{"id":47185,"date":"2003-12-31T15:15:13","date_gmt":"2003-12-31T20:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47185"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:39","slug":"sacrifice-by-kimberley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47185","title":{"rendered":"Sacrifice (by Kimberley)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Joe’s plans are radically changed when he has to make a difficult decision.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG
\nWords:\u00a0 9,825<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Sacrifice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe dismounted near the stream and led Cochise to the water\u2019s edge. \u201cDrink up, ol\u2019 buddy,\u201d he murmured, patting the horse\u2019s neck. \u201cAnother day or so and we\u2019ll be home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While his equine friend quenched his thirst, Joe closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the clean, fresh air. He couldn\u2019t remember a more perfect day. The sky was a clear blue without a single cloud to mar its vastness while the light afternoon breeze offered just enough respite from the warm sun. Smiling to himself, he realized that he\u2019d probably experienced many such days in his lifetime. What made this one so special was the fact that he was on his way home. Though it was nice to get away from the Ponderosa for a short time, there was, without a doubt, an inherent comfort in returning. It was more than a ranch to him, more than a home. The rivers and streams that cut through the land were as much a part of him as the blood that coursed through his veins. The earth seemed to pulse with an energy that kept time with every beat of his heart. It patiently tolerated his absence, but it was always there to welcome him home, enveloping him in a sense of peace and tranquility that surely rivalled that of Heaven itself. He truly was a lucky man.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a short rest, he swung himself into the saddle once again, intent on erasing the miles that still lay between him and that which made him complete \u2013 his home and family. In an attempt to cut a few precious hours from his journey, he left the road and began picking his way over the rocky, uneven land.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d travelled only a few miles when he caught sight of something seemingly out of place in the secluded terrain. Squinting slightly, he processed the scene before him, and then gently urged his faithful mount to a slightly faster gait.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he smiled amiably as he dismounted beside the crippled wagon. \u201cLooks like you could use some help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She turned from where she\u2019d been trying in vain to fix the wheel, obviously startled at his presence. \u201cStay away,\u201d she warned in a shaky voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to help,\u201d he frowned slightly. Nodding at the wheel, he continued, \u201cLike I said, it looks like you could use it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t help,\u201d she replied flatly. \u201cPlease, do us both a favour and be on your way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He took a moment to glance around them at the untamed terrain. \u201cPardon me for saying so, but this isn\u2019t exactly the route most often travelled by wagon,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cIt may be weeks before someone else comes by, if then. I can\u2019t just leave you here like this.\u201d He took a step closer, his gaze on the broken wheel. \u201cIt won\u2019t take a \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop!\u201d she exclaimed urgently, flattening herself against the side of the wagon. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t come any closer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He frowned again. \u201cI\u2019m not going to hurt you,\u201d he assured her gently, halting in his tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n

She shook her head quickly. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand,\u201d she explained, her voice strangled with barely controlled emotion. She turned quickly and reached into the back of the wagon, pulling back a blanket to reveal a still form. \u201cMy husband,\u201d she breathed, her chest heaving with the words. As she gazed at the pale figure, she lost her battle for control. \u201cWe thought we made it out in time,\u201d she managed to choke out through her tears. \u201cBut it\u2019s too late. It\u2019s too late for Wade and it\u2019s too late for me.\u201d She broke down in sobs, hanging onto the side of the wagon as her strength seemed to leave her.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was at her side in an instant, taking her arm to steady her, confusion etched in his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d she cried, wrenching free of his touch and turning to run. \u201cDon\u2019t touch me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He caught her easily, grasping her arm in a firm but gentle grip and turning her to face him. \u201cWhatever it is, I can help,\u201d he assured her quietly. \u201cI won\u2019t hurt you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not worried about me,\u201d she lamented, her voice filled with anguish as she struggled to release herself from his grasp. \u201cIt\u2019s Fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He released her immediately at the words. \u201cFever,\u201d he repeated with just the hint of a question. \u201cWhen? Where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She took a few steps backward until she felt comfortable with the distance between them. \u201cRed Rock Falls,\u201d she answered, wiping her cheek with the back of one hand. \u201cWe left two weeks ago, right after the first people began to take sick. Wade came down with it four days ago.\u201d She swallowed, glancing back at the wagon before adding in a quiet voice. \u201cHe died last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe digested the information for a moment. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he offered sincerely. Then, after weighing the risks for only a second, he came up with the only solution his conscience would allow. \u201cYou\u2019ll need help burying him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked at him as though he\u2019d lost his senses completely. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear me? It\u2019s Fever. I\u2019m already as good as dead. If you touch either of us, you\u2019ll condemn yourself to the same fate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor in Red Rock Falls,\u201d Joe began. \u201cDid he know what was causing the fever?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She brushed a wayward strand of blond hair from her face. \u201cThere\u2019s no doctor,\u201d she sighed wearily. \u201cHe died two years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded at the bit of information. He had no idea what had killed the young woman\u2019s husband, but there was one thing he was sure of \u2013 he couldn\u2019t leave her alone to face whatever fate awaited her. \u201cLook,\u201d he pointed out gently. \u201cWe don\u2019t exactly have a choice here. It\u2019s going to be dark in a few hours. Why don\u2019t you let me bury your husband and fix that wheel. We may be able to make it to Carson City before sundown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she shook her head vehemently. \u201cCarson City is where we were headed when Wade took sick. We couldn\u2019t risk infecting the whole town, so Wade insisted we turn back. That\u2019s why we left the main road, to avoid coming into contact with anyone else.\u201d She looked at him with a pleading expression. \u201cPlease, just leave us and be on your way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what am I supposed to do?\u201d he demanded firmly. \u201cLeave you here to die? I\u2019m sorry, Ma\u2019am, but that just isn\u2019t possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her head ached and she felt as though her limbs were made of lead. Arguing with this stranger was just something she didn\u2019t feel up to. \u201cPlease,\u201d she whispered through tears as she sank to her knees, exhausted. \u201cJust leave us be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without thought to his own welfare, he closed the distance between them and took her arm, helping her gently to her feet. Too fatigued to resist, she allowed him to lead her to the base of a large tree where he gently lowered her a sitting position in the shade. Without a word, he returned to where Cochise waited and retrieved his canteen. Kneeling beside her, he offered her a drink of the cool water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she shook her head, recoiling from the flask as though thinking it contained poison rather than life-giving water. \u201cYou\u2019ll get sick. I have water in the wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded in understanding and went to find it. When he returned, she took a long drink before closing her eyes and leaning back against the tree. \u201cI don\u2019t even know your name,\u201d she murmured sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright,\u201d he answered softly, offering a slight smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her eyes to look at him, taking in the compassionate expression and reassuring smile. \u201cMiriam,\u201d she finally replied. \u201cMiriam Biggens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mrs. Biggens,\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cYou rest here for a while and I\u2019ll prepare a \u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t bring himself to use the word \u2018grave\u2019. \u201cI\u2019ll see to your husband,\u201d he concluded instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without waiting for a response, he went back to the wagon and untied the shovel lashed to one side. Taking a cursive glance at their surroundings, he quickly chose a shady spot between two trees and began to dig.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once he\u2019d prepared the hole, he returned to the wagon for the body. Miriam joined him at that point and followed him to the spot he\u2019d prepared. As he began filling in the grave, a small sob escaped her lips. After that, there was no sound save the soft scraping of shovel against earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

He took off his hat and stood quietly while she said a few words at the fresh grave. Despite the sympathy he felt for her, he couldn\u2019t help admiring her strength. When she was through, she turned to him. \u201cThank you,\u201d she offered in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

He merely nodded and replaced his hat on his head before glancing up at the sky. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be dark soon,\u201d he announced. \u201cWe\u2019d better make camp nearby and get a fresh start in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be going anywhere, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she replied, turning her gaze once again on the grave of her husband. \u201cI vowed once to remain by his side forever. I see no point in breaking that promise now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can\u2019t\u2026\u201d he began, a slight frown etching his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d she assured him with a small smile. \u201cI guess this is the way it was meant to be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He swallowed as he gleaned the meaning of her words. \u201cThe fever,\u201d he stated simply. With two strides he was at her side, tentatively touching her forehead. She was burning up, likely had been since he\u2019d first come upon them. How she managed to remain on her feet was beyond him. As though in response to his thoughts, she began to sway as her legs gave way beneath her. Effortlessly, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to a shaded spot where he lowered her to the ground. \u201cLook, we can still make it to a doctor\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe both know it\u2019s too late,\u201d she cut him off gently, closing her eyes against the pain throbbing in her head. \u201cI\u2019ve seen the course the fever takes. I know I don\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He desperately tried to think of another course of action. \u201cYou can\u2019t just give up,\u201d he breathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

She opened her eyes to meet his gaze. \u201cI have no choice,\u201d she replied calmly. \u201cI haven\u2019t the strength to make it to the next town, even if I wanted to.\u201d She closed her eyes again. \u201cBesides, all I\u2019ve ever lived for is right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He glanced at the grave of her husband and then at the disabled wagon and its meagre supplies. Turning back to face her, he tried another approach. \u201cI\u2019ll build a fire,\u201d he suggested gently. \u201cYou\u2019ll need something to eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When she didn\u2019t respond, he realized she\u2019d lost consciousness, either from sheer exhaustion or from the effects of the fever ravaging her body. After making sure she was still breathing, he set out to take care of the tasks that needed to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

He unhitched her horses from the wagon and led them, along with Cochise, to a nearby tree where he tied them securely. Then, scanning the area, he decided on a small clearing in which to build a fire. After collecting some wood, he sparked a small flame and nurtured it to a respectable size before heading to the wagon to search for whatever food he could find. Finding only a small pot of broth and some beans, he set them to warm by the fire before retrieving one of the bedrolls and spreading it out nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once things were ready, he returned to where she still slept and gently lifted her into his arms. She moaned slightly in response to the movement. \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d he assured her in a quiet whisper. \u201cYou\u2019ll be more comfortable by the fire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her sleep grew increasingly fitful and he did all he could under the circumstances. Using the water from the wagon, he wet a cloth and bathed her forehead gently, trying to offer even a small degree of comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

She woke up at one point, struggling to sit up while her eyes darted wildly around her. \u201cWade?\u201d she called frantically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Mrs. Biggens,\u201d Joe soothed, placing a hand on her shoulder and forcing her to lie back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Who are you?\u201d she demanded. \u201cWhere\u2019s my husband?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright, remember?\u201d he prodded gently, evading the second question for the time being.<\/span><\/p>\n

She frowned in concentration for a moment before closing her eyes against the memories. \u201cWade,\u201d she whispered forlornly.<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew there was no reason to say more. \u201cDo you think you could take some broth?\u201d he asked gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

She managed a small nod after a moment and he lifted her head, bringing the small bowl to her lips and allowing her to take a few small sips before lowering her head to the blanket once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d still be here,\u201d she managed in a weak voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere,\u201d he assured her with a small smile. \u201cOnce you\u2019re well, we\u2019ll make that trip to Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She kept her eyes closed, unwilling to see the doubt in his eyes, but knowing that she wasn\u2019t going to get well. \u201cPromise me something, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything,\u201d he replied without hesitation. \u201cAs long as you promise to call me Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake the horses, Joe,\u201d she continued. \u201cOnce I\u2019m gone, take the horses with you. They\u2019re good, strong animals. I don\u2019t want them to die out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He swallowed hard at the words. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of them until you\u2019re on your feet,\u201d he promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, she ignored the inference that she was going to recover. \u201cThank you,\u201d she offered, her face twisted with sudden pain. \u201cYou\u2019ve already done so much. I have no right to ask\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can ask me anything,\u201d he informed her compassionately, knowing that the illness was getting worse, not better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBury me beside my husband,\u201d she asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

She lost consciousness again before he could answer. Dipping the cloth into the bowl of water by her side, he gently replaced it on her forehead, touching her fevered cheek gingerly with one finger. \u201cI promise,\u201d he whispered around the lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t sleep at all. He sat by her side, bathing her forehead and whispering soft words of encouragement whenever she\u2019d awake in a state of disorientation. He felt so useless. She was dying and there was nothing he could do. He could only imagine how helpless she had felt watching the man she loved suffer the same fate and knowing, as he did, that there was no hope for recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

As dawn\u2019s first light crept in to chase away the shadows of night, Joe went to tend to the horses. When he returned, he found her awake, her eyes following him silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d he asked, kneeling beside her and touching her forehead with one hand. The skin still felt dangerously warm, but her words were what caused him the most dismay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time,\u201d she whispered. \u201cYou\u2019re a good man, Joe Cartwright,\u201d she added, trying to force a smile. She paused, swallowing hard and struggling to finish her thoughts. \u201cI only pray that your compassion has not cost you dearly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhhh,\u201d he soothed, taking her hand in his. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, just rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a feeble grasp, her hand went limp and he frowned, studying her face for any sign that it meant something other than what he suspected. As his fears were realized, he released her hand and hung his head in a silent prayer for her soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing at the foot of the most recent grave, he realized there was little he could say. He barely knew the woman he\u2019d just buried. Glancing at the adjacent mound of earth, he directed his words at her husband. \u201cShe never left your side,\u201d he pointed out quietly. \u201cNot for a second.\u201d Pausing, he turned back to Miriam\u2019s grave. \u201cI wish I could have done more for you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he offered. \u201cI didn\u2019t get a chance to ask about any relatives. I guess I\u2019ll take the horses and give them to someone who could use them.\u201d Knowing there was nothing else he could say, he concluded, \u201cI hope you both find peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he continued on his way, leading the two extra horses behind him, he thought about the information she\u2019d given him. It had been two weeks since they\u2019d been exposed to the unknown fever before the first symptoms had surfaced. Now that he\u2019d also been exposed, was that all the time he had before the same fate befell him? As his mind continued to sort through the myriad of emotions, he finally came to one inevitable conclusion \u2013 one that threatened to break his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was late the following day when he finally made it to the eastern boundary of the Ponderosa. Blinking back tears, he dismounted and stood looking out over the land that had been such a big part of his life. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to where Cochise waited and extracted a pencil and paper from his saddle bag. He sat down, carefully trying to put his thoughts into words. When he\u2019d finished the note to his satisfaction, he rolled it up and tied it to a leather strap on his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m counting on you, old friend,\u201d he smiled sadly, nuzzling the horse\u2019s main. Cochise let out a low whicker as though in understanding. \u201cGet this note to Pa, understand? He needs to know\u2026\u201d He had to choke back a sob before continuing. \u201cHe needs to know why I can\u2019t come home.\u201d Cochise nuzzled his hand, giving the impression that he not only understood, but sympathized with his situation. \u201cYou know the way,\u201d he whispered, petting the horse\u2019s neck affectionately. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched through tear-filled eyes as his longtime friend cantered off without him, his pace quickening to a trot as though realizing the importance of his mission. Joe waited until he was out of sight before turning back to the horses he\u2019d acquired from the Biggens\u2019. Swinging himself onto the back of one, he took one last look at the Ponderosa before turning away and heading north.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s Little Joe,\u201d Ben exclaimed in grateful relief as the sound of hoofbeats reached his ears. He closed the book he\u2019d been trying to read and hurried to the door. Hoss and Adam also abandoned the checkerboard they\u2019d been gazing at for the last hour. Joe had been due home the day before and all three of them had been more than a little worried. When they reached the yard, they were both dismayed and confused to see Cochise waiting patiently for them, his saddle ominously empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s horse,\u201d Ben breathed, taking the reins in his hand and stroking the animal\u2019s neck distractedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s wrong, Pa,\u201d Hoss frowned, noticing the way the horse was fidgeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam, too, had noticed the strange behaviour and came forward to examine the animal more closely. \u201cPa,\u201d he said, calling attention to the note as he untied it from the saddle. Opening it, he read the first few lines before handing it to his father. Ben frowned at his eldest son in confusion for a brief second before turning his attention to the piece of paper and reading aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Pa, Adam and Hoss
\nI know I should have been home by now and you\u2019re probably wondering what happened. I\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t be there to explain in person, but I just can\u2019t take that chance. There\u2019s Fever over in Red Rock Falls. I don\u2019t know what kind exactly, but I met up with two people on the road who\u2019d been exposed. One was already dead and the other died the next morning. I hope you understand why I just can\u2019t come home now, as much as I want to. You\u2019ve always been there for me\u2026 all of you. Now I guess it\u2019s my turn to do what\u2019s best for you. I know you probably won\u2019t agree with my decision, but I hope you understand that I\u2019m doing what I have to do. I\u2019ll be home as soon as I\u2019m sure it\u2019s safe. Until then, my love to you all.
\nYour son and brother,
\nLittle Joe<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d Ben repeated in disbelief after he\u2019d finished reading the note. \u201cHe\u2019s never signed a note like that in his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, concern etched into his features. \u201cHe\u2019s out there somewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if he does get this fever, whatever it is,\u201d Adam added, \u201che\u2019s going to need medical attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed thoughtfully. \u201cBut we can\u2019t start looking for him tonight. First thing tomorrow morning, I\u2019m going to Carson City. Maybe someone there will know exactly what\u2019s going on in Red Rock Falls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t gonna be easy findin\u2019 him, Pa,\u201d Hoss pointed out quietly. \u201cNot if he don\u2019t want to be found.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find him, son,\u201d Ben declared firmly. \u201cAs God is my witness, we will find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped a safe distance from the old, rundown shack. \u201cToby!\u201d he called. \u201cIt\u2019s Joe Cartwright!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In a moment, a wiry old man opened the door and peered out into the moonlight. \u201cJoe Cartwright?\u201d he asked in a strong voice that sounded strange coming from such a small man. \u201cWell, come on in here, boy! Don\u2019t be skulking around in the shadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Joe called. \u201cI\u2019ve been exposed to Fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFever?\u201d Toby repeated. \u201cIn these parts?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Rock Falls,\u201d Joe clarified. \u201cI don\u2019t know what kind, exactly, but it\u2019s killed two people that I know of, probably more. I need you to do me a favour, Toby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can count on ol\u2019 Toby, son,\u201d the man assured him. \u201cWhat do you need?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe untied the second horse from the one he\u2019d been riding and tied it to a low hanging branch. \u201cI\u2019ve got two horses here,\u201d he explained, speaking loudly to be heard over the distance separating them. \u201cI\u2019m leaving one here for you, and I\u2019m taking the other up to the old Murphy place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat place has bin empty for years,\u201d Toby squawked in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but I need a place to stay until I\u2019m sure it\u2019s safe,\u201d Joe explained patiently. \u201cI\u2019m going to need some supplies, Toby. I\u2019ve got only one can of beans here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t got much here at the moment,\u201d Toby apologized, \u201cbut you\u2019re welcome to it. I can pick up more tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave some money here with the horse,\u201d Joe called, taking out his wallet. \u201cIf you\u2019d pick up some coffee, bread, cheese, I\u2019d appreciate it. Oh, and some eggs. I like my eggs in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Joe,\u201d the old man nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t come right to the house,\u201d Joe warned. \u201cLeave it at that old pine stump and I\u2019ll pick it up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOld pine stump,\u201d Toby nodded. \u201cYou can count on me Joe. You hold on tight there for a minute. I\u2019ve got some blankets and a lantern, maybe even a bit of coffee to tide you over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe watched him disappear back into the house only to return a moment later with his arms full. As he stepped off the small porch, Joe called out another warning. \u201cJust leave it there on the ground. I\u2019ll get it as soon as you\u2019re inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Toby did as instructed before returning to his spot on the verandah. \u201cThis fever that bad?\u201d he asked grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew for sure,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cThere just isn\u2019t any point in taking chances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou plannin\u2019 on headin\u2019 up to the Murphy place tonight?\u201d Toby asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnless you\u2019re inviting me in for the night,\u201d Joe joked, trying to lighten the mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else I can do for you, son?\u201d the old man asked kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was silent for a moment. \u201cIf I\u2019m going to get it, I\u2019ll know in a couple of weeks.\u201d He paused briefly before continuing. \u201cIf I\u2019m not back in three weeks, I\u2019d be obliged if you\u2019d ride out to the Ponderosa and tell my family where I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t know?\u201d Toby asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Pa would let me go off if he knew?\u201d Joe chuckled softly as memories of his father\u2019s stubbornness came to mind. \u201cHe\u2019d want me at home, even if it ended up killing him along with Adam and Hoss. I just can\u2019t do it, Toby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Toby nodded silently before answering. \u201cI understand, Little Joe,\u201d he finally replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you in a couple of weeks,\u201d Joe forced a smile of encouragement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring those supplies by in the morning,\u201d Toby promised. \u201cI\u2019ll tend to that horse once you\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded and waited for the old man to go back into the house before venturing forward to gather the provisions Toby had left. Once he\u2019d secured them to the horse, he mounted and rode off into the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was almost midnight by the time he reached the old Murphy place. He was hungry, but too tired to think about fixing anything to eat. All he wanted was to sleep. He tied the horse at the side of the house that afforded the most shelter and wearily dragged the supplies to the front door. As he made his way inside, his senses were briefly disoriented. Instead of the darkness he\u2019d been expecting, there was a dim light burning. The smell of whiskey and cigar smoke sent a warning to his weary brain, but it was received too late. He barely had time to register its meaning before he felt a searing pain in his shoulder. He was already falling to the floor before he actually heard the shot. After that, there was only darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he awoke, he was sitting in a corner of the room, his hands tied behind him, his shoulder throbbing painfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d he demanded of the two men staring at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow if you was actually a part of that posse, you\u2019d know who we was,\u201d one of the men stated grimly. \u201cThe question is, who are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Cartwright,\u201d he answered flatly. \u201cAnd you don\u2019t know what a big mistake you just made, Mister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d the second man mused thoughtfully. \u201cOne of them Ponderosa Cartwrights?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe replied without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hear them Cartwrights have lots of money, Jerry,\u201d the second man grinned. \u201cMaybe this ain\u2019t gonna be a problem after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how do you plan on gettin\u2019 it, Sal?\u201d Jerry asked. \u201cYou figurin\u2019 on ridin\u2019 down to the Ponderosa and just askin\u2019 for a trade? Tellin\u2019 them you shot the kid? You\u2019d be deader th\u2019n a bee in a blizzard before you ever got off that land.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill, it might come in handy if that posse catches up with us,\u201d Sal observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe heard the second reference to the posse and took a quick glance around. Once he spotted the bags in the corner of the room, a wry smile spread across his face. \u201cBank robbers,\u201d he mused, grimacing against the pain radiating down his arm. \u201cI should have known.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were lucky,\u201d Jerry stated, nodding at the wound. \u201cWent clean through. I even patched it up for ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you think I should be grateful,\u201d Joe hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re alive, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d Jerry retorted with a wry smile. \u201cSo what about that posse, boy?\u201d he prodded. \u201cYou see \u2018em?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wondered whether it would be in his best interest to lie but finally decided on the truth. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t see them,\u201d he replied. \u201cI didn\u2019t come up from Beaver Flats, I came from Carson City way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t good news, Jerry,\u201d Sal frowned. \u201cThat means they haven\u2019t gone past this place yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey will,\u201d Jerry nodded thoughtfully. \u201cThat is, as long as Mr. Cartwright here doesn\u2019t call any attention to our little hiding spot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought about Toby and what might happen if they were to mistake him for a member of the posse. \u201cI\u2019ve got a friend coming to bring supplies tomorrow morning,\u201d he informed them. \u201cI told him I didn\u2019t want him up here so he\u2019s going to leave the stuff by the old pine stump.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well,\u201d Jerry grinned. \u201cThat sounds mighty convenient indeed. We just might be here a spell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the plan was to move out tomorrow,\u201d Sal argued gruffly. \u201cWe didn\u2019t steal all that money to hang around this shack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere until I know that posse has passed us by,\u201d Jerry pointed out firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal seemed to accept the new plan grudgingly. It was evident that Jerry called the shots. \u201cWhat about him?\u201d he asked, nodding in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he\u2019ll just have to wait here with us a spell,\u201d Jerry replied. \u201cIf he dies, he dies. If he don\u2019t, we\u2019ll have to decide whether he can be any use to us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s lips thinned angrily while they discussed his life in such a trivial manner. He considered warning them about the fever, but then realized they might just kill him right off. It was better to wait and see if a more survivable opportunity presented itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t eaten,\u201d he pointed out quietly. \u201cThose beans smell mighty good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry looked at their prisoner for a moment. \u201cGo ahead and get him somethin\u2019,\u201d he instructed his partner. \u201cIt ain\u2019t gonna hurt to let him eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal didn\u2019t seem to like the idea, but finally complied. When he brought the plate over, Joe simply looked at him expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess you\u2019ll just have to lap it up like a dog,\u201d Sal sneered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntie him,\u201d Jerry instructed, drawing his gun and levelling it at Joe. \u201cHe ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe waited while Sal untied his hands and handed him the plate. His shoulder throbbed miserably and sent an agonizing pain down his arm when he tried to move it. Balancing the plate on his knee, he managed to eat with one hand, keeping his injured arm relatively still.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what brings a Cartwright out to these parts in the middle of the night?\u201d Jerry asked, casually waving the gun to indicate their surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment. \u201cI wanted some privacy for a couple of weeks,\u201d he admitted truthfully. \u201cNo one knows I\u2019m here except my friend bringing the supplies. He doesn\u2019t expect to see me for another three weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou rich folks sure have some strange ideas,\u201d Jerry grinned. \u201cThat big ol\u2019 ranch of yours and you prefer to spend time in this shack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess everyone needs to get away from things from time to time,\u201d Joe offered in way of an explanation. \u201cNot that strange really.\u201d As the conversation dissolved into silence, he allowed his mind to ponder how he was going to get himself out of his current situation. His family had no idea where he was, likely wouldn\u2019t until Toby told them in another three weeks. He was sure that his captors would be gone by then and he was just as certain that they weren\u2019t going to leave him alive when they left. Even if he did have only a couple of weeks to live, he wanted to live every moment of them. He didn\u2019t plan on letting a couple of criminals steal even a second of the time he had remaining.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have the two of you been holed up here?\u201d he asked caustically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBin close to three days now,\u201d Jerry replied. \u201cI\u2019d have thought that posse would be long gone by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would have seen them,\u201d Joe pointed out grimly. As much as he wanted to be free of their company, he realized he couldn\u2019t, in good conscience, risk letting them contaminate others now that they\u2019d come in contact with him and the deadly virus he likely carried. \u201cMight be days before they get up this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhaddaya think about that, Jerry?\u201d Sal asked skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d Jerry allowed cautiously. \u201c\u2019Specially if they don\u2019t know which way we went.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m expecting supplies for three weeks,\u201d Joe informed them. \u201cBy that time, they should be long gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lyin\u2019, Jerry,\u201d Sal insisted, eyes narrowed. \u201cThat posse\u2019s prob\u2019ly on its way up here right now. He only wants us to wait around so\u2019s we\u2019ll get caught.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChances are, they\u2019re going to catch you eventually,\u201d Joe smiled wryly. \u201cThen what? There can\u2019t be any more than a few hundred dollars in those bags. Beaver Flats isn\u2019t exactly one of the bigger banks in the area.\u201d He paused a moment, allowing the words to sink in. \u201cIs that kind of money really worth dying for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not,\u201d Jerry drawled, unfazed. \u201cBut to us is sure is worth livin\u2019 for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Jerry,\u201d Sal grinned evilly. \u201cBut the kind of money we could get for him would prett\u2019near set us up for life. I think we should take him with us. We can wire his ol\u2019 man from Carson City and make a deal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glanced furtively at the other man, hoping that he\u2019d dismiss the idea. He toyed with the idea of refusing to go with them, but thought it would only hasten their decision to kill him. Instead, he remained silent, biding his time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to give that some thought,\u201d Jerry mused. \u201cIt don\u2019t matter one way or \u2018nother tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal seemed to appreciate the fact that he was at least considering the idea. \u201cWell, then,\u201d he announced. \u201cI\u2019m gonna get some shut eye.\u201d He took the plate from Joe and roughly pulled his arms behind him again, tying his wrists tight. Though the pain was excruciating, Joe bit his lip and stifled the urge to cry out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on and get some sleep,\u201d Jerry instructed his partner. \u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna give us no trouble.\u201d He watched as Sal made his way to the only cot in the shack and stretched out. In a moment, he could be heard snoring loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n


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

Ben, Adam and Hoss arrived in Carson City a little before noon. \u201cI\u2019m going to ask the sheriff about Red Rock Falls,\u201d Ben announced. \u201cYou boys ask around and see if anyone\u2019s seen Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa,\u201d Hoss nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet up in front of the saloon,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they split up, each harboured hopes that they\u2019d be able to learn something that would help them locate their son and brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything?\u201d Adam asked as they met up again a while later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Rock Falls has been quarantined,\u201d Ben stated grimly. \u201cThey don\u2019t know exactly what\u2019s causing it yet, but twenty or so are already dead and another dozen are close to it.\u201d He sighed wearily. \u201cAny word on Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody\u2019s seen him, Pa,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe obviously didn\u2019t come this way home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much \u2018tween here and Red Rock Falls,\u201d Hoss pointed out. \u201cJust a lot of hard country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben was deep in thought. \u201cHe knew Cochise would make it to the house,\u201d he mused. \u201cHe must have been in familiar territory when Joe let him loose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he was only a little over a day overdue when we got the note,\u201d Adam surmised. \u201cHe can\u2019t be too far away, especially if he\u2019s on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLess\u2019n he was ahead of schedule when he wrote that note,\u201d Hoss reminded them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll pick up some supplies and head east toward Red Rock,\u201d Ben decided. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll find someone who\u2019s seen him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood day, Charlie,\u201d Ben greeted the man behind the counter. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need a few things for the road.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Ben,\u201d Charlie nodded. \u201cI hear you\u2019re looking for Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Ben sighed, taking off his hat and fidgeting with the brim for a moment before placing it back on his head. \u201cHe met up with some people from Red Rock Falls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNasty business goin\u2019 on over there,\u201d Charlie shook his head sadly. \u201cI hear tell half the town is already gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged glances at the information. \u201cWe don\u2019t think Joe was actually there,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cBut he\u2019s apparently been in contact with two people who had the fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Simpson\u2019s gone over to see what he can do,\u201d Charlie added, still shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben began ordering what they\u2019d need and Charlie jotted it down on a pad of paper. Once he began gathering the provisions, he chuckled softly. \u201cFilled an order almost just like this one this morning,\u201d he mused amiably. \u201cToby Tucker of all folks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToby Tucker?\u201d Ben repeated. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen him in months. How is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeemed a bit troubled,\u201d Charlie admitted, \u201cbut other than that, he was looking fit as a fiddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTroubled?\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cI hope nothing\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know what could be wrong with ol\u2019 Toby,\u201d Charlie dismissed the notion. \u201cLives out there by himself, just the way he likes it, comes to town, gets supplies and does whatever business he needs to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrought in a load of tables did he?\u201d Ben asked. He knew Toby crafted some of the finest side tables in the area, more for his own pleasure, but still enough to afford him the lifestyle he enjoyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo tables today,\u201d Charlie shook his head. \u201cCame straight to the store here with cold, hard cash. I know, because I saw him ride in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCash?\u201d Ben frowned. Toby never kept cash out at the house. As long as he\u2019d known him, he\u2019d always brought his wares to town, sold them, then used the money to buy what supplies he needed before depositing the rest in the bank. \u201cThat\u2019s odd.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t all,\u201d Charlie added. \u201cHe bought a bunch of stuff he don\u2019t usually get. Even eggs. I never knew Toby to eat eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben agreed thoughtfully. \u201cToby never did eat eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled as he thought about the old man. \u201cAlways said he weren\u2019t eatin\u2019 nothing that came out of that end of a critter,\u201d he reminisced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything else, Ben?\u201d Charlie asked as he finished packing up the order.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Charlie,\u201d Ben shook his head slightly. \u201cThat should do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He paid the storekeeper and they returned to the horses. \u201cToby Tucker\u2019s place is only a few hours from here,\u201d Ben mused. \u201cI think maybe we\u2019d best pay him a little visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he\u2019ll know something about Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted with a sigh. \u201cBut Toby didn\u2019t buy those eggs for himself, you can bet on that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s not stand here yammerin\u2019,\u201d Hoss suggested as he mounted Chub.<\/span><\/p>\n

The others followed suit and soon they were headed north out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe hadn\u2019t expected to get much rest in the uncomfortable position, but as the night wore on, exhaustion, compounded by the amount of blood he\u2019d lost, caused him to drift into a fitful state of unconsciousness. By the time he awoke fully, the sun had been up for hours. As he tried to move, he found that the pain in his arm had radiated to his upper back and neck. His head throbbed and his throat felt like it was lined with cotton.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI could use some of that coffee,\u201d he managed in a weak voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry drew his gun once again and gestured to the other man. Sal, obviously not liking the idea, but unwilling to argue, roughly untied Joe\u2019s hands and thrust a cup into his good hand without saying a word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s them supplies s\u2019posed to be here?\u201d Jerry asked, gazing out the window while keeping the gun trained on his prisoner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis morning,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry looked at the sun high overhead. \u201cGo on and check,\u201d he told Sal, nodding toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal glanced at Joe first, as though trying to determine whether or not he was telling the truth before making his way toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ten minutes later, he was back, a large box of foodstuffs in his arms. \u201cJest like he said!\u201d he exclaimed, obviously surprised. \u201cRight there by that old pine stump.\u201d He put the box on the table and began rummaging through it. \u201cThere\u2019s canned beef, beans, sugar, coffee, cheese, eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou rich folks eat pretty good, huh?\u201d Jerry sneered at Joe. \u201cSome folks wouldn\u2019t see this much food in a month of Sundays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp yourself,\u201d Joe murmured cynically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ll just do that, little man,\u201d Jerry grinned, seemingly glad for the snide remark. \u201cSal, why don\u2019t you cook us up some of them eggs. Been a long while since I had eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal hurried to comply, his own mouth watering for something other than beans and bacon. When he\u2019d finished, he spooned eggs onto three plates and set two of them on the table. \u201cGuess it\u2019s only right you should get some of your own grub,\u201d Sal sneered at Joe as he handed him a plate with a small portion of food on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe watched, his pulse quickening as Jerry took a seat at the table. His heart sank as he noticed that the man easily managed to maintain his hold on the gun while eating with his other hand. Glancing at Sal, he realized that the food wasn\u2019t as much of a distraction as he\u2019d hoped. Still tensed for any opportunity, he began to eat what little they\u2019d offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he was finished, Sal was back to tie his hands again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that necessary?\u201d Joe demanded in as strong a voice as he could muster. \u201cI doubt I\u2019m much of a threat in this condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d Sal warned, pushing him sideways to bind his wrists. As he did, he frowned. \u201cHe\u2019s burnin\u2019 up, Jerry,\u201d he stated. \u201cYou sure that bullet went through?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s through,\u201d Jerry confirmed, coming to touch Joe\u2019s head. \u201cBut you\u2019re right, he\u2019s hotter th\u2019n a cookstove.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d Joe replied flippantly. \u201cAfraid I\u2019ll die and add murder to your charges?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet some water,\u201d Jerry instructed, ignoring the comment.<\/span><\/p>\n

As always, Sal did as he was told, bringing a cup of water and holding it to Joe\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe don\u2019t look good, Jerry,\u201d he observed while Joe drank what he could. \u201cMaybe we should just finish him off. No sense in us having to doctor him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s bad \u2018nuff you ambushed him in the first place,\u201d Jerry growled. \u201cI ain\u2019t about to shoot him now that he\u2019s unarmed and sickly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t matter anyway,\u201d Joe informed them. \u201cNone of us are getting out of here alive. Not far, at any rate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you do know where that posse\u2019s at,\u201d Jerry muttered angrily. \u201cI outta let Sal shoot you right now, Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo posse,\u201d Joe breathed, \u201cFever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFever?\u201d Sal repeated, his tough demeanour replaced by a hint of fear and surprise. \u201cWhat\u2019s he talkin\u2019 \u2018bout, Jerry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat fever?\u201d Jerry demanded, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed Rock Falls,\u201d Joe managed. \u201cI was exposed to it. People are already dead. That\u2019s why I came up here, so I couldn\u2019t give it to anyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry was silent for a moment. \u201cYou\u2019re lyin\u2019,\u201d he accused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cAnd now you\u2019re both going to get it.\u201d He managed a slight smile. \u201cAll that money and you won\u2019t live long enough to spend a dime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lyin\u2019,\u201d Sal exclaimed, hoping his belief in the words would make them true.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry considered the possibility. \u201cMaybe,\u201d he murmured. \u201cBut there\u2019s no way of knowin\u2019 for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if he\u2019s got the fever, I ain\u2019t aimin\u2019 to stick around and die here,\u201d Sal stated in frustration. \u201cI\u2019m taking\u2019 my share and gittin\u2019 out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere,\u201d Jerry corrected, drawing his gun. \u201cWe\u2019re in this together, fever or no fever. Chances are, it\u2019s that hole you put in him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are we gonna do?\u201d Sal demanded angrily. \u201cStick around and see if he\u2019s tellin\u2019 the truth? He\u2019s only bin here one night. If we leave now, we prob\u2019ly won\u2019t even get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The information he\u2019d received in the last few minutes was weighing heavily on Jerry\u2019s ability to make decisions. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration and uncertainty. \u201cGet the horses ready,\u201d he finally grumbled in Sal\u2019s direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sal didn\u2019t waste any time hurrying out of the cabin. Once he was gone, Jerry reached down and untied Joe\u2019s hands. \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna shoot ya, Cartwright, but I can\u2019t take ya with us either, not if what you said is true. We\u2019ll take your gun and your horse and if you\u2019re lyin\u2019 you\u2019ll have to walk out of here. If you\u2019re not, I don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ll live long enough to miss either of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was finding it increasingly difficult to focus. He knew he shouldn\u2019t let them leave, not if it meant spreading the illness that plagued him, but he was just as certain that there wasn\u2019t much he could do in his current situation, especially without his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee,\u201d he murmured weakly. It was the only weapon he\u2019d be able to get his hands on. Maybe, if he could hurl some of the scalding liquid into the man\u2019s face, he\u2019d be able to grab his gun. It was a lame plan at best, but it was better than doing nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven a condemned man gets a last meal, I reckon,\u201d Jerry growled in frustration as he moved toward the stove. As he was pouring the coffee, they heard the sound of shouting followed by a gunshot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jerry was at the window in an instant, gun drawn, coffee forgotten. \u201cDamn,\u201d he muttered as he took in the scene before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell me that posse caught up to you despite all your careful plans,\u201d Joe quipped sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Cartwright,\u201d he hissed, not taking his eyes from the window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d a strong voice called.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even through the throbbing in his head, Joe recognized the voice immediately. \u201cPa,\u201d he whispered in both surprise and dismay. Mustering all his strength, he shouted as loud as he could. \u201cDon\u2019t come in here, Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to shut up!\u201d Jerry yelled, turning the gun on Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t need the incentive of the gun pointed in his face. He didn\u2019t have enough strength left to call out another warning. \u201cDon\u2019t come in,\u201d he whispered hoarsely as the room began to darken before his eyes. Even as he heard Jerry fire the first shot, he lost the struggle against unconsciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He awoke disoriented, but without the throbbing in his temples. As his vision cleared, he was able to recognize his own room. In alarm, he sat bolt upright, the pain in his shoulder causing him to lay back again with a loud groan. \u201cPa?\u201d he managed in a hoarse voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, son,\u201d Ben advised in a soothing voice. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe fever, Pa,\u201d Joe argued feebly. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have brought me here. Not here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have the fever,\u201d Ben assured him gently. \u201cJust an infection from that wound in your shoulder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe shook his head slightly. \u201cRed Rock Falls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTainted water,\u201d Ben informed him calmly. \u201cUnfortunately, it was too late for most of the town by the time Doc Simpson was able to pinpoint the cause.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWater?\u201d Joe repeated, his initial panic beginning to subside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWater,\u201d Ben confirmed with a slight smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiriam,\u201d Joe lamented quietly. \u201cA doctor could have saved her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the people you met on the road?\u201d Ben asked, frowning slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, closing his eyes. \u201cI helped bury her husband, then I just sat there and watched her die, Pa. If I\u2019d gotten her to a doctor\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have helped, son,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cOnce it got to the fever stage, there was nothing the doctor could have done. He, himself, had to sit and watch many of those people die. All he could do was make them as comfortable as possible. I\u2019m sure you did the same for Miriam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought about the words for a moment. \u201cI did what I could, Pa. She refused to let me take her into Carson City. She thought she\u2019d spread the disease.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe sounds like a brave, compassionate woman,\u201d Ben smiled sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a moment\u2019s silence, Ben continued. \u201cI suppose your reasons for choosing not to come home were the same as hers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t want you to have to see me die like that, Pa,\u201d Joe answered in a quiet voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t even know this woman and it was one of the hardest things I\u2019ve ever had to do. I just couldn\u2019t put you through that, no more than I could bear the thought that you\u2019d eventually suffer the same fate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. \u201cBut I hope you know we would have welcomed you home with open arms, regardless. Whatever fate holds in store for us, I\u2019d rather we face it together as a family than apart. If Hoss or Adam had been in the same situation, would you have wanted them to stay away? Perhaps die alone in some line shack?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe admitted with a slight smile, though there were tears welling in his eyes. \u201cI guess I didn\u2019t think about it like that. I only knew I didn\u2019t want to be the cause of \u2026\u201d His voice trailed off as he thought about what could have happened had the fever been contagious and he\u2019d made different choices.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of you, son,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cThough I would have made a different choice for you, I admire the fact that you did what you thought was right. It was a noble and unselfish gesture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe could only muster a half-smile as his father\u2019s praise added to the lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t you ever do it again!\u201d Ben added gruffly, trying to camouflage the sentimental moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe allowed his emotion to escape in a slight chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the end, though,\u201d Ben continued, raising his eyebrows approvingly, \u201cthe choices you made led to the apprehension of a couple of ruthless bank robbers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJerry and Sal,\u201d Joe stated grimly. \u201cThey robbed the bank in Beaver Falls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd killed a deputy and another man while escaping,\u201d Ben added, filling in the information he\u2019d gleaned from the sheriff. \u201cThere will be a trial, but I expect they\u2019ll hang.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe digested the information before frowning in concentration. \u201cHow did you know I was at the Murphy place?\u201d he asked. \u201cDid Toby tell you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot without some persuading,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe were looking for you when we heard that Toby had been in to get some supplies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToby gets supplies all the time,\u201d Joe shrugged, grimacing at the pain the motion caused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he doesn\u2019t bring cash to town and he doesn\u2019t buy eggs,\u201d Ben pointed out, hiding a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe realized the truth of those words and offered a sheepish smile. \u201cGuess I wasn\u2019t as smart as I thought I was,\u201d he admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe your father is just a little smarter,\u201d Ben replied, winking playfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened and Adam and Hoss entered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look who\u2019s awake,\u201d Adam mused with a slight smile. \u201cTwo weeks vacation and you still found a way to come home and sleep for three days straight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow ya feelin\u2019, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, grinning in obvious relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be up and around in no time,\u201d Joe smiled back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cYessir that\u2019s real good. Cuz as soon as you are, I\u2019m gonna give you the whoopin\u2019 of your life, little brother. What\u2019s the big idea runnin\u2019 off like that? You had us plumb worried to death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought\u2026\u201d Joe swallowed hard, taking in his brother\u2019s scowl. He knew the anger was feigned for the most part, but he also knew there was a grain of truth to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe just thought he\u2019d leave us here to do all his work,\u201d Adam interjected. \u201cWhile he lazed around that ol\u2019 line shack with his two new buddies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father for assistance. \u201cOh no,\u201d Ben laughed, raising one hand while he got to his feet and headed for the door. \u201cYou made your bed, Joe. You\u2019re going to have to deal with the consequences of this one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He left the room and stood outside the door for a moment, listening to the voices of his three sons as Joe tried in vain to explain over the protests of his two older brothers. He couldn\u2019t suppress a smile as he realized that Adam and Hoss were merely telling him the same things he, himself, already had, though obviously in different ways. Through the teasing and playful threats, the message would be just as clear. They were a family and there was nothing that they couldn\u2019t face \u2013 together.<\/span><\/p>\n

The End.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer: No actual fevers were used in the writing of this story. Any resemblance to any persons, bank robbers, corpses or horses, living or dead is purely coincidental. And yes, you guessed it, Miriam\u2019s dress was indeed blue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Update: Toby Tucker still lives in the old house East of the Ponderosa (though he now makes computer desks instead of side tables). Sal was convicted and hanged for killing the two men in Beaver Falls. Jerry got a prison term, since he hadn’t actually killed anyone. Ben was grateful to Jerry for not killing Joe and offered to help him get a fresh start once he was released from prison. Jerry did his time and was a model prisoner. Upon regaining his freedom, he took Ben up on his generous offer. The two went into business together and rumour has it they\u2019re now making a fortune in ice cream (what\u2019s up with that?)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Joe’s plans are radically changed when he has to make a difficult decision.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG
\nWords:\u00a0 9,825<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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":[2,23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":683,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3566,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3566","url_meta":{"origin":47185,"position":0},"title":"Witches Coven (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"January 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe is invited to a birthday party on Hallowe'en. 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