{"id":47200,"date":"2003-12-31T15:28:34","date_gmt":"2003-12-31T20:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47200"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:38","slug":"an-eye-for-an-eye-by-kimberley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47200","title":{"rendered":"An Eye for an Eye (by Kimberley)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 While Ben’s laid up as the result of an accident, Joe suffers a similar fate, causing the Cartwrights to wonder how accidental the occurrences really are.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
\nWords:\u00a0 8,450<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

An Eye for an Eye<\/strong><\/p>\n

**********
\n\u201cAnd just where have you been?\u201d Adam demanded angrily as Joe led Cochise into the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI went for a ride,\u201d Joe answered, frowning. \u201cWhat\u2019s the big deal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what the big deal is,\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cWhile Pa\u2019s laid up, we\u2019ve each got to do our part to pick up the slack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t think I\u2019m doing my share,\u201d Joe surmised, his anger matching that of his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYesterday, I told you we needed that wood cut first thing this morning. Imagine my surprise to come down to breakfast and find you already up and gone. This ranch doesn\u2019t run itself, you know. Being part of this family means putting the needs of the Ponderosa before your own self-indulgence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The words, combined with the condescending tone in which they were delivered, not only fuelled his anger, but added an element of hurt. \u201cI don\u2019t need you to tell me what it means to be a part of this family,\u201d he grated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen start acting like it, will you?\u201d Adam replied sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without another word, Joe turned Cochise around and mounted him once again, heading out of the yard at an accelerated pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss came out of the house just in time to see Joe riding off and headed to the barn where Adam was still fuming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d he asked, both his tone and expression indicating his concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI chewed him out for not doing his share of the work and he took off, as usual,\u201d Adam replied tersely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve all bin workin\u2019 a might hard since Pa got hurt,\u201d Hoss reminded him. \u201cIncludin\u2019 Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah? Then why isn\u2019t he here chopping the wood like I told him instead of out riding around the countryside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 frown deepened slightly at the words. \u201cLet me ask you somthin\u2019, Adam. What\u2019s the date today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam snapped. \u201cIt\u2019s the 10th. What has that got to do with\u2026\u201d He stopped as the meaning of his own words became clear. \u201cIt\u2019s the 10th,\u201d he repeated, hanging his head with a sigh. \u201cWhich means yesterday was the 9th.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded slowly. \u201cThat\u2019s right. And you might wanna check the woodpile out back. I know for a fact that Joe cut that wood before breakfast this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d Adam hissed, running a hand through his dark hair in frustration. As he stormed from the barn toward the house, Hoss called after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you gonna do?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what I\u2019m going to undo,\u201d Adam replied dourly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned as Adam entered the house, his expression a mask of grim determination. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked as he watched his oldest son donning his gun belt and hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed heavily. \u201cIt\u2019s Little Joe,\u201d he explained sullenly. \u201cI accused him of not carrying his share of the load around here. He took off and I\u2019m going to try and find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s frown deepened slightly. He didn\u2019t like to see his boys at odds with one another, but knew that their divergent personalities often set the stage for just such eruptions. \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be home once he cools off,\u201d Ben pointed out quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused a moment before reluctantly turning to face his father. \u201cI didn\u2019t even think about the date, Pa,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI just jumped in with accusations about him not pulling his weight and I said something about\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout?\u201d Ben prodded, one eyebrow raised expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what it means to be a part of this family,\u201d Adam sighed unhappily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben nodded slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was silent for a moment. \u201cYesterday was the 9th, Pa,\u201d he finally stated. \u201cI didn\u2019t even think about Marie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been busy,\u201d Ben acknowledged in a quiet voice. He tapped his broken leg lightly. \u201cMore so than usual with me being out of commission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no excuse,\u201d Adam muttered in frustration. \u201cAll that mattered to me was getting the work done on time. If only I\u2019d stopped to think for a moment, I would have realized that Joe wanted some time to himself. Why didn\u2019t he say something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben offered a small smile. \u201cHe knew you needed him here,\u201d he stated simply. \u201cIsn\u2019t that a good example of what it means to be a part of this family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded sullenly. \u201cYeah, I know,\u201d he sighed. \u201cI\u2019m going to go find him.\u201d With that, he made his way out the door toward the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam was sure he knew where to find his brother. As he neared the spot, he could see that no one was there, but still, he brought Sport to a stop and dismounted. Kneeling beside the stone, he noticed two fresh bouquets of flowers and knew that Joe had been there that morning. Reaching out, he touched the surface of the stone, allowing his fingers a moment to linger on the cool granite while he reflected fondly on memories of the woman buried there. After a few moments, he mounted his horse once again and headed toward Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the saloon, he was disappointed to note that Joe\u2019s horse was not tied up outside. In the hopes of finding someone who might have seen his brother, he went inside and approached the bartender.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Bernie exclaimed with a smile. \u201cHaven\u2019t seen you in a while. How\u2019s your pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing fine,\u201d Adam replied with a polite smile. \u201cThe leg\u2019s mending nicely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to hear it,\u201d Bernie beamed. \u201cCan I get you something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI\u2019m looking for Joe; have you seen him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe left about a half hour ago,\u201d Bernie nodded. \u201cCame in for one drink then said he had to get back to the ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam frowned slightly. He hadn\u2019t seen him on the road into town, but it was possible he\u2019d taken another route. It was slightly longer, but it would have given his little brother more time to get the hurt and anger out of his system. With a slight pang of regret at realizing he\u2019d put both there, Adam left the saloon and resumed his search.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was on Ponderosa land, about halfway back to the house when he caught sight of a familiar equine figure. Squinting into the sun, his pulse began to race, knowing that Joe would never leave Cochise alone on the side of the road. \u201cCome on, boy,\u201d he whispered to Sport as he prodded the horse to a full gallop. When he reached the spot where Cochise stood calmly grazing, he dismounted, examining the horse for any signs that something was wrong. As soon as he touched the horse\u2019s foreleg, Cochise whinnied in protest, telling Adam that there was indeed a problem. \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d he soothed, stroking the pinto\u2019s neck gently. \u201cYou\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Tying the lame animal to a low hanging branch, he scanned the area for any sign of his brother. \u201cJoe!\u201d he shouted, listening for a reply. When none was forthcoming, he mounted Sport and studied his surroundings. He hadn\u2019t seen anything out of the ordinary in the direction from which he\u2019d come, and the road ahead seemed equally deserted. To the left of the road was open land, and the other side sported a thick stand of trees a short distance away before falling off to a sheer cliff overlooking the lake. His pulse quickening slightly, he urged Sport toward the trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d been calling Joe\u2019s name for what seemed like an eternity before he finally heard a faint reply. Hurrying in the direction of the voice, he came to the brink of the cliff and dismounted, deftly picking his way through the rocks until he could see over the edge. \u201cJoe!\u201d he called as he caught sight of his brother laying on a ledge some thirty feet below. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe called weakly. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m \u2026\u201d His voice trailed off briefly. \u201cI can\u2019t move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHang on,\u201d Adam advised. \u201cI\u2019m coming down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a rope from his saddle, he tied it to the base of a tree and began repelling down the sheer face of the cliff. When he reached the spot where Joe waited, he sucked in his breath sharply. He\u2019d fallen on the stump of a small tree and a sharp, jagged piece of wood jutted from a spot just below his right shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d he murmured, inspecting the injury. To his dismay, he noted that his brother was effectively impaled on the sharp shard of lumber. \u201cI guess we\u2019d better get you out of here, huh?\u201d he stated, trying to sound calm despite his rising fear at the situation. He could see Joe had already lost a fair amount of blood and he knew the flow would increase the moment he removed the foreign object from his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCochise,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cHe stumbled\u2026 threw me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI found him,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe managed a weak smile. \u201cGood,\u201d he murmured in relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raked his mind for the best solution to their current predicament. \u201cI\u2019m going to have to cut the wood from the stump and leave it in,\u201d he informed his brother. \u201cIf I take it out now, you\u2019ll lose too much blood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded slightly. \u201cOk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gritted his teeth, regretting the words he had to say next. \u201cI don\u2019t have anything here, Joe. I\u2019m going to have to go back to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winced against the pain in his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll be all right,\u201d he assured him. \u201cGo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hesitated only briefly before grabbing the rope and climbing back to where Sport waited. As fast as he could, he mounted and headed in the direction of the Ponderosa. He\u2019d only gone a short way when he noticed a lone rider coming toward him and breathed a sigh of relief. He recognized the burly figure as one of their top hands. \u201cHank!\u201d he shouted, waving the man toward him. Once he was within earshot, Adam explained the situation and instructed him to hurry back to the ranch for help. Once Hank was on his way, Adam turned back to where Joe lay injured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was fast,\u201d Joe mumbled as Adam joined him once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp\u2019s on the way,\u201d Adam assured him gently, tearing a strip of cloth from his shirt to pack around the protruding branch. He grimaced slightly as Joe winced in pain, but continued his ministrations, knowing he had to staunch the flow of blood as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he\u2019d finished, he took off his jacket and covered Joe as best he could. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d he stated quietly. \u201cFor what I said earlier. If it wasn\u2019t for me, you wouldn\u2019t be out here now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI should have told you I\u2019d already cut the wood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Adam answered. After a moment\u2019s pause, he continued. \u201cI didn\u2019t even realize yesterday was the day\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t finish the sentence. \u201cI guess I\u2019ve been pretty wrapped up lately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He noticed his brother starting to lose consciousness and knew he had to keep him awake, so he tried to keep him talking. \u201cI know I can be hard on you at times,\u201d he continued. \u201cBut sometimes it\u2019s hard for me to accept that you\u2019re not a kid anymore. Can you understand that, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so,\u201d Joe murmured, trying to stay focused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam continued to explain anyway, partly because he wanted to keep Joe awake, and partially because he felt the need to say the words aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems we\u2019re always butting heads,\u201d he went on. \u201cPa says it\u2019s because we\u2019ve both got a stubborn streak a mile wide.\u201d He tried for a lighter approach. \u201cI happen to know he\u2019s right at least where you\u2019re concerned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He frowned slightly as he looked at his brother\u2019s face. \u201cJoe? Stay with me, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Joe replied wearily. \u201cI\u2019m just so tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam breathed a small sigh of relief. \u201cI know, but you\u2019ve got to stay awake, you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe managed a small frown. \u201cIt hurts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Touching his brother\u2019s shoulder compassionately, Adam wished he could take the pain upon himself. \u201cI know,\u201d he replied gently. \u201cTry not to think about it. Just keep talking until help arrives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho was that man?\u201d Joe asked weakly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat man?\u201d Adam frowned, worried that his brother was becoming delusional.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bay horse,\u201d Joe replied without further elaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n

The conversation was cut short by the sound of horses and Adam called to the riders to indicate their position. In a matter of moments, Hoss peered over the edge of the cliff, Hank by his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow you doin\u2019, little brother?\u201d Hoss asked, trying to keep his voice light despite the look of horror on his face when he realized the gravity of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Joe smiled weakly. \u201cI thought you\u2019d never get here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have you out of there in a jiffy,\u201d Hoss promised, his gaze locking with that of his older brother as they silently conveyed their shared concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to have to cut that wood from underneath,\u201d Adam pointed out grimly. \u201cWhat did you bring?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe hatchet will jar the wound too much,\u201d Hoss surmised. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna hafta saw it. It\u2019ll take longer, but it\u2019ll be better for Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cDrop me the saw and I\u2019ll see if I can get at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hank handed the saw to Hoss who, instead of merely dropping the tool to his brother, proceeded to climb down the rope. Once on the ledge, he inspected the situation more closely and swallowed hard. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no way to do this without hurtin\u2019 ya, little brother,\u201d he pointed out gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the choice,\u201d Joe smiled wanly, \u201cI\u2019d rather not spend the night down here. Do whatever you have to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded silently and looked at Adam as he handed over the saw.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to hold him as steady as you can,\u201d Adam instructed his younger, though much bigger, brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hoss nodded grimly. Placing one hand firmly on Joe\u2019s good shoulder and the other under the injured arm, he braced himself for what was to come. When he was ready, he nodded in the direction of Adam who returned the silent gesture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Manouvering himself as best he could on the small ledge, Adam placed the saw strategically between his brother\u2019s body and the ground, the sharp edge resting against the offending piece of wood. Taking a deep breath, he began to saw, grimacing despite himself at the sharp gasp of pain from his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Hoss soothed, his forehead furrowed with a mixture of compassion and concern. \u201cIt\u2019ll be over \u2018fore you know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe squeezed his eyes tightly shut and gritted his teeth against the pain but didn\u2019t answer verbally. Grabbing the sleeve of Hoss\u2019 shirt with his good hand, he twisted it until his knuckles turned white.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss raised his eyes from Joe\u2019s face to Adam\u2019s in search of some sign of reassurance. Adam barely noticed as his attention was focused intently on the task at hand. After moments that seemed more like hours, he\u2019d freed the piece of wood from its natural base.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, Joe,\u201d Adam soothed gently. \u201cThe worst is over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe released his grip on Hoss\u2019 arm and smiled faintly. \u201cHardly felt a thing,\u201d he murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam allowed a wry, crooked smile at the words, suddenly grateful for the sense of humour that had annoyed him so often in the past. After glancing up at the ledge where Hank still waited, he turned his attention to Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him up there. He can\u2019t climb with that arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on up first,\u201d Hoss suggested. \u201cI\u2019ll tie the rope \u2018round his waist and hoist him as high as I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and began the ascent, effortlessly reaching the spot where he was able to grab Hank\u2019s hand and hoist himself the remainder of the way. Turning, he watched as Hoss tied the rope around Joe\u2019s waist and picked him up gently. Reaching as high as he could, he allowed the two at the top to take up the slack and pull the injured man toward them. Once Joe was safely on the grassy edge of the cliff, Hoss waited for Adam to throw the rope back down before making the climb himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBill went for the doc,\u201d Hank informed them. \u201cHe should be out to the house by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe two of you take him back in the wagon,\u201d Adam instructed as he helped Hoss position Joe in such a way as to not further aggravate the injury. \u201cI\u2019ll get Cochise and follow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hoss nodded, clapping Hank on the back. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time they got Joe home and into the house, Doc Martin was just riding up in his buggy. Hank led the doctor inside and left him in the sitting room with Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s upstairs,\u201d Ben stated grimly, frustrated that he couldn\u2019t yet climb the stairs himself. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look good, Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I\u2019ll do everything I can,\u201d the doctor assured him with a compassionate hand on his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know as soon as I know anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben could only nod mutely, his throat too constricted with emotion to speak. He couldn\u2019t die, not this way, not on this day, so close to the day that his mother had been taken from them. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but you can\u2019t have him, Marie,\u201d he whispered almost inaudibly. \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was almost an hour later when Doc Martin made his way slowly down the stairs. His shirt was drenched with sweat and he looked older than his years, but his face wore a guardedly optimistic smile. \u201cBarring any really resistant infection, he should be fine,\u201d he informed Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve removed the wood and repaired what damage I could. The rest is up to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank God,\u201d Ben whispered hoarsely, his eyes closed in silent prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a lucky boy,\u201d Paul continued. \u201cIf Adam hadn\u2019t found him when he did, I might not have been able to save him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the lucky one,\u201d Ben smiled gratefully. \u201cThank you, Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

**********
\nThe pain of the extraction, along with the loss of blood had left Joe healing but weak. Adam had taken the doctor\u2019s place beside the bed and watched as his brother flitted in and out of concsiousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s downstairs,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I just had an entire Ponderosa pine removed from my chest,\u201d Joe quipped wearily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPretty close to it,\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cBut you\u2019re going to be fine. Get some rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good thing you found me, Adam,\u201d he murmured, closing his eyes. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for the guy on the Bay\u2026\u201d He began to drift off, leaving his sentence unfinished.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the second time he\u2019d mentioned a bay horse. \u201cWhat guy?\u201d Adam frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s brow creased as though in concentration. \u201cThe one who told you about the accident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, no one told me anything,\u201d Adam pointed out, leaning in closer. \u201cIt was pure luck that I found you. You say you saw a man? Where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe summoned what strength he had to explain. \u201cI was on my way home and he was coming from the direction of the house. When he saw me, he headed for the trees on the north side of the road. I followed him, Cochise stumbled on a rock or something, I fell. He saw the whole thing, I know he did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything?\u201d Adam asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was looking down over the edge of the cliff,\u201d Joe recalled. \u201cI explained who I was and asked him to go back to the house for help and he just left. Didn\u2019t say a word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss entered the room and looked expectantly at Adam. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, was there anyone here earlier? Before I sent Hank back to get you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked surprised at the question and allowed his gaze to flit from Adam to Joe and back again. \u201cNobody\u2019s bin here all day,\u201d he replied. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t make any sense,\u201d Joe murmured, shifting his weight slightly in an attempt to sit up and grimacing at the pain the motion caused. \u201cHe was coming from this direction when I saw him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam repeated everything Joe had told him to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n he knew Joe was hurt, maybe he went to town for the doctor,\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just came from town on that same road,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cI would have seen him.\u201d He got up from his chair and headed for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you goin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo talk to Doc Martin if he\u2019s still here,\u201d Adam replied over his shoulder as he made his way out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was glad to see the doctor had stayed to enjoy a cup of coffee with his long-time friend. Both of the elder men looked up as Adam came down the stairs. One glance at his son\u2019s grim expression caused Ben to put down his cup. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d he asked anxiously. \u201cIs it Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d Adam assured him. Turning to the doctor, he added, \u201cDid you happen to see a stranger in town? A man riding a bay horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, can\u2019t say as I have,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam explained the situation to the doctor and his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he doesn\u2019t know the area that well,\u201d Doc Martin suggested. \u201cPerhaps he did intend to go for help and just got turned around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll he had to do was follow the road,\u201d Adam pointed out dourly. \u201cStranger to the area or not, surely he could have figured that out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think he just rode off, knowing Little Joe was hurt,\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cWhat kind of man would do something like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know for sure,\u201d Adam replied as he headed for the sideboard near the door, \u201cAnd I don\u2019t know what business he had on the Ponderosa in the first place, but I\u2019m going to find out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He was putting on his gun belt when the sound of a commotion from outside caught his attention. Even before he had a chance to open the door, one of the hands burst through. \u201cFire!\u201d he called. \u201cThe barn! Hurry!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Adam yelled up the stairs before hurrying out to the verandah. In a heartbeat, his mind was able to assess the situation. Though men seemed to be running in every direction, he recognized it as a well-organized chaos. Hurrying to help, he took charge and began issuing orders even as Hoss joined them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the flames had been extinguished, Adam stood wiping his brow with the sleeve of his shirt, an empty bucket dangling from his other hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat in tarnation happened?\u201d Hoss asked, his face and clothing covered with soot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cWhat about the horses?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re spooked, but fine,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cWhat could have started it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what, but I know where,\u201d Hank interrupted as he walked toward them with an armful of wet material. \u201cIt was this stack of blankets. Could\u2019ve bin smoldering for hours \u2018fore it caught on to them bales of hay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took the stack of blankets and inspected them closely. \u201cThis was no accident,\u201d he stated grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure \u2018bout that, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI put these in there this morning,\u201d Adam replied, referring to the small room where the blankets were kept. \u201cThere was nothing in there that could have started this accidentally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to go into town for the sheriff?\u201d Hank asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, but I was on my way to town anyway,\u201d Adam replied grimly. Turning to his brother, he added, \u201cStay here and keep an eye on things, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing can look after Little Joe,\u201d Hoss countered. \u201cAnd Hank here can look after everything else for a spell. I\u2019m goin\u2019 with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I \u2026\u201d Adam began, only to be cut off by his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like what\u2019s bin goin\u2019 on here any more\u2019n you do, Adam,\u201d Hoss interrupted firmly. \u201cAnd I already got one brother upstairs hurt, I ain\u2019t aimin\u2019 to have two. I\u2019m goin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t intended to argue the point, but after hearing Hoss\u2019 words and seeing the stubborn expression set into his face, he knew it would have been pointless anyway. \u201cI was going to say, I think that might be a good idea at that,\u201d he smiled slightly. \u201cLet\u2019s go tell Pa where we\u2019ll be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They reached town and the sheriff\u2019s office without seeing even a glimpse of the stranger Joe had mentioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Adam,\u201d Roy sighed in frustration. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Little Joe got hurt, and I agree with you, I think it\u2019s a pretty lowdown thing for a man to do, just leaving him there like that, but there\u2019s just no law \u2018gainst having bad judgement. If there was, I\u2019d hafta lock up half the people in this town at one time or \u2018nother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about setting fire to the barn?\u201d Adam grated. \u201cSurely you\u2019ll agree there\u2019s a law against that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there is,\u201d Roy nodded. \u201cAnd if you can tell me you know for sure it was this man with the bay horse who started that fire, I\u2019ll be happy to arrest him, that is, if I can find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t ya even gonna try\u2019n find him, Roy?\u201d Hoss frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I just finished tellin\u2019 your brother, Hoss,\u201d Roy explained patiently. \u201cI just can\u2019t up and go off lookin\u2019 for a man I ain\u2019t even sure has broken any laws. He could just be a stranger passin\u2019 through who didn\u2019t want to get caught up in no trouble. For all we know, he could be in the next territory by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he\u2019s not?\u201d Adam demanded. \u201cWhat if he shows up again right here in Virginia City?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll surely have a talk with him and try to find out what his business is here,\u201d Roy agreed, nodding. \u201cBut you have to understand I can\u2019t leave this office and this town unprotected to go off on what could amount to nothin\u2019 more\u2019n a wild goose chase.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a frustrated breath before turning to his brother. \u201cCome on,\u201d he growled, leading the way out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once outside, they stood surveying the street for a moment. \u201cNow what?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou still plannin\u2019 on lookin\u2019 for this guy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam struggled with the answer to Hoss\u2019 question. He knew they were needed on the Ponderosa, but he couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that something was wrong. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he sighed. \u201cBut I don\u2019t like the way these little \u2018accidents\u2019 seem to be piling up. First Pa, now Joe and the fire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think they\u2019s accidents,\u201d Hoss surmised, scrunching his face into a scowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe Joe\u2019s fall was an accident,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t change the fact that there was someone else there, someone who didn\u2019t bother to go for help, someone who was coming from the direction of the house at the time\u2026 and the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, beginning to buy into the theory. \u201cHis was just an accident, he plain said so himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA wheel comes off a wagon,\u201d Adam answered thoughtfully. \u201cCould happen to anyone.\u201d After a moment\u2019s reflection, he added, \u201cCome on. We need to talk to Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They made their way toward the Ponderosa in silence, each harbouring their own thoughts concerning the recent misadventures that had seemingly plagued their family. As they crested a small hill on the boundaries of their ranch, a single shot rang out. Hoss turned in reaction to the sound and saw Adam falling from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted, quickly turning Chubb around to ride back to where his brother lay in the dirt. As he reached the spot, he dismounted, quickly kneeling by Adam\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Adam assured him grimly, one hand covering the gash in his side. \u201cJust grazed me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked around at the surrounding terrain. There were any number of places a sniper could hide and he quickly dragged Adam to the base of a large tree, hoping it would provide some measure of safety should the unknown assailant choose to try again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess that pretty much wraps up our suspicions, don\u2019t it?\u201d he mused, drawing his gun as his eyes scanned the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see anything?\u201d Adam asked intently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI reckon now that he\u2019s lost the element of surprise, he\u2019s likely long gone.\u201d Holstering his gun, he crouched down beside his brother. \u201cCan you ride?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam nodded, taking the larger man\u2019s hand and allowing him to pull him to his feet. \u201cAnd I think the sooner we get back to the house, the better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss left one of the hands to stable the horses while he helped Adam into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Ben demanded from his chair as his two sons came through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone took a shot at us, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied, helping Adam to the settee. \u201cLuckily, it wasn\u2019t a very good one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Ben asked, hobbling to Adam\u2019s side to check the wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m OK,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cJust grazed the skin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben called up the stairs to Hop Sing who hurried down, the whole while babbling something in Chinese.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMista Adam hurt too?\u201d he exclaimed as he saw the man laying on the settee. \u201cFirst Mista Cartwright, then the Little Joe. What going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019d like to know, Hop Sing,\u201d Adam grated as he allowed the small man to inspect the wound. \u201cPa, I don\u2019t think we can discount the possibility that these little \u2018accidents\u2019 are related somehow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m beginning to think you may be right,\u201d Ben replied grimly. \u201cBut who? And why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think that guy Joe saw on the bay horse is a good \u2018nuff place to start,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cWe find him, maybe we can get some answers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Hoss is right,\u201d Joe interjected from the top of the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe stay in bed!\u201d Hop Sing admonished strictly. \u201cNeed rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe assured the little man. \u201cI may not be pitching horseshoes for a while, but I can walk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss went to the stairs and helped his little brother down and into the blue chair by the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about this man you saw,\u201d Ben frowned solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe delivered as much of a shrug as he could with one shoulder bound tightly. \u201cLike I said, I was on my way home and I saw him riding from the direction of the house. I probably wouldn\u2019t have thought anything of it, but as soon as he saw me, he took off into the trees. I was following him along the edge of the cliff, just to ask him what he was doing there, when Cochise threw me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he didn\u2019t say anything to you after you fell?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe frowned, trying to remember anything besides the feeling of the wood tearing through his flesh. \u201cI just assumed he\u2019d been out at the house and I asked him to go for help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he was here at the house,\u201d Adam agreed as Hop Sing finished bandaging his injury. \u201cOr at least at the barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFunny no one seemed to see \u2018im,\u201d Hoss pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe could have hidden his horse and made his way to the barn on foot,\u201d Ben acknowledged. \u201cIf he\u2019s got something against one or all of us, that could explain why he didn\u2019t go for help after Joe\u2019s accident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd speakin\u2019 of accidents, someone coulda rigged the wheel on your wagon, Pa,\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could be right, son,\u201d Ben mused thoughtfully. \u201cI know that wagon was sturdy when I left here. Someone could have tampered with it while I was in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr even Springfield,\u201d Joe pointed out. \u201cYou were there that day, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut a loosened wheel never would have made it from Springfield to Virginia City,\u201d Ben disagreed, shaking his head slightly. \u201cNo, if someone fixed that wagon to crash, they must have done it in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow the question is who and why?\u201d Adam stated, getting to his feet and adjusting his bandage slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore importantly, what do they have planned for us next? Whomever it was that shot at the two of you is still out there,\u201d Ben replied grimly. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to watch each other\u2019s backs until we get this settled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatch backs, watch fronts, watch arms and legs,\u201d Hop Sing added. \u201cHop Sing no want more Mista Cartwrights hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want that either, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben agreed solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell one thing is for sure,\u201d Adam stated grimly. \u201cRoy Coffee can\u2019t brush this off as a mere coincidence. I\u2019m going to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019 with ya,\u201d Hoss nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d Joe announced, slowly getting out of his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere, young man,\u201d Ben informed him firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m the only one who\u2019d know this guy if I saw him,\u201d Joe argued. \u201cBesides, Adam is hurt and he\u2019s going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can still sit a horse,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cYou\u2019d be falling off yours before we even got off the Ponderosa.\u201d Knowing he was right, but still feeling a slight regret at his earlier remarks, he added in a slightly softer voice. \u201cBesides, we need someone to stay here with Pa in case there\u2019s more trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe seemed to consider the words, oblivious to the grateful glance Ben shot at his oldest son. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he murmured reluctantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be back as soon as we fill Roy in on what\u2019s goin\u2019 on,\u201d Hoss promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben watched his two older sons leave and breathed a heavy sigh. Something inside told him it was going to be a long day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They made it to town without further incident and headed straight for Roy\u2019s office. After listening to their story, Roy got up from his desk. \u201cI hope you boys understand why I couldn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 earlier when you was in. I just didn\u2019t have any proof.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we understand, Roy,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cThe question is, what are you gonna do now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll hafta take a posse and go out lookin\u2019 for this man,\u201d Roy informed them. \u201cWe don\u2019t have much to go on, but I can\u2019t just let him go \u2018round shootin\u2019 anyone he wants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re joining that posse,\u201d Adam stated firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019d love to have you join,\u201d Roy admitted. \u201cBut what about your Pa and Joe? They\u2019s out to the Ponderosa alone and hurt at that. If this guy was at your place once already, what\u2019s to stop him from goin\u2019 out there again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s at least a dozen hands out there,\u201d Adam reminded him, \u201cMen who now know something\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHank was sending men out to guard both roads when we left,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cPa and Little Joe will be all right for now, but we gotta stop this guy \u2018fore someone gets killed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s go,\u201d Roy nodded, heading for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They\u2019d been out for hours without a single sign of anything suspicious. \u201cThis is ridiculous,\u201d Adam grated in frustration. \u201cA man doesn\u2019t just disappear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t have to,\u201d Roy pointed out. \u201cConsiderin\u2019 we don\u2019t know what he looks like, he could be standin\u2019 right beside us and we\u2019d never know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t know him,\u201d Hoss reminded the sheriff. \u201cThat tells me it\u2019s a stranger at least.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there are a lot of hiding places on the Ponderosa,\u201d Adam added tensely. \u201cIt would take us days to search them all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we won\u2019t hafta,\u201d Roy frowned thoughtfully. \u201cIf this guy really is out to get your family, he\u2019ll hafta show his hand sooner or later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying we just wait for him to come to us?\u201d Adam asked, frowning as he considered the idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what he\u2019s bin doin\u2019,\u201d Roy shrugged. \u201cWhat\u2019s to say he ain\u2019t comin\u2019 after ya again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut this time we\u2019ll be ready for him,\u201d Hoss stated grimly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d boys best get back to the house,\u201d Roy informed them. \u201cKeep them guards posted and watch out for anything or anyone suspicious. I\u2019ll keep my eyes peeled around town and if he\u2019s still in these parts we\u2019re bound to come across him sooner or later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam exchanged glances, trying to decide whether Roy\u2019s plan was the best course of action. \u201cAll right,\u201d Adam finally agreed. \u201cBut if you see anyone out of the ordinary, you let us know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I will,\u201d Roy nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing they could take the sheriff at his word, they broke away from the posse and headed back for the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Though they\u2019d missed supper, Hop Sing was quick to fix them something hot as soon as they arrived home. While they waited for the food to be prepared, they filled their father in on all Roy had said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s all we can do at the moment,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cI just hate the thought of sitting here like so many targets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Hoss concurred. \u201cBut we ain\u2019t got a lot of choice, leastwise not until he makes another move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben allowed a small smile. \u201cLet\u2019s just say he didn\u2019t recover quite as quickly as he would have us believe. He tried to convince me that he was fine, but I could see how much pain he\u2019s still in. I sent him up to bed an hour ago and told him I didn\u2019t want to see him again until morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go check on him while Hop Sing\u2019s fixin\u2019 supper,\u201d Hoss offered, already heading for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you figured out who could be behind all this?\u201d Adam asked of his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been trying to,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cBut I can\u2019t think of anyone who holds enough of a grudge to try to kill us all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe you just don\u2019t want to believe anyone capable of going to those lengths,\u201d Adam suggested quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Ben allowed. \u201cEither way, I guess we\u2019ll find out soon enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss returned after only a couple of minutes. \u201cSleepin\u2019 like a baby,\u201d he assured his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s one thing off my mind for the time being, anyway,\u201d Ben mused. \u201cNow that we know all is under control in here, we have to figure out what to do about what\u2019s going on out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI kinda got me an idea about that, Pa,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re listening,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if this same man is responsible for all this, he don\u2019t really know how successful he\u2019s bin, does he?\u201d Hoss began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you getting at?\u201d Ben asked with interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he saw Little Joe, and he knows he was hurt, but he don\u2019t know how bad. Same with Adam. He may know he shot him, but he likely don\u2019t know it was just a grazin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just how does that work in our favour, exactly?\u201d Ben prodded, his curiosity piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s what we do,\u201d Hoss suggested in a conspiratorial tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next morning, Hoss took the buckboard into town. Stopping in front of the sheriff\u2019s office, he went inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Hoss,\u201d Roy frowned slightly. \u201cHave you seen anything of this man we\u2019re lookin\u2019 for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I need your help, Roy,\u201d Hoss informed him. After closing the door, he filled the sheriff in on his plan. A few minutes later they both exited the office. Roy squeezed Hoss\u2019 arm compassionately and Hoss only nodded, his expression grim. The big man then got into the wagon and drove down the street to where he stopped in front of a small, tidy building. Roy watched him until he disappeared inside, then shook his head slowly before taking a deep breath and starting to walk slowly down the street. Whenever he saw someone, especially someone who knew the Cartwrights well, he stopped to talk for a moment. An hour later, the name Cartwright was on the lips of everyone in town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you see Roy?\u201d Ben asked as Hoss returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s all taken care of, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben acknowledged the words with a nod. \u201cAnd did you get the\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t seem to finish the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

In way of response, Hoss pulled back the tarp and exposed two beautifully crafted coffins. \u201cThe best Mr. Wingrove has,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cNothin\u2019s too good for those brothers of mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shot him a slightly uncomfortable look. \u201cI really wish you\u2019d stop saying things like that,\u201d he muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Hoss smiled. Adam joined them in the yard and raised one eyebrow as he noticed the contents of the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you have to go so elaborate?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHad to make it look real, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Hoss replied, running his hand over the polished wood. \u201cHow would it look if I went into town and asked for two big paper sacks?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all heart, brother,\u201d Adam smiled, clapping him on the shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeast I could do,\u201d Hoss nodded, feigning a pained look. \u201cYou were both such good brothers. I\u2019m gonna miss ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you two stop?\u201d Ben asked, the conversation obviously making him uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, shooting a small smile in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

A moment later, Joe appeared at the open door to the house. \u201cI was wondering where everyone got to,\u201d he mused as he slowly made his way to join them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I thought I told you to stay in bed,\u201d Ben reprimanded, using the crutches to turn in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you didn\u2019t want to see me until morning,\u201d Joe corrected with a small smile. \u201cWell, it\u2019s morning and late morning at that. Really, Pa, I\u2019m feeling better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he noticed the cargo in the back of the wagon, he frowned in concern. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Who are those for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam realized Joe hadn\u2019t been present when they\u2019d hatched their little plan and couldn\u2019t resist a teasing smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry to say it,\u201d Hoss informed him, coming to place a hand on his shoulder. \u201cBut one of them\u2019s yours little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMine?\u201d Joe exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a sad story really,\u201d Adam sighed, joining Hoss on the other side of Joe. \u201cThe loss of blood was just too great. We thought you were recuperating, but then you wouldn\u2019t follow Pa\u2019s directions to stay in bed and you just keeled over, right here in the yard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys,\u201d Ben warned in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just teasin, Joe,\u201d Hoss chuckled. With that, he explained their scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he doesn\u2019t show?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cHe could be miles away from here by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d Adam agreed with a nod, \u201cbut chances are, he wants to know how successful he\u2019s been so far. With Roy spreading the word that both of us are dead, he\u2019ll probably feel like it\u2019s the perfect tine to finish the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if he saw you in town yesterday? Or with that posse? He\u2019s going to know that bullet didn\u2019t kill you,\u201d Joe pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s \u2018xactly what did happen,\u201d Hoss countered. \u201cEverybody knows Adam was ridin\u2019 hurt. They just don\u2019t know how bad the wound was. Poor Adam here overdid it, broke it open again and bled to death \u2018fore I could even get him back to the ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he could believe that,\u201d Joe mused sceptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven if he doesn\u2019t,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cThat\u2019s all the more reason for him to be at the funeral to see it for himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile began to grow on Joe\u2019s face as he thought about the plan. \u201cThat could just work,\u201d he finally agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I will have to stay out of sight,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cRoy\u2019s already told everyone we\u2019re really close to that it\u2019s a ploy, but it would ruin everything if someone we didn\u2019t know saw us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike the guy on the bay horse,\u201d Joe surmised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cRoy will be at the funeral, naturally, but he\u2019s gonna have men keepin\u2019 watch for anyone who doesn\u2019t seem to belong. I told him to gather as many people as he could so that it wouldn\u2019t be so easy to see who\u2019s missin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust the gals of Virginia City alone should be enough of a distraction,\u201d Joe teased. \u201cCan\u2019t you just see them all weepin\u2019 over my grave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd all their fathers celebrating in the background,\u201d Adam replied with a wink in Hoss\u2019 direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss frowned. \u201cI reckon I shoulda got a bigger box just to hold that head o\u2019 his.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I should be glad you three can find humour in this whole situation,\u201d Ben broke in, eyeing his sons with a slightly doubtful expression. \u201cBut may I remind you, we still have work to do if we\u2019re going to pull this off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Later that afternoon, Ben and Hoss rode the buggy to the spot beside the lake where Marie was buried. Fresh flowers still adorned her grave and Ben paused a moment to reflect on his wife before the two freshly dug graves drew his attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Helping his father from the buggy, Hoss looked up to see the wagon approaching. \u201cHere comes Hank,\u201d he said to Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Hank approaching, the two glossy caskets in the back of the wagon. \u201cThank God they\u2019re empty,\u201d he breathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

In way of response, Hoss squeezed his arm before going to help unload the cargo.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the mourners began to arrive, Ben kept his gaze riveted on the two graves. His hope was that their plan would prove to be a success before he had to go through with the whole service. Though they\u2019d discussed it at length the night before, he wasn\u2019t entirely sure he was ready to hear his sons\u2019 eulogies read aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as the preacher was about to begin, a commotion was heard approaching the place where they were gathered. As the crowd parted, two Ponderosa hands and a deputy made their way through, leading a bound man on a bay horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve got your man,\u201d the deputy stated grimly. \u201cSaw him headin\u2019 out this way and we followed. He left his horse back a piece and was makin\u2019 his way here on foot.\u201d He paused for effect. \u201cWith a rifle in his hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben came forward and studied the man on horseback. \u201cWho are you and what explanation do you have for all this?\u201d he demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man offered only a wry smile. \u201cHow does it feel, Cartwright?\u201d he sneered. \u201cHow does it feel to stand at your sons\u2019 graves knowing another man was responsible?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWho are you?\u201d he repeated, his tone low and menacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe name\u2019s Wheeler,\u201d he answered, still smiling evilly. \u201cTom Wheeler.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWheeler,\u201d Ben repeated thoughtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father was Dan Wheeler,\u201d the man continued. \u201cYou stole the timber contract from him up at Sawmill Creek.\u201d His smile faded slightly as it was replaced with a look of pure hatred. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you don\u2019t remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSawmill Creek?\u201d Ben replied, frowning. \u201cWe got that contract nearly ten years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it should have gone to my father!\u201d the man bellowed angrily, oblivious to the crowd witnessing his actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben tried to remember the details. \u201cThere was another bid,\u201d he nodded. \u201cBut we won that contract fair and square.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t need it,\u201d Wheeler spat. \u201cWith all your holdings, you didn\u2019t need it one bit. My father had put all his hopes and dreams into getting that contract. When he lost it, it was the end of everything he\u2019d worked for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised his chin slightly. \u201cAs I recall, your father tried to buy that contract. He offered the railroad money to insure his bid was accepted, even though it was much higher than mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d Wheeler shrieked, struggling against his bonds. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who stole it from him! Thanks to you, I found my father hanging in the barn when I was 10 years old. Do you think that\u2019s a sight for a boy to see, Cartwright? Do you think it was easy for me to stand by his grave, knowing you were the reason?\u201d He paused a moment, glancing at the freshly dug graves. With a smirk, he added, \u201cI guess you know now, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s why you did all this,\u201d Ben surmised glumly. \u201cOver a bidding war ten years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was too young to do anything about it then,\u201d Wheeler grated. \u201cBut I swore I\u2019d come after you first chance I got. You took everything from me and my family. I wanted you to know how it felt. An eye for an eye, Cartwright. How does it feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t know,\u201d came a deep voice. As the crowd turned, Adam and Joe slowly made their way into view and came to stand beside their father and brother. \u201cThat\u2019s right, Wheeler,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cYou\u2019re not quite as good with that gun as you think you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shot you!\u201d Wheeler yelled frantically. \u201cI know I did!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just grazed him,\u201d Joe returned flatly. \u201cAnd my brother found me on that ledge not long after you\u2019d left me there to die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Wheeler shook his head in stubborn denial.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben added, his tone and his expression indicating his anger. \u201cYou tried to take my family from me and you failed, just like your father failed you all those years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ruined him,\u201d Wheeler whined, suddenly more like the child he was than the man he thought he\u2019d become. \u201cIt was your fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cMen lose timber contracts all the time. I\u2019ve lost a few myself. Your father owed it to his family to keep going, to make a living without it. He took the coward\u2019s way out, Tom. Just like you did when you tried to shoot one of my sons in the back and left the other to die on that ledge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In response, Wheeler hung his head, mumbling incoherently, the fight gone from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take him back to town, Ben,\u201d Roy stated. \u201cI guess your plan worked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Hoss\u2019 plan,\u201d Ben smiled slightly, looking over at his sons. \u201cOne I wasn\u2019t too crazy with, I might add.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it worked like a charm, Pa,\u201d Hoss grinned proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied, his smile widening slightly. \u201cYes, it did.\u201d Turning to the people gathered there, he addressed them. \u201cThank you all for playing a part in this. I\u2019m sorry you had to get all dressed up and ride all the way out here, but I can\u2019t say I\u2019m sorry it was under false pretenses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Roy told us what you were up to, I figured the least we could do was go along,\u201d Doc Martin smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I had my hands plumb full trying to convince all your friends that your boys were still alive and well,\u201d Roy chuckled. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing how fast word can spread in a town the size of Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStormy Tober was cleaning up in the sheriff\u2019s office when Hoss and I were in there yesterday,\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cHe knew about the shooting and Joe\u2019s accident. I guess when he saw Hoss coming out of the undertakers with those two coffins, he assumed the worst.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you one thing,\u201d Roy grinned. \u201cFor an old guy, that Stormy sure gets around town fast. He already had the word spread that these two was dead before I had a chance to explain what was really goin\u2019 on. Spent most of the day goin\u2019 around and undoin\u2019 what he\u2019d done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They all laughed at the image in their minds. \u201cTell you what,\u201d Ben announced to everyone present. \u201cNo sense letting all these fancy duds go to waste. Everyone\u2019s invited out to the house for a party!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a fine idea,\u201d Roy smiled, talking over the laugher and chatter of the dispersing crowd. \u201cI\u2019ll be out to the house just as soon as I get Wheeler here locked up where he can\u2019t hurt nobody else. Now that will be cause for celebration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked over at where his three sons stood chatting and laughing with a few of the young ladies from town. With a smile of pride and gratitude, he corrected his long time friend. \u201cRoy, just filling in those empty holes will be all the cause for celebration I need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 While Ben’s laid up as the result of an accident, Joe suffers a similar fate, causing the Cartwrights to wonder how accidental the occurrences really are.
\nRating:\u00a0 Teens
\nWords:\u00a0 8,450<\/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":[23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":599,"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":45759,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45759","url_meta":{"origin":47200,"position":0},"title":"Ponderosa Christmas (by Judy)","author":"Judy","date":"April 17, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An afternoon spent preparing for Christmas Rating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (1,085 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\/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":[]},{"id":1546,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1546","url_meta":{"origin":47200,"position":1},"title":"Just Another Unfortunate Accident (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The Giggly Sisters turn their discerning eye on the accidents that befall a certain member of the Cartwright family. 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