{"id":5613,"date":"2003-10-02T01:10:25","date_gmt":"2003-10-02T05:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5613"},"modified":"2026-07-29T13:56:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T17:56:50","slug":"the-stand-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5613","title":{"rendered":"The Stand-Off (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>After receiving a surprise invitation to the governor\u2019s inaugural ball, Ben soon discovers that he has more to fear than just the governor\u2019s intentions.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(9,400 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Stand-Off<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe new governor is coming to Virginia City?\u201d Adam repeated, sounding surprised. \u201cIsn\u2019t that kind of risky?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought so,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cHe didn\u2019t make himself very popular here in the run-up to the election.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it have to do with us?\u201d asked Joe, his youngest son.<\/p>\n

Ben brandished the letter he had in his hand. \u201cWe\u2019ve been invited to the meal and ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you have a nice time,\u201d Joe commented. He started to pull his jacket back on, in preparation for going back to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, you don\u2019t understand,\u201d Ben corrected him. \u201cThe invitation is for all of us: you, me, Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy us, Pa?\u201d Hoss, the middle son asked. \u201cWe ain\u2019t never met him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shrugging, Ben replied, \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss. All I can tell you is that the invitation mentions us all by name.\u201d He held out an engraved card for Hoss\u2019 perusal.<\/p>\n

Crowding in close, Adam and Joe read over Hoss\u2019 shoulder.<\/p>\n

The Governor of the Territory of Nevada<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Requests the Pleasure of the Company of<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Benjamin Cartwright<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Mr. Adam Cartwright<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Mr. Erik Cartwright<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Mr. Joseph Cartwright<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

on November 21, 1860<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0At the International House Hotel<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Virginia City\u00a0 8 pm for 8:30 pm<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0R.S.V.P.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh look!\u201d Joe cried, \u201cYou\u2019re gettin\u2019 your Sunday name, Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re getting your \u2018in trouble\u2019 name,\u201d Adam joked right back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we gonna go?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Ben took the card back and looked at it as though he would find the answer to Hoss\u2019 question there. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he replied, honestly.<\/p>\n

Exchanging glances with his brothers, Adam found he had been elected spokesperson for all three of them. It was a pity, because he knew that Hoss would rather stay at home, whereas Joe was desperate to go. Adam could see both their points of view, but he sided with Joe this time. Giving Hoss an apologetic look, he said, \u201cWhat have we got to lose by going, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up, Ben accurately read each son\u2019s face. \u201cNothing, I guess,\u201d he admitted. \u201cAll right, we\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d Joe exclaimed, and slapped Hoss on the back. \u201cDo I gotta call you Erik all night, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly if ya wanta die,\u201d Hoss told his brother, grabbing him by the collar and holding him an inch or so off the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down!\u201d Joe cried, struggling to get free. \u201cHoss! You big lug! Put me down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben went back to his desk, hearing the thud as Hoss let go of Joe. But he wondered why the new governor wanted all four of the Cartwrights at the ball.<\/p>\n

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

Over the course of the next few days, Ben did his best to find out. He discreetly sounded out his friends to discover who else had invitations. Roy Coffee had received an invitation, but wasn\u2019t planning to go. Paul Martin, the town doctor, had also received one and hoped to be there, depending on the medical emergencies of the day. Several other of the Cattleman\u2019s Association had also been invited and were going. Ben acted as though he had just been curious, but he was still uneasy. Everyone who had been invited had opposed the governor\u2019s election.<\/p>\n

Had Ben not known the governor very well, he would not have been so suspicious. As it was, Ben had clashed heads with Seymour Dawson several times while he was still just a town councilor and his heart had sunk into his boots when he learned that Dawson had won the election. During his campaign, he had offended a great many people by branding Virginia City \u2018an ignorant backwater, filled with stupid yokels\u2019.<\/p>\n

But that wasn\u2019t Ben\u2019s only complaint against the new governor. He knew that as a business man, Dawson had been less than honest in some of his dealings. Ben couldn\u2019t prove it, but he suspected that he had used sharp practices to force one or two of his competitors out of business. Certainly, the few dealings that Ben had had with him had always involved a very close eye being kept on the details. The mistrust between the two men went very deep.<\/p>\n

Yet Ben hesitated to believe that Dawson had some nefarious deed in mind. Perhaps he just wanted to apologies to everyone. Shaking his head, Ben realized that he had no clue as to why Dawson was hosting this ball, to which he had agreed to go, complete with all his sons. It was too late to back out now, he reflected. He would just have to stay alert. The thought didn\u2019t alleviate his unease.<\/p>\n

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

November 21st dawned wet and raw, and as the day progressed, the rain turned first to sleet, then to snow. There were always fewer chores to be done on the ranch in winter, and so the Cartwrights were able to quit working at noon without feeling they were losing most of a day. Hop Sing had water heating so they could all bathe and they were ready to leave for the town in plenty of time.<\/p>\n

It was clearly going to be a late night, so Ben had reserved a suite of rooms for them for the night. Arriving shortly after 6pm, they had plenty of time to get changed into their dress suits. By 7, Joe was putting the last touches to his hair, Hoss was looking as if he wished he were anywhere else on earth and Adam, dressed and ready, was deep in a book.<\/p>\n

There was a knock at the door and a bellhop handed Ben a note. Giving the boy a tip, Ben read the note in growing astonishment and apprehension. \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, looking up from his reading.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeymour Dawson wants me to go to his suite for a few minutes before the ball starts,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI wonder what he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going?\u201d Joe asked, seeing the frown that marred his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d better, I suppose,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cHaving accepted his invitation to the ball, it would be rude to refuse.\u201d He picked up his suit jacket and began to shrug into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with you,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I don\u2019t, but I\u2019d like to,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet you in the reception room, Pa,\u201d Joe told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed. He nodded to Adam, who also had on his suit jacket and the pair of them left the room.<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed, gloomily. \u201cI sure hope there\u2019s some good picking\u2019s at this meal,\u201d he muttered. \u201cIts bin a long time since lunch an\u2019 I\u2019m getting\u2019 plumb puny.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As always when faced with a social occasion, Joe\u2019s excitement was palpable, and he had Hoss persuaded into going to the reception room by 7:45. There were a few people there already and a man servant handed them each a glass of sparkling wine.<\/p>\n

Seeing that there were place cards set out, Joe made it his business to discover where each of them was sitting, finding that they were scattered up the length of the table. Hoss looked disappointed. He examined the names of the ladies that were sitting on either side of him and made a face. Both of them were old enough to be his mother!<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, cheer up!\u201d Joe cajoled him. \u201cThe menu looks good.\u201d He directed Hoss\u2019 attention to the printed menu and laughed cheerfully as his brother began to peruse it with interest. He drifted back towards the door to wait for his father and brother to appear.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBen!\u201d Seymour Dawson rose to his feet as Ben and Adam were admitted into his rooms and hurried over to shake hands. \u201cIt\u2019s been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeymour,\u201d Ben returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Dawson invited, gesturing to a plush sofa. \u201cBrandy?\u201d He poured three glasses without waiting for an answer.<\/p>\n

Exchanging a glance with Adam, Ben saw that his son had noticed the same thing he had; Dawson was unaccountably nervous. As Ben accepted the brandy glass, he saw that his host\u2019s hand was trembling. He raised the glass in a silent toast and took a sip.<\/p>\n

The liquid burned a path down to his stomach and there lit a fire. Ben savored the after taste. \u201cYou keep a good brandy,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Dawson murmured. He gulped his one down, far too fast and poured another. Both Ben and Adam demurred. \u201cBen, you\u2019ll be wondering why I asked you here,\u201d he blurted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am curious,\u201d Ben admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 I wanted to apologies,\u201d Dawson stuttered. \u201cI know you won\u2019t believe me, but I do.\u201d He met Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cBen, when I ran for governor, I didn\u2019t give a thought to anyone else. I just wanted the job. I said whatever I thought people wanted to hear. And here I am, about to host my inaugural ball. But I had a small problem with my heart last month, and there\u2019s nothing like heart pain to make a man repent of his sinful past! The doctors tell me I\u2019m fine, but what do they know? I have to make amends, Ben, and this is the best way I know how. Tonight, I want to get up in front of the good people of this town and beg their forgiveness.\u201d He raked a hand through his hair. \u201cI\u2019ve invited everyone I\u2019ve wronged. But I wanted to talk to you first, so that you would know that this isn\u2019t just another stunt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Ben urged.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I have crossed swords on a number of occasions, and I have to be honest; I often said the opposite to you just to annoy you. I thought you had far too much influence on the other members of the town council and I didn\u2019t feel that it was right that you had an equal voice to the others and you didn\u2019t even live in town!\u201d He waved away the remark that Ben began to make. \u201cOh, I know, you don\u2019t have to say it! I was being childish. But I was jealous of you, Ben! Look at you! You\u2019re successful, happy, you have three wonderful sons. How could I not be jealous of you? But, I\u2019ve grown out of that. I also want tonight to announce my engagement! See? Love and sickness. The two most powerful things in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very happy for you,\u201d Ben replied. He glanced again at Adam and wished that his son\u2019s face wasn\u2019t so unreadable.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut do you believe me?\u201d Dawson demanded. \u201cDo you believe I\u2019m sorry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cYes, Seymour, I do believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a relieved sigh, Dawson slumped bonelessly in his seat. \u201cThank God,\u201d he said, simply. After a moment, he sat up straighter and caught Ben\u2019s eye again. \u201cThere\u2019s something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought there might be,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I deserve that,\u201d Dawson sighed, and Adam wished he\u2019d kept his observation to himself.<\/p>\n

Giving Adam a scorching look for his lack of manners, Ben urged, \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had death threats,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI\u2019m scared. I had hoped that I could ask you to keep an eye on Belinda \u2013 my fianc\u00e9e – for me this evening. If anything happened to her\u2026\u201d His voice trailed off miserably.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do anything we can,\u201d soothed Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d breathed Dawson. \u201cThank you. I\u2019ve arranged to meet Belinda downstairs. Shall we go, gentlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Finishing off their brandy, they rose to their feet and left the room.<\/p>\n

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

From his post just inside the door, Joe watched as Hoss made polite conversation with the people who had already arrived. Doctor Paul Martin was there, talking to the Edwards, who ran a dry goods store. Their \u2018old maid\u2019 daughter was making eyes at Hoss, who was trying to escape her clutches and simultaneously keep an eye on the canap\u00e9s that were being circulated by a waiter. Hoss\u2019 obvious disappointment when he first caught sight of the size of the canap\u00e9s had Joe chortling quietly to himself yet.<\/p>\n

A young lady with jet black hair had entered the room a few minutes before, and although Joe had smiled warmly in her direction, she had done no more than nod at him. A moment or two later, Joe saw the ring sparkling on her left hand and realized that there was no point in pursuing her any further.<\/p>\n

Behind Joe, the door opened again and a shot splintered the air. There was a horrified scream from the ladies present, and Joe instinctively ducked, reaching for a gun that was lying upstairs, in the suite. But before he could move, a hand snaked around his neck and a gun barrel \u2013 still warm from the shot \u2013 was pressed against his head. \u201cNobody move!\u201d a voice ordered.<\/p>\n

Gasping for breath as the arm tightened around his wind pipe, Joe reached up to try and pull the arm away. His hands had barely reached their target when a second gun crashed down across his knuckles. Joe\u2019s right hand dropped to his side, blood streaming down over his fingers.<\/p>\n

Across the room, Joe could see that Hoss had pushed to the front of the small knot of people and was glaring at the men who were holding Joe hostage.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay where you are, fatso!\u201d ordered one of the men. Joe tried to turn his head to see how many there were, but the grip on his throat tightened and he choked.<\/p>\n

Hoss froze. \u201cThat\u2019s ma little brother, mister!\u201d he warned them. \u201cIf\u2019n anythin\u2019 happens ta him, you\u2019ll be sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you good folks in here had better behave yourselves,\u201d retorted the man holding Joe. \u201cOtherwise, your little brother is gonna pay. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting his hand onto Hoss\u2019 arm, Paul Martin came forward. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked, calmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want Seymour Dawson,\u201d the man replied.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat sounded like a shot!\u201d Ben exclaimed, stopping on the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it sounded as though it came from the ballroom,\u201d Adam added, breaking free from his momentary shock. \u201cJoe and Hoss are in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, wait!\u201d Ben commanded, grabbing his son\u2019s arm. \u201cYou can\u2019t go rushing in there until we know what we\u2019re going to face. What good will it do your brothers if you\u2019re killed or injured?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Pa,\u201d Adam apologized. He glanced anxiously down the stairs. \u201cBut how are we going to find out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Their answer came a moment later as a young man ran up the stairs towards them. \u201cGovernor!\u201d he gasped. He pushed Adam out of the way and confronted Dawson. \u201cGovernor, there are three men. They went into the ballroom and are holding everyone in there hostage. They want you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Dawson gasped and sagged back weakly against the wall. \u201cOh no, is Belinda there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied the man. \u201cThey\u2019re holding a gun against this young fellow\u2019s head!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know all this?\u201d Adam demanded, a pang of fear shooting through his belly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was taking the invitations at the door,\u201d he replied, miserably. \u201cWhen I told them it was a private party, one of them hit me and knocked me down. When I got up, I could hear what they were saying and I peeked in through the doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis young fellow,\u201d Ben queried. \u201cWhat does he look like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCurly hair, blue suit,\u201d answered the man. \u201cI couldn\u2019t really see his face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts Joe,\u201d Ben pronounced, tonelessly. \u201cThey\u2019ve got Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grasping Ben\u2019s arm, Adam squeezed it wordlessly. He, too, had feared that the \u2018young fellow\u2019 would be Joe. He had not wanted to ask, because asking would only confirm his brother\u2019s peril. \u201cPa, we\u2019ve got to think of a way to get them out of there,\u201d Adam insisted. He noticed how pale his father was. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d When Ben nodded, Adam suggested, \u201cI\u2019ll go get Roy Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d Ben agreed. He glanced at Dawson. \u201cSeymour? Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think so,\u201d Dawson replied. \u201cYou said Joe. Does that mean your son, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben answered, his gaze drawn back down the stairs. \u201cThey have my son!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Inside the ballroom, Joe kept his gaze locked with Hoss\u2019 trying to reassure his brother that he was all right. When Joe had tried to speak to Hoss, he had received a vicious punch to the stomach that had silenced him. Hoss had made a move, but Doc Martin was able to restrain him, although Joe could feel the medic\u2019s eyes on him, too. The arm around his neck loosened slightly, and Joe was able to breathe more easily. As his immediate situation eased, he became aware of the throbbing of his right hand. Joe\u2019s left hand still held the sleeve of his captor.<\/p>\n

\u201cDawson ain\u2019t in here!\u201d exclaimed one of the men. He had moved around so that he had all the guests covered by his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be comin\u2019,\u201d assured the one who held Joe. \u201cThat little weasel outside the door will be blabbin\u2019 to him right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he don\u2019t come?\u201d asked the third man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll come,\u201d assured the leader. \u201cAfter all, we\u2019ve got his fianc\u00e9e in here, don\u2019t we? He\u2019s said to be desperate in love with her.\u201d He laughed, and Joe clearly heard the gasp from the young lady he had smiled at such a short time ago. \u201cDid ya think we didn\u2019t know who ya was, Miss Belinda?\u201d<\/p>\n

Every head turned to look at Belinda. She was pale, and clutched her wrap close around her neck. Hoss moved over to shield her with his body. \u201cLeave her alone!\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYore so gallant, Cartwright,\u201d sneered the leader. He saw the surprise on Hoss\u2019 face. \u201cOh, yes we know who ya all are.\u201d He shook Joe. \u201cWhere\u2019s yore father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not realizing that he was being addressed, Joe was taken aback when he received another punch. Gasping for breath and trying not to groan aloud, Joe muttered, \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about ya?\u201d the leader asked, nodding at Hoss. \u201cYa know where yore father is?\u201d<\/p>\n

His fists balled, Hoss took a deep breath, trying to control his temper. \u201cNo,\u201d he answered shortly. It was true, he didn\u2019t know the exact whereabouts of his father or older brother, but he could have made a guess.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, it don\u2019t matter. Ya men, git over there.\u201d The man who had hit Joe indicated the seats to the left of the room. \u201cThe ladies over the other side.\u201d There was a perceptible hesitation, and the choke-hold on Joe tightened again dramatically and the leader cocked his gun, pressing it so hard against Joe\u2019s head that the skin whitened beneath the barrel. Joe\u2019s injured hand came up to clutch weakly at the arm that was causing him so much torment. No one hesitated at that point.<\/p>\n

With everyone sitting to the gunmen\u2019s liking, the leader decided that the time had come to show how serious he was. Clicking the safety back on his gun, he nodded to one of the other men. He grinned, wolfishly, and pulled some lengths of rope from his pocket. Hoss straightened abruptly, but once more Doc Martin reminded him to be prudent.<\/p>\n

Letting go of Joe suddenly, and pushing him away, the leader crashed his gun down on Joe\u2019s head as the young man fell forward. Joe was unconscious before he hit the floor. There was a shocked murmur and a muted scream from one of the women. \u201cThat\u2019s what he\u2019ll get again if anyone steps out of line,\u201d the leader mentioned, then knelt by his unconscious prisoner and tightly bound his hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

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

Standing on the first floor landing, Roy Coffee looked grim. \u201cWhat do ya think these men want, Governor?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they want to kill me,\u201d Dawson answered. He was sitting in a plush dining chair that had been brought for him. Ben alternately leant against the wall or paced up and down. Adam leant against the corner by the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat don\u2019t make sense,\u201d Roy declared. \u201cWhat good would killin\u2019 ya do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting a shamed face, Dawson admitted, \u201cI haven\u2019t been altogether honorable in my business dealings in the past. I haven\u2019t done anything illegal, but there are a lot of people who were hurt by what I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut still,\u201d Roy persisted.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Dawson said, \u201cDo you remember Floyd Billings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFloyd Billings?\u201d repeated Roy, frowning. It was Ben who supplied the details.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe used to own the blacksmith\u2019s shop on the edge of town?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s him,\u201d agreed the governor. \u201cWell, I drove him out of business. He owed me a lot of money, and I made him sell his forge to me to cover the debt. As he left town, he vowed that one day, when I was least expecting it, he or his sons would get me. I don\u2019t know, of course, but it could be his sons. There were three of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy exchanged glances with the Cartwrights. \u201cWell, it could be, I guess,\u201d Roy admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter who it is!\u201d Ben roared. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find out what they want and get those people out of there! My sons are in there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it, Ben!\u201d Roy shouted back. \u201cAnd I\u2019m jist goin\u2019 down ta speak ta them right now. You stay here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming with you,\u201d Ben declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you ain\u2019t!\u201d Roy told him. \u201cI\u2019m charge here, an\u2019 I say you ain\u2019t going anywheres near. I know you, Ben. You\u2019d agree to exchange yourself for your boys, an\u2019 that ain\u2019t gonna help the situation one bit! I need ta find out what\u2019s goin\u2019 on in there afore we decide ezzactly what we\u2019re gonna do.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Ben prepared to argue further, Adam straightened up. \u201cPa, Roy\u2019s right,\u201d he admitted reluctantly. \u201cBesides, the men probably wouldn\u2019t be willing to give up their hostages, but they\u2019d likely be happy to have another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drawing in a deep breath, Ben admitted the logic in the argument. \u201cAll right,\u201d he capitulated. \u201cI\u2019ll wait here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere\u2019s someone comin\u2019, George,\u201d reported the man at the door, nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it, Dan?\u201d George asked, looking up from his position beside Joe. He pressed his gun slightly harder into Joe\u2019s right cheek. Joe did not react. His head was thumping and he was desperately uncomfortable, lying on his belly on the floor, with his left cheek pressed hard against the fancy carpet and the gun never more than inches from his right cheek. His hands were slowly going numb. George had one hand on Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like the sheriff ta me,\u201d Dan replied. He caressed the hammer of his gun uneasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d George replied sounding pleased. \u201cNow it really starts.\u201d He glanced over at his captives. \u201cNow, better behave yourselves, folks, \u2018cos the sheriff is payin\u2019 us a visit, an\u2019 I\u2019m sure nobody wants anythin\u2019 else happenin\u2019 ta Joe Cartwright here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing that they all understood his threat, George turned slightly, so that he could still see the hostages, but could also see out of the partially open door. He nodded to Dan, who opened it further. \u201cWhat do ya want, sheriff?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cTa talk ta ya,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cWho are ya an\u2019 what do ya want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019s the Billings boys, sheriff, an\u2019 what we want is real simple; we want Seymour Dawson.\u201d George kept his eyes on Roy. \u201cThat\u2019s far enough,\u201d he warned, pressing the gun into Joe\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Coming to a stop, Roy\u2019s eyes swept over the hostages. As far as he could see, the only one in immediate danger was Joe, although the other two men kept their guns trained on the hostages all the time. \u201cWhat do ya want him fer?\u201d Roy asked, trying to make the question sound reasonable. \u201cHe ain\u2019t goin\u2019 ta do ya no good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like this,\u201d George declared, suddenly sounding angry. \u201cHe\u2019s due us a debt, an\u2019 he\u2019s gonna pay! If\u2019n Dawson don\u2019t get hisself in here real soon, we\u2019re gonna start killin\u2019 hostages.\u201d He yanked Joe to his feet, shaking the helpless youth. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna start with young Cartwright here, \u2018cos his father owes us, too! Our pa went to him for money help, an\u2019 he refused! Now, Dawson better git in here, or Cartwright dies and the next one ta git it is Miss Belinda! You tell him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, hold on, boys,\u201d Roy began, making an attempt to talk them out of this crazy course.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa want proof?\u201d George pushed Joe away from him and calmly pulled his trigger.<\/p>\n

With a groan of pain, Joe collapsed in a heap on the floor, blood pouring from a wound on his thigh. Hoss lumbered to his feet with a roar of anger, and a bullet sang past his ear, fired by the third Billings son. Doc Martin and Edwards wrestled Hoss back into his seat, although it was no easy task.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I ain\u2019t killed Cartwright yet,\u201d George panted. \u201cBut next time I will. You git that message ta Dawson, ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear ya,\u201d Roy agreed, and turned away. The last thing he saw as the door shut was Joe, eyes shut, hands bound, bleeding on the floor.<\/p>\n

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

As the door shut, Paul Martin rose slowly to his feet. Frank Billings eyed him. \u201cWhat do ya want?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, I\u2019m a doctor,\u201d Paul began. \u201cPlease, let me see to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, doc? Ya think he might die?\u201d George asked, and laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d Paul repeated. \u201cPlease let me help him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa can come an\u2019 look,\u201d George allowed. \u201cBut ya don\u2019t do nuthin\u2019 without askin\u2019 me first. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot it,\u201d Paul agreed. \u201cCan Hoss come, too? Joe is his brother.\u201d Paul kept his hand on Hoss\u2019 forearm as a warning, which the middle Cartwright son heeded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but don\u2019t try anythin\u2019!\u201d George warned. He backed away from Joe, keeping Paul and Hoss covered.<\/p>\n

Kneeling by Joe, Paul felt for the pulse in his neck, finding it rapid and thready, as he had expected. Hoss picked up Joe\u2019s head and cradled it on his lap, brushing the hair back from his brother\u2019s forehead and wiping away the sweat that had gathered there. Glancing at George, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019m going to split the leg of his pants so I can see the wound.\u201d George nodded.<\/p>\n

Ripping the fabric up the seam, Paul was soon examining the wound. As he had feared, the bullet hadn\u2019t gone through and was lodged in Joe\u2019s thigh. He glanced up at Hoss, who could see the seriousness of the situation at once. \u201cI need to operate,\u201d Paul stated, still in that voice of calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d George replied. \u201cYa can bandage it up, if\u2019n ya must, but no more\u2019n that. An\u2019 ya, fatty, don\u2019t even think o\u2019 tryin\u2019 ta untie him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s badly injured,\u201d Hoss protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa got a choice, fat boy,\u201d George told him. \u201cYa either leave him like he is, or I put him outa his misery! Which\u2019ll it be?\u201d He laughed as Hoss subsided. \u201cI thought that might be yore choice!\u201d He glanced over his shoulder as Paul Martin began to rip up a tablecloth to make a bandage. \u201cI hope yore watchin\u2019 real close, Miss Belinda, \u2018cos ya might be next!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The brandy burned a path down into his stomach and set Ben to coughing. He looked up into the worried dark brown eyes of his oldest son, and read there the pain that he himself felt. \u201cI\u2019m all right, son,\u201d he insisted, realizing that he had to be strong for Adam\u2019s sake. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Adam replied, although his voice was hoarse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno what we\u2019re gonna do,\u201d Roy admitted. \u201cI cain\u2019t allow ya ta go in there, Governor. They\u2019ll kill ya fer sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I can\u2019t allow them to kill innocent people!\u201d Dawson replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a stand-off,\u201d Roy commented. \u201cAn\u2019 I don\u2019t see no way outa it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s got to be a way!\u201d Ben declared. \u201cWe have to think, and fast.\u201d He had been appalled to realize that Joe was suffering for a sin not his own. He did remember Billings coming to him for financial help, but Ben had been having a bad year, and his cash reserves were low. He had no money to spare for Billings, much as he wanted to help. He had explained that, and Billings had accepted it. But somewhere along the line, the story had been changed; whether by Billings or his sons, Ben didn\u2019t know and could care less. It didn\u2019t matter any more. What did matter was getting those people, and especially Joe and Hoss, out of there!<\/p>\n

Adam glanced across at Clem, the deputy. Their eyes met and Clem nodded. Exactly what he meant, Adam didn\u2019t question. He just needed to know that he had a supporter for his risky plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think this might work,\u201d he began, and went on to outline his plan.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo!\u201d Ben said, definitely.<\/p>\n

Exasperated, Adam replied, \u201cLook, Pa, I\u2019m going to do this whether you approve or not! Even if Dawson went in there, the hostages wouldn\u2019t be safe! Those men are mad! Joe is injured and we need to get help for him. Even though Paul is in there, he won\u2019t have his medical bag with him! Pa, they could all die, and for what? To satisfy a grudge that\u2019s years old?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d began Ben, but his son over-rode him.<\/p>\n

\u201cClem is with me, aren\u2019t you, Clem?\u201d he demanded and the deputy nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Adam is right,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI was about to suggest something very similar myself. Yes, it\u2019s risky, but so is doing nothing.\u201d He glanced at Roy. \u201cThis will work much better if you help us, but there are no guarantees.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are no guarantees in life,\u201d Ben said, softly and Adam felt his father\u2019s warm hand on his shoulder and knew that his father, for whatever reason, had made peace with Adam\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can have faith,\u201d Adam agreed, and they began to make their preparations.<\/p>\n

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

Tenderly lifting Joe\u2019s head, Hoss gave his brother some water. Joe took a few sips before his head lolled back. His breath panted away from him as he tried to control the pain in his leg. \u201cThanks,\u201d he whispered. He tried to move, to find a more comfortable position, but there wasn\u2019t one to be had and he winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d Paul replied. His tone was still measured, but only he knew how much the fa\u00e7ade of calm was costing him. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m sorry you\u2019re so uncomfortable, but with the amount of blood you\u2019ve lost, sitting up would make you faint. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, doc,\u201d Joe panted, valiantly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the spirit, Joe,\u201d Paul replied. He was keeping a close eye on Joe\u2019s leg, for the wound seemed to him to have taken an age to clot. Unobtrusively, Paul kept one hand on Joe\u2019s ankle, so that if the youngest Cartwright tried to move his leg, he would be able to prevent it. With that bullet still in there, doing heaven knows what kind of damage, Paul wasn\u2019t willing to allow Joe the slightest chance to make things worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer are we gonna wait, George?\u201d asked Frank. He was beginning to sound a bit panicky, Paul thought. He glanced at Hoss to see if he had noticed that, too, but Hoss\u2019 concentration was focused on Joe, who once more had his eyes shut. \u201cWhy\u2019nt ya kill Cartwright now, and then we can start on Dawson\u2019s lady love.\u201d He moved towards her.<\/p>\n

Glancing over, Paul saw that most of the women drew back as Billings neared, but Mrs. Edwards put her arm protectively around the younger woman, and her daughter, Annabel, moved in from the other side.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave her alone fer now,\u201d George replied. \u201cIt ain\u2019t been half an hour yet. Gotta let Dawson find his backbone ya know!\u201d He laughed uproariously at his own joke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how long ya gonna give \u2018em?\u201d Frank wanted to know, sounding petulant now. He moved away from Belinda, who allowed herself to relax into Mrs. Edwards\u2019 embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell ya when its bin long enough,\u201d George replied. \u201cNow, keep yer eyes on them hostages.\u201d He wandered over to the small group huddled on the floor. \u201cHow is he?\u201d he asked, kicking Joe in the side.<\/p>\n

Joe let out a fearsome groan, and Hoss gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on his brother\u2019s shoulders to give him support. \u201cLeave him alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease let us untie his hands,\u201d Paul begged. \u201cThis is sadistic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a big word,\u201d George shot back, clearly unimpressed. \u201cI don\u2019t know what it means, but if\u2019n ya think it\u2019s a bad thing, then I think it\u2019s a good thing! His hands stay like that, an\u2019 if\u2019n ya don\u2019t like it, I c\u2019n arrange for his legs to be tied, too. Ya think a hogtie will do him much good?\u201d He laughed at the look on Paul\u2019s face and wandered away again.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Hoss soothed. He used a bit of torn-up tablecloth to wipe Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe mumbled, but he didn\u2019t convince anyone.<\/p>\n

Checking Joe\u2019s leg once more, Paul wished that if rescue was going to come, it would come quickly. The longer the bullet was in Joe\u2019s leg, the more chance there was of infection setting in. Joe had lost a lot of blood; he didn\u2019t need an infection or blood poisoning on top of that.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cReady?\u201d Roy asked, and Dawson, although as white as a sheet, nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so,\u201d he agreed. He pulled himself up straight and drew in a deep breath. \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA minute,\u201d Roy replied. He looked at his watch for a moment longer before tucking it away. \u201cAll right, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, the two men approached the door of the ballroom. It opened as they drew closer and Dan Billings aimed his gun at them. \u201cWe don\u2019t want ya, sheriff!\u201d he warned. \u201cYa git outa here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Backing away, Roy took a long look at Dawson, relieved to see the man looking quite steady. The trickiest, most dangerous part of their plan lay ahead, and Dawson was the one putting his life on the line.<\/p>\n

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

As Dawson entered the ballroom, a murmur of surprise and admiration broke out among the hostages. Belinda half rose to her feet, her face even paler than it had been. Dawson smiled at her. He looked down at Joe. Paul had Joe\u2019s legs elevated, and several coats and tablecloths covering him, helping to keep him warm so that he didn\u2019t go into shock. Joe was extremely pale, and beads of sweat stood out on his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Dawson announced, loudly. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re gonna kill ya, Seymour!\u201d George sneered. \u201cThat\u2019s what we want! Our Pa died a broken man, an\u2019 its all yore fault!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Dawson replied. \u201cIt is my fault, and I\u2019m very sorry.\u201d There was a gasp from the hostages. \u201cI asked everyone here to apologies to them, but I guess its something that I\u2019m years too late in doing. I just hope that they will accept my apologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Billings boys were gaping at each other, taken aback by this admission of guilt. This was exactly what Adam had been hoping for, and before the Billings could recover, there came a tinkling of glass and three men crashed into the room through the windows. Ben, Adam and Clem.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d Ben ordered, as Roy Coffee barreled through the door.<\/p>\n

Dan and Frank dropped their guns, stunned. But George couldn\u2019t bear to see his plans go up in smoke. He whirled away, firing his gun at Dawson, who went down, a sudden bloom of red on his ornate vest. It was Hoss who acted to stop George; Hoss, who had been agonizing over his brother\u2019s safety all evening. In one smooth move, he rose and walloped George across the ear. The stunned man barely knew what hit him as he tumbled across the floor, to end up at Clem\u2019s feet. The deputy aimed his gun at him, and it was suddenly all over.<\/p>\n

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

While Roy and Clem took the Billings down to the jail, with help from Edwards, Ben and Adam hurried over to Joe. Hoss was already crouching by his brother once more, this time freeing his hands. Seeing the state that Joe was in, Ben trembled with a combination of anger and fear. He dropped to his knees, one hand touching Hoss\u2019 shoulder. Hoss put his huge hand over his father\u2019s and squeezed. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d he assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben whispered, brushing the damp curls back from his son\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

Drawn by that voice, Joe opened pain-filled green eyes. \u201cPa?\u201d he croaked. He tried for a smile, but winced as Hoss carefully drew his hands out from behind his back and began to rub some life back into them. Adam moved to take Joe\u2019s right hand, but froze as he saw the blood on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right, Joe,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cPaul\u2019s going to take good care of you.\u201d Glancing over to where Dawson lay, Ben felt a sudden tremor of fear. If Dawson\u2019s wound was more serious, Joe would have to wait. While Ben didn\u2019t grudge Dawson the treatment necessary to save his life, he could wish that there was another doctor around who could help Joe.<\/p>\n

As though sensing Ben\u2019s eyes on them, Paul Martin turned round. \u201cAdam,\u201d he ordered, \u201crun down to my office and get my things. Alert Mrs. Carmody, and tell her I\u2019ll need bandages, chloroform, splints and sutures. Hoss, get the kitchen to boil me some water. I\u2019ll have to operate here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is Dawson?\u201d Ben asked, not relinquishing his place by Joe\u2019s side, as his other sons hurried off to do the doctor\u2019s bidding.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a flesh wound,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cWent straight through his side. Plenty of blood and he\u2019ll need a few stitches, but he\u2019ll be all right.\u201d He turned to smile at Belinda, who was kneeling by Dawson\u2019s side, oblivious of the blood staining her dress.<\/p>\n

Relief flooded Ben\u2019s being. The gamble had paid off and both Joe and Dawson would be all right. He glanced down at Joe, and realized that his son\u2019s eyes were closed. \u201cJoe?\u201d he asked. When there was no response, he repeated, \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Moments later, Paul was at his side. \u201cHe\u2019s gone into shock. I\u2019ve got to operate at once, or we could lose him! Where is Adam with those supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The atmosphere in the ballroom was tense. All the hostages had left, apart from Hoss and the only people who remained in the room were the Cartwrights and Paul Martin. Dawson had been helped upstairs after his wound had been temporarily bandaged by Belinda. Paul had worked frantically over Joe while they waited for Adam to arrive with the things he needed.<\/p>\n

Now, the instruments were all sterilized, and Paul had washed thoroughly. \u201cReady?\u201d he asked Ben, who was assisting him.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady,\u201d Ben agreed, although he wasn\u2019t at all sure he was ready to see his son\u2019s flesh being cut in to.<\/p>\n

Throwing aside the covers, Paul used scissors to cut away the torn pants leg. Ben gasped as he got his first view of his son\u2019s injury. Joe\u2019s leg was red and swollen, stained with rusty dried blood. As Paul began to wipe away the blood, the wound began to seep again. \u201cHere goes,\u201d Paul said and took up the scalpel.<\/p>\n

There was blood \u2013 lots of it \u2013 and Ben was kept busy wiping it away. Paul cut carefully through the muscle, avoiding the major blood vessels. He kept silent, for the inside of Joe\u2019s leg was a mess, and would need more stitches to put it back together than the external wound would.<\/p>\n

But at last, he located the bullet, against Joe\u2019s femur. With a sigh of relief, he extracted it. Now, the work really began. Threading a needle, he began the long job of closing up the injury. Ben kept wiping away blood, but as Paul repaired the damage, the bleeding slowed, then stopped. Paul could feel his hands shaking with fatigue, and he didn\u2019t speak, except to ask for something he needed. Eventually, the last stitch went in, and Paul sat up. His back ached from the uncomfortable position he had been forced to work in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just clean up, then bandage his leg,\u201d Paul told Ben. \u201cI\u2019m going to put on a splint, too, to prevent him from moving that leg.\u201d He washed swiftly, relieved to get the blood off his hands. He wondered if the Cartwrights knew how much blood Joe had lost. Looking at their faces, he thought they had a fair idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as this is done,\u201d Paul commented, \u201cWe can move him to a warm bed. I\u2019ll have a look at Seymour, then I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul,\u201d Ben murmured. He closed his eyes for a moment, drained. He opened them again as Hoss asked,<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat cha doin\u2019 that fer, doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best splint in the world for your leg is your other leg,\u201d Paul explained. He almost sounded amused. He had tucked the long splint board between Joe\u2019s legs and was now bandaging them together. He wound them around Joe\u2019s ankles, before knotting the ends together.<\/p>\n

Working together, the Cartwrights transferred Joe to the stretcher Adam had brought and they carried him carefully up to their suite, where Joe was tucked into bed. Paul checked his pulse. \u201cHe\u2019s stable, and his pulse is steady,\u201d he announced. \u201cI\u2019ll be back as soon as I can, Ben. But expect him to run a temperature. His body has had a dreadful shock. Get as much fluid into him as you can, and take turns sitting with him. It won\u2019t do Joe any good if his family get sick, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you get some sleep now?\u201d Adam proposed as Paul left. \u201cYou\u2019ve had quite an evening, too. Use my bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Hoss, reluctantly. Even though he hated to admit it, Hoss was exhausted. The emotional strain of the evening had taken its toll on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you lie down on Hoss\u2019 bed,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cThen you\u2019ll be right here if Joe needs you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben replied, briskly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re exhausted,\u201d Adam noted. \u201cPa, lie down. I\u2019ll waken you if there\u2019s any change, I promise.\u201d He tried a smile. \u201cAfter all, you\u2019re right here in the same room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed, wearily. He moved across the room and lay down on the bed that Hoss had been going to sleep in. Despite his worries, it took him only a few minutes to fall asleep.<\/p>\n

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

Throughout the night, Joe\u2019s temperature raged unchecked. Adam bathed his head constantly, and about 3 am woke Ben. \u201cPa, he\u2019s worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alert at once, Ben scrambled from the bed to cross the room. Two hectic spots burned on Joe\u2019s pale cheeks and sweat beaded his face and chest. \u201cWhere\u2019s Paul?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI\u2019ll go get him, but I didn\u2019t want to leave Joe alone.\u201d He exited the room quickly, glancing back only once.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d Adam said, urgently, shaking the sleeping physician\u2019s shoulder. Paul was sprawled on the couch in the living room of the Cartwright\u2019s suite. \u201cPaul!\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming from a deep sleep, Paul looked momentarily confused, but as he focused on Adam\u2019s face, he realized at once what was wrong. \u201cIs Joe worse?\u201d he asked, sitting up and throwing off the throw he had been using as a blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s burning up,\u201d Adam replied and followed Paul back across the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he roused at all?\u201d Paul asked, reaching for his stethoscope, which he had left lying beside the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cBriefly,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cHe opened his eyes, but went straight back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d Paul wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of hours ago,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cHe did try and smile at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTurn up that light,\u201d Paul instructed as he put his stethoscope aside, apparently satisfied. He carefully unwrapped some of the bandages around Joe\u2019s leg, and studied it closely. The leg had swelled, and Paul was forced to loosen all the bandages and splints. He swabbed the wound with alcohol again and gave Joe some quinine.\u00a0 After forcing some more sugar water down Joe\u2019s throat, he sat back and waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben questioned, looking anxiously at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s very hot, certainly,\u201d Paul replied, calmly. \u201cAnd although he looks bad, he could be much worse. The leg has swelled, and I really should have expected that, given the damage and the amount of work it took to repair it.\u00a0 But it\u2019s not infected, so let\u2019s see how the quinine does.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a time, they sat in silence. Ben bathed Joe\u2019s head continually, but he gradually noticed that Joe was becoming cooler. He glanced at Paul, who was holding Joe\u2019s wrist between his fingers. Paul smiled. \u201cYes, he\u2019s a bit cooler,\u201d Paul nodded. \u201cThe quinine has helped. His heart isn\u2019t having to work so hard now.\u201d Laying Joe\u2019s hand down beside its mate, he nodded. \u201cI\u2019m going back to bed and Adam, I suggest you get some sleep. Joe should be able to rest more peacefully now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Convinced by Paul\u2019s calm demeanor, Adam agreed. He lay down on the bed that Ben had vacated such a short time before and was asleep in an instant.<\/p>\n

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

By morning, Joe was conscious, although in a great deal of pain. Paul checked over his wound again, and was pleased to note that the swelling was no worse and the redness was fading. He took the time to check Joe\u2019s bruised, scraped right hand in more detail and although he bandaged it up, to protect the swollen skin on his fingers, he was pleased to be able to report that the hand wasn\u2019t broken. Paul gave Joe some morphine and the young man drifted back off to sleep.<\/p>\n

While Paul was off checking on his other patient, Hoss insisted that Ben and Adam go downstairs to have some breakfast. He had eaten while Paul was with Joe. Hungry now that his worry was assuaged, Ben agreed. He realized that he hadn\u2019t eaten since the previous lunch time, and even then, anticipating the feast at night, lunch had been very light.<\/p>\n

Halfway through their bacon and flapjacks, Roy Coffee came into the dining room and looked around. Ben lifted an acknowledging hand and Roy joined them, helping himself to coffee. \u201cMornin\u2019, Ben, Adam,\u201d he muttered. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little better,\u201d Ben allowed. \u201cHis fever is down a bit. Did you have any trouble with the Billings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roy answered. \u201cThey was all blamin\u2019 each other for their plan goin\u2019 wrong. Don\u2019t worry, Ben, they won\u2019t be walkin\u2019 free fer a long time.\u201d He took a sip of his coffee. \u201cHow\u2019s Dawson this mornin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen him,\u201d Ben confessed. \u201cPaul was going up to check on him when we came down here.\u201d Ben was rather embarrassed to discover that he hadn\u2019t given Dawson a single thought since the previous night, and yet, if it hadn\u2019t been for the man\u2019s courage, Joe might well have died. \u201cI really ought to check on him,\u201d Ben muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Ben, he\u2019ll understand if\u2019n you don\u2019t. You\u2019ve got Joe to worry about. I\u2019m sure Miss Belinda is up there right now, fussin\u2019 over him!\u201d Roy gave Ben a clumsy pat on the shoulder and heaved himself to his feet. \u201cI\u2019ll jist mosey on up there an\u2019 see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two Cartwrights sat in silence for a few moments. Ben looked with sudden disgust at the food on his plate and pushed it away. \u201cJoe\u2019s going to be fine, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure hope he is, son,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe came so close to losing him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam reminded him. \u201cJoe\u2019s tough. He\u2019ll get better, Pa, I know he will.\u201d He studied Ben\u2019s face closely. \u201cWhat\u2019s worrying you, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s leg,\u201d Ben answered, honestly. \u201cI saw how bad it was. Do you suppose he\u2019ll ever walk straight again? Or will he always have a limp?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cOf course we want Joe to get completely better, but we won\u2019t love him any the less if he limps, will we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, that was so silly of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019re all entitled to be a bit silly sometimes, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him. \u201cAnd especially after a night like last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Since the hostage taking had involved the governor, it was amazing how quickly the whole thing came to trial. Seymour Dawson was back on his feet within a few days, and came to visit Joe as soon as he was allowed visitors.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, Joe?\u201d Dawson asked, sitting down carefully in a chair.<\/p>\n

Still lying flat on his back, Joe replied, \u201cFine, thanks, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

From behind Dawson, Ben made a tutting noise. \u201cThat means he\u2019s not going to die right this minute, Seymour,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cJoe always makes light of his health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s rude to make light of someone else\u2019s health,\u201d Joe replied, so politely, that it took Ben a moment to realize that he was being cheeked!<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait until you\u2019re up and around again, young man!\u201d Ben threatened, but Joe looked singularly unworried, he noticed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to apologies to you, Joe,\u201d Seymour went on. \u201cIt was my fault you were in that position in the first place. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just bad luck,\u201d Joe replied, uncomfortably.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, either way, I\u2019m sorry you got hurt.\u201d Seymour rose. \u201cWill you be able to testify at the trial? It\u2019s starting in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Startled, Joe shot a glance at Ben, who intercepted it smoothly. \u201cIt will depend what the doctor says,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cJoe hasn\u2019t managed to sit up yet and walking is out of the question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d Seymour muttered, sounding disappointed. \u201cJoe\u2019s testimony would be wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Joe a reassuring smile, Ben ushered the governor into the living room, pulling the bedroom door closed behind him. \u201cSeymour,\u201d Ben hissed, \u201cJoe almost died! Do you know how much blood he lost? How long Paul operated on him?\u201d He shook his head. \u201cHe won\u2019t be testifying at the trial in a few days, believe me!\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben saw before him the arrogant man who had run for governor. He held Seymour\u2019s gaze for a long moment, and the other man dropped his eyes. \u201cOf course, what was I thinking of?\u201d he muttered. \u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI understand. But at least you\u2019ll have Hoss. He was there, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving Ben a mischievous grin, Seymour replied, \u201cJoe would have been better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of here!\u201d Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

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

When the trial began two days later, Joe was sitting up for the first time. He was also complaining, as he had been for several days, about having his legs bandaged together. The pain from his wound had settled into a deep ache, but within himself, Joe was feeling better. He wanted to get home, but Paul had vetoed that idea for another few days.<\/p>\n

The first day of the trial, Adam and Hoss went off together in the morning, and Ben stayed with Joe. In the afternoon, Adam stayed with Joe and Ben went with Hoss. Hoss wasn\u2019t called to give evidence until the second day, and despite defense counsel\u2019s attempts to make a fool of him, Hoss kept his head and gave his evidence in a cool, clear voice. By the end of the third day, the Billings were sentenced to twenty years in jail.<\/p>\n

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

As they took Joe home a few days later, Adam commented, \u201cSo Seymour really has turned over a new leaf. Who\u2019d have believed it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, stranger things have happened,\u201d Ben commented, sagely. \u201cI can\u2019t think of any right now, but I\u2019m sure I will, given time.\u201d They all laughed. \u201cI still can\u2019t get over him thinking Joe would be well enough to give evidence at that trial.\u201d He glanced over his shoulder to where his youngest son was deep in a drugged slumber for the journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pretty single-minded,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cI think Belinda will keep him on the straight and narrow though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beside them, Hoss sighed. Ben cocked an eyebrow at him. \u201cI jist hope Joe gits better quick,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt weren\u2019t fair, them pickin\u2019 on him like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben agreed, hiding his deep fear that Joe was going to be left very lame indeed.<\/p>\n

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

It was almost 2 months before the swelling in Joe\u2019s leg was gone. Until then, he had had to borrow pants from Adam and Ben that would allow his swollen leg to fit in. It had bruised almost every color of the rainbow, but the scar was fading nicely. By then, Joe had discarded his crutches and the stick he\u2019d graduated on to and was limping around.<\/p>\n

Coming into the house one wet afternoon, Ben found Joe standing leaning morosely against the chimney breast, gazing into the flames as though mesmerized. He glanced up when Ben came in, but didn\u2019t speak, his gaze returning to the dancing flames.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben asked, shucking his coat and going over. \u201cAre you in pain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe replied, \u201cNot really, Pa. My leg kind of aches. Well, not really that, either. I\u2019m just kind of aware of that bit of my leg all the time. It feels different. Do you know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think so,\u201d Ben agreed, hesitantly. \u201cAnd are you worried about it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was,\u201d Joe answered, honestly. \u201cI went in to see Doc Martin.\u201d He caught the surprised look on Ben\u2019s face before his father could hide it and smiled, ruefully. \u201cI know \u2013 I\u2019d do anything to avoid the guy usually and here I went in to see him. Pretty funny, huh?\u201d He couldn\u2019t quite hide the quaver in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did Paul say?\u201d Ben queried gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe explained about the damage to the muscles. He said that although he stitched it all back together as best he could, muscles don\u2019t always heal that well. He says there might be a little weakness there all my life, but he\u2019s confident the limp will go. Some things might make my leg hurt more than others. He said I would have to decide whether or not to continue doing those things. Was the enjoyment worth the discomfort?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich things?\u201d Ben asked, knowing this was the crux of the matter.<\/p>\n

\u201cRiding mostly,\u201d Joe replied in an off hand manner. \u201cHe also reminded me that it\u2019s not that long since the accident and I ought to give it another few months before I become too fed up with things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can put up with the discomfort,\u201d Joe responded. \u201cPaul says it\u2019ll probably not hurt as much as time goes on, and I\u2019ll get used to it.\u201d He met Ben\u2019s gaze. \u201cAnd this is how I see it, Pa. I can either sit about here and moan and complain that my leg isn\u2019t what it used to be, or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr?\u201d Ben prompted, when Joe stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr I can just do what I\u2019ve always done and get on with things. The limp will work out soon enough; I\u2019ve noticed an improvement recently. I\u2019m young, and I\u2019ve got my whole life ahead of me. I\u2019d be pretty poor company for you if I complained all the time, wouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s a very sensible attitude, Joe,\u201d Ben responded, slowly. His heart swelled with pride for the young man in front of him. \u201cI\u2019m very proud of you, son.\u201d He put his arms round Joe and Joe responded eagerly.<\/p>\n

They broke apart as Adam and Hoss came in, shedding raindrops with their slickers. \u201cSorry,\u201d Adam said, seeing that Ben still had his arm round Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cDid we interrupt something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe assured him, his face still glowing. \u201cI was just telling Pa that this leg is getting better and better and do you know what he did?\u201d He turned a mock-indignant face to his father, who raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe called me sensible!\u201d Joe complained, jovially, and they all laughed.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 After receiving a surprise invitation to the governor\u2019s inaugural ball, Ben soon discovers that he has more to fear than just the governor\u2019s intentions.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (9,400 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Family-3.jpg?fit=272%2C320&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5613"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5613\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13074"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}