{"id":5039,"date":"2003-01-15T22:34:22","date_gmt":"2003-01-16T03:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5039"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:59","slug":"growing-up-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5039","title":{"rendered":"Growing Up (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Joe has grown away from a group of friends, who resent this, and set out to make his life a misery. But when Ben gets injured, can Joe save him?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,400 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

Growing Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe!\u201d A voice hailed, and Joe Cartwright turned, squinting slightly against the sun to see the person who had called to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pete,\u201d he returned, looking up at the young man on the flashy bay horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong time no see, Cartwright,\u201d Pete said, not dismounting.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I\u2019ve been busy,\u201d Joe said, shortly. \u201cI\u2019m in kind of a hurry, Pete. See you another time?\u201d Without waiting for a response, Joe continued walking along the boardwalk to the mail office. He was aware of Pete following him on the horse, and was vaguely annoyed. He went to the window of the mail office, and greeted the clerk. Pete dismounted, and hitched his horse to the rail.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been busy for some time,\u201d Pete said, as Joe turned back, tucking the mail into his inner jacket pocket. \u201cYou haven\u2019t come out racing with us for months. What\u2019s wrong? Your rich daddy told you you gotta stay at home and be a good boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack off, Pete,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to race any more, okay? I have other things on my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat things?\u201d Pete asked, grabbing Joe\u2019s arm as he tried to walk away. \u201cAre you getting responsible in your old age? You don\u2019t have to work, Joey. You\u2019ve got a rich daddy to keep you in cash.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I don\u2019t work, I don\u2019t earn,\u201d Joe said, seriously annoyed now. He shook his arm, and Pete took the hint. \u201cAnd maybe I am getting responsible. I do have a lot on my plate right now, and play is the last thing on my mind. Now back off!\u201d He turned on his heel, and left Pete standing.<\/p>\n

Retrieving Cochise, his pinto horse, from the livery stable, Joe mounted up and set off for home. He did have a lot on his plate right then. He was shouldering all the responsibility for the breaking of the horses, and the day before, the most promising horse out of the bunch he was currently working with had caught its hoof in the corral rails and snapped a leg. It had been destroyed, but the accident had cast a pall over the operation. Joe, who had been riding the horse, had been thrown clear, and had suffered no more than a few bruises. But his heart ached for the beautiful animal that had died.<\/p>\n

About a year previously, Joe had fallen in with Pete Devlin and his pals, who were all about Joe\u2019s age. They were all sons of rich ranchers, and most of them spent their time loafing around, drinking in the saloons and raising trouble. People smiled indulgently at their antics, which were generally pretty harmless. Their favorite sport was racing their horses, and Joe had thoroughly enjoyed that. However, over the last few months, he suddenly found the company of these idle young men was giving him no pleasure, and he had stopped meeting up with them. Joe couldn\u2019t explain why, even to himself, hence his shortness with Pete. He didn\u2019t realize that it was because he had matured, and grown away from them.<\/p>\n

Normally, Joe would have stopped at the Silver Dollar for a drink, but the mail he had collected had an important letter in it for Ben, his father, and Joe knew how anxious Ben was to get it. He headed straight for home, and didn\u2019t even feel a pang of regret for the missed opportunity to slope off work for a while.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sure when he became aware that he was being followed. Looking back, he spotted Pete\u2019s bay, and Dave\u2019s liver chestnut. Joe kicked Cochise into a faster pace, but he had put in a full morning\u2019s work, and his pursuers\u2019 horses were fresh.<\/p>\n

The distance between them diminished, and finally, Pete and Dave were riding one on either side of Joe. Joe slowed Cochise to a walk, but the horse pranced nervously. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t very nice,\u201d Pete said. \u201cIs that nice, Dave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, its not nice,\u201d Dave said. Joe gave him a disgusted look. It was Joe\u2019s private opinion that Dave Barker had no more brains than a sheep, and he went along with anything Pete said.<\/p>\n

While Joe was looking at Dave, Pete grabbed Joe\u2019s rein. In a flash, Joe had his gun drawn, and aimed at Pete, who looked startled. Dave, forgotten about, leaned over and grabbed Joe, pulling him backwards from the horse.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t much of a fall, but Joe landed flat on his back, and was slightly winded. Before he could regain his feet, Pete and Dave were there, pummeling him with verve. Joe fought back, and scrambled to his feet, but although Dave wasn\u2019t much of a fighter, Pete was vicious and dirty. Joe was getting a real pounding. He stepped back to avoid a nasty kick in the groin, and stumbled on a loose rock. Joe\u2019s ankle twisted under him, and he lost his balance. Pete was on him in a moment, and Joe crashed to the ground. Within seconds, Dave was sitting on Joe\u2019s legs, and Pete was bashing his head off the ground. Joe fought desperately, but there was one knock too many, and he surrendered his hold on consciousness.<\/p>\n

Panting, Pete and Dave scrambled to their feet. Dave looked frightened. \u201cWhat are we going to do with him?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Wiping blood from his nose, Pete spat on his unconscious \u2018friend\u2019. \u201cWe\u2019ll tie him to his horse,\u201d Pete decided. \u201cHe\u2019ll think twice before he talks to me like that again.\u201d<\/p>\n

They dragged Joe over to Cochise, and threw him up into the saddle somehow. It took Pete only moments to tie Joe\u2019s wrists to the saddle horn, tightening the rope cruelly. He dropped Joe\u2019s hat onto his head, and gave Cochise a thump. The pinto started off towards home, with Joe, still unconscious, on his back.<\/p>\n

Watching, Pete and Dave laughed, because they had managed to get one over on a Cartwright.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I get the same total,\u201d Adam said to Ben, passing the ledger back across the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Ben said, sounding pleased. \u201cIts nice to get it right the first time, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He smiled at Adam, who smiled back. Hearing hooves in the yard, he said, \u201cThat\u2019ll be Joseph. It\u2019s a change for him to get back early with the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

They waited for the rush of feet on the porch, but none came. Still smiling, Ben rose, and looked out of the office window. He saw Cochise standing in the yard, with Joe slumped along his neck. \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d he said to Adam, as the smile faded from his face. He hurried outside.<\/p>\n

Hearing the footsteps, Joe lifted his head slightly. He was afraid to move too much, as the world had developed an alarming habit of tilting when he did so. He had seldom been as pleased to see anyone, as he was to see his father and oldest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben exclaimed, and reached for his son, seeing the signs of a beating.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe whispered, and moved slightly.<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Ben put his hand up again, then his eye fell on the rope binding Joe\u2019s wrists. \u201cWho did this to you?\u201d he asked, as Adam produced a knife and began to hack at the rough hemp.<\/p>\n

\u201cPete and Dave,\u201d Joe replied, as he was assisted down from his saddle. The world spun even faster, and Joe turned quite green for a few moments until he regained at least some of his equilibrium.\u00a0 Ben supported Joe on one side, and Adam took the other arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben said, gently, and they helped Joe as he limped painfully across to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got the mail,\u201d Joe said, as they eased him gently down onto the settee. \u201cYour letter\u2019s there, Pa.\u201d He spoke with some difficulty, as his lower lip was badly split.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind that now,\u201d Ben scolded, gently, as he ran a hand over Joe\u2019s head. Joe winced. Adam came from the kitchen with a basin of water, and Ben gently cleaned the blood from Joe\u2019s face, as Joe told them the story.<\/p>\n

The door opened, and Hoss entered the house like a gust of wind. \u201cI done tied up yer pony, Shortshanks,\u201d he said, as he threw his hat on the credenza, and began to unbuckle his gun belt. \u201cPity you didn\u2019t think to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said, thickly, and Hoss came across to gaze at Joe in horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho done this to ya, boy?\u201d he asked, and Ben repeated the story. He had decided that Joe hadn\u2019t suffered any serious injury, although they would need to watch him closely in case of concussion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a little lunch?\u201d he asked Joe, and was relieved as the youth nodded. It was when Joe stood up that they realized that they had missed one injury \u2013 his sprained ankle. It folded under his weight, and Joe would have fallen if Adam hadn\u2019t been there to catch him.<\/p>\n

When they finally reached the table, Adam eyed Joe as they ate. \u201cAre you going to report this to the sheriff?\u201d he asked. Joe\u2019s fork hesitated on its way to his mouth, then resumed course. Joe said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might have a word with their parents,\u201d Ben said. He glanced at Joe, who\u2019s face was set like stone. \u201cWe can\u2019t just let this go by, Joe. You could\u2019ve been badly hurt. If there had been nobody in the house, who knows how long you\u2019d have had to sit on your horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe said, reluctantly. He would have preferred to deal with it himself, and meet his so-called friends alone, and teach them a lesson, but he knew that he had no chance of that happening for a while. He could feel color rising in his face as he thought about the humiliation he\u2019d felt when he woke, and realized he was helpless.<\/p>\n

Watching Joe, Ben decided to change the subject, and opened his letter. \u201cGood,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got that timber contract I was bidding on. After lunch, Adam, I want you to go and mark the trees we\u2019ll be needing, and then get the crew organized to begin felling in the morning. There\u2019s a tight deadline on this one.\u201d He tossed the letter down the table for Adam to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam replied, starting to read. \u201cHoss, that means you\u2019ll have to go up and check the stream on the North Forks road. One of the hands said he thought it might be dammed a little further up, because it was running quite low.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGotcha,\u201d Hoss grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll crack on with these books,\u201d Ben concluded. \u201cIf I get them done today, I\u2019ll be on hand to go out to the lumber camp if I\u2019m needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr just so you can see what is going on, eh, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, and they all laughed except Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, son?\u201d Ben asked, quietly, and Joe smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d he answered, although he ached all over. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you might be twenty-some years too late with that advice,\u201d Ben joked, and Joe gave a small laugh. \u201cI went grey worrying about you.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s arm, and when they were finished eating, helped Joe back to the settee, where he advised his son to rest his foot.<\/p>\n

Silence reigned in the big house for a while, and Ben forgot Joe was there as he became more engrossed in his task. Joe dozed for a short time, then read a book, but he was restless. Both his brothers were out dealing with their work, and he was confined to the house. Joe wasn\u2019t the only person working on the horse breaking, but he was by far the best bronc buster they had.<\/p>\n

He glanced at Ben, who, at that moment, rose and crossed to the stairs. \u201cNeed anything?\u201d he asked, as he headed up to look for a receipt he thought might be in the pocket of his warm coat. \u201cI won\u2019t be long, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe said, and as soon as Ben was out of sight, Joe limped across to the door, and slipped out. It didn\u2019t take him long to saddle Cochise and he was riding out of the yard as Ben came down stairs again.<\/p>\n

Seeing Joe\u2019s absence, and hearing the hooves, Ben put two and two together and came up with four. He shook his head, wondering where on earth Joe was going, and hoping fervently that he hadn\u2019t decided to go and have \u2018words\u2019 with Pete and Dave. For a moment, Ben debated going after his errant son, but finally went back to the books. But he would have a few choice words to say to Joe when he got back.<\/p>\n

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

Riding home, Adam went past the corral to see how the men were getting on without Joe. He frowned as he saw a familiar black and white horse hitched to the rail, and grew even more annoyed to draw closer and find Joe lowering himself carefully onto the back of one of the broncos. Dismounting, Adam climbed onto the rails to watch as the wild horse threw itself around the corral in a frenzy of bucking. From the animal\u2019s actions, Adam could see that this wasn\u2019t the first time there had been a cowboy on its back, and as he watched, the animal slowed, and gradually came to a stop. Joe prodded it into a walk, and then the outriders came and caught its headcollar, allowing Joe to slide to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat should do it for that one, Jeb,\u201d Joe called. He had yet to see Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll call it a day there, and I\u2019ll see you all in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hands all began to move away. The now docile mustang trotted beside its new stable mate. Joe watched it go, then belatedly became aware of the black-clad figure watching him from the rails. He pushed his hat back, and wiped his forehead before carefully placing his injured foot before he took a step.<\/p>\n

Watching, Adam allowed Joe to take 3 hopping steps before he jumped down and went over to help. \u201cWhat are you playing at?\u201d he demanded, angrily. \u201cYou\u2019re in no fit state to bust broncs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d Joe returned. \u201cHow come I managed to get three done this afternoon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might have a concussion,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWhat if you\u2019d been knocked out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I wasn\u2019t,\u201d retorted Joe, who knew the risk he\u2019d been taking. \u201cAnd somebody had to get on with this contract. The timber isn\u2019t the only thing that\u2019s got a deadline around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t as important,\u201d chided Adam, as he helped Joe to mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not in terms of money,\u201d Joe agreed, \u201c but in terms of my reputation it is. If I miss this deadline, I can kiss any more army contracts goodbye, and there aren\u2019t as many of them now as there were.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was an undeniable truth, but Adam wasn\u2019t mollified by Joe\u2019s answer. He was still angry at what he viewed as his brother\u2019s impulsive, unthinking behavior. \u201cAnd how did you get past Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went upstairs and I left while he was there,\u201d Joe answered, sullenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, boy, are you in for it,\u201d muttered Adam, and shook his head.<\/p>\n

There was silence for the rest of the way home. Joe\u2019s mouth was tight, and his handsome face bore a ferocious scowl. Beside him, Adam looked little different. He couldn\u2019t believe Joe had done this, although it conveniently slipped his mind that he had taken risks in the past to get things done to a deadline.<\/p>\n

When they arrived home, Adam made no offer to help Joe with his horse, but Joe hadn’t expected him to. They unsaddled and groomed in total, suffocating silence. Joe could barely walk, as he had stiffened up on the ride home, and his ankle was throbbing painfully, but he had known he would have to pay for what he had done, and so didn\u2019t complain.<\/p>\n

It was only when they headed towards the house that Adam called a truce by putting his hand under Joe\u2019s arm to help. Joe glanced up gratefully. He knew he was going to get a roasting when they went in. \u201cThanks,\u201d he said, briefly and Adam grunted.<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Joe tensed when he saw Ben standing in front of the fireplace. He looked across and for a moment, relief was imprinted quite clearly on his face. Then, the momentary expression was gone, and Ben looked as angry as Joe had ever seen him. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he thundered. \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBusting broncs,\u201d Joe said, defiantly. He threw his head up. Adam took the opportunity to removed Joe\u2019s hat. He still had his youngest brother by the arm, and he began to tug Joe\u2019s dusty jacket off his shoulders. His attention totally focused on Ben, Joe allowed him to do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBusting Broncs?!\u201d Ben bellowed. \u201cHave you lost your mind? You were attacked and knocked unconscious this morning! You\u2019ve got a sprained ankle and can barely walk, and you were busting BRONCS?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a deadline to meet, too,\u201d Joe said, quietly. \u201cMy reputation stands on this contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any idea what might have happened to you?\u201d Ben went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I do know what might have happened to me,\u201d Joe said, still quietly. \u201cBut I thought it was a risk worth taking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u00a0thought<\/em>?\u201d Ben said, sarcastically. \u201cNo, Joseph, I don\u2019t think that you\u00a0thought<\/em>\u00a0at all!\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the last straw for Joe\u2019s temper. \u201cNo, you\u2019re right – I don\u2019t think! I\u2019m too\u00a0young<\/em>\u00a0and too\u00a0stupid<\/em>\u00a0to think! I have to wait for my elders and betters to do my thinking for me!\u201d He blinked back angry tears. \u201cWell, you\u2019re wrong, Pa! I did think!\u201d\u00a0 He jerked his arm from Adam\u2019s hand and turned away to dash back out the door. His ankle gave the moment he put his weight on it, and Joe crashed full length to the floor. He couldn\u2019t bite back a cry of pain, for the fall had wrenched his joint afresh.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried and ran to kneel by his son. \u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it matter?\u201d Joe sobbed, totally over-wrought. \u201cYou\u2019ve already told me I was wrong, so what does it matter if I\u2019m all\u00a0right<\/em>\u00a0now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Ben said, sternly, but he couldn\u2019t stay angry as he saw the exhaustion and misery on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cHelp me, Adam,\u201d he said, and they assisted Joe to his feet, and over to the settee.<\/p>\n

After a few minutes, Joe had regained control of his temper, and was feeling thoroughly ashamed of himself. He had been trying so hard to show that he was an adult, and had then thrown one of his worst tantrums in ages. Ben hadn\u2019t said anything to him, just tended to his injury in silence.\u00a0 With the offending foot firmly bandaged up, he looked at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re right, your reputation does rest on this contract. I shouldn\u2019t have belittled that. But I was angry and concerned when I realized you were gone. I didn\u2019t know where you were heading. I thought perhaps you were going to find Dave and Pete, and when you didn\u2019t come back, I wondered if something had happened to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, too,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have lost my temper. But I did think this through, Pa. This contract may not be worth as much as the beef and the timber, but its still part of the Ponderosa.\u201d He swallowed, feeling the tears threatening again. \u201cIts my responsibility to get this contract out on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben said, for he did. Where would they be now, if he hadn\u2019t taken a few risks from time to time? \u201cBut I can\u2019t help worrying over you,\u201d he went on. \u201cIts not something that I\u2019ll get over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving him a watery smile, Joe said,\u201d I guess I should know that by now.\u201d Ben ruffled his hair, and Joe knew that everything was all right between them again.<\/p>\n

Sitting in the blue velvet chair, Adam shook his head. He never could figure out how Joe could go from uncontrollable bad temper to smiles in such a short period of time. Observing his father and brother together, Adam realized that he had felt the same feelings as Ben when he saw Joe on the bronc. He had been angry because he was afraid for Joe\u2019s safety, just as Ben had. He smiled. Joe sometimes accused him of acting like a second father, and Adam could see his point. However, he would never admit that to Joe\u2026 He winked briefly at his youngest brother as Joe glanced across at him, and he got that lovely smile in return.<\/p>\n

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

Next day, Joe was back at the breaking corral, but he didn\u2019t attempt to do any breaking himself. However, with his help the previous afternoon, they had got ahead of themselves, and Joe thought that they would finish on time. He hadn\u2019t liked to admit to how stiff he was that day, or how much his ankle still hurt. He had agreed to go in the buggy, as he couldn\u2019t get a boot on his bad foot. Joe got very little pleasure from just supervising, but he knew this was as essential a part of the job as the actual breaking itself.<\/p>\n

This became the pattern over the next few days. Adam rode off at dawn, or just before, to go to the lumber camps. The wagons holding the logs were now starting to rumble off down to the river, where they were floated down to a point nearer to the railhead, where they were stacked, ready to be loaded onto trains to go to their destination. Ben quite often went along, and Hoss took charge of the herd.<\/p>\n

A couple of days after Joe had been attacked, Ben went into Virginia City, without telling Joe, to talk to the sheriff. He found Roy in his office, and told him the story. \u201cD\u2019you want to press charges?\u201d Roy asked, drawing a form towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cI think I ought to talk to their parents first. It could be that Pete and Dave didn\u2019t mean to hurt Joe so much. You know how easily pranks can go wrong. They\u2019re just young, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, its your decision, Ben,\u201d allowed Roy, but his tone made it clear that he thought Ben was wrong. Roy didn\u2019t have a high opinion of any of the lads that rode with Pete and Dave. He had been rather surprised when he saw Joe with them sometimes, but he had observed that Joe no longer rode with them, and hadn\u2019t for several months now. \u201cWant me to come along?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks all the same,\u201d Ben replied, knowing that Roy\u2019s presence would take away any chance of him having a friendly chat with the boys\u2019 parents. \u201cI just thought I\u2019d tell you what was going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben had expected, telling the Barkers and the Devlins hadn\u2019t been easy, and he had left, wondering if he had spoiled friendships. He knew how he would feel if someone came to him and told him something about one of his boys. But he knew that he would rather be told, and hopefully stop further trouble.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, it didn\u2019t work that way. Pete and Dave met in the Silver Dollar, along with Frankie Sterling, Johnny Munroe, Steve Potter and Jim McLean. Pete was fit to be tied, and he spent most of the evening glaring into his beer. \u201cThat Joe Cartwright!\u201d he muttered. \u201cHe had to go and tell his daddy!\u201d He sketched in the story for his mates, conveniently forgetting to tell them that he had tied Joe to the horse, after knocking him out. Those pertinent details he kept to himself. \u201cWe\u2019re going to get Joe for that!\u201d he vowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Dave asked, in a scared voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe gotta be careful,\u201d Pete admitted. \u201cWe don\u2019t want the law catching us. So we gotta catch him where the old sheriff won\u2019t see us. Be nice to him in town, but harass him if we see him out in the open.\u201d An idea struck Pete, and he glanced all round before leaning forward to whisper, \u201cWe could pay someone to start a brawl with him. Someone big, so Cartwright comes off the worst!\u201d<\/p>\n

The others were just drunk enough that this sounded like a good plan to them. They began to propose and reject names, and when they all staggered home that night, they had picked Jake Harding, one of the hands on Pete\u2019 father\u2019s place. He was big and tough, with a reputation for fighting, and it was well known that he didn\u2019t like the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Jake would do anything for a few dollars, and Pete was confident that Jake would agree.<\/p>\n

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

It was a few weeks before Joe\u2019s ankle was healed enough to make a trip to town sound good, and by then, the horse breaking was over, and he had delivered on his contract. The timber cutting was going well, even if there had been a few hold-ups along the line. Now that he was back working again, Joe often rode out with Adam and Ben to help out. Extra hands never went amiss, and the boys had been thoroughly grounded in all aspects of running the ranch.<\/p>\n

At breakfast one morning, Ben said, \u201cJoe, I want you to go and collect the supplies today.\u00a0 Hop Sing was reminding me that we\u2019ve been so busy lately, nobody has been to town, and we\u2019re running short of several things. Get the post, too. You can have one beer in the saloon,\u201d he said, his eyes twinkling, \u201cbut that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, laughing as well. Both he and Ben knew that he usually stopped off for one beer, even when he was coming \u2018straight back.\u2019<\/p>\n

The list Hop Sing gave Joe was long, and Joe knew he\u2019d be a while at the general store. However, he relished the chance to get off the ranch for a couple of hours, and he sang quietly to himself on the way in. He was a good half hour or more at the store, then another while packing the buckboard. Once that was done, he collected the mail and headed for the saloon.<\/p>\n

The Silver Dollar was quiet at that point, and Joe was almost alone. He saw Jake Harding sitting at the back, and wondered if he had been sacked again. He had once worked on the Ponderosa, but he had been a thief and a bully, and Ben had sacked him. Since then, Jake had drifted from job to job. Lately he had been working for Pete Devlin\u2019s father, Joe knew, and he seemed to have finally settled there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Cartwright,\u201d Jake called. He sounded drunk. Joe ignored him. \u201cCartwright! I\u2019m talkin\u2019 to you!\u201d There were heavy footsteps from behind Joe, and a meaty hand slammed onto his shoulder and swung him around. Sam, the barman, began to look nervous.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want any trouble, Jake,\u201d Joe warned, quietly. \u201cI came in here for a beer before I go back home, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m going to do.\u201d He shook the hand from his shoulder, and turned back to the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cocky little kid!\u201d Jake snarled. \u201cYou Cartwrights, you think you\u2019re so high and mighty, don\u2019t you?\u201d He swung Joe around again, and without waiting, punched him.<\/p>\n

But Joe had been ready, and ducked and the blow went harmlessly over his head. It was just about the worst thing he could have done. Jake was infuriated, and swung for Joe again. Once more, Joe ducked. He fingered his gun for a moment, but Jake was so drunk, he doubted if even the gun would stop him, and Joe didn\u2019t want trouble.<\/p>\n

It was amazing how quickly a fight drew a crowd, Joe reflected, as he dodged another blow. The people were pouring in through the swing doors, but none of them happened to be the sheriff, the only person Joe wanted to see right about then. He didn\u2019t dodge quite quick enough that time, and Jake\u2019s punch knocked him down. He fell in a clatter of arms, legs and chair, wincing as the solid oak chair crashed down on top of him.<\/p>\n

This gave Jake an idea, and he picked up the nearest chair and hurled it at Joe. Joe barely avoided it. But Jake\u2019s aim was true, and a chair struck Joe on the arm, the leg narrowly missing his eye as it scratched his face. Joe tried to grope for his gun, but his fingers were strangely numb. His head rang, and he wished someone would step in and help him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d came an authoritative voice, and at last, Roy Coffee had arrived. Clem Foster, his deputy was there too. They quickly got Jake under control, and Sam blurted out that Jake had started it, and Joe hadn\u2019t even fought back.<\/p>\n

Leaving Jake to Clem\u2019s tender mercies, Roy made his way over to where Joe was standing. \u201cAre you all right, Little Joe?\u201d he asked, noticing the scratch and bruise on the young man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, Roy,\u201d Joe answered. He was beginning to get the feeling back in his fingers, although his arm was now aching so much that he wondered if feeling his fingers was worth the pain. He gingerly rubbed his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should see the doc, anyway,\u201d Roy insisted, and led the bemused youth over to the doc\u2019s office. Paul Martin was in, and took a quick look at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not broken,\u201d he said, moving the arm. \u201cBut that bruise spreads all the way over to your shoulder here.\u201d He pinpointed the end of the bruise, which was changing color, even as he watched. \u201cI think you should be careful for the next few days. The muscle is bruised, too, and your arm may well feel a bit odd sometimes. If the arm gives you a lot of trouble, you could wear a sling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe said, but Paul knew that Joe wouldn\u2019t wear a sling unless forced, and he smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, young man, you may go,\u201d he said, and Joe smiled and thanked him.<\/p>\n

Driving home, Joe wondered what on earth had set Jake Harding off like that. Was it still the old resentment about being sacked? Joe ached all over once more, and wished that he could stay out of trouble, just for a change. He could almost hear the comments the family would make, and his imaginings caused him to smile. Whatever they said would only be hiding their genuine concern for his well-being.<\/p>\n

He had no idea how long he had been driving for when he became aware that he was being shadowed. The horsemen didn\u2019t draw near, but they rode along the ridge among the trees for most of the way back to the Ponderosa. It was only when he reached the boundary that they turned back. Joe was relieved. He was in no fit state for another fight! He slowed the team and looked back. He was pretty sure he knew who the riders were, and when a stone skipped off the back of the buckboard, Joe became certain. Pete, Dave and their pals. Giving the reins a slap, Joe headed on for home.<\/p>\n

If Joe had had any hopes of hiding his sore arm from the family, they were dashed immediately when he realized that he wouldn\u2019t be able to unload the supplies. Driving had been hard enough, and Joe\u2019s arm no longer lifted higher than his waist. Reluctantly, he went in enlist help with the unloading.<\/p>\n

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

It didn\u2019t take long for Joe\u2019s arm to heal, but he was uncomfortable for several days. He endured the jibes of his brothers as best he could, but he was glad when he was able to get back to work. The timber cutting was nearing its end, and Ben was beginning to relax about the deadline. Still, the family often found themselves out at the lumber camp, helping out.<\/p>\n

Wherever he went, Joe was aware that he was being watched. He seldom saw anyone, but he could feel eyes on his back constantly. If he was alone, there were frequently hails of stones thrown at him, and once, a bullet ricocheted off the road in front of him. Joe wasn\u2019t sure what to do. He knew that Ben had talked to Pete and Dave\u2019s parents, and he suspected that Pete and Dave resented being told off like kids, and were out to make Joe\u2019s life a misery for a while. However, Joe reasoned that they would soon get tired of the harassment, if he simply ignored it.<\/p>\n

It was easier said than done to ignore it, though. When he went to town, Pete and Dave followed him around, making loud comments to each other. Joe\u2019s temper burned hotter and hotter, and on a number of occasions, it was only the presence of other people that prevented him grabbing Pete and smashing his fist into the other\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Despite his pre-occupation with the timber contract, Ben watched Joe with a concerned eye. His son seemed to be very tightly coiled, even for Joe, and he frequently came home looking angry. Casual questions were met with the standard response, of \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d which told Ben nothing. Adam and Hoss had also noticed Joe\u2019s behavior, but had no idea what was at the back of it. The only time Joe wasn\u2019t harassed was when he was with other people, and so they hadn\u2019t noticed anything out of the ordinary. It was a mystery.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe last of the timber should be delivered to the railhead this morning, and it\u2019ll be shipped out this afternoon,\u201d Ben said one morning at breakfast. \u201cAdam, if you make sure it gets there, please. Joe, you hitch the buggy, and you can drive me into town this morning to the offices of the mining company. They\u2019ll have to know that the timber has been delivered, and get the draft ready for the bank today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Pa,\u201d Joe said, although Ben thought he looked a bit tense all of a sudden.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe nodded. \u201cYes, I\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d he said, sounding surprised. He was barely aware of the tension he felt anymore. It had become part and parcel of his life. He thought his neck muscles felt a bit tight this morning, but put it down to sleeping in a funny position. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no reason. I just thought you looked a little tense.\u201d Ben knew how carefully you had to tread with Joe sometimes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe repeated. \u201cI\u2019ll go and hitch the buggy.\u201d He threw his napkin down on the plate and went out.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it my imagination,\u201d Adam began, dryly, \u201cor does younger brother appear to be not eating much at the moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting the napkin, Ben surveyed the remnants on Joe\u2019s plate. Sure enough, he had barely touched his breakfast. Ben made a face. \u201cWell, perhaps I\u2019ll have the chance to find out what wrong with him today as we go into town. Something\u2019s been bothering him for weeks now, but he won\u2019t say what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck,\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou may need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

After Ben had changed, he went out to join Joe in the buggy. It was a lovely day. Joe kept his wilder urges in check, and they bowled along in companionable silence. Ben wondered if he should ask Joe what was wrong on the way to town, or the way back. He had almost made up his mind to do it on the way back when there was a burst of wild yelling from the trees along side the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Ben muttered, turning to look over his shoulder. Six riders emerged from the trees and began to race towards the buggy, firing at it wildly. Joe didn\u2019t even look, he simply snapped the reins on the horse\u2019s back and set it to a dead run. \u201cWho are they?\u201d Ben gasped, looking at Joe\u2019s set face.<\/p>\n

\u201cDave, Pete, Frankie, Steve, Johnny, and Jim,\u201d Joe replied. He snapped the reins again, but the horse was already doing its best.<\/p>\n

Clinging to the buggy seat, Ben glanced over his shoulder again. He drew his gun and fired a warning shot, but it didn\u2019t deter any of the riders. They were gaining on the buggy fast. Ben looked forward again, searching the landscape to see if there was anywhere they could go to defend themselves, but apart from the trees, there was nowhere. Joe kept urging the horse on, but he knew it was hopeless. Less than a minute later, one of the riders \u2013 a quick glance told Joe it was Pete \u2013 was alongside the buggy.<\/p>\n

With a reckless abandon, Pete rode down the buggy horse, forcing it to turn aside, which it did, in a sudden panicky turn. The buggy was suddenly off the road, and tearing down the grassy hillside. Joe pulled frantically on the reins, but the horse had the bit between its teeth. Next instant, the wheel struck something in the grass, and they were in the air, flying helplessly. Joe heard Ben calling his name before everything went black.<\/p>\n

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

Pulling his horse up, Pete looked at his friends and laughed. \u201cThat\u2019ll teach them Cartwrights!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

The others exchanged glances. They were all nearly as drunk as Pete, but they didn\u2019t think this would teach the Cartwrights. They all had the terrifying certainty that this would get them caught. Harassing Joe was one thing; running the buggy off the road was another.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Pete ordered, turning his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut they might be hurt,\u201d Dave protested, weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what?\u201d Pete demanded. \u201cWe owe them, and this is how they pay!\u201d he glared at Dave, who quailed. \u201cCome on,\u201d he said, and rode away. Slowly, the others followed.<\/p>\n

Down the slope, the buggy wheels turned lazily round and round.<\/p>\n

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

Something tickled Joe\u2019s face, and he moved his hand to wipe it away. Pain exploded through his shoulder and arm, bringing him to full consciousness. He groaned, and moved slowly, letting his body tell him where it hurt.<\/p>\n

All over was the answer, but the worst of the pain was in his head and his shoulder. Gradually, Joe opened his eyes, and looked at the grass all round him. For an instant, he couldn\u2019t remember how he got there, but as he turned his head to look around, he saw the over-turned buggy, and memory rushed back. \u201cPa?\u201d he said, then shouted, \u201cPA?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no answer. Joe struggled to his knees, where he had to rest, panting, until his head stopped spinning. His left arm was draggingly sore, and Joe, probing gently, guessed that his shoulder was dislocated, and he might have broken his arm, too. He tucked his arm inside his jacket, catching his breath at the pain. \u201cPa?\u201d he called again.<\/p>\n

Joe felt real fear as he struggled to his feet, and began to hunt for Ben. \u201cPa!\u201d he called, but there was still no answer. The first thing he saw was the buggy horse. It had fallen, and broken its neck, still in the traces. Sickened, Joe turned away, looking for Ben. Joe finally found him, trapped under the buggy.<\/p>\n

Falling to his knees, Joe felt for Ben\u2019s pulse, and was relieved that it was there. Ben had a head injury, and was still unconscious. Joe felt his arms anxiously, but they seemed to be all right. The buggy lay over Ben\u2019s legs, and Joe knew he had to try and get it moved. He didn\u2019t think he could do it, but Ben groaned, and Joe knew that it would be better for Ben if Joe did this before he woke up. The thought lent him strength, and he heaved with his uninjured arm.<\/p>\n

If the buggy had landed any other way but the way it had, Joe would never have moved it one-handed. But it was resting on the front rail, which was badly damaged, and when Joe put his weight against it, the rail broke, and the buggy flipped over, and fell clear of Bens\u2019 legs.<\/p>\n

Caught by surprise by the unexpected movement, Joe tumbled all his length in the grass, jarring his injured shoulder. For several moments, the world swam in and out of focus. Finally, Joe managed to sit up. He could feel sweat trickling down his face, and wiped it away, wondering vaguely where the blood on his hand had come from.<\/p>\n

Crawling back through the grass to Ben, Joe checked his pulse again. His father was groaning steadily, and Joe gently felt his legs. He thought the right one might be broken. Once more, he wiped the sweat away. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe said, gently.<\/p>\n

Finally, Ben was fully conscious, although he was obviously dazed. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said, as he focused on his son\u2019s face. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe lied. \u201cPa, are you all right? Are your legs all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving his legs, Ben caught his breath. \u201cI think my leg is broken, Joe.\u201d He looked at Joe, and saw the blood streaming from the head wound, and the awkward way Joe held his body. \u201cYou are hurt,\u201d he said, and briefly closed his eyes as a wave of dizziness swept over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to get help,\u201d Joe said, looking round. He wished they had water with them, but they hadn\u2019t any. \u201cPa, I\u2019ve got to leave you here, but I\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou can\u2019t go, you\u2019re hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need help,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cI\u2019ll be as quick as I can. Don\u2019t try to move. I\u2019ll be quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful,\u201d Ben urged him, not for his own sake, but out of worry for his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI love you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, too, Joe,\u201d Ben said, his throat tight, and he watched as Joe got to his feet and walked away. He looked for as long as he could see Joe, then he lay back and closed his eyes against the pain, and waited.<\/p>\n

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

To start with, Joe walked quite strongly. The \u2018sweat\u2019 constantly trickling down his face annoyed him, but he fell into the habit of wiping it away without really noticing. The sun beat down on his unprotected head, and Joe wished that he\u2019d taken a moment to pick up his hat. He concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.<\/p>\n

It was quite some distance back to the ranch. Joe walked mechanically, stumbling often. He headed back to the road, but he was on Ponderosa property by now, and knew that, unless someone was going out to visit, he was unlikely to meet anyone.<\/p>\n

The pain in his shoulder and arm was constant, sapping his strength and concentration. Joe leaned up against a tree to rest, and woke from a momentary doze as his knees struck the earth. He barely managed to avoid falling flat on his face.<\/p>\n

Resolutely, Joe pushed himself back onto his feet, and began to walk. He knew he was weak, but the thought of Ben lying injured behind him spurred him on. He had to get help to Pa.<\/p>\n

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

He had no idea how long he\u2019d been walking, but coherent thought was almost beyond him. Joe thought that he was walking in a straight line, but in reality, he was staggering about all over the road. He was beginning to run a slight temperature, and the pain was increasing.<\/p>\n

Ahead, Joe saw the barn, and beyond, the house. He tripped and fell his full length, letting out a cry of anguish as his arm and shoulder were knocked. He lay there for several minutes before he could get back to his feet, and he felt horribly weak. At last, he reached the barn, and leant on the side of it, disappointment ripping through him as he saw that there was no horse in the yard. He didn\u2019t know if he could move another step.<\/p>\n

There was a sound from the barn, and Joe turned his head in time to see Hoss coming out with his horse. \u201cHoss,\u201d Joe croaked, but his brother didn\u2019t hear him. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said, a bit louder, and Hoss was at his side in an instant.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat happened to you? Where\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuggy crash. Virginia City road. Pa\u2019s hurt. His leg\u2019s broken,\u201d Joe panted. He could barely see now, his vision was blurring in and out of focus. \u201cHelp him.\u201d Joe made a gargantuan effort to stand up, and toppled forward in a dead faint.<\/p>\n

Catching Joe easily, Hoss hurried towards the house. \u201cAdam! Hop Sing!\u201d he shouted. He shouldered open the door, and took Joe across to the settee, and laid him down carefully. Adam came downstairs as Hop Sing came out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Seeing his unconscious brother, Adam hurried over. \u201cWhat happened to Joe?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d He bent over Joe, seeing the blood caked down the right side of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe says there was a buggy crash on the road, and Pa\u2019s hurt. Got a broken leg,\u201d Hoss reported, discovering Joe\u2019s dislocated shoulder. \u201cAdam, he\u2019s hurt bad, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking charge, Adam soon had hands readying the buckboard, and another going for the doctor. Hop Sing brought water, and Hoss gently bathed Joe\u2019s head, until his younger brother roused. \u201cWell done, Joe,\u201d Adam said, leaning over and smiling down at the younger man. Joe looked exhausted, and about 16. \u201cHoss, you stay here with him. Get him up to bed, he\u2019ll be more comfortable.\u201d He smiled at Joe again. \u201cI\u2019m going to rescue Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry,\u201d Joe said. He watched as Adam headed out of the door, his heart in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to bed, Punkin,\u201d Hoss said, kindly, and gently picked Joe up.<\/p>\n

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

Leaving the hands to follow on behind him with the wagon, Adam galloped off on Sport, and within half an hour had spotted the up-turned buggy. He rode over, and slid from Sport\u2019s back, snatching up the canteen. \u201cPa?\u201d he said, touching his father\u2019s shoulder gently.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben\u2019s eyes opened. He looked dazed, and Adam smiled at him, although he was horrified by his father\u2019s appearance. He wondered for the first time how long it had taken Joe to walk home. \u201cHere, Pa, have a drink,\u201d Adam said, and supported Ben\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben asked, when he had finished. Adam was wetting his bandanna, and wiping Ben\u2019s face. The cool water felt wonderful.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe got back to the house,\u201d he said, continuing his ministrations. \u201cHe\u2019s a bit beaten about, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben appeared to doze as they waited for the buckboard. When it came, Adam got the hands to bring a blanket down, and they eased Ben onto it, and used it as a stretcher. He was transferred to the buckboard, and Adam hitched Sport to the back, and traveled with Ben. It was a bumpy journey back, and Adam wished there was something he could do to ease Ben\u2019s suffering, but there wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

By the time they got back to the ranch, Doc Martin\u2019s buggy was already there. Adam supervised Ben\u2019s moving, and then sighed with relief. He gave Ben some more water, and then, at his father\u2019s urging, went to see how Joe was getting on.<\/p>\n

They looked up as he went in. Joe looked more comfortable. His head was bandaged, as was his shoulder. His arm was in a cast, and a sling. His bare chest was covered in bruises. As Adam drew nearer, he could see that Joe had had something for pain, as his eyes weren\u2019t quite focused. \u201cHow is he, Doc?\u201d he asked, running his thumb down Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty good, considering,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHoss, will you stay with Joe while I see to your father?\u201d The big man nodded, and Paul headed to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back soon,\u201d Adam said, to Joe, but the younger man\u2019s eyes were closing, and Adam wasn\u2019t sure if he\u2019d heard or not. He caught up with Paul in the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben,\u201d Paul said, heartily, as he went over to the bed. \u201cLucky for you that Joe was there. That boy probably saved your life, walking home as he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cHow is he, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery sore, and exhausted,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cBut he\u2019s going to be just fine, Ben. He\u2019ll be on his feet before you, I don\u2019t doubt! His shoulder is going to take a while, because of the falls he took on the way home, but don\u2019t worry, he\u2019ll be as right as rain in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

While he set Ben\u2019s leg, Paul continued to fill them in on the story he\u2019d got from Joe. \u201cThe buggy was lying on your legs, Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe was able to push it over, so its weight wasn\u2019t on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAbout 3,\u201d answered Adam, looking at the big clock on his father\u2019s dresser. \u201cYou were out there for quite a spell alone, Pa.\u201d He realized how long it had taken Joe to walk that distance back, and silently saluted his brother\u2019s courage and determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Joe I was worried about,\u201d Ben said. He had endured the setting of his leg without making a sound. Paul turned his attention to the head injury, and soon had it bandaged. \u201cHis head was bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it was quite a stubborn cut,\u201d Paul said. \u201cJoe thought it was just sweat trickling down his face. He had wondered where all the blood on his hand had come from, but he\u2019s a bit concussed, like you, so it didn\u2019t occur to him that his head was bleeding.\u201d Finishing his ministrations, Paul gave Ben something mild for pain, and advised Adam to keep an eye on him. \u201cGet some sleep,\u201d he instructed, but saw at once that it was a waste of breath, as Ben was already asleep.<\/p>\n

Downstairs, Paul shook Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019ll have a lot of nursing to do,\u201d he warned. \u201cJoe\u2019s going to be fine, but he lost a lot of blood, and by the time he got back here, he was dehydrated, too. He used up an awful lot of his strength getting here, so don\u2019t be too concerned if he sleeps a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe might not have made it home, might he?\u201d Adam asked, soberly. \u201cHe might have fallen out there and never been found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but it didn\u2019t happen,\u201d Paul said. \u201cOne thing, though. It might be an idea to find out what caused the buggy to crash. Joe didn\u2019t say; he was in no fit state.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said, for it hadn\u2019t yet occurred to him to wonder why the buggy had crashed. His brow was furled with thought as he went back upstairs.<\/p>\n

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

It was another 24 hours before Adam got the answers he sought. Joe slept almost constantly. They roused him every few hours and gave him some water and some broth, and then he would go straight back to sleep. He was too weak to even hold his head up, so Adam supported him while Hoss fed him.<\/p>\n

After a good 8 hours sleep, Ben had wakened, fairly bright and alert. He was troubled with a bad headache, and some blurred vision, but he could remember the accident, and he told Adam what had happened. \u201cThose boys were friends of Joe\u2019s,\u201d Ben finished. \u201cI don\u2019t know why they did this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to the sheriff,\u201d Adam insisted. \u201cPa, they almost killed you. If Joe hadn\u2019t got here, I don\u2019t know when we\u2019d have found you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what you think best,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cPerhaps I should\u2019ve gone to the sheriff the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

As it happened, Adam didn\u2019t have to make the trip to town, as Roy came out, having run into Paul in town, and heard the story.\u00a0 Roy was more than just the sheriff; he was a family friend, too. \u201cHow are they, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s all right,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJoe\u2019s still pretty weak, but he\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it happen?\u201d Roy demanded, and Adam slowly told him the story. Roy listened intently. \u201cThat Pete Devlin is a nasty piece of work,\u201d Roy commented when Adam had finished. \u201cThat Jake Harding works for his father, you know. The one who beat Joe up the other week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that\u2019s connected?\u201d Adam asked. The incident with Jake had pretty much been forgotten about, as they put it down to him being drunk. He\u2019d been fined, and then released.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems mighty suspicious,\u201d Roy replied, \u201cgiven this. I\u2019d better get those boys in for questioning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go up and see Pa first?\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cHe\u2019ll enjoy that. Make a change from me or Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Roy did just that, and also stuck his head round Joe\u2019s door, but Joe was asleep.<\/p>\n

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

Two days later, Paul came out to the ranch with a pair of crutches for Ben. \u201cYou can use them to visit Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cBut you aren\u2019t to go downstairs. Clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClear,\u201d Ben agreed. He allowed Adam to help him slid over the bed and put his dressing gown on. It took him a couple of steps to really get used to the crutches, and he hopped slowly along to Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

His youngest son was now able to stay awake for much longer as his body replaced the fluid it had lost. He was sitting propped on the pillows, scratching at the bandage round his head, when the door opened to reveal Ben. \u201cPa!\u201d he exclaimed, in delight. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben panted, sitting heavily in a chair. \u201cHow are you, son?\u201d He leant forward and patted Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut I\u2019m getting better.\u201d He felt a lot better for just seeing Ben. Although he believed what his brothers were telling him about Ben, he had wanted to see for himself. Adam and Hoss quietly let themselves out of the room.<\/p>\n

For a time, they just sat quietly. \u201cDo you remember what happened?\u201d Joe asked, at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost if it,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI don\u2019t remember the crash itself. But I remember who caused it.\u201d He stroked Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cWhy did they do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Joe said, at last. \u201cI fell out with Pete that day the timber contract came. He wanted me to go racing with them again, but I said no, I was too busy. I was busy, Pa, with the army contract, but that wasn\u2019t the only reason I didn\u2019t want to go. I just wasn\u2019t enjoying racing about aimlessly any more. And they came after me, and beat me up, and tied me to my horse.\u201d Ben nodded. He knew this. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t tell you, because you had enough to worry about, but after I got beaten up by Jake Harding, I was followed home, and stones were thrown at me. Every time I went into town, I was followed. Once, they shot at me. Whenever I was in town, they followed me around, making comments about me, hoping I\u2019d be goaded into fighting with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say anything, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, knowing, now, why his son had been so tense all summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts was my problem, pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd you had so much to think about, with that contract and all. I thought that if I just ignored them, they would eventually leave me alone. I\u2019m so sorry they came after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts hardly your fault,\u201d Ben said. His hand continued its rhythmic stroking, and Joe gradually began to relax. He laid his head back on the pillows. \u201cYou said you weren\u2019t enjoying racing about aimlessly any more. Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe said and he sounded tired. \u201cIt just seemed like such a waste of time, and they seemed so young. So I just stopped going with them. I didn\u2019t miss it, so I guessed that meant I really hadn\u2019t been enjoying it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re growing up,\u201d Ben said. He put his hand up to stop Joe\u2019s automatic protest that he was a man. \u201cI mean you\u2019re maturing again, Joe.\u00a0 I knew that, but I haven\u2019t had the chance to say anything. I was so proud of the way you handled that army contract. And I was so proud of the risk you took, walking back here to get help the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou needed help,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnyone would have done that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot many people would have done that when injured as badly as you,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAnd I hear that you pushed the buggy off my legs, too. Thank you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts no more than you would\u2019ve done for me,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI just whish I could\u2019ve got here quicker, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened and Adam came in with a tray. \u201cLunch time,\u201d he announced. \u201cPa, Hoss is taking yours to your room. We thought you might be more comfortable sitting in bed for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I can take a hint,\u201d Ben replied, smiling. \u201cI guess its time I went back to bed. Rest, Joe. You\u2019ll be up in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Setting the tray on Joe\u2019s legs, Adam handed him the fork. \u201cCan you manage?\u201d he asked. \u201cYou\u2019re looking a bit tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage,\u201d Joe said. He had graduated onto soft foods, and the scrambled eggs on his plate looked good. He forked them slowly to his mouth, and chewed with obvious enjoyment. Towards the end, Adam helped him with the last few, difficult pieces, then handed Joe the cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look more cheerful,\u201d Adam commented, as he removed the tray. \u201cSeeing Pa helped, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so worried when I left him there,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIf Pete and Dave had come back, he would\u2019ve been helpless. And then I wondered what I would do if I met them. I couldn\u2019t use my gun.\u201d Joe gestured to his arm. \u201cAnd then, I could hardly think at all. I hurt all over, Adam, and when I reached the barn, I thought that there was nobody at home, because there weren\u2019t any horses in the yard. I didn\u2019t know what I would do.\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cI wanted someone else to coma long and be the adult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all want that, sometimes,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cI don\u2019t think it matters how old you are, Joe. There are always times you want someone else to come along and help you out. But if there isn\u2019t anyone there, you just knuckle down and get on with it.\u201d He smiled, and grazed his thumb down Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cYou look like you could do with a sleep. But I\u2019ll tell you one thing, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Joe asked. He slid down the pillows, and Adam tucked him in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I\u2019m ever in trouble, I hope you\u2019ll be around to help me out.\u201d Adam smiled and went out, before Joe could regain the use of his tongue.<\/p>\n

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

Within a few days, Joe was up and around again. Roy came out to the ranch to tell them that he had arrested Pete and his gang. Dave had been so terrified by the thought of going to jail, that he had told all, and it looked as though Pete might be going to jail for a long time. The Devlins, shocked and embarrassed by their son\u2019s actions, had cut him off, not realizing that they had helped cause the problem in the first place by spoiling him. Ben and Joe would be told when the trial was going to be, and both would be expected to give evidence.<\/p>\n

After Roy left, Ben sat quietly in his chair, looking at Joe, whose head was down. It was a typical pose for Joe when he was distressed in any way. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said, finally. \u201cDo you want to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe admitted. Then he rushed on. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for Pete. I thought I\u2019d hate him for what he tried to do, but I don\u2019t hate him. I pity him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother sign of maturity,\u201d Ben said, making a wry face. \u201cYou know, Joe, once that maturity bug bites you, it\u2019s real hard to get rid of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel any different,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cInside, I mean. I still feel like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened and Adam and Hoss came in. Joe flicked them a glance, but most of his attention was on Ben. \u201cYou mean you still feel young,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWell, and so you are. And no matter how old your body gets, your spirit will always feel young. And some days, you feel 17, and others you feel 117! But it happens to everyone, Joe. Some people fight it; some people become old before they\u2019ve had a chance to be young. Others do as you have done, and just accept it, without allowing it to change them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Adam said, sitting down. \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be times when your maturity deserts you and you have a major tantrum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not that bad!\u201d Joe said, indignantly. He looked round for something to throw at Adam, but the only thing within reach was one of Ben\u2019s crutches, and besides, his aim was lousy with his right arm. \u201cWait until I\u2019m better,\u201d he threatened. \u201cI\u2019ll get you for that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, Adam smiled at him. \u201cWhat did I say?\u201d he countered. \u201cA tantrum. You sure are growing up, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

He ducked as Joe made a grab for the crutch.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe has grown away from a group of friends, who resent this, and set out to make his life a misery. But when Ben gets injured, can Joe save him?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,400 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":11514,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[15,16],"class_list":["post-5039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-ben","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2102,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":57883,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=57883","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":0},"title":"Payback (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"June 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: It's time for payback when Little Joe is unwittingly duped by Pete Timmons, setting the stage for one final battle between them. The conclusion of \"The Third Son\" Trilogy. Rating T\u00a0 \u00a0 WC 22,067 The Third Son Series: The Third Son The Devil's Hold Payback Payback (the follow-up story\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Little Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot_20250804_152018_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=909%2C701&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12163,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12163","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":1},"title":"Heart of Clay (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: While being held prisoner by a gang of bank robbers, Joe makes contact with a man from his past.\u00a0 Confused by why this certain person is associated with the bandits, Joe struggles to put the pieces of the puzzle into one.\u00a0 Not until much heartache later is the truth\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/PDVD_1807.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/PDVD_1807.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/PDVD_1807.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/PDVD_1807.jpg?fit=720%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4329,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4329","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":3},"title":"Whatever it Takes series – #2 – Absolute Faith (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"May 27, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Two men seek revenge on Little Joe by forcing him to use the medicine which had almost killed him before.\u00a0 Rating T, WC 32,000 The second in the \"Whatever It Takes\" series, links to stories in the series included within.","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/05\/Screenshot_20250511_224254_YouTube-1.jpg?fit=650%2C654&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4653,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4653","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":4},"title":"Unwilling Accomplice (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"February 19, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe walks into a bank robbery and is taken hostage. To his horror, he is forced to go along on other robberies. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(12,154 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bank-robber.jpg?fit=225%2C224&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2084,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2084","url_meta":{"origin":5039,"position":5},"title":"Eyes of the Soul (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"September 6, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe feels responsible for the death of a new ranch hand Rated: T (13,725 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\/2017\/12\/Joecourage.png?fit=424%2C352&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5039","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5039"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5039\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}