{"id":5333,"date":"2003-07-09T00:54:08","date_gmt":"2003-07-09T04:54:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5333"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:50","slug":"with-this-ring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5333","title":{"rendered":"With this Ring (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>The sale of a couple of horses leads to a frightening ordeal for Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,535 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

With this Ring\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure he\u2019s the one, sweetheart?\u201d asked the man, holding his daughter tight against him. \u201cYou could do better, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s the one, Papa,\u201d the girl replied, looking up at him in the moonlight.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite sure. Joe Cartwright is the one I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho\u2019s that up at the house?\u201d Adam Cartwright asked his brother Hoss as they sat on the corral rails watching Joe breaking some horses.<\/p>\n

Peering in that direction, Hoss screwed up his face against the bright sun. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he admitted. \u201cAin\u2019t seen \u2018em afore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a pretty girl,\u201d Adam commented, although, at that distance, it was difficult to be sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 you start!\u201d Hoss said, in disgust. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough Shortshanks there chasing\u2019 everything\u2019 in skirts!\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting his hands on his hips, Adam eyed Hoss. \u201cAre you comparing me to our younger brother?\u201d he asked. \u201cHoss, how could you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Unperturbed by Adam\u2019s seeming annoyance, Hoss shrugged. \u201cPlumb easy, seems to me,\u201d he replied. \u201cYou an\u2019 he\u2019s more alike than either of ya admits ta.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a loud thump and a groan from the watching cowhands as Joe hit the ground in a spectacular cloud of dust once more. The horse, freed from the unwanted burden on its back, bucked its way over to the other side of the corral, where it was cornered by the hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Adam called down to Joe, who lay there shaking his hand where the rope had stung it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied and the rest of his unflattering comment about the horse was lost in a clatter of hooves as the animal was herded back into the chute. \u201cDon\u2019t you two have work to do?\u201d he complained as he hobbled over to the chute once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothin\u2019 as cain\u2019t wait,\u201d Hoss replied, grinning cheerfully. \u201cWhy? Ain\u2019t you happy we\u2019s watchin\u2019 ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Joe hastened to assure them. \u201cBut I\u2019d sure hate to be you when Pa catches you sitting there doing nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t catch us,\u201d Adam said, with calm assurance. He glanced back at the house and saw his father making his way down to the corral with the two visitors who had arrived by buggy a few moments before. \u201cUh-oh,\u201d he commented to Hoss. \u201cQuick, think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hoss grunted, not having noticed their parent\u2019s imminent arrival. \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo late,\u201d Adam told him, through a false smile of welcome. \u201cHi, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Webber, these are my sons, Adam and Hoss.\u201d He eyed his two sons as they scrambled down from the rails.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Mr. Webber and his daughter Tiffany.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a round of hand shakes. Adam was right, the girl was pretty, Hoss thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy other son, Joseph, is on that horse there,\u201d Ben went on, peering through the rails as Joe once more called for the horse to be freed, and it took off across the corral bucking for all it was worth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my goodness,\u201d Tiffany said, her hand flying to her throat. \u201cThat looks very dangerous!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cJoe won\u2019t come off this time.\u201d For he had seen that the horse was no longer bucking with as much energy, and was in fact coming to a stop. Moments later, the horse came to a standstill and the outriders closed in carefully and took the rope from Joe, who slid tiredly to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben called, and beckoned to him to join them.<\/p>\n

Going over, Joe\u2019s interest was piqued when he saw the girl standing there. He took his hat off and smiled at her, the dust on his face and clothes not detracting one bit from his attractiveness. \u201cHow d\u2019you do?\u201d he said, politely, his eyes fixed on Tiffany.<\/p>\n

She was small \u2013 no more than 5 feet tall \u2013 with long blonde hair, cornflower blue eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. She was slender, but rounded in all the right places, and her eyes flashed with mischief. Joe realized at once that she was very spoiled, but he was interested none the less. Tiffany was a beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Webber and his daughter are interested in buying horses,\u201d Ben explained. He smiled at them. \u201cJoe here is in charge of our horse operation,\u201d he went on. \u201cIf you would like to tell Joe what it is you want, I\u2019ll leave you in his capable hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Webber said. \u201cDon\u2019t you think your son is rather young to be dealing with this?\u201d He looked at Joe and smiled patronizingly at him. \u201cI\u2019m not trying to offend you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bristling, Joe was about to make a sharp retort, but Ben stepped in before he could. \u201cMr. Webber, I assure you, Joe might look young, but he has been in charge of the entire horse operation for several years now.\u00a0 He can find you the best possible horse for your needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no one like Ben for putting people down politely. \u00a0He nodded to Webber and headed back to the house, Adam and Hoss following. Joe swallowed down his resentment and amusement and gave Webber a polite smile. \u201cWhat kind of animal are you looking for, sir?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

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

As he returned to the house later on, Joe found himself thinking about Tiffany again. She hadn\u2019t said much all afternoon as Joe had shown them the horses he currently had broken and ready for sale, but she had done plenty of looking. Webber had ridden two or three of the horses Joe suggested for him and had taken a big, rangy bay.<\/p>\n

A horse for Tiffany had proven rather more difficult. She had set her heart on a black gelding with a vicious temper. Joe had gelded the animal in the hopes that would settle him down, but it hadn\u2019t. Joe was at his wits end with the creature and wasn\u2019t sure what to do with him next. But after the number of cowboys, cattle and horses the brute had savaged, Joe suspected it would be a bullet.<\/p>\n

Persuading the young lady that this gorgeous horse was not as nice as it looked took some time. Finally, Joe showed her a lovely pale gold palomino, bred from his father\u2019s stallion. The mare was flashy enough for Tiffany\u2019s vanity, lively enough not to be a boring ride, but mannerly enough to be a ladies horse. That was the one she finally opted for.<\/p>\n

Relieved that this wasn\u2019t going to turn into his life\u2019s work, Joe led them back to the main house for a cool drink while he and Webber sorted out the money side of things. Setting Tiffany on the cool porch, Joe and Webber went inside, where Ben was just coming down stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Webber,\u201d Ben said, pleasure in his tones. \u201cDid you get what you wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes indeed, sir,\u201d Webber replied. \u201cIt seems your son is quite knowledgeable.\u201d He gave Joe another patronizing smile, which Joe returned to hide his sudden urge to throttle his client.<\/p>\n

Joe was quite glad Ben was there when he told Webber the price, for the man bridled at once. \u201cI\u2019m not paying that kind of money!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat isn\u2019t a lot for two well broken horses,\u201d Ben pointed out, before Joe could lose his temper and tell Webber to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Looking intently at Ben, Webber saw that he wasn\u2019t going to back down and grudgingly nodded. \u201cVery well, if you think the price is a fair one, I\u2019ll say no more. Is a draft acceptable?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it a Virginia City bank?\u201d Joe asked blandly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Baltimore, where we live previously,\u201d Webber replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, then it will have to be cash,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cWe don\u2019t accept drafts unless guaranteed by a bank in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Webber said, coldly, giving Joe a haughty look down his nose. If he thought to intimidate Joe, he was wasting his time. Joe didn\u2019t back down, and although Ben said nothing, it was clear he supported Joe 100%. Webber took out his wallet and counted out the money. Joe took it, thanked him and handed over a receipt.<\/p>\n

Escorting Webber and his daughter back to their hired buggy, Joe ensured that their new horses were secured to the back. He tipped his hat to Tiffany and smiled at her. \u201cMiss Webber, it would give me great pleasure if you could come to the dance on Saturday night with me,\u201d he suggested politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Tiffany declared. \u201cPapa, may I go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d Webber allowed, ungraciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe responded, smiling. \u201cI\u2019ll collect you at 7.30, Miss Webber.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye,\u201d she called as the buggy drove away. She twisted round to look back at Joe once more. She was right, she thought gleefully. He was the handsomest of the brothers, and he was obviously taken with her. Looking up at her father she gave him a big smile.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid she say yes?\u201d Ben asked when Joe came back into the house.<\/p>\n

Startled, Joe flushed. \u201cHow did you know I\u2019d asked her?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, a pretty girl and a dance coming up? Joe, you\u2019d have had to been ill not to have asked her, seeing as how you didn\u2019t have a date already,\u201d Ben teased. He laughed at the look of mock outrage on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said yes,\u201d Joe told him, unable to keep up the pretence. \u201cShe\u2019s spoiled, but I think I like her.\u201d He made a moue. \u201cI wish I could say the same for her father. Honestly, Pa, he really didn\u2019t think I could do my job there. It was so hard to be polite to him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are always people like that in the world, Joe, and you know it,\u201d Ben reminded him gently. \u201cPeople who judge you by the color of your skin, or by your looks.\u00a0 You look young, Joe, but time will solve that problem for you. In a few years, you\u2019ll be complaining because someone will think you\u2019re too old for something!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re right,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t make it any easier to deal with though, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right there,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t get easier.\u201d He ruffled Joe\u2019s hair. \u201cYou\u2019ll just have to get used to it, I guess.\u201d They smiled at each other. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and get cleaned up?\u201d he suggested. \u201cIt\u2019ll be supper time soon, and the rest of those horses can wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I will,\u201d Joe agreed. He headed over to the stairs. Pausing with his foot on the first step, he commented, \u201cIt was a good sale, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was indeed, Joe,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

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

Promptly at 7.30, Joe pulled up the rig outside the house the Webbers were staying in. At first, seeing the address, Joe had thought that the Webbers had bought the house, but an ear for choice gossip in the general store a day or so before had told Joe that they were only renting. The house was big, but Joe was surprised at how little furniture there was inside when he was admitted.<\/p>\n

Webber hadn\u2019t softened his attitude to Joe in the intervening days. He greeted him with the condescending smile Joe had learned to hate even on such short acquaintance. Swallowing his resentment, Joe smiled back politely. \u201cGood evening, sir,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiffany will be ready in a moment,\u201d Webber allowed. \u201cI hope you understand that I will not tolerate her arriving back here any later than 11 pm, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir,\u201d Joe agreed. He wondered briefly if Webber thought this was an unusual requirement.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I won\u2019t tolerate any disrespect, either,\u201d Webber went on, forbiddingly. He gave Joe a significant glance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t even think of such a thing!\u201d Joe protested. He was offended, and might well have said more, thereby ruining his chances of taking Tiffany anywhere, except the lady herself appeared. Joe swallowed his anger as best he could and smiled at her. \u201cHello,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe,\u201d she smiled. \u201cBye, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, my dear,\u201d Webber replied, in a softer tone and gave Joe another hard look as the young man left.<\/p>\n

Outside, Tiffany looked at him. \u201cWas Papa being over protective? I\u2019m sorry, but I suppose he can\u2019t help it. It\u2019s just us; Mama died a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe assured her. He helped her into the buggy, and got in beside her, all the time aware of Webber watching them from the window. \u201cHow long have you been in Virginia City?\u201d Joe asked, as he shook the horse up.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust over two weeks,\u201d Tiffany answered. She was casting little glances at Joe as they drove, admiring him. \u201cOur furniture hasn\u2019t caught up with us yet,\u201d she went on, \u201cso we\u2019re roughing it.\u201d She laughed.<\/p>\n

Over the course of the evening, Joe learned more about Tiffany, including the fact that she was a ruthless flirt. He wasn\u2019t accustomed to girls going to dances with him and then flirting with every boy in the place and he was a bit put out by it. The only men she didn\u2019t flirt with were his brothers, Joe noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t tie that one down, Joe,\u201d Adam advised him as they met at the punch bowl. \u201cShe\u2019ll always have her eye on something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to end up related to her father anyway. He had the cheek to warn me not to\u2026\u201d he blushed and trailed off. Adam correctly interpreted his brother\u2019s embarrassment, and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you would,\u201d Adam denied. Joe wasn\u2019t averse to trying out his charms on pretty girls, but he was a gentleman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, thanks for that,\u201d Joe said, surprised. He\u2019d half expected Adam to say something about his reputation preceding him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to let anyone slander you, Joe,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cEveryone knows you can be trusted.\u201d The fact that Joe knew more about the facts of life than Ben really approved of was neither here nor there. Joe could be trusted with a girl\u2019s reputation. \u201cBut if that\u2019s what he\u2019s insinuating, just be careful. Don\u2019t give him the chance to suggest anything more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be,\u201d Joe promised, and went off to reclaim his date from one of his friends.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHome on time,\u201d Joe said, regretfully as he stopped the buggy outside Tiffany\u2019s home. Webber appeared on the doorstep, and Joe bid them both good night before driving off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve made up my mind,\u201d Tiffany said, snuggling into her father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure he\u2019s the one, sweetheart?\u201d asked the man, holding his daughter tight against him. \u201cYou could do better, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s the one, Papa,\u201d the girl replied, looking up at him in the moonlight.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite sure. Joe Cartwright is the one I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Webber replied. They went inside together.<\/p>\n

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

Despite Joe\u2019s prompt return with Tiffany that night, Webber didn\u2019t seem any keener on Joe than he had at first, and Joe was a little perplexed at this. However, he was seeing Tiffany regularly and Webber didn\u2019t object. As Joe learned more about Tiffany, he came to see that he was quite right \u2013 she was very spoiled. To begin with, he found it amusing, but it soon became wearing.<\/p>\n

Matters came to a head one afternoon when Joe saw Tiffany as he collected the mail. They were very busy at the ranch, and Joe was tired. He and Hoss had been up all night with a foaling mare, which had been having a hard time. In the end, they had lost both the mare and the foal, and as a consequence, Joe was tired and short tempered.<\/p>\n

Seeing Tiffany cheered him slightly and he grinned at her. \u201cHi there,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d she replied. \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were coming to town this afternoon.\u201d She patted Cochise. \u201cBut when I saw this fellow, I knew it couldn\u2019t be anyone except you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa asked me to collect the mail,\u201d Joe explained, leaning on the hitching rail. \u201cAnd what are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKilling time,\u201d Tiffany replied, truthfully. \u201cI\u2019m bored.\u201d She pouted prettily. \u201cMaybe you could take me for a picnic tomorrow, Joe? I wouldn\u2019t be bored then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could, but I can\u2019t,\u201d Joe told her, wistfully. He could have done with an afternoon off. \u201cBut we\u2019re hock-deep in foaling right now, and I can\u2019t leave it all to Hoss. We pulled an all-nighter last night, and I\u2019m planning on turning in early.\u201d The simple thought of bed made Joe yawn. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but we\u2019ll have to make it another time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I want to go tomorrow,\u201d she said. \u201cTake me tomorrow, Joe. Forget those silly horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Joe responded, shortly. \u201cI just told you why. I\u2019m in charge of the horses and I have to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want to go for a picnic!\u201d she shouted petulantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo for a picnic, then\u201d Joe retorted angrily. \u201cBut I can\u2019t be there! I have responsibilities, and I can\u2019t just ignore them when it suits you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine!\u201d she snapped back. \u201cI\u2019m sure I can find another man in this town who\u2019ll be willing to take me for a picnic!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself!\u201d Joe told her. \u201cGoodbye.\u201d He jumped onto Cochise and rode off, leaving Tiffany standing there with her mouth open.<\/p>\n

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

Over supper, Joe was quiet, but Ben put it down to tiredness. He knew there was a chance Joe might be roused again that night, and suggested his youngest son get an early night. Nodding listlessly, Joe dragged himself upstairs. Hoss followed along soon after, leaving Ben and Adam alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe sure is tired tonight,\u201d Ben commented, glancing at the stairs. \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019s sickening for something do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, glancing up from his book. \u201cI wonder if he\u2019s just dropped Tiffany.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA good thing if he has,\u201d Ben commented. \u201cShe\u2019s a little minx, and her father is the most peculiar man I ever met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d Adam asked, interestedly, putting his book aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben began, frowning, \u201cwhen he meets me in the street, he always tries to pretend I\u2019m not there. And when we\u2019ve met in the stores, he plain ignores me. Yet he gushes over the storekeepers and can be terribly obsequious.\u00a0 Joe tells me that Webber doesn\u2019t like him at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe warned Joe that first night not to step over the line with Tiffany,\u201d Adam told him, and saw that this was the first Ben had heard of this. \u201cJoe was naturally offended by the notion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I said, funny family,\u201d Ben commented. \u201cI\u2019ve heard one or two of the merchants saying that he\u2019s very slow in paying his bills. He\u2019d paid with one of those bank drafts at the feed merchant\u2019s, and there wasn\u2019t enough money to pay it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Adam replied. \u201cDoes he work? Or has he a private income?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t work,\u201d Ben assured his son. \u201cAnd he tells everyone he is a gentleman, so I would assume there\u2019s some sort of private income. But someone else \u2013 oh, Milly Parkins \u2013 told me that when she called and offered to take Tiffany to the Ladies Aid, the house had almost no furniture in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrust Milly to know that!\u201d Adam commented, wryly. Milly Parkins was one of the nosiest women in the town. \u201cDid Tiffany go to the Ladies Aid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben chortled. \u201cTold Milly only old women went to Ladies Aid and she wasn\u2019t nearly old enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam and Ben shared a moment of amusement as they both tried to picture Milly\u2019s face when she\u2019d heard that statement! However, after that moment, the amusement faded as they realized how very rude that had been. \u201cWhat did Webber say to that?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Ben reported, his face grim. \u201cHe just showed Milly the door and told her to keep away in future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot very pleasant,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cWell, let\u2019s just hope this split between Joe and Tiffany is permanent.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

At first it seemed like it was. Joe saw no more of Tiffany as foaling progressed. He shrugged off the quarrel as best he could and assured himself that he had no time to waste on someone as spoiled as her. Yet, when he was alone in his room at night, Joe couldn\u2019t help thinking how nice Tiffany was when she was just herself and not trying to impress anyone. He had wanted to help her become like that all the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben called, coming out to the yard one afternoon a few weeks later. \u201cCould you come here please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be serious this time,\u201d Adam jibed as Joe turned away from the corral, where he and his brothers were studying the horses, deciding which of them ought to visit the stallion one more time. \u201cPa said please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. Joe ignored them both and went over to the house. \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought, you\u2019ve been working so hard these last few weeks, you deserve a break. Why don\u2019t you go into town for the afternoon?\u201d Ben smiled at the look of delight that passed over Joe\u2019s face. \u201cAdam and Hoss have to go in for supplies tomorrow, and they can have some time then. Go on, son, have a good time and don\u2019t be out too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir, I won\u2019t,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cThanks, Pa!\u201d He headed off towards the door with more of a spring in his step. Ben nodded to himself. Giving Joe the afternoon off was just the tonic the lad needed. He\u2019d been working far too hard of late.<\/p>\n

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

The first person Joe saw when he walked into the saloon was Webber. Tiffany\u2019s father was leaning against the bar and it was clear that he was extremely drunk. For a moment, Joe thought about going to another saloon, but this was the one he preferred to drink in, and so he shrugged and entered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Joe,\u201d Sam, the barman called, as he came over. \u201cWhat can I get ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA beer, Sam, please,\u201d Joe replied. He glanced around the room while he waited for his beer. He avoided Webber\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t bin in here much lately,\u201d Sam commented as he put the dripping glass down in front of Joe. \u201cBin busy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFoaling,\u201d Joe explained, nodding. \u201cAnd the herd\u2019s been calving, too. We\u2019ll be into branding next! I don\u2019t know where the time goes these days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re gettin\u2019 old,\u201d Sam laughed. \u201cFolks say things like that when they get old, Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got me mixed up with Adam!\u201d Joe protested, jokingly. \u201cAdam\u2019s the old Cartwright son, not me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust let him hear you say that an\u2019 you\u2019ll be sorry,\u201d Sam warned him, grinning.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo respect for your elders and betters,\u201d Webber commented from along the bar, loud enough for Joe to hear.<\/p>\n

Joe pretended not to hear. Sam looked uncomfortable. \u201cYou know him?\u201d he asked, in an undertone, cocking his head at Webber.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, unfortunately I do,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cI used to go out with his daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to watch him, Joe,\u201d Sam began, but at that moment, another patron of the saloon came to the bar and Sam went off to serve him. The Silver Dollar became busy after that, and Joe had no further chance to ask Sam what he meant. But the encounter with Webber had taken the shine off the afternoon for him and he left earlier than he had meant to.<\/p>\n

Leaving the town behind, Joe put his heel to his horse and the pinto lengthened his stride. From behind came the sound of a galloping horse and Joe glanced back, suddenly wary. Coming up behind him was Tiffany, riding the horse Joe had sold to her. He urged Cochise on, sure the pinto could outrun the palomino any day.<\/p>\n

He was right, Cochise streaked ahead, and he heard Tiffany cry, \u201cJoe, wait!\u201d Reluctantly slowing, Joe brought his horse to a stop and waited for her. Thwarted in his desire to run, Cochise champed at the bit and half-reared, but Joe was not to be persuaded into running again right then, and curbed the animal.<\/p>\n

Catching up to him, Tiffany stopped her horse. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve been looking for you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now you\u2019ve found me,\u201d Joe returned, coldly. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismay colored the girl\u2019s tones. \u201cI wanted to\u2026 I wanted to apologies to you for the last time we met. I had no right to speak to you like that.\u201d She swallowed and offered the difficult word. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing how hard it was to offer an apology like that, Joe softened towards her at once. \u201cI should apologies, too,\u201d he replied. \u201cI was real tired that day, and I shouldn\u2019t have shouted at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Tiffany gestured to the ground and asked, \u201cCould we get down and talk? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed and slid down from Cochise\u2019s back and went to help Tiffany dismount. He tethered the horses so they could graze and sat down beside Tiffany under a tree. He picked up a grass stem and twirled it aimlessly between his fingers, waiting for her to start.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve missed you, Joe,\u201d she ventured, glancing up at his through her lashes. \u201cHave you missed me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe admitted, for he had thought about her quite a bit, and had missed her company.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d Tiffany breathed, leaning in closer to him. \u201cI was afraid\u2026\u201d She didn\u2019t elaborate her fears, simply leaned in closer and kissed him. After a startled second, Joe kissed her back, his hand going up to twine in her hair. As they broke apart, she whispered, \u201cI love you, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leaning close, Joe didn\u2019t reply, he simply captured her mouth with his once more. He was sure he didn\u2019t love Tiffany, and he knew he shouldn\u2019t encourage her, but for the moment, he was powerless to do anything else.<\/p>\n

Finally breaking away from her, Joe glanced around and saw that dusk was falling softly. \u201cI should take you home,\u201d he said, huskily. \u201cYour reputation won\u2019t be worth anything if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d she agreed, and allowed Joe to help her to her feet and then onto her horse. They rode back silently, Tiffany eyeing Joe from beneath her lashes again. When they stopped outside her house, Webber appeared on the porch and looked at them questioningly. \u201cWon\u2019t you come in Joe?\u201d Tiffany asked.<\/p>\n

Hesitating, Joe was surprised when Webber said, \u201cPlease do.\u201d He seemed to have sobered up considerably since Joe had seen him that afternoon, and he agreed. \u201cPut the horses into the stable, Joe,\u201d Webber went on, \u201cand come inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wondering about the man\u2019s change of attitude, Joe did as he was bid, loosening Cochise\u2019s cinch and giving him some hay to keep him occupied while he was inside. He didn\u2019t intend to stay long. As he emerged from the barn, he saw Tiffany standing at the back door of the house. She waved and beckoned to him and disappeared from sight, leaving the door standing open. Joe walked across the neglected yard and went inside.<\/p>\n

He had the blurred impression of a large kitchen with a big stove and many cupboards, but he had no chance to look more closely. Something struck him forcibly on the back of the head and Joe tumbled to the floor out for the count.<\/p>\n

Shutting the door, Webber looked down on his unconscious victim and then smiled at Tiffany. \u201cGot him,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, you didn\u2019t really expect him back early did you?\u201d Ben asked Adam jocularly as they headed up to bed. \u201cI\u2019ll be surprised if Joe\u2019s home this side of midnight!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have thought that the chance of an early, unbroken night would have held more appeal than the saloon, given how tired Joe\u2019s been,\u201d Adam commented. \u201cI wonder who he met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be anyone,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou know Joe \u2013 he\u2019s friends with everyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam paused outside his bedroom door. \u201cGood night, Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, son, sleep well,\u201d Ben responded and went on to his own room. He lay awake for a while, in case Joe came home, but sleep claimed him soon after.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHis bed ain\u2019t bin slept in,\u201d Hoss reported, a frown on his genial face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of trouble has he got into this time?\u201d Adam wondered aloud. \u201cYou don\u2019t suppose he got arrested, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben responded grimly. \u201cBut I intend to find out!\u201d He shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019re going into town to look for your brother as soon as we\u2019ve had breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Exchanging glances, Adam and Hoss both thought how glad they were that they weren\u2019t in Joe\u2019s shoes right that moment, and wondering what excuse the kid would come up with to try and get out of trouble.<\/p>\n

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

Painfully, Joe stirred back to consciousness. His head throbbed and his mouth was dry. As he tried to persuade his limbs to move, he realized that he was bound hand and foot and tightly gagged. As full awareness returned, Joe realized that he was in a vehicle of some kind as he was bouncing around uncomfortably. Cracking his eyes open and peering around, Joe decided it was a covered wagon.<\/p>\n

This didn\u2019t make any sense, and he shook his head to try and prod his memory. The shaking was a mistake; nausea rose in his throat, but his memory came back with a rush. He remembered the kitchen and then something hitting him. What he couldn\u2019t figure out was why. He began to struggle against his bonds, but they had been expertly tied and he soon discovered that he wasn\u2019t going to get free.<\/p>\n

How long the journey lasted, Joe never knew. But he dozed intermittently, and although twice they stopped, nobody came near him. By the time the wagon trundled to a final stop many hours later, Joe was aching all over from his confined position.<\/p>\n

It was dark outside by now, and Joe had to assume that they had been traveling all day. He could hear voices outside the wagon, but the canvas sides absorbed the words, only letting the sound through. Then the back of the wagon was pulled open and Joe squinted in the lamplight.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t surprised to see Tiffany and Webber. Beyond Webber stood another man. He was young, tall and well built. Joe peered more closely, but the man refused to meet his eyes. Joe didn\u2019t understand this at all. What had Webber said to explain his presence, tied up like that?<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me,\u201d Webber ordered the man. Together, they took Joe from the wagon and carried him into a house. Joe struggled mightily, but he still wasn\u2019t able to break free. They dropped him roughly on the floor of the living room and Tiffany crouched by his side to remove the gag.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Joe croaked. \u201cUntie me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tiffany stroked his face. \u201cOh, no, darling,\u201d she murmured seductively. \u201cYou aren\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d cried Joe, trying to back away from her, but hampered by the ropes.<\/p>\n

Smiling vindictively, Webber said, \u201cYou\u2019re going to be married to Tiffany tomorrow, boy. Tonight, you\u2019re staying right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Stunned, shooting a glance at the silent man, Joe could hardly believe his ears. \u201cI\u2019m not marrying anyone,\u201d he denied. \u201cYou can\u2019t make me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong there, boy!\u201d Webber told him gleefully. \u201cYou will be married tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe responded, furiously. \u201cI won\u2019t do it, and you can hardly drag me in front of the judge or minister tied up like this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong,\u201d Webber gloated, as Tiffany kept stroking Joe\u2019s face. He gestured to the young man behind him. \u201cThis is the minister, and he will perform the ceremony, even if you are tied up!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot another look at the man, who once more refused to meet his eyes. \u201cYou can\u2019t make me!\u201d he cried once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cDarling, I can,\u201d Tiffany assured him. \u201cYou\u2019ll be with me forever more, and we\u2019ll be happy together. You\u2019ll learn to love me, and then you won\u2019t need to be tied up. Your family can send us the money we need to live on, and we\u2019ll be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trapped, but still not seeing why the minister would agree to perform the marriage, and unable to see how they could make him cooperate, Joe just looked at her. Tiffany smiled. \u201cJoe, just say yes. Because one way or the other, you will marry me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t count on it,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

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

There was no sign of Joe anywhere in Virginia City. Nobody had seen him since he had left the Silver Dollar the previous afternoon. The Cartwrights tried everywhere they thought he might be, and came up with nothing.<\/p>\n

Seriously worried now, they began a systematic search of the area surrounding the road home, afraid that Joe had had an accident and was lying somewhere, badly injured. Once more, they found nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what to think,\u201d Ben admitted, as they finally turned for home. \u201cWhere can he be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cThis ain\u2019t like Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know this seems incredibly unlikely,\u201d Adam ventured, hesitantly, \u201cbut you don\u2019t suppose this has something to do with the Webbers? When I was asking about Joe earlier, Pete at the livery stable told me that the Webbers hired a wagon late last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how that can be tied to Joe\u2019s disappearance,\u201d Ben commented, frowning thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor do I,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s just a feeling I have.\u201d He pulled Sport to a stop. \u201cI\u2019m just going to go back into town to check on one or two things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant us to come with you?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you go on home in case Joe turns up,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d Seeing the worry darkening his father\u2019s eyes, Adam tried a reassuring smile. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll be careful, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed and watched Adam ride off back towards town.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou cheeky young pup!\u201d Webber snarled and kicked Joe heavily in the ribs. Joe curled up involuntarily, gasping for breath. Another heavy kick followed the first one.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Papa!\u201d Tiffany cried. \u201cYou mustn\u2019t beat him up too much!\u201d She pushed against her father\u2019s chest and Webber seemed to come to his senses.<\/p>\n

Grabbing the front of Joe\u2019s jacket, Webber pulled him up so that their faces were only inches apart. \u201cIf my daughter wasn\u2019t so set on marrying you, sonny, I\u2019d kill you now!\u201d He glared at Joe for a moment, then dropped him to the floor. Joe winced as the fall set off a chorus of protests from his sore ribs. \u201cAfter you are married, you will write a letter to your family, demanding some money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t marry Tiffany and I won\u2019t write to my family!\u201d Joe stated, firmly. \u201cHe can\u2019t perform the marriage when one partner isn\u2019t willing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll do what I say, won\u2019t you, Colin?\u201d Webber asked, smiling evilly at the minister.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Colin replied, still avoiding Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Gaping at the man, Joe wasn\u2019t aware how nakedly the question appeared on his face until Webber said, \u201cColin will do whatever he is told to, or I will expose his crimes to the world.\u201d He glanced at Colin, who flushed. Seemingly satisfied, Webber went on, \u201cCome along, Tiffany, you need to get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d As Tiffany rose, Webber leaned down and checked Joe\u2019s bonds. Satisfied that they were still tight, he left the room, followed by Colin.<\/p>\n

Tiffany paused for a moment. \u201cWith this ring, I thee wed,\u201d she said, clearly. Laughing, she left. The door shut behind them and Joe heard the lock click. He was left alone in the dark.<\/p>\n

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

Back in Virginia City, Adam went straight to the telegraph office and persuaded Rudi, the clerk, to stay open for a little bit longer to let him send and receive some wires. The first place Adam sent was Baltimore, where he enquired in a general way about Webber\u2019s finances. He sent to some other places that he had heard of Webber mentioning and waited. The replies came back almost at once.<\/p>\n

All over the eastern seaboard of America, Webber was wanted for fraud. He had been passing forged bank drafts all over the place, never staying longer in one town than he had to. He passed a few drafts and then would leave again. In several places, it was reported that his daughter had become engaged to a son of the wealthiest family around, and the family had frequently given them money to end the relationship. There was also a mention of violence. By the time the last answers were coming through, Adam was convinced that Joe was with the Webbers, where ever they had gone.<\/p>\n

The big question was \u2013 where had they taken Joe? Adam bit his lip thoughtfully. \u201cThanks, Rudi,\u201d he called, as he put on his hat, ready to leave for home.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, hold on, Adam, there\u2019s another wire comin\u2019 in,\u201d Rudi called, and Adam paused. \u201cIt\u2019s from a sheriff in near Baltimore. Says they\u2019re lookin\u2019 for a minister in connection with Webber.\u201d Rudi scribbled down the wire and passed it over for Adam to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Rudi,\u201d Adam said, fervently. He hurried out of the door and mounted his horse, spurring it towards home.<\/p>\n

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

It was fully dark when Adam got home. He brought Cochise with him, having been to Webber\u2019s house on the way home and found the pinto in the barn. He showed Ben the wire and told his father that he\u2019d up-dated Roy on the situation. They were just sitting down to supper when they heard a horse in the yard and Roy Coffee appeared. He accepted a cup of coffee and urged the Cartwrights to continue their supper as he told them what he had found out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWebber was boardin\u2019 this young minister, a lad by the name of Colin Johnstone. He\u2019s some distant relation to Webber. We ain\u2019t too sure how Webber persuaded him to become involved, but Johnstone passed some bad drafts in Webber\u2019s name. Apparently he has a bad temper, too. Seems when the law got involved, he panicked, an\u2019 ran off. He\u2019s been seen a few times, but nobody\u2019s ever caught up with him. Last I could find, he\u2019d been seen in Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that gives us somewhere to start tomorrow,\u201d Adam suggested. Ben nodded grimly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI issued a warrant fer Webber\u2019s arrest,\u201d Roy continued. \u201cI wish I could do more, Ben, I surely do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your help, Roy,\u201d Ben said, but his mind was clearly far away. Roy shook Ben\u2019s hand and let himself out. \u201cWhy do you think they have Joe?\u201d Ben asked, dazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they\u2019re going to try and marry Joe off to Tiffany,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cand then ask for money from us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t agree to that!\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cHe weren\u2019t in love with that little gal!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBut if they have a tame minister, who\u2019s to say what might happen.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t think Webber would scruple at forcing some sort of sham wedding, or of holding Joe prisoner afterwards so he couldn\u2019t protest the marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get an early night, so we can get an early start in the morning,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cI just hope we\u2019re not too late.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Despite the headache, sore ribs and his cramped, uncomfortable position, Joe fell asleep. He was jerked from slumber when the lock clicked once more and the door opened. Squinting blearily, Joe could only make out a dark shadow. He started to speak, but a large hand clamped down over his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe silent,\u201d he was told and recognized Colin\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

Hope sprang into being in Joe\u2019s heart. He expected the minister to untie him, but Colin didn\u2019t. Instead, he jammed the gag back into Joe\u2019s mouth and left the room again. Confused and angry, Joe renewed his hopeless struggles against the ropes that held him prisoner. Before long, the shadowy figure was back and he untied Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

At once, Joe kicked out at him, but Colin was prepared for it, and easily sidestepped the blow. \u201cI am trying to help you,\u201d he whispered. \u201cIf you resist, I will leave you here to face your fate. Which will it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe realized that he had no choice if he wanted to escape. He allowed Colin to help him to his feet and lead him out of the house.<\/p>\n

It was no less dark outside. Colin helped Joe mount a horse, then swung up behind him. Joe was perplexed. Colin was helping him escape, yet he was still a prisoner, with his hands tied and the gag in his mouth. There were a thousand questions Joe wanted to ask, but he couldn\u2019t. Colin said no more, as they rode slowly off into the darkness.<\/p>\n

They rode for quite some time in the darkness. As the light slowly grew, Joe recognized his surroundings as the road that ran between Placerville and Virginia City. He\u2019d ridden it more times than he could remember. He moved uncomfortably, but Colin still stayed silent.<\/p>\n

When it was fully light, Colin turned the horse off the road and pulled it to a stop behind some bushes. He dismounted, then helped Joe down. Pushing the youngest Cartwright to the ground, he pulled the rope from his pocket and re-tied Joe\u2019s feet. Joe, seeing what was coming, struggled furiously, but to no avail. Colin soon had him helpless once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to give you some water,\u201d Colin told him, his voice strangely flat. \u201cThere\u2019s no point in yelling; there\u2019s no one around to hear you.\u201d He took off the gag and put the canteen to Joe\u2019s mouth. Eagerly, Joe drank. He hadn\u2019t had water in longer than he cared to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he offered, once he had drunk his fill. \u201cBut I don\u2019t understand why you\u2019re doing this. You\u2019ve helped me escape, but you haven\u2019t freed me. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a wanted man,\u201d Colin told him. \u201cI had to help Webber, but I couldn\u2019t bring myself to perform a marriage like the one Tiffany and her father wanted. So I helped you escape. But the price of your freedom is your family\u2019s help in seeing that I get a fair trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

This cock-eyed logic made Joe blink in surprise. \u201cIf you turn yourself in anywhere, you\u2019ll get a fair trial,\u201d he said, earnestly. \u201cYou don\u2019t need my family to help with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done things,\u201d Colin muttered, his voice hollow. Joe felt a pang of fear in his gut. \u201cI\u2019ve done things to men like you when they wouldn\u2019t do as Webber wanted.\u201d His gaze met Joe\u2019s. \u201cI can\u2019t control myself, sometimes. I get angry, and things happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing, Joe realized that he had escaped one predicament to land straight into another, just as dangerous. \u201cGo to the sheriff and explain,\u201d Joe advised him, cautiously. \u201cI\u2019ll come with you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t understand!\u201d Colin shouted and Joe flinched. \u201cI can\u2019t do that! You\u2019ll tell them I was in on it! If your family help me, I\u2019ll tell them where to find you. You\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t leave me here tied up and alone!\u201d Joe protested. He looked around wildly, hoping against hope that someone might be passing by at this early hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no choice!\u201d Colin cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you have!\u201d insisted Joe. \u201cColin, I gave you a choice! I said I\u2019ll come with you and I will!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t!\u201d Colin denied. \u201cI know your kind!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cColin, please, think!\u201d Joe urged him. \u201cI\u2019m not your enemy. I was Webber\u2019s prisoner, too. I\u2019m on your side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re staying here!\u201d Colin shouted. He reached for the gag and Joe knew that he had to try and make a fight of this. If Colin managed to gag him, he would ride off and Joe would probably die from thirst and exposure. Frantically, he kicked out.<\/p>\n

For once, Joe caught Colin by surprise. He kicked again and again, managing to daze the other man when his boot heels caught the side of his head. As Colin sagged to the ground, Joe began to drag himself away, scrabbling in the dust with his arms and legs, moving painfully slowly, but moving. Joe knew that it was a forlorn hope, but he had to try and get away somehow.<\/p>\n

He had gone less than 100 yards when Colin roused. He glanced around, and looked surprised to see how far Joe had traveled in those few moments. Lunging to his feet, Colin set off after Joe, catching him in a few strides, and throwing himself on top of the bound man. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Colin choked. He slapped Joe hard across the face. \u201cYou can\u2019t get away!\u201d<\/p>\n

Without hesitating, Joe head-butted Colin. The other man let go of his collar and fell away, clutching his face. Joe scrabbled away again, making desperately towards the road. Colin let his hands drop from his face and gazed at Joe. Blood dripped from his nose. With a roar, he threw himself at Joe once more, and Joe was sure that this time, Colin would do him severe amounts of harm.<\/p>\n

The beating wasn\u2019t as bad as Joe had anticipated. He ached from each blow, but Colin didn\u2019t lose control totally. He pulled away from his helpless captive and punched the nearest tree very hard. Joe lay on the ground, gasping for breath, watching him as Colin regained control of his temper.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have done that,\u201d he told Joe as he retrieved the gag from the ground where he had dropped it and came back over with it. He knelt down to force the gag into Joe\u2019s mouth, and Joe, too tired to do anything else to resist, bit him.<\/p>\n

With a yelp, Colin dropped the gag and cradled his injured hand to his chest. He glared at Joe. Moving very deliberately, he struck Joe across the cheek. Joe\u2019s head snapped round and he tasted blood in his mouth where he had bitten his tongue.<\/p>\n

Once more Colin brought the gag up and he raised his hand to strike Joe once more. \u201cNo!\u201d Joe yelled. \u201cNo, don\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

The gag was jammed into Joe\u2019s mouth and he struggled against it, grunting with the pain each movement elicited, but unwilling to submit. Colin hit him again. Reeling, Joe\u2019s senses started to spin, and he was only vaguely aware of shouting from round about.<\/p>\n

A hand touched his arm, and Joe flinched. \u201cEasy, son,\u201d a familiar voice murmured and Joe felt someone sit him up and then hands were hacking at his bonds until he was free.<\/p>\n

Water trickled into his mouth and Joe was finally able to open his eyes. He was being supported by Ben, and Adam and Hoss were watching him anxiously. \u201cHow did you find me?\u201d Joe whispered. He tried to smile, but his face was stiff and sore, his lips split and blood trickling from a cut by his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cA little detective work and a lot of luck,\u201d Adam admitted, relieved that Joe was talking. He glanced over his shoulder at the man they had dragged off Joe. \u201cWho is he?\u201d he asked, indicating the unconscious man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name\u2019s Colin,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHe\u2019s got something to do with Webber. Says he\u2019s wanted by the law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey both are,\u201d Ben told his son, his eyes drinking him in. He wanted nothing more than to just sit there and hold Joe, but he knew that Joe needed to be home, and have a doctor look at him. The rope burns on Joe\u2019s wrists had been bleeding, and he had been beaten up. \u201cCan you ride, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied, uncertainly. He sat up with Ben\u2019s help, and allowed Adam and Hoss to help him to his feet. Hoss took charge of the prisoner, and with Joe mounted in front of Ben, they headed back to town.<\/p>\n

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

Later, Joe went home with Ben. His ribs were cracked and the rope burns needed treatment, but apart from that, he had suffered only bruising. He was tired from the lack of sleep and mild concussion he\u2019d suffered, but the relief at being home again was over whelming. After fending off Hop Sing\u2019s enthusiastic welcome, Joe went up to bed to catch up on his sleep.<\/p>\n

In Placerville, the sheriff had been alerted, and tracked Webber and Tiffany to the road out of town, heading to California. He had arrested them for kidnapping and brought them back to Placerville. He would transfer them to Virginia City the next day.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss returned later. By then, Joe was up again and eager to hear their side of the story. As they ate supper, he told them what had happened to him, from meeting Webber in the saloon, to the time they rescued him at the roadside.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good thing we left as early as we did,\u201d Ben commented. \u201cIf not, we might have missed you all together, Joe.\u201d He filled in the things they\u2019d discovered the previous day.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to them?\u201d Joe asked. He was feeling tired again, and his bruises throbbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be a trial,\u201d Adam said, softly. \u201cWebber and Tiffany will be charged with kidnapping. Johnstone will be charged with kidnap and assault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to testify,\u201d Joe muttered, almost inaudibly. Ben shot him an anxious look. After a moment, Joe laid down his fork. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go to bed,\u201d he told them, smiling unconvincingly. \u201cI\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

They watched in silence as Joe went upstairs. \u201cI\u2019d hoped he wouldn\u2019t ask,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish he didn\u2019t have to testify,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

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

Lying on his bed, gazing at the ceiling, Joe felt his eyes burn with tiredness and unshed tears. He hadn\u2019t thought of what would happen to the Webbers until Adam told him of their arrests. Joe couldn\u2019t figure out why. He knew that what they did to him was against the law, and from what Adam said, Webber was wanted all over the country. So why was he so shaken at the thought of testifying?<\/p>\n

There was no answer that Joe could come up with and he fell asleep, still trying to puzzle it out. His sleep was restless, his dreams filled with doom-laden images and he woke next morning feeling as though he hadn\u2019t slept at all. He dressed slowly, not keen to go down and face the concerned, inquisitive faces of his family.<\/p>\n

The only person at the table was Ben, who was reading the previous day\u2019s\u00a0Territorial Enterprise<\/em>. \u201cGood morning, Joe,\u201d he said, cheerfully. \u201cHow are you this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, I guess,\u201d Joe replied, sitting down and looking at the food on the table in front of him. He wasn\u2019t sure if he was all that hungry, but knew that if he didn\u2019t eat, Ben would be on his back, worrying about him even more than he already was. Joe hadn\u2019t been fooled by Ben\u2019s breezy greeting. He forked some bacon onto his plate and began to eat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going into town this morning to get the mail,\u201d Ben offered, after there had been silence for a time. \u201cWould you like to come?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied, not because he had a burning desire to go into town, but because he knew he\u2019d get bored sitting around the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Ben answered, sounding pleased. \u201cTake your time, son. I won\u2019t be ready to go for about an hour at least.\u201d He folded the paper carefully and laid it aside. He rose and disappeared into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Idly, Joe reached out his hand for the paper and discovered his name on the front page. \u2018MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF JOE CARTWRIGHT\u2019 read the banner headline half way down. Shocked, Joe read the story, which basically said that he had disappeared, no one knew where he had gone and that his family was out looking for him. Joe thought the paper must have been short of news to print that! It wasn\u2019t even a story. Shaking his head, he dropped the paper again and finished his meal.<\/p>\n

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

They set off an hour later, traveling in the buckboard, so Ben could collect some supplies, too. They didn\u2019t hurry and arrived in town just before noon. Joe looked around as they drove up the main street. \u201cI wonder what\u2019s been going on?\u201d he mused. \u201cEveryone seems really agitated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they do,\u201d Ben agreed, pulling the team to a halt by the general store. He set the brake and climbed down from the buckboard, covertly watching Joe to make sure he didn\u2019t need any help. But Joe was a good deal less stiff than he had been the previous day and managed the jump down quite neatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen! Joe!\u201d a voice hailed and they turned to see Clem Foster, the deputy, hurrying down the street towards them. They waited for him, exchanging puzzled glances. By now, they were aware of the looks they were attracting from the people in the street, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re here,\u201d Clem panted as he reached them. \u201cI was goin\u2019 to send someone out to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing around, Clem saw that they were attracting a crowd. \u201cLet\u2019s go down to the jail so I can tell you there,\u201d he suggested and Ben and Joe followed him back to the jail.<\/p>\n

The door of the jail was pocked with gunshot marks. Clem offered no explanation until they were inside and the door closed behind them. The inside of the jail was a disaster area, with the desk over-turned and papers scattered everywhere. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat man, Johnstone,\u201d Clem began and Joe blanched. \u201cHe went berserk last night as Roy was taking him his supper. Beat Roy up pretty badly, and fought his way out of here. He shot at him, as you can see, but he missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat of the Webbers?\u201d Ben wanted to know, peering into the cell area, and seeing that it was empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnstone stole the keys and opened their cell. Old man Webber was killed as he tried to escape, but the girl got away with Johnstone.\u201d Clem looked tired. \u201cRoy\u2019s over at Doc Martin\u2019s. Doc says he\u2019s gonna be all right. But right now, I gotta get a posse together an\u2019 go look for Johnstone an\u2019 the girl. You comin\u2019 into town saves me sendin\u2019 someone out to tell you. You be careful goin\u2019 home. Johnstone seems to have become unhinged, an\u2019 who knows what he might do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Clem,\u201d Ben replied. He shot a glance at Joe, but apart from the paleness of his face, Joe seemed to be completely calm. They left the jail together and Ben glanced at Joe once more. \u201cJoe, you get the supplies, and I\u2019ll get the mail,\u201d he suggested and saw Joe nod remotely. He handed over the list if things Hop Sing wanted and watched for a moment as Joe headed for the store. He was concerned that Joe hadn\u2019t said a word, and was suddenly anxious to get home.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDone?\u201d Ben asked, as he saw the storekeeper loading the last sack of flour onto the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone,\u201d Joe confirmed, as he climbed onto the seat. From habit, he lifted the reins, but they hadn\u2019t reached the outskirts of town before he handed them over to Ben. At his father\u2019s questioning look, Joe explained, \u201cIt still hurts a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding his understanding, Ben took over the driving. He wondered if he should ask Joe how he felt, but pushing Joe into confidences before he was ready was a recipe for disaster. Joe would tell him his thoughts in his own good time, but it was difficult and frustrating for Ben to have to wait.<\/p>\n

As they drove under some trees, someone dropped onto the buckboard from above. Ben began to pull on the reins but Joe cried, \u201cKeep going, Pa!\u201d as he turned to meet their attacker.<\/p>\n

Not at all to his surprise, he saw it was Colin Johnstone. Scrambling to his feet, Joe met the man as he lunged at him, and they tumbled from the buckboard to the ground. Ben hauled on the reins to halt the team, turning back to look at Joe, and go to his aid.<\/p>\n

A shot rang out and splintered the wood by Ben\u2019s feet. He dived for cover, unshipping his gun and firing back all in the same movement. He knew that he had no chance of hitting the marksman, but hoped he would buy himself a few more seconds. Another shot bit into the wood where Ben was crouching, and this time he saw the muzzle flash. He fired back. A third shot was fired, and this time the marksman didn\u2019t miss. The bullet burned across the top of Ben\u2019s left shoulder with enough force to knock him over. He struggled to sit up and return fire.<\/p>\n

As he made it to a sitting position, he saw a figure in the trees, carrying a gun. Taking the chance offered him, Ben shot at the person, who went down and did not move again. Relieved, Ben slumped back, eyes closed, for a moment. Then he looked to see how Joe was.<\/p>\n

The force of the fall knocked the wind from Joe\u2019s lungs and he was gasping for breath as he traded punches with Johnstone. The man was very strong, and Joe knew that he was in serious trouble. He could hear shots being fired and hoped that Ben was all right, but he had no time to glance at his father; all his attention was fixed on the madman he was fighting.<\/p>\n

For Johnstone surely was mad. His eyes gleamed in a positively demonic way and he was talking to himself under his breath all the time. Joe realized with horror that the words were \u201cKill you, Cartwright,\u201d over and over again.<\/p>\n

Somehow, they scrambled to their feet, where they traded blow after blow. Johnstone got in under Joe\u2019s guard and hit him several times on the face, and followed up with a hard blow to the solar plexus. Joe bent double and Johnstone brought his clasped hands down hard on the back of Joe\u2019s neck. Joe went down.<\/p>\n

Before Ben could react, Johnstone snatched up a big stone that lay nearby and lifted it above Joe\u2019s head. It was clear what he intended to do. Ben shouted an incoherent warning. He was bleeding heavily and didn\u2019t realize that he was on the verge of losing consciousness. As Johnstone glanced at him, Ben saw the intent written on the man\u2019s face. When he had killed Joe, he was going to kill Ben. Raising his gun, Ben shot him dead.<\/p>\n

Trying to get to his feet to reach Joe, Ben made it as far as his knees before the blood loss and shock hit him. He toppled to the ground out cold.<\/p>\n

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

When Joe roused, he felt pulped. For a minute, he just lay there, feeling the various aches and pains voice their complaints. This was the second time he\u2019d been beaten up in a couple of days, and he really didn\u2019t feel at all well.<\/p>\n

Raising his head cautiously, Joe saw Johnstone lying dead beside him, a huge stone clutched in his hands. Beyond him, Ben lay motionless.<\/p>\n

Galvanized by the sight, Joe struggled to his feet and staggered over to collapse by Ben. Frantic with worry, Joe felt for a pulse and found it, strong and steady. Joe soon found the wound and, stripping off his jacket, used it to press down on the wound and staunch the bleeding.<\/p>\n

He was still kneeling there a few minutes later, with Ben mumbling back to consciousness when the posse found them. Clem slid from his horse and checked the two corpses. The marksman in the trees had been Tiffany, and she was dead.<\/p>\n

Going over to the Cartwrights, Clem questioned them as to what had happened, although it was fairly obvious. Ben was bleeding from a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Joe had been beaten up once more and was bleeding from various scrapes and cuts on his face and hands.<\/p>\n

Sending one man into the town for the doctor, Clem organized the others to take the corpses back and he himself helped Joe and Ben onto the buckboard and took them back to the ranch. He guessed they were as well going there as back to town.<\/p>\n

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

It was evening. Ben was in bed, asleep, his shoulder bandaged up and with a stiff warning to take things easy for a few days. Joe was resting on the settee in front of the fire, his feet up along its length. There were no bandages visible on him, but his ribs had been bound up tightly again after the doctor had checked that there was no further damage to them. Adam was in his usual seat, ostensibly reading a book, and Hoss was perched on the fireside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you ain\u2019t ready for bed?\u201d Hoss asked Joe for the hundredth time.<\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d Joe responded. He was gazing absently into the flames with the one eye that was open.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething on your mind?\u201d Adam enquired, coolly. \u201cWant to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking,\u201d Joe mused. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to have to testify. Pa didn\u2019t want me to either. And now I won\u2019t have to. Isn\u2019t it odd?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it is,\u201d Adam replied, after a moment. He went back to his book.<\/p>\n

After a moment, Hoss said, \u201cI reckon that God knew you didn\u2019 want to testify, Joe. I reckon that what happened today was God sayin\u2019 \u2018well, all right, testifyin\u2019s hard, but its better than this, ain\u2019t it?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss, a frown on his face. Joe\u2019s green eyes met Hoss\u2019 blue ones and held. \u201cYes,\u201d he said, sitting up slightly and wincing as he did so. \u201cYes, I think that\u2019s it, Hoss. He was saying to us that hard things happen in life. We didn\u2019t want me to testify, and now I don\u2019t have to, but I had to go through something hard in its place. A reminder that there are worse things in life. Pa could\u2019ve been killed out there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo could you,\u201d Adam pointed out, but Joe dismissed his own danger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t there a sayin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cBe careful what ya wish for, in case ya get it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s it,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cSometimes prayers are answered in a way that you don\u2019t expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

They fell silent again for a time. \u201cI\u2019m going to bed,\u201d Joe said, at last. He got carefully to his feet, waving away Hoss\u2019 offer of assistance.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrayers ain\u2019t answered the way you expects \u2018em to be sometimes,\u201d Hoss noted, ruffling Joe\u2019s hair. He glanced significantly upstairs. \u201cBut they\u2019s always answered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen,\u201d Joe added, softly.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 The sale of a couple of horses leads to a frightening ordeal for Joe.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(10,535 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":12989,"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":[16],"class_list":["post-5333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1731,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/s-l500-2a.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":0},"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":3828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3828","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":1},"title":"Who Kidnapped Joseph Cartwright? (by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","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":5659,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5659","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":2},"title":"School in a Hundred Years (by DanceDiva)","author":"DanceDiva","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A new teacher is in for Ms. Jones and he is strict. Wanting to make a good impression Joe tries to think of what it may be like in school a hundred years from now. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (650)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2983,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2983","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":3},"title":"After the Dragon (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"April 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0This is a WHN for Day of the Dragon. It's my entry for the March Chaps and Spurs challenge along with the Pinecone Trifecta. Word Count: 1,063\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/dotd.jpg?fit=476%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":4},"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":5293,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5293","url_meta":{"origin":5333,"position":5},"title":"The Paiute Pony (by Cinderella)","author":"Cinderella","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A short story of how Cochise and a new friend came to Joe. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,190 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\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Quality-of-Mercy-8.jpg?fit=747%2C569&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5333","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=5333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5333\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12989"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}