Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe struggles to come to terms with what happened during the stagecoach attack while dealing with townsfolks who deem him to be a Jonah for having been the sole survivor. Rating T, WC 30,000 Second in “The Promise” series, links to stories in the series included within.<\/p>\n
The Promise Trilogy:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Promise<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Jonah<\/strong><\/p>\n Note from Author: A long time ago a priest told me that, \u201cGod doesn\u2019t draw in straight lines.\u201d That saying appears in this story to honor his wisdom. It took me many years to learn the meaning of the statement he made. This story is dedicated to my daughter Julie, and my son Will who went along on the journey with their mother to discover what these wise words really meant.<\/em><\/p>\n Then they said to one another, \u201cCome, let us cast lots to find out on whose account we have met with this misfortune.\u201d So they cast lots, and thus singled out Jonah.<\/p>\n (The Book of Jonah, Chapter 1, Verses 7-9, From the Holy Bible)<\/em><\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright crept quietly down the hallway<\/strong> heading towards his youngest son\u2019s bedroom. He felt the strong urge to peer in on the boy to assure that he was in fact sleeping now. Turning the doorknob precariously, he pushed into the room. Ben could see that Joe had left his light burning, though turned down low. He made his way next to the bed and stood there staring at the slumbering young man. The worried father breathed a sigh of relief to see the peaceful countenance of his son. His mind went back to all of the events leading up to the dramatic hypnosis session, which had gone on that day.<\/p>\n For more than six months Ben had believed Joe to be dead as a result of an Indian attack on the stage in which he had been traveling to Salt Lake City. It had taken quite awhile to come to grips with the fact that his son had perished along with five other souls that fateful day. All that had remained to show that Joe had indeed been a victim of the attack was the shredded remains of the boy\u2019s jacket, and a leather pouch, which held a large lock of Joe\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n Ben settled into the chair next to the bed, reached over, and touched his son\u2019s arm, to force the reality of his presence back into the weary father\u2019s mind. Several weeks after Joe had been returned alive, Ben still had trouble believing the story of his son\u2019s survival. An Indian, Lone Eagle who was a renegade Apache warrior, had spared Joe\u2019s life to return an old favor. Many years earlier, Ben Cartwright had fought the stupidity of several men and their frontier brand of justice, and had freed the young Indian and made sure he had been returned safely to his tribe. It was because of that one act of compassion that Joe Cartwright now lived. Though Lone Eagle had no compassion for any of the other occupants of the Overland Stage, he made sure that Joe lived through the massacre.<\/p>\n Dropping his head down into his hands Ben could still hear Joe\u2019s shaken voice as it had conveyed the whole gruesome story. He remembered most explicitly how the boy had slowly described laying there on the ground and keeping his silence as the Indian had thrust his knife through Joe\u2019s shoulder. Ben cringed when he thought of how his son had to pretend he was dead and had bitten through his jacket to prevent the scream which would have brought over the other Indians who would not have been so kind. Kind? Ben shook his head at the thought. Was it out of kindness that the renegade had pierced his son\u2019s shoulder and removed a chunk of his hair? Ben shuddered at the very thought of it all. But, Lone Eagle needed something to take back to his tribe to show that he had accomplished the kill. Ben could not imagine having to hold still and keep from screaming out as a knife was being driven through his body. How Joe was able to do it still amazed his father.<\/p>\n Ben stared at his son\u2019s hair, so short, still so devoid of its normal curls. He remembered the day that his other two sons had returned with the leather pouch containing their brother\u2019s hair. It had been the final piece of evidence that Joe was gone and would never be coming back. Then the mourning had begun and life was never the same. Or at least it held no joy, that is, until the telegraph from St. Louis which told the remarkable tale of how Joe had ended up in a home for boys run by a parish priest named Father Mike. Ben closed his eyes and could still see the telegraphs, one by one, as he had read them the day they had come. His heart still quickened at the very idea that Joe was alive and yet so far away. Even the mention of the boy\u2019s condition did nothing to stop the excitement and heartfelt joy Ben felt from the news. There had been a series of miracles; there could be no other explanation for having gotten his son back. A couple heading east had found the boy walking blindly along the side of the road, unable to speak, and with a shoulder injury. It was due to their kindness that Joe had been brought with them to St. Louis and given to the priest to care for. Then it was due to the generosity of Father Michael Donahue that Joe was given a decent place to live. The biggest miracle of all had been the fact that it had been an old friend of Adam who had been sent by the newspaper that he worked for to do an article on the boys home. If that man, Ernest Duffy, had not spotted Joe and instantly recognized him to be one Joseph Cartwright, most likely no-one would have ever known his identity nor would his family have known he was alive.<\/p>\n Ben noticed Joe had rolled away from him, moving over onto his left side. Instinctively his father reached over and pulled up the covers. It was at that moment that Ben noticed the grimace Joe wore, even in his sleep. Was he having a dream about the horrible events he had dealt with over the months since the Indian attack? Or, had it been the whole ordeal of the hypnosis session that was now making the scene of it all much more fresh in his son\u2019s mind? Not that Ben wasn\u2019t thankful for all that the doctor had accomplished with Joe. In fact, if it had not been for Dr. Wentworth\u2019s visit and expertise, Joe might still be in the catatonic state, which had plagued him for seven months. The doctor had been able to get Joe to release the pent up horrors of the Indian attack and by doing so had brought Joe back to the conscious state. Ben and his other sons were so grateful that Joe could look them in the eye now, understand what they were saying to him, and respond verbally. Yes, it had been a very fruitful day in that regard.<\/p>\n Fatigue taking over now, Ben stood to leave. He ran his hand across Joe\u2019s head lightly. The curls would come back, though the boy\u2019s hair had been clipped very short back in St. Louis to make up for the large amount which had been hacked off by Lone Eagle. But, Ben had to worry about more serious things now. Would his son be able to accept all he had gone through? Would he be able to somehow put it behind him and move on? Or would Joe be stuck emotionally to the past? Ben remembered the awful incident in Virginia City earlier that month. Hoss had taken Joe into town for supplies only to have a run-in with Frank Keller, a man who had lost both his wife and young daughter to the Indian attack. Frank had beaten Joe out in the street before his older brother could come to his aid. The bereaved man had called Joe a Jonah and blamed the boy for being the sole survivor. During that attack Joe had still been in his catatonic state and had not even protected himself in defense of the assault. Ben worried how his son would react now if he were to encounter that man or anyone else who harbored ill will towards him.<\/p>\n Walking toward the door again, Ben cast a final glance towards his youngest son. So many mixed emotions filled the worried father at that moment. He was content that he had his son back. He thanked God each time he looked at the boy he had given up for dead. Ben hoped that whatever problems or conflicts that might arise for Joe, that they could be handled with the love that all the members of his family had for him. Now that Joe was conscious and aware of their presence, each of the other Cartwrights would do their best to pull him back into the safety he had done without for so long. \u201cGoodnight, Joseph.\u201d Ben whispered and left the room as quietly as he had entered.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Assembled at the large dining room table were all four Cartwrights. It was the first normal breakfast that they had shared together in months. Ben nor his oldest two sons could take their eyes off Joe as he filled his plate and chatted amicably with his family. They were astonished to see how his eyes darted back and forth between each of the other family members as he made polite chit chat. After so many months of being in a catatonic state, Joe acted in all ways like his normal self. It was only when the conversation turned to all the changes that had taken place on the Ponderosa that Joe showed a slight change in his disposition.<\/p>\n \u201cRail line? When did that happen?\u201d Joe asked confused.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Joe, I kinda forgot\u2014we just completed the contract for the railroad ties. The spur is almost done,\u201d Adam jumped in with the explanation.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about we take you up that way today?\u201d Hoss continued.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that would be a good idea\u2014then you can take him up to the timber camp and show him the changes there,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go get the horses ready,\u201d Joe said and stood from the table.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph? You hardly ate\u2014why don\u2019t you finish your breakfast first?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not really all that hungry, Pa. Excuse me,\u201d Joe answered and turned to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s try not to push too much on your brother right away, boys,\u201d Ben said concerned for his youngest. \u201cWe haven\u2019t even spoken since the session yesterday\u2014I know he has a whole lot on his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u201d Adam nodded and reached for his coffee. \u201cWe will keep a good watch over him. We won\u2019t keep him out long either.\u201d<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe pulled the barn door open and walked inside. Cochise sensed his presence and whinnied her pleasure over seeing her master. Moving into the horse\u2019s stall Joe dropped his hand down on Cochise and patted her mane. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you too.\u201d Joe whispered and shared a brief moment with the animal. He knew the horse could all but read his mind, their bond having been formed all the way back to when Cochise was just a colt. \u201cI know they\u2019ve been taking care of you\u2014but I\u2019m back now. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d Joe let go of the animal and reached for the horse\u2019s favorite bridle. \u201cLet\u2019s get you ready\u2014we are going for a little ride, Cooch.\u201d The horse responded to her master\u2019s voice by nodding her head up and down to signal she was more than willing to get out of the barn.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe spent a long afternoon with his brothers, with them showing him the many changes, which had occurred over the previous seven months. He listened attentively to all they told him and showed as much enthusiasm as he could muster. Still, every now and then both of the oldest Cartwright brothers would catch a stare off into the distance by their little brother and noticed that the brightness in his eyes seemed to fade as the day wore on. As they headed back to the Ponderosa ranch house, Joe had insisted he needed a little time to himself. Reluctantly Adam and Hoss decided not to push the issue but had asked Joe not to be too long so that their father would not worry. Joe agreed and assured them he would be home before dark.<\/p>\n Ben was not happy at the turn of events. It had been all too clear to his two oldest sons that he was upset that they had let Joe out of their sight. Standing in the living room each son ventured his own opinion in the matter but it was falling on deaf ears.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Pa\u2014he wanted to be alone! You really can\u2019t blame him either. Look at all he\u2019s gone through,\u201d Adam continued his argument over the decision he and Hoss had made.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s exactly why I wanted you both to keep your eyes on him!\u201d Ben said exasperated. \u201cWe have no idea just what all he\u2019s thinking right now. I haven\u2019t even had the chance to discuss what happened yesterday. Now he\u2019s off somewhere…\u201d Ben trailed off his voice breaking with the worry for Joe\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2014you got to give him a little space,\u201d Hoss jumped in softly. \u201cI know what you\u2019re thinking. It was only a month ago that we thought Joe was dead\u2014it\u2019s hard on all of us to have him out of our sight. But, he said he needed a little time by himself. Besides\u2014he said he would be home before dark anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked back and forth between both of his sons and frowned. He knew he was perhaps being foolish, but he did not care. Yes, he was being overly protective, but after all that Joe had gone through he figured it was needed and justified at the present time. Without saying another word, Ben strode over to the credenza, strapped on his gun, and grabbed his hat and coat. \u201cHe can have all the time to himself he wants\u2014once we know he\u2019s okay. Right now I\u2019m going out after him,\u201d Ben muttered and left without waiting for a reply.<\/p>\n \u201cMan\u2014I thought Pa was bad before all this\u2014but he\u2019s even worse now!\u201d Hoss exclaimed shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I guess it\u2019s just as much a case of Pa needing Joe right now as one of Joe needing Pa. Hope Joe understands that when Pa catches up to him.\u201d Adam returned and then sank down in a chair. He grabbed a book off the coffee table and called over to Hoss again, \u201cYou might as well take a load off. This is gonna be awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe rode up to the familiar overlook above Lake Tahoe holding in his clenched hand the wild flowers he had taken the time to gather from the lower meadow. Dismounting, he tied Cochise\u2019s reins to a low hanging tree branch and made his way down the path to his mother\u2019s grave. Taking off his hat and holding it to his chest Joe stared at his mother\u2019s headstone and began talking.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mama, looks like I missed your birthday,\u201d Joe whispered and placed the bouquet of flowers on the grave. \u201cI\u2019ve been gone a long time\u2014I never would have missed it\u2014you know that. I hope you like these flowers\u2014looks like the last ones of the season. Before long the meadow will be covered in snow.\u201d Joe stopped as his eyes caught sight of the marker sitting off to the right side of Marie\u2019s grave. He moved closer to it and saw that it bore his own name. A chill ran up his spine as Joe understood for the first time how real his death must have seemed to his family to go through the motions of preparing a grave for him. It was at that moment, as Joe stared at the ominous marker that Ben appeared.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben began and it hit him head on that he had forgotten all about the marker. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son. I meant to have that taken down.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood and walked closer to his father. It was a few moments before he spoke. \u201cKinda gives me the chills to see it here, Pa. What did you bury?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly fighting back the pent up reminder of his grief. \u201cWe only had a piece of your jacket\u2014that and the lock of your hair,\u201d Ben replied and put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder for comfort.<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and for an instant, he could feel the knife as it sliced through his shoulder and then carved the hank of hair from his head. \u201cI didn\u2019t know…\u201d Joe whispered and shot his eyes back to the marker. \u201cI\u2019m sorry…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have nothing to be sorry for, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was it like, Pa? What was it like when I was dead?\u201d Joe asked and now stared pleadingly into his father\u2019s eyes for an answer.<\/p>\n \u201cWell…\u201d Ben fought again for words that might somehow convey the way he had mourned the boy standing there in front of him. \u201cLook out there.\u201d Ben pointed to the grand view of Lake Tahoe. \u201cTell me what you see?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked a bit confused but did as requested. \u201cI see the lake\u2014the mountains in the distance\u2014the trees.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA beautiful sight isn\u2019t it?\u201d Ben continued.<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2014but you are losing me, Pa. I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you were gone\u2014when we believed you to be dead\u2014it was as if you had taken away the lake, the mountains, the trees\u2014and only desolation remained. Nothing but a vast desert\u2014where nothing would ever grow.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lowered his head seeing only the ground at that point, emotionally affected by his father\u2019s words. Ben could see the impact of his statement on the boy. Could Joe have possibly thought it was otherwise? Surely he knew how much he was loved? Ben was surprised and concerned by his son\u2019s silence. \u201cMind if I ask you a question?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glanced back up at Ben and simply nodded his reply.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you remember coming here with me when you were brought back home?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe paced for a minute trying to figure out how he could describe what it had been like for him all the time since the Indian attack. It took awhile but he finally stopped in his tracks and shot a look at his father, which showed one hundred per cent pain. \u201cI don\u2019t know how to tell you about it, Pa. I don\u2019t think I can really describe it\u2014what I remember\u2014and what I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you try?\u201d Ben asked softly.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember being here with you\u2014but it was so strange\u2014like there was a large pane of glass that separated us! I couldn\u2019t shout through it\u2014I couldn\u2019t break through it either. Your voice was so far away\u2014and mine wouldn\u2019t come at all. That\u2019s how everything is now\u2014all but the day the Indians attacked the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you remember being in St. Louis?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014I remember the priest\u2014I even remember Duffy. But it was the exact same with them. Like being trapped in a nightmare, you know? You just keep thinking\u2014if I can just wake up\u2014I\u2019ll be okay. But, I couldn\u2019t wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked back over to Joe and held him close for a moment, trying to be the comfort he needed now. Of course part of him needing Joe too, to be able to feel his shoulders and hear his breathing, just to prove his boy was truly there and not some vision. \u201cYesterday when you were under hypnosis you mentioned remembering your promise to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014I remember, Pa. Somehow that was always stuck in my mind\u2014that memory from so long ago. You remember it too, Pa, don\u2019t you? That time I went off with Johnny Miller and you and Adam and Hoss were so scared something had happened to me?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes sought out his father\u2019s to make sure he understood the memory.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember, Joseph, and you probably won\u2019t believe this\u2014but that memory of you\u2014and the promise that you made that night\u2014haunted me every single day. Somehow there was that connection\u2014still in you\u2014still in me\u2014that brought you back here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promised you that I would never go away and make you worry\u2014looks like I failed.\u201d Joe pointed over to the marker, which rested next to Marie\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n Ben lifted Joe\u2019s chin so that he could force his gaze into the remorseful hazel eyes. \u201cYou did not fail me, Joseph. Whether you fully realize it or not, you started walking that awful day\u2014the day after the attack\u2014and though you were walking away from me you were taking the steps necessary to bring you back.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his head like he had understood his father\u2019s explanation but his face gave the appearance that he still was trapped inside the memories. Ben knew it would take more than one long conversation to ease his son\u2019s mind. The wind whipped upwards towards the grove of trees where the two men stood. Ben looked towards the lake and then up at the sky. \u201cIt\u2019s getting kinda cool out here\u2014\u201d He stopped in mid-sentence when he noticed Joe had no jacket and he could see how the boy\u2019s shoulders were shivering. Whether that was due to the plunging temperatures or due to the images that had been resurrected in his mind, Ben was not sure. Instead of questioning it, Ben pulled off his coat and placed it around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d Ben announced and threw his arm around his son as they walked back to the horses.<\/p>\n Adam pulled open the front door as soon as he heard the horses out front. He watched as<\/p>\n Joe walked towards him still wearing his father\u2019s coat. As the two men entered the house Adam shot his father a questioning look and Ben just gave him a subtle nod that things were fine.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething smells awfully good,\u201d Ben commented as he and Joe removed their holsters and hung up their hats at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing made another great meal!\u201d Adam announced trying to sound cheerful. He could see that Joe now wore a troubled facial expression. \u201cHe said it will be ready in just a couple of minutes\u2014glad you both made it back before he got mad.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe walked over to where Hoss was seated and joined him on the settee. Hoss clapped his brother on the back and smiled. \u201cGlad you\u2019re back, Little Brother. Hey\u2014Adam and I wuz just talking and we came up with a great idea!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben joined all of his sons by the fireplace and sank down in his chair. \u201cWhat great idea?\u201d Ben asked when Joe did not respond right away.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about we throw a party this Saturday? You know\u2014kinda like a welcome home party for Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing is all for it,\u201d Adam jumped in, still trying to jolt Joe out of his melancholy thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that is a fine idea! Wish I had thought of it!\u201d Ben announced cheerfully. \u201cWhat do you say, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shot a glance at each of his family members. He could tell they were trying hard to please him. Maybe too hard. \u201cIf it\u2019s all the same to you all\u2014I mean it\u2019s not that I don\u2019t appreciate the thought and all…\u201d Joe stammered and then stood. \u201cCould we just wait awhile? I\u2019m not really ready for all the commotion. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam shared a frown and Ben cast a worried look towards his youngest. \u201cOf course, Joseph. You just let us know when you are ready then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSupper ready!\u201d Hop Sing announced proudly standing by the dining room table.<\/p>\n Joe felt the urge to leave the room, he didn\u2019t know why. He just needed some peace at the moment and his appetite had not yet fully returned. \u201cPa\u2014I\u2019m really not hungry. I\u2019m kinda tired\u2014think I\u2019ll just turn in. Goodnight\u2014Hoss\u2014Adam\u2014goodnight, Pa,\u201d Joe called over to them all and turned for the stairs before there could be a protest.<\/p>\n Once Joe was out of ear-shot Adam stared over at his father. He could tell that Ben\u2019s worried gaze had followed Joe up to his room. \u201cHe does look tired. Where did you find him anyway, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was up to Marie\u2019s grave. By the way\u2014Adam\u2014I think you and I should go back up there tomorrow and get rid of that other plot. The sight of his own marker seemed to upset Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t blame him none,\u201d Hoss remarked. \u201cI was kinda hoping to take Joe into town tomorrow. Maybe that would cheer him up? I know you wanted me to go and pay the bill at the mercantile, Pa. You reckon it would be okay to take Joe with me or not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe that\u2019s a good idea, son,\u201d Ben started but then heard Hop Sing clanging a pan. He turned to see the angered cook.<\/p>\n \u201cYou eat now\u2014or Hop Sing throw out to chickens,\u201d he called over to them all.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re coming,\u201d Ben answered and the three men walked to the dining room to take their seats.<\/p>\n \u201cMust wait for Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe is just plumb worn out, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben tried to explain. \u201cHe already went on to bed I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoy too thin\u2014Hop Sing worry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014Hop Sing\u2014Joe\u2019s always been thin! He\u2019ll eat his fill tomorrow.\u201d Adam tried to diffuse the cook\u2019s worry over the boy who was a large part of the Oriental\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n \u201cBetter eat breakfast!\u201d Hop Sing replied with a threatening tone to his words.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will.\u201d Ben nodded and the cook walked away. Ben poured his coffee and glanced over at Hoss who at the time was doing more than his part to make up for Joe\u2019s lack of hunger. \u201cHoss, stop by Mrs. Collins\u2019 tailor shop tomorrow for me. I ordered something for Joe which should be about ready to be picked up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa. I\u2019ll make it our second stop,\u201d Hoss replied and then went back to serious work filling his plate.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you and Joe get to talk while you were up at the lake?\u201d Adam asked his father.<\/p>\n \u201cSome. He still has so much bottled up inside of him. He remembers most things that happened to him these last seven months\u2014but he said it was like one long nightmare. I\u2019m hoping after awhile we can help him. Right now he just seems so sad, so resolute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve just gotta give it time, Pa. Both doctors said that, you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2014you\u2019re right of course. I just can\u2019t help but worry over him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeck, Pa\u2014that ain\u2019t nothing new!\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cYou been worried over that kid for twenty-two years now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI worry about ALL of you, young man!\u201d Ben defended himself loudly. \u201cBut you all heard the horrors that Joe lived through. I can imagine how the reality of it is sinking in to him now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe is as tough as they come,\u201d Adam insisted. \u201cIf anyone can get over a tragedy like this it\u2019s that mule headed kid upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled at Adam\u2019s statement and at the encouraging message, he was trying to give his father by saying it. \u201cI have every confidence in him too. It\u2019s just the days ahead\u2014well\u2014they aren\u2019t going to be easy for him. I wish I could take it all away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll\u2019s that matters is that we are here for him. Joe knows that, Pa,\u201d Hoss stated and patted his father\u2019s arm to offer his own form of encouragement.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The town of Virginia City was not at her liveliest in the early afternoon, especially on Tuesdays. The miners were all working deep in their tunnels, which honeycombed the town and rarely came up for air any earlier than sundown. Most cowboys and ranch hands were busy working away at the many ranches, which surrounded Storey County and were mostly likely to come into Virginia City on paydays, which were usually Fridays. That left the townsfolk and merchants milling about on the sidewalks and in the streets of the small mountain community.<\/p>\n Hoss dismounted and his little brother followed suit. Securing their horses to the hitching post in front of the mercantile, the two young men stepped up onto the porch. It had been weighing on Hoss Cartwright\u2019s mind all the way from the Ponderosa, the memory of the last time he had brought Joe into town. He would make sure that their paths would not cross anywhere near Frank Keller\u2019s Feed and Grain Store. Hoss was still very angry with the man who had attacked his brother earlier in the month. He remembered all too vividly seeing the man pummeling his brother there on the street in front of the mercantile. Hoss really didn\u2019t care at that point that Mr. Keller was still stuck inside his own grief over losing his wife and child to the Indian attack. He had fought with all of his internal fortitude to not beat the man senseless who had harmed Joe.<\/p>\n Hoss sighed to himself as he opened the door to the store and let Joe pass in front of him. He tried to assure himself that no matter what happened in town now, that things would be a whole lot different. After all, Joe was no longer in the state of mind where he could not respond to an attack. And judging from what his older brother had witnessed in the past, Joe was more than capable of defending himself.<\/p>\n After paying the bill at the mercantile, the two brothers headed down the sidewalk in search of Mrs. Collins\u2019 tailoring shop. Hoss pulled open the door and the bell above the threshold signaled the owner that she had customers. The middle-aged woman approached the two Cartwrights and smiled at them warmly. Joe and Hoss withdrew their hats and nodded over to her.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Ma\u2019am. My pa said you had a package ready for us?\u201d Hoss asked and watched as the woman walked behind the service counter.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all ready, just let me find it,\u201d she replied and bent down to the drawers in the cabinet below. Retrieving the already wrapped gift, Mrs. Collins placed it on the counter. \u201cI\u2019ll just send Ben the bill. You tell your father it was made exactly as he requested.\u201d And with that the woman handed the package that was sturdily wrapped in brown paper to Hoss. Her eyes then fell on Little Joe. \u201cWhy, Joseph! It is so wonderful to see you again. We were all so thrilled to learn of your return. You poor boy\u2014what you must have gone through at the hands of those savages!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down to free himself from her piercing stare. \u201cThank you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he answered solemnly and then hoped for a quick retreat from the store so as to not have to answer any of the woman\u2019s questions about his ordeal.<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t it just awful? I mean\u2014all those poor people\u2014I feel so badly for them! And that dear Mrs. Keller and her little girl Sandra\u2014I was making her a dress for when she was due to return…\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had to jump into the situation and caught the woman in mid-sentence. \u201cI\u2019m right sorry, Mrs. Collins\u2014but we have so many errands to run for my pa\u2014we really must be going!\u201d Hoss insisted and noticed Joe\u2019s eyes thanking him for the save.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014yes\u2014I quite understand\u2014well you tell your father I said hello and that I hope he likes the workmanship of his gift,\u201d she called after the two Cartwright brothers as they beat a hasty exit from the store.<\/p>\n Hoss watched his brother\u2019s whole demeanor change after the little scene that Mrs. Collins had caused in her shop. He could tell that Joe was once again trapped in his thoughts about the Indian attack, which had claimed the lives of all but him. Hoss threw his arm over Joe\u2019s shoulder for support.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s about time we had us a beer! What do you think, Little Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d Joe\u2019s single word response came without much enthusiasm.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n The bar was a bit more crowded than usual as Joe and Hoss walked to the counter and ordered two beers. They stood there for awhile, with Hoss doing his best to make idle chit chat to draw his brother out of his shell and induce a happier mood in the boy. By the time that Sam the bartender drew off the second round of drinks, Hoss could tell that Joe seemed a bit more relaxed and he started to breathe a tad easier. That was when trouble entered the saloon, and trouble\u2019s name was Pete Timmons.<\/p>\n Pete Timmons was only a couple of years older than Joe Cartwright, but he had lived a much harder life and it had aged him beyond those few years. For some reason, which had never been fully explained to Joe, Pete hated his guts. He harbored such ill will towards the wealthy and good-looking Cartwright that it made his stomach churn just to glance over at him now as Sam handed him his beer. How many run-ins had Pete and Joe had over the years? Neither young man would have even known the true count. But, they seemed to get worse and more intense each time their fists met.<\/p>\n Pete worked on one of the ranches that bordered the Ponderosa now. It hadn\u2019t always been so. He had been run out of Virginia City several years ago, only to return and cause more trouble. If it wasn\u2019t for the fact that the Bar S ranch needed a great deal of cowhands, Pete would not even be working there. He had earned himself a bad reputation as a troublemaker but unfortunately was also one of the best wranglers in the area. Pete never had to worry about landing a job if he tired of one particular brand.<\/p>\n Hoss had not missed the swaggering entrance of his brother\u2019s most evil nemesis. He tried to block the view of the man standing now at the end of the bar by using his own body as a wall. Joe didn\u2019t fall for it. He could sense Pete, even though he couldn\u2019t quite see him due to Hoss\u2019 maneuver.<\/p>\n Pete met up with a friend of his, yet another loud mouth and troublemaker named Billy Matthews. He waved Billy over from his table and the man grinned fondly as he made his way over to Pete. If trouble and bad luck had an odor, the smell would be Pete Timmons.<\/p>\n \u201cLookie here, will you, Billy! If it ain\u2019t Joe Cartwright in the flesh!\u201d Pete stated rather loudly and Sam moved further down the bar worried about gunplay. \u201cHey, Joe! When did you get back, boy?\u201d Pete hollered over to him and winked at Billy to go along with what he was about to do.<\/p>\n Hoss stared at Joe who would not take his eyes or hands off his beer mug. He simply stood there ignoring the shouts made his way.<\/p>\n Pete drew closer, his own drink in his hand. He sidestepped Hoss and stood on the other side of Joe now, with Billy flanking him. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Joe? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe I should say chicken got your tongue?\u201d Pete jibed on.<\/p>\n \u201cGet out of here, Timmons\u2014while you\u2019re still standing,\u201d Hoss called out deadly. He was still confounded by his brother\u2019s absence of emotions. Any time before Joe would have already thrown the first punch sending Pete sprawling out onto the street. But, still, Joe did nothing, said nothing as the man neared him.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t talking to Joe\u2019s babysitter\u2014I was talking to Joe. Hey\u2014story is that you\u2019ve got yourself a name change, Joe! I just wanted to know if it\u2019s true? I heard tell your new name is \u201cJonah\u201d!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss turned to reach for Pete but his brother\u2019s hand stopped him. \u201cLet it go, Hoss,\u201d Joe pleaded quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014that\u2019s right\u2014listen to what old Jonah is saying to you, Hoss! Hey\u2014Jonah\u2014now I hear tell that you hid in the bushes for days just so you wouldn\u2019t get scalped by them Injuns\u2014that you watched as everyone\u2014even that little girl got killed. Now is that right?\u201d Pete continued and Billy burst out laughing at the way his friend was putting the high and mighty Cartwright to shame.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re gonna be minus some teeth, Pete!\u201d Hoss yelled and tried to go for him again. Before he could land the first punch Joe hurried out of the bar. Billy and Pete laughed heartily over the quick exit Joe had made, leaving Hoss standing there alone.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t done with you, Timmons,\u201d Hoss spat over towards the man and headed out of the bar to find his brother.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe had made it to the hitching post in front of the mercantile a good five minutes before his brother did. He looked up at Hoss as he handed him Chub\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that all about anyway, Joe? Why\u2019d you let that no good skunk talk to you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just go home, okay?\u201d Joe whispered and swung himself up on Cochise.<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head in disbelief. The boy on the pinto sure enough looked like the quick-tempered brother he had grown up with but apparently, that was where all resemblance to him stopped. Joe had such fierce pride; he would never have subjected himself to the kind of treatment he had endured in the saloon. The brother that Hoss knew and loved would have reduced the Silver Dollar Saloon to rubble before he would have taken the remarks that Pete had thrown his way. Where was that brother now?<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The journey back to the ranch house that afternoon was a quiet one. Neither of the two brothers spoke. Joe would cast a fleeting glance over at Hoss now and then and could tell by the big man\u2019s set of his shoulders that he was mad. He could also tell that Hoss was trying as hard as he could not to look over at him. Joe felt nauseous just thinking about what must be going on in his brother\u2019s head at that moment. He had always yearned for Hoss\u2019 respect, and up until that afternoon, Joe had indeed had it.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe stared over at Hoss still trying to think of something to say as they unsaddled the two horses inside the barn. Hoss was still doing his best to avoid looking into the sad hazel eyes of his little brother. He knew he didn\u2019t have his emotions in check at the time, and was afraid if he blurted out what he wanted to say that Joe would be crushed.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss…\u201d Joe started and stopped as his brother turned his back on him and headed for the barn door.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t talk right now, Joe,\u201d Hoss called back to him and kept moving, now at an even faster pace. His mind and his heart were caught in an emotional tug of war at the time. It was something that no one could straighten out for him, especially not Joe. As much as he loved his little brother, he couldn\u2019t help feeling a bit ashamed of him. He was also mad that Joe had stopped him from going after Pete. It seemed as though it was the least he could have done if he wasn\u2019t going to tackle the man himself.<\/p>\n Joe leaned against the door of the barn and watched the form of his brother as it moved farther and farther away from him. He had a lump in his throat over the coldness, which the big man had shown him in his curt reply. Joe had emulated and adored his big brother ever since he was old enough to toddle after him. There never had been a breech in the love or faith they had in each other, until now.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Hoss did not mean to slam the front door as he entered the house; it was out of pent up hostility that he did it. Ben was quick to jump to his feet and approach Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss? What\u2019s the matter? Has something happened to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s okay\u2014he\u2019s out in the barn,\u201d Hoss answered quietly and continued his march to the staircase avoiding his father\u2019s eyes this time.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2014what\u2019s the matter, son?\u201d Ben called across the room at the departing figure heading up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI just gotta be alone for awhile\u2014see you at supper,\u201d Hoss replied and walked up to his room.<\/p>\n Ben had just turned back towards the front door when Joe walked in carrying the package that Hoss had left in his saddlebags. He wore a very unhappy face and now Ben was totally exasperated not knowing what was going on with both of his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s the package you wanted us to pick up, Pa,\u201d Joe said and handed it to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph? Hoss came in and sure seemed upset. You want to tell me what went on in town? You boys have any trouble?\u201d Ben forced Joe to look into his eyes as he grabbed the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was nothing, Pa. I figure Hoss will tell you about it later. I\u2019m gonna go cut some wood before it gets dark. Looks like a storm\u2019s coming\u2014it\u2019ll probably turn cold tonight,\u201d Joe replied and his eagerness to get back outside was very apparent.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, looks like neither of you boys are talking right now\u2014is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI really don\u2019t have anything to say. I\u2019m sure Hoss will, though. Now, I better get back out there.\u201d Joe turned for the door and felt his father\u2019s hand stopping him again.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a second\u2014I don\u2019t know what is going on\u2014but I trust you two to tell me real soon. Here,\u201d Ben stated a bit of hurt still in his tone, that along with worry over both of his sons at the present time. Ben handed Joe the package back that he had brought from town.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought this was for you?\u201d Joe asked confused.<\/p>\n \u201cOpen it,\u201d Ben insisted. He hoped that at least the gift might lighten Joe\u2019s load for a minute or two.<\/p>\n Joe tore into the brown wrapping paper. It wasn\u2019t long before he was holding a green corduroy jacket in his hands. He closed his eyes to fight back painful memories. All too clear in his mind was the picture of the jacket he had left torn in rags at the stagecoach scene. It was very hard to pretend to be happy, but Joe tried his best to force a smile as he looked up at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa. It looks the same as my old one.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could read the hesitation in Joe\u2019s words and the fake smile on the boy\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe\u2014maybe I should have gotten you something a little different,\u201d Ben apologized, he was afraid he had summoned another part of Joe\u2019s nightmare back into the forefront of his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014Pa\u2014really\u2014this is great! You know it\u2019s my favorite color and all.\u201d Joe stopped and pulled the jacket on and looked back at his father. \u201cFits just fine, Pa\u2014honest\u2014I really am pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad, son.\u201d Ben nodded, still not sure if Joe was just playing the role he thought his father expected him to play.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014it\u2019ll come in handy while I\u2019m out cutting up that wood. It\u2019s getting a bit cold now. I\u2019d better get to it.\u201d Joe reached for the door, pulled it open, and then shot one more glance over at his father. \u201cThanks\u2014it was real thoughtful of you, Pa.\u201d He whispered and turned out of the house.<\/p>\n Ben stood in the living room full of concern and confusion. He had no clue as to what had sent Hoss up to his room in a bad mood. Hoss was normally the most mild mannered of the three sons, and it took a whole lot to get him that upset. Then, there was Joe and his insistence on cutting wood rather than spilling the story of what had happened between him and his older brother. Shaking his head wearily, Ben vowed he would get to the bottom of the mystery before the night was out.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n With an abnormal quiet filling the dining room, Hoss, Joe and Ben took their seats for supper. Waiting for a minute before digging in to the food Hop Sing had provided, Ben listened for the sound of Adam\u2019s boot steps. Hearing the front door open and then close, Adams arrival signaled that they all would be saying grace soon.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry I\u2019m late,\u201d Adam apologized and took his seat. He bowed his head as his father began to give thanks for their food. When he was finished, the eldest Cartwright son cast a perplexed glance over to his excessively sedate brothers. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Don\u2019t tell me Virginia City ran out of beer?\u201d he quipped only to have his elbow tugged by Ben to show that there was something serious going on between Joe and Hoss.<\/p>\n The meal continued and it was only the voices of Ben and Adam, which kept the conversation going. Hoss and Joe hardly touched the food on their plates, each troubled in mind and spirit.<\/p>\n \u201cHey\u2014I noticed your new jacket, Joe, when I came in. It looks like Mrs. Collins did a real fine job of it,\u201d Adam tried again to start up something to involve his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014it\u2019s real fine,\u201d Joe agreed nodding his head slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cAny new gossip in town today, Hoss?\u201d Adam asked staring over at him now.<\/p>\n Hoss finally looked over at Joe and frowned. Joe dropped his head to avoid his gaze. \u201cNaw\u2014nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n When the four Cartwrights were done with their meal, they assembled, as was the usual routine, in the living room. Adam went back to the book he had been reading and Ben pretended to be interested in the newspaper from the day before. His eyes were never totally off his youngest two sons at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cYou wanna play some checkers, Hoss?\u201d Joe offered setting the board on top of the coffee table. He had hoped he could break the ice a little and get Hoss to speak to him now.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t feel like it,\u201d Hoss answered and stood from his position on the settee. He never even looked at Joe as he had addressed his question. His attempt to avoid the boy was all too apparent and it sent a pain through Joe\u2019s heart. \u201cThere\u2019s a storm coming up outside\u2014I\u2019m gonna go check on the horses,\u201d Hoss announced and left the house.<\/p>\n Adam could see the sadness that formed in Joe\u2019s eyes and , though he still had no clue as to what his brothers were arguing over, he felt a great deal of compassion for the boy who had been through so much. \u201cHey\u2014Joe\u2014\u201d Adam reached over from his chair and clapped his brother on the back. \u201cHow \u2018bout you and I having a game? It\u2019s been so long since I played you just might get lucky and beat me!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe set up the checkers, but his heart wasn\u2019t in it. As much as he appreciated Adam\u2019s kind offer, he wished it was Hoss who had agreed to play instead.<\/p>\n Ben nodded over to Adam, sending the message to him that he appreciated what he was trying to do. Rising from his chair, Ben called over to his two sons. \u201cYou both go at that game now\u2014I want to help Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Adam and Joe knew very well what Ben\u2019s intentions were. He had obviously had enough with waiting for an explanation and was now heading out to force one out of Hoss. They watched as their father left the house and then began their game of checkers.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The wind whipped Ben\u2019s face as he approached the barn. At least one part of Hoss\u2019 lame excuse had been truthful, there was a bad storm brewing. Ben could smell the pungent scent of sulfur in the air and heard the distant rumble of thunder. Making his way into the barn, he saw Hoss standing inside Chub\u2019s stall brushing down the animal.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like we will have to batten down the hatches tonight, son!\u201d Ben exclaimed and threw a smile over to the big man. He could see that Hoss was so deeply troubled he had not even heard his father\u2019s statement. \u201cCome on, Hoss. Let\u2019s hear it.\u201d Ben stated wearily, pulled up a barrel, and upended it to sit down.<\/p>\n \u201cDid Joe tell you what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014he said there wasn\u2019t anything to tell. Naturally, I can read it all over both of your faces that his statement to me wasn\u2019t truthful. I want to hear it from you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss set down the currycomb and pulled over a stool and sat opposite his father. He had misery written all over his face as he began to explain. \u201cWell, nothing really happened until we got to the bar. Well\u2014there was Mrs. Collins who did go on a little about the Indian attack\u2014but I got Joe right out of there and he seemed like he was okay then. We wuz drinking our beers when in walked that polecat Pete Timmons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTimmons\u2014I might have known. Go on.\u201d Ben nodded for Hoss to continue.<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t rightly know how to explain this to you, Pa. You know Joe\u2014if someone so much as said one nasty word to him before he would have busted up the place! This time\u2014Pete really rode him hard\u2014beyond anything I\u2019ve ever heard him say before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did he say to your brother?\u201d Ben asked biting his lip in anger.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said Joe was a coward\u2014called him a Jonah\u2014just like that idiot Keller did before! He insinuated that Joe went and hid and let the others get killed to protect himself! Pa\u2014it was just downright awful!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did Joseph do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a damn thing!\u201d Hoss exploded and then apologized quickly. \u201cSorry, Pa\u2014didn\u2019t mean to cuss\u2014but it just made me so mad!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, when I saw that Joe wasn\u2019t gonna do anything about it, I went for Pete my own self\u2014but Joe begged me not to. Then before I could even throw a punch Joe high-tailed it out of the bar! I had to go follow him to make sure he was okay\u2014leaving Timmons and his pal laughing it up at Joe\u2019s expense.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath. Hoss\u2019 revelations had made it all clear to him why he and Joe were now on the outs. Part of it was worry for his brother\u2019s reputation and part of it was surely a matter of honor. \u201cHoss\u2014listen\u2014I know that what happened was very difficult for you both. I know you\u2019d just as soon have Joe nail Timmons right there in the bar to stop his remarks…\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss cut his father off. \u201cHe never would have let him say those things before! It didn\u2019t even seem like my little brother in there. It seemed like some kind of…\u201d Now Hoss stopped in his own statement. It didn\u2019t matter, Ben knew his son enough to know what he was thinking.<\/p>\n \u201cSome kind of coward?\u201d Ben asked softly and noticed how Hoss now hung his head in shame for even thinking it.<\/p>\n \u201cI just want the old Joe back, Pa. I know what you\u2019re gonna tell me\u2014that Joe is still hurting and all but this has got to stop! Not just for the sake of stopping these awful rumors\u2014but for Joe\u2019s own safety. If the kid won\u2019t defend himself then we could have another one of those incidents like what happened with Mr. Keller that day. And, next time one of us might not be there to save him.\u201d Hoss\u2019 deep blue eyes mirrored his concern and fear for the brother he loved so much. Even though he was still peeved at the boy for not standing up for himself, he still cared more about Joe than he did about himself.<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Ben stated flatly. \u201cI\u2019ll try and have a talk with him about this\u2014when the time is right. I don\u2019t want to go in there now and start in on him. He\u2019s probably already figured out that we are out here talking about him right now. Let me see what I can do, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d Hoss nodded. He stood back up and felt a whole lot better having gotten the awful story off his chest.<\/p>\n Ben smiled and stood also. He threw his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder and tried his best to reassure him. \u201cNow\u2014how about we get the horses all settled? That storm is heading in\u2014it will be here any minute now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied and began securing the animals for what looked as though would be a rather rough night.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Ben and Hoss made it back into the ranch house just in the nick of time. The heavens opened up and what had started as large drops of rain became large pellets of hail. Lightening lit up the sky and the thunder shook the house as the two men walked back towards the fireplace for some much needed warming. Ben stared over at Adam and noticed that he was back to reading his book and that Joe was gone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe never even finished the first game. He said that he was tired all of a sudden and said he was gonna turn in.\u201d Adam stopped and stared over at Hoss. \u201cSo, now will somebody in this house tell me exactly what the hell is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on\u2014you might just as well, Hoss. You tell Adam and I\u2019ll go get us some coffee. Maybe between the three of us we can come up with some helpful ideas before I talk to Joseph myself,\u201d Ben replied and turned for the kitchen.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n As the thunder continued to clap and the rain grew more fierce Ben tossed and turned in his bed. It wasn\u2019t just all of the noise that was keeping him from slumber; it was the dreadful thoughts of what had transpired that day in Virginia City. He had peeked in on Joe before turning in for the night, but the boy appeared to be sleeping so he decided a talk could wait.<\/p>\n Ben stood from his bed and reached for his heavy robe lying on the footboard. There was no use tossing and turning any more. Ben decided that he would read and then may be fortunate enough to nod off. Pulling on his robe, Ben turned and smoothed out his comforter and propped his pillows up against the headboard. He turned up his lamp and settled back with an old favorite of his, A Tale of Two Cities. Ben read the first line and chuckled at the irony of it. \u201cIt was the best of times; it was the worst of times.\u201d Ben read aloud to himself. How true! Best of times being the fact he had three sons slumbering safely in their rooms at the time. The family in that respect was intact. The worst of times. Yes, it was that too. The family was struggling to somehow renew their relationship with a boy who had gone away and come back so changed. Where was the brilliant smile and the happy go lucky kid who could light up the house with his zest for life? Where were the curls for that matter? Joe\u2019s experiences had marked him. Ben worried that even the love that they were all offering the boy would not be enough to bring him back to the way he had been before his painful ordeal.<\/p>\n Caught in his whirling thoughts and worry over Joe, Ben did not even hear the slight tapping at his bedroom door until it grew a bit louder. \u201cCome in,\u201d Ben called out.<\/p>\n Joe stood in the opened doorway looking far more troubled than he had before. He was in his nightshirt and robe, and of course, old habits were hard to break, he had no slippers covering his feet. \u201cI thought maybe you were still up, Pa\u2014I saw the light from under your door. Can I come in for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dropped his book to his lap and grinned over at his son. \u201cOf course you can come in. Get over here and off that cold floor!\u201d Ben insisted and Joe made his way around the bed to sit on the left side of his father. He pushed his way up against the headboard. Ben waited for Joe to speak, but when the wait grew into minutes, he decided to start himself. \u201cI looked in on you awhile ago\u2014I thought you were down for the count.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo…\u201d Joe began and shook his head. \u201cI couldn\u2019t sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Joseph, I remember when you were just a little guy\u2014storms like these used to send you into my room all the time.\u201d Ben smiled and patted the boy\u2019s shoulder fondly remembering his son\u2019s earlier fears.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I was still a kid,\u201d Joe admitted and glanced into his father\u2019s eyes and dropped his head back down again. \u201cBack then you used to be able to fix all of my problems. I guess that\u2019s the bad part of growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI may not be able to fix your problems, son, but I sure don\u2019t mind you talking about them. We\u2019ve worked problems out in the past just talking things over, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou talked to Hoss didn\u2019t you, Pa?\u201d Joe burst out with what had been bothering him all night. He was now worried not only about what Hoss thought about him but also what his father thought about him as well.<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2014I spoke with your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe thinks I\u2019m a coward, Pa\u2014and now you probably do too.\u201d Joe revealed what was in his heart now and why his chin quivered trying to hold back the tears, which were mounting in his eyes.<\/p>\n Ben reached over and turned his son\u2019s face so that he could address his statement head-on. \u201cFirst of all, Hoss does not think you are a coward. Secondly, I can\u2019t believe you would even suggest that I would ever think that about you. You have more than proved your bravery to me time and time again over the years!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, now, Pa\u2014what about now? Hoss is mad because I let Timmons say bad things about me! He wanted me to deck him\u2014then he got mad because I didn\u2019t want him to do it either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s worried\u2014and the fact of the matter is that so am I\u2014that you are going to get hurt if you don\u2019t start defending yourself. I know you don\u2019t exactly have a clear picture in your head of what happened between you and Frank Keller. But we do! Joseph\u2014you have to understand\u2014we just got you back, after over six months of mourning your death! We can\u2019t stand the thought of anything happening to you now.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice held in it a deep resonance of desperation as he spoke and tried to relay his message clearly.<\/p>\n A bright flash of lightening filled the room with an ominous glow and it was followed by a loud crash of thunder, which only intensified the feelings in the room now.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just so tired of violence, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered and that was when the tears began to flow from his eyes. \u201cI can\u2019t erase the pictures in my mind\u2014the screams in my head\u2014of everyone being killed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph\u2014answer me truthfully now…\u201d Ben started and pulled his son closer, encasing his slender shoulders with his embrace. \u201cYou don\u2019t buy in to what Timmons said do you? You don\u2019t think you are some kind of Jonah do you? Because I can assure you that you aren\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut\u2014they all died\u2014and I lived. If only one of them had made it out of there besides me, Pa! Just one of them.\u201d Joe stopped and ran the sleeve of his robe across his eyes to blot his tears. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t get Sandra out of my head\u2014she was just a little kid, Pa! Not even ten years old! I told her it would be okay\u2014I lied to her. I would have died in her place, Pa! But,\u2014no\u2014of all people I lived. It doesn\u2019t seem fair.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben thought for a while as he held his son, the tumultuous storm raging in the distance and the other storm raging in his son\u2019s mind mirrored each other. \u201cJoseph\u2014it\u2019s not an uncommon thing\u2014to feel guilty for living when someone else has died. I felt it when Inger died. I blamed myself for such a long time\u2014thinking the arrow that killed her should have been for me. And not only that, but when your own mother died\u2014I felt just the same way. It was me who bought her that mare. Yes, she insisted on it, but it was a free-spirited animal\u2014I should have fought her over it. Instead, I gave it to her\u2014and it threw her.\u201d Ben stopped his explanation as he started to feel the pangs of grief again over two lost loves. He needed to be strong to send his message through to his son. Ben fought back his own tears and continued. \u201cBut, Joseph, it is God\u2019s will and not our own. We don\u2019t make all the decisions, unfortunately sometimes we are just thrust in the middle of something that we have no control of. You couldn\u2019t have stopped those Indians from killing those poor folks. The reason that Lone Eagle was there\u2014the reason it was he who found you\u2014well none of that was by your own doing. God wasn\u2019t ready for you. That\u2019s as much as we know right now, we are not mystics\u2014but someday the answer will be revealed to you.\u201d Ben paused again, when he felt Joe sink down a little further into his arms. He could tell that his son was spent emotionally. \u201cA very wise man once told me this, ‘God does not draw in straight lines’.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither did I at the time.\u201d Ben broke into a profound smile thinking back to his own confusion over the strange statement. \u201cBut, I have come to understand it, and so will you.\u201d<\/p>\n A long time passed between both father and son with neither of them speaking. Ben could feel his son\u2019s breathing becoming more relaxed as the time went on. He decided that enough was enough for the night. There would be time for more talks, time to further help his son on his journey back to his former self. Right at that moment, Ben felt the one thing Joe needed more than anything else was his father\u2019s shoulder and his offer of unconditional love.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat should I do about Hoss, Pa?\u201d Joe whispered, his eyes starting to grow heavy and still his mind caught on his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will pass. One thing I do know, he loves you very much. So does Adam.\u201d Ben stopped and hugged Joe tightly to him. \u201cSo do I\u2014but that goes without saying. Now\u2014I\u2019ve got an idea\u2014I was just starting this book\u2014how about I read you some and maybe we will both fall to sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes to signal his approval and Ben pulled the book up and began, \u201cIt was the best of times\u2014it was the worst of times…\u201d Ben\u2019s soothing baritone voice was exactly what Joe needed to drown out the storm raging outside and inside as well.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The ravaging storm of the previous night had left a beautiful new day in its wake. The sun cast it\u2019s rays brightly into the bedroom, and outside the sounds of nature slowly nudged Joe from his peaceful slumber. Still partially enveloped in the blanket of drowsy bliss, Joe struggled to blink his eyes open and summon the strength to challenge the new day.<\/p>\n Reaching instinctively for the shoulder he had turned to during the unyielding tempest in his soul, Joe was surprised that it was no longer there. Slowly he pulled himself upright in the bed, tossing back covers which his father had placed over him before leaving the room. Joe frowned, disappointed that he had not awakened when his father had. As he threw his legs over the side of the bed, Joe spotted the note, which Ben had left on top of the book he had read from the night before.<\/p>\n You were sleeping so soundly that I didn\u2019t have the heart to wake you. I have a meeting at the bank this morning. I won\u2019t be gone long. I hope you were able to sleep in after your long day yesterday. I\u2019ll see you when I get home. Love, Pa. PS. You and I have a whole book to finish reading; we both fell asleep before page two.<\/em><\/p>\n Joe smiled in spite of himself. Leave it to his father to try and cheer him! Those few brief moments spent in the compassionate embrace of his father had served its purpose. Joe felt a bit more cleansed in spirit after spending some time with one of the few constants in his life; his pa.<\/p>\n Joe washed, dressed, and ate a hurried breakfast before heading out into the front yard. He remembered Hoss telling him the day before that the two of them were supposed to work on the front corral. Ben had noticed two sections, which had started to rot, and he wanted his two sons to make the repairs.<\/p>\n Walking over to the corral, Joe was confused to see his brother Adam standing next to the gate with hammer in hand. He was using the claw of the hammer to pull out nails in preparation to remove the damaged boards.<\/p>\n Hey\u2014Adam…\u201d Joe started as he moved to stand next to him. \u201cWhat are you doing? I thought you were going up to the timber camp today and that Hoss and I were supposed to be fixing the corral?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned around to face his little brother. \u201cHoss and I kinda changed chores today. He\u2019s up at the timber camp and I am gonna help you with this.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked to the ground, visibly upset over what had quite obviously been a decision that Hoss had made on his own. He preferred going way up into the high country over staying home and making repairs with the brother he was angry with.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything wrong with that, Joe?\u2019 Adam asked when he noticed the boy\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014nothing wrong with that,\u201d Joe replied and walked off. \u201cI\u2019ll go bring over the boards,\u201d he muttered as he moved towards the barn. It was very apparent to Adam that Joe wished Hoss had forgiven him.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The two brothers worked on the corral for hours, never taking a break. Adam would send a glance or two Joe\u2019s way every now and then. He could tell that Joe was diligently working and keeping pace with his older brother. The sad hazel eyes showed whenever Joe would look over to answer a question Adam asked of him. Frowning, the older brother decided that maybe he should try to have a talk with Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take a break, okay? We\u2019ve only got four more boards to replace. Pa will be surprised to see us get this done so soon. I think he expected this chore to last all day. It\u2019s only a little after three now,\u201d Adam said as he looked at his pocket watch and then stuffed it back into his pants pocket.<\/p>\n Joe and his brother walked to the porch, drank some water, and leaned back on the steps. It was several minutes, but finally Joe blurted out what had been on his mind. \u201cI know why Hoss changed with you, Adam. And, I bet you know it too! There aren\u2019t any secrets around this place. You know what went on in town yesterday, but you haven\u2019t said anything about it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Joe\u2014you are right of course\u2014no-one in this family has ever been able to keep a secret!\u201d He smiled and put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder to try and lighten his mood and give Joe the signal that he wasn\u2019t angry with him. \u201cThings will straighten out\u2014I\u2019m not all that worried about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, you don\u2019t think I\u2019m a coward because I didn\u2019t knock the hell out of Pete?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014I don\u2019t. But, I don\u2019t think Hoss or Pa do either. They are just worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe or the Cartwright reputation?\u201d Joe forced his gaze on his brother demanding a truthful answer to his question.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are one in the same, aren\u2019t they? I mean you are a Cartwright, and you represent this family just the same as the rest of us. Hoss wanted to defend you, since you didn\u2019t want to do it yourself. But, you wouldn\u2019t let him. That upset him pretty bad. You know we are all concerned about you getting hurt\u2014hurt in anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what I think is funny?” Joe gave an ironic laugh and continued, \u201cI mean all the years\u2014all the years you all told me to watch my quick temper\u2014and now it\u2019s like you want me to fight. I wish you would all make your minds up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Joe, this isn\u2019t the same as when you were just a kid and were eager to jump on anyone who even looked sideways at you! From what Hoss told us, you had every right to deck him\u2014and deck him good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? And what would that do, Adam? There\u2019s a lot of folks who probably think I am a Jonah\u2014you think I should go and punch them all out?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grabbed Joe\u2019s hand for effect and to shake his brother from his sarcastic musings. \u201cIf they say the things that Pete said to you\u2014then the answer is yes! Most folks would take your complacency to be an admission of guilt. And that\u2019s not right, Joe! You have nothing to feel guilty for! You survived, the others died; it was just the way of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get the corral finished,\u201d Joe whispered standing from his place on the porch. He had heard his big brother\u2019s explanation of the turn of events, but did not feel quite the same way in his own mind or heart.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n During the next long two weeks, Joe kept mainly to himself despite his father\u2019s attempts to pull him back into the arms of his family. Hoss had softened to some degree and had stopped in his attempts to avoid his baby brother. That eased Joe\u2019s mind and heart some, but there was always the slight show of disappointment in the eyes of his family members whenever the incident in town was mentioned. The ranch was very busy during this time, securing the Ponderosa for the upcoming winter, moving the herd to safe winter grass and all the other varied chores it took to run such a big spread. Each son had his own separate responsibilities, as did their father and there were times when they would get their signals crossed. One such time was when Joe realized that no one had remembered to go to the bank to pick up the payroll and took it upon himself to go there and take care of it himself. He left word with one of the hired hands as to where he was going and left for Virginia City.<\/p>\n Joe decided that he would simply go to the bank, collect the money, and return home. Unlike times in the past when he had mixed business with pleasure, this time Joe did not venture over to the Silver Dollar and into harm\u2019s way. He was never really sure who he would find inside the bar, be it friend or foe, so he decided it was unwise to take any unnecessary chances.<\/p>\n As Joe turned off C Street and stepped down off of the wooden sidewalk, someone jumped out from the alleyway and before he knew it he was slung up against the brick wall of the feed and grain store.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been waiting for you for weeks, Jonah! Let\u2019s see what you\u2019ve got!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Pete? What, you taking up robbery now?\u201d Joe spat back still holding the payroll money in his right hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want your damn money! I want you!\u201d Pete yelled out and from the blackness of the alleyway came another figure. It was Pete\u2019s friend Billy again.<\/p>\n Joe tried to turn back to the safety of the street but the two men pushed him back and this time Pete\u2019s right fist connected with Joe\u2019s cheek drawing first blood. Joe reeled from the punch and moved back up against the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not fighting you, Pete,\u201d Joe said, his breathing hard trying to contain his pent up hatred for the man standing in front of him. He looked over at Billy now. \u201cYou want to get in trouble with your pal, Billy? If not, then get out of here while you can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t throwing no punches, Jonah\u2014I am just hanging around for the show.\u201d Billy laughed and leaned back on the other wall opposite Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you gonna do, Jonah? Run home to your daddy crying? Or maybe you are gonna send that big ox back here to defend you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to fight. Now let me go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ain\u2019t got no choice. There\u2019s no place to hide here\u2014no bushes to duck into, Jonah!\u201d Pete laughed and grabbed Joe by his jacket sending him sprawling onto the dusty ground. \u201cI\u2019m gonna keep on you, Jonah, until you start fighting me!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and tried to ready his body for the blows that were about to be sent. First a punch, then a kick, followed by a series of more punches, Pete dealt out his best. Joe rolled on the dirt trying to avoid the kicks to his ribs, but to no avail. He had no idea how long it had been, but it seemed like hours before he heard the shout.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d came a voice at the end of the alleyway. Through hazed thoughts and bloody vision, Joe recognized the sound of Roy Coffee\u2019s voice and he sent up a prayer of thanks as the man made it closer to him.<\/p>\n Pete and Billy disappeared leaving just their victim lying there in the alley. Roy kneeled next to his best friend\u2019s son and cradled the boy\u2019s head in his lap. \u201cWho was it, Little Joe? I didn\u2019t get a good look before they skedaddled!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to pull himself up, leaning heavily on the sheriff for support. \u201cDon\u2019t know, Roy,\u201d Joe whispered, biting back pain. \u201cGuess they were after this payroll,\u201d Joe said reaching for the bag that had fallen onto the ground next to the fight scene.<\/p>\n \u201cCan you make it, boy? Want me to get you over to Doc\u2019s?\u201d he asked worried. Joe looked awful. He had blood coming out of his nose and trickling down from his lip as well. Joe tried to stand upright, but his ribs hurt so bad he had to catch his breath to be able to tolerate the pain of it.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can just kinda help me to Cochise, Roy? I can ride; I\u2019m just bruised up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure? Sure you don\u2019t need Doc? Anything happen to you\u2014your pa will have my hide you know!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust get me to my horse, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Joe\u2014sure,\u201d Roy answered sympathetically.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Ben had fussed and complained for what seemed like hours. Hoss and Adam had received their brother\u2019s message from Cliff and when they told their father where Joe was he was angrier than they had seen him in a long while. As he stood over by the credenza strapping on his holster, Ben still was fuming, cussing under his breath over his youngest son\u2019s stupidity. He had a deep gut feeling that something had happened to Joe and the only thing he knew to do about the premonition was to venture into Virginia City himself and drag the boy back by his ears.<\/p>\n Pulling the door open, Ben realized he was far too late to protect his boy. Joe fell as he dismounted in the front yard. Calling back to his other two sons for help, Ben charged out to aid his fallen son.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph? Can you hear me?\u201d Ben whispered as he wiped the grime from the side of the boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014Pa\u2014just help me up will you?\u201d Joe mumbled, still thinking he had some residual strength left in him to power him into the ranch house.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp you up!\u201d Ben boomed angry and frustrated at the sight in front of him. Not wanting or needing an argument at that point, Ben reached down, pulled Joe into his arms and carried him past the worried faces of his two brothers and marched up the long staircase.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Ben settled Joe into his bed and went about assessing the situation before him. \u201cHoss! Go get Hop Sing to bring up some ointment and some hot water and soap. Adam, go bring up some brandy.\u201d Ben barked his orders as he began pulling Joe\u2019s boots off and trying to free him of his clothes to view his injuries.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay\u2014really…\u201d Joe protested as his father tugged and pulled and had him stripped down to just his trousers now.<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet!\u201d Ben demanded as he continued his work. He lifted Joe\u2019s chin up and took a good long look at his boy\u2019s battered face. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss with that water!\u201d Ben called out frustrated as he cast a glance out towards the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cJust have some bruises, that\u2019s all, Pa,\u201d Joe persisted until he felt Ben\u2019s rough hand on his shoulder and noticed the stern look shooting from his brown eyes.<\/p>\n Ben pressed lightly around his son\u2019s chest inspecting the rib cage, which had taken quite a few boot kicks to it. The whole area had already started to turn black and blue, but Ben was much more worried about what he could not see under the skin. He prayed the boy\u2019s ribs had held up against the assault.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Pa. Hop Sing had this water on the stove already. He\u2019ll bring up some more too if we need it.\u201d Hoss said and handed his father the pan of water, soap and towels.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s wash some of this grime off so we can see what\u2019s under it,\u201d Ben commented more to himself than his sons. Joe flinched as Ben washed away the blood from his nose and his mouth and held the lamp up for further inspection. \u201cYou\u2019ll be lucky if you don\u2019t have a broken nose, Joseph,\u201d Ben said turning to rinse the cloth out once more.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Pa. Looks to me like you need this more than Joe, though.\u201d Adam quipped addressing the distress showing on his father\u2019s face as he handed Ben the glass of brandy.<\/p>\n Ben helped to raise Joe\u2019s head and the boy took several sips of the liquor before holding up his hand to wave it away. It was at that moment that Ben caught sight of Joe\u2019s left hand. Ben felt as though he had been hit in the face himself now. The knuckles of his son\u2019s dominant hand were unscathed, totally devoid of scuffs. He knew his youngest son, having doctored him so many times in the past. If Joe had put up any show of defense, those knuckles would have been so skinned and bloodied that they would have required a bandage. Here they were, right in front of his father\u2019s nose, totally undamaged. Ben knew all too well now, what had happened and it made his blood go cold. It took every piece of will power not to address the subject right then and there, but Ben somehow held out. He had some serious doctoring to accomplish and it wasn\u2019t time to talk yet.<\/p>\n \u201cWho done this to you, Little Brother?\u201d Hoss called from the end of the bed. \u201cWas it Timmons?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes so they could not read the lie he was about to convey. \u201cI don\u2019t know who it was\u2014it was too dark in the alley. A couple of guys jumped me. Roy got there before they could take the payroll\u2014that must have been what they were after.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have any clue as to who it was?\u201d Adam jumped in, not buying his brother\u2019s story.<\/p>\n Ben shot a hard look at both Adam and Hoss. He didn\u2019t need their questions right then. In fact he had every intention of getting to the bottom of the situation, but not until Joe was patched up. He felt it was futile to have the two oldest sons standing there firing off questions which obviously Joe was not going to answer truthfully.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2014Adam\u2014please go on downstairs. I have it under control now. I\u2019ll speak to you both when I am done up here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa…\u201d Hoss began but caught the glare that was now in his father\u2019s expression and decided not to push him any farther. He could see that Ben was not very happy at all, and at that moment discretion was the better part of valor. Hoss grabbed Adam\u2019s elbow and gave him his own little signal that they needed to do as they had been told. Their father was not playing.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Joe may have been feeling a little better physically by the time his father had thoroughly doctored his wounds, but mentally he was in great pain. He could also tell that Ben\u2019s demeanor had changed. He could read it in the way his father held his shoulders so rigid and stiff. He could see it in the tightness around the man\u2019s lips. Moreover, he could tell it in the way his father no longer spoke to him. Once his brothers had left the room, Ben had only spoken enough to tell his son what he wanted him to do, whether that was to move to one side or breathe in as he secured the bandage around his chest. The gentle and loving manner used in the past had become less emotional now, seeming uncharacteristically mechanical. Whereas Ben had always whispered words of encouragement and love during such times, his silence was now deafening. The absence of all these things hurt Joe far worse than anything that Pete Timmons had done to him.<\/p>\n \u201cFinish this,\u201d Ben commanded as he handed Joe the remainder of his brandy. Joe did as instructed and handed the glass back to him. Ben set all of the items he had used to treat his son on the tray Hoss had brought up with him. He stood next to the nightstand, his back turned toward his son. Ben could feel the surge of anger coming up from the pit of his stomach. He could no longer fight it. Yes, he was angered at whoever had beaten his boy! They would have to deal with the wrath of the other three Cartwrights that was for certain. But, no matter how mad he was at the person or persons who had reduced Joe to a mass of bruises and cuts, he was equally mad at the boy lying there in the bed. The thought that his youngest son, the son he had taught to fight, the son he had taught to defend himself, had not even tried to fend off his attackers sent Ben\u2019s blood boiling.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe called to him weakly. He was acting awfully strange, the boy thought. Where was the sympathy and comforting? His father was his chief support and would never turn away from him when he had been injured. Joe could not comprehend what was going through his father\u2019s mind at the moment, and why he had turned his back on him. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Joe continued when he got no reply.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong!\u201d Ben shouted. It was a losing battle to contain the many emotions, which were only now fighting their way out of the worried father\u2019s heart. \u201cThis! This is what\u2019s wrong!\u201d Ben reached across the bed and grabbed up Joe\u2019s left hand. He took it into his own hand and held it in front of his son\u2019s face so he could understand the meaning of his maneuver.<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes hoping to contain the tears, but they found their way out just the same. He knew that the truth had been found out. His father, the most important person in his whole life, was yelling at him demanding to know what was going on. The harshness of the man\u2019s actions sent a stabbing pain through his son\u2019s heart. Ben had never in his life been this rough with his son, especially not when he was injured.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I made you cry\u2014but this is too important to play around with and you know it!\u201d Ben made a half-apology, his voice still raised in anger and frustration. \u201cYou didn\u2019t even defend yourself did you, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could not speak, he could not lie. He simply shook his head to announce his reply.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it!\u201d Ben shouted again and then that part of him, the softer side that had been both father and mother to the boy, shook him from his tirade. There Joe lay, battered, bloodied, and crying. Regardless of what he may or may not have done, the boy did not need to hear these things that night. He needed rest. \u201cWe\u2019ll discuss this tomorrow, Joseph.\u201d Ben bit back his ire and pulled the blanket up over Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cGo to sleep,\u201d Ben said and walked toward the bedroom door.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe called over, still in tears.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Ben asked pausing at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease\u2014please don\u2019t be mad at me\u2014I can\u2019t sleep when you are mad at me,\u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes closed as hurtful tears gathered in them, stinging him and jolting him back to the memory of a little boy who had said those very words to him. He could still see the ten-year-old Little Joe standing in the living room, tears falling from his eyes as he spoke.<\/p>\n “I can\u2019t sleep; it scares me when you are mad at me.\u201d Joe looked sadly into his father\u2019s eyes now and brought his own point home.<\/em><\/p>\n Ben frowned and tried to read the boy\u2019s face. Joseph did have a way of playing him at times, and he wanted to be sure that the boy wasn\u2019t just trying to get off the hook with his sad eyes. \u201cScares you? Why?\u201d Ben asked confused at what the boy had said.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Cause it makes me think you don\u2019t love me anymore.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n That did it! Ben was now putty in the little boy\u2019s tiny hands. Here he was standing before him, looking like half street urchin and half angel. Ben could not take the tears any longer, and had decided that at least \u201cthis\u201d time, Joe was telling the truth.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJust because I am angry with you does not mean I don\u2019t love you. You need to remember that, Joseph.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben shook himself from the memory of his little boy to face his twenty-two year old son laying across the room in the bed pleading for his understanding, begging him not to be mad at him. Ben shook his head and sighed. He could not let his guard totally down, the situation was much too serious to dismiss. He couldn\u2019t go over to him to soothe and hug the boy closely and forgive him. If Joe continued in this fashion he might surely be killed the next time. No, he couldn\u2019t cave, not this time, not till his point was understood. Ben simply stared over at the young man and said what he had said some twelve years earlier.<\/p>\n \u201cJust because I am angry with you does not mean I don\u2019t love you. We will talk about this in the morning.\u201d Ben turned for the door, leaving his son feeling as though his last piece of security had been stolen from him. If he no longer had his father\u2019s respect or understanding, Joe was truly alone in the world. He yearned to have the strong and protective arms of his father around him, but Joe could hear the boot steps as they walked down the hall and away from him. Leaning back in his bed and fighting again the tears, pain and humiliation of his situation, Joe fell into a troubled sleep.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Adam called to his father as he made it to the bottom step coming down from Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Ben boomed and stormed across to his desk. \u201cJoseph is lying, that\u2019s what\u2019s going on!\u201d Opening his brandy decanter, Ben poured himself a hefty shot of the liquor and tossed it down.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam shared a glance, neither of them speaking at that moment. They both knew that their father had a very long fuse, but what was at the end of that fuse was an explosion which could have rocked the whole state of Nevada. The two brothers stood in the living room and bided their time, sure that Ben would explain once he cooled down a bit.<\/p>\n Two shots of brandy later, along with several deep breaths calmed Ben down enough that he could return to his chair by the fireplace. He sank down into the leather cushion, still shaking his head in disbelief. There was just no figuring out Joseph, at least not since he had returned home weeks ago. Adam and Hoss took it to be a sign that they should be seated, and settled down on the settee still waiting for their father to begin the discussion.<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t even fight back\u2014never defended himself!\u201d Ben finally burst out discouraged.<\/p>\n \u201cThat don\u2019t surprise me none, Pa\u2014not after what I saw him take in that saloon a couple of weeks ago,\u201d Hoss admitted frowning at the thought of his run in with Pete Timmons.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss and I checked Joe\u2019s saddle bags; all the payroll was there intact,\u201d Adam offered.<\/p>\n \u201cThat whole excuse of an attempted robbery was an out-and-out lie. No robber takes that much time beating up someone. They either shoot or knock someone over the head. To take the time to do as much damage as Joe has had done to him, it had to be an assault, a purposeful assault,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Why is he lying about this? And is he still telling you he doesn\u2019t know who it was?\u201d Adam asked before Hoss had the chance.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course he knows who did this!\u201d Ben snapped back and then felt bad to be taking his aggression out on his older sons. \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I didn\u2019t mean to go off on you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand, Pa,\u201d Adam paused and then thought for a moment. \u201cYou think we ought to go into town and have us a little talk with Timmons?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Not just yet anyway. We don\u2019t want to go off half-cocked and blame the wrong person. For all we know it could have been Frank Keller again\u2014or even someone else for that matter. I am going to have one more talk with your brother before we do anything.\u201d Ben sighed and rested his head on his hands wearily. All the events were weighing on the distraught father\u2019s mind now. He was worried about Joe, so intensely worried that his boy could not possibly survive another attack such as the one he had endured that day. Ben also felt torn in his soul. He had to fight his desire to go back up the stairs and whisper his forgiveness and understanding to the battered boy. He couldn\u2019t do that. That was the toughest thing about being a father, to not cave in to the desires of the heart. If he did that, and gathered Joe into his arms now and consoled him, it might make the future far worse. He had to shake the boy from whatever was keeping him from fighting back. Ben knew there was no way possible, in the tough country that was their home, that Joe would not encounter other situations like the one he had found himself to be in that day in Virginia City. And, Ben knew the three of the other Cartwrights would never be able to protect him at all times, even though they wanted to do just that.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Hoss called trying to shake his father from his sudden trance.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son?\u201d Ben looked back up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you gonna say to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged his shoulders helplessly, he didn\u2019t have a clue. \u201cI don\u2019t know\u2014I have to either get him to open up to me or shake it out of him. I know that part of this is his guilt over being the sole survivor of that attack. We spoke about just that a couple of weeks ago. I thought I had him convinced to some degree back then\u2014evidently I was grossly wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt don\u2019t help none with folks calling him names like ‘Jonah’,\u201d Hoss replied, remembering both Timmons and Frank Keller\u2019s comments made to Joe at two separate times.<\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2014no it doesn\u2019t at all.\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything you want us to do?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me think on it, Adam. Right now I have to figure out how to handle all this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounded to us from down here that you were kinda loud with him a little while ago,\u201d Adam remarked and stared into his father\u2019s eyes questioning his actions.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t have any choice. Once I noticed that his fists showed no sign that they had been used\u2014well\u2014I guess I blew up at him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m feeling awful sorry for Joe right now,\u201d Hoss added thinking of what his father\u2019s ire had cost Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cMe too,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make me feel any worse than I already do will you, boys? You think I wanted to say the things I did? Any other time in his life, I would still be up there\u2014sitting at his side, helping him through his pain. Tonight I just can\u2019t do it. I just can\u2019t. Not because I\u2019m mad, but for Joe\u2019s sake. I think it\u2019s hurting me worse than Joseph to tell you the truth,\u201d Ben admitted sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll get through to him, Pa. Try not to worry,\u201d Adam said and walked over to his father and put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder in a show of support and comfort.<\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope so,\u201d Ben sighed.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Joe painstakingly made it down the long staircase the next morning, still holding his ribs in an attempt to hold cushion the jarring jolts sent through his body as he took one step at a time slowly moving into the living room. Casting a look towards the dining room, he noticed only his father was seated there. Joe had hoped that he wouldn\u2019t have to face Ben alone this time. Even though he knew that surely his brothers also were angry with him, he still would have welcomed the sight of them to keep him from facing his father\u2019s wrath alone.<\/p>\n Sitting down gingerly, Joe called over a solemn good morning to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look awful,\u201d Ben commented and passed his son down a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe replied and fought back any appearance of pain to not show the lie in his statement.<\/p>\n Ben took a good long look at the boy sitting next to him now. Joe\u2019s nose was swollen and he had two black eyes, which made him look that much worse. There were several cuts on the boy\u2019s face, including a fair gash to the corner of his mouth. Joe looked as though he had run head on into a brick wall. And that was not even mentioning the bruised ribs that were securely bound to prevent further damage to them.<\/p>\n Joe partially filled his plate and ate slowly, attempting to chew with the one good side of his mouth. The salt that Hop Sing had seasoned the scrambled eggs with stung as they passed through the swollen lips. Joe sipped his coffee trying his best to rinse the stinging away. He could feel his father\u2019s piercing stare with each move that he made. He tried his best to stifle his groans as he tried to get more comfortable in the hard wooden chair.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you are done, Joseph, I want to see you in my study,\u201d Ben said sternly, biting back his own pain at seeing his son in so much obvious discomfort. He didn\u2019t even think the boy should have attempted to come down the stairs in his condition, but was not going to argue that point. There were far more pressing matters to discuss now.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe muttered and watched as his father stood and crossed the room.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Joe dragged out eating his breakfast as long as he possibly could that morning. He knew what was coming and he was dreading it. The appearance was still on his father\u2019s face, the same one that he had seen on it the night before. Joe felt so bad physically at the time, he wasn\u2019t even sure if he could hold up during the lecture he was surely soon to be hearing. Making his way apprehensively to the study, Joe slowly took a seat next to Ben\u2019s desk and waited.<\/p>\n Ben stared over at his youngest son. He loved that boy so much, it was almost impossible to gather his thoughts on what he was going to say to him. If he felt that he could wait to confront Joe he would have. Ben wished he could just help the boy up to his room, get him more comfortable, and tell him not to worry about anything. That would prove to be the worst thing he could do in the long run. So, with all this in mind, Ben started in on Joe. He made his way over to the end of his desk and leaned up against it, now towering over the boy in the chair.<\/p>\n \u201cBefore we get into all this, would you be more comfortable over on the settee?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down and looked at the floor. Not only didn\u2019t he want to move, but he didn\u2019t want the lecture either. Shaking his head Joe replied, \u201cI\u2019m fine here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d Ben paused and folded his arms across his chest, in a subliminal attempt to keep his heart in his chest before jumping on his son\u2019s case. \u201cJoseph, as far as we knew, seven months ago you had died. Do you have even the slightest clue as to what that did to all of us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2014that wasn\u2019t my fault,\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing was your fault\u2014but that isn\u2019t exactly what I am getting at right now. I just want you to fully understand what the idea of your death did to the ones you left behind. It totally devastated your brothers\u2014and I have already told you what it did to me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut…\u201d Joe started and his father cut him right off.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014no buts\u2014you just listen. I\u2019ll let you know when I want you to say something,\u201d Ben said tersely. Joe shifted his body in the chair, visibly upset by his father\u2019s attitude. \u201cAnd then\u2014well we find out you are alive! We rejoiced\u2014there was no describing how this house came to life after having mourned for so long! We got you back, fortunately we found a doctor to help you. And now\u2014after all of the strain of these last seven plus months\u2014you decide that you are going to let yourself get killed! You want to tell me why? You want to try to explain it to me so that I will understand why you want to throw your life away?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said nothing; he just looked away, fighting tears.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? You going to tell me or don\u2019t you even know? Come on\u2014you can talk now!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have anything to say,\u201d Joe muttered his response.<\/p>\n Ben reached down and pulled Joe\u2019s chin up. There was an abruptness of the gesture, which by no means conveyed tenderness. \u201cOh you have to say something! First of all, I want to know who did this to you,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben demanded this time.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe repeated himself, tears still welling up in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cOh? I see\u2014you think that I am a fool? Can you really sit there and lie to me that easily? And do you think after over twenty years that I can\u2019t tell when you are telling the truth or lying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want from me, Pa? I can\u2019t answer your question.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t or won\u2019t? Are you trying to protect the animal who beat you this way? Why? Because deep down you think you deserve it? Because you lived and five others were killed?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat in hushed silence as tears coursed down his battered cheeks. He looked into the eyes of the man who was his whole world and saw disappointment and anger. Joe had no clue as to how hard it was for Ben to maintain his calculated aplomb. Joe thought he saw a face in front of him totally devoid of love, when, in fact, it had taken a whole body full of love for Ben to maintain his aloof demeanor.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2014sorry I\u2019ve dishonored you\u2014dishonored this whole family,\u201d Joe finally sobbed his response. He pushed back his tears and Ben looked away. He had to. Ben found the sight of Joe to be breaking his already wounded heart. This was tougher than he had ever even thought it would be, and it was far from over.<\/p>\n \u201cThen do something about it! And you can start right now by telling me who did this to you!\u201d Ben turned back towards Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t. I don\u2019t want any more trouble. I don\u2019t want to fight anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben groaned loudly, he was getting nowhere fast. It didn\u2019t appear as though he had even made a dent in Joe\u2019s attitude. He decided he needed to go for some shock value now.<\/p>\n \u201cThen tell me why!\u201d Ben shouted and reached for his son\u2019s two hands, pulling them towards him roughly. \u201cTell me why you won\u2019t even use these to defend yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grimaced in pain; the sudden movement by his father had sent a jolt to his bruised rib cage. \u201cYou hurt me,\u201d Joe whispered, fear showing in his glazed eyes.<\/p>\n Ben had not intended to cause his son any physical pain with his actions. When it dawned on him that he had hurt the boy, he felt a stab of pain in his own chest.<\/p>\n Falling down to his knees in front of his son, and still holding the boy\u2019s wrists tightly in his hands, Ben fought for strength. \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben started, this time with desperation in his tone of voice. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m trying to prevent\u2014can\u2019t you see it? I don\u2019t want to see you hurt again! I don\u2019t want to lose you again! Now\u2014I am asking you for the last time\u2014tell me who did this to you? If you don\u2019t want to see justice done that\u2019s your right, but you are not going to prevent me from seeing the person punished for what he did to my son!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d Joe sobbed, still in the grip of his father, but unable to let go of the truth.<\/p>\n Ben knelt there for a long while, part of him wanting to pull his son into his protective embrace and beg him to forgive him for the hurt he had caused by his own actions. But, the part that had to protect the boy for a lot longer time than just a moment\u2019s embrace fought for control. It was that part of him that allowed Ben to let go of the boy\u2019s wrists and stand again.<\/p>\n Joe covered his face in his hands, still crying. He hated what he had done by refusing his father\u2019s requests for an answer. More so he hated the fact that his father seemed so cold and distant. All Joe wanted was his pa to forgive him and tell him he was still loved.<\/p>\n Ben walked back to his desk and sank down into the chair. He wished at that moment that he had something a whole lot stronger than brandy in the house. Frowning at his own inability to break his son\u2019s silence, Ben shot a stern unyielding look towards the boy and cleared his throat loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cIf this is the way you want it, Joseph\u2014if you have no intention of telling me the truth of the matter then so be it! Drastic times call for drastic measures.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up and wondered what his father was going to do now.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not to go anywhere ever again without one of us with you. Damned if we are going to see you hurt again! If you are hell bent on getting yourself killed then we will have to do all we can to prevent it! Other than the front yard, you will have constant bodyguards. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2014please…\u201d Joe began his plea but it was cut short again.<\/p>\n \u201cDo I make myself clear, Joseph?\u201d Ben shouted and stood up to bring home his point and to prevent an argument over his decision.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe whispered turning his face away.<\/p>\n \u201cNow go to your room\u2014you\u2019re in no shape to do any work anyway. You might just as well get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slowly pulled himself up from the chair, aching with the movement. His father\u2019s eyes were never off him as he grabbed his rib cage again and painfully crossed the living room and ascended the stairs.<\/p>\n As soon as Ben was sure that his youngest son was once again upstairs in his room, he sat back down at his desk. Covering his eyes with his hands, Ben wept over what he had just done.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n When Ben Cartwright made up his mind about something it was set in granite. And he had more than made up his mind about what he would do about his son\u2019s worrisome decision not to fight nor defend himself against any and all attackers. Hoss and Adam were later informed that they would be keeping a watchful eye on their brother at all times. So, with the three oldest members of his family in solid agreement over the plan of action there was nothing that Joe could do but go along with it.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s injuries healed quickly and within ten days he was once again back at work. Ben made sure that his youngest son\u2019s assignments were not too strenuous to make sure he wouldn\u2019t end up re-injuring his ribs. Most of his chores for the first week back in active duty were largely around the house. Normally despising the various barn chores along with all the little things like cutting fire wood and straightening up the tool shed, Joe did not complain when given those tasks now.<\/p>\n When it came time to venture from the close surroundings of the ranch house, Ben made sure that each of his other two sons would keep their guard up and protect their younger brother. After several days of riding herd on Joe, both Adam and Hoss were getting use to watching his every movement. Though it usually wasn\u2019t a hard thing to do, keeping up with Joe. He stuck close by no matter where the brothers were working. It amazed both Hoss and Adam, that the formerly independent younger brother did not protest their continuing watch over him.<\/p>\n After dinner, close to three weeks after Joe\u2019s run-in with Pete Timmons, the three oldest Cartwrights were assembled in the living room, Joe having turned in for the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, you are just gonna have to find him something to do around here tomorrow!\u201d Adam exclaimed, a bit frustrated over his role of babysitter. \u201cI\u2019ve got to finish securing the cattle, half of the herd stampeded yesterday and it\u2019s gonna take the better part of the day to gather them down at south shore. And, I am going to need Hoss with me. That\u2019s one job where we can\u2019t be looking over our shoulders and watching the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s right there, Pa. It\u2019s been rough sometimes to keep a sharp eye out for trouble and do our chores,\u201d Hoss entered in on the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought that Joseph would have protested my assigning him to ride with you boys a long time ago. I have a hard time understanding where I went wrong with this little plan. I was sure he would have rebelled against it by now,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben confessed shaking his head annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it looks to me as though we will be babysitting the boy for the rest of our lives!\u201d Adam replied with a strong note of sarcasm in his statement.<\/p>\n It was right after Adam\u2019s words were spoken that the three men heard a noise over towards the staircase and were embarrassed to see Joe standing there. He had listened to the whole conversation, unbeknownst to his family.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben started and then shot a look over to his other sons hoping for some kind of a bailout of the situation.<\/p>\n Joe walked down the last few steps and glared at the three men. There was both hurt and a bit of anger in his woeful stare. He continued over to the door and began to strap on his holster.<\/p>\n Ben and his other sons saw what was happening and they all stood up wondering what the boy was up to now.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d Ben called over to Joe.<\/p>\n Joe continued his process of securing his gun belt and ignored his father\u2019s question. Ben hurriedly walked over to his son and took him by the elbow forcing him to look over at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked you where you were going, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bit back his mounting anger and then shot another glance towards his brothers. \u201cOh\u2014you all don\u2019t have to worry! You don\u2019t have to babysit me tonight!\u201d Joe said hotly.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, answer me!\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere am I going?\u201d Joe laughed in a sarcastic way. \u201cI thought I\u2019d go into town, Pa. Yeah\u2014I thought I\u2019d go there and kill me nine or ten folks to start with! That is what you all want isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben shouted but it served no purpose. Joe broke from his father\u2019s hold and opened the door, slamming it loudly as he walked outside.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss moved next to their father who was still standing by the door in total disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cWell…\u201d Adam sighed and put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt looks like he\u2019s got back some of that awful temper of his. That\u2019s a start.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014well wonder where he\u2019s off to for real?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t let him leave like this\u2014he\u2019s upset! He overheard what we said about him,\u201d Ben insisted, pulled the door open, and ran out towards the barn.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Joe had just finished saddling Cochise by the time his father entered the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave me alone will you, Pa?\u201d Joe whispered just loud enough for Ben to hear.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I won\u2019t! Now you know the rules\u2014I don\u2019t have to tell you again, do I? You are not to leave here without one of us with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think your form of punishment has gone on long enough, don\u2019t you?\u201d Joe answered bitterly. He never had let go of the way his father had treated him after he had been beaten by Pete Timmons. Joe could not get it out of his mind nor his heart how coldly his pa had treated him. When he needed comfort and sympathy he had gotten only harshness from the man. The whole idea of it, and the way Ben had hurt him to the very core made Joe grow more bitter each day. The cherished closeness that he had shared with his father had been replaced by a wall between them both. Joe had even stopped hoping for the offer of his father\u2019s shoulder now. He felt that he was a big disappointment to his whole family, and it ate at his guts every day. Where was he going? Why hadn\u2019t he answered his father\u2019s question? The reason was because even Joe himself had no clue as to his destination. If he could go anywhere, it would have been to go back eight months in his life. To go back to a time when his father doted over him and was always there to make him feel better about himself, not worse as was now the case. He missed his father\u2019s touch, he missed all the little things that the man did for him to show him he was valued and loved. Joe truly felt in his heart he had lost all of that the day his father had decided he would be watched for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n Ben, on the other hand, was thinking just the opposite in his mind. He was thinking of how much he would lose if something were to happen to the boy standing before him. He knew in his heart that another incident like the attack earlier in the month would be a strong possibility if he let Joe out of his sight. He loved the boy far too much to see that happen. As much as he wanted to get close to his son, he could read it on Joe\u2019s face that he didn\u2019t want that anymore. Ben felt the wall, the same wall that Joe was feeling at that moment that separated the two of them. His father wished he could tear it down and let Joe in on the big secret that all of the so-called punishment had been dealt out because he loved his son so much.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were the one, Joseph, who made the rules\u2014not me! You were the one who flat out lied and would not tell me who had hurt you! You were the one who refused to defend yourself! Don\u2019t pin all this on me for trying to keep you alive!\u201d Ben replied harshly.<\/p>\n Before Joe could respond to what Ben had said, they both heard a rider coming into the front yard at a fast clip. Stopping their intense discussion for the time being, both Ben and Joe walked out of the barn to see what was going on and who would be coming by for such a late visit.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Ben\u2014Joe!\u201d Roy Coffee called out his greeting as he dismounted next to the front hitching post.<\/p>\n \u201cRoy\u2014what brings you out here so late?\u201d Ben asked as he moved over to his old friend and shook his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go into the house to talk about it, okay? It\u2019s bitter out here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gave an ironic laugh at the sheriff\u2019s statement. It was surely bitter, and not just because of the cold, partly due to the atmosphere that hung over both Ben and his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cSure…\u201d Ben started and then cast a glance over at Joe who stood off by himself in the background. \u201cJoseph? Will you please come in?\u201d He tried to get to the boy in a softer tone in hopes that he wouldn\u2019t have to embarrass him by demanding it of him in front of Roy.<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head in defeat and followed the two men inside the house.<\/p>\n After Hop Sing brought in the coffee and all five men in the room had a cup to warm himself, Roy got to the point of his visit.<\/p>\n \u201cGot me some news\u2014and I thought you all would want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n The four Cartwrights looked back and forth between each other and then over to the sheriff curious over his news.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been three Indian raids in the past week. Last one was yesterday over by Carson City way. A little ranch not an hour\u2019s ride from town there\u2014six settlers killed and last we heard them renegades are heading out towards Genoa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s terrible news.\u201d Ben shook his head disgusted and then noticed the strange look in Joe\u2019s eyes. He could see his son\u2019s thoughts going back to the stage attack. \u201cAny idea what tribe they\u2019re with?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s why I thought you all would be interested\u2014renegade Apaches\u2014and Lone Eagle was spotted there with them. Look like it\u2019s them same bunch that got the stage that Joe was on.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sank down to the arm of the settee feeling weak in the knees. He fought to gather himself as he took a couple deep breaths. Once again Ben wanted to go to the boy, to in some way shield him from the news he had just heard. He knew he couldn\u2019t, especially not now. Joe had already been embarrassed once that night, Ben was not going to let it happen again.<\/p>\n Roy continued after he noticed how the room fell in silence with his news. \u201cWe were getting some men together to go after them. I was wondering if you men wanted to come with us? I got me about fifteen coming along so far, but I sure could use the help. We gotta keep them from killing any more folks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2014Hoss\u2014get your gear. I\u2019ll see to the provisions. We\u2019ll be ready to head out in an hour,\u201d Ben called over to his two oldest sons, totally leaving Joe out of the posse that was forming.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m coming,\u201d Joe said sharply and stood again.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben tried to get a little closer to his son but Joe broke away from the group quickly and headed towards the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI said I\u2019m coming!\u201d Joe said once more and this time far louder than before. They all watched him as he ran up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gotta let him go, Pa,\u201d Hoss whispered to his father. \u201cThis may bring him back to us\u2014the way he was before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr send him over the deep end,\u201d Ben replied concern filling his words.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n When the first rays of sunlight peaked over the mountain range surrounding Virginia City, the full posse had been assembled in front of the jail. Roy only chose people he knew and trusted to be on this mission and had warned each one of them that it was a dangerous one. Counting the sheriff they now had a patrol of twenty people as they headed out towards Genoa and the last known position of the renegades.<\/p>\n Ben rode next to Adam and would, every now and then, cast a glance back towards both Hoss and Joe. He noticed his youngest boy had a marked determination on his face and wondered just what he was thinking at the time. He also wondered what had sparked the pacifist that Joe had become into going on this mission in the first place. Ben wondered if Joe understood that there would surely be men wounded, perhaps killed, in trying to stop the Indians.<\/p>\n Joe could only think of the passengers who had been riding with him that peaceful day so many months ago. They were simply minding their own business, heading to Salt Lake City. Joe felt tears sting the corners of his eyes when he thought of the youngest member on the stage that day. Sandra. The girl\u2019s bright smile, pigtails, and deep blue eyes still haunted Joe every time he closed his eyes. Why was he going out to try and kill the Indians who had scalped everyone but him? He was doing it for all of them, but especially for that little girl. Joe had told Sandra everything would be okay, only to have her die with the others that day. The thought of what he had said to her tore his soul in two. Joe took no thought as to whether he would perish this go round with Lone Eagle. Perhaps because he didn\u2019t care or perhaps because he knew he had to avenge his fellow passengers and the driver he had known for years.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Darkness spread out like a heavy blanket just as the posse made camp. There had been several scouts sent out to see how far they were from the raiding party and they had just returned to the newly set-up camp with their findings.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t light that campfire if I wuz you,\u201d Hoss called over to Roy and the sheriff stopped what he was preparing to do.<\/p>\n \u201cHow close, Hoss?\u201d Roy asked as the others gathered around for the details.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly got one more ridge\u2014that way.\u201d Hoss pointed into the distance. \u201cLike as not they don\u2019t know we are here\u2014but I wouldn\u2019t take the chance of showing no smoke tonight.\u201d Hoss said sitting down on the ground and trying to stretch out his legs a little.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think we can surprise them in the morning? We could strike at first light?\u201d Ben asked now and moved with Adam to sit next to Hoss on the ground. He handed Hoss some hardtack and a strip of beef jerky as his meal for the night.<\/p>\n \u201cI think so. We need to stay quiet\u2014keep the horses at the other end of the camp so they don\u2019t get a whiff of those other horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow many renegades are there you reckon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly sure, Roy. Me and Cliff counted about twenty five\u2014but don\u2019t know if that was the whole camp or whether others are out here somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have us a mite outnumbered\u2014but if we can take them by surprise I think we can do it.\u201d Ben nodded over to Roy.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, men, you heard it now. Right before daylight we will move into position over that ridge over yonder. Tonight we\u2019ll post watch, five at a time just in case.\u201d Roy explained what would be their strategy.<\/p>\n Ben looked across the camp where he spotted Joe sitting all alone leaning up against his saddle. The boy had been extremely quiet all day and now he was avoiding everyone. Ben walked over to him and kneeled down. \u201cDid you hear what Roy just said, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014I heard him\u2014first light,\u201d Joe answered flatly, and avoided his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to talk…\u201d Ben offered but Joe cut him off.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ve really got much to say to each other anymore,\u201d Joe responded with hurt in his voice and stood and walked away.<\/p>\n Ben sighed, he wished that he had been given the time to really talk to his son before leaving with the posse but there hadn\u2019t been any. He wanted to offer a shoulder to Joe, if he needed one, but weeks at a distance had damaged their normally tight bond with one another. Ben prayed that somehow, if the posse was fortunate enough to put a stop to Lone Eagle and the other renegades that Joe would be able to move forward in his life. He also prayed that somehow he would recapture the closeness with the boy who shared his heart.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Not quite an hour before dawn, the posse members made their way to the steep ridge overlooking the Indian\u2019s encampment. Roy pulled out his field glasses as he hunkered down low to the ground to try and get a sight as to what was ahead of them. Ben, Joe and Adam moved to be near Roy and just as the sun started to pierce the horizon, they got their first real look at the camp below. They could make out three full sized tepees, and saw that sentries were posted in front of each one of them. They saw two rope corrals, each containing approximately a dozen horses.<\/p>\n Roy passed the field glassed down the line so that the other three men could get a good look at the situation unfolding. Movement was just starting around the renegade\u2019s camp site and from out of the tents first came the few female Apaches, readying the meal of the day. It was at this exact moment that Joe was handed the field glasses by his father, who still lay on the ground on his stomach next to him.<\/p>\n As he focused in on the view down below, Joe\u2019s heart almost stopped completely. He rubbed at his eyes, thinking he was imagining things. When he looked back through the binoculars, Joe realized he was not seeing things at all. With his hands trembling and tears clouding his eyes, Joe reached with his left hand and grabbed his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n Ben, surprised by the action, stared over at his son. He could see that the boy was crying and visibly shaken by something. Ben imagined it must have been the sight of Lone Eagle which had caused the reaction in his son. \u201cJoseph? Are you all right?\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Joe whispered, choked with emotion. \u201cPa\u2014look down there\u2014next to the tepee in the middle\u2014Pa\u2014it\u2019s Sandra! Oh God! She\u2019s alive, Pa! She\u2019s really alive.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grabbed the binoculars from his son in disbelief and focused in on the little white girl, dressed in Indian garb. Her hair was the dead giveaway; it was as blonde as his late wife Inger\u2019s was and stood out amidst the raven haired Indian women surrounding the child. \u201cOh, Joseph!\u201d Ben smiled and stopped short of hugging the boy. Instead, weighing the situation in his mind, Ben settled for a quick pat to the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cRoy\u2014you gotta let me get her out of there before you all come in! She could get shot if we don\u2019t fetch her first,\u201d Joe insisted and the sheriff glared back at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m all for rescuing that child all right…\u201d Roy stopped when he saw the panic on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cBut, it ain\u2019t gonna be you, Little Joe! You\u2019ve already had one run in with those renegades\u2014let\u2019s not push your luck too far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, it\u2019s just got to be me!\u201d Joe protested and this time turned to his father and forced his gaze intensely into the man\u2019s dark eyes. \u201cI have to do it, Pa. Please\u2014I have to,\u201d Joe pleaded with him.<\/p>\n Again Ben Cartwright was forced to make a decision that pained his heart and shook his soul. He did not want his son to risk his life by going down into the camp below and perhaps getting killed in attempting to free the child. But, looking into the eyes of his youngest son and seeing how they were begging him for help, Ben could not say no. He knew the look in the boy\u2019s eyes and exactly what it meant. It wasn\u2019t just a plea to save Sandra; it was a plea to help him to save himself.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben stopped and forced himself to make the decision. \u201cYou be careful down there,\u201d Ben replied and nodded to Joe that he understood what he had to do.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The plan of attack was methodically worked out so that Joe would have as much coverage as possible as he made his approach from behind the Indian encampment. They had already witnessed the young Sandra being taken back into the tepee that sat in the center of the camp. Joe was to crawl through the surrounding brush and, if need be, cut with the knife placed in his boot the back of the tepee to free the girl. The other men would plan their assault from the front in an attempt to draw fire away from the youngest Cartwright.<\/p>\n Joe handed his father his jacket, wanting to blend in better with the sage colored brush. They shared a brief glance which held a lot of pent up feelings which had long been withheld from each other. Then Joe went off towards the Indian camp to free the girl who he had mourned for so long.<\/p>\n Ben and his other sons watched with baited breath as Joe moved closer and closer to his target. They had told him that just as soon as they saw him exit the tepee they would send Cochise into the camp to bring her master back. Holding up the field glasses Ben watched as Joe came within yards of the tepee. He took the time to close his eyes and send up a prayer for his son\u2019s safety before mounting his horse and heading off with the other men.<\/p>\n Holding his breath to stay his concern over what or who he would find inside the tepee, Joe withdrew his hidden knife and sliced through the weathered leather. Surprised and thankful that the only occupant was Sandra, Joe crawled inside and over to the girl. He placed his hand over her mouth to prevent her frightened scream from being heard.<\/p>\n \u201cSandra\u2014honey\u2014it\u2019s okay\u2014really. It\u2019s your old friend Joe\u2014remember? I was with you on the stage?\u201d Joe whispered and felt the girl\u2019s rapid breath against his hand. \u201cNow I\u2019m gonna let go of your mouth but you\u2019ve got to be quiet, okay?\u201d Joe warned and drew down his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m scared, Joe,\u201d the girl whispered and her eyes filled with tears.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid, darling, I\u2019m gonna get you outa here and back to your pa. But, we have to hurry and I\u2019m gonna need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do?\u201d she asked looking into the familiar hazel eyes and for the first time in months had hope that she would really see her father again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know how to play piggy back don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh huh.\u201d She nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I need you to wrap your arms around my neck just as tight as you can\u2014come on.\u201d Joe maneuvered the child behind him and the girl did as instructed. \u201cThat\u2019s good, Sandra, real good. Now, you keep those arms wrapped there tight\u2014don\u2019t worry you ain\u2019t gonna hurt me none. And throw your legs around my waist. There\u2014now we are gonna head out of here. I want you to promise me that you will keep your eyes closed until I say so! You promise me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise Joe\u2014but I\u2019m still scared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be up on my horse in no time, honey\u2014now on the count of three, I want you to close your eyes and not open them again until I say so. When you look at me the next time you are gonna be all safe and sound.\u201d Joe finished his instructions to the child and said a brief prayer for her safety. His prayer was that he could keep his promise to her this time, unlike before. \u201cOne\u2014two\u2014three!\u201d Joe whispered and then dove out of the back of the tepee with the girl holding onto his neck for dear life.<\/p>\n Ben saw the move his son had made and slapped Cochise on her hindquarters and the horse took off, guided by both its devotion to her master and by divine intervention. Cochise made it quickly to the camp just as the posse members made their attack known. That was when it seemed like all hell broke out.<\/p>\n Some of the Apaches had pilfered rifles, some had bow and arrow. But, no matter what they were going to fight to the death the white men charging their camp. The women of the band of Indians rushed into their tepees as their male counterparts began the battle. The quiet morning was suddenly alive with gunfire and shouts.<\/p>\n Hoss knocked a brave down with the butt of his rifle just as Adam came charging over to help him. They saw one of their own men fall and rushed over to get him back onto his horse. That was when Joe first became aware of the melee he was unfortunately cast in the middle of. He ran as hard as he could, with Sandra clutching his neck but never opening her eyes. Joe tossed Sandra up into the saddle and then made his own lunge up into it. Just as he grabbed his horse\u2019s reins and kicked at its sides, Joe caught a glimpse of Lone Eagle. The Indian pulled back his bow and sent his arrow flying, hoping to kill the young man he had saved months earlier. Fortunately, through the grace of God, Joe made the sudden move and instead of catching him in a more vital part of his body, the arrow found its target directly in the outer thigh of his right leg. Still spurring his horse forward Joe charged out of the danger and up the embankment towards safety.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n The battle with the renegades didn\u2019t last longer than twenty minutes, but to the men of the posse it seemed like a lifetime. By the time the dust had settled, close to fifteen Indian braves lay dead on the ground. The squaws gathered around the dead bodies and mourned their loss. Unfortunately, a good many of the Apaches got away during the fight and that included Lone Eagle. Ben and Roy inspected the carnage and gathered their men together. They left the females of the tribe alone, knowing that they probably had no recourse than to go along with the tribal leaders and had done none of the killing themselves.<\/p>\n Ben had not seen the arrow go into his son\u2019s leg. The last time he had seen Joseph, he was putting Sandra up on Cochise, and Ben assumed they had made it out of there fine. As he walked into the campground they had used on the previous night, Ben saw the scene unfold in front of him. Joe was laying on his back, a tight grimace on his face, but the girl in his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Sandra…\u201d Joe whispered biting back pain. \u201cYou can open your eyes now.\u201d<\/p>\n The little girl looked at Joe and then at all the other men who were now gathered around her. \u201cBut\u2014where\u2019s my pa, Joe? Didn\u2019t he come to save me?\u201d she asked with tears streaming down her face.<\/p>\n Joe thought about Frank Keller, and what had happened between him and the man in the past. It had been Sandra\u2019s father, after all, who had branded Joe with the name \u201cJonah\u201d in the first place. Joe held his resentment. All he cared about was the little girl. \u201cOh\u2014your pa is back at your house getting it all ready for you! He will be so happy. Now, everything is gonna be fine\u2014just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut your leg, Joe…\u201d Sandra opened her mouth widely, surprised to see an arrow still embedded in Joe\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n \u201cHeck\u2014I\u2019ve had worse.\u201d Joe nodded as his father and brothers gathered around him. \u201cHey\u2014Adam\u2014how about getting Sandra something to drink while I get patched up?\u201d Joe asked his brother and gave him the sign that he had no intention of letting the girl watch what was going to happen next. The poor kid had been through far too much already.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Joe.\u201d Adam nodded to his brother. \u201cIf you will help me, Sandra, I think we can get something for all of us to drink. How about helping me put on some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho are you?\u201d She asked confused and the men around Joe laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Joe\u2019s oldest brother\u2014this here is Hoss, his other brother\u2014then this is our father. Oh\u2014and I am sure you know Sheriff Coffee, right?\u201d Adam made partial introductions.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014my Pa talks to him all the time.\u201d Sandra nodded and took hold of the hand that Adam was offering her. Before they got two feet away she cast another look over at Joe and called to him, \u201cJoe\u2014you sure you gonna be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet\u2014you go and make that coffee and then we will head back to town and get you to your house.\u201d Joe forced a smile and the girl seemed satisfied.<\/p>\n As soon as Sandra was out of immediate sight, Joe collapsed back onto the bedroll under his head. The arrow shot streams of hot pain upwards from his leg and he groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are pretty good with putting on an act, Little Brother,\u201d Hoss smiled, knowing why Joe had to pretend to be so brave.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben whispered and went down on one knee to inspect his son\u2019s leg. The shaft of the arrow appeared to be pretty deeply imbedded in the boy\u2019s outer thigh and blood streamed from the wound.<\/p>\n Joe looked up at his father, if it were any other time or place he would have fallen into the man\u2019s arms and probably cried tears of both pain and relief over all that had happened. But, Joe couldn\u2019t do that right now, it would have to wait until later. Right now all he wanted was the danged arrow out of him and to get into town to return Sandra to her father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n \u201cJust get it out, Pa,\u201d Joe begged and bit his lip trying to stay in control.<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and reached for the end of the arrow. He tried for a quick pull to remove it, but the shaft broke half-way out. \u201cDamn…\u201d Ben muttered, throwing the broken piece aside. Ben removed his neckerchief and secured it tightly around Joe\u2019s leg to staunch the flow of blood. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son; looks like we better get you to Doc\u2019s to get the rest of it out. Do you think you will be able to ride?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked around the camp at the other men and Sandra sitting by the newly built fire with Adam. \u201cYeah. Hey\u2014did we lose anybody?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and smiled shaking his head at the boy\u2019s question. \u201cNo, Joseph. Cliff got winged, but the bullet barely grazed him, he is fine. As usual, you sustained the worst of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter, Pa,\u201d Joe commented fighting back pent up tears of joy as he looked again towards the little girl. \u201cLet everyone get some coffee in them and I\u2019ll be ready to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared down at the young man before him and his chest swelled with pride. There was so much he wanted to say to the boy, but not now. It would wait until the two of them were alone. There was the leg that needed mending first, and then their relationship needed some doctoring as well. He reached over for the boy\u2019s jacket and helped him to put it on.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m proud of you,\u201d Ben whispered as Joe settled back on the bedroll to try and catch his breath. His father\u2019s words eased Joe\u2019s heart and helped fill the large void which had been there for so long. \u201cI\u2019ll go get you some coffee\u2014maybe even see if Roy has some snake bite medicine on him too!\u201d Ben smiled and walked over towards the campfire.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n An hour later the men decided it was time to break camp. Roy had made the decision that going after the renegades who had left during the heat of battle would have to wait until another time. He rationalized that at least a good many of their warriors were dead and it would take awhile before Lone Eagle and the others could regroup and cause more trouble.<\/p>\n Hoss helped to pull his little brother to his feet in order to get him ready for the long ride back to Virginia City. Joe had been given just enough rot gut, which fortunately had been brought along by one of the posse members, to ease the pain. Ben did not want to over-do the use of alcohol, since Joe would need to keep his wits about him in order to stay in the saddle. Fighting back his pain, Joe was helped up into the saddle and grabbed his reins.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to ride with Joe!\u201d Sandra protested, feeling so much more comfortable with the young man who she knew had saved her.<\/p>\n Ben could see that his son was having a hard time trying to think of what he could do. There was just no way he could hold the child in front of him all the way back to town. In fact, Ben worried that Joe might not even make it himself. Ben reached for the little girl\u2019s hand and tried his best to explain. \u201cSandra, we don\u2019t want Joe to bump his leg anymore than necessary riding back. How about you ride with me? We\u2019ll both be right next to his horse all the way back so you can help me keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his thanks over to his father, glad that he had gotten him off the hook this time. As much as Joe treasured the little girl, and was touched that she had formed such a strong bond with him, he didn\u2019t relish the thought of having to try to keep her in the saddle. The point of the arrow was jabbing at the bone in his leg already and he was having trouble just trying to stay up on his horse.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Sandra reluctantly replied and Ben helped her up onto Buck.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go men!\u201d Roy called out to the posse members and they headed back towards Virginia City.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Dusk fell on the mining town just as Roy and his entourage came down the main street. He looked over at Ben and his sons and nodded his thanks and then headed over to the jail house. The four Cartwrights rode down the street a little farther and stopped at the office of Doctor Paul Martin.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you and Hoss get Joseph inside. I am going to take Sandra on to her house and I\u2019ll be right back,\u201d Ben called over to his sons.<\/p>\n When Hoss dismounted and walked over to his little brother he could see the bad shape he was in. The arduous ride had only worsened his brother\u2019s condition and Joe looked as though he was just about to make his own awkward dismount. Hoss grabbed Joe up in his arms and noticed how the boy felt like dead weight.<\/p>\n \u201cI can walk…\u201d Joe mumbled his protest.<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u2014but that would take away your usual grand entrance into the doctor\u2019s office,\u201d Hoss teased his brother and kept him in his arms. Adam dismounted and ran to open the door and help Hoss bring the boy inside.<\/p>\n Ben watched his sons, and though he wanted to go along with them, he knew he had to get the little girl home. Joseph would want it that way.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, sweetheart, we are gonna get you to your pa right now,\u201d Ben whispered to Sandra and turned Buck\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n The Keller house was just at the end of town. Ben noticed the black wreath that had been on the door for months. He knew it would be a big shock to the man to see his little girl returned from the dead. Ben remembered all too well his own feelings when he had learned that his youngest son had survived the Indian attack after having been presumed dead. In that respect he felt a kindred soul to Frank Keller. However, he still held resentment to the man who had beaten his son weeks prior and had labeled him a \u201cJonah\u201d. Ben hoped he could put that behind him as he knocked on the door to the man\u2019s house.<\/p>\n Opening the door, Frank Keller only spotted Ben at first. Sandra was standing right behind him. \u201cWhat do you want, Cartwright?\u201d He asked angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cPapa!\u201d Sandra cried and flung herself towards the man\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n Frank went down to his knees and clung to his child. He sobbed tears of joy as he stroked her hair. \u201cSandra\u2014darling\u2014how? When?\u201d he started between sobs.<\/p>\n \u201cWe found her with Lone Eagle\u2019s band of renegades,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n Frank looked up at Ben and his mouth hung open for a few minutes, trying to take in all the news and the miracle of holding his child again. \u201cHow can I ever thank you?\u201d he asked after a long pause.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t rescue her, Keller, my son did,\u201d Ben replied and bit back his old hurt over what the man had done to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cYour son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, my son, Joseph. You remember Joseph\u2014he was the boy you beat up. He was the boy you called a Jonah.\u201d Ben had to stop himself at that point. He did not want to harm Sandra in any way, and had already regretted his statements.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is he? I have to thank him\u2014I have to apologize for all that I did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s getting an arrow cut out of him right now. Maybe once he is better, you can have a talk with hm.\u201d Ben stopped and let his hand fall down on the blonde curls of the little girl. \u201cBut, for right now, why don\u2019t you take care of your child and I will go and see to mine?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d Frank nodded toward Ben and lifted Sandra up into his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cTell Joe I hope he feels better,\u201d Sandra called over to Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cI sure will, Sandra. Now you go inside and get some rest.\u201d Ben smiled and walked back over to his horse.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n \u201cHow is he?\u201d Ben asked as he entered the front parlor of Doctor Martin\u2019s office and saw Adam standing there.<\/p>\n \u201cDoc\u2019s got him all ready to get the arrow out, but, Joe said he wanted to wait until you were here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and moved to the examining room. He saw that Joe had a blanket over him, all but his right leg. The boy was still conscious and had struggled with all his might to stay that way until his father returned.<\/p>\n \u201cGlad you\u2019re back, Ben,\u201d Paul called over to him exasperated with his patient by then. \u201cI have the area all cleaned, but this ornery cuss wouldn\u2019t let me start anything until you were back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked around the table and looked down at Joe. The boy looked very pale and weak laying there and it made the worry grow larger in the father\u2019s mind. \u201cNow, Joseph\u2014what\u2019s the holdup? You want to get that thing out of there don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben whispered and reached for his son\u2019s left hand.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe asked getting a little foggy from what the doctor had given him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still conscious and all\u2014but I did get down a sedative,\u201d Paul explained Joe\u2019s confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m right here, Joseph. Now, how about we get that arrow out now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you stay, Pa?\u201d Joe asked as tears formed in his eyes.<\/p>\n Ben could not believe his ears. He wondered why the boy would ask such a stupid question. Would he stay? Hadn\u2019t he always stayed close by when his boy was injured? It was then that Ben realized the significance of his son\u2019s question. Joe had obviously gone back in his mind to the night that he had been beaten in town. The boy was thinking about the way his father had turned away from him for the first time in his life. Ben realized that Joe still had no idea of why he had done that. The lesson that he was trying to teach Joe had somehow gone drastically awry. Ben let Joe\u2019s hand loose and instead reached up and pushed the curls off of his son\u2019s forehead. They were soaked with perspiration, but were the first curls Ben had noticed on Joe\u2019s head since his long ordeal. The sight was one that heartened the worried father; it was a sign that Joe had come back, curls and all.<\/p>\n \u201cWill I stay?\u201d Ben asked fighting tears. \u201cCould anyone get me to leave you? Of course I will stay. When you wake up I will be right here in this chair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPromise?\u201d Joe asked again as his eyes fought to stay open for just another minute.<\/p>\n \u201cI promise.\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cAnd you know how hard you and I try to keep our promises!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe forced a slight smile and then closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWell…\u201d Paul began, grinning now himself. \u201cIf you are both through with your talk, I have an arrow to get to.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stepped back to give the doctor room and settled down into the chair. It looked like another long night ahead of them all.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Doctor Martin walked over to his patient and felt his forehead for signs of a fever. He was pleased to find it just barely warm now. The head of the arrow had been removed and the incision had been closed and so far there were no signs of infection in the wound. He moved over to Ben and put his hand on the weary father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sent Hoss and Adam to the hotel\u2014why don\u2019t you go and get some sleep too?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head and stood to stretch his sore back. \u201cI promised Joseph I would be here and I intend on keeping my word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if you insist.\u201d Paul chuckled; he knew his request would fall on deaf ears after so many experiences with the two Cartwrights in the room. \u201cI can bring that old cot back here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014that\u2019s okay. This chair will be fine,\u201d Ben replied and reached down to pull up the cover on his son. \u201cYou did say he would be all right\u2014his leg and all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I don\u2019t see any permanent damage. That arrowhead barely nicked the bone. You can take him home in the morning and then a few days in bed should help. I bet in a week or so Joe will be back running around causing trouble for us both.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled and patted the doctor on the back. \u201cPaul, you must be exhausted\u2014go on, we will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay\u2014but I\u2019ll just be in the back lying down; you can wake me if there\u2019s any change.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will\u2014and thank you again.\u201d Ben nodded and watched as the doctor walked through the doorway.<\/p>\n Ben had dozed off in the chair, his mind filled with all the events of the past few weeks and all the worry over his youngest son. He fell into a deep sleep and didn\u2019t hear Joe\u2019s call at first.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered and struggled to pull himself upright.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m right here,\u201d Ben answered and moved over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou stayed,\u201d Joe said as if he was unsure that his father would be there when he awoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI promised, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Ben replied and looked down at the sadness which had taken over Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI think you and I have some things to discuss. Seems we have to clear the air about all that has happened. You thought I wouldn\u2019t be here because I didn\u2019t stay with you before\u2014now is that right?\u201d Ben asked softly and reached for Joe\u2019s arm to comfort him.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014I guess so,\u201d Joe said getting a bit choked up from the emotions of his heart. \u201cYou have always been there for me, Pa; I guess I\u2019ve taken for granted that you always would. That night\u2014a couple of weeks ago\u2014you were just so mad. When you left me there alone…\u201d Joe stopped and pushed back the onslaught of tears.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and pulled the chair up closer; he figured he would have some deep explaining to do now. Still holding onto his son\u2019s arm, Ben addressed the issue, \u201cLooking back on it all now, Joseph, I may have handled the whole situation wrong. But you made it so difficult for me! You wouldn\u2019t answer my questions\u2014you refused to tell the truth of the matter. When I saw your hand and knew that you had let someone beat you that way\u2014well\u2014I was beside myself with worry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve never walked out on me when I\u2019ve been hurt before\u2014no matter what,\u201d Joe argued the point.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I was just trying to get you to crack and tell me the truth. It\u2019s very apparent to me now that I handled it wrong,\u201d Ben apologized and looked into his son\u2019s eyes for forgiveness.<\/p>\n \u201cI know I put you through a whole lot, Pa. I\u2019m not blaming you\u2014I know you want what is best for me. But…\u201d Joe stopped trying to explain himself. He wasn\u2019t sure he had the words in his head, though they were written all over his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cBut…\u201d Ben began where Joe left off. \u201cBut you needed me and I turned my back on you. I had no idea how bad that made you feel at the time. It won\u2019t happen again.\u201d Ben paused and let his hand move to Joe\u2019s forehead once more. \u201cNo matter how mad you make me.\u201d Ben smiled now.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t really explain myself, Pa. I\u2019ve tried to work it all out in my head\u2014but I just couldn\u2019t get over what folks thought of me\u2014what I thought about me either. It wasn\u2019t until I saw Sandra that I felt all right again. It probably doesn\u2019t make any sense\u2014but I needed that\u2014the proof that I wasn\u2019t the only survivor of that attack\u2014to be able to let go. I needed that to prove to myself that I really wasn\u2019t the Jonah people were saying that I was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes more sense than you think, Joseph. No matter what we were telling you, you had to find your way back yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe reached for his father and Ben knew it was finally time. He pulled Joe into his arms and hugged him tightly. The connection was back and the bond just as strong as before. Both father and son could feel the love that they had for each other and it renewed them in spirit.<\/p>\n Joe clung tightly to his father, totally ignoring the pain from his injury at the time. All he cared about was that he still had the man\u2019s love and respect. All the pieces that had been missing in his heart fell perfectly back into place. \u201cI understand it now, Pa.\u201d Joe choked on his words as tears fell from his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstand what, son?\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you told me before\u2014you know? God doesn\u2019t draw in straight lines? It makes sense to me now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, then I would say that you are a very smart young man, Joseph.\u201d Ben smiled as his own tears streaked down his face. He felt that after more than eight long months he indeed had his son back the way he had always been and it made all the worry disappear. \u201cBecause it took your father a whole lot longer to figure that one out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa\u2014for always being there for me\u2014no matter how messed up I get. I know I haven\u2019t said it much; I know it\u2019s kinda been a given. But, I\u2019ve learned a hard lesson now. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you. I love you,\u201d Joe whispered against his father\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll never have to find out\u2014I\u2019ll always be there for you. That\u2019s a promise. Because you know how much I love you.\u201d Ben replied and closed his eyes sending up another prayer of thanksgivings.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n The next day the four Cartwrights returned to the Ponderosa. His father more than made up for the time he wasn\u2019t there for his son. Ben fussed over the boy profusely, but Joe didn\u2019t mind. He was happy to again be with his family and to know that they all loved him.<\/p>\n Two days passed by quickly in Joe\u2019s recovery from his leg wound, but he was still confined to bed. He didn\u2019t argue the point as he was hurting quite a bit. The physical pain, however, was not nearly as bad as the emotional trauma he had suffered with for so long. It made Joe rest so much easier knowing he had conquered his problems and he tried to put them all behind him now.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph…\u201d Ben called walking into his son\u2019s bedroom. \u201cYou feel up for some company?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to pull himself up a bit in the bed wondering who would be visiting. He hoped it wasn\u2019t the doctor. \u201cWho is it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrank Keller,\u201d Ben replied and watched as his son\u2019s face broke into a frown. \u201cOh\u2014and he\u2019s brought Sandra with him,\u201d Ben added, knowing that Joe would probably want to see the little girl.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess it\u2019s okay then, Pa.\u201d Joe nodded towards his father and pulled the covers up a bit more.<\/p>\n Ben left the room and was soon back with both of the Kellers. Sandra was quick to run over to Joe with the flowers she had brought for him.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Joe! I got these for you.\u201d She smiled and handed him the flowers.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014they\u2019re beautiful, Sandra!\u201d Joe replied taking them into his hand. \u201cThat was real thoughtful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d kinda like to talk to you a minute, Joe. If that\u2019s okay?\u201d Frank called across the room.<\/p>\n Ben could see the look on Joe\u2019s face and knew he was a bit apprehensive. He figured that the two men should be alone. \u201cSandra\u2014why don\u2019t you and I go downstairs for a minute and get a vase to put those lovely flowers in?\u201d Ben asked reaching for the child\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay\u2014be right back!\u201d Sandra said and Joe handed her back the flowers. She then turned and walked out of the room with Ben.<\/p>\n Frank slowly neared the bed, his heart in his throat. He knew he had some crow to eat.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2014I just don\u2019t know what to say exactly. I wouldn\u2019t blame you if you didn\u2019t want to see me\u2014but I was glad when your father said you would. I am so very sorry for what I\u2019ve done in the past\u2014what I said about you too. I was trapped in my grief\u2014so devastated by the loss of both my wife and my daughter! I guess I was just looking for someone to blame. I shouldn\u2019t have done that\u2014not to you. After all that I did\u2014all that I said\u2014here I find out that it was you who risked your life to save my child! I have no earthly way to repay you for what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe listened to the man\u2019s words and fought to find forgiveness in his heart. Finally, after a very long silence had fallen over the room, Joe looked into the man\u2019s eyes and said, \u201cJust take care of Sandra\u2014give her all your love. That\u2019s the only way you can repay me.\u201d<\/p>\n It was after Joe\u2019s statement that Ben and Sandra returned with the vase of flowers. She hurried back over to the bed and pushed her way past her father and moved to be next to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWe fixed them up good for you, Joe.\u201d The girl smiled and placed the flowers on the night stand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure did, honey; they are almost as pretty as you. But just almost.\u201d Joe winked at the girl. He noticed after his statement that the little girl\u2019s bright smile had disappeared and she looked so sad. \u201cHow are you doing anyway? You okay?\u201d Joe asked pulling Sandra closer to him so he could read what was in her eyes. He saw a familiar look to be there, one he had seen in his own eyes in the past.<\/p>\n \u201cI miss my ma, Joe,\u201d she replied sadly and Joe put his hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cCome here.\u201d Joe patted the bed and the girl hopped up. Ben and Frank stood at the end of the bed watching Joe trying to soothe the child. Both fathers could see the connection between the two survivors of the Indian attack. By living through all of it, both Joe and Sandra had somehow forged a bond.<\/p>\n Joe reached over to his night stand, where a picture of his mother still sat. Ben remembered the day the boy had taken the picture up to his room; the worried father had never requested it to be returned to its normal position on his desk. Ben felt that Joe still needed it. Now he watched to see what the boy would reveal to the little girl as he brought the picture over and put it in the child\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cThis here was my ma.\u201d Joe paused and searched for the right words. \u201cMy ma died when I was even younger than you. But you know what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Sandra asked with tears still filling her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel she is still with me\u2014all the time. And this picture here reminds me of her every day. I can still talk to her and everything! I bet you your pa has a picture of your ma at home somewhere doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah\u2014got one in the living room.\u201d Sandra nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWell…\u201d Joe began and cast a glance over at Frank. \u201cI just bet you he would let you bring it into your bedroom\u2014like my pa let me bring my ma\u2019s picture in here. That way you can talk to her\u2014tell her good morning and goodnight. And whenever you are down or troubled you can tell her all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut will she hear me, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll hear you, honey. I promise you she will hear you.\u201d Joe hugged the girl to him for a minute his eyes falling on the picture of Marie.<\/p>\n \u201cPa? Can I have the picture\u2014for my room? Can I have it by my bed like Joe has his?\u201d Sandra called over to her father.<\/p>\n Frank looked relieved; he had worried so much the past two days that he would never be able to even begin to mend his daughter\u2019s broken heart. Once again it seemed like Joe Cartwright had done the impossible. \u201cWhy of course you can, darling. Matter of fact, we\u2019ll go home right now and move it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee? Told you.\u201d Joe smiled as the little girl hopped off his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sandra?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re my hero.\u201d Sandra smiled and kissed the young man on his cheek.<\/p>\n The word hero echoed in Joe\u2019s mind for a second.\u00a0What a wonderful word<\/em>, he thought. \u201cYou\u2019re my hero too.\u201d Joe winked over at her.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? How can I be your hero? You\u2019re the one who saved me.\u201d Sandra stood confused by Joe\u2019s statement.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saved me too. But, you won\u2019t understand that right now. I\u2019m gonna tell you something that a very wise man once told me…\u201d Joe stopped and shot his father a glance and smiled wryly over at him. \u201cGod doesn\u2019t draw in straight lines.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014you will someday\u2014I promise you.\u201d Joe laughed and patted Sandra on the head. \u201cNow you go on home and get that picture all set up. I\u2019m gonna stop by and see you just as soon as I\u2019m up and running around again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay\u2014bye!\u201d Sandra cast her captivating smile at the young man and hurried over to her father excited now about her mother\u2019s picture.<\/p>\n Ben followed Frank and Sandra to the door, but paused as they moved into the hallway and looked back at his son. \u201cYou\u2019re my hero too,\u201d Ben called across the room. The brilliant and endearing smile of Joe Cartwright spread across his face and Joe laughed for the first time in a very long while.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Two weeks of recuperation was about as long as Joe could take. He wanted to get out of the house. He wanted to get back to his life, the way it had been a long time ago. Joe wasn\u2019t too happy when he was informed that he had a re-check due at the doctor\u2019s office, but a trip into town was just what he wanted.<\/p>\n Ben drove Joe in the buckboard, even though the boy had insisted he would be just fine riding Cochise. Ben had to laugh to himself when he thought about how the boy\u2019s stubbornness had returned in full force. It took a great deal of persuasion to get Joe into the buckboard, but having Hoss riding along helped Ben in his threats to hop on board.<\/p>\n When Doctor Martin gave Joe a clean bill of health the boy\u2019s face lit up. It was the final obstacle in getting back to a normal life. He climbed back into the buckboard and grinned over at his father. \u201cI told you so,\u201d Joe said sarcastically and Ben frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s just fine, Joseph\u2014because now you can help your brother here load up the grain,\u201d Ben replied, squeezing the boy\u2019s shoulder in a show of who was really in control.<\/p>\n \u201cShould have kept my mouth shut.\u201d Joe frowned as the wagon pulled up in front of Keller\u2019s feed and grain store.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get to it, Little Brother!\u201d Hoss called over to him as he dismounted in front of the store. Joe hopped down and started to help his brother stack the sacks of grain that had been ordered from Mr. Keller the day before.<\/p>\n Ben walked over to Frank Keller who was standing in front of the doorway. He shook the man\u2019s hand and returned his smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Frank\u2014how is everything? Sandra doing okay?\u201d Ben asked as he watched his two sons hard at work.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah\u2014she\u2019s doing great just great! That is thanks to your son.\u201d Frank smiled and called into his store. \u201cSandra\u2014somebody\u2019s out here that you\u2019re gonna want to see!\u201d<\/p>\n Sandra came out of the store, and when she saw Joe, she hurriedly ran back into the store.<\/p>\n Ben looked perplexed. \u201cWhat\u2019s that all about?\u201d he asked Frank.<\/p>\n Before Frank could reply, the girl was back, clutching a picture in her hand. It was the picture of her mother. Frank had taken the time to put pictures of his late wife in all the rooms of his house as well as in the store that he ran. Sandra hopped down the steps and ran over to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe!\u201d she yelled and the boy spun around.<\/p>\n \u201cHey\u2014look, Hoss! It\u2019s my best girl!\u201d Joe grinned and pulled the child up into his arms. \u201cWhat have you got there, Sandra?\u201d Joe asked and she showed him the picture.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a picture of my Ma\u2014I wanted you to see it\u2014since you showed me your Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014well yeah, you know something? You are going to look just as pretty as she did when she had this picture taken! You are already starting to look like a real lady!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna be nine soon, you know!\u201d Sandra said excitedly. \u201cAnd I\u2019m gonna marry you then!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe giggled at what she had said and tried to find a loophole to crawl through. \u201cOh\u2014well\u2014you know you can\u2019t get married until you are at least twenty. No\u2014your Pa just wouldn\u2019t hear of it!\u201d Joe explained. He could see how his predicament was amusing both Frank and his own father who moved closer to hear what Joe would tell the little girl.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay\u2014but when I am twenty you are going to marry me, right? You did say I\u2019m your best girl, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014you got me there\u2014I did say that.\u201d Joe nodded and thought about the situation he had gotten himself into with his remarks. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what! You come and get me when you are twenty, and if you still want me to marry you then, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll wait for me? Really, Joe?\u201d Sandra asked excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cSure I will. But, for right now why don\u2019t you go give your pa a big hug; looks like he could use one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d Sandra grinned and planted a kiss on Joe\u2019s cheek as she sprang from his arms.<\/p>\n She ran over and grabbed her father\u2019s legs and he pulled her into his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Romeo, while you was busy flirting, I got all the sacks loaded. We can go now,\u201d Hoss announced and patted his brother on the back.<\/p>\n Joe climbed back up into the buckboard and his father did the same. Before Ben sent the team of horses forward he looked over at his youngest son and grinned. He wasn\u2019t about to pass up on his own chance to do some playful teasing.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, congratulations, Joseph, I understand you are now engaged.\u201d Ben said and dropped his arm over Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cSure am, Pa!\u201d Joe laughed and played along with it. \u201cBut, looks like it\u2019s gonna be a long engagement at that. It will be at least another eleven years, so don\u2019t start pressing your suit.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked over at the scene in front of the feed and grain store. Frank Keller was still standing there and Sandra was hugging onto him tightly. \u201cI don\u2019t know if even that\u2019s going to be long enough, son. Looks like you are going to have some trouble getting Sandra to yourself. You\u2019re going to have some tough competition. Looks like she loves her father a whole lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know the feeling,\u201d Joe replied and Ben grinned over what his son had revealed.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get old Romeo home, Pa\u2014before he has a chance to break any other gal\u2019s heart,\u201d Hoss called over to his father as he rode along side of the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d Ben commented and sent the team forward. They drove down the main street in town and turned off just as Joe spotted someone out of the corner of his eye walking out of the Silver Dollar Saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cWait!\u201d Joe sang out and reached for the reins in his father\u2019s hands. He pulled the team back and Ben stared over at the boy confused and a bit upset at his sudden actions.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the world are you doing?\u201d Ben asked as he saw Joe jump down from his seat in the wagon.<\/p>\n \u201cI got some business I need to take care of. I won\u2019t be long,\u201d Joe replied and headed out across to the saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat business?\u201d Ben called out after his son but Joe never turned around. It was at that moment that both Hoss and his father noticed the cowboy walking down the sidewalk. It was Pete Timmons.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa…\u201d Hoss started and dismounted and tied his reins to the back of the wagon. \u201cI think we are about to find out who beat Joe up a couple of weeks ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben began to climb down from the wagon but Hoss\u2019 hand stopped his progress. \u201cNo deal! Wasn\u2019t we the ones who wanted him to defend himself? Let\u2019s stay out of his way and see if Joe still has it.\u201d Hoss winked at his father and sat there next to him with a perfect view of the upcoming fight. Ben frowned at his son\u2019s logic, but knew he was right. He tried to hide his fear over Joe\u2019s safety and watched as the scene unfolded in front of their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pete!\u201d Joe called coming up from behind the man.<\/p>\n Pete spun around surprised to see Joe Cartwright standing there. He broke into a sadistic smile as he remembered vividly how he had earlier beat the hell out of the young Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014you want some more, Jonah?\u201d Pete laughed and stepped towards Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cThe name is Joe!\u201d Joe shouted and decked the man so hard that he fell from the sidewalk and landed in the street below.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like Joe\u2019s still got it, Pa,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cThis is gonna be great!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, as much as he wanted to see Joe go after the person who had attacked him, he still wasn\u2019t thrilled about sitting idly by watching his son get hit. But, not wanting to embarrass the boy, Ben folded his arms across his chest and tried to be patient.<\/p>\n Joe sent blow after blow at Pete. Pete got some in, and knocked Joe onto his back, but in no way was a match for his opponent. Joe tried to remember every punch that the other man had hit him with weeks before and mimicked it all. He stopped short of kicking the man while he was down. That was something that he considered much too low, even though Pete had done it to him. It was a good fifteen minutes before Joe sent the last blow which knocked Pete into the water trough. When he shook himself out of the daze, Pete pulled himself out of the water and held his hand up that he had enough.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what\u2019s my name again, Pete?\u201d Joe asked and readied himself to send another punch if he didn\u2019t get the right reply.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe…\u201d Pete coughed out. \u201cJoe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemember that,\u201d Joe said angrily and stooped down to retrieve his hat. He dusted off his pants as he walked back over to the buckboard. He could already see the huge smile on his brother Hoss\u2019 face, and knew that at long last he had redeemed himself in his big brother\u2019s eyes. He wasn\u2019t exactly sure about the look that was on his father\u2019s face at the time. Ben looked angry.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Cartwright!\u201d Ben boomed. \u201cFighting in the streets like a ruffian! I am ashamed of you!\u201d Ben could not hold his expression any longer. He burst into laughter and hugged Joe close to him. \u201cGreat fight, son!\u201d Ben exclaimed and patted the boy\u2019s back proudly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey look!\u201d Joe laughed and showed his father the knuckles on his left hand. They were bloody and had already started to swell. \u201cGuess this makes up for last time, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt sure does.\u201d Ben grinned and Hoss walked around the wagon and over to his little brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t never been so proud of you, Short Shanks! Guess we don\u2019t have to ask you now who beat you up before do we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope\u2014it was that creep all right. But, I think the days of me being called a Jonah are over now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you\u2019re right.\u201d Hoss nodded and patted his brother on the back fondly. \u201cNow\u2014can we please get on home\u2014or is there someone else you wanna attack?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I got me engaged, and I polished off old Pete\u2014think I\u2019ve done what all I came to do today,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n Hoss untied his horse and mounted. Ben sent the team of horses forward and shot a glance over at his son.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you had done all that in the first place, Joseph, we wouldn\u2019t have had to go through all of this you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa…\u201d Joe teased. \u201cYou know I never do things the easy way. Life would be pretty dull if I did, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed at his son\u2019s logic. \u201cYes, I guess it would. But, I could use a little dullness for awhile thank you. So, try to stay out of trouble at least for a few days will you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe touched at his bruised cheek and groaned. \u201cYes, Sir. I think I could use some dullness right now myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood answer\u201d Ben laughed and put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder again as they rode home.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Epilogue<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Winter ran its course and the ranch was socked under with a good amount of snow. Trips into town were scarce now with the weather so precarious. It had been almost two months since Joe\u2019s run-in with Pete Timmons and he had kept his promise to his father and had stayed out of harm\u2019s way for a change. In most respects the ranch and everyone had gotten back to normal following a tough summer and fall. Joe was back to his old self now in all respects including the fact that his hair had grown completely back to even beyond its normal length. Every time his father looked over at him and wanted to mention it was time for him to get a haircut, he found himself choking on the request. He remembered all that had happened, especially the leather pouch which had held Joe\u2019s lock of hair. It was always in the forefront of his mind each time he even got close to suggesting a haircut. Ben finally promised himself that if Joe didn\u2019t make any attempt to get a haircut by spring that he would address it at that time. Meantime the long curls that dipped down over Joe\u2019s collar stood as a reminder of all that had been accomplished in his recovery.<\/p>\n The nightly routine had also gone back to normal as the Cartwrights were assembled one evening in the living room. Hoss and Joe were in the midst of a heated checker game and Ben was reading his book in his chair by the fireplace. They had waited dinner for Adam\u2019s return from town, but Hop Sing was getting very impatient to put the meal on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWonder what\u2019s keeping your brother?\u201d Ben called over to his sons worriedly. He wasn\u2019t exactly pleased with his eldest son\u2019s decision to brave the snow and venture into town that day.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d Hoss answered as Joe jumped his last checker and claimed the game. \u201cWhat was so all fire important that he went into town today, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was expecting something to come in on the stage he said,\u201d Ben replied and stood and stretched.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing isn\u2019t gonna keep dinner warming much longer,\u201d Joe warned and set the checker pieces back up to start a new game.<\/p>\n It was then that Adam appeared coming in the front door. He shook the remaining snow off of his coat and then removed his holster and hat. \u201cSorry I\u2019m late,\u201d Adam called over to his family. He crossed over to the settee and sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you have there?\u201d Joe asked curious over his brother\u2019s secrecy. He hadn\u2019t told anyone exactly what he was expecting on the stage and Joe could see the small book sized package on Adam\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, a little surprise.\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cAnd as a matter of fact it\u2019s for you, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor me?\u201d Joe asked and was even more curious now.<\/p>\n Adam pulled the object from the paper sack he had placed it in. He had already looked at the gift to be sure it was exactly what he thought it was. \u201cYeah\u2014you remember your old friend Duffy don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was your friend first.\u201d Joe chuckled and nodded over to his older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well he told me back when he first found you months ago that he would be writing an article about your experiences. So, two months ago I wrote him with all the information about what had happened with you rescuing Sandra and all, and by the time he started putting it all together he had far too much information for just an article. So, with his editor\u2019s approval and help, Duffy wrote a book all about you and all you went through.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat stunned and Ben and Hoss smiled at the way it had surprised him. They both had known about Adam\u2019s secret, but did not know that it was the book which had come by stage that day. \u201cA book?\u201d Joe asked still shocked that someone would write about him.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, and part of the proceeds are being donated to St. Joseph\u2019s Home for Boys, to honor all that Father Mike did for you. That should make a lot of folks very happy. I\u2019ve just skimmed through it so far, but it looks pretty good. I bet it\u2019s gonna sell a lot of copies!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if I want to read it,\u201d Joe said frowning over some of the bad memories of his ordeal. \u201cYou know I was the one who lived through it all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014well\u2014I think you should. Besides, it was dedicated to you.\u201d Adam pulled back the first page of the manuscript. It wasn\u2019t in bound form yet; Duffy having rushed the first copy out to the Cartwrights at Adam\u2019s insistence. \u201cThis is just the rough copy. Duffy is sending us a bound copy later.\u201d Adam handed the first page to his little brother so that he could read the dedication.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Ben asked as he waited for Joe to tell them all what it said. \u201cCome on the suspense is killing me! What does the dedication say?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to clear his throat, feeling a bit emotional after he read the kind words that Duffy had written. \u201cThis book is dedicated to my dear friend Joe, who is a hero in anybody\u2019s book.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss clapped Joe on the back so very proud of him.<\/p>\n Ben grinned broadly and then called over again to his youngest son. \u201cThat\u2019s very nice\u2014very nice. But what\u2019s the title of the book?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe handed the book over to his father after he read the title. He was now smiling.<\/p>\n Ben looked at it and winked over at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Hoss asked impatiently. \u201cWhat\u2019s the dang thing called?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Promise,\u201d Ben replied, a bit choked up now himself.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I will read it after all.\u201d Joe laughed and walked over to his father to retrieve the book. He put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder and shared a special glance with him. \u201cI just love books with happy endings.\u201d<\/p>\n *****END*****<\/p>\n Next Story in The Promise Trilogy:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Jonah
\n<\/a>With Wings as Eagles<\/a><\/p>\n