{"id":5305,"date":"2003-03-19T23:58:10","date_gmt":"2003-03-20T04:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5305"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:49","slug":"obeying-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5305","title":{"rendered":"Obeying Orders (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Being asked to scout for the army leads to a terrifying ordeal for Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (10,110 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Obeying Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear there\u2019s half a dozen soldiers coming to stay in town, Pa?\u201d Adam Cartwright asked, over supper that evening. They had all been quite quiet, for it was the height of the haying season, and they were all exhausted from the hard physical work. Adam had gone into town for the mail that afternoon, and as a consequence, was feeling fresher than the rest of his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t, son,\u201d Ben responded, his voice husky with tiredness. \u201cWhy are they coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy said that they were scouting round the Indian settlements. There\u2019s been talk of an uprising, and someone, somewhere thought that a show of force might settle things down again.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cAll this time, and they still don\u2019t understand the Indians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no signs of trouble from the Indians around here,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI hope they don\u2019t stir things up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go borrowin\u2019 trouble, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said, placidly. \u201cLikely they knows their job better\u2019n we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Subsiding back into silence, Joe went on with his meal, but from the look on his face, none of his family thought he was convinced by Hoss\u2019 argument. They weren\u2019t either. Too often, they had seen the army come in to quell this or that story of possible uprisings, and actually stir up trouble, where none had existed before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they going to be staying?\u201d Ben asked, trying to make an effort to keep the conversation going. He often felt, at this time of year, that he and his sons lived in a kind of cocoon, emerging to speak to one another when the hard work was over, and losing track of each other during the period they were working.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Jackson homestead,\u201d Adam replied, shooting a sideways glance at Joe.<\/p>\n

As he expected, Joe\u2019s head shot up and he fixed Adam with an unblinking glare. \u201cThe Jackson place?\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWe won\u2019t be expected to go there.\u201d A couple of years or so previously, he and Joe had had a very nasty experience there with a girl who\u2019d wanted to marry either one of them \u2013 it didn\u2019t matter to her which \u2013 and she had set the barn alight, with both Joe and Adam in it. Carrie, the girl, had died in the fire, and Ben, Hoss and Roy Coffee had rescued Adam and Joe. It was still an unpleasant memory for them both.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was habitable,\u201d Ben said, staring at Joe as the youth regained his composure.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbe Harleson bought it and did it up some, Pa,\u201d Hoss reminded his father. \u201cI think he thought perhaps he could make money rentin\u2019 the place out, but nobody\u2019s hired it till now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I suppose we\u2019d better keep our eyes open for them going about,\u201d Ben said. He glanced once more at Joe, but the young man\u2019s head was down as he shoveled food tiredly into his mouth.<\/p>\n

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

Major Colin Stone rode across the territory of Nevada towards Virginia City, cursing his luck. Stone had been in the army for a number of years, and because his parents had connections, he had been promoted quite quickly. Unfortunately, he wasn\u2019t popular with either his commanders or his men, and had already begun to notice that his career was moving sideways at quite a startling pace. He knew that he was being sent to Virginia City to keep him out of the way, and because it was felt that even he couldn\u2019t mess up this assignment. Resentment smoldered in his soul. He felt he had the necessary talents to become the greatest commander the United States had ever seen, but jealous men were pushing him aside. Before he had left the fort, the colonel had come to talk to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust keep everything peaceful up there, Stone,\u201d he was advised. \u201cNevada is still quiet, and we want it to stay that way. You\u2019ll probably come across a man named Ben Cartwright. He owns a big ranch up there, and is a very influential man. He and his sons are on good terms with the natives, so you can ask him for help and advice if you need to. But a word of warning, Stone. If I hear of you riling my friend Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019ll have your command!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir!\u201d Stone had responded, saluting smartly. He resented the warning, and hoped that Ben Cartwright would do something that put him in the army\u2019s jurisdiction. Friendly with the natives indeed! What kind of decent, God-fearing white man was friendly with the heathen red savages? he wondered. Not any kind of white man he knew. And as for asking a civilian for help \u2013 why, he\u2019d as soon ask a savage for help!<\/p>\n

Virginia City looked exactly as Stone had known it would \u2013 dirty and down trodden and primitive. He rode along the street at the head of his men, pointedly not looking to left or right. He had been told how to find the sheriff\u2019s office, and ordered the men to halt outside it. He dismounted stiffly and went into the office.<\/p>\n

It was cool and dim in there, and Roy Coffee looked up as Stone entered. \u201cWell, howdy, Major,\u201d he said, cordially, rising and holding out a hand to the younger man. \u201cMighty pleased to have ya here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking the sheriff\u2019s hand, Stone wondered how on earth a man as old as this managed to keep order in the town. \u201cI was told to report to you here, Sir,\u201d he said, stiffly. \u201cAs a matter of courtesy, you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, son,\u201d Roy responded. \u201cI\u2019ve known your colonel for many years. Him an\u2019 me an\u2019 Ben Cartwright go back a long way!\u201d<\/p>\n

Inwardly, Stone stifled a groan. He didn\u2019t want to be caught here in this office with this man and his reminiscences. However, Roy was acutely aware of the soldier\u2019s discomfort. \u201cReckon you\u2019d like me to tell ya how to get to your billet, huh?\u201d he enquired, and tried to hide his laugh at the look of relief on the younger man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, thank you, Sir,\u201d Stone responded, and listened carefully to the directions he was given. Outside, he resisted the urge to wipe his palm on his pants and mounted up again.\u00a0 Giving the order, he moved the men out. He was acutely aware of the stares as they rode down the street. Tomorrow, he would have to find someone local and reliable to scout for them. It wasn\u2019t a task he was looking forward to.<\/p>\n

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

By the end of that week, the haying was over. None of the Cartwrights was prepared to ride to town to celebrate that first night. They were all too tired and dirty to even think about it. But by the following night, Saturday, they were a little more rested, and Joe began to chafe impatiently under the workload for the afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry it up, will ya, Hoss?\u201d he complained, as Hoss seemed to take forever to check his side of the waterhole in the west pasture. \u201cI want to get home tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on then,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI ain\u2019t keeping ya here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Joe bit back a caustic reply. Hoss knew perfectly well that if Joe returned early from the chore that he and Hoss had been sent to do, Ben would no doubt read the riot act, and Joe would have less than no chance of getting to town that evening! He waited with growing impatience as Hoss poked behind another bush or two before finally turning back to his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess everythin\u2019s fine,\u201d he allowed, fighting desperately to keep the smile from his face. It wasn\u2019t often he managed to get one over on Joe, and he was determined to make the most of it! \u201cI suppose we c\u2019n go now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout time,\u201d Joe grumbled. He swung easily onto Cochise, and set off towards home. After a moment, he realized that Hoss wasn\u2019t with him and turned back. Hoss was still standing beside Chubb, looking at the waterhole. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Joe asked, riding back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Hoss said, sounding pre-occupied. \u201cOh, nothin\u2019 I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s nothin\u2019?\u201d Joe asked, suspiciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019,\u201d Hoss responded, firmly and mounted. Again, Joe turned Cochise towards home, and Hoss still hadn\u2019t got Chubb moving.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, are you comin\u2019 or not?\u201d Joe demanded, his short supply of patience long gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a comin\u2019,\u201d Hoss responded, serenely. He edged Chubb into a sedate walk, and almost choked as he saw the look on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cThere somethin\u2019, little brother?\u201d he asked, innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said, tightly, and curbed his prancing horse to match Hoss\u2019 pace.<\/p>\n

The family often joked that Cochise could read Joe\u2019s mind, and now, the actions of horse and rider were so attuned that Hoss could keep his face straight no longer. He let out a great bellow of laughter, and let his own mount lengthen into a ground-eating lope. For a moment, Joe was caught flat-footed, then he realized he\u2019d been duped and set Cochise into a gallop, intent on chasing down his brother.<\/p>\n

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

Neither Adam nor Hoss wanted to go into town that night, but Joe did. It wasn\u2019t that he had anyone to meet, or that he even desperately wanted to play poker or have a drink. He just wanted a change of scene. So after supper, he rode into town alone.<\/p>\n

The Silver Dollar saloon was quiet that evening. Joe saw a few faces he recognized, but he didn\u2019t feel inclined to go over and chat. He nodded pleasantly to them, and ordered a beer. \u201cWhere is everyone, Sam?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon most folks is tryin\u2019 to keep out o\u2019 the way of them soldier fellows, Joe,\u201d Sam replied. \u201cThey\u2019ve been right bad for business an\u2019 that\u2019s the truth!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow come?\u201d Joe asked, his interest peaked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019re always pestering\u2019 for someone to lead them to the Injun camps round here.\u201d Sam glanced round and leant in closer. \u201cNo one wants to risk stirrin\u2019 the Injuns up. They\u2019ve bin quiet for the last while, and folks don\u2019t want outsiders rilin\u2019 them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that shows some sense, anyway,\u201d Joe responded, relieved that the people felt like that, even though he was surprised. Most of the people in town would hand the Indians over without hesitating. \u201cBut I\u2019m surprised, Sam. Don\u2019t the army pay scouts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do, Joe,\u201d Sam agreed. \u201cBut the major in charge of this lot don\u2019t seem to get along with anyone. He could rub ya up the wrong way just wishin\u2019 ya good morning!\u201d He shook his head. \u201cNobody wants to work with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Joe went back to his beer. He\u2019d met a few people in his life that managed to annoy everyone around them. He grimaced. Brother Adam would no doubt comment that Joe was one of them, he thought. A genuine smile broke through as he thought he could jibe the same comment right back. He and Adam were getting on much better these days, although they still had times when they bickered endlessly.<\/p>\n

A few more people came into the bar, and Joe glanced at them without much interest. He knew them all, but he didn\u2019t care for them. Led by a cowboy universally known as Porky Pete, they were a crowd of ne\u2019er-do-wells who drifted from temporary job to temporary job, only working long enough to get a stake for a game, or enough to live on for a few weeks. They had worked on the Ponderosa long enough to convince Joe that he didn\u2019t like them at all, and he generally avoided them at all costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Little Joe,\u201d Porky shouted. He laughed, as did his companions. Joe didn\u2019t bother to even look in their direction. They were all drunk.<\/p>\n

For the next few minutes, he tried to ignore a barrage of taunts. He could feel his temper rising, and fought to keep it under control. He\u2019d promised Pa that there wouldn\u2019t be any trouble that night, and he was determined to keep his word. He looked at the last half-inch or so of beer in his glass, and resolved to go home as soon as it was finished.<\/p>\n

The swing doors parted again and two soldiers walked in. Sam\u2019s face tightened and he turned away, lifting a glass to give it a totally unnecessary polish. Joe glanced over, but he had no more than a passing interest in the men. He certainly wasn\u2019t going to scout for them.<\/p>\n

Stopping just inside the doors, Stone examined the crowd in the saloon. The usual ruffians, he thought disdainfully. \u201cI\u2019m looking for someone willing to lead us to the Indian encampments,\u201d he said, loudly, as though talking to a bunch of retarded children with hearing difficulties.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe,\u201d Porky shouted. \u201cYou know where all them thar camps are, don\u2019t cha?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Porky,\u201d Joe retorted, but the damage was done. Stone went across to the bar and leant on it, examining Joe closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you help us, son?\u201d he asked, his tone implying doubt.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cSorry, Major, I\u2019m not your man.\u201d He drained the last of his beer, flipped Sam a coin and straightened up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Joe, you know that ain\u2019t true,\u201d Porky said. \u201cYou know them thar savages real good, don\u2019t cha? You could help the major.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Porky a scorching glance that promised retribution at a later date, Joe walked out into the street. He sensed the major following him, and determined to keep his temper. He could quite see why no one was willing to help the major. But it wasn\u2019t because of the man\u2019s personality that Joe wasn\u2019t willing to help him. He didn\u2019t want to be associated with any trouble that might be stirred up because of the army\u2019s presence in the area. His father had worked long and hard to gain the trust of the local tribes, and Joe wasn\u2019t about to jeopardize that for anyone. He unhitched Cochise and prepared to mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d ordered Stone, putting his hand on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cThose men in there say you know the savages round here quite well. Won\u2019t you help us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking the hand off his arm, Joe forgot he was trying to keep his temper. \u201cThe only savages you\u2019ll find round here are those men you just listened to in there, Major,\u201d he snapped. \u201cI won\u2019t help you, is that clear? I don\u2019t want anything to do with you. Is that clear enough?\u201d He deliberately aped the man\u2019s manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you!\u201d Stone gasped, outraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dare because I\u2019m not in the army, and don\u2019t intend to ever be in the army,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cI\u2019m not going to help you scout.\u201d He swung up onto Cochise\u2019s back. \u201cThe tribes round here are peaceful,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m not going to help you spur them into an uprising.\u201d He turned his horse and rode away.<\/p>\n

Stone was left fuming in the street.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re back early,\u201d Ben said, in surprise as Joe came in the door. He instantly diagnosed that Joe\u2019s evening hadn\u2019t gone to plan when the door slammed shut behind him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe tried to calm down. He had tried all the way home, but hadn\u2019t succeeded. \u201cI ran into the major in charge of the troop here,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s one of those men, Pa. He annoys you just by opening his mouth. Porky Pete and his pals were there, and Porky told this major that I was the man they wanted for leading them to the tribes. I said I wasn\u2019t, but he was real persistent. Followed me out into the street. I lost my temper, Pa,\u201d he confessed, sheepishly. \u201cI told him I\u2019d never scout for him, and rode off.\u201d He saw the expression on Ben\u2019s face and correctly interpreted it. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t hit him, although I wanted to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForget him, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou were right to refuse him. We don\u2019t want to get involved with this. I received a note from him the other day asking me to help and I refused. Pleaded pressure of work here on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSam says they haven\u2019t managed to get anyone to help them, and it\u2019s all because of the major\u2019s attitude,\u201d Joe reported, feeling better now he had it all off his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, you were very wise to ride off before you hit him,\u201d Ben joked, but he was as surprised as Joe. He would have expected that they would have found a scout by now. \u201cI\u2019m ready to go to bed.\u201d he squeezed Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHow about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty tired,\u201d Joe admitted. Together they went upstairs, and Joe forgot all about his confrontation with the major.<\/p>\n

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

Several days later, Joe rode out alone to count the foals in one of the horse herds. The horses ran semi-wild on the Ponderosa, and Joe kept a close eye on the mares, cutting out and breaking the ones who were frequently barren, or were just plain getting too old. The herd stallion was a magnificent brown and white pinto called Satan. For one brief season, Joe had tried to break the stallion, but in the end had set him free to roam the hills once more. Shortly after that, Satan had saved Joe\u2019s life. Joe had a really soft spot for the stallion.<\/p>\n

He was nearly off the ranch when he found the herd. Satan was in one of his favorite meadows. Joe approached slowly, and the stallion lifted his head and eyed him. Finally, after a moment or two, he lowered his head and began to graze again. The mares, who had all tensed when the stallion did, all relaxed again, and after a minute the foals began to gambol around again.<\/p>\n

They were a good crop again this year, Joe thought, assessing them expertly. A number of promising fillies, and several handsome colts. Joe leant his elbow on the saddle horn and watched them, totally engrossed as he planned for the future of these horses. He spun several castles in the clouds before returning to earth with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter get back, Cooch,\u201d he said, patting his patient mount. Cochise was quite used to these visits to the herd, and as long as Satan didn\u2019t get too close, he was quite content to stand and drowse.<\/p>\n

Turning his mount, Joe rode a few paces, then glanced back over his shoulder. Satan was watching him, and Joe felt again the urge to try and ride him. He shook his head. Those days were long gone. \u201cWe\u2019d better go get the mail,\u201d Joe said aloud, and headed into town.<\/p>\n

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

He met them on the road. Joe almost never took the road out of town that ran past the Jackson place, because of the bad memories connected to it. But today, there had been a small landslip on the other road, and Joe had had to backtrack and detour to get round it, had almost missed the mail office, and had decided that he\u2019d go back the other way.<\/p>\n

Suddenly wary, Joe rode on, watching the major and his men get closer. He shouldn\u2019t be surprised to see them, Joe thought. They were billeted at the Jackson place. He kept his gaze averted from the buildings where he and Adam had nearly died. It wasn\u2019t the same barn \u2013 it had burned down \u2013 but the whole place gave Joe the heebie-jeebies.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t come as a surprise to find the major wanted to talk to him. He and his three men effectively blocked the road, and although Joe supposed he could\u2019ve ridden around them, he didn\u2019t really want to antagonize this man any further.<\/p>\n

There were no polite preliminaries this time. \u201cHave you reconsidered your decision?\u201d Stone asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I haven\u2019t,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cAnd I won\u2019t. I won\u2019t be a scout for you. Now excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He began to edge Cochise round the men. Stone moved his mount to block the way. \u201cI\u2019ve been told by a number of people that you are the man I want, and I mean to have you scout for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t force me,\u201d Joe said, not too sure of his ground here. \u201cI\u2019m not going to do it.\u201d He was beginning to feel angry. \u201cNow let me past!\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling Cochise\u2019s head to the right, he attempted to ride around the soldiers. Stone reached out and grabbed his reins, and Joe saw red! With a swift movement, he cracked the loose ends of his reins across Stone\u2019s arm. The major was wearing his army uniform, so it probably didn\u2019t hurt too much, but he certainly was startled by it. He snatched back his arm and reached for his gun.<\/p>\n

In a twinkling, he found himself staring down the barrel of Joe\u2019s gun. He froze, his breath catching audibly in his throat. Behind him, his men grinned. Joe flicked a glance at them. \u201cNow, have you finally got the message?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Still keeping his gun on Stone, Joe started Cochise moving again, edging past the major. But he was so busy concentrating on the major that he didn\u2019t see that the route he\u2019d chosen to escape effectively shielded the two privates from his view. One of them moved slightly and as Joe appeared around the major, he was ready, and smashed the gun from his hand. The gun spun from Joe\u2019s grasp, and he shifted focus to this new threat, and Stone reacted instantly. He dived at Joe, knocking him off Cochise, and using his greater weight to pin Joe down.<\/p>\n

Struggling, Joe managed to get in a few good punches before the two privates subdued him. He was dragged to his feet, and his arms twisted up behind him, as Stone laboriously got to his feet. He brushed off his uniform ostentatiously before meeting Joe\u2019s flashing green eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no right to do this!\u201d Joe stated, not caring if Stone had the right or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou attacked me,\u201d Stone said, smugly. \u201cThe army will want to deal with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Horrified, Joe began to struggle anew. For a moment, it looked as though he might manage to get away, but Stone, now that he had Joe in his grasp, wasn\u2019t willing to let his prize go. Moving quickly, he removed a pair of metal handcuffs from his belt and passed them to the soldiers. Despite everything Joe could do, his hands were soon cuffed securely behind his back. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Stone ordered. He took Cochise\u2019s rein and led the horses towards the Jackson place. The soldiers dragged Joe along with them, although he fought furiously every step of the way.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe\u2019s staying out pretty late tonight, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam commented to Ben as they began to prepare to go to bed. Adam was putting away the chess set, although they hadn\u2019t finished their game. Ben\u2019s heart hadn\u2019t been in it, and Adam knew why. They had expected Joe back hours ago, and Ben always worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty late,\u201d Ben agreed, his tone neutral, but Adam wasn\u2019t fooled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably met someone and is having a drink. You know how he is.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t approve of Joe\u2019s casual attitude to time keeping, but he hated to see Ben worrying.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know how he is,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI just hoped that, with the army in town, he might have had the sense to come home promptly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe hasn\u2019t had trouble with the army, has he?\u201d Adam asked, suddenly alert. \u201cNobody said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really trouble,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut Porky Pete and his pals told the major that Joe was the man to lead them to the camps, and he took it badly when Joe refused. Nobody wants to work with him. I got a letter from him, but it was so badly written that I refused to help, too. It was downright rude, in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think the major has anything to do with him being late, do you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut if he somehow got Joe to lose his temper, he might be able to claim that Joe attacked him, and make him somehow lead them to the camps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan he do that?\u201d Adam asked, amazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe might think he can,\u201d said Ben, softly. He clapped Adam on the shoulder. \u201cLet\u2019s get to bed, and home that scamp comes home soon. Then we can all copy your other brother and get some sleep!\u201d For Hoss\u2019 snores could be heard clearly from the bottom of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope,\u201d Adam said, wryly. Together, father and son mounted the stairs, both aware that they wouldn\u2019t sleep until a certain young man arrived safely home.<\/p>\n

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

The cellar of the Jackson place was cold, dark and damp. Joe sat with his back to a supporting post in the middle of the floor, his wrists manacled firmly round the pole, his ankles tightly bound. He didn\u2019t know how long he had been there, but long enough for the damp to start seeping into his pants and make him shiver. He had fought his captors every step of the way, and for his pains had been pushed down the cellar steps. Luckily, he had received no injuries bar bruises. He had been angry for a long time, but now he was just tired, hungry and sore.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t a single sliver of light anywhere in the room. Joe tried to ease the stiffness out of his shoulders in the vain hope that he might be able to get some sleep, but there wasn\u2019t a comfortable position to be had. Sighing, Joe wondered what his family thought about his non-appearance that night at supper. Perhaps his late returns home weren\u2019t in his favor, he thought. If he arrived on time more often, perhaps the alarm would be raised sooner when he\u00a0was<\/strong>\u00a0in trouble.<\/p>\n

What did Major Stone plan to do with him? he wondered at last. Would he force Joe to lead him to the camps? Instantly, Joe\u2019s jaw tightened with determination. He wouldn\u2019t do that, not even if it cost him his life! Biting his lip as that thought crossed his mind, Joe knew that was going to extremes. But he was determined not to help the arrogant major.<\/p>\n

Joe had once been in the hands of the army before, and the memory wasn\u2019t pleasant. He shuddered violently as he remembered standing in front of the firing squad, sure he was about to die. Joe swallowed against the bile rising in his throat. Stone wouldn\u2019t try anything like that \u2013 would he?<\/p>\n

Once the thought had implanted itself, Joe couldn\u2019t shake it. He wasn\u2019t sure, because he didn\u2019t know Stone well enough, but he wouldn\u2019t be surprised. After all, Stone had basically kidnapped him. He was a hostage, although he doubted if there would be any ransom demand. Or not a monetary one. His ransom would be scouting for the troop. Once more, Joe\u2019s jaw jutted in the manner that always caused his father to sigh. He wasn\u2019t going to scout for Stone! No way!<\/p>\n

Leaning his head on the post behind him, Joe closed his eyes. It was no less dark, and he was thankful that he had never been afraid of the dark, like Hoss had been. But this place still made him uneasy. He was only thankful that they hadn\u2019t taken him to the barn. That would have been too much! Somewhere in the corner, something skittered across the earthen floor, and Joe opened his eyes again. He still couldn\u2019t see anything. He listened to the sounds of the mouse or rat, and wished he could get out the way it had got in.<\/p>\n

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

Come morning, Adam and Ben rose, grainy eyed and worried. It was still possible that Joe had simply been arrested, but neither of them believed that. Over breakfast, they up dated Hoss and Hop Sing about Joe\u2019s disappearance, then went out to saddle up.<\/p>\n

The ride into town seemed interminable, and they had to backtrack and find another way round the landslip. There were a couple of men working on clearing the road, but it would clearly take a few days before it would be passable again. \u201cWhen did this happen?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYesterday,\u201d one of the men replied. \u201cLittle Joe reported it to Sheriff Coffee when he come into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he wouldn\u2019t have come back this way,\u201d Adam said, as they rode on.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d a come back by the Jackson place,\u201d Hoss said, gloomily. \u201cCut round the back o\u2019 town and met the road back there\u2019s away.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unspoken thought crossed all their minds at once. Hoss drew rein. \u201cI\u2019ll go back an\u2019 look, Pa,\u201d he offered. \u201cHe might be there somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI appreciate that.\u201d He watched as Hoss rode off, retracing their steps for a bit, before he would turn off to hunt for Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said to Adam.<\/p>\n

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

Sounds at the door above him dragged Joe from an uneasy doze. He opened his eyes and squinted at the light that seemed to blaze in. Stone came in, accompanied by another trooper. \u201cSo, have you decided to cooperate with us?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to help you,\u201d Joe replied. It occurred to him that Stone had never asked his name, and presumably knew him just as \u2018Joe\u2019. \u201cSo why don\u2019t you just let me go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou attacked me,\u201d Stone said, officiously. \u201cYou must face the penalty for that. Or you can help us. Take your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking at Stone, Joe couldn\u2019t hide his contempt. \u201cThis would be in an army court,\u201d he said. \u201cWell, Major, I\u2019ve faced army justice before, and it stinks! Army justice seems to be whatever suits the commanding officer! You don\u2019t get in trouble for following orders, do you?\u201d he shot at the unlucky private, who looked away. \u201cAnd as long as no one checks up on your story, you\u2019re all right, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepare him for the punishment,\u201d Stone snapped. Even in the poor light, Joe could see Stone was puce with anger. \u201cHe\u2019s clearly not going to help us.\u201d He stepped back and drew his service revolver, keeping Joe covered as the private unshackled his hands, and dragged Joe to his feet.<\/p>\n

Joe had no idea what they had in mind, but he felt a shiver running down his spine, and tried desperately to control it as he was divested of his jacket and shirt. His hands were then recuffed, and his feet untied. He was pushed towards the stairs, and stumbled a couple of times until his legs regained their normal feeling. Was he going to be flogged? Joe knew that the army did that, and he found the practice brutal. Once or twice, he had been on the receiving end of a whip, and it wasn\u2019t something he wanted to face again.<\/p>\n

That wasn\u2019t what he was facing. He was shoved out of the yard and away from the town. The soldier at his back kept shoving him and Joe\u2019s temper was flaming dangerously by the time they reached their destination about half an hour later.<\/p>\n

They were in the middle of nowhere, and Joe looked around, puzzled. He didn\u2019t know why they had come out here, and he bit down on his lip as he wondered if he was going to be shot and quietly buried, without anyone being the wiser.<\/p>\n

The soldier shoved Joe onto the ground as Stone dismounted his horse and began to pound a peg into the ground. Joe half watched, as the soldier removed his boots and socks. Another peg went into the ground, and it suddenly became clear to Joe what they intended to do.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t hesitate. He kicked out, catching the soldier unawares on the chest, and leapt to his feet. The ground was rock hard, but Joe didn\u2019t notice as he began to run back towards the town. But he was hampered by not having his arms free, and the disgruntled soldier soon caught him up. He tackled Joe around the knees, and brought him crashing to the ground.<\/p>\n

Winded, Joe fought back, but he had no chance. Several hard clips to the jaw, and Joe was soon dazed and bleeding from a split lip. He drew in ragged breaths as he struggled to clear his head. Once more, he was dragged to his feet, and shoved unceremoniously across the rough ground. Joe could feel the pain from his feet now and was soon limping.<\/p>\n

He was stopped in front of Stone, who smiled viciously. \u201cCoward!\u201d Stone sneered, and backhanded Joe across the face. Joe stumbled and fell to his knees.<\/p>\n

Working quickly, Stone and the soldier attached rope to Joe\u2019s ankles, dragged him upright, and led him over to where Stone had pounded 4 pegs into the ground. It took a struggle, but they finally had Joe sitting on the ground, his legs stretched out as they bound his feet to 2 of the pegs. Then they tied rope to his wrists before removing the handcuffs, and stretching him out so he was tied up, spread-eagled on the ground. Once he was secure, Stone went round and tightened all the ropes, so Joe\u2019s muscles were at their full stretch.<\/p>\n

Standing over Joe, Stone allowed another smile to escape. \u201cI\u2019ll be back later, boy,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd then we\u2019ll see whether you\u2019ll scout for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d Joe said, as they walked away and left him. \u201cNever,\u201d he repeated.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know what to tell ya, Ben,\u201d Roy Coffee said. \u201cI didn\u2019t see Little Joe after he stopped off here to tell me about the road bein\u2019 closed. He weren\u2019t in any o\u2019 the saloons when I done my rounds last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben and Adam exchanged looks. \u201cNobody has seen him since he collected the mail yesterday afternoon,\u201d Ben said. \u201cRoy, we\u2019re pretty worried. Joe had a run-in with that army major.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHim!\u201d Roy snorted, not trying to hide his disgust. \u201cI\u2019ve had a word or two with him myself, Ben. He thinks he can ignore the law, just \u2018cos he\u2019s in the army, and I\u2019ve had to talk sharply to him about it.\u201d Roy shook his head. \u201cBen, I\u2019ll tell ya this because I know you won\u2019t let it get out. But I sent a wire to his commandin\u2019 officer, because I reckon he\u2019s stirrin\u2019 up a passel o\u2019 trouble in this town. That there Porky Pete and his buddies are windin\u2019 him up a treat about Joe being the best scout around here, and Stone just won\u2019t believe that Joe ain\u2019t willin\u2019 to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cColonel Forbes is a good man,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHave you had a response?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s comin\u2019 here hisslef to look into it,\u201d Roy said. \u201cJust got the wire n\u2019more than an hour ago. He should be here tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t wait until tomorrow, Roy,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWe need to look for Joe there today. Can you help us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure can,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cJist let me get my gun.\u201d He crossed over to the gun cabinet, and took down his rifle and began to rummage for shells. Ben and Adam exchanged glances.<\/p>\n

The door opened and Hoss came in. His face told the whole story \u2013 he hadn\u2019t found a trace of Joe. Grimly, he shook his head, and watched as the hope died from Ben\u2019s face. \u201cNo sign, Pa,\u201d he said, although he didn\u2019t need to speak.<\/p>\n

Silently, they rode through the town, and up to the Jackson place. Adam shuddered. Ben shot him a concerned look, but Adam ignored it. He could stand a little discomfort for Joe\u2019s sake. He squared his shoulders as they dismounted and looked around. One soldier stood idly by the barn, smoking a cheroot. Another joined him at the door briefly, then returned to the interior. A token guard stood by the door. Of the other three men in the troop, there was no immediate sign.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to talk to Major Stone,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

For a moment, he thought he was going to be refused, but the door swung open and Stone came out. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d he asked, looking down his nose contemptuously, and Ben could see at once why he was so disliked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Ben Cartwright,\u201d he began and saw the change of expression on the man\u2019s face. He didn\u2019t give Stone the chance to speak. \u201cI\u2019m looking for my son, Joseph. I believe you have talked with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I\u2019m aware of, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he answered, more pleasantly, but still with traces of contempt in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the Silver Dollar,\u201d Ben persisted. \u201cOne of the cowboys told you that my son was the man you wanted for your scout. I believe you asked him to help and he refused.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was such a man,\u201d Stone said, slowly. \u201cBut I don\u2019t believe it was your son, Sir.\u201d He tried to keep his resentment of Ben out of his voice. He didn\u2019t quite manage. \u201cThis young man was dressed like a cowboy. He wore a green jacket and light colored pants. He had curly hair and green eyes. He carried a left-handed gun.\u201d He frowned. \u201cI believe he said his name was Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

With every word, Ben had grown angrier. \u201cThat is my son!\u201d he all but shouted. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alarmed, Stone just looked at Cartwright. This was the man the colonel had said was friendly with the natives, and he wasn\u2019t to rile him at all. And now, he had the man\u2019s son pegged out in the hot sun, hoping to break his spirit. Stone made a fast decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen him,\u201d he said stiffly.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, I want to search this place,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot without a warrant,\u201d Stone objected. He needed time to get rid of the evidence \u2013 Joe\u2019s clothing, which still lay on the cellar floor.<\/p>\n

Seeing how angry Ben was, Roy laid a restraining hand on his arm. \u201cHe\u2019s right, Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need a warrant to search the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd by the time we get one, he\u2019ll have taken Joe out by the back door,\u201d Ben said, angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, I protest!\u201d Stone said, stiffly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Hoss and I will stay here and keep watch on the place,\u201d Adam offered. \u201cYou go with Roy and get the warrant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben responded. He stalked back to his horse and mounted. Roy followed quickly and the two of them rode out. Adam beckoned to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go up to the road, and that way we can keep an eye on the whole place,\u201d Adam proposed. He didn\u2019t want to stay in that yard for a moment longer than necessary. He wondered how Joe was coping. If he felt like that, how did Joe feel?<\/p>\n

The sense of relief as they left was liberating. Adam felt quite light \u2013headed for an instant and closed his eyes. \u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss said, sharply, and Adam opened his eyes to glance at his brother. Hoss was pointing to an object lying by the road, and Adam\u2019s heart missed a beat.<\/p>\n

It was Joe\u2019s hat.<\/p>\n

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

To begin with, Joe didn\u2019t find his position too onerous. He even managed to sleep for a short time. But before long, his muscles were cramping painfully, and the sun beat down on him mercilessly. By noon, Joe was dizzy from the lack of water. His chest and the bottoms of his bare feet were sunburned. He could feel the thinner skin on his underarms following suit. The sun seemed to penetrate even his closed eyelids. He didn\u2019t know how much longer he could bear this. He didn\u2019t think Stone would ever come back for him. An errant breeze trickled over his skin, reminding him of how hot he was. He prayed for deliverance.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere was definitely a scuffle here,\u201d Adam said, pointing out the tracks to his father and Roy. \u201cAnd this is where Joe\u2019s hat was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny sign of them trying to move Joe?\u201d Ben asked, glancing back at the buildings below them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019ll find Joe there, Pa. I\u2019m sure Stone has something to do with Joe\u2019s disappearance, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll find him there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not suggesting we don\u2019t look are you?\u201d Ben demanded, horrified.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d responded Adam, impatiently. \u201cWe might find something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go then,\u201d Ben said, and urged Buck back down to the house.<\/p>\n

They searched long and hard, but the house was empty of any signs that Joe had ever been there. Disappointed, but not yet discouraged, Ben then headed to the barn. Stone immediately began to object once more, protesting that the warrant only covered the house, but Roy swiftly over rode him, pointing out that the warrant covered all the buildings. Leaving Stone standing in the yard as though frozen, they went on into the barn.<\/p>\n

At once, they discovered why Stone didn\u2019t want them going into the barn. Cochise was in one of the stalls. The pinto snorted as it caught familiar scents, and Ben crossed to the animal, gently stroking its silken ears. \u201cWhere\u2019s your master, eh, boy?\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Encouraged by the sight of Joe\u2019s horse, Adam and Hoss were soon throwing hay bales around. Adam climbed into the loft, while Hoss scoured the floor for a hidden trapdoor. The sight of the loft made Adam want to vomit, but he controlled himself. He soon found more evidence \u2013 Joe\u2019s jacket and shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he called, and held up his trophies.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s jaw tightened and he turned to Stone, who stood wilting in the doorway. \u201cWhere is my son?\u201d he grated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Stone denied. He kept his gaze riveted on the wall, refusing to make eye contact with any of them.<\/p>\n

For a minute, Roy thought Ben was going to thump Stone, and he really wouldn\u2019t have blamed him, but he hastened to intervene. \u201cIf\u2019n you know where Little Joe is, I suggest you tell us,\u201d he said, sternly. \u201cI could arrest you for his disappearance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am an army officer, and you can\u2019t arrest me without proof,\u201d Stone said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think this is?\u201d Ben demanded, thrusting Joe\u2019s clothing in front of his face. He glanced round at the troopers, who seemed to be enjoying their officer\u2019s discomfort. \u201cHave any of you seen my son?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t answer him, any of you; that\u2019s an order!\u201d Stone snapped. \u201cI\u2019ll court-martial any man who talks to Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Moving as one, Adam and Hoss each caught one of Ben\u2019s arms. Ben strained against their grips for a second before finally relaxing. \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he said gruffly, glancing at each son. \u201cYou can let go.\u201d He drew in a deep breath. Cautiously, his sons let go.<\/p>\n

\u201cMajor Stone, I\u2019m arresting you on suspicion concerning the disappearance of Joe Cartwright,\u201d Roy said. \u201cI\u2019m takin\u2019 you into custody, and we can sort this out with your commanding officer tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silently, Stone saddled his horse to accompany Roy to the jail. Adam began to saddle Cochise. Hoss went outside, looking disgusted. Ben eyed the soldiers, most of who looked extremely uncomfortable under his stern gaze. He was desperately worried about Joe. Stone clearly knew where he was and so did at least some of the others soldiers. Colonel Forbes was due in the next day, but would that be soon enough to help Joe?<\/p>\n

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

The pain, the cramps, the sun; they all combined to make Joe\u2019s life a living hell. He drifted in and out of consciousness. His breathing was beginning to be affected by his position, and he sometimes felt that the air he gulped into his lungs was as thick as molasses, and about as useful. In his delirium, he saw the members of his family standing beside him, discussing him as if he wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s always late, Pa,\u201d Adam said, dismissively. \u201cIf he kept better time, we\u2019d have been in time to rescue him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t trust him to do nothin\u2019,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to me like you\u2019re right, boys,\u201d Ben said, regretfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll be better, I promise,\u201d Joe panted. \u201cPlease, Pa, believe me.\u201d He blinked the sweat out of his eyes, and realized that his family had gone. With a groan, he realized that they had been figments of his fevered mind. For Joe was indeed fevered. \u201cOh help me, somebody!\u201d he screamed, and slipped into unconsciousness again.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s not said a blessed word, Ben,\u201d Roy said, dispiritedly. \u201cI don\u2019t know what else to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clenching his fists, Ben thought of what he\u2019d like to do. But his respect for the law was such that he couldn\u2019t allow himself the dubious satisfaction of beating the information he wanted out of Stone. \u201cKeep trying, Roy,\u201d he said. \u201cThe boys and I will go back out to the Jackson\u2019s place, and see if we can get any of the other to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Ben a searching look, Roy nodded reluctantly. \u201cAll right, Ben, but be careful. I don\u2019t want you ending up in here, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t do anything, Roy,\u201d Ben said, but he was glad of the reminder all the same. He went outside, where Adam and Hoss leant on the hitching rail, talking quietly. \u201cLet\u2019s go back and talk to those soldiers,\u201d Ben said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam said, and they took their reins.<\/p>\n

A clatter of hooves down the street made them all glance up. Ben straightened. \u201cIt can\u2019t be\u2026\u201d he said. \u201cBill!\u201d he called, and waved.<\/p>\n

The portly man on the big bay horse looked a lot older than Ben, but he grinned. \u201cBen!\u201d Pulling his sweating animal to a halt, he slid from the saddle with evident relief. \u201cI didn\u2019t expect a welcoming committee,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t expect you until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Forbes asked, noting the grim expressions on the faces of all three men.<\/p>\n

Quickly Ben explained and Forbes\u2019 face grew dark. \u201cRight, I\u2019ll sort this out,\u201d he said. \u201cStay here, Ben.\u201d He went into the jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s Colonel Forbes, then,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said. \u201cSorry, I didn\u2019t get the chance to introduce you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he gets us what we want, I don\u2019t care if you never introduce us,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

They waited impatiently. Raised voices could be heard from within, and shortly the door opened, and Forbes came out. He looked furious. \u201cThat moron won\u2019t talk,\u201d he stated. \u201cTake me to the billet, and I\u2019ll get the enlisted men to tell me. We\u2019ll get your boy back, Ben, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they rode over, Ben introduced his other sons to the Colonel. Adam was intrigued to realize that he had met the man once before, when he was a little boy. He had no recollection of the meeting however. Forbes seemed to have a little difficulty associating the dark young man with the quiet little boy he remembered, too.<\/p>\n

The soldiers were all lounging about in the sun when they arrived, but hastily snapped to attention as they recognized Forbes. He roundly chewed them out for their slovenly appearance and soon had them smartening themselves up as best they could while on parade. To Ben, it all seemed like a waste of time. The afternoon was drawing to a close, and he was beginning to fear the worst for Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, where is Joe Cartwright?\u201d Forbes demanded.<\/p>\n

For a second, the men all looked uneasy, but finally, one man stepped forward. \u201cI can take you to him, sir,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, do so and make it snappy!\u201d Forbes ordered. \u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPegged out in the grasslands, sir,\u201d the trooper answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cPegged out?\u201d Forbes repeated. He shot a glance at Ben. \u201cIs there a wagon here?\u201d At the nod he received, he snapped, \u201cThen get it harnessed now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does he mean \u2018pegged out\u2019?\u201d Ben asked, quietly, dreading the answer.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Forbes explained. He put a hand under Ben\u2019s arm, for the other man had gone very pale. \u201cIs there a doctor here?\u201d he asked. \u201cI think you might need him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSend one of them,\u201d Ben said, gesturing to the soldiers. \u201cWe\u2019re coming with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

They were underway within two minutes, but each second seemed like an eternity to Joe\u2019s anguished family. Adam filled the canteens at the well. Hoss tossed hay into the back of the wagon to try and soften it slightly. Then they were off and moving, and the trooper kept the team going at a smart trot.<\/p>\n

The ten minutes it took to reach Joe was almost unbearable. But finally, they saw a figure on the ground a short distance away, and Ben could keep to a trot no longer. He spurred Buck forward, and raced to Joe\u2019s side, flinging himself from the saddle before the horse was even stopped. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kneeling by his son, Ben was horrified at what he saw. Joe was unconscious, his skin burnt by the sun, his muscles visibly quivering from the strain they had been under all day. He began to fumble with the ropes that kept his son captive, and found Adam\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 hands there, slicing through the ropes.<\/p>\n

As he gently moved Joe\u2019s limbs, his son let out a fearsome groan of pain, and his eyes flickered open. His lips moved as he registered the face above him, but no sound came out. Joe\u2019s lips were cracked and blistered. Ben reached for a canteen, and found it put into his hand without him having to ask. He trickled a little water into Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

Heat radiated from Joe\u2019s skin, and Ben feared he might have sunstroke. \u201cSee if we can rig up something to shade the wagon,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe, you\u2019re safe now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe croaked. He groaned again. Ben moved slightly so that his shadow fell over Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be safe now, son,\u201d Ben assured him, and hugged him close. Tears stood in his eyes as he realized how close he had come to losing this precious child.<\/p>\n

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

The journey back to Virginia City took longer than the one going out. Hoss, who was driving the wagon, didn\u2019t go back to the Jackson place; he drove straight to Paul Martin\u2019s office. Ben was in the back with Joe, and Adam rode close by. Forbes and the unlucky soldier who had assisted Stone went back to the billet. Ben had no interest in what would happen to him. All that mattered was that he had spoken up in time to save Joe.<\/p>\n

They had been unable to shade the wagon, and Ben had moved around constantly during the ride back, trying to keep himself between Joe and the sun. He fed Joe small sips of water at regular intervals, and was glad to notice that his son\u2019s precarious hold on consciousness improved slowly.<\/p>\n

Arriving at the office, Hoss slid from the wagon seat to come and help Ben lift Joe. They were gentle, but Joe still cried out in pain. \u201cSorry, Joe,\u201d Ben gasped, as Adam opened the office door for them. They laid him down on the table as Paul stepped forward to examine him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not too serious this time, Ben,\u201d Paul said. \u201cJoe has sunstroke, and he\u2019ll be drifting for quite a while, I suspect. He\u2019ll be fevered and nauseous for sometime. His feet are a terrible mess, and there\u2019s some infection in there, under the sunburn. I\u2019ll clean them up before you take him home. Apart from that, I\u2019ll give you a salve to help take the heat out of the sunburn. Be careful not to break the blisters on his underarms. He\u2019ll be very sore. His muscles are badly abused. Let him rest, and he\u2019ll fine in about a week or ten days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben said, wilting with relief. He went over to Joe\u2019s side and stroked the boy\u2019s hot forehead. \u201cYou\u2019re coming home, Joe,\u201d he whispered. Joe slept on, but he seemed to settle more comfortably at the sound of his father\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

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

The evening air was cool as the wagon rolled into the yard at the Ponderosa. Joe rested comfortably after a dose of painkiller from the doctor, designed to get him home. He stirred as they lifted him from the wagon, and was fully awake by the time he was settled in his own bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you anything, son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWater, please,\u201d Joe answered. It was almost the only thing he\u2019d said. He\u2019d been too sick to want to eat anything, but his need for water seemed never ending. Ben could see that his son\u2019s skin tone had improved, and Paul assured him that meant Joe had almost conquered the dehydration he\u2019d suffered. Ben helped him drink. \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Ben found himself stroking Joe\u2019s hair again. \u201cI thought we\u2019d lost you for good this time,\u201d he said. He tried to make the comment come out as a joke, but failed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so too,\u201d Joe agreed, soberly. \u201cI thought I saw you all, standing beside me. Adam said I was always late, and if I\u2019d kept better time, you\u2019d have come to rescue me. You and Hoss agreed with him, and you all left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe!\u201d Ben exclaimed, horrified. \u201cWe\u2019d never do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cBut I wasn\u2019t feeling exactly rational right about then.\u201d He tried to make a joke of it, too, but also failed. He licked his cracked lips, and Ben offered more water. After a sip, Joe drew his head away. \u201cI met Stone by the Jackson place,\u201d he said. \u201cThere was a landslip on the other road, and I had to go home that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know about the landslip,\u201d Ben said, patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cStone stopped me, and grabbed my rein. I hit his arm with the ends of the reins, and he tried to pull his gun. I drew mine first and tried to ride away. But one of his men tried to stop me, and when I looked at him, Stone jumped me. Next thing I knew, he had me handcuffed, and I spent the night in the cellar.\u201d Joe shuddered. Ben put a warm hand on Joe\u2019s arm and squeezed gently. \u201cIt was horrid being back there, Pa, but at least I didn\u2019t end up in the barn. Then, this morning?\u201d he glanced at Ben for confirmation, having lost all track of time that day. \u201cThey took me out there, and tied me down. I tried to run away, but I didn\u2019t get too far.\u201d He looked ruefully at his bandaged feet. \u201cGuess I don\u2019t go barefoot as often as I used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy arrested Stone,\u201d Ben said, filling in the rest for Joe. \u201cStone denied you\u2019d ever been there, but Cochise was in the barn, and Adam found your clothes in the hayloft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went up there?\u201d Joe said, awe in his voice. His own memories of the place were such that he didn\u2019t know if he could have done that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did it once before for you, Joe,\u201d Adam said from the doorway. \u201cI\u2019d do it again if I had to.\u201d He and Hoss came into the room. Joe found a small smile for them. His lips were too cracked and sore to allow for a bigger smile, but his eyes shone as they usually did, and both Adam and Hoss were adept at reading Joe\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cColonel Forbes came a day early,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAnd he was able to make the men tell us where you were. The rest you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Colonel Forbes?\u201d Joe asked, his headache making him a little slow on the uptake.<\/p>\n

\u201cStone\u2019s commanding officer,\u201d Adam said. \u201cPa knows him, and I met him once when I was a little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens now?\u201d Joe asked, snuggling down into the pillows. He ached all over, despite the painkiller, and he was beginning to feel sleepy. His head was pounding.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThat\u2019s what happens.\u201d He saw the sleepy smile on Joe\u2019s lips as his eyes closed. He sat for another minute longer, but by then, Joe was deep in a healing sleep.<\/p>\n

Rising, Ben saw that Adam and Hoss were standing by the door, waiting for him. Together, they went downstairs.<\/p>\n

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

A couple of days later, Roy Coffee and Colonel Forbes came out to the ranch. Joe was downstairs, having managed to traverse the hallway on his feet, and negotiated the stairs on his behind, much to Ben\u2019s disapproval. His vicious sunburn was cooling, and the blisters along the undersides of his arms had gone, and he was able to get a shirt on without too much discomfort. Still, he was sitting with his feet up along the settee, looking tired. He greeted the visitors cheerfully enough, but he looked tense.<\/p>\n

\u201cStone is being court-martialled, and tried by a civilian court,\u201d Forbes explained. \u201cUnusual, I know, but we felt that this is an unusual case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think will happen?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be kicked out of the army,\u201d Forbes said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been wanting to get rid of him for some time, but didn\u2019t have any reason for doing so. Then, I assume he\u2019ll go to prison for a spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d think so,\u201d Roy said, nodding. \u201cBut it\u2019s up to the judge, o\u2019 course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to offer the army\u2019s formal apology to you, Joe,\u201d Forbes said. \u201cI realize that it\u2019s of little comfort, but we don\u2019t condone Stone\u2019s actions at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t he just obeying orders?\u201d Joe asked, bitterly.<\/p>\n

Shooting a glance at Ben, Forbes was glad that Ben had taken the time to explain Joe\u2019s disquiet regarding army justice. \u201cHe certainly wasn\u2019t following my orders,\u201d he said, baldly. \u201cAnd I despise a man who doesn\u2019t think for himself and hides behind the phrase \u2018obeying orders\u2019. There\u2019s no room for that kind of thing in my command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe said, softly. \u201cI accept the apology, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

After Roy and Forbes had left, Joe was silent for some time. Ben pottered around, knowing that Joe was building up to something, and content to wait until his son was ready to share his thoughts.<\/p>\n

But Ben had to wait. It wasn\u2019t until later that night, as he looked in on Joe, that he learned what was on Joe\u2019s mind. \u201cNot asleep? Are you all right? Anything I can get you?\u201d he asked, looking round the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cI was just thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about?\u201d Ben invited, coming in and sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe army. And obeying orders. There are many different interpretations of that, aren\u2019t there?\u201d He glanced at Ben, who nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure are, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the army commanders seem to value people who blindly obey orders above the ones who can use their own initiative. That seems mad to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd me,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cNeither you nor I would be much good in the army, Joe. We aren\u2019t good at obeying orders. But some men need to be told what to do. And while I do prefer if you do as I say, I brought you up to be your own man, and make your own decisions. Your brothers as well.\u201d He smiled. \u201cThere are times for obeying orders without question, and other times where you should question. Like Sergeant O\u2019Rourke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe grinned at Ben. \u201cWell, good thing I never thought about the army as a career, then, Pa,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA very good thing!\u201d Ben agreed, emphatically. \u201cYou\u2019d never have lasted through training.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Joe protested. His eyes were twinkling merrily. \u201cYou would? You just told me you weren\u2019t suited to the army either!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but I\u2019m good at giving orders,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThey\u2019d have made me an officer at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe said, in a disbelieving tone. \u201cColonel Cartwright, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, Ben smiled. \u201cI preferred General, myself,\u201d he said, blandly. \u201cIt\u2019s got a better ring to it.\u201d He was followed to the door by Joe\u2019s laughter. He paused before going out. Joe lay in bed, looking as good as new and Ben was overcome by gratitude once more. \u201cGood night, son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, General Pa,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

Laughing, Ben closed the door firmly behind him.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Being asked to scout for the army leads to a terrifying ordeal for Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0 (10,110 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":3946,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2,23,41],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-5305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2070,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/cavalry.jpg?fit=742%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":0},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0887","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":1},"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":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":2},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":3},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1784,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1784","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":4},"title":"The Commitment (by Cheaux)","author":"Cheaux","date":"June 20, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0Joe makes a commitment without fully understanding what's involved. \u00a0 Rated: \u00a0T -- WC \u00a01200","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\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6617,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6617","url_meta":{"origin":5305,"position":5},"title":"August Moon (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe Cartwright celebrates his 21st birthday with his family on the Ponderosa Ranch. Rated:\u00a0K+ (830 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\/B_TLCSJoe1-1-1.jpg?fit=395%2C300&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\/5305","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=5305"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5305\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}