{"id":4669,"date":"2003-01-08T23:57:12","date_gmt":"2003-01-09T04:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4669"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:01","slug":"the-rustlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4669","title":{"rendered":"The Rustlers (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>The Ponderosa is being plagued by rustlers, who seem to know everything about where the herd will be next. Who is giving them the information?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,200 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

The Rustlers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The two men rode in single file along the narrow trail through the heavy underbrush. They didn\u2019t talk; each knew what they were doing. It had been a long day, but they were almost finished their allotted task. Both felt it would be good to get home to a hot meal, warm bath and then bed.<\/p>\n

From further up the trail, they heard the sound of a cow lowing. The first rider threw a glance over his shoulder. \u201cTold you there\u2019d be some in this canyon, Adam,\u201d he called. \u201cThe grazing\u2019s usually pretty good up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, the older man smiled. \u201cOkay, I believe you,\u201d he returned. \u201cNow let\u2019s get them outa here so we can go home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Joe Cartwright, the youngest of the three Cartwright sons faced front again, and urged his pinto horse to a slightly quicker speed. He knew the undergrowth opened up a short distance ahead, and the cattle would be grazing peacefully in the lovely little box canyon beyond. This wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s first trip to check this box canyon, and he doubted if it would be his last. Year after year, the beeves from the herd seemed to find their way to this spot, and then were reluctant to move.<\/p>\n

Following Joe on his big rangy chestnut, Adam was surprised when Joe suddenly pulled Cochise to a halt, just out of the brush. He nudged his horse, and came out into the open, and saw at once why Joe had stopped. There were at least 20 head in the canyon but they weren\u2019t there willingly. There was a fence built across the open end, penning the beasts in.<\/p>\n

Making some exclamation of disgust, Joe dismounted his horse, and started to walk across to the fence. Slightly more cautious than his impetuous youngest brother, Adam looked round. All seemed quiet. He dismounted, too, and followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRustlers!\u201d Joe said, with contempt in his voice. Rustlers were the scourge of the ranch, and it sometimes seemed to Joe that all the rustlers in Nevada were concentrating on the Ponderosa this season. This was the third attempt they had come across in recent weeks. He glanced at Adam, his green eyes flashing with anger. \u201cI suppose we\u2019d better get this fence down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d agreed Adam, in a calmer tone. He was no less angry than Joe; he was just better able to control his temper.<\/p>\n

As they took hold of the top rail of the fence, one of the horses snorted. Some instinct made Adam pause, and look over his shoulder. Behind them stood two masked men, both pointing pistols in the Cartwrights\u2019 direction. \u201cStop right there!\u201d one ordered. \u201cDrop your guns.\u201d<\/p>\n

They had no choice but to do as they were told. Slowly, they threw down their guns and raised their hands. The two men advanced towards them, and Adam wondered what they were going to do. He and Joe were obviously a danger to them, but he thought it unlikely that they\u2019d be shot.<\/p>\n

It seemed the rustlers were thinking along the same lines. They exchanged a brief glance, and then nodded, although not a word had been spoken. \u201cI\u2019ll cover \u2018em,\u201d said the man who\u2019d already spoken. \u201cYou tie \u2018em up.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the second man turned away, Joe made a break for the walls of the canyon. \u201cNo, Joe!\u201d Adam cried, but he was too late. Joe was already moving. The man shot at him, but missed. Joe began to climb, as Adam dived at the rustler. The gun fired again, and Adam went down and out.<\/p>\n

The second rustler had his lasso, and swung it at Joe. His shot was perfect, and the rope fell over Joe\u2019s head. With one swift tug, the rope tightened round his throat, and Joe was pulled backwards from the rock face. He twisted frantically as he fell, but landed with a crash on the ground. He rolled over, but a boot to the head put him out cold.<\/p>\n

The rustler stooped over and removed his lasso. They studied the two young men lying unconscious on the ground. \u201cLet\u2019s forget about these beeves, and start again,\u201d suggested the first rustler. \u201cThese are the Cartwright boys, and everyone will be out lookin\u2019 for them. Won\u2019t take us long to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d shrugged the second. \u201cYou\u2019re in charge. Should we tie \u2018em up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, leave \u2018em. Let\u2019s go.\u201d Together, they calmly walked over to where their horses were tethered and rode away.<\/p>\n

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

A few minutes later, Joe regained consciousness. His head throbbed, and his throat was aching. He put his hand up, expecting to encounter the rope, and was relieved that it was gone. He could feel the rope burn there. Rolling over cautiously, Joe discovered that he ached all over from his fall, but the most serious hurt was his left knee, which had swollen hugely.<\/p>\n

Adam!<\/em>\u00a0Joe blinked to clear his vision, and saw his older brother lying a few feet away. He scrambled across, forgetting his own pain, and felt frantically for a pulse. It was there, beating away strongly, and Joe felt an overwhelming sense of relief. He quickly checked Adam over for injuries, remembering hearing shots, and found a bullet crease along Adam\u2019s head. It didn\u2019t look too deep, but it had been bleeding freely.<\/p>\n

The horses stood grazing a few feet away, and Joe pushed himself upright and limped over to Cochise for a canteen. His knee wasn\u2019t up to the return journey, so he dragged himself to Adam\u2019s side. Joe trickled some water onto Adam\u2019s head, and was rewarded with a groan. A few moments later, Adam opened his eyes. \u201cJoe?\u201d he muttered, clearly dazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness,\u201d Joe murmured, relieved. He helped Adam to drink, then set about getting them both home.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought Adam and Joe would\u2019ve been home by now,\u201d Ben Cartwright said, as he sat down by the fire with his after-supper coffee. \u201cThey must\u2019ve found more strays than we thought up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMusta done,\u201d Hoss agreed, chomping on a cookie. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s kept them some supper, though, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiding a smile in his cup, Ben reflected that Hoss could always be counted on to have his priorities straight. Of course, his brothers would be hungry when they got in, and Hoss knew it. It was just his way of telling his father that he hadn\u2019t eaten everything!<\/p>\n

Hooves sounded in the yard about 5 minutes later. Ben looked up from his book. \u201cThat must be them. They sound pretty tired,\u201d he commented, and laid aside his book. He rose and went to the door, Hoss trailing along behind.<\/p>\n

Whatever he had expected to see, the sight that actually met his eyes wasn\u2019t it. Adam was slumped along the neck of his horse, and Joe was alongside on Cochise, hanging onto Adam for grim death. Joe was as white as a sheet, and clearly exhausted. Ben dashed towards them. \u201cJoe! What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ran into some rustlers,\u201d Joe croaked, and Ben saw the rope burn on his throat. \u201cAdam got shot. I think he\u2019s all right, but he\u2019s lost a lot of blood.\u201d Joe released his hold on his brother, and Adam slid into Hoss\u2019 waiting arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Ben asked, coming round to help Joe down. His hand brushed lightly across Joe\u2019s injured knee, and Joe let out a cry. The heat from the swollen joint burned through the thin cloth of Joe\u2019s pants. Ben looked even more horrified. \u201cLet me help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was obvious that Joe couldn\u2019t walk unaided, and as Ben helped him to hop across the yard, he could tell from the way his son\u2019s muscles were trembling that Joe had reached the end of his endurance. Hoss met them at the house door, and picked Joe up, despite his protests, and carried him upstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, send for the doctor, then come back up and help Joe. I\u2019ll see to Adam,\u201d Ben instructed, and gave his youngest son a pat. \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cYou see to Adam.\u201d He closed his eyes as Ben left the room.<\/p>\n

Across the hallway, Adam had roused, and gave Ben a small smile. \u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d he said, although Ben had no idea what he was apologizing for. \u201cI\u2019ll be up again tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll wait and see what the doctor says,\u201d Ben directed firmly. He helped Adam undress, and get into bed. He then got some water and washed the dirt from his face. Adam looked a little better after that. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy head hurts,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cDo you remember what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes for a minute, Adam thought back. Slowly, he told Ben what had happened. \u201cI guess he must have shot me, because I don\u2019t remember anything until Joe woke me up,\u201d he concluded. \u201cJoe\u2019s limping, what happened to him?\u201d Adam was feeling a lot better now that he was still. The world wasn\u2019t whirling so much, although he still felt a little sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, yet,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHoss is with him, and the doctor is on the way.\u201d He noticed Adam\u2019s eyelids drooping. \u201cYou rest, and I\u2019ll be right here if you need me.\u201d Adam was asleep in moments.<\/p>\n

Rising, Ben went across to Joe\u2019s room. Hoss had been busy, too, and Joe\u2019s clothes lay in a pile on the floor, and Ben saw that Hoss had assisted his little brother into a nightshirt. Joe\u2019s face had been washed, and he lay propped on his pillows, grimacing in pain. He looked up as Ben entered, and tried a smile. It wasn\u2019t entirely successful.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d Ben asked, feeling Joe\u2019s head for fever. It was reassuringly cool.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe said, tersely. He knew there was no point trying \u2018fine\u2019 \u2013 Ben wouldn\u2019t be fooled for a moment. Now that Joe had managed to get Adam safely home, he was feeling the effects of his fall. Everything hurt. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAsleep right now,\u201d Ben said. He pulled up a chair and sat down. Joe put his head back on the pillows, trying to relax his muscles, and Ben saw clearly the rope burn on Joe\u2019s neck. \u201cJoe, what happened to your neck?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand shot to his throat, a dead giveaway that he had been trying to hide this injury from his parent. Hoarsely, he explained.\u00a0 \u201cIt was frightening,\u201d he admitted. \u201cWhen I woke up, I thought the rope was still there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were lucky,\u201d Ben said, soberly. \u201cYou might both have been killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cThe beeves were still there when we left,\u201d he added. \u201cI broke down a bit of the fence so they could get out. It might be worth sending a couple of hands up to see if they are still around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think those beeves will be gone,\u201d Ben said, wryly, \u201cbut I will send someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t long before Paul Martin arrived, and examined both boys. He bound up Adam\u2019s head, but the wound wasn\u2019t serious. The concussion he had suffered was quite mild, too. He prescribed ice for Joe\u2019s knee to take some of the heat and swelling out of it, and put a salve on Joe\u2019s throat. \u201cKeep off that knee until the swelling is completely down,\u201d he ordered, sternly. \u201cOtherwise you\u2019ll damage it more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make sure of it,\u201d Ben said. He knew he would have his hands full for the next few days, making sure his sons rested, as the doctor had ordered. Adam was no better a patient than Joe was. \u201cThanks for coming, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, Ben,\u201d Paul replied. He knew his way round the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

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

Later the next morning, Ben appeared in Joe\u2019s room. Joe was reading, an ice pack draped over his knee. He glanced up as the door opened, and gave Ben a welcoming smile. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat brings you up here? Its not lunch time yet. Not that I\u2019m complaining, mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Ben said, \u201cI just thought you\u2019d like to know that those beeves were still at the canyon. The hands just brought them in a few minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the rustlers would have taken them,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cWell, good thing they didn\u2019t.\u201d He frowned. \u201cI wonder why they didn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, too, \u201c Ben agreed. \u201cBut perhaps they weren\u2019t sure how badly hurt you two were. Perhaps they thought there would be a search party out looking for you. They must have recognized you.\u201d He didn\u2019t say that, if this were the case, Joe and Adam had been even more fortunate than they\u2019d originally thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, whatever, its good news about those beeves,\u201d Joe said. \u201cLet\u2019s hope that\u2019s the last we see of those rustlers.\u201d But by his tone of voice, Ben knew that Joe knew it was a forlorn hope. This band of rustlers was extremely persistent. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d Joe asked. He was frustrated at being unable to get out of bed to see for himself. But his one try at straightening his knee that morning had brought tears to his eyes, and he decided, wisely, not to risk trying to walk.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping a lot, but he looked better when I popped my head in a few minutes ago.\u201d Ben patted Joe on the arm. \u201cWell, I\u2019d better get back to the books. Somehow, I have the notion that they\u2019re not as interesting as yours, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to swap,\u201d Joe assured his father as he picked back up his dime novel.<\/p>\n

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

By the end of the week, Adam was back on his feet, and complaining at being stuck with barn chores or bookkeeping. Joe was increasingly restless, but the swelling in his knee was taking its own sweet time to go down, and Joe had promised Ben he wouldn\u2019t get out of bed until Paul said he could.<\/p>\n

There had been no further attempts to rustle any of the cattle, for which Ben was grateful, as they were soon going to be into the big round up, where they separated out the breeding stock, and drove the rest to market. The more head Ben had, the more money the ranch would make. Although a bad year wouldn\u2019t break the Ponderosa, one bad year often led to another, and it was amazing how quickly things could spiral downhill.<\/p>\n

At the end of the second week, Joe was allowed out of bed, and he limped carefully around the house until he worked the stiffness out of his knee. For another few days, Ben kept him restricted to the yard, then grudgingly allowed Joe his freedom to resume his normal activities.<\/p>\n

This was none too soon for Joe, as the inactivity had been driving him mad. However, he was soon back into the full swing of things, and his knee appeared to be back to normal. \u201cJust in time,\u201d Joe confided to Hoss. \u201cI\u2019d have hated to miss the dance Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou takin\u2019 Julie?\u201d Hoss asked, pretty sure he knew the answer. Julie had kept Joe\u2019s attention for a lot longer than any of them had expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure am,\u201d Joe responded, grinning broadly, leaving Hoss in no doubt that his brother was thinking about her. Julie was a few years older than Joe, and very beautiful and worldly. She was a very young widow, having lost her husband just two months after their marriage, when he was killed in a railroad crash. Distraught, but left with quite a bit of money, Julie had been traveling to help mend her heart, and had come to Virginia City to visit relatives. She and Joe had taken an immediate fancy to one another, and although Ben had predicted that Julie would tire of Joe quickly, their romance still seemed to be on track. In fact, Julie had confided to Joe that she was thinking of buying a place nearby.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, Joe dressed with great care, making sure his suit was immaculate, and his white shirt crisp. He carefully tied his black sting tie, and examined himself critically in the mirror. Julie was a beauty, with long dark, shining hair, and big, almond shaped dark eyes. Joe didn\u2019t want to let her down by being untidy.<\/p>\n

When Joe came downstairs, he found his brothers waiting for him, and endured with equanimity the jibes about his beauty. Ben, who had decided to stay at home that night, found himself marveling at Joe\u2019s self control. He bid the boys have a good evening, and watched them mount up and ride off, still bickering amiably. You just never knew where you were with Joe, he mused. A casual remark that might be greeted with a shrug one day would send him off the deep end another, and there was simply no telling which day would be which. Perhaps Julie was having a positive influence on him. Ben closed the door. There was something about Julie that he didn\u2019t like, although he couldn\u2019t say exactly what it was. She was pretty and mannerly, and sometimes a little outrageous. Ben knew he ought to be as enchanted by her as the rest of the town was. Maybe it was just that she was older than Joe, or that he wasn\u2019t yet ready for the baby of the family to leave, or perhaps it the similarity of her name to that of Julia Bulette. Ben didn\u2019t know. All he was sure of was that he found being polite to Julie a trial, and so had decided to avoid her wherever possible. It was a relief to him that the boys hadn\u2019t noticed his ploy.<\/p>\n

Julie was already at the hotel when the brothers arrived. She was wearing a dress of crimson silk, the very color declaring her independence. She was exposing a lot more of her pretty shoulders than the matrons of Virginia City thought entirely proper, but none of the young men seemed to mind. Joe felt a pang of jealousy when he saw Julie chatting to a couple of men when he arrived, but as soon as she him, she excused herself and crossed to his side. \u201cHi,\u201d she said, in her seductive, husky voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi yourself,\u201d Joe answered, grinning at her, his pleasure in her company showing all too clearly. He gestured to the dance floor. \u201cWould you care to dance?\u201d he asked, and swept her out onto the floor.<\/p>\n

All through the evening, they laughed and talked and danced. Julie had heard about Joe and Adam\u2019s run-in with the rustlers, and demanded details, listening with wide eyes as Joe told her the story. Being Joe, he couldn\u2019t resist embellishing the details slightly, and he felt a shiver run down his spine when Julie touched her fingers to the faint mark on his neck. He caught her hand, and brought it to his lips. \u201cDon\u2019t do that,\u201d he said, his voice husky with desire.<\/p>\n

With a visible effort, Julie changed the subject. \u201cAre you begun with round-up yet?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Blinking, Joe shook his head. \u201cNot quite. We start on Monday, moving the herd to a new pasture, then we\u2019ll cut out the breeding stock, and then we head for market.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo where are the herd going to be grazing then?\u201d she persisted, although Joe heard enough talk about the round-up at home, and would sooner talk about something else.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re moving them to the South pasture,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cListen, do we have to talk about cows?\u201d he added, plaintively. \u201cI hear about them all day at home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Julie said,\u201d Why, I thought cowboys only talked about cows.\u201d She smiled. \u201cLet\u2019s dance,\u201d she suggested, and Joe was quick to agree.<\/p>\n

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

Monday came too quickly, and the men of the Ponderosa were soon hard at work pushing the cows from one piece of grazing to another. It was a task Joe especially hated. Cows were stupid and obstinate, and they smelled bad. No matter where you rode, you ended up eating dust, and Joe had once more been left to ride drag, the worst position of all, right at the back of the herd.<\/p>\n

By mid-week, the majority of the herd was settled into the new grazing, and some of the men were out hunting for strays, while others started separating out the breeding stock. Joe was looking for strays, and he and Adam were often paired together as they hunted through underbrush and in the small tracts of woodland along the route they\u2019d traveled.<\/p>\n

There weren\u2019t many strays, but when the tally was complete, they were almost 50 head down. \u201cRustlers!\u201d Ben said, in disgust, as he eyed the tally sheet. They had all counted the herd, and still came to the same count \u2013 50 down. \u201cFrom now on, the hands stay with the herd. We can\u2019t afford to lose any more.\u201d Ben mounted Buck and rode off to talk to Charlie, the foreman.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said, picking up Cochise\u2019s rein, and preparing to mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go where?\u201d Adam asked, putting his hand out to stop his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, where?\u201d Hoss echoed. He tipped his hat back on his head. \u201cWe ain\u2019t likely to find no tracks, Joe. We\u2019ve had men ridin\u2019 all over this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frustration pinched Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cWell, we\u2019ve got to do something,\u201d he protested. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to look.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s up to Pa,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cBut Hoss is right. We have no idea where to look. We got off lightly the last time they struck. The beeves were still there, but we haven\u2019t a clue where to hunt this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing Adam was right didn\u2019t ease Joe\u2019s frustrations any. He wanted to go out looking for the missing cattle. There was a faint chance they might be found, and although he didn\u2019t admit it to himself, Joe wanted to catch the rustlers, too. \u201cFine,\u201d he said, shortly, but his mood was set for the afternoon. Adam and Hoss exchanged glances, then left Joe to stew in his own temper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut 50 isn\u2019t a lot out of a herd the size of yours,\u201d Julie said, that evening, as Joe took her for a buggy ride. \u201cWhy are you getting all worked up about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not a lot,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cBut stealing is stealing, Julie. We worked hard raising this herd, and now someone thinks they have the right to come along and help themselves! Its not right!\u201d As always, when talking about something he felt deeply, Joe\u2019s voice rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, calm down,\u201d Julie said. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to shout at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe apologized, \u201cbut this gets to me. I couldn\u2019t even go out hunting for tracks, because we\u2019ve been all over that area looking for strays, and any tracks have been messed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Julie assured him, running her hand down his arm. Joe brought the buggy to a halt, and turned to face her, kissing her gently. For an instant, he thought about proposing then and there, but he decided the timing wasn\u2019t right. He would wait until after the cattle drive, when he had extra money in his pocket. He would take Julie for a meal, with champagne, and pop the question then.<\/p>\n

They sat silently for a few minutes, Julie\u2019s head resting on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cSo what happens next?\u201d she asked. \u201cThe big drive you were talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll be gone for a few weeks. You\u2019ll still be here when I get back, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Julie answered, steadily. \u201cIt takes a few weeks? Do you lose many cattle on the way?\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, Joe had to stifle his impatience. He realized that Julie was new to all this, and it was of interest to her, since it was part of what he did for a living. \u201cSometimes,\u201d he said. \u201cIt varies. Usually, we get there with the same number we leave with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how you do it,\u201d Julie said. As Joe grinned, she rushed on. \u201cNo, I mean I really don\u2019t know how you do it. Tell me about driving cattle. Do you guard them all the time? Ride all day and all night? What?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Joe told her the bare details of pushing cattle to market, wondering that she seemed to be taking it in as if it were interesting, when Joe knew it was really quite tedious. He even told her the route they were taking. Julie seemed to find it all riveting, although for the life of him, Joe couldn\u2019t think why. However, he was more than willing to indulge her. After a time, he leaned forward, and kissed her again.<\/p>\n

He was unwilling to end their evening, but he had to be up early the next morning, and the dusk was drawing down. Julie didn\u2019t seem to mind too much, and he lingered for a moment on the porch, giving her another kiss. \u201cSee you soon,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry back,\u201d she replied, and went indoors. Joe got back into the buggy and shook the horse up. He wished he didn\u2019t have to leave so soon.<\/p>\n

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

It was a little past 4am when Joe rose the next day, and rode out to stand watch on the herd. Morning wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s favorite time of the day, and it had been an enormous effort to get going at 4. He didn\u2019t bother with breakfast, knowing he would get coffee and bacon from the chuck wagon. Dawn was breaking as he left the yard.<\/p>\n

As he ate, Joe listened to Charlie tell him about the peaceful night that had just passed. There hadn\u2019t been any more sign of rustlers, and with luck, there wouldn\u2019t be. The next morning, they would move the herd out, and wouldn\u2019t be home again for three weeks.<\/p>\n

Finishing, Joe mounted Cochise, and turned sharply as a shout rose from the other side of the herd. \u201cRustlers!\u201d There was a shot, and all the men dived for their horses. Joe kicked Cochise into a gallop, and raced across the meadow, his pistol in his hand. He could see the band of rustlers \u2013 about 6, he guessed \u2013 pulling one of the herd behind them as they attempted to escape. Joe was pretty sure they would abandon the awkward beast as the wranglers got closer, and a moment or two later was proved correct.<\/p>\n

Ignoring the beast, Joe sped after the rustlers. The herd lowed uneasily when they heard the gunshots, and the cowboys got to work containing a possible stampede. Oblivious to all this Joe thundered alone after the rustlers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Come back!\u201d Charlie shouted, but his voice was lost in the general melee.<\/p>\n

It was only when he followed the fugitives into the tree line that Joe realized he was alone. He pulled Cochise to a halt, and hesitated. It went against his nature to just let the rustlers escape, but he was alone against 6; those weren\u2019t reassuring odds. Glancing round, he turned the horse, but he had hesitated too long. A rope sang out, landed over his shoulders, and Joe was jerked from the saddle.<\/p>\n

He struggled automatically, but he was winded from his fall, and before he could recover, he found his hands tightly bound behind his back, and his feet secured. He glared wildly up at his masked captors, who looked down on him disdainfully. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you!\u201d Joe declared, rashly.<\/p>\n

None of the rustlers spoke, but Joe was dragged to the nearest tree, and tightly bound to it. A gag was jammed into his mouth, and when he fought them, he received a savage backhand slap. Once he was secure, the rustlers simply walked away and left him there. Joe fought his ropes, but it was hopeless. He was trapped.<\/p>\n

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

Several hours passed before Hoss found Joe. By then, Joe had stopped struggling. All he had done was to tear the skin from his wrists. His body ached from the tight ropes, and he\u2019d been unable to rub the gag from his mouth. His relief when he saw Hoss was enormous.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss exclaimed, and fired three shots into the air. He knelt by Joe and pulled the gag from his mouth. \u201cAre you hurt?\u201d he asked, rumpling the younger man\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe croaked. \u201cJust thirsty.\u201d He sat patiently while Hoss hacked through the ropes that bound him. Once he was free, he started to rub the life back into his hands. Hoss took over, his larger hands gently stimulating Joe\u2019s sluggish circulation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Hoss said, handing Joe a canteen. \u201cMind yer lip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy lip?\u201d Joe repeated, but didn\u2019t wait for an answer. He drank thirstily, instantly discovering that he had a split lip. It didn\u2019t matter. The water tasted wonderful.<\/p>\n

A couple of riders came through the trees, and Hoss tensed, until he recognized Ben and Adam. They both slid down from their horses, and hurried across. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben said, relief in his tones. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cJust a little stiff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him up,\u201d Ben said, and Hoss and Adam each took an arm, helping Joe to his feet. It took a moment or two for his legs to feel normal again, but Joe was soon standing without support, and Ben was reassured that Joe really was all right. \u201cWhat were you thinking of?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wasn\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied, dryly, and Joe couldn\u2019t disagree with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the men were behind me,\u201d Joe explained, feeling about 15 again. Only Adam could do that to him now. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize till I got here that they weren\u2019t with me.\u201d He looked at Adam. \u201cIt was the same lot as before. I recognized the two we met last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to say anything about the close call his son had had, Ben gave Joe a rough hug, and they started walking back to the horses. Joe suddenly realized that he didn\u2019t have a horse to ride, and could barely stifle a groan at the thought of walking all the way back to where the herd had been. That was assuming that Cochise had gone back there, and not back to the ranch. He ducked his head, and Ben glanced across at him, guessing what was on his mind.. He and Adam were leading their horses, and it hadn\u2019t occurred to Joe that Hoss\u2019 horse was nowhere in sight. So it was a great relief to get clear of the trees, and see Chubb and Cochise tethered together.<\/p>\n

They rode back to the herd, and Joe endured the good-natured teasing the hands subjected him to. He knew it was their way of expressing relief that he was all right.\u00a0 Joe dismounted by the chuck wagon, and accepted a cup of coffee and a sandwich gratefully. He had no idea how long he\u2019d been tied up, but his stomach told him it was lunchtime. He was just finishing eating when Ben rode up. \u201cCome on, son,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re going home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe said, frowning, but he got no further.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got an early start in the morning,\u201d Ben interrupted. \u201cAnd you\u2019ve had a hard day. Don\u2019t argue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe said, dutifully, and mounted up. To his relief, he saw Adam and Hoss were coming back with them. That made him feel less like an errant school boy.<\/p>\n

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

It was cold and wet the next morning, and Joe wasn\u2019t the only one to wish he could stay in bed that day. They said goodbye to Hop Sing, and headed off. It would be three weeks before they saw their home again. The herd was obstinate that morning, and none of it seemed to auger well for the rest of the drive. However, once they were actually under way, the petty niggles were forgotten in the constant pushing of the cows.<\/p>\n

Apart from the foul weather, the first few days passed uneventfully enough. They were all tired, as the rain kept them from sleeping as soundly as they might have. Everyone was wet and dirty, and jokes about walking mud holes soon began to be heard amongst the men.<\/p>\n

Finally the weather cleared, and everyone began to feel more cheerful. They managed to pick up the pace a little, as the bad weather had slowed them down. As Ben pointed out, it would slow all the other beef producers down, too.<\/p>\n

It was on the third day of fine weather that the rustlers struck. They appeared from the hills, and rode down on the<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

wranglers, shouting and firing their guns. The herd began to panic, and before they knew quite where they were, the herd was stampeding!<\/p>\n

It was pandemonium. Cows began bawling, the hands were shouting, and shooting back, and the rustlers managed to get several head to split away from the main bunch. Ben was trying to bellow orders, and keep the men away from the front of the stampede, so nobody got hurt. Adam raced Sport to the front of the herd, but he couldn\u2019t slow them immediately. Hoss and Joe galloped after the rustlers.<\/p>\n

It was as though the rustlers had known where to find them, Joe thought, as he fired at one. He was beginning to be very angry at this particular set of rustlers, as he had once more recognized the ones he and Adam had run into originally. Bullets whistled past his head, but Joe kept going. Chubb stumbled, and almost fell, and Hoss dropped behind.<\/p>\n

Once more, Joe was chasing the rustlers alone, and once more unaware of the fact. \u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss yelled, trying to get him to stop. \u201cJoe! Come back!\u201d<\/p>\n

It was too late. As the majority of the men turned to go to Joe\u2019s aid, the rustlers turned back abandoning the cattle they had taken, and surrounded Joe. A gun was aimed at him, and his own gun was lifted from his hand. Joe made a lunge for the nearest person, and a gun sledged down on his head. He slumped forwards, all but unconscious, and someone took his reins, and they rode off. The Ponderosa men fell back, stunned. Joe and the rustlers vanished.<\/p>\n

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

Any hope that Adam and Hoss had had of persuading Ben of letting them follow the rustlers alone was soon dashed. There was no way Ben was allowing his other two sons to go anywhere without him, especially when it involved the rescue of his third son. Charlie, long time foreman and trusted friend, was charged with getting the cattle to market, and getting the best price possible for them. \u201cI hope we\u2019ll catch up with you before then,\u201d Ben said, softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Ben,\u201d Charlie assured him. \u201cYou find Little Joe, and don\u2019t worry about the herd. I\u2019ll take care of them.\u201d He clasped his boss\u2019s arm for a moment, and then moved off to mount.<\/p>\n

Moving round to mount Buck, Ben looked at his men for a moment. Each man had taken the time to come to him, and express the hope that they found Joe soon. Ben was very touched. He glanced at Adam and Hoss, who were mounted and waiting for him. They had taken some food from the chuck wagon, and were ready to follow the tracks. Ben closed his eyes for a moment, to pray that Joe was all right. Drawing a deep breath, he mounted, and the Cartwrights rode away. Behind them, the herd lowed, mournfully.<\/p>\n

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

It seemed to Joe an interminable amount of time before the rustlers stopped to rest. His hands had been roughly tied to his saddle horn, and he had been ignored for the rest of the ride. Joe\u2019s head ached where he\u2019d been struck, and he thought he was lucky not to have been knocked out. He sat on his horse while the rustlers all got off theirs and stretched the kinks out of their backs. They seemed unworried about the trail they had left behind them. A blind man could\u2019ve followed it, Joe thought.<\/p>\n

Finally, two rustlers came over and untied Joe\u2019s hands before pulling him roughly from the saddle. He was prodded at gunpoint over near the fire one was lighting, and forced to sit down. Then his hands were tied behind his back, and his feet bound. Joe couldn\u2019t help but struggle a little, and earned another thump on the head, but from a hand this time. Then the rustlers gave him a shove, laughed as Joe fell to his side, and walked away.<\/p>\n

Darkness fell, and the rustlers made a meal. Joe was offered nothing but water. He kept testing his bonds, but the ropes held firm. This wasn\u2019t exactly a surprise, because Joe had had a previous opportunity to become acquainted with the knot tying ability of the rustlers. It hadn\u2019t stopped him hoping, though.<\/p>\n

Eventually, Joe fell asleep, despite the discomfort of his position. He was woken by a kick at first light, and offered some coffee, which he drank, gratefully. He was once again tied to his horse, and they set off, riding at a ground-covering lope. Once or twice, Joe looked back, but there didn\u2019t seem to be anybody following them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you taking me?\u201d Joe asked, when they stopped at noon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it matter?\u201d asked the person who was untying him. \u201cYou\u2019re goin\u2019 even if\u2019n you don\u2019t wanta.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyeing the man with displeasure, Joe debated about jumping him, but the gun trained on him dissuaded him from such a risky idea. While he had the chance, Joe rubbed some life back into his hands, noticing that his wrists were chafed and raw. Again, he was tied up, but this time he was offered some food. Joe was hungry, and accepted, even though the beans were being reheated for the second or third time.<\/p>\n

They were soon on the move again, and Joe wondered once more where they were headed. Soon, he began to recognize landmarks, and realized that they were heading back towards the Ponderosa and home. They were riding over rougher ground than was suitable for cattle, so were traveling more quickly. Joe was very uneasy. He realized that the person who was organizing this gang must be someone they knew. Someone who had known where the herd was, and which route they were taking on the drive. He had the feeling he was going to find out soon.<\/p>\n

It was to be sooner than Joe thought. They crested the brow of a hill, and below them, Joe saw the flicker of a campfire. He looked more closely, and saw a large tent pitched there. The rustlers rode straight for it, and stopped. Once more, he was pulled from the saddle and his hands were re-tied behind him. He was pushed into the tent.<\/p>\n

The front Joe had been keeping up crumbled the instant he saw the person in the tent. His mouth fell open, and he knew he was gaping, but he couldn\u2019t help himself. Shock reverberated through his system. \u201cJulie?\u201d he finally gasped, incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d she answered, coolly.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI think we\u2019re gettin\u2019 closer, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, straightening. \u201cThese tracks ain\u2019t more than a few hours old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s push on then,\u201d Ben said, as though any of them had thought of doing anything else. They had ridden as hard as they dared over the last day, and had forced themselves to eat regular meals, but all their attention was fixed on the trail they were following.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t understand why they aren\u2019t worried about leaving such an obvious trail for us to follow,\u201d Adam fretted. \u201cSurely they knew we\u2019d follow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand either,\u201d Ben said, tiredly. \u201cThey must have something else in mind, but what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get Joe back, Pa,\u201d Hoss comforted, although his assurances sounded a little less certain than they had done the previous day.<\/p>\n

Riding on, it didn\u2019t take them long to realize that they were headed for home. They exchanged glances. \u201cSomeone we know,\u201d Adam said, bitterly. \u201cHow could they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite easily, it seems, as they quite easily took your brother hostage,\u201d Ben returned. Once again, he closed his eyes and entreated the Almighty to let Joe be all right. He didn\u2019t know how many times he\u2019d repeated that little prayer, and he couldn\u2019t guess how many more times he might say it before Joe was restored to them.<\/p>\n

Grimly, they rode on.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou told me everything I wanted to know,\u201d Julie told Joe, reaching out to stroke his cheek. He jerked away. \u201cI got quite a few head to sell on, thanks to you. But then you became a nuisance, and I decided on an easier way to make money. I decided to sell you back to your father. Given the way you kept harping on about him, I assume he\u2019ll be willing to pay handsomely for your safe return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get away with this,\u201d Joe vowed, horrified to find that his voice wasn\u2019t quite steady.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Julie laughed, once more stroking his face. \u201cDid you really think I\u2019d fall for a boy like you? You\u2019re sweet, but I need a man.\u201d She put her hand out to the man that Joe had kept meeting, and he stepped forward to take it briefly before grinning nastily at Joe. \u201cSven here is the perfect man for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA crook for a crook,\u201d Joe said, unable to keep silent. He wanted to inflict hurt as deep as the hurt she\u2019d inflicted on him.<\/p>\n

Casually, Sven backhanded Joe. The youth staggered, but kept his feet. Julie looked interested. \u201cOh Joe,\u201d she mocked. \u201cDid I mean that much to you? Did you fall in love with me?\u201d She laughed, as Joe fought to keep his feelings from his face. \u201cWere you intending to marry me?\u201d She nudged her lover. \u201cSven, he\u2019s in love with me! Have you heard anything so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Julie?\u201d Joe demanded, ignoring the pain in his heart. \u201cWhy did you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was fun,\u201d Julie said. \u201cI wanted to see if I could outsmart the men round here, and you were just wonderful! Naive and trusting! And with a rich daddy! Perfect!\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to face any more, Joe turned away. He had no idea where he intended to go, but he just knew he had to get out of that tent. Julie made an urgent motion with her hand, and Sven grabbed Joe by the shoulder and swung him around. \u201cThat\u2019s far enough!\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Gazing at him incredulously for a moment, Joe said nothing, simply turning away again. He had only one thought in mind. He had to get away from Julie, but she and Sven had other ideas. Sven grabbed Joe once more, and punched him full in the face. Julie caught her breath. Sven was an ideal match for her, in that he was as ruthless and violent as she was. It excited her to see Joe being beaten up, and the fact that he couldn\u2019t fight back excited her very much.<\/p>\n

But Joe made a fight of it. Even with his hands tied, he did his best, using his head as a battering ram, but Sven was too strong, and Joe took a severe beating. Eventually, he lay on the ground, bleeding from nose and mouth. He was barely conscious. Pain battered him from all over. He slipped in and out of consciousness.<\/p>\n

Time passed, and Joe was vaguely aware that he still lay on the ground in the tent, and Julie and Sven were on the bed. It sickened him to realize that they were making love, turned on by the beating, and he struggled not to throw up. He tried to move, but his body rebelled. The pain was too intense.<\/p>\n

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

Crouching on the hill above, looking down, Adam glanced at Ben. \u201cWhat do you want to do?\u201d he asked, although his every instinct was to fling himself on his horse, and ride into the camp, guns blazing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get Joe out of there,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe know he\u2019s in the tent, so we\u2019ve got to get to him. We don\u2019t have time to go for help. We\u2019ll have to get down there, and pick them off one by one.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t much of a plan, but it was the only one they could think of. Silently, they slipped through the undergrowth, until they were close to the camp. Dusk had fallen, and the light was uncertain in the camp. Adam took the first one out; placing an uppercut on the point of the lookout\u2019s chin before he was even aware Adam was there.<\/p>\n

It was eerie, how fast they fell, but only three had gone when the alarm was raised. In the tent, Sven raised his head, before getting up and dragging on his pants. He crossed to Joe, and lifted the injured man by his shirtfront, and putting a gun to his head. \u201cMake one sound and I\u2019ll kill you,\u201d he threatened. Joe didn\u2019t care at that point. Sven dropped him, and Joe couldn\u2019t stifle the grunt as he hit the ground.<\/p>\n

There was a sudden brawl outside, and Sven dived out of the tent opening, leaving Joe alone with Julie. She sat up, and made herself decent, glancing often at Joe. There was shooting from outside, and Julie got to her feet, looking less confident now. She searched in her bag for something, and produced a small derringer.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the side of the tent caved in, the tent pegs came loose, and the whole thing folded in on itself. Julie let out a shriek. Joe tried to fight clear of the enveloping canvas, but failed. There was a sudden whoosh and crackle, and with a surge of adrenalin, Joe realized that the tent was on fire!<\/p>\n

Rousing himself from his stupor, he shouted for help. He could hear Julie screaming loudly. Joe fought his bonds furiously, tearing his wrists up even more, but was unable to loosen them at all. Smoke billowed into his face, and Joe inhaled a huge lungful, and began to cough. The more he coughed, the more he had to cough, and the more smoke he inhaled.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, pain raked down his back, and Joe let loose a scream. He thought the flames had reached him, but hands grabbed him and hauled him free from the folds of the tent. Joe\u2019s eyes were tearing too much from the smoke to let him see at once who had saved his life, but as his vision cleared, he realized that the strong arms round him belonged to Adam. He coughed once more, and his back sent another stab of pain through him. \u201cAdam!\u201d he gasped, and collapsed into darkness.<\/p>\n

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

They rode home as fast as they could. Joe lay on a travois, unconscious, although coughing often. Adam, in freeing Joe from the burning tent, had accidentally dragged the knife down the length of his brother\u2019s back. His remorse had almost paralyzed him, until he realized that they still had to get Joe home, and send a posse to get the rustlers. Julie had died before they could reach her, and, looking at the corpse, Ben was thankful that this young woman would not have to live out her life hideously disfigured.<\/p>\n

As they neared home, Ben sent Hoss on ahead to warn Hop Sing, and send a hand for the doctor. Adam led Cochise, who pulled the travois, and looked almost as pale as Joe. Ben had been unable to convince Adam that Joe would not hold the injury against him. After all, Adam had undoubtedly saved Joe\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

Dirty and tired, they finally reached home, and Ben and Adam almost butted heads as they bent over the unconscious figure on the travois. Looking at his oldest son\u2019s pale face, Ben decided to let Adam carry Joe into the house.<\/p>\n

Going inside, they discovered that Hoss had everything ready for them, and a fire was burning in Joe\u2019s room. Hop Sing had heated water, and Ben removed the shredded remains of Joe\u2019s clothes while Adam went to get changed and wash up. Then leaving Joe in Hoss\u2019 capable hands, Ben went quickly to change himself. Briefly, he thought of the rustlers they had left tied up in the valley, but the thought didn\u2019t linger. Joe needed him, and so did Adam and Hoss, even if they wouldn\u2019t admit it.<\/p>\n

Going back into Joe\u2019s room, Ben was in time to hear him speak his name. \u201cPa?\u201d he gasped, then coughed. Swiftly crossing to his son\u2019s side, Ben stoked his tangled curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re home, Joe, rest easy, son,\u201d he soothed. \u201cWe\u2019re all here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJulie,\u201d Joe whispered, then coughed once more. Dark bits of soot were expelled from his lungs. \u201cIt was Julie, Pa,\u201d he went on, determined that Ben should understand. \u201cMy fault,\u201d he persisted, as Ben tried to shush him. \u201cI told her\u2026 everything she\u2026 needed to know. Sorry, Pa. My fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHush, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cIts not your fault at all. Rest now. Paul will be here soon. Have a drink of water.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he lifted Joe\u2019s head, the youth cried out. \u201cMy back!\u201d He bit his lip, but then the initial agony settled down, and he gulped thirstily at the water.<\/p>\n

Standing over by the door, Adam winced, and turned away when Joe cried out. He started to leave, but Hoss saw his intention, and went over to catch his oldest brother by the arm. \u201cAdam, he don\u2019t mean anything by that. He\u2019ll be grateful to you for savin\u2019 his life, I promise. He won\u2019t mind that you hurt him. It weren\u2019t on purpose, Adam, an\u2019 Joe\u2019ll know that, when he\u2019s himself again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about before that?\u201d Adam asked, quietly. \u201cWhen he\u2019s out of his head with pain, and maybe fever? Will he understand then? I should\u2019ve been more careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not knowing what else to say, Hoss just stood there, still holding Adam\u2019s arm. In the quietness of the room, Joe spoke. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam and Hoss?\u201d he asked. \u201cThey all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Beckoning them over, Ben said, \u201cThey\u2019re here, Joe. Look.\u201d<\/p>\n

All but shoving Adam before him, Hoss went to the bedside. \u201cWe\u2019re here, Shortshanks,\u201d he said, bending over to ruffle his brother\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam said, kneeling by the bed, so his brother could see him. \u201cForgive me, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glazed green eyes gazed back at Adam. \u201cYou ain\u2019t\u2026 done anything,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cWhat do I\u2026 have to forgive\u2026 you for? I shouldn\u2019t a\u2026 been so stupid. Didn\u2019t think. Don\u2019t be mad at me, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Adam whispered, and tears filled his eyes. This boy could do it to him every single time, and he still didn\u2019t know how. One minute he was asking forgiveness; the next, Joe had turned everything round, and needed Adam\u2019s approval. \u201cOf course, I\u2019m not mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe said, craning his neck. Ben stepped forward. \u201cYou mad at me? Sorry. I was stupid.\u201d Joe began to cough again.<\/p>\n

\u201cRest, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019m not mad at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe seemed to slip into a light sleep, and they sat silently by his bed, waiting for Paul to arrive. It wasn\u2019t much later that they heard the buggy, and Paul appeared. He woke Joe, and examined him. He diagnosed broken ribs from the beating, and bandaged Joe up tightly. The knife wound in his back, although painful didn\u2019t require stitches, as it was quite shallow. Paul was concerned by the coughing, and the sound of Joe\u2019s lungs, and kept him awake for a couple of hours until that had settled down a bit. Then he gave Joe something for the pain, and let him go back to sleep.<\/p>\n

By now, it was almost morning, and the Cartwrights looked exhausted. Paul began his usual bullying to get them to rest. He had a quick look at each of them, as they had all inhaled a small amount of smoke, but they were all fine. Eventually, he convinced them all to get some sleep, and let Hop Sing sit with Joe, who would sleep now for several hours.<\/p>\n

When Ben went back into Joe\u2019s room later, his son still slept. Hop Sing was bathing his brow with cold water, as Joe was running a slight temperature. As Ben went to the bed to take over, Hop Sing gave him an oblique look that Ben couldn\u2019t interpret. \u201cWhat is it, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben asked. Joe seemed to be sleeping peacefully, despite his fever.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Adam,\u201d replied the little man, enigmatically.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben wondered if Adam had received an injury of some kind that had escaped Paul\u2019s eagle eye. He ran a loving hand over Joe\u2019s curls, and then hurried across to Adam\u2019s room. The bed was empty. Turning, Ben hesitated for a moment before going slowly downstairs. There was no one in the great room, so Ben followed his instincts, and went outdoors.<\/p>\n

Standing leaning on the corral rails, Adam was the picture of misery. Ben\u2019s heart twisted. He went across and leaned beside Adam. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you to be up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t sleep,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cI kept hear Joe screaming as I cut him with that knife.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand that,\u201d Ben said, putting his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI heard it a few times myself last night.\u201d Adam shot Ben a dark look through his lashes. Ben ignored it. \u201cBut, you know, son, I\u2019d sooner hear that cry than one like Julie made when she died. How much worse would we all feel if Joe had died in that tent? Don\u2019t beat yourself up, Adam. Joe\u2019s injury is minor, and he survived, thanks to you. Bad things happen to people, and we do sometimes hurt people unintentionally. But weigh the good against the bad. The good is Joe is alive. Don\u2019t you think that\u2019s more important than a small cut?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was silent. Beneath his hand, Ben could feel the tautness of Adam\u2019s muscles. He knew how Adam liked things to go exactly to plan, and how he would shoulder the blame, even if the blame wasn\u2019t his to shoulder. But Adam was also a creature of logic, and as Ben had hoped, that logic got through to him. \u201cOf course, you\u2019re right, Pa,\u201d Adam said, and in his dispassionate tones, Ben could hear the relief as he let go of his guilt. \u201cI wasn\u2019t seeing the whole picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo and get some sleep,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cYou\u2019ll see it for yourself when you\u2019ve slept, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed. He rubbed his eyes, and then rasped a hand over his chin. \u201cOnce I\u2019ve done that, I\u2019ll speak to Joe, and go catch up with the herd. One of us should be with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d Ben said, simply. He would never have asked Adam to do that, but he had thought that one of them ought to get back to the drive, and let the hands know that Joe was all right, if nothing else. He stood for a few minutes, watching Adam go back into the house, and thinking about the bonds of love that his sons shared.<\/p>\n

Looking in on Adam when he went upstairs a short time later, Ben saw that his oldest son was already deeply asleep. He looked younger in sleep; less tightly controlled. Ben smiled, and closed the door softly behind him. He doubted if Adam would have woken even if the door had slammed.<\/p>\n

It was apparent that Hoss was still asleep, judging by the snores coming from his room, so Ben left him undisturbed. He returned to Joe\u2019s room, and this time, the little Chinese housekeeper relinquished his place at Joe\u2019s bedside without a word. \u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said, and Hop Sing knew exactly what Ben meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bring coffee,\u201d he said, and disappeared out of the door.<\/p>\n

The smell of the coffee brought Joe stirring back to wakefulness. He moved, and winced, then turned his head to look at Ben. He had known that Ben would be there. He couldn\u2019t recall a time he had woken after an injury and Ben wasn\u2019t there. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered, and Ben smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe said. He was lying on a pile of pillows to ease his sore back. \u201cMy ribs hurt most,\u201d he added. He frowned. \u201cDid I dream about Adam saying sorry for something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said, helping Joe to drink. \u201cThat was last night, after we got you back here.\u201d Ben felt Joe\u2019s head, which was still a bit warm. He rinsed the cloth in cool water, and put it back on Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what he was talking about,\u201d Joe said. He moved slightly, and winced again. \u201cI don\u2019t remember much about last night. Did I tell you that it\u2019s all my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it was nobody\u2019s fault,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI told you this last night. Julie used you. It\u2019s not your fault at all. You and Adam! What a pair you are for taking the blame!\u201d He ruffled Joe\u2019s curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Julie..?\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t finish the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said, matter-of-factly. \u201cShe died in the tent fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dark lashes swept down, hiding Joe\u2019s thoughts. Ben said nothing, waiting to let Joe absorb this piece of news. After a moment, Joe looked up. There were tears in his eyes, but they didn\u2019t fall. \u201cWas I in the fire, too?\u201d he asked, hoarsely. \u201cWas I burned?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you were in the fire, but no, you weren\u2019t burned. Adam saved you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thinking back, Joe suddenly remembered the pain in his back, and Adam\u2019s arms pulling him free from the suffocating canvas folds. \u201cHow did he get me out?\u201d he asked, his memory fogged by the trauma he\u2019d suffered, and the smoke he\u2019d inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe cut the canvas, and pulled you out.\u201d Ben hesitated, but went on. \u201cHe cut your back accidentally when he was getting you free. He feels pretty bad about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cHe didn\u2019t mean to cut me, did he?\u201d Joe let go a small grin, which was the best he could manage with his face still stiff and sore from the beating the previous day.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben said, impatiently, and then realized he was being teased. He remembered, suddenly, Joe teasing Adam as he recovered from his injuries after Adam had accidentally shot him. Joe had looked plaintively at Adam, and asked, quite solemnly, if he looked that much like a wolf. It had taken Adam a moment or two to see the funny side, but they had all laughed about it. \u201cYou brat!\u201d he scolded, lovingly.<\/p>\n

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

Ben never knew what Adam said to Joe, or Joe to Adam, but there was no doubt that each brother felt better for having spoken to the other. Adam and Hoss both rode off back to the herd alter that day, and by the time they returned a couple of weeks later, Joe was back on his feet, although still being very careful with his mending ribs.<\/p>\n

For all the stresses of the cattle drive, the sale of the herd had gone much better than anyone had expected, and they had received record prices for the beef. As ever, though gratifying, that wasn\u2019t Ben\u2019s main concern. He wanted to see that his sons were all right, and he sought each of them out separately. Both assured him that they were fine, but a small reservation remained in Adam\u2019s tone.<\/p>\n

A couple of days later, Ben was heading out to the barn to saddle Buck to go into town, when he heard voices in the barn. Slowing, he recognized them as Joe\u2019s and Adam\u2019s. He stopped, unashamedly eavesdropping. \u201cI didn\u2019t really get the chance to thank you properly for saving my life,\u201d Joe said. \u201cYou were going off back to the herd, and you were so busy apologizing, that you didn\u2019t give me the chance to say much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to thank me,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cAnd I am sorry I hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know you didn\u2019t mean it,\u201d Joe said. \u201cLook, there\u2019s not even much of a mark.\u201d Ben could hear the rustle of cloth, as Joe presumably stripped off his shirt. There was a pause, and Ben wondered if he ought to put his eye to the crack of the door. Then there was a great peal of laughter. \u201cYour hands are cold!\u201d Joe shrieked, breathlessly. \u201cYou could\u2019ve warned me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would\u2019ve taken all the fun out of it,\u201d Adam retorted. The brothers laughed.<\/p>\n

Taking that as his cue, Ben strolled nonchalantly into the barn. Joe was buttoning his shirt, and Adam was watching. They both looked at Ben, and the laughter was still on their faces. \u201cDid I hear something about cold hands?\u201d Ben asked, innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not kidding!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cDon\u2019t let him near you, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts revenge for all the times you crept into my bed as a kid with your icy cold feet,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben reached for his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, \u201cdid I ever tell you about the time Adam shot me accidentally on purpose?\u201d He let out another shriek as Adam lunged for him, and the two of them disappeared out of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben said to Buck, as he put the saddle on. \u201cLooks like things are getting back to normal around here.\u201d<\/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 The Ponderosa is being plagued by rustlers, who seem to know everything about where the herd will be next. Who is giving them the information?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,200 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":4134,"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_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-4669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2175,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ernest_tonk.jpg?fit=400%2C322&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5284,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5284","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":0},"title":"No Flash in the Pan (by Cowgirl8)","author":"Cowgirl8","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is\u00a0a story that I wrote for my English class. My teacher really liked it. It's about the boys while Ben is out of Town. There is foreshadowing. And we weren't supposed to have blood and Gore so nothing gruesome in this story. Any spelling or grammar errors\u00a0are my fault.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13976,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13976","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":1},"title":"Promises to Keep (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Rustler strike the ranches around Virginia City, leaving one family grieving and a second worried they too might lose a loved one. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (25,550 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\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/prey.jpg?fit=916%2C745&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":36180,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=36180","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":2},"title":"Traci series #1: First Love, and Tragedy (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"October 9, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 This is a prequel to the Traci series of stories from several years ago.\u00a0 This story is to explain briefly Adam's relationship with Traci and why it ended so abruptly. Rating:\u00a0 T \u00a0 Word Count:\u00a0 2637 The Traci Series, links to all stories included within.","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\/2021\/04\/The-Dark-Past.png?fit=600%2C455&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/The-Dark-Past.png?fit=600%2C455&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/The-Dark-Past.png?fit=600%2C455&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7254,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7254","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":3},"title":"Emergence of a Man (by lminzer)","author":"lminzer","date":"March 12, 2007","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0No longer a boy, sixteen-year-old Joe Cartwright is struggling with what it means to be a man. Meanwhile, the Ponderosa is plagued by rustlers, and when Joe uses the opportunity to prove himself and protect his family, he unwittingly puts both himself and his father in grave danger.... Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":4},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47247,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47247","url_meta":{"origin":4669,"position":5},"title":"The Box (by Val)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 31, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Story Summary:\u00a0 Hoss is included in a posse that must track down cattle rustlers, and finds himself at cross purposes with some of his neighbours. Rating and Reader Alerts: PG, mild curse word and mature theme Words: 9,700","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\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4669","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=4669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}