of bad feeling in town right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad feeling about what?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout the friendship you showed to Grace Wilkins on Sunday,\u201d Paul answered, frankly. \u201cThere are a lot of people in this town who think you were wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mean that Joe ain\u2019t safe here?\u201d demanded Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d admitted Paul. \u201cBut I\u2019d hate anything to happen to him. Anything\u00a0else<\/em>,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is everyone so riled up?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was some trouble on the road to Carson City a few days ago,\u201d Paul explained. \u201cSome Indians attacked a wagon, and stole the grain. The farmer wasn\u2019t hurt bad, but it scared everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Grace didn\u2019t have nothin\u2019 to do with that,\u201d protested Hoss. \u201cShe ain\u2019t but a little bit of a filly anyhows. Just a right nice person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRationally, I think we all know that,\u201d Adam interjected. \u201cBut mobs can stir up feelings really quickly, especially when folks are already scared. And we knew there would be trouble when Jed married Grace. We knew the people here would find it hard to accept. Its just unfortunate that the Indian attack coincided with Grace\u2019s arrival in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Paul added, \u201cJoe said that he was told by his attackers that this was what happened to Indian lovers round here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He saw at once that the message wasn\u2019t lost on his listeners.<\/p>\n

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

With a great deal of care, Joe was loaded onto the buckboard and taken home. He roused when they arrived home, and tried to smile, but his face was too painful to allow the movement. \u201cPa,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, son,\u201d Ben said, tenderly. \u201cYou\u2019re home now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were so many of them,\u201d Joe went on, and Ben had the distinct impression that he was apologising for being beaten up. \u201cI couldn\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, Joe,\u201d soothed Ben. \u201cJust rest and get well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since Joe was awake, Adam and Hoss gently helped him walk to his room, and there they eased off his boots and pants, and Ben tucked him securely into bed, fetching another pillow to cushion the injured wrist. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, again. He clutched his father\u2019s sleeve. \u201cDon\u2019t tell Jed and Grace,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cIts not their fault, and I don\u2019t want them to feel bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may not be able to keep this from them,\u201d Ben said, sitting down. \u201cIf Roy arrests somebody for this, it\u2019ll be all over town.\u201d He squeezed Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to testify, son. Can you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a long moment, Joe didn\u2019t answer. His green eyes were wide, the pupils dilated with fear. \u201cYes,\u201d he said, in a low voice. \u201cIf I don\u2019t, who knows what might happen next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll look after you, Joe,\u201d promised Ben. \u201cNo one will hurt you while we\u2019re around.\u201d And he silently vowed to never leave Joe alone until the ill feeling in the town had died away.<\/p>\n

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

Unfortunately, the bad feeling in town didn\u2019t die away. Roy Coffee arrested Drew Dunn, who promptly ratted on his compatriots, until Roy\u2019s jail was filled to overflowing. Although Drew Dunn was lazy and shiftless, and considered good for nothing, the feeling against his arrest was overwhelming. Roy found himself almost under siege at the jailhouse. The circuit judge was due in Virginia City within 48 hours anyway, so Roy battened down the hatches and prepared to ride out the storm.<\/p>\n

The hysteria that gripped Virginia City continued unabated.\u00a0 Most of the people had been shocked when they heard of Joe\u2019s beating, but a good many of them thought he deserved it. The strong bullied the weak into denouncing the Cartwrights and Jed, until anti-Indian fever was rife. It was indeed fortunate that Joe was at the Ponderosa. There were a few citizens who felt like taking revenge on Joe. Chief amongst them was Drew Dunn\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

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

On the morning of the trial, Joe was escorted into town by his family, Clem and several of the ranch hands. Roy had become increasingly embattled, and was seriously worried that his one and only eyewitness wouldn\u2019t make the courthouse alive.<\/p>\n

As the buckboard came into sight along Main Street, jeers and boos from the crowd greeted them. There was a slight drawing in of breath when the crowd saw the extent of Joe\u2019s injuries, but the heckling continued unabated.<\/p>\n

Inside the courthouse, only the prisoners\u2019 families were present. The judge had wisely decided to close the court. The noise level from outside was almost deafening. Joe was asked to take the stand, and gave his testimony in a low, clear voice. Paul Martin testified that Joe had been severely beaten by a number of people. In short order, Drew Dunn and his compatriots were found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison each. There was stunned silence from the families, but before long, the news leaked outside, and the catcalls, boos and jeers became louder. The judge commended Joe for his courage, and he was free to go home.<\/p>\n

Tired and pale, Joe joined his family to walk to the buckboard. Some of the men sentenced today had been schoolmates of his. Joe wondered if they had all been influenced by the talk and the drink, or if they had all believed that Grace had no place in a town like this. He wondered how many people were too scared to speak up in Grace\u2019s defence, because of what had happened to him. Above all, he wondered how a town of basically decent people could all suddenly turn into monsters.<\/p>\n

Despite his armed escort, Joe was jostled on the way to the buckboard, and settled back on the blanket in the back with a sigh of relief. He ached all over from the beating, and the jostling hadn\u2019t helped. For once, Joe wouldn\u2019t object to being sent straight to bed! He was troubled by the bad feeling directed towards him. He\u2019d usually been popular in the town, and it was unsettling to be an outcast.<\/p>\n

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

Jed and Grace were waiting for them back at the house. Jed had heard the story of Joe\u2019s beating from the owner of the general store when he\u2019d gone in for supplies. Mr Richmond hadn\u2019t made any secret of the cause of Joe\u2019s grief. Jed had found himself shunned by many of the town folks, but being by nature a solitary man, he wasn\u2019t overly concerned. He had known when he married Grace that there would be ill feeling. What he hadn\u2019t expected was that the ill feeling would be taken out on someone else.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe!\u201d Grace exclaimed in sorrowful tones, as Joe was helped from the buckboard. \u201cThis is all my fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see you in the crowd who did this,\u201d Joe joked, weakly. He was exhausted from his trip to court. The bruises were at their worst, and the jolting of the buckboard hadn\u2019t helped his aches and pains. Joe was glad of Hoss\u2019 supporting hand under his elbow.<\/p>\n

Tears shone in Grace\u2019s large dark eyes. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Ben,\u201d she said. \u201cI would never have come here if I\u2019d thought this would happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not your fault,\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cJoe somehow got on the wrong side of a group of drunken thugs, who are now paying for their crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Jed said,\u201d Grace started, but Ben interrupted her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrace, the town will get used to your presence, and the worst trouble makers are gone. The boys and I value your friendship. Friends look out for each other \u2013 at least real friends do.\u201d Ben patted her hand in a fatherly manner. \u201cJoe is going to be fine. We\u2019ll all just have to be a little careful until this blows over, that\u2019s all.\u201d He smiled. \u201cCome in and have some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d Joe chimed in, desperate to get inside and sit down. His legs were trembling beneath him. Hoss took the cue immediately, and began to walk Joe slowly over to the house. Adam moved quietly to Joe\u2019s other side, prepared, should he need more help.<\/p>\n

The coffee revived Joe for a while, but by the time Jed and Grace took their leave, he was ready to drop. Adam helped him upstairs, and into bed. \u201cAdam,\u201d Joe said, in a low voice, as Adam was preparing to leave. \u201cDo you think the bad feeling will blow over as easy as Pa said?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pausing, Adam gave Joe a penetrating stare. \u201cDo you?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cIt worries me, some.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that oblique admission, Adam went back to Joe\u2019s bedside. \u201cDo you think someone will come after you again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, or Jed or Grace,\u201d murmured Joe. \u201cOr you, Pa and Hoss. We\u2019re all at risk, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cBut it will blow over eventually. It just might take some time. But folks will get used to Grace.\u201d He looked at the thoughtful young man in the bed. \u201cJoe, we\u2019ll keep you safe, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam. Thanks.\u201d His lashes swept down, hiding his thoughts. \u201cI just needed to know. To be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet some rest, buddy,\u201d Adam said. \u201cEverything will work out, somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The bad feeling in the town never did die away completely that summer, but time muted it slightly. Jed and the Cartwrights made sure never to go to town alone. Joe recovered his strength gradually, and allowed himself to be babied much longer than he usually would, sensing the worry that Ben tried to hide even from himself.<\/p>\n

It was a relief to get back into the rhythm of ranch life at last, and Joe found himself busy once more with the round up and branding. Haying was next, and Adam joked that at least this year, Joe was fit enough to help. They worked from sun up to sundown. About the only time they saw Jed and Grace was in church, and for Sunday lunch, which had become a ritual. There were still mutterings as Grace appeared at church every Sunday, and although the Cartwrights made an effort to point out that Grace had been raised as a Christian, nobody seemed to believe them.<\/p>\n

Haying was finished when Grace came across to tell them some happy news. She and Jed were expecting their first child in the spring. It was glad news, received with joy, and buoyed everyone up after their summer of hard work.<\/p>\n

The only dark cloud on the horizon was the cattle drive to the sales in Sacramento. Jed was taking his cattle there too, and Grace would be left alone. Jed was unhappy about it. He\u2019d had problems keeping reliable hands since his marriage. He finally admitted to the Cartwrights that there had been a number of small incidents over the summer. Someone had scrawled \u2018Indian lover\u2019 on the wall of their cabin one night. The night watchman claimed to have seen nothing. A fence that Jed had spent all day building was scattered asunder the next morning. Small, mean tricks, but enough to make Jed desperately concerned. He had kept as much of it from Grace as he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you, Ben, I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m going to do,\u201d Jed admitted, sitting heavily on the settee in the Ponderosa ranch house. \u201cI\u2019ve had to so many things over again, that I haven\u2019t even got started on breaking those ponies I brought back from New York. I need to sell these cattle, or I won\u2019t have enough to get through the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting down his coffee cup, Ben looked thoughtful. \u201cIt\u2019s a problem,\u201d he admitted. \u201cLook, Jed, why don\u2019t you drive the cattle over to us, and we\u2019ll take them to Sacramento and sell them for you. That way, you can stay home with Grace, and get to work on those ponies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be very good of you, Ben,\u201d Jed said. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, its not,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe\u2019re going anyway. Its no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I could give you a head start on those ponies,\u201d Joe offered. \u201cWhile you bring the herd across here, I could start breaking the ponies for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea, Joe,\u201d Ben said, quickly, before Adam could make a sarcastic comment about Joe avoiding work again. Joe had been restless all summer, confined to the ranch because of the bad feeling in town. He needed something to release the tension, or he would fly apart. Ben shot Adam a look that promised to explain his decision when they didn\u2019t have company. Adam, as he had expected, subsided. \u201cShall we say the start of the week?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was agreed, and Jed went off home. Joe and Hoss went back out to tidy up some things in the barn, and Adam looked at Ben. \u201cWhy isn\u2019t Joe going to be helping with the round up?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know as well as I do that Joe needs something different to do. Something physical that will give him enough excitement, that he might manage to stay calm.\u201d Ben sighed as he looked out of the open door to where his younger sons were laughing at something. \u201cIts been hard on all of us, never being alone, but its especially hard for Joe. At least breaking the ponies gives him a little excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the bad feeling in town would have died down by now,\u201d Adam said, after a pause, tacitly admitting he understood his father\u2019s reasoning.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might have done, if there hadn\u2019t been all those Indian attacks. The tribes are starving. They\u2019re being driven from their hunting grounds. Its bad luck that it started happening about the time Grace came to town. Otherwise, she\u2019d have been a seven-day wonder, and it would be all forgotten by now. I even heard some idiot saying that Grace was stirring up the Indians.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cIts hard to believe that reasonable people can believe nonsense like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think its been worrying Little Joe, too,\u201d Adam mentioned casually. \u201cHe was pretty wound up about it after the court case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cHe\u2019s being having nightmares again. Who can blame him? From what Paul said at the trial, Joe was lucky not to be kicked to death. We can protect him for a while, but after a time, he\u2019s not going to be willing to have an armed escort all the time. What happens then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,\u201d Adam quoted, not having any answer to give his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

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

Monday morning saw Joe up at only his second calling, and eating a reasonable amount of breakfast. Joe\u2019s appetite, never wonderful, had been suffering lately from the stresses in his life. But the previous night, he had slept without nightmares, and felt pretty good about life. He joked with the rest of his family, and they enjoyed hearing his laugh again, realising that it had been missing for far too long.<\/p>\n

It was only an hour\u2019s ride to Jed\u2019s spread, and Joe was greeted by both Jed and Grace. Jed was mounted up, ready to start moving his herd. Joe\u2019s armed escort was heading back with Jed, leaving Joe under the watchful eye of Jed\u2019s foreman, who was charged with seeing to the safety of the ranch. Joe had a cup of coffee with Grace before heading out to the corral to start breaking the ponies.<\/p>\n

Standing watching for a few minutes, Grace wondered how Joe could be so enthusiastic about bronco busting. It was very hard, physically punishing work, yet Joe seemed to relish every moment. She went off back into the house to complete her daily chores. Jed was working hard to enlarge the cabin for the expected new arrival, and Grace had been teasing him about the large pole he had planted in the middle of the room, in preparation for extending the roof. She didn\u2019t really mind it, but sometimes found it a little annoying to have to detour round, when she wasn\u2019t used to it being there.<\/p>\n

At noon, Grace called Joe in to eat. He quickly washed up and joined her at the table. After saying grace, they began eating. Joe and Grace had become fast friends over the past few months. Joe kept her entertained with stories about his family. Grace in return told Joe about her upbringing in New York. The dinner hour went by all too quickly, and Joe stretched as he left the table. \u201cThanks, Grace, that was wonderful,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d better get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou be careful out there,\u201d Grace warned him, lightly. \u201cI don\u2019t want any harm coming to those ponies!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks a bunch,\u201d Joe laughed, his whole face lit up with his breath-taking smile. Grace looked at him, and wondered why some young lady hadn\u2019t snapped him up by now. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you the one who told me he could take care of himself?\u201d she teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I did at that,\u201d agreed Joe, and shoved his hat back on as he left the cabin.<\/p>\n

Joe hadn\u2019t been gone very long when the foreman came panting to the door of the house. \u201cMrs Wilkins, look! Smoke!\u201d He pointed to the wooded ridge north of the house. Part of the land was theirs, part belonged to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell Little Joe,\u201d Grace said, \u201cand then get Jed and the Cartwrights! Quickly!\u201d Even though she had only been in the West a short time, Grace knew all about the dangers of forest fires. She rang the loud dinner bell over and over, summoning the hands that were still around the homestead.<\/p>\n

They came at a run, and with a few short words, Grace directed them to check out the fire. Joe appeared as they left, his face tight with worry. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it,\u201d he said, forestalling her remark. \u201cI\u2019d better stay here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d she protested. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve got to help fight that fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t leave you here alone,\u201d he insisted. \u201cThis might be a ruse to get us away from our homes. The Ponderosa is all right, because Hop Sing is there. But I won\u2019t leave you alone here. Besides, if the fire spreads this way, you\u2019ll need help getting your stock away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d capitulated Grace, but she was secretly quite relieved that Joe was staying. He\u2019d seen fires before; he would know when to move the stock, if the need arose.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Joe filled buckets of water from the well, and began to soak the outside of the cabin. He knew that if the fire came through, it wouldn\u2019t save the building, but it might gain them an extra few minutes. Once that was done, he filled every bucket he could find, and stationed them strategically round the yard, especially close to the new haystacks. After that, all Joe could do was watch the smoke anxiously<\/p>\n

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

\u201cCan I smell smoke?\u201d Hoss asked himself. He pulled Chubb to a halt, and sniffed, but the only scent reaching his nostrils was cow. Still, Hoss was uneasy, and moved Chubb away from the herd, and sniffed again. Adam, spotting Hoss\u2019 odd movement, rode across.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t rightly know,\u201d Hoss replied, still sniffing. He lifted his tall white hat and scratched his head. \u201cBut my scalp is sure pricklin\u2019 and that means trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights had great faith in Hoss\u2019 scalp. It had never been proved wrong yet. Adam began to sniff the air, too, his eyes scanning the horizon. \u201cWhat am I smelling for?\u201d Adam asked, realising how mad he must look.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke,\u201d Hoss said, darkly. His blue eyes widened suddenly. \u201cLook, Adam! There!\u201d He pointed, and Adam followed his brother\u2019s finger, until he too saw the faint plume of smoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on!\u201d Adam said, urgently. He rode swiftly towards Ben. \u201cPa! Fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

Within moments, all the hands were looking at the smoke, which was growing thicker. Ben made several quick decisions. \u201cCharlie, Dave, stay with the herd. Adam, you and Jed get over to his place to help Joe. Hoss, you come with me. Come on, men,\u201d he called, and pointed to the burning ridge.<\/p>\n

The hands needed no further urging. They all knew the drill. They abandoned the herd to Charlie and Dave, and galloped after Ben towards the fire. Adam and Jed set off in the other direction.<\/p>\n

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

It was Grace who first noticed the movement on the road to the homestead. Joe was saddling a horse for her, just in case they had to abandon the homestead. \u201cJoe!\u201d she called. \u201cIt looks like help is arriving!\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming out of the barn, leading Grace\u2019s sorrel filly, Joe looked along the road. The riders were coming at a lope, not the flat out gallop he might have expected, but it still took several moments for Joe to recognise any of the riders. When he did, his heart leaped into his mouth. \u201cGrace!\u201d he shouted, dragging the filly to the door. \u201cGet on and ride away, quickly! Get to the Ponderosa, you\u2019ll be safe there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? I don\u2019t understand,\u201d Grace protested, even as Joe bundled her onto the horse. \u201cJoe! I can\u2019t go without you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust do as you\u2019re told and go!\u201d Joe yelled. \u201cThat\u2019s Bert Dunn there! He\u2019s coming to get revenge for Drew going to jail! Now ride!\u201d He slapped the sorrel on the rump, urging her away.<\/p>\n

Grasping the urgency, Grace drove her heel into the filly\u2019s side. Joe dashed across to Cochise, grabbed his rifle and pistol, unhitched the gelding, and slapped his rump, not wanting his beloved pony to be anywhere near the gun battle he was sure would follow.<\/p>\n

Turning, he realised it was too late to fire the warning shot he\u2019d planned. Dunn was almost on top of him. Joe dodged onto the porch and spotted a couple of riders chasing after Grace. Furious, Joe raised his rifle and fired at them. He was too far away to hit them, and his shots went wide. Then Dunn leapt from his pony onto Joe, and drove him to the ground.<\/p>\n

A desperate struggle began. Joe knew with a chilling certainty that Dunn wanted him dead. He fought like a tiger, and managed to throw Dunn off. Scrambling to his feet, Joe straightened into a right hook from one of the other men, and before he could rally his defences, he was being pummelled from all sides. It was an all too familiar scene to Joe, one that had haunted his dreams since the attack in Virginia City. Here was a mob, intent on beating him to death, and he was alone. His last coherent thought as he fell to the ground, was that Grace had escaped.<\/p>\n

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

A bucketful of cold water splashed onto Joe\u2019s face, and he revived, coughing and spluttering. Rolling onto his side, he coughed out the water he had inhaled. Every part of his body ached. Cruel hands jerked him to his feet, and his hands were roughly forced behind his back and tied there. Someone grabbed a handful of curly hair, and yanked Joe\u2019s head back. Joe looked at Bert Dunn, and felt fear curl in his belly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got you now, Cartwright,\u201d Dunn hissed. \u201cThought you\u2019d escaped, didn\u2019t you? Well, you were wrong. You sent my boy to jail, and you\u2019re going to pay for it! You and that Injun pretending to be a white.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing round as best he could, Joe realised that everyone who was there was the father of one of the young men sent to jail. From the corner of his eye, he saw movement, and with sinking horror, realised that they had caught Grace. She was being dragged along the ground, and for an instant, Joe hoped she was already dead, to spare her any more pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the squaw now,\u201d Dunn laughed. Joe could smell the cheap whiskey on his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave her alone,\u201d he panted, and regretted it instantly as Dunn swung a meaty fist into his stomach. Joe tried instinctively to curl over, but the grip on his hair stopped him. \u201cGrace!\u201d he cried, and Dunn struck him again.<\/p>\n

As Joe regained his breath, Grace was dragged onto the porch beside him. Her dress was ripped, exposing her breasts, but Grace held her head high, as though nothing had happened to her. Her eyes flickered to Joe, sending him a message of strength and hope, before returning once more to Dunn.<\/p>\n

Fearing what Dunn was going to do, Joe renewed his struggles against the men who held him, but he got nowhere. Dunn laughed, and reached out to paw one of Grace\u2019s breasts. \u201cYou\u2019re right pretty, ain\u2019t ya, squaw?\u201d he said<\/p>\n

Two men held Grace in a bruising grip, but she wasn\u2019t struggling. \u201cI\u2019m not a squaw,\u201d she said, quietly. \u201cI was raised a Christian, which is more than can be said for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

To say Dunn was annoyed by that was an understatement. He slapped Grace hard across the face, and when Joe let out a shout of protest, he turned and backhanded Joe savagely, twice. \u201cInjun lover,\u201d he cursed. \u201cYou Cartwrights are all the same. Think you\u2019re so high and mighty, yet you\u2019re crawling into bed with an Injun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d sooner stand with her than you any day!\u201d Joe retorted, truthfully, but unwisely. He groaned as Dunn hit him again. He heard Grace make a sound of protest, but knew it was useless. Unless a miracle occurred, they were both going to die.<\/p>\n

With a last effort, Joe wrenched himself free, and threw himself on one of the men holding Grace. Caught by surprise, the man let go and went down. \u201cRun!\u201d Joe cried, and Grace took the chance offered to her, and ran.<\/p>\n

Somehow, Joe evaded the hands grabbing for him, and fled towards the corral. He had no plan in mind, he simply wanted to divert attention from Grace, in the hope she might manage to escape. But he was out of luck. Both he and Grace were recaptured, and Joe subjected to another beating. He was barely conscious as they dragged him to his feet and pushed him across the yard to the house. There, he was dropped beside the new supporting post and bound to it. They left, and a few minutes later, the smoke began to curl menacingly under the door. Joe struggled frantically against the knots, but they only seemed to get tighter. Outside, the mob yelled and cheered with delight, and when Joe heard Grace\u2019s screams, he knew what was happening to her. He fought harder against the ropes, but only succeeded in tearing the skin on his wrists. The smoke increased, and Joe knew for a certainty that he was going to die there, murdered by people he had known all his life. He coughed painfully, and slid into unconsciousness.<\/p>\n

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

The fire on the ridge was hardly worthy of the name. A pile of wood had been set alight, but was too green to burn. Ben eyed it as his hands began to dismount. He was uneasy. \u201cFrank!\u201d he called, suddenly making a decision. \u201cYou and Johnny see to that fire. The rest of you, come with me!\u201d Ben turned his horse and headed towards Jed\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

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

Thundering down the road, Adam and Jed saw the mob gathered by the corral. \u201cOh my God,\u201d Jed breathed, and Adam heard both fear and entreaty in the words. He understood both sentiments. His own heart had leapt into his mouth at the sight. He had no idea how the two of them were going to deal with all those men, but he knew they had to do something.<\/p>\n

From further over the valley, he saw horses, and realised that Ben, Hoss and the hands were coming direct from the ridge to help them out. Hope swelled in his heart, and he spurred Sport to greater effort.<\/p>\n

By now, the mob had seen the riders coming, and were fleeing for their horses. Adam drew his gun and fired at them, knowing it was a wasted effort while at speed. The mob\u2019s horses began panicking as shots filled the air, and other horses thundered in their direction. Before very much longer, the yard was full of fighting men, as the hands began to subdue the mob.<\/p>\n

Jed ran to the corral, where Grace lay motionless beside the railings. Ben followed a few paces behind, terrified of what he would find. As he hesitated, Jed let out a wail of anguish, and Ben knew that what he had feared had come to pass. Grace was dead. Ben clasped Jed\u2019s shoulder in empathy, but his mind was whirling. Where was Joe?<\/p>\n

The cabin was burning, though still sluggishly, thanks to the soaking Joe had given it a short time earlier. Ben looked at it vaguely, then glanced round for his sons. They were looking round, too. The fights were beginning to die down, and Ben saw Adam grab the collar of the nearest man. As clearly as if he stood right next to him, Ben saw him say \u201cWhere\u2019s my brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

The glance at the burning cabin was all the answer they needed, but it almost stopped Ben\u2019s heart. Without hesitating, Hoss and Adam ran to the burning structure, and Hoss kicked the door in. They plunged into the reeking interior. Ben waited outside, all his senses straining towards the building, which contained the most important things in his life.<\/p>\n

All around, the men were standing silently, realising what was going on. One man, (Ben later realised it was Fred) said, \u201cI\u2019ll get the doctor and the sheriff, Boss,\u201d and mounted up without waiting for a reply. The others simply stood and waited, fearing the worst, but hoping for the best.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, there was movement at the door, and Hoss backed out, closely followed by Adam, and between them was slung the bound, unconscious form of their youngest brother. Relief almost drove Ben to his knees, so he stood still, unable to move for a moment, while Adam and Hoss carried their precious burden a good distance away from the flames.<\/p>\n

Both of the older Cartwright boys were coughing violently, and their faces were smudged with soot. Both wore remarkably similar grave expressions. Adam unshipped his knife, and sliced through Joe\u2019s bonds. Ben knelt by them, and looked anxiously at both of his older boys, before turning his attention to his youngest. A ragged gasp escaped his lips.<\/p>\n

If Joe had been badly beaten before, it was nothing to the condition he was in now. His face was almost unrecognisable. His nose was obviously broken, his lips were split and there were gashes and bruises all over his face. The raw skin on his wrists gave mute testament to his struggle to free himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody get a blanket,\u201d Ben shouted, and the hands burst into life. Soon, Joe was warmly swaddled in blankets, and Grace\u2019s poor broken body was decently shrouded. Adam and Hoss hovered over Joe, as Ben sat cradling him. He was almost as concerned with his other sons\u2019 health as he was with Joe. Adam and Hoss coughed steadily, and spat up sooty muck from the depths of their lungs.<\/p>\n

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

A couple of hours passed before Paul and Roy arrived, and another few hours went by before all three Cartwright sons were securely in their own beds. Joe had remained unconscious throughout, but his frequent mumblings and groans of pain assured them all that he wasn\u2019t in a coma. Paul worked on Joe, while Ben persuaded Adam and Hoss into bed. They both had distinct rattles in their chests, but were no longer coughing up soot. Hop Sing arrived with some warm tea, and Ben left his sons to their housekeeper\u2019s capable hands.<\/p>\n

Returning to Joe\u2019s bedside, Ben watched with concern as Paul carefully set Joe\u2019s broken nose, packed it with cotton, and taped it across his cheeks. Paul had already bound up the broken ribs, and bandaged Joe\u2019s wrists. A huge bruise was spreading over his abdomen, and Paul was concerned there might be some internal bleeding. The last thing he wanted to do, while Joe was still so weak, was operate on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done all I can for him, Ben,\u201d Paul said, straightening up. \u201cIts up to Joe now. I want to keep an eye on that bruise, and keep him as upright as possible. As he wakens up, he\u2019ll start to cough, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he doesn\u2019t?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he doesn\u2019t, he might not survive,\u201d Paul said, bluntly. \u201cHe must get the soot out of his lungs. Get a brazier up here and keep a kettle boiling all the time. The steam should help loosen his chest. I\u2019ll stay here to be close at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a long night for Ben. He mostly sat by Joe, but every now and then went to check on Adam and Hoss. Both had fallen asleep, and their coughs had subsided. Ben was thankful for that.<\/p>\n

Joe was finding breathing difficult. He had finally opened his eyes about 2 am, and looked at Ben without saying anything. With his awakening, came the start of the coughing, and Joe was in torment. He couldn\u2019t breathe though his nose at all, and by the end of a spasm of coughing, was often blue around the lips as he struggled to get enough oxygen in. The cough tormented his broken ribs, and Ben was fearful that a rib would spring free and maybe puncture a lung.<\/p>\n

As the night wore on, Joe\u2019s eyes became glazed with exhaustion, but he drank the water his father offered. Paul, roused by Joe\u2019s coughing, raided the kitchen and fed Joe sips of honey, which gave him some nourishment, and also soothed his raw throat. One boiling kettle soon became two, and it felt to Ben like he and Paul were working in a Turkish bath. However, Joe\u2019s breathing seemed easier, and gradually the coughing slowed.<\/p>\n

Dawn broke in glorious colour that morning, and Ben, glancing out of the window, spared a thought for Jed. He felt very bad that he\u2019d had to leave his friend alone, but for his hands, the previous day. Grace\u2019s death shocked and saddened Ben. He wondered how the town would be reacting to the arrests of the mob. He was sure there would be a few hangings. He would never understand why people reacted so badly to other people who were different. It was something he had no patience for, and he had taught his sons the same, and was immensely proud of their tolerant attitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d said a breathy, painful whisper, and Ben turned from his musings to see Joe looking at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d Ben asked, sitting by Joe and taking his hand gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrace,\u201d Joe said, ignoring the question completely. \u201cIs Grace\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to talk any more, Joe,\u201d Paul warned. \u201cYour throat will be pretty sore for a few days, and you don\u2019t want to strain it. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mutely, Joe nodded, but his pleading green eyes were fixed on Ben, and for the first time, Ben wondered if Joe knew what had happened to Grace. \u201cGrace died, son,\u201d he said, and saw the tears drowning those expressive orbs; saw the anguish there, and knew that Joe\u00a0had<\/em>\u00a0been aware of the torments Grace had been subjected to before she died. He gathered Joe into a comforting embrace.<\/p>\n

Crying when your nose is packed is an unpleasant business, and Joe choked and spluttered several times before he could get his grief under control. \u201cI\u2026 tried\u2026 to\u2026 protect\u2026.her,\u201d he whispered. Paul made a \u2018tutting\u2019 noise, but Joe ignored him. \u201cI\u2026. heard\u2026. them\u2026 hurt\u2026. her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did everything you could, Joe,\u201d Ben soothed. \u201cHow could you hold off so many men alone? You expected too much of yourself, Joe. You were lucky to get out alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening his mouth, Joe suddenly cast a look at the scowling face of Paul Martin and closed it again. He turned back to his father, the question he wanted to ask there in his eyes, those expressive eyes that showed so much of his soul. Ben smiled. \u201cAdam and Hoss saved you,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

At those words, Joe\u2019s eyes swivelled to the door, and riveted there. His pupils were wide and dilated. \u201cJoe, they\u2019re both fine,\u201d Paul said. \u201cJust sleeping, which is what you should be doing!\u201d He held a glass of doctored water to Joe\u2019s mouth and he had the choice of drink or drown. He drank, and a short while later, he slipped into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s going to be fine,\u201d Paul said, quietly. \u201cThere are no indications of internal bleeding. He\u2019s been lucky. Its now a case of keeping him quiet, and letting nature take its course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d responded Ben. He shut his eyes to say a brief, heartfelt, prayer of thanks.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet some rest,\u201d Paul ordered.\u00a0 \u201cAnd eat something! Doctor\u2019s orders!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Although it was soon clear that Joe\u2019s physical recovery was well under way, his mental recovery was a different matter. Joe sank into a deep depression, barely talking or eating. He lost weight, and there were dark circles permanently under his eyes. Every night, his screams woke his family. Ben had never heard the expression \u2018survivor guilt\u2019, but if he had, he would have recognised it immediately. Joe was feeling guilty for living when Grace had died.<\/p>\n

Rational thought told Joe that he had no reason to feel guilty. He had done everything in his power to save Grace, and it was inconceivable that he would have prevailed over 12 men. But Joe persisted in blaming himself. Even a visit from Jed didn\u2019t change his mind. Jed had sold his homestead, and was leaving Nevada. The memories were more than he could handle, and he was moving on.<\/p>\n

The trial of the mob came and went, and Joe had once again given damning testimony, but this time, instead of fanning the flames of ill feeling in the town, his obvious distress and suffering turned the townsfolk against the mob who had taken unspeakable revenge against a pregnant woman. Joe found himself a hero, which made him feel even guiltier. Neither Adam nor Hoss had been able to get past the barrier of guilt Joe hid behind. In fact, he had barely spoken to his brothers in weeks.<\/p>\n

A few weeks later, Ben found Joe by his mother\u2019s grave, his habitual retreat when the world became too much for him. The young man\u2019s troubled mind was only too obvious to his father, and Ben decided he had to say something to Joe, to see if he could finally calm his son\u2019s troubled spirit.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said, and looked down at the grave between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe acknowledged. He rose to his feet, and started to walk away, but Ben put out his hand to stop him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, when are you going to stop blaming yourself for being alive?\u201d Ben asked, his tone conversational.<\/p>\n

Visibly jolted, Joe just looked at his father. \u201cI think I can understand a little of how you feel,\u201d Ben went on. \u201cWhat has happened to you over the last few months has had some far reaching consequences, and its difficult to know why these things happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrace didn\u2019t deserve to die like that!\u201d Joe exclaimed, violently. \u201cShe was a good person, but nobody stopped to find that out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cNobody deserves to die like that. It was dreadful and tragic. But you know, Joe, I think maybe a little good has come from it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you?\u201d Joe said, rudely. He started to walk away, but Ben caught his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t been into town since the trial,\u201d he went on, pretending not to notice how Joe struggled to free himself from the grip on his arm. \u201cSo you don\u2019t know that there has been a change of attitude towards Grace. Its too late for her to get the benefit, but who knows? There may be other young Indian women who might find a warmer welcome here than they expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIt is too late for Grace. Far too late! I suppose you\u2019ll say better late than never?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d allowed Ben. \u201cBut you\u2019ve got to remember something, Joe. The attitude of the people in town is more common than you think. Oh, most folks are basically decent, but they have been brought up to hate and fear the Indians. How many times have you heard it said that the only good Indian is a dead Indian? Too many times. I brought you boys up to give respect to everyone, regardless of race, colour or creed. But we are the exceptions. Maybe one day, others will think like us. But we have to live in the here and now. And in the here and now, Grace\u2019s death has shown the people of Virginia City that they were wrong about her. Perhaps, as I said, some other Indian woman, or man, may benefit from it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was silent, his head ducked so that Ben couldn\u2019t see his face below the brim of his hat. \u201cBut why am I alive, and she\u2019s not?\u201d Joe cried, anguish in his tones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know the answer to that,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut perhaps you had to live, to show these people that Grace was a human being, just like them. Joe,\u201d he added, forcing his son to meet his eyes, \u201cnobody, least of all Grace, would blame you for what happened to her. You did your best, and no one can ask for more than that. You may have lived to share your philosophy that individuals are deserving of respect, even if their customs and culture are different from your own. I don\u2019t know. All I\u00a0do<\/em>\u00a0know is that I am eternally grateful to God that you survived.\u201d There were tears in Ben\u2019s voice. He drew his son to him in an enveloping hug, and after a moment, Joe hugged him back. As though a dam had been breached, Joe began to sob, and the tears washed away the weeks of bitter self-reproach.<\/p>\n

As his son\u2019s sobs subsided, Ben spoke again. \u201cJoe, life is a gift, and we should never waste it. Your brothers and I are so grateful that you are still here with us. It would make us all happier than I can say if you felt happy about being alive, too. These last few weeks have been hard on all of us, especially you, I know. But its time to put the past to rest, and remember Grace as she would have wanted \u2013 a beautiful young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wiping his face, Joe nodded. \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought of it that way, Pa,\u201d he said, and Ben noticed the lighter tone in his son\u2019s voice. \u201cLet\u2019s go home. I haven\u2019t thanked Adam and Hoss for saving my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a big smile of relief, Ben draped his arm round his son\u2019s shoulders, and they walked back to their horses in a companionable silence that neither of them had felt for too long. As they mounted, Ben glanced back at the grave. \u201cThank you, Marie my love,\u201d he whispered, \u201cfor helping me find the right words to reach our son.\u201d<\/p>\n

They turned their horses towards home, and Joe smiled his brilliant, loving smile at Ben. He responded with a grin of his own, and together they urged their horses into a light-hearted race.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A local man marries an Indian girl, and stirs up a racial backlash, which encompasses the Cartwrights, who offer friendship.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 (10,500 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4636","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":1613,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-1.jpg?fit=234%2C234&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6200,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6200","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":0},"title":"What Do You Want in A Man (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"June 27, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A poem I wrote for the Man In Black's birthday. Rated:\u00a0K+ (260 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-Stories.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-Stories.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adam-Stories.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7223,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7223","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":1},"title":"I Wonder As I Wander (by sklamb)","author":"sklamb","date":"December 20, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0On a cold Christmas Eve near Harvard Square, Adam comes to receive a sort of epiphany. Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC:1000","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Boston.png?fit=676%2C521&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Boston.png?fit=676%2C521&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Boston.png?fit=676%2C521&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6493,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6493","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":2},"title":"We Dance (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This was a poem I wrote shortly after Pernell Roberts death, remembering his accomplishments and wonderful character. It's not sad! Those who love Adam or Pernell or any of his other characters will understand exactly what I'm writing about. Sweet dreams! \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0200","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/the-friendship3.png?fit=400%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2913,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2913","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":3},"title":"Ride of Destiny (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"January 18, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam's fate is sealed. 650 words, rated K","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\/04\/destiny.jpg?fit=300%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":29886,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=29886","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":4},"title":"Of Knights and Cowboys (by Annie K Cowgirl)","author":"Annie K Cowgirl","date":"August 30, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Abigail Jones always considered herself to be a sensible woman except when it came to Adam Cartwright, her knight in shining armor. Rated: K Word Count: 642","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/The-Wooing-ofn-Abigail-Jones.jpg?fit=947%2C714&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3989,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3989","url_meta":{"origin":4636,"position":5},"title":"Hoss, North and South (by Writing Woman)","author":"Writing Woman","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0While on a cattle drive headed east, Hoss becomes involved in the war between the North and South. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a0625","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4636","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=4636"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4636\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13010"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}