Summary: The Cartwrights go after the Dalton brothers and Joe struggles to face the horrors done to him in the cabin in order to leave the darkness and come into A New Light.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 MA (graphic violence and adult subject matter) WC 56,939<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Stay in the Darkness Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Stay in the Darkness<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The tree that never had to fight, for sun and sky and air and light,<\/em><\/p>\n But stood out in the open plain, and always got its share of rain,<\/em><\/p>\n Never became a forest king but lived and died a scrubby thing.<\/em><\/p>\n The man who never had to toil, to gain and farm his patch of soil,<\/em><\/p>\n Who never had to win his share, of sun and sky and light and air,<\/em><\/p>\n Never became a manly man, but lived and died as he began.<\/em><\/p>\n Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger wind, the stronger trees,<\/em><\/p>\n The further sky, the greater length, the more the storm the more the strength.<\/em><\/p>\n By sun and cold, by rain and snow, in trees and men good timbers grow.<\/em><\/p>\n Where thickest lies the forest growth, we find the patriarchs of both.<\/em><\/p>\n And they hold counsel with the stars, whose broken branches show the scars.<\/em><\/p>\n Of many winds and much of strife, this is the common law of life.<\/em><\/p>\n –“Good Timber,” by Douglas Malloch<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A New Light<\/strong><\/p>\n The barn was dark and foreboding as Ben reached for the newly filled shot glass which his son had sailed across the rough wooden table at him.\u00a0 He shakily lifted the drink up to his mouth, and at Joe\u2019s insistence, he took a sip of the rot-gut.<\/p>\n \u201cDrink your whiskey, Pa!\u201d The shout from across the table sang out the order.<\/p>\n Ben could not see the boy\u2019s face, due to it being pitch black in the back of the barn, but he knew that Joe was serious in all of his threats.\u00a0 Hearing the metallic clicking of his son\u2019s Colt revolver filled the terrified father\u2019s heart with dread.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m drinking, Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 He replied anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cAm I crazy NOW<\/strong>, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Son, you\u2019ve just been hurt so badly, and you\u2019re just not thinking straight right now.\u00a0 Ease that hammer down, Joseph.\u00a0\u00a0 You don\u2019t want that gun to go off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go up there, Pa.\u00a0 There\u2019s pain in the light.\u00a0 Stay in the darkness, you\u2019ll be safe there,\u201d Joe repeated the same three sentences over and over again.<\/p>\n Ben attempted to reach over for his son, even though he was obscured due to the total absence of light.\u00a0 He wanted to take the gun away from the boy before he accidently fired the pistol.\u00a0 But, he was never able to find either Joe\u2019s hand or his weapon due to the darkness which created the biggest obstacle.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, it\u2019s going to be okay.\u00a0 Now just un-cock that hammer, and ease it down please,\u201d Pa tried his best to sound calm, though he felt anything but that at the present.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, my hands were tied in front of me this time, not behind me like the last time.\u00a0 But, wait, did I tell you that already?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Son, you did.\u00a0 Now ease that hammer down.\u00a0 Then I want you to hand that gun over to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think that I\u2019m crazy!\u00a0 I know you do!\u201d\u00a0 Joe yelled accusingly at his father and then lifted his weapon higher.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joseph —- I don\u2019t think that you are crazy.\u00a0 You\u2019re just very troubled — due to all that you went through up at that cabin.\u00a0 I know those men hurt you — hurt you very badly.\u00a0 Now please <\/strong>ease that hammer down before there\u2019s an accident.\u00a0 It\u2019s too dark in here, Son, and it could go off even if you\u2019re not trying to do it,\u201d Ben continued to plead with his youngest.<\/p>\n \u201cEase the hammer down before there\u2019s an accident?\u201d Joe questioned, repeating his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Pa, there won\u2019t be an accident.\u00a0 Are you drinking your whiskey, Pa?\u00a0 If you want to hear this you have to drink!\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached over and retrieved the shot glass.\u00a0 He refilled it quickly and shoved it back over in the direction of his father\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll drink as soon as you ease that hammer down and set your gun on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot this time, Pa.\u00a0 There\u2019s pain in the light and I\u2019m never going to go up there again!\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted.<\/p>\n The resounding blast from Joe\u2019s Colt filled the barn.\u00a0 Ben sprang from his chair and reached across the table to where his son had been.\u00a0 Before he could find the boy, Pa heard a thud as Joe\u2019s body fell from his chair and landed on the hay covered floor.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben screamed out in terror.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered as he reached over and shook his father\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cPa, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gasped loudly and grabbed his son\u2019s hand, holding onto it fiercely.\u00a0 It was Joseph and he was alive!\u00a0 Ben\u2019s eyes searched the boy\u2019s face and then surveyed the interior of the stagecoach.\u00a0 Fighting to catch his breath, Pa stared again over at his son sitting there next to him.\u00a0 It had all been a nightmare, and only parts of it had been real.\u00a0 Ben remembered, days earlier, when both Joseph and he had sat there in the darkened barn.\u00a0 The boy had indeed sent over a shot glass full of whiskey to him and he had demanded that his pa drink it.\u00a0 Joseph had done that several times and always with the same urgency for his pa to drink the liquor before he would talk to him.\u00a0 Joe also had held his Colt revolver in his hand and had cocked the hammer numerous times.\u00a0 As his son recounted some of the horrible details of what had been done to him during his three months held in captivity, Ben had been terrified that the weapon would go off.\u00a0 Thus, the nightmare had been a partial rehashing of events which had been only too real.\u00a0 Fortunately, Pa had been able to talk Joe into handing his gun over to him before there had been a terrible accident.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Joseph, I guess I was having a bad dream,\u201d Pa apologized to his son. He then attempted to send over a convincing smile to the boy, in order to hide the awful details of what he had just experienced.<\/p>\n Joe frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I know all about nightmares.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t just have a bad dream.\u00a0 You had a nightmare, there is a difference.\u00a0 I know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you get any sleep?\u201d Ben chose to change the subject.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe nodded, and straightened the dark glasses which had slipped down from the bridge of his nose.\u00a0 \u201cI did okay until the light came up.\u00a0 I had to dig my glasses out of your coat pocket.\u00a0 You said you\u2019d give them to me by daybreak again, but you were out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Son,\u201d Ben once more apologized.\u00a0 He had planned on making sure that Joe had those glasses on even if he was still asleep.\u00a0 The boy must have been in a real panic when he woke in time for the light to shine through the stage coach windows.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we should be in to San Francisco in just a few hours.\u00a0 I can already smell the sea air.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe leaned back against the hard non-cushioned wooden seat and his face filled with apprehension.\u00a0\u00a0 He was afraid of a lot of things, and all due to the months he had been held against his will in the root cellar of a cabin.\u00a0 Joe had found his only refuge to be in the darkness which the cellar had offered, whereas the light of the cabin brought non-stop horrors.\u00a0 He could still hear the voices of the two men who held him captive and could feel and remember vividly all the ways they had tortured his body and mind.<\/p>\n Ben noticed how Joseph had grown suddenly quiet and watched as his body became rigid as he leaned back.\u00a0 He knew that his son had been transported again into the torment he had endured for so long.\u00a0 Ben prayed that Doctor Harold Peele would be able to assist his nephew by trying to glean all of the details of what Joe had endured in order to help the boy.\u00a0 Joe had only revealed a few things to his Pa during the painful confrontation there in the barn several days ago.\u00a0 But Ben knew that there were far more horrendous methods of torture which his son had gone through there in that cabin.\u00a0 Both he and Doctor Paul Martin had observed signs of abuse which could best be considered sadistic in nature.\u00a0 Ben had felt helpless to address those particular incidents, but he had hope that Doctor Peele would find a well-qualified doctor who could help Joseph to finally divulge all that had been done to him.\u00a0 On top of the emotional effects of all of that, Joe also had a very badly broken leg which had been caused by the evil men who had imprisoned him.\u00a0 Doctor Peele had sent wires to Ben and Doctor Paul Martin, and had assured them both that he had found a very qualified surgeon who would, hopefully, repair the damage to his son\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Joe,\u201d Ben called and handed the boy the canteen.\u00a0 \u201cDrink some of this.\u00a0 We should be stopping one more time before we reach the hospital and we\u2019ll get something to eat there.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took a few sips of the lukewarm water and then passed it back to his father.\u00a0 Ben noticed that the boy leaned forward and put both of his hands over his face.\u00a0 He was well aware of the fact that Joe was scared about going to the hospital and was worried about whether his dark glasses would shield him from the light there.<\/p>\n \u201cYour uncle will make sure you\u2019re comfortable, Joseph.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have anything to worry about.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get that leg of yours fixed and then we\u2019ll soon be home,\u201d Ben tried his best to sound confident in order to keep Joe from panicking.\u00a0 He placed his arm around the boy\u2019s shoulder and hoped that Joseph would find comfort in his touch.\u00a0 Joe had resisted any help from his father for the two weeks since he had been rescued and brought back home from the remote town of Littleton, and from the secluded cabin where he had spent his captivity.\u00a0 He had been under the wrong conclusion that his pa had left him months ago and had chosen to simply ride away with his brother Adam.\u00a0 It was only after his agonizing conversation with his father there in the darkness of the barn, that Joe learned the facts of what had happened that day over three months ago.\u00a0 Preston Hilliard had gotten both Ben and Adam to his ranch under false pretenses about signing over water rights to the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Once they arrived, a known gunslinger, J.T. Bridger had come out of the house unexpectedly and had drawn down on Adam.\u00a0 Adam was fast, but J.T. was much faster.\u00a0 Adam ended up with a hole in his side, but his bullet had missed hitting J.T…\u00a0 Preston had told Ben to leave with his son and get him to the doctor\u2019s office in Virginia City.\u00a0 Ben had gotten Adam onto his horse and had started out of the Hilliard ranch when Preston shouted for him to turn around.\u00a0 It was then that Ben had seen Joseph lying unconscious at the threshold of Preston\u2019s house and both Hilliard and J.T. had their guns pointed at Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 Preston warned that if Ben didn\u2019t leave right then that Joseph would be killed.\u00a0 Ben had no other choice, and had done as he was ordered and had left for town.\u00a0 But, he had sent Sheriff Roy Coffee right out to the Hilliard ranch once he had gotten Adam to Doc\u2019s to tend his wound.\u00a0 It had been a cat and mouse game.\u00a0 And somehow Preston must have gotten a hold of the two evil men in the interim and they had taken Joe to the cabin in Littleton which was over a day and a half\u2019s journey away.\u00a0 On top of that, Ben learned from Joseph that he had returned to consciousness just in time to see his father and his brother leaving.\u00a0 Joe had felt that Pa had simply rode off with Adam and left him there in the hands of the maniacs who had taken him away and tortured him for months.<\/p>\n So, now, after two straight weeks of Joe not letting his father get anywhere near him, Ben was so relieved that his youngest had allowed him to tell him exactly why he had left the Hilliard ranch without him.\u00a0 That information was the reason why Joe had stopped being angry at both his father and Adam.\u00a0 The catalyst to learning the truth of the matter had happened due to a scuffle with his eldest brother, when Adam had inadvertently knocked off Joe\u2019s dark glasses.\u00a0 And once the sunlight had hit him, Joe was forced to hide in the barn and later revealed to his Pa the horrors which existed in light of any kind.\u00a0 Now his family, along with the two doctors, Peele and Martin, knew that they had to do everything in their power to keep Joseph from dealing with light.\u00a0 Joe had insisted to all who would listen that there was indeed pain in the light.\u00a0 Doctor Martin had assisted in helping the frightened young man by giving him the dark shaded glasses to wear to keep the light at bay.\u00a0 And now, Joe wouldn\u2019t even go to sleep unless those glasses were on him.\u00a0 He had only taken them off twice, and both of those times were in the stagecoach which he and his father were now passengers as they headed to the hospital in San Francisco where his uncle was the Chief of Staff.\u00a0 Ben had kept up with the glasses to help his son, and it was only that one occasion where he had not awakened in time to put them on the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m scared, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered and pulled his hands back down from his face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay to be scared, Joe.\u00a0 All of us are scared of something, you know?\u00a0 But, once you talk to Doctor Peele, well, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll see that he\u2019s got everything set for you.\u00a0 Now you just try to relax, we ought to be to the next way station in just a little while,\u201d Ben tried his best to get his son to settle back and not worry.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Doctor Harold Peele strode briskly down one of the long corridors of the St. Francis Hospital, as he hurried to meet his guests.\u00a0 He had been advised by his manservant, Robert Weems, that both Ben and Joe Cartwright had arrived at the stage depot and that he had shepherded them to the hospital where they now waited at the admissions office.\u00a0 Harold wasted no time to meet up with his nephew and his father, and was soon staring over at the two men.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s appearance had thrown the good doctor for a loop.\u00a0 If it hadn\u2019t been for the fact that the young man was standing next to the very recognizable features of Ben Cartwright, Harold would never have guessed the boy was Joe.\u00a0 He was so very thin and those dark abundant curls Joseph was very well known for were gone.\u00a0 Harold also hadn\u2019t missed the way that the boy leaned heavily on the cane there at his side along with the dark colored glasses perched on his nose.\u00a0 Doctor Peele had tried to pretend that Joe\u2019s appearance had not shocked him, so he put on his most convincing smile and walked over to the two Cartwrights.<\/p>\n \u201cBen!\u00a0 Joseph!\u00a0 How good it is to see you!\u201d Harold sang out and offered Ben his out-stretched hand and settled for a brief pat to Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cHarold, thank you so much for getting back to us so quickly,\u201d Ben smiled and then looked over at Joe.\u00a0 The boy seemed very distracted.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Uncle,\u201d Joe nodded towards the doctor, shaking himself from his thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind all of this paperwork nonsense, Ben.\u00a0 We can get that done later.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get an orderly to bring your bags.\u00a0 Let me show you both to your room,\u201d Harold insisted and turned back down the hallway.\u00a0 He made sure to slow his pace, seeing that Joseph was having issues with his leg at the time.<\/p>\n Before long Harold opened a door to a room which sat just off from his personal office and bid both men inside.\u00a0 Once Joe walked into the room, Harold looked directly over at Ben and nodded to let him know he was well aware of the light problem and how it had a negative effect on his nephew.\u00a0 Ben noticed the two kerosene lanterns on either side of the small room were both turned down to half wick.\u00a0 He smiled over at Harold and whispered a thank you to the man.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, since I don\u2019t happen to be using this room right now, I had it fixed up for the two of you.\u00a0 I figured you both would be much more comfortable in a room together, and it will save your father some steps once you\u2019ve had the surgery on your leg, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Joe replied and tried his best not to show how ill at ease he was feeling to be in the hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cI do need to speak to your pa, Joe.\u00a0 It won\u2019t take too long, but in the meanwhile I\u2019ve got an old friend of yours who really wanted to see you.\u00a0 So maybe the two of you can talk for just a bit while Ben and I get all that dull paperwork tended to?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked over at the doctor confusion painting his face.\u00a0\u00a0 He had no idea who would want to see him.\u00a0 Harold opened the door and signaled Nurse Hastings into the room.<\/p>\n \u201cYou remember Nurse Hastings don\u2019t you, Ben?\u201d Harold said.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 How nice to see you,\u201d Ben nodded to the nurse as she headed over to see his son.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see you again, Mr. Cartwright! Joe, it\u2019s been far too long since I\u2019ve laid eyes on you!\u201d The woman exclaimed and walked over to the young man seated on the bed.\u00a0 It had been Joe Cartwright who had saved the nurse several years ago from a violent patient who had wielded a scalpel.\u00a0 The boy had taken a large gash to his abdomen in order to keep the woman safe.\u00a0 Nurse Hastings looked over at Joe now and her heart went out to him.\u00a0 Doctor Peele had informed her prior to his arrival that he was in bad shape and needed a lot of help.<\/p>\n \u201cHi.\u00a0 How are you?\u201d Joe responded.<\/p>\n \u201cJust fine,\u201d She said, and turned briefly and smiled over at Harold and nodded his way to let the doctor know that she had the situation well in hand.<\/p>\n \u201cBe right back, Joseph,\u201d Ben called and walked out of the room along with Harold.<\/p>\n **************<\/p>\n Harold poured a cup of coffee and handed it over to his friend.\u00a0 He could read the worry all over Ben\u2019s troubled face.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Paul sent you this,\u201d Ben remarked and drew out the letter and handed it over to the doctor.<\/p>\n Harold pointed for Ben to take a seat as he moved behind his desk and grabbed his eyeglasses and also sat down.\u00a0 \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t mind if I take a minute to read this, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, of course I won\u2019t.\u00a0 I want you to know everything before I fill you in with my own opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n Harold nodded and began to read Doctor Martin\u2019s lengthy letter regarding Joe\u2019s condition.\u00a0 By the time he was done with the letter Harold wore a tired frown on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cThe poor kid has really been through the mill this time, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath before replying.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Harold, and that\u2019s saying the very least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Ben, I hardly recognized Joe a minute ago there at admissions.\u00a0 I can understand why he\u2019s so thin and why he\u2019s got that cane and those glasses.\u00a0 But, why the short hair cut?\u00a0 I\u2019ve never seen Joe without long hair.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, so bereft by all that had gone on in the past three months that he was finding it almost impossible to explain.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph\u2019s hair was long and all matted up when he was found.\u00a0 He was kept in that filthy root cellar for so long.\u00a0 So, when he got home he insisted that Hop Sing cut all of his hair off.\u00a0 And you know how Joe is about his hair!\u00a0 It\u2019s just another sign of his depression I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n Harold sighed wearily and answered, \u201cPaul has given me a lot of information which should help in understanding all that we\u2019re dealing with now.\u00a0 I set up that room because I know he needs you to be with him, and any other patient room will have far too much light inside of it.\u00a0 This way, other than when the nurses or doctors have to examine Joe, we can keep those wicks down low.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure do appreciate that, Harold.\u00a0 The boy won\u2019t even take those glasses off while he\u2019s asleep or even in a bath.\u00a0 He\u2019s terrified of the light due to what happened to him up in that cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPaul seems to think there was a lot of abuse done to the boy.\u00a0 Has Joe talked to you about it at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never read Doc\u2019s letter — did he happen to mention what happened in the barn a few days ago?\u201d<\/p>\n Harold nodded and replied, \u201cOh yes, it\u2019s all in there, Ben.\u00a0 It had to be terrifying for you — not knowing if Joe was going to shoot himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it was,\u201d Ben nodded and stood up and began pacing.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph has been through the unimaginable and I\u2019m afraid we\u2019re going to have to find someone to pull it out of him.\u00a0 He only told me a few things that happened —- like how his leg got busted by those two evil men.\u00a0 But, as far as what happened up in the light of that cabin that has him so fearful — well — it\u2019s something that he just can\u2019t talk about.\u00a0 All he could say is they kept on hurting him.\u201d<\/p>\n Harold could see the anxiety on his friend\u2019s face and he reached over and patted the man\u2019s shoulder and offered, \u201cI\u2019ve got someone in mind that just might be able to help Joseph to open up a bit.\u00a0 But, first of all, we need to get him seen by a surgeon about his leg.\u00a0 I want to get it scheduled just as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve chosen the best one you know, I\u2019m not worried about that.\u00a0 But, I hope that we can get all of the doctors to understand that my son has serious emotional issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Harold stood and smiled down at Ben and replied, \u201cThat\u2019s already been taken care of, Ben.\u00a0 Everyone knows my nephew has been admitted, and they know about his aversion to the light.\u00a0 So, don\u2019t worry.\u00a0 Now, I\u2019m going to let you meet the surgeon, Scott Richards, now and then we\u2019ll take him in to see Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n A short while after Ben had been introduced to the surgeon who would be operating on his son\u2019s leg the next day, he returned to the room where Joe waited.\u00a0 Nurse Hastings stood from her chair and told Joe that she would be back to visit him after his surgery and then left to go back on duty.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you doing, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked, sitting down next to his son\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cAnother nurse came in and wanted me to get changed into a hospital gown.\u00a0 I\u2019m not too keen on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled and shook his head before replying.\u00a0 \u201cRemember what Doc Martin said about not giving anyone any trouble here.\u00a0 The sooner we get the surgery over the sooner we can get home.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a knock on the door and in walked Doctor Peele along with the surgeon.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, this is a very good surgeon, Doctor Scott Richards, he\u2019s going to take a look at your leg,\u201d Harold called over to the boy.<\/p>\n The surgeon walked over to the bed and shook both Ben and Joe\u2019s hands and then called down to his new patient.\u00a0 \u201cJust ease back on the bed, Joe.\u00a0 Let me have a look at that leg of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe drew in a deep breath and then noticed that the surgeon was about to draw up the wick in the lamp.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face showed panic all over it and it almost appeared as though he was going to try to bolt from the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWait, Doctor Richards, just a moment,\u201d Harold called out with urgency in his tone of voice.\u00a0 He reached inside the pocket of his vest and drew out a pair of glasses.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, these will help you whenever either your surgeon here or one of the nurses have to examine your leg.\u00a0 They\u2019re a bit darker than those glasses that Doctor Martin gave you.\u00a0 So, only use them during times like these, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe accepted the glasses from Doctor Peele and noticed that the lenses were much darker than the ones he had been wearing for two weeks.\u00a0 He removed his old ones and then settled the new glasses over his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow we\u2019re ready,\u201d Harold smiled and patted the surgeon\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n The surgeon prodded and poked the very bad break just under Joe\u2019s left knee cap.\u00a0 He muttered a few things, which no-one in the room understood and then finally stood to address the boy\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you have a displaced fracture of the tibia.\u00a0 And, it looks as though the set has begun to heal already.\u00a0 However, the fracture was not a clean one so it\u2019s not going to heal straight without surgical intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over at his father and his father stared over at Harold.\u00a0 Neither father nor son understood much of what the surgeon had said.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, he\u2019s referring to the main bone which goes down the front of Joseph\u2019s leg.\u00a0 A displaced fracture means that the bone where the leg is broken in two parts needs to be realigned so it can set properly,\u201d Harold explained the medical jargon and then turned back towards the surgeon and said, \u201cHow involved will the surgery and recovery be, Scott?\u201d Doctor Peele asked, as he could tell that both Cartwrights hadn\u2019t understood much of what the surgeon had said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll make an incision right above the break and go in and reset the bone. \u00a0Then, naturally there will be recovery time for both the incision to heal and the bone to set.\u00a0 And, I\u2019m thinking of trying a brace instead of a plaster cast this time.\u00a0 That would give your son more mobility so he can get around better.\u00a0 We can measure Joe and then fit him for the brace just a few days after surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared down at his son and noticed he was wearing a blank look on his face.\u00a0 It was almost as if Joe hadn\u2019t listened to anything the surgeon had to say.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long do you think it will take my son to recover from all of this, Doctor Richards?\u201d Ben jumped in with his question.<\/p>\n The doctor could tell by the way his patient was not responding at all that he was either thinking or he was petrified about the surgery.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I don\u2019t think it should be very long, Mister Cartwright, perhaps six to eight weeks.\u00a0 Of course a lot of that depends on the patient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u00a0 What do you think, Joseph?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s going to hurt if it doesn\u2019t get fixed and it\u2019s going to hurt if it does get fixed so I don\u2019t care.\u00a0\u00a0 I guess just fix it,\u201d he replied without much emotion to his words.<\/p>\n Doctor Richards looked over at Harold and said, \u201cWe can do this first thing in the morning.\u00a0 Will seven o\u2019clock work for your schedule?\u201d<\/p>\n Harold nodded and replied, \u201cThat\u2019s fine, Scott.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see all of you in the morning then.\u00a0 Goodbye.\u201d The surgeon said and left the room.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered, and watched as his father drew close to the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you turn that light down now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked over at Harold and noticed how he shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I can,\u201d Pa returned, and drew the wick back down in the lamp.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you remember our deal, Joseph.\u00a0 You take those very dark glasses off for now and go put those other ones back on.\u00a0 Just set the ones I gave you over on the table by your bed in case you need them.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe did as instructed and switched out for his old glasses before lying back down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m kind of tired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve had a busy day.\u00a0 Go ahead and take a nap and in a bit I\u2019ll have the nurse bring in a very nice supper in for the both of you,\u201d Harold called over to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Harold,\u201d Ben nodded over to the man as he exited.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0 Will you make sure that my glasses stay on me while I\u2019m in surgery?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, don\u2019t you worry about that right now.\u00a0 I told you that you\u2019ll be sedated so you won\u2019t even be awake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I need to know that I won\u2019t wake up in the light!\u201d Joe shouted.<\/p>\n Ben moved closer to his son and sat down on the side of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cI will make sure you have your glasses on, okay?\u00a0 Now, no more worrying about that!\u00a0 You just go to sleep, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and whispered, \u201cThere\u2019s pain in the light, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched as his son fell off to sleep.\u00a0 He felt so deeply distraught over what Joseph had said that he didn\u2019t know what to do.\u00a0 Ben hoped that the other doctor who Harold had mentioned might be able to help Joe once he had gotten through surgery.\u00a0 There just had to be some way for someone to bring his son back from all the torment he had gone through.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Later that night a nurse had brought in two trays of food for both Ben and Joe\u2019s supper.\u00a0 Staring over across the room at his son, Pa knew what was going through the boy\u2019s head.\u00a0 Both plates had mashed potatoes, peas, roast beef and a piece of bread on them.\u00a0 Joe had been worried about this happening.\u00a0 He had lucked out on the trip west as he was able to find a sandwich on one lay-over and a tortilla at another one.\u00a0 Both of those meals were just fine to eat with his hands.\u00a0 But, now, there would be no hiding the fact that he couldn\u2019t manage utensils anymore.\u00a0 Joe could just imagine what his father would say if he even tried to pile mashed potatoes into his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really not hungry, Pa,\u201d Joe stated and pulled his legs back up in the bed.<\/p>\n Ben took in a deep breath and shook his head, fighting a knowing smile.\u00a0 He walked over to his son\u2019s bed and looked down at the boy\u2019s dinner tray.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Joseph.\u00a0 Enough is enough.\u00a0 I\u2019m acutely aware that you\u2019re having some difficulties handling silverware right now.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s just make a trade, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt embarrassed and looked away from his Pa.\u00a0 He soon felt the man\u2019s hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI will trade you mashed potatoes for my piece of bread.\u00a0 Then you can make a sandwich with that meat.\u00a0 Better yet,\u201d Ben paused when he realized Joe would still have to use his fingers to layer the meat on the bread.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll fix it for you.\u00a0 Now just a minute I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\u00a0 Pa took his son\u2019s tray over to his serving table and prepared the sandwich for Joe.\u00a0 He was back quickly and handed the boy the newly prepared roast beef sandwich.<\/p>\n Joe still felt embarrassed but, since Pa was doing everything in his power to help him, he didn\u2019t turn the gesture down.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe nodded over to his father and began to eat his sandwich.<\/p>\n \u201cI just hope we don\u2019t have porridge for breakfast,\u201d Ben quipped, trying his best to show that he understood some of what the boy was going through and wanted him to ease up on himself about it.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Preston Hilliard was mad.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t just run of the mill mad; he was infuriated now.\u00a0 The two brothers who he had chosen to take care of one Joseph Cartwright had not fulfilled their share of the bargain and now he was going to confront them.\u00a0 It had taken a few weeks to learn of their whereabouts and that had been done with the aid of his other partner in crime, J.T. Bridger.\u00a0 J.T. had found both Silas and Thorne Dalton having a grand old time in Carson City spending the first half of the money they had received from Preston.\u00a0 He had kept a good eye on the two evil brothers and then sent word to his boss to come to Carson City for a horse auction that was going on that weekend.\u00a0 J.T. thought that would make it a very good \u201ccover\u201d in case Preston was still being watched by Sheriff Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cCome in!\u201d Preston Hilliard called at the sound of someone knocking on the door to his hotel room.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you eyeing any horses in particular?\u201d J.T. smiled and walked over to the man sitting down on the bed.<\/p>\n Preston laughed and shook his head and then replied, \u201cI just might buy me one or two to make it look good.\u00a0 So, where are those idiots?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got a hold of them and left a note for them to come up the back steps in a few minutes.\u00a0 I wrote down your room number.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still can\u2019t believe those fools just left the Cartwright kid alone there!\u00a0 And, as luck would have it some do-gooder found the brat!\u201d<\/p>\n J.T. sighed and settled down into the chair next to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cI know that kid\u2019s got nine lives I swear!\u201d<\/p>\n The knock sounded loudly and J.T. walked over to make sure it was the two brothers before opening the door.\u00a0 In walked both Silas and Thorne Dalton, and they smelled of whiskey and cigars.<\/p>\n \u201cPreston, well, we sure are glad you came and found us so\u2019s you can give us that other half you owe us!\u201d Silas exclaimed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we want our money,\u201d Thorne nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two didn\u2019t do your job right!\u201d Preston shouted and moved across the room to stare at them both.<\/p>\n \u201cWe kept the brat for three straight months!\u00a0 We never sent word to you and we never got word from you either.\u00a0 So we broke Cartwright\u2019s leg and headed out of there.\u00a0 You know his old man had posters out all over the territory!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, then you could\u2019ve killed him!\u201d Preston argued.<\/p>\n \u201cYou told us not to kill the kid, remember?\u201d Silas reminded the man.<\/p>\n \u201cWell the boy is back now, and that can get us all in deep with the law!\u201d Preston yelled.<\/p>\n Silas laughed and called over to the man, \u201cSettle down, Preston!\u00a0 That kid got home two weeks ago.\u00a0 Yeah, I heard all about it.\u00a0 Now, don\u2019t you think that you\u2019d already be in jail if the kid had talked?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d J.T. asked.<\/p>\n \u201cKid, you might be fast with a gun, but you ain\u2019t that fast at following along!\u201d Thorne announced.<\/p>\n \u201cJust spill it!\u201d Preston shouted again.<\/p>\n \u201cWe fixed that kid good.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t gonna say nothing about you and he\u2019s not gonna say nothing about us.\u00a0 The things that we did to that boy — well — I\u2019m surprised he\u2019s not in an asylum right now.\u00a0 Boy did we tear him up, right, Thorne?\u201d<\/p>\n Thorne shot over a sinister grin and nodded over at his brother, \u201cWe got that boy so scared he couldn\u2019t even look at us!\u00a0 We didn\u2019t even have to blindfold him!\u00a0 He did everything we told him to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Preston looked very perplexed over what he was hearing.\u00a0 But, it had been a fact that Sheriff Coffee had not questioned him at all ever since Joe Cartwright had been brought back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell did you do to that boy anyway?\u201d Preston asked.<\/p>\n Silas looked at his brother and they both laughed and replied, \u201cWhatever we wanted to!\u00a0 Now give us our money because we\u2019re ready to move on from Carson.\u201d<\/p>\n Preston walked to the table where his carpet bag sat and removed his billfold from inside of it.\u00a0 He counted out the agreed upon amount and handed it over to Silas.<\/p>\n \u201cThis concludes our business now.\u00a0 Remember you don\u2019t know me, and I don\u2019t know you, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Silas and Thorne stood from their chairs and smiled over at the other two men.\u00a0 They simply waved goodbye and turned out of the room still laughing over their good fortune.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Doctor Harold Peele stood on one side of the bed in the recovery room and Ben Cartwright stood on the other side.\u00a0 They stared down at the young man, who was still heavily sedated, after the lengthy surgery had been completed to repair his left leg.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did very well, Ben,\u201d Harold smiled over at the anxious father.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Doctor Richards did an excellent job with the repairs.\u00a0 Joseph, if he behaves and takes care of himself, should recover fully according to Scott.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dropped his hand down to rest on his son\u2019s shoulder and nodded over towards Harold.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to have some good news, Harold, after so many months of such total sorrow.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how I can thank you and also Doctor Richards.\u00a0 I spoke to him a little while ago and told him how much we appreciated his help.\u201d<\/p>\n Doctor Peele reached over and touched his friend\u2019s arm and replied, \u201cYou just try to get this young man to take it easy and get well, and that would be thanks enough for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Before he could respond, he noticed Joe starting to come around.\u00a0 \u201cUh oh, I\u2019d better get these glasses on the kid, or I\u2019m going to hear it from him,\u201d Ben said and reached inside his vest and pulled out Joe\u2019s eyeglasses.\u00a0 He carefully placed them over his son\u2019s eyes and stood back up waiting for him to awaken.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe whispered groggily, as he tried to get his father\u2019s face to come into focus.<\/p>\n Ben took Joe\u2019s hand into his own and whispered, \u201cI\u2019m right here, Son.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to be just fine.\u00a0 Now don\u2019t try to move.\u00a0 You have a lot of stitches in you, and a splint on either side of your leg for now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUncle Harold?\u201d Joe turned his attention to the man on the other side of his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here too, Joseph.\u00a0 You did real well.\u00a0 Now in just a little while we\u2019ll get you all settled back in your room.\u00a0 Later this week Doctor Richards will measure you for that brace.\u00a0 Right now the main thing is for you to just rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Uncle,\u201d Joe nodded groggily over to the doctor and then turned his attention back to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joseph?\u201d He asked, and bent down closer in order to hear the sound of the boy\u2019s diminishing voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks — thanks for making sure — making sure I\u2019m not in the light.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa just smiled and rubbed his hand over the top of his son\u2019s head and answered, \u201cI told you I would.\u00a0 Now close those eyes and I\u2019ll see you once we get you back up into the room.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slowly dropped his eyelids down until they closed for the final time and he was fast asleep.<\/p>\n Ben just shook his head down at his son, still so worried about the fact that being in the light had become Joseph\u2019s greatest fear and concern.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright, Ben.\u00a0 Come on, let me get you some coffee and then we\u2019ll get Joe back up to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n When Harold noticed that it was apparent that his friend wasn\u2019t planning to budge from his position standing guard over his youngest son, he walked around the bed and tugged at the other man\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll only be a minute, now come on!\u201d Harold insisted, and was finally able to pry the overly protective father out of the recovery room.\u00a0\u00a0 The two men walked down the hall to the dispensary where the staff kept coffee at the ready twenty-four hours a day.<\/p>\n **************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright sent two wires off that afternoon when Joe had finally left the recovery room and was settled back into his regular bed.\u00a0 One was written to his two oldest boys, and the other had gone out to Doctor Paul Martin.\u00a0 He had advised all of them that Joseph had done well and the surgeon was very optimistic that, in time, Joe should make a full recovery.\u00a0 Ben had also written Paul about the new doctor who had been assigned to Joseph and who would be having his first session with the boy the following day.\u00a0 He told Paul that he hoped that the man\u2019s experience in dealing with trauma would help aid him in getting through to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, let me get this right,\u201d Joe paused as he stared up from his hospital bed at Doctor Cleveland Wallace.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re the kind of doctor who decides if I get put into an asylum, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Doctor Wallace smiled at Joe and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Young Man, I don\u2019t send anyone to an asylum!\u00a0 Now — why do you ask?\u00a0 Do you think that you belong in one?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over at the man warily and answered, \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard all about me, right?\u00a0 You\u2019ve heard the way I eat, the way I can\u2019t look at light and how I cry over the fact that my rat friend was killed in front of me.\u00a0 Now, does any of that sound sane to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Joe, I\u2019ll tell you the truth if I had been where you were I\u2019m pretty sure I\u2019d be even worse off.\u00a0 Now, how about we talk about a couple of those things you just said?\u00a0 You mentioned something about the way that you eat.\u00a0 Tell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, he suspected the doctor was trying to act like his \u201cfriend\u201d and then would no doubt be sending him off to be placed into restraints.<\/p>\n \u201cI eat like a darned animal,\u201d Joe responded bitterly.\u00a0 \u201cI use my hands — that\u2019s all they gave me to use and it\u2019s all I can handle now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you tried to go back to the way you use to eat, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t, I can\u2019t do anything like I use to!\u00a0 They did that to me — and,\u201d Joe stopped abruptly, feeling swept away by his pent up emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cWho were THEY<\/strong>, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at the doctor and anger controlled his face when he answered, \u201cTHEY<\/strong> are the monsters who hurt me — that\u2019s who they<\/strong> are!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUp in the light, right?\u201d Doctor Wallace continued to try to break through to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, up in the light!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did they do to you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes filled with visions of what had happened up in the light of the cabin.\u00a0 He fought to catch his breath but couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cBreathe, Joe.\u00a0 Come on, Breathe!\u201d Doctor Wallace called to the boy.\u00a0 He could see that his patient had yet to exhale.\u00a0 He finally reached over and swatted him on his back.\u00a0 \u201cBreathe!\u201d He shouted.<\/p>\n Joe finally expelled a breath and then sucked in air again.\u00a0 His body shook as though he was chilled to the bone.\u00a0 Even Joe\u2019s teeth chattered as he apparently had been propelled back into the sights and terrors of the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Joe can you hear me?\u201d The doctor called out.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m cold — I\u2019m just so cold,\u201d Joe muttered and then eased down into his bed and pulled the blanket up around his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Joe, I\u2019ll go get you another blanket.\u00a0 You just relax,\u201d Doctor Wallace said and moved out into the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Ben asked, concern framing his face as he stood in Harold\u2019s office and looked over at Doctor Wallace.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a very troubled young man \u2013 but then you know that Mister Cartwright.\u00a0 Do you know why he\u2019s worried about being put in an asylum?\u00a0 Did anyone mention that to him?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, nobody said that to Joseph.\u00a0 He thought we were talking about sending him away — I guess he misunderstood my other sons and me talking about getting him here to have the operation but in his mind he took it to mean something different.\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor nodded and returned, \u201cHe did mention several things in passing like the way he\u2019s been eating, his issue with lamp light, and getting emotional when speaking about what happened to that rat down in the cellar.\u00a0 At least that was something.\u00a0 But, just as soon as I tried to find out who it was that hurt him up in the light there in the cabin he panicked and even stopped breathing for a few minutes. \u00a0\u00a0Then, afterwards, he was chilled to the bone. Whatever was done to your son has to be just too much for him to emotionally handle right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you\u2019ve only talked to Joe once, can you try again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can try, Mister Cartwright,\u201d the doctor nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBut, if he won\u2019t let me in there\u2019s not a whole lot that I can do.\u00a0 I\u2019m also very concerned with the way that he responded tonight.\u00a0 It just might be too soon for the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything that you could try would be greatly appreciated.\u00a0 You said that Joseph mentioned his eating habits?\u00a0 Then he\u2019s aware of what he\u2019s doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Doctor Wallace nodded over to the other man.\u00a0 \u201cOh yes, Joe understands.\u00a0 He was forced to eat that way by whoever held him in that cabin.\u00a0 And God knows what they did to him to scare him so badly that he\u2019s afraid to stop eating that way now!\u00a0 I believe Joe is embarrassed over how he eats, how he feels about things and even about needing the lamp turned down low.\u00a0 Unfortunately there\u2019s nothing he can do about any of those things right now.\u00a0 You mentioned he\u2019s only been back less than three weeks.\u00a0 That\u2019s really not very long when you consider how long he was held in captivity.\u00a0 I would just be patient with him, Mister Cartwright.\u00a0 And, I will be in to see him again before you leave to go back home.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook the doctor\u2019s hand and replied, \u201cthank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Then, feeling a bit down hearted, the worried father moved across the hall to see his son.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Adam held the telegraph up in his hand as he entered the Ponderosa ranch house in search of his brother Hoss.\u00a0 He finally found the big man coming out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss, Pa and Joe are heading back in just a few days!\u00a0 Fletcher just brought this telegraph.\u00a0 Pa says here that Joe\u2019s been fitted for that leg brace and by the end of the week they will head on home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned and clapped his brother on the back.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s good news!\u00a0 I\u2019ve missed that ornery cuss.\u00a0 Did Pa say how he\u2019s doing?\u00a0 I mean — you know with other stuff?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and replied, \u201cNo, Hoss.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing in here about that.\u00a0 Well, let\u2019s help Hop Sing get this place ship shape and then you and I need to get the last of the haying done to show we haven\u2019t been goofing off!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a slave driver just like your Pa!\u201d Hoss laughed and moved back to the kitchen to tell the Chinese member of the family the good news.<\/p>\n *********<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s that brace feel now, Joe?\u201d Doctor Richards asked, after making adjustments.<\/p>\n Joe leaned forward in the bed and nodded towards the man.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s okay, Doc.\u00a0 You want me to try to walk in this thing now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure just swing down carefully.\u00a0 And, you need to remember what I told you.\u00a0 I want that left thigh of yours to do all the work.\u00a0 The thick metal rod going across your boot-heel will steady that leg and you\u2019ll still be able to bend at the knee but I don\u2019t want you using that bone that I had to fix.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slowly walked across the room and neared where Pa was standing.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s it feel, Son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and replied, \u201cOkay I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what about the pain, Joe, is it any better?\u201d The doctor continued.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2019s not as bad.\u00a0 Just smarts a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, well, now that I\u2019ve shown you both how to get in and out of that brace I\u2019ll write up your discharge papers since you\u2019ll be leaving tomorrow.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve also sent my recommendations to your doctor there in Virginia City.\u00a0 Be sure you get with him when you are back home and settled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you so much, Doctor,\u201d Ben said shaking the man\u2019s hand gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, thanks,\u201d Joe called across the room as he left.<\/p>\n The door opened again and Doctor Wallace walked inside.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind my coming by?\u00a0 I know you both are leaving tomorrow and I just thought that maybe Joe and I could have a short talk?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe drew in a deep breath and his father could tell that he wasn\u2019t very thrilled about seeing or conversing with the doctor.\u00a0 He had spoken to Doctor Wallace three times since having surgery, and none of the visits had been pleasant.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll just go see to our travel arrangements,\u201d Ben nodded and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, take the frown off your face.\u00a0 You won\u2019t have to see me ever again — that is \u2013 unless you want to!\u00a0 Now go sit down and let\u2019s see how this goes, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took a seat on the bed and folded his arms across his chest in preparation for what would be more grueling questions, none of which he planned to answer.<\/p>\n \u201cI see by the way that you\u2019re sitting that you aren\u2019t planning on talking to me, right?\u201d Doctor Wallace began.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve crossed your arms like you\u2019re holding something inside.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared down at the floor and replied, \u201cOkay, Doc, what do you want to ask me this time?\u00a0 I mean every time we talk my nightmares get worse and my Pa loses as much sleep as me because I end up waking him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, here,\u201d Doctor Wallace said, and handed him a book.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a book where you can write down how you are feeling.\u00a0 Some people find it helpful.\u00a0 Take it home with you and maybe you\u2019ll get some use out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned once more and returned, \u201cI\u2019m sure not going to write down the stuff that\u2019s in my mind.\u00a0 I told you before I don\u2019t want to end up in an asylum, and if I were to write the stuff that I think about and someone found this then I bet I\u2019ll be put into restraints right away.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, just keep it in case you change your mind, okay?\u00a0 Now, I want you to remember what I told you the last time we spoke.\u00a0 When you feel that you\u2019re ready to get some things off of your chest you can always write to me.\u00a0 Or, well, you know your father wants to help you too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve put Pa through enough,\u201d Joe replied sullenly.\u00a0 The fact of the matter was that Joe was now feeling as though he had put his whole family through more than he ever should have.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, your Pa loves you, and from what I\u2019ve been told, so do your brothers.\u00a0 Don\u2019t push them away because you think it will hurt them to tell them things.\u00a0 If situations were reversed I\u2019m sure you\u2019d want to help them, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head wearily and said, \u201cNobody in my whole family has ever gone through the messed up stuff that I have.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why it\u2019s always got to be me!\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor watched as the young man\u2019s sadness turned back into anger.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t come unexpectedly either.\u00a0 Doctor Wallace had been waiting for it to arise.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve gone through a lot more than any of them?\u201d Doctor Wallace asked, though he already had been told that answer by Ben Cartwright days ago.<\/p>\n \u201cHell yeah I have!\u201d Joe yelled.\u00a0 \u201cI mean — you name it — I\u2019ve been through it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what happened to you four years ago at your house?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah — like that!\u00a0\u00a0 And then what they did to me at that cabin —\u201d Joe stopped abruptly when he realized what he had just said and spotted the look on the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were saying?\u201d Doctor Wallace raised his eyebrows urging his patient on.\u00a0 He hoped that the boy had finally let his guard down.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk anymore!\u201d Joe spat back, now upset over feeling like he had been put on the spot.\u00a0 The angered young man turned his head away from the doctor as he attempted to hide the sudden appearance of tears which were now freely falling from his eyes.\u00a0 Joe had no idea that his father had told the doctor about what he had been put through four years ago at the Ponderosa ranch house.\u00a0\u00a0 So when the doctor had suddenly brought it up, Joe had almost let the dreadful truth slip out.\u00a0 And, if he had done that, there was a good chance that Joe would have divulged all that had happened up in the cabin.\u00a0 There was no way that he would ever tell anyone about all that had been done to him; not ever.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, this has to eventually come out, you know it does,\u201d the doctor said with great compassion coming out in his words.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0 I just can\u2019t — I just can\u2019t!\u201d Joe exclaimed adamantly. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m going to get out of this brace and get some sleep, Doc.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Doctor Wallace stood and reached over to pat his patient on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, if you ever need to talk come see me, or send me a letter.\u00a0 I\u2019ll stay in touch with your father to see how you\u2019re getting along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodbye, Doc,\u201d Joe whispered and then drew himself up from the bed.\u00a0\u00a0 He limped away, turning his back on the other man.<\/p>\n Doctor Wallace walked out into the corridor to find Ben Cartwright standing there waiting on him.<\/p>\n \u201cAny luck?\u201d Ben asked hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was close, Mister Cartwright, very close to revealing what happened up in that cabin.\u00a0 I brought up what you told me happened four years ago.\u00a0 Joe became enraged and I thought he was just about to blurt it all out.\u00a0 But, he caught himself at the last minute.\u00a0 Just give the boy time, and I think that eventually it will come out.\u00a0 At least I hope so for his sake — and for yours.\u00a0 Be patient with him and keep in touch, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and shook the doctor\u2019s hand, \u201cThank you for all that you tried to do, Doctor Wallace.\u00a0 And, yes, I will keep you apprised of anything that comes up regarding Joseph\u2019s progress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck, Sir,\u201d the doctor said and then turned down the hallway.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Harold, Ben and Joe sat in the doctor\u2019s office the next afternoon as the Cartwright\u2019s readied to leave the hospital.\u00a0 Joe stood from the wheelchair and walked behind his uncle\u2019s desk and lifted the picture of his cousin Daniel up into his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess we don\u2019t look much alike anymore, huh?\u201d Joe frowned and turned to look over at Harold.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will, Joseph — that is — once you get your weight back up and grow your hair out again!\u201d Harold replied, trying his best to sound optimistic.<\/p>\n Joe handed the frame back to the doctor and settled back down into his wheelchair.<\/p>\n \u201cWe both appreciate all that you\u2019ve done, Harold,\u201d Ben jumped, in as he noticed the look that Joe wore on his face.\u00a0 He could tell that the boy had once again turned introspective, still caught up in the memories of all that he had endured.<\/p>\n Harold hadn\u2019t missed the worry that was etched all over Ben\u2019s face.\u00a0 He stood and walked over to him and replied, \u201cNonsense!\u00a0 This is my nephew — I\u2019m just glad that I could help some.\u00a0 Now, Ben, you and Joe have a safe trip home.\u00a0 I hope, if time allows, that I\u2019ll be able to come and visit you next Christmas.\u00a0 You tell Adam and Hoss that I look forward to seeing them — oh and getting to eat some of Hop Sing\u2019s good home cooking too!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood and shook the doctor\u2019s hand and moved to grab the back of the wheelchair in order to roll Joe out into the corridor.<\/p>\n \u201cI know the boys will be happy to see you, Harold \u2013 and Hop Sing will be happy to make you the very best Christmas dinner you\u2019ve ever had.\u00a0 Joseph?\u00a0 Are you about set?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe reached over and shook his uncle\u2019s hand and said, \u201cThank you, Uncle Harold — for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Harold smiled and patted his nephew\u2019s shoulder and returned, \u201cYou\u2019re very welcome, Joseph.\u00a0 Now, Robert is going to get you and your pa back to the stage depot.\u00a0 I wish I could go with you but unfortunately I\u2019ve got a required board meeting.\u00a0 Ben, you wire me when you both get home, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Pa smiled and patted Harold\u2019s back and said, \u201cI will.\u00a0 Hope to see you by next Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shared a concerned glance with the doctor and nodded towards him.\u00a0 The doctor knew that he would be kept in the loop this time, in order to find out how his nephew was healing both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodbye for now,\u201d Harold called after the departing figures of both Ben and Joe.\u00a0 His worried gaze followed the two Cartwrights until they moved down the hallway and faded from view.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n The stagecoach had been a bit more cramped than Ben had expected on the first leg of their trip back to Virginia City.\u00a0 Fortunately, by the second day the additional passengers had disembarked leaving the two Cartwrights alone in the stage for the remaining two days.\u00a0 Joe had spent most of day two slumbering in the heat of the day while his father just sat and thought on all that had happened and all that needed to get accomplished once they both made it back home again.<\/p>\n The last day of the journey Ben had waited for the chance to discuss something with his youngest, but was unsure how to broach the topic with his boy.\u00a0 Finally, after handing Joe the canteen and waiting for him to return it, he began.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t sleep very well last night did you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shifted nervously on the seat, wondering why his father was asking this time.\u00a0 He wondered if he had shouted out in his sleep once again.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell — I heard you muttering a few things — I\u2019m not saying it was a nightmare, but you did sound as though you were upset in your sleep.\u00a0 Do you want to tell me what it was about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think I remember,\u201d Joe lied.<\/p>\n \u201cSeems to me you kept on mentioning something about a spoon, Son.\u00a0 Now it\u2019s just the two of us, and we\u2019re going to be in this stage until our last stop — so we might just as well talk about it, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt it will do either of us any good to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben just stared at his son, revealing in his gaze that he wanted to hear about it anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cPa — I have bad dreams and I have nightmares.\u00a0 That\u2019s it.\u00a0 I never just have regular dreams anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded that he was well aware of that fact and reiterated, \u201cI\u2019m asking about the one from last night, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe directed his gaze down to the floor of the stage and drew in a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cPa — yesterday — when we stopped to let those passengers off — and we went to get the coffee, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I remember, what about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe sat there and that lady brought us those two cups of coffee. \u00a0You took yours black, like always.\u00a0 I don\u2019t take mine black — but I had to have it that way yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa shot a quizzical look over to his son, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joseph, I\u2019m not following you.\u00a0 Why did you take it black?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I had to, Pa,\u201d Joe answered, and glared at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cOh — oh \u2013 you didn\u2019t want to use the teaspoon?\u201d Ben finally realized what the boy was talking about.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah — I couldn\u2019t even manage a danged teaspoon to put sugar in my coffee!\u201d Joe exclaimed, and he seemed very upset over his inability to do something so simple.<\/p>\n Pa draped his arm over his son\u2019s shoulder and tried to put Joe at ease.\u00a0 \u201cSo that\u2019s why you were saying something about a spoon in your dream.\u00a0 Joseph, you should\u2019ve just asked me to get you some sugar, I wouldn\u2019t have minded doing that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand, Pa!\u201d Joe returned, revealing the feeling of despondency in his tone of voice.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m twenty-three years old.\u00a0 How do you think I\u2019d feel having my Pa putting my sugar into my coffee for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t always have these issues, Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve been gone for such a long time and so much happened to you.\u00a0 You need to ease up on yourself.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be like this forever.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head back down into his hands and fought the tears he was trying so hard to keep inside.\u00a0 His father could see how hurt his son was and tried to figure out what to do or say in order to help him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — I know there\u2019s a lot of things you\u2019re not comfortable talking about right now.\u00a0 But, how about just talking about this problem with using utensils with me?\u00a0 Do you think you could just share that with me for now?\u00a0 I promise we won\u2019t go any further than that until you feel like you can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa — I just don\u2019t know if I can,\u201d Joe whispered, and shook his head back and forth sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cJust try,\u201d Ben urged and dropped his hand down to his son\u2019s shoulder for comfort.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay — I \u2013 I \u2013 was in the cellar.\u00a0 They would bring old rancid beans for me to eat most of the time.\u00a0 My wrists were bound together — and it was hard to even put food into my mouth like that, but it was the best I could do using my fingers,\u201d Joe paused, trying to regroup his emotions in order to continue.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand — go on.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe drew in another deep breath and then sat back up and leaned all the way back in the seat.\u00a0 \u201cI never saw their faces, Pa.\u00a0 It was too dark in the cellar and upstairs — in the light \u2013<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t talk about that part, Pa,\u201d Joe replied sullenly.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Joseph — go on \u2013tell me what you can talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you that I have no idea how long I was there for, it was too dark to tell.\u00a0 But, I know it had to be a long time that I\u2019d only had beans.\u00a0 Then, I saw a shadow come down the stairs, I was sure that I was going to be dragged up into the light— and my whole body would begin to shake just thinking about it.\u00a0 But, that didn\u2019t happen that time.\u00a0 Instead I heard the voice and he said that they had made some stew and they were going to let me have some.\u00a0 It was in a metal cup, I could smell it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t know which of the two men it was — and I didn\u2019t care as they were both evil.\u00a0 But, anyway — he handed me the stew.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t eat it though.\u00a0 It was too difficult to try to do using my fingers —especially since my wrists were bound together.\u00a0 So \u2013 he said he could give me a spoon,\u201d Joe stopped his explanation and leaned forward again, and dropped his head down in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened, Joe?\u201d Ben urged the boy out with it.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said if I would ask nice he would give me the spoon and I could eat the stew.\u00a0 So, I asked — I said will you please give me the spoon.\u00a0 It was degrading — but so what?\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the first time I\u2019d been degraded there — so I did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he give the spoon to you then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo— he said that I needed to sound more sincere.\u00a0 So, I tried again.\u00a0 I said will you please give me the spoon, and I tried my best not to show the hate I felt for him.\u00a0 But, no, that wasn\u2019t good enough either!\u00a0 He finally said I needed to beg for the darn spoon.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to beg for a spoon for stew or nothing else — but he told me that I\u2019d better beg or I\u2019d —- well — anyway,\u201d Joe stopped again.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t going to get into what would have happened to him if he hadn\u2019t given in to the demand. \u00a0There were far too many times that he had dealt with the cruelty always waiting there up in the light<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI begged, Pa.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t worth going back up into the light if I hadn\u2019t begged him.\u00a0 There\u2019s pain in the light, Pa.\u00a0 So I begged him to give me a spoon, I even got onto my knees to do it.\u00a0 So he tossed the spoon down on the ground.\u00a0 As I went to pick it up — well — I didn\u2019t know the other man had come down the stairs too —and he smashed my fingers with his boot.\u00a0 He mashed them into the ground good.\u00a0 Then, when I was finally able to get my fingers out from under his boot he picked up the spoon and took the stew away and then they both went back up the stairs laughing.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa leaned over and wrapped his arms around his son\u2019s shoulders and pulled him close.\u00a0 He tried to protect him from the horrible cruelty which still existed there in Joe\u2019s mind.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Joseph, I\u2019m so sorry you had to endure all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was how it went, Pa, day by day, lesson by lesson as they broke me from acting like a normal human being.\u00a0 Just like the water dish they made me drink from.\u00a0 They had it weighted down in something hard — I don\u2019t know how they rigged it, but I couldn\u2019t lift it up.\u00a0 So, if I wanted to drink I had to kneel there by the water dish and lap it up like a dog.\u00a0 They wouldn\u2019t leave me a cup so I could dip it in there.\u00a0 They just wanted to break me in every way that they could.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t even cup my hand in order to drink that way since my wrists were bound together.\u00a0 At least I can manage a glass or a cup now that I\u2019m out of there — but utensils — well — I just can\u2019t — I just can\u2019t right now.\u00a0 There were too many times that they taught me how to eat, Pa, so I wouldn\u2019t use anything but my fingers.\u00a0 And, other than just a couple of times where they messed with me and my food down in the darkness — all the really bad things were always waiting for me up in the light.\u00a0 There\u2019s pain in the light, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held onto his son, and tried to shelter him from the horrendous memories which continued to plague him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what he could do to help his son.\u00a0 Ben knew what he wanted to do, and that was to go after all of those responsible for tormenting Joseph and for causing him such awful harm both physically and mentally.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright, Joseph —- I don\u2019t know how long it will take —- but somehow it will be alright.\u00a0 But — until then — you don\u2019t have to do anything that you\u2019re not comfortable doing.\u00a0 No-one is going to judge you \u2013 or look at you any differently.\u00a0 All we care about is that you\u2019re still with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and wished that he could believe what his father had said but he couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 It was futile to think that anything would ever be alright again, not after all that he had gone through.\u00a0 There were far too many things which he had endured that he would never be able to acknowledge.\u00a0 Joe knew he couldn\u2019t confess those things to his father, because he couldn\u2019t even admit those things to himself.\u00a0 All that Joe could hope for at that particular moment was that sleep would overtake him and that the persistent feeling of hopelessness would ease up on him for a few hours.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss Cartwright had just finished downing a few beers as they awaited the return of both Ben and Joe.\u00a0 The stage was late, but that wasn\u2019t unusual, so they had decided to have a drink or two in order to pass the time.\u00a0 Finally hearing the sound of the stagecoach rounding the end of C Street they paid for their beers and hurried down to the Overland Stage Depot.<\/p>\n Ben was the first one out of the stage, soon followed by Joe.\u00a0 They turned to see Adam and Hoss heading their way.<\/p>\n \u201cSure is good to see you two!\u201d Ben smiled and patted the shoulders of both of his boys.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2019s good to see you too, Pa —and you too, Little Brother!\u201d Hoss grinned and then noticed he\u2019d better not give Joe the normal bear hug kind of greeting.\u00a0 He could tell that his brother had a contraption over his left pant leg and he didn\u2019t want to hurt the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you both have a good trip?\u201d Adam asked as he and Hoss retrieved the luggage from the driver.<\/p>\n \u201cFine,\u201d Ben nodded and turned to look over at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cAre you about ready to go home now, Joseph?\u00a0 Or do you want to stretch a bit first?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u00a0 We can go home now, Pa,\u201d Joe answered quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell good, \u2018cause we brung the buckboard along with us so you two can go home in that and me and Adam will ride along next to you,\u201d Hoss explained.<\/p>\n Joe had noticed that the three o\u2019clock sun was very bright and the trip back home wouldn\u2019t offer much shade.\u00a0 He stepped up onto the porch for a minute and turned his back on his father and brothers.\u00a0 Joe drew out the very dark glasses which his uncle had given him back in the hospital and traded them for the ones that he had been given by Doctor Martin.\u00a0 His family noticed what Joe was doing and Ben tried to cast a warning look towards both Adam and Hoss so they wouldn\u2019t mention anything about it.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I\u2019m ready,\u201d Joe called and walked over to the buckboard without looking at any of his family members.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam helped carry in the luggage and put it up in both Ben and Joe\u2019s bedrooms and then met the two of them in the living room.\u00a0 Joe had his left leg spread out there by the fireplace and Pa was seated drinking coffee in his red leather chair.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing called as he handed the boy a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n Joe nodded and thanked the man, but didn\u2019t look over at his father.\u00a0 He had decided that he would just have to get use to drinking coffee black for a while.\u00a0 So it had come as a surprise to him when he tasted that there was sugar already mixed there in his cup.\u00a0 He sipped at the brew and then stared over at Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cThis certainly is better coffee than we had back in California, isn\u2019t it, Joseph?\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n Joe attempted to return his pa\u2019s smile, though it was hard to pull one up from his gut.\u00a0 But, he figured that his father must have spoken to the cook and explained that sugar needed to be added to Joe\u2019s coffee for a while.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, it\u2019s much better than the last one I had,\u201d Joe nodded towards his Pa.<\/p>\n At supper that night Joe wasn\u2019t surprised to find that there was fried chicken and biscuits along with other side dishes.\u00a0 Pa had always been okay with his boys using their hands to eat when the cook made fried chicken so Joe hadn\u2019t felt awkward.\u00a0 He ate what he could and then listened as his brothers chatted about what had gone on with the ranch during the two weeks that he and Pa had been at the hospital.\u00a0 Finally, worn out physically, Joe decided it was time for bed.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I think I\u2019ve about had it for now.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to go to bed.\u00a0 Good night,\u201d Joe called as he stood from his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you need help getting out of that brace?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head and replied, \u201cNo, Pa, it might take a while to get all of those wing nuts off, but I can manage.\u00a0 See you all in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Heading for the staircase, Joe paused right before going up to his room and turned and called over to his family one last time.\u00a0 \u201cYou can go put up all of those lights now.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be coming back down tonight.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry about all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe lights aren\u2019t bothering us, Joe,\u201d Adam called over to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cJust the same — I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 Good night,\u201d Joe replied somberly and headed up to his bedroom and the solace he would find there.<\/p>\n Once they were certain that Joe had made it up to his room, the other family members began to discuss what had happened at the hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that doctor couldn\u2019t help Little Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, worry showing all over his face.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and shook his head wearily.\u00a0 \u201cHe tried, but Joe has so much bottled up inside of him.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s got so many wounds \u2013 though physically he\u2019s doing better \u2013 but emotionally he\u2019s still got the world on his shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat Doctor Wallace couldn\u2019t get anything out of him?\u201d Adam jumped in to the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he said that Joe is very upset over how he can\u2019t eat with utensils and that he\u2019s got the aversion to light.\u00a0 Joe even brought up that story about the rat.\u00a0 He feels bad about everything, but he just can\u2019t deal with any of it to help himself move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa? When are you going to let us try to find who did this to Joe?\u201d Adam asked, his face showing the anger which all of the men at the table felt as well.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph still says he doesn\u2019t remember who they were.\u00a0 He insists that he never saw their faces either.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and gave an exasperated sigh.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Pa!\u00a0 I know the poor kid\u2019s head is messed up, but I just can\u2019t believe that he didn\u2019t see their faces as long as they held him.\u00a0\u00a0 When that Jax fellow found him Joe didn\u2019t have a blindfold.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think that Joe\u2019s just too afraid to tell the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and forced his gaze over on his eldest and replied, \u201cOnly Joseph can tell us that.\u00a0 I\u2019m not about to force him to relive what he\u2019s been put through until he\u2019s ready —and from what Doctor Wallace said that boy is just not ready yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Hoss stared over at his father and Ben could read the concern in the big man\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhat if we go and try to find that J.T. Bridger fellow?\u00a0 He was the one who was in this with Preston, so maybe he knows exactly who held Joe all that time?\u201d Clearing his throat, after doing a little thinking on the matter first, Pa finally addressed the issue.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I want you both to listen to me and listen to me good.\u00a0 If you two want to track down that man and try to get some information out of him — well \u2013 that\u2019s fine by me.\u00a0 But, I don\u2019t want any gunplay!\u00a0 Adam I can read it all over your face and I do NOT<\/strong> want you drawing on that man.\u00a0 You\u2019re fast but he\u2019s made his career out of killing.\u00a0 So, if you two find him, no gunfights.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam frowned as they looked back and forth at each other.\u00a0 Finally deciding that they\u2019d better ease their father\u2019s mind, they both nodded over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, one more thing, you two are to bring me that information back here.\u00a0 As much as you both want revenge, I want justice for Joseph and I will NOT be left out of the hunt for those two men.\u00a0 Once I\u2019ve taken care of them then I will go after Preston and J.T.,\u201d Ben said severely.\u00a0 He meant every last word of what he had said.\u00a0 Both of his sons could read the look on their father\u2019s face and knew the rage which he had bottled up for so long.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa, we won\u2019t go after those men if we find out who they are.\u00a0 That\u2019s a promise,\u201d Adam nodded and stood from the table.\u00a0 \u201cHoss and I\u2019ll leave first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Pa,\u201d Hoss said and clapped his father on the back as he also stood from the dinner table.<\/p>\n Ben watched as his two oldest boys walked away with a very determined set to their shoulders.\u00a0 He dropped his head down to his hands and prayed that they would both be safe.\u00a0 Ben also prayed that his sons would find out who had harmed the wounded boy upstairs so that justice could finally be meted out.<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n The sound of horses galloping out of the yard awakened Joe the next morning. He slowly sat up in bed and straightened the dark glasses which had drifted down his nose while he had slumbered.\u00a0 Though his window- shade had been pulled down and his curtains were closed, Hop Sing must have opened Joe\u2019s window the previous day to air the room out.\u00a0 And due to that, a breeze had come in along with the noise from outside somewhere.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe reached down to the chair next to his bed where he had placed his cane.\u00a0 Throwing his legs off to the side, he pulled himself to standing, leaning heavily onto the arm of the chair for balance.\u00a0 At that moment he heard a knock at his door and turned to see his father walking in.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Are you getting ready to get up now?\u201d Ben called over to his son as he approached the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard riders — did somebody stop by?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Son, that was your brothers leaving,\u201d Pa explained.<\/p>\n Joe eased down into the chair and waited to hear the rest of the story, which he had already pretty much guessed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did they go?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wondered if he should tell his son the truth or come up with a vague excuse about some chore which he had sent Joe\u2019s brothers off to tend to.\u00a0 Finally, trying his best to be honest with the boy, he chose his words carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, your brothers went to try and find J.T. Bridger.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s pensive gaze shot down to the floor as he fought with his emotions.\u00a0 Finally, after a few silent minutes passed, he replied, \u201cI wish they\u2019d just leave it all alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re just going to try to get the names from him.\u00a0 We know J.T. and Preston are involved already, but we need to know who else was in on this, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing good\u2019s going to come from any of this, Pa!\u201d Joe insisted, his anger coming back again at the thought of all that had happened to him.<\/p>\n Ben sighed wearily as he eased down opposite Joe, sitting down at the head of the bed.\u00a0 He reached over and placed a hand to the boy\u2019s shoulder and replied, \u201cJoe, we need justice to be served for all that you were put through.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJustice, Pa?\u201d Joe shot out loudly, totally incredulous over the thought of it.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no justice — and there never will be any either!\u00a0 What — \u00a0are you going to get me my three months back?\u00a0 Are you going to get my sanity back?\u00a0\u00a0 Will any kind of justice rid my mind of what they did to me \u2013 how they hurt me \u2013 how they humiliated me — how they broke me?!\u201d<\/p>\n Reading the raw emotion on Joe\u2019s face and in his words, Pa didn\u2019t know what to say in response.\u00a0 He knew that no amount of time in prison given to all of the perpetrators would ever serve as enough repayment for what his boy had suffered through.\u00a0 Nor would any sentence that the criminals might receive help Joe through the torment that he was still dealing with or lessen his fear of the light.<\/p>\n \u201cSurely you don\u2019t want us to just leave it alone, Joseph?\u201d Pa questioned softly.<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down into his hands and shook his head hopelessly.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what I want anymore, Pa,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we wait and see if they find out anything first?\u00a0 I\u2019ve told your brothers to just bring back the information to me.\u00a0 We don\u2019t have to do anything yet, Son.\u00a0 Now, would you like Hop Sing to bring your breakfast up here, or would you like to try coming downstairs for a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be down in a little while,\u201d Joe answered, still not looking up at Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about I help you with that brace?\u201d Ben offered, hoping that Joe would allow him to assist him, even if it wasn\u2019t absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head \u201cno\u201d and grabbed his cane.\u00a0 He pulled himself up out of the chair and limped to his dresser to get out his clothes.\u00a0 Ben hesitated at first, still wanting to help, but then decided to give his son time alone to get himself together.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you downstairs,\u201d Ben called as he walked out into the hall closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss Cartwright had already asked around in Virginia City to see if anyone had seen J.T. Bridger recently, and no-one had seen hide nor hair of the gunslinger.\u00a0 They checked with Sheriff Coffee before heading over to Carson City.\u00a0 The sheriff had informed them that he was still keeping an eye out for any odd comings or goings from the Hilliard ranch and nothing had come of it as yet.\u00a0 He also had told them that he hadn\u2019t seen J.T. in weeks.<\/p>\n The sun was just setting as the two Cartwrights tied their mounts up at the hitching post at the Crystal Palace Saloon in Carson City.\u00a0 Just like the Silver Dollar Saloon in Virginia City was the central and most opulent saloon in that town, the same could be said for the Crystal Palace.\u00a0 Both men knew that more people frequented that saloon, so they hoped to find someone who had seen J.T. there before seeking the seedier side of Carson City.\u00a0 After riding all day they looked forward to getting a couple of beers and hopefully some information at the bar.\u00a0 They called out a quick hello to the bartender, Cosmo, and ordered two beers which they took over to a table and sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cPlace is kinda dead, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss sang out and looked around.\u00a0 There were only about ten other customers at the bar and sitting at two of the other tables.<\/p>\n Adam sipped his beer and returned, \u201cIt\u2019s still early, Brother.\u00a0 This place will get livelier in a few hours.\u00a0 Let\u2019s sit a little while, and then we can always grab something to eat before coming back when this place picks up a bit more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u00a0 Hoss!\u201d a man coming through the swinging doors sounded out loudly and walked towards their table.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you boys in a coon\u2019s age!\u201d<\/p>\n The two brothers looked over to where a man wearing all buckskin clothes was approaching them.\u00a0 They smiled up at one of their old friends, Jack Thomas, and waved him over to sit down.\u00a0 He was a trapper who made his living catching and skinning varmints for their fur.<\/p>\n \u201cJack, you old grizzly, I figured you\u2019d got yourself hitched and settled down,\u201d Hoss sang out and grinned at the other man as he sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I can\u2019t stay put long enough for some gal to hog-tie me.\u00a0 How have you boys been?\u00a0 How\u2019s your Pa and that wild younger brother doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged glances and then tried to force smiles to their faces.\u00a0 \u201cOh, everyone\u2019s doing well, Jack,\u201d Adam nodded and then waved Cosmo over with another beer for the other man.\u00a0 \u201cI think I owed you one of these the last time, Jack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Adam.\u00a0 But, I think I owed you instead — but I\u2019ll accept it to be polite.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam handed the bartender a silver dollar and Cosmo returned to the bar.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you boys doing in Carson?\u00a0 Has Virginia City run out of beer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaw \u2013 nothing like that,\u201d Hoss began.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re just trying to get some information right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh like what?\u201d Jack asked warily.\u00a0 He had seen the looks that had passed between the two Cartwright brothers and he read trouble in their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking for that gunslinger — the one who was hanging out in Virginia City a while ago — J.T. Bridger.\u00a0 You haven\u2019t seen him, have you, Jack?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBridger?\u00a0 Well, I just got into Carson today — but I did see him a few weeks ago when I was here,\u201d Jack said, nodding his head as he remembered.<\/p>\n Hoss perked up and said, \u201cDid you see him with anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n Jack thought a minute and scratched his stubble of beard before replying.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think so, Hoss.\u00a0 But, I seen him coming out of the Emporium Hotel, I remember that much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long ago was it, Jack?\u201d Adam continued.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess it was about two \u2013 or two and a half weeks ago.\u00a0 I remember it was a Saturday.\u00a0 I had just got in from trading my furs down at the mercantile, round about noon or so.\u00a0 I seen him come out of the hotel.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know where he was going.\u00a0 He just got on his horse and rode off.\u00a0 What\u2019s going on, Boys?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe just have some unfinished business with him, that\u2019s all, Jack,\u201d Adam replied as he and Hoss stood up.\u00a0 Adam dropped another silver dollar onto the table and called down to his friend, \u201cSorry to leave so quickly, but we\u2019re in a bit of a hurry.\u00a0 Use that dollar and buy yourself another drink on us.\u00a0 We\u2019ll see you next time!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you kindly,\u201d Jack nodded and then grabbed Hoss\u2019 wrist before he walked away.\u00a0 \u201cYou boys don\u2019t get yourself shot by that gunman, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t — don\u2019t worry about us, Jack.\u00a0 We\u2019ll see you soon.\u00a0 Thanks!\u201d Hoss called as he walked out of the saloon with his brother.<\/p>\n Fortunately for them, the owner of the Emporium Hotel was a friend of the Cartwright\u2019s as well, and he was quick to tell the two brothers all that he knew about when J.T. Bridger had stayed at the hotel two weeks prior.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t able to place the man with anyone else, but he was able to tell them that as far as he knew, J.T. had been overheard to say that he was heading over to Genoa.\u00a0 With that information, both Adam and Hoss grabbed a quick supper and headed out of town.\u00a0 They knew it would take at least a half of a day to get to Genoa, but time was not an issue now.\u00a0 They only had payback on their minds, and it was long past due.<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n Ben had tried to find some simple things for his son to help him with that day, but Joe\u2019s mind was far too preoccupied to stay focused on much.\u00a0 He had helped to go over some of the monthly bookkeeping, but, even that had seemed too much for him to handle at the time. \u00a0\u00a0Ben had to fix all of the many errors his son had made in the ledger, though he never told the boy about it.\u00a0 Joe had turned in early after hardly eating anything for supper.\u00a0 He just claimed he was tired and had gone up to his bedroom by eight that night.\u00a0 Ben was finding the house to be far too quiet once Hop Sing had retired for the evening, and he couldn\u2019t stay focused either, though he had tried to read for a while. Ben missed the sounds of his sons, like their playful banter or even rowdier fights at times.\u00a0 He also missed the everyday monotonous tasks which he used to hate doing.\u00a0 Ben wished for normalcy, something which had left almost four months ago now.\u00a0 It had been frightening enough, all those months searching for his son, and now that trouble had been replaced by new worry over Joe\u2019s emotional well-being and fears.\u00a0 Worse yet was the heightened concern over whether the boy would ever divulge what had happened to him up in the light of the cabin where he had been held for so long.\u00a0 He knew that Joseph would never be able to move forward with his life until he could admit to all that had gone on during those three months in captivity.\u00a0 Ben stood and placed a final very hefty log onto the grate in the massive fireplace to carry the warmth through the house into the long night ahead.\u00a0 His thoughts turned to his two older boys, and Ben sent a silent prayer for their safety before calling it a night and heading for his bedroom.\u00a0 The stairs creaked softly as the anxious father ascended to his bedroom hopeful that sometime in the future he would once again hear the familiar sounds of his boys filling the room.\u00a0 He missed the laughter, the happiness, and the love that they all shared.<\/p>\n The loud shouts had awakened Pa from a sound sleep.\u00a0 He knew it was Joseph having a nightmare again, so he donned his robe and slippers and headed into his son\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n \u201cI swear to God I won\u2019t look at you!\u201d Joe screamed to the two shadowy figures in his dream.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t —- please don\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — you\u2019re having a nightmare — wake up, Son,\u201d Ben called quietly, as he tried to ease his son out from his dream as gently as he could manage.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t look at you!\u00a0 I swear to God that I won\u2019t!\u00a0 Don\u2019t — please — don\u2019t!\u201d Joe continued to shriek.<\/p>\n Ben sat down alongside his son and placed his hands on the boy\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joe — it\u2019s okay —it\u2019s just a dream,\u201d he called, a little louder in tone this time.<\/p>\n Joe shot up on the bed gasping for air.\u00a0 Ben had seen the boy\u2019s glasses go flying off to the end of the bed and he quickly retrieved them.\u00a0 \u201cHere they are, Joseph \u2013 it\u2019s okay — here are your glasses!\u201d Pa tried to get them into his son\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Joe shouted, and then came out from the nightmare and realized he didn\u2019t have his glasses on.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re in your hands — just put them on, Son,\u201d Ben called out once more.<\/p>\n Joe fought to breathe and his hands fumbled with the glasses as he tried to quickly pull them over his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Joseph.\u00a0 You just had a nightmare — everything is alright,\u201d Pa continued to try to soothe his son.<\/p>\n Perspiration beaded up on Joe\u2019s forehead and slowly slipped down onto his face as he fought to come out from under the horror of his nightmare.\u00a0 He tried to remember what his father had said, and then replied, \u201cNo, Pa, nothing\u2019s alright<\/strong>.\u00a0 And nothing will ever be alright again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me about it, Son.\u00a0 You know you can tell me anything, right?\u201d Ben urged Joe to finally release the memories which continued to haunt him.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head and replied, \u201cNo, Pa — it\u2019s just too horrible — just too horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — there\u2019s nothing you can\u2019t tell me.\u00a0 What happened to you just keeps playing out in your dreams.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got to get it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa,\u201d Joe said despondently, \u201cI can never talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm and responded compassionately, \u201cSon, you\u2019ve got to bring it all out into the light sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared into his father\u2019s eyes and shook his head as he replied, \u201cBad things happen in the light, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes as he regretted using the word light<\/strong>, it had just slipped out inadvertently.\u00a0 Pa regrouped his thoughts as he watched Joe slip back down in the bed, pulling his covers up around him.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, I want to help you.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t there anything I can do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa — there\u2019s nothing anyone can do for me anymore,\u201d Joe answered woefully.\u00a0 He felt that any attempt to even suggest that he could be helped was futile.\u00a0 Joe knew that no-one could change what had happened or help him to deal with it either.\u00a0 He had to escape his father\u2019s concerned stare, though he knew Pa meant well, there was no point in making him stay up all night when nothing could be done to help the situation.\u00a0 Joe made sure his glasses were securely in place and then rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n Ben sat there alongside his son as he watched him drift back off to sleep.\u00a0 He wished with all of his heart that he had the right words to get through to the boy.\u00a0 He wished he could make everything all better, but he knew he couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Ben said a quick prayer for some kind of an answer to healing his son and then turned out of the boy\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 The feeling was back.\u00a0 It was the feeling which Pa couldn\u2019t shake no matter how hard he had tried.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright wanted to get his hands on the men who had stolen his son and had abused him.\u00a0 The need for justice was growing more urgent and more overwhelming every time he had seen his son wearing those dark tinted glasses.\u00a0 A reckoning was coming Ben could feel it in his bones.\u00a0 He wondered now if he could tell his sons to \u201cleave it to the law\u201d as he had done for all of their lives.\u00a0 Ben wasn\u2019t sure if he felt that way anymore, and he had a pretty good idea that neither did his other sons.\u00a0 He would have to give it a great deal of thought since he was supposed to be their example.\u00a0 Ben had to acknowledge that right now he felt anything but \u201claw-abiding\u201d.\u00a0 Moving back inside his bedroom he hoped that sleep would help to settle his nerves and ease his mind a bit, but nothing was going to take away his need for justice for his son.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had bided their time, waiting on the outskirts of the town of Genoa.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a bustling town like Virginia City was, but now that it was a Friday night it was going to get busier with local ranch hands coming in eager to spend their money at one of the two saloons there.\u00a0 Knowing that they might be recognized, both Cartwrights waited in the shadows for night to fall and then they would begin their search.<\/p>\n \u201cYou reckon we ought to start to look around now, Adam?\u201d Hoss called, and turned to look over at his brother.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and pointed out toward the street, \u201cYeah, let\u2019s go down to the Sazerac and see if we can spot Bridger.\u00a0 It seems like the kind of place that skunk would hold up at.\u201d<\/p>\n Both men walked down the dark alleyway and headed across to the sidewalk which led to a very seedy saloon.\u00a0 They could hear the loud rowdy crowd inside before opening the swinging doors.\u00a0 The room was filled with smoke and music from a player piano along with deafening conversations.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss slowly milled their way around the room and finally had their first piece of luck.<\/p>\n \u201cLook there, Brother,\u201d Hoss whispered as he tugged on Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 He pointed over at the very crowded bar and spied J. T. standing there in the middle, surrounded by many other cowboys laughing and drinking it up.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Hoss, now remember what we decided.\u00a0 I\u2019ll distract him you take care of his gun,\u201d Adam replied quietly.<\/p>\n Adam walked over to the bar and wedged himself between J. T. and a man who had been standing off to the left side of the gunman.<\/p>\n \u201cBeer,\u201d Adam sang out and pointed to the bartender.<\/p>\n J.T. turned to look at the man who he had shot in the side almost four months ago.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Cartwright — how\u2019ve you been?\u201d J. T. smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cJust fine,\u201d Adam nodded over to him and sipped at his beer.<\/p>\n J.T. stared into the other man\u2019s eyes and could read his intentions.\u00a0 He slowly eased his right hand down to his Colt.\u00a0 He was surprised to find it gone.\u00a0 J. T. spun around to face Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cGive me my gun!\u201d He shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cNot this time.\u00a0 You want it back then you\u2019re going to have to step outside with my brother and me,\u201d Hoss called back coldly, never taking his eyes off the other man.<\/p>\n \u201cOutside now,\u201d Adam insisted and forced his deadly gaze on the gunman.\u00a0 J.T. walked out of the bar with both Cartwrights at his heels.<\/p>\n \u201cYou upset because I out drew you, Cartwright?\u201d J.T. remarked sarcastically.<\/p>\n \u201cNo — I\u2019m upset because of what you did to my little brother.\u00a0 Now you\u2019re going to tell Hoss and me who was in this little scheme with you and Preston.\u201d<\/p>\n J.T. shook his head and replied, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be talking so big if I had my gun.\u00a0 But, I have other guns — just you wait until I get another and we can handle this.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded over at Adam and watched as his brother removed his holster and handed it over.\u00a0 \u201cHold this for me for a bit, Hoss,\u201d Adam said and then spun around and knocked J. T. down into the street.<\/p>\n The gunman was quick to get back up and readied to throw a punch at Adam which was caught in mid-air.\u00a0 Adam pounded a fist into J.T.\u2019s jaw, sending him sprawling onto the street again.\u00a0 He slowly pulled himself to his knees but before he could get to standing Adam slugged him again, this time catching him across the right cheek opening a gash there.\u00a0 Blood poured down from the gunslinger\u2019s face.\u00a0 He fought to catch his breath as the angered brother pulled him up into his hands and punched him in the breadbasket, knocking the wind out of J. T. The gunman fell to the ground, and this time didn\u2019t try to get back up.<\/p>\n Adam went down to his knees and pulled J.T. up by his shirt collar and said, \u201cTell us who was in on this or I\u2019ll just let my other brother here finish what I started!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss rolled up his shirt sleeves and smiled down at J.T.\u00a0 \u201cOh please don\u2019t tell us yet —- I sure would like to have my turn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d J.T. shouted and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you — I\u2019ll tell you!\u00a0 Don\u2019t sick that ox on me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay \u2013 who was it?\u00a0 Who took our brother?\u201d Adam asked again, shaking the man roughly.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo brothers — it was two brothers.\u00a0 I never met them — but I heard Preston say their names.\u00a0 That\u2019s all I know — I was long gone before anyone got to your brother!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are their names?!\u201d\u00a0 Adam shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cRuss and Clark —- Russ and Clark Winters — that\u2019s who got your brother!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned and looked up at Hoss and then back at J.T.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better be telling us the truth or I swear next time Hoss is going to pull your ears off and stuff them down your throat —and that\u2019s just going to be the start!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m telling you the truth—- I swear I am!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood and dusted his pants off.\u00a0 Hoss looked down at J. T. and said, \u201cYou want your gun back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah — I do!\u201d\u00a0 J.T. replied, still lying in the dirty street.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Hoss answered and then walked over to the nearby horse trough.\u00a0 He dropped the weapon down into the water.\u00a0 \u201cThere you go.\u00a0 Oh \u2013and just so you know —we aren\u2019t done with you!\u00a0 We\u2019ll be back to take care of both you and your old boss Preston.\u00a0 And you\u2019d better pray you told us the right names too!\u201d<\/p>\n Both Cartwrights walked down the dark street to retrieve their horses.\u00a0 They would be heading into Virginia City to talk to the sheriff to see if he had any information on the names of the men that J.T. had given up.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss prayed that J.T. had been honest, but they couldn\u2019t be sure.\u00a0 Time would tell.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Doctor Paul Martin had come out to the Ponderosa ranch house early that day and had examined Joe\u2019s leg.\u00a0 He was very pleased to see how the boy\u2019s leg was healing and how well the new-fangled leg brace had helped.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, if you take care of yourself, you\u2019ll be out of that thing in no time.\u00a0 Your incision looks real good.\u00a0 How\u2019s it feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded towards the doctor and responded, \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Doc.\u00a0 I can get around pretty good without my cane most days.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc looked up at Ben and noticed concern on his face and he could tell that there were other things bothering him other than his son\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you just take it easy, Joe.\u00a0 Okay, I won\u2019t worry you any more for today.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you in a week or so,\u201d Paul patted his patient\u2019s shoulder and turned out of the boy\u2019s bedroom with Ben at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Ben, I can tell that you\u2019ve got something bothering you.\u00a0 So what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and said, \u201cJoseph — his nightmares have gotten worse but he still can\u2019t talk about any of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc nodded and answered, \u201cYes, I heard from Doctor Peele earlier this week.\u00a0 He told me all about what Doctor Wallace had tried to do.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what else to tell you, Ben.\u00a0 I wish I did.\u00a0 But, somehow Joe has to unlock all of what he went through or he\u2019s not going to get over it.\u00a0 Just try to be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try, Paul.\u00a0 Can you stay for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take a rain-check, Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a couple young ladies in town who both are due to have their babies in the next couple of days so my time is limited.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be seeing you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks again,\u201d Ben called to the other man as he hurried out to his surrey.<\/p>\n Joe came back down into the living room after he had eased back into his leg brace.\u00a0 Walking over to his father he looked up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I think I\u2019m going to go help Hop Sing for a bit.\u00a0 He asked me earlier and there\u2019s not much else I can do,\u201d Joe said and turned for the kitchen.<\/p>\n Ben watched as his son limped off into the other room to help the cook.\u00a0 He hoped that perhaps a little time spent with the Oriental member of the family might make Joseph feel better, if only temporarily.<\/p>\n Joe had assisted Hop Sing in peeling carrots and potatoes and doing other forms of preparation for supper that night.\u00a0 Ben had hoped that both Hoss and Adam would be returning, and Hop Sing was making a special dinner for them.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing out of sugar,\u201d the cook said and frowned as he looked inside his canister.\u00a0 \u201cMust get some out of the supply room.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood and tried to stretch out his injured leg.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get it, Hop Sing.\u00a0 I need to move around a bit, my leg is getting kind of locked up on me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring you back a bag of sugar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Little Joe!\u201d the cook called as the boy walked out of the kitchen and headed to the supply room just outside.<\/p>\n Joe entered the large storage room which was filled with wheat, sugar, and other staples which were kept in larger quantities out there.\u00a0 He made it over to the shelf where he spied a large ten pound bag marked sugar.\u00a0 Just as he reached up to lift it down his eyes fell to the floor.\u00a0 There was a small dish with some kind of liquid inside, and next to it there was the body of a dead rat.\u00a0 There was blood coming out of the rodent\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n Joe screamed out in horror and went down to his knees.\u00a0 He touched at the rat and yelled, \u201cNo! God No!\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ben and Hop Sing heard the commotion and met in the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is Joe?\u201d Ben asked, confused as he thought he had heard the shouts coming from the kitchen where his son was supposed to be working.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing send boy to get sugar from storage, Mister Cartlight!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben hurried outside and pushed his way inside the storage room.\u00a0 He could see his son knelt down alongside the dead rat.\u00a0 His mouth fell opened in horror at the sight, not knowing what to do.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Why did they have to kill him?\u201d Joe called over to Pa.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cautiously moved over to his son, afraid to make any sudden moves at the time.\u00a0 He could tell that Joe was caught up in his memories once again.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — it\u2019s alright, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2013No, Pa!\u00a0 They killed my rat!\u00a0 They shouldn\u2019t have killed my rat.\u00a0 He was mine — he was all I had \u2013 he was the only one I had to talk to!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben touched his son\u2019s shoulder gently, carefully, not wanting to spook him.\u00a0 \u201cSon, let me take you into the house, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2013 no, Pa — I have to bury my rat,\u201d Joe insisted as tears drifted down from his eyes and spilled onto his cheeks.\u00a0 He tenderly reached down and touched the rat\u2019s body.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s face flinched, not wanting his son to touch the dead animal.\u00a0 Hop Sing walked to the door to the storage room, his face filled with confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing — go and get us some newspaper please,\u201d Ben asked the cook.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat wrong, Mister Ben?\u00a0 Hop Sing must keep rat from food \u2013 what happen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust go and get us some newspaper,\u201d Ben insisted, and shot the other man a stern look.<\/p>\n Hop Sing hurried to find where he had thrown the last edition of the Territorial Enterprise as Ben continued to kneel next to his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my fault, Pa \u2013 I was talking too loud — they heard me and that\u2019s why they\u2019ve killed my rat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joseph, it wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d Ben insisted and looked up to see Hop Sing hurrying in with newspaper in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Mister Ben,\u201d Hop Sing called and handed over the paper.<\/p>\n Joe grabbed the newspaper and wrapped the rat carefully inside of it.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to bury my rat, Pa,\u201d Joe said and stood and eased out of the storage room.\u00a0 Ben followed closely behind, grabbing a shovel off to the side of the porch.<\/p>\n Motioning his son over to a place off to the back side of the ranch house Ben took the shovel and lifted up some of the soil.\u00a0 He dug a hole down about eighteen inches deep and then waited for Joe to make his move.\u00a0 Carefully going down onto his knees, the boy wrapped the newspaper gently to cover the rat.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry — I\u2019m just so sorry,\u201d Joe whispered and then lowered the newspaper down into the hole.<\/p>\n Ben shoveled the soil back on top of the hole and soon had it filled in.\u00a0 He watched as Joe pulled himself to standing and stood there with tears still running down his face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was my rat, Pa,\u201d Joe sobbed.\u00a0 \u201cThey shouldn\u2019t have killed my rat, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dropped the shovel and drew closer to his son, settling his arm around the boy\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go back inside, Son.\u00a0 You got him buried now —there\u2019s nothing else you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n Leading his son back inside the ranch house Pa was beginning to worry about how much more his son\u2019s mind could take.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t getting better, by all signs he was getting far worse.\u00a0 Ben knew that something had to happen in order to force his son to face up to what had happened at the cabin, but he had no idea what it would be.\u00a0 He had no way of knowing that it would, indeed, happen in the very near future.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Ben peered out the window behind the desk in his study as he heard riders enter the front yard.\u00a0 He was relieved to see both of his sons heading into the barn to put away their horses.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing the boys are back!\u201d Ben sang out and moved to the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll ready, just need to put on table,\u201d Hop Sing smiled and began to set the platters out.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t long before both Adam and Hoss walked inside the house and were greeted warmly by their pa.<\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you both!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa, it\u2019s good to be home,\u201d Adam smiled and undid his holster.<\/p>\n \u201cSmells like roast!\u201d Hoss exclaimed and reached to pat his father\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, and it\u2019s all ready.\u00a0 You boys come on and sit down and we can eat and catch up,\u201d Ben insisted and led the way over to the dining table.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam asked, staring over at the empty chair.<\/p>\n Ben frowned and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYour brother had a rough day.\u00a0 I had to give him a sedative to get him to calm down so he\u2019s asleep.\u00a0 Let\u2019s eat and then you can fill me in.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam stared over at their Pa and could tell that he was upset so they dropped any further questions about their little brother for the time being.<\/p>\n \u201cTurns out old J.T. might be good with guns but he ain\u2019t worth his salt when it comes to using his fists, Pa!\u00a0 You should\u2019ve seen how Adam took care of him!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared over at both of his sons and waited to hear the rest of the story.<\/p>\n \u201cHe gave us two names, Pa.\u00a0 He said there were two brothers, and of course he swore he wasn\u2019t a party to kidnapping Little Joe, but that he had heard Preston mention Russ and Clark Winters,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n \u201cSo?\u00a0 You boys think he was telling the truth?\u201d Ben questioned warily.<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged his shoulders and replied, \u201cDon\u2019t rightly know, Pa.\u00a0 But, Adam and I went and stopped by to see Roy on our way home to see if he\u2019d heard of either man.\u00a0 But, he wasn\u2019t there so we left word with his deputy Clem.\u00a0 He said he\u2019d let Roy know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, at least there\u2019s a chance it was the truth I guess,\u201d Ben returned.\u00a0 \u201cYou boys finish eating.\u00a0 I appreciate that you both listened to your father and didn\u2019t get into any gun-play.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks we always listen to you, Pa,\u201d Hoss grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWe might not always do like you say — but we always listen to you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled and nodded over to his middle boy, he had tried to make a joke, but it was also a correct assessment.\u00a0 There were many times that he had told his three sons what he wanted them to do and quite a few times when they hadn\u2019t done it his way.<\/p>\n After supper the three Cartwrights relaxed in the living room and were surprised when a knock sounded on the door.\u00a0 It was almost nine p.m., a bit late for visitors.\u00a0 Adam walked to the door and opened it to find Sheriff Roy Coffee standing there.<\/p>\n \u201cRoy!\u00a0 You\u2019re out awfully late.\u00a0 Come on in!\u201d Adam led the sheriff into the living room.\u00a0 \u201cCan I get you some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks, Adam.\u00a0 Hi Ben \u2013 Hoss,\u201d Roy nodded over at the other two men in the room.\u00a0 He moved closer to the fireplace as Ben stood up and shook the lawman\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat brings you out here so late, Roy?\u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n \u201cJust letting you know that I checked into those names once I got back to my office and Clem told me that they were the ones who Bridger said abducted Little Joe.\u00a0 Look here,\u201d Roy said and drew a poster out of his coat and handed it to Ben.<\/p>\n Ben stared down at the poster which bore the likenesses and names of the two brothers who J.T. had said took Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI had to go hunt for that as I was just fixing to get rid of it.\u00a0 Seems those two got themselves shot dead about a month ago trying to steal some horses over by Elko.\u00a0 They had a bounty on their heads which was already claimed.\u00a0 The sheriff in Elko positively identified them, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben passed the poster over to both of his sons and looked back over at Roy.\u00a0 \u201cI guess that ends one part of this whole ordeal.\u00a0 But, I haven\u2019t dealt with Preston or J.T. yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Ben — at least wise those two polecats that hurt your boy so bad are dead \u2013 that\u2019s something.\u00a0 As for Preston and J.T., well, once Joe can stand up to questioning I can arrest both of them.\u00a0 I just wanted you all to know about these other two so\u2019s you wouldn\u2019t be worried about hunting for them.\u00a0 I have to get back in to town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Roy,\u201d Ben nodded gratefully and walked the man to the door.\u00a0 Once the sheriff was gone he turned back towards his two sons.\u00a0 \u201cI guess that\u2019s not exactly what we wanted, was it?\u00a0 I know you two wanted to get your hands on those two as much as I did, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam both sighed, as their father was absolutely correct about their need for revenge.\u00a0 \u201cI guess the fact that they\u2019re dead is something — not as satisfying to helping them get there — but something,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna tell Joe, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked worriedly.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s gaze trekked up the stairs to his son\u2019s room.\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow \u2013 once I know he\u2019s doing better I\u2019ll tell him.\u00a0 Today he had an episode.\u00a0 He was helping Hop Sing and went to get a bag of sugar out of the storage room and there was a dead rat there.\u201d Ben explained, pain showing on his face.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged surprised glances with each other and then looked back at their father.<\/p>\n \u201cIt took your brother back to that cabin and what happened with the rat there.\u00a0 He insisted it was his rat — and I helped him bury it.\u00a0 By the time I got him back to his bedroom he needed to be sedated.\u00a0 Fortunately I still had a few of those tablets that Paul gave me for the trip.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to sleep for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPoor kid,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope knowing that the men who hurt him are dead helps Joe, Pa,\u201d Hoss addressed the worry that was all over his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so too,\u201d Ben nodded and then moved back to sit next to the fireplace.\u00a0 His eyes shot over to the wanted poster which Roy had left on the coffee table.\u00a0 He wished that he had been the one who had taken care of those evil men.<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n The three Cartwrights sat up and talked for a while before calling it a night and going to their bedrooms.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t taken long for both brothers to fall to sleep, being tired from their long ride that day, but Ben had a harder time.\u00a0 It was around one in the morning when he finally fell into a deep sleep.\u00a0 However, just two hours later he awoke abruptly thinking he had heard someone walking downstairs.\u00a0 He donned his robe and slippers and decided to see who was stirring.<\/p>\n From the top of the staircase Ben looked down into the living room to see Joe sitting on the coffee table apparently deep in thought.\u00a0 He slowly made it down and over to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben whispered and moved to sit next to the boy.\u00a0 \u201cAre you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa — I\u2019m not okay,\u201d Joe responded quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat rat — it wasn\u2019t my rat — was it, Pa?\u201d Joe asked and tried to look into his father\u2019s eyes to see if he could read truth.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and draped his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder and answered, \u201cNo, Joseph, it wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down into his hands and rocked his head back and forth.\u00a0 \u201cNo — it couldn\u2019t have been — because they made me eat my rat, Pa.\u00a0 I remember that they forced it down my throat.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what I was thinking, but seeing that rat laying there on the floor dead I was sure it was mine.\u00a0 But that rat was poisoned — it wasn\u2019t stomped \u2013 that\u2019s what they did to my rat,\u201d Joe forced his gaze on his father and asked with an urgency to his voice, \u201cNow have you changed your mind yet about me being crazy, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to stop saying that.\u00a0 The doctors all told you that you aren\u2019t crazy and I\u2019ve told you that as well.\u00a0 Joseph, you\u2019ve gone through trauma — that\u2019s why you get confused at times.\u00a0 You just get mixed up once and a while but that doesn\u2019t make you crazy — just troubled,\u201d Pa tried to get through to the boy.<\/p>\n Joe sucked in a deep breath and decided to change the subject.\u00a0 \u201cAdam and Hoss got back, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cYes, earlier this evening.\u00a0 They\u2019re fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo they know who took me now?\u201d<\/p>\n Pa hesitated, not knowing how much he should tell his son at the time.\u00a0 Joe noticed that his father hadn\u2019t answered right away.<\/p>\n \u201cJust tell me, Pa —I\u2019m gonna find out,\u201d Joe insisted, looking back up at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay — just a minute,\u201d Ben began and stood and moved across to his desk where he had place the poster.\u00a0 He brought it over to Joe and handed it to him and watched to see if the boy would have a reaction to the portraits of both outlaws. \u00a0Ben sat back down next to Joe and said, \u201cJ.T. told your brothers the names and they took the information to Sheriff Coffee and he brought that poster out here to show us.\u00a0 Those are the men and they were killed somewhere near Elko last month.\u00a0 They\u2019re dead, Joseph, they can\u2019t ever hurt you again.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe held the poster in his trembling hands and read the names and looked at the two faces.\u00a0 He handed it back to his father and dropped his head back down into his hands as tears filled his eyes.<\/p>\n Ben reached over to pull Joe closer, trying to shield him from the memories of his captors.\u00a0 He realized that seeing the pictures and reading the names had gotten to his son.\u00a0 \u201cThat part is over now, Son,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n Joe brought his head up and stared into Pa\u2019s compassionate eyes and exclaimed, \u201cNo, Pa — this isn\u2019t them!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked intently over at Joseph and tried his best to see his eyes through the lenses of his glasses.\u00a0 \u201cJoe — are you sure?\u00a0 You said you never saw their faces.\u00a0 Did you or not?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe squeezed his eyes closed as he heard the voices in his head as they had warned him *** You\u2019d better not look at us!\u00a0 You know what we\u2019ll do to you if you look at us!\u00a0 Do you want that?\u00a0 Do you?<\/em> ***<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben called again, trying to break his son from his trance-like state.<\/p>\n \u201cNo \u2013 no, Pa.\u00a0 I never saw either of them — if I looked at them they would have —- they would have \u2013 they would have hurt me bad \u2013 very bad.\u00a0 \u00a0No I didn\u2019t look at them \u2013 I couldn\u2019t, Pa!\u201d Joe was terrified by the thought of what the two evil men would have done to him had he seen their faces.\u00a0 He had been warned exactly how they would\u2019ve hurt him and their description of the punishment played out nightly in his dreams.\u00a0 Joe could almost feel his captor\u2019s hands on him as they carried out their threats and it brought on bouts of cold sweats most nights.<\/p>\n \u201cThen how do you know that these weren\u2019t the men, Son?\u00a0 Did you hear their names?\u201d Ben finally picked up on what must have happened.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, did you hear them talking to each other?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe began to speak in a haunting whisper, \u201cGet another bottle, Silas!\u00a0 Go and get the kid, Thorn, I\u2019m ready for him now!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned Joe\u2019s face to stare at him, \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Is that what you heard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI — I heard them talking, Pa — I heard when they\u2019d get drunk \u2013 I heard when they\u2019d drop a whiskey bottle onto the floor.\u00a0 I could hear it rolling above me on the ceiling down there in the cellar.\u00a0 I could hear when they\u2019d start laughing and that\u2019s when I knew what would happen next.\u00a0 I heard them saying that they were gonna come down and drag me up into the light.\u00a0 Bad things happen in the light, Pa!\u201d\u00a0 Joe sobbed from the remembrance of all the many times he had been pulled up into the cabin and to the torture which always waited for him there.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd those were the two names, Son?\u00a0 Was it Silas and Thorn?\u201d Ben asked one final time to be sure.<\/p>\n Joe simply nodded his head as tears streaked down his face.<\/p>\n Ben tightly held onto his son, now knowing some of the fear that the boy had experienced down in the cellar.\u00a0 He could just imagine lying down there bound up in the darkness and hearing that someone was going to come down to haul you up the stairs to be tortured.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Joseph, I\u2019m so sorry — so sorry that I didn\u2019t find you before all of that happened to you,\u201d Ben whispered, his voice filled with remorse.\u00a0 His eyes fell down to the poster which was laying there on the table next to where they sat.\u00a0 He cursed J.T. Bridger for his lies and vowed that he would find whoever harmed his son and that they would pay dearly.\u00a0 Now, at least he had the names of Silas and Thorn and they had come from the most reliable source possible, the victim of their torture; Joseph.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Sitting alone at the dining table the next morning Joe stared over at the three vacant chairs.\u00a0 He had no idea where his family had gone so early in the morning.\u00a0 Of course he had slept in a bit, as it was now nearing nine a.m. Hop Sing walked in from the kitchen and stared over at his former charge.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ready to eat now, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and nodded over to the cook.\u00a0 \u201cI guess so.\u00a0 Hey where is everybody?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartlight, and brothers say they go to town and to tell you when I see you.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe reached over for the coffee and poured himself a cup.\u00a0 He noticed that Hop Sing was staring down at him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHere some sugar, Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing passed over the sugar bowl and handed the boy a teaspoon.\u00a0 Joe waved them away.\u00a0 The cook persisted and moved closer to the young man.\u00a0 Hop Sing took the teaspoon and drew out some sugar and then handed the spoon over to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cAll you need do is put in to cup now.\u00a0 You see — not hard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s not hard,\u201d Joe announced, very loudly.\u00a0 \u201cJust leave me be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen use other hand,\u201d Hop Sing wasn\u2019t willing to give up yet.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, not understanding why the cook wasn\u2019t easing up on him.\u00a0 He was sure that Pa had informed Hop Sing about why he couldn\u2019t use any utensils.<\/p>\n \u201cUse right hand, Little Joe, maybe that not so hard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing this has nothing to do with my right hand or my left hand it has to do with ME!\u201d Joe shouted and stood from the table.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must try.\u00a0 Now sit down please,\u201d Hop Sing was insistent and reached for Joe\u2019s arm to ease him back into the chair.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head and reluctantly sat back down.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, every time I tried to use anything whether it was a spoon or a fork I got hurt,\u201d Joe tried to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cNobody to hurt you now, Little Joe,\u201d Hop Sing whispered and drew some sugar back onto the teaspoon and simply passed it over to the boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou just drop into your cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe drew in a deep breath and took the spoon carefully into his left hand and let it fall into his coffee cup.<\/p>\n \u201cThat vely good!\u00a0 Now Hop Sing go and bring in breakfast,\u201d the man smiled and headed back into the kitchen.<\/p>\n Joe looked down at his cup and then slowly began to stir his coffee.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and fought off his fear as he pulled the spoon back out of the cup.\u00a0 It was a start, Joe thought, as he drew the drink up to his mouth.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Roy Coffee leaned back in his chair there inside the Virginia City Jail and stared over at the three men.\u00a0 He could read both anger and determination on their faces.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I don\u2019t remember hearing either of those names, but I don\u2019t mind checking around about them.\u00a0 I could send some wires out to see if any other sheriff has heard tell of those two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder if they have a record, Roy?\u201d Ben questioned, figuring if they were as evil as he knew them to be that maybe they had done some prison time.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know, but without a last name it\u2019s gonna be hard to trace them with the Territorial Prison.\u00a0\u00a0 Just give me a little bit of time to see what I can do, okay?\u201d Roy offered and stood up from his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to go back to Carson City and ask around in the meantime,\u201d Adam announced as he and Hoss turned for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Boys, just let me know if you find out anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will, thanks, Roy!\u201d Hoss smiled over at the sheriff as he walked out of the office followed by his father and brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to get back to your brother, Boys.\u00a0 Be careful,\u201d Ben addressed his sons as he walked over to Buck.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will, Pa — we should be back before dark,\u201d Adam answered and swung up into his saddle.\u00a0 Hoss followed suit and they quickly turned their mounts and headed off towards Carson City, and hopefully some sign of their brother\u2019s captors.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Two agonizing weeks went by slowly for the Cartwright family.\u00a0 Not much had come about in regards to tracking down the two evil brothers.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had learned from Cosmo at the Crystal Palace Saloon in Carson City that he had heard those two names in passing but couldn\u2019t place the faces.\u00a0 The two Cartwrights had gotten the same story from everyone else they had asked from Virginia City to Carson City, with various people remembering the names but not being able to recall what either man had looked like or what their last name was. \u00a0Roy Coffee had checked all of the posters which he had stored in the back room of the jail in the hopes that he might luck into spotting the names of Silas and Thorn and learn a last name to go with them.\u00a0 But, that too, had proven to be fruitless.\u00a0 In the meanwhile time dragged on for Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 Though his injured leg was healing fast, he fought the memories of his imprisonment daily.\u00a0 The heart pounding nightmares persisted and he couldn\u2019t count how many times Pa had to shake him out from underneath them.\u00a0 The very small triumph of handling a teaspoon to put sugar into his coffee was the only achievement he had mastered.\u00a0 Joe still couldn\u2019t handle eating with a fork or a spoon and he had to be coaxed into sitting with his family at the dinner table most nights.\u00a0 While they feasted on roast and side dishes he had to settle for sandwiches or whatever else he could manage with his hands.\u00a0 Joe was about to fall into total despondency and if he could have simply quit on life altogether he would have.\u00a0 But, with his father and brothers urging him on daily Joe had been forced to continue to live.<\/p>\n Just shy of three weeks since Joe had informed his father of the names of the two men who had tormented him, Roy Coffee made another visit to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He rode into the front yard and noticed Ben seated on the porch.<\/p>\n \u201cBen — hey Ben, I\u2019ve got some news!\u201d Roy shouted over to the other man and hurriedly dismounted.<\/p>\n Stepping down into the yard, Ben moved to greet the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust got this letter today and thought I\u2019d get it right out to you,\u201d Roy returned and handed it to his friend.<\/p>\n Ben studied the letter, going over all of its contents a few times in order to digest the news held inside.<\/p>\n \u201cTook that warden quite a while to do it, but he did!\u00a0 So those two brothers served four of a five year sentence for assault and robbery.\u00a0 They got out about two years ago, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilas and Thorn Dalton,\u201d Ben spat out full of hatred for the men.\u00a0 \u201cI sure am glad that the warden persisted.\u00a0 At least that\u2019s something.\u00a0 Not too much of a description in here though, Roy.\u00a0 There aren\u2019t any old posters out somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n Roy shook his head and sighed, \u201cCouldn\u2019t get quite that lucky, Ben.\u00a0 They got picked up right after their crimes so no posters were ever needed.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held his right index finger up to his lips, deep in thought, as he read what the warden had written again.\u00a0 \u201cIt says here that Silas Dalton is fifty- something, short and balding, and his brother Thorn is in his forties and is tall with brown hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a whole lot more than we\u2019ve had, Ben,\u201d Roy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it is a help and gives us a good starting point.\u00a0 Maybe now Adam and Hoss can go back and ask around in Carson City and he can tell Cosmo what they looked like.\u00a0 He said he remembered the names but couldn\u2019t place them.\u00a0 Also having that last name will help us to see if they\u2019ve checked in at any hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll keep asking around on my end, Ben.\u00a0 Let me know if your boys come up with anything,\u201d Roy insisted and mounted his horse.<\/p>\n Ben walked over to the lawman and shook his hand and said, \u201cRoy, I just can\u2019t tell you how much I appreciate all you\u2019ve done.\u00a0 Thanks so much!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks needed, you know that, Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you soon, goodbye for now,\u201d Roy smiled and sent his horse into a gallop.<\/p>\n ***Silas and Thorn Dalton — you\u2019re dead men when I find you<\/em> *** Ben thought to himself and turned into the house.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n With renewed determination, Adam and Hoss headed out to Carson City with the new information that their father had provided.\u00a0 They were able to talk to Cosmo but he still couldn\u2019t recall when he had actually last seen both men.\u00a0 The next stop had been to the Emporium Hotel and a talk with the manager.\u00a0 He checked through his many ledgers and found the name Dalton and that two men had registered about six weeks ago.\u00a0 He asked the desk clerk if he had remembered either man, and he was able to recall seeing them, now that there was a description and also a last name.\u00a0 They had stayed four nights and left without saying much.\u00a0 The desk clerk recalled that one of the men seemed to have quite a bit of money in his billfold when he had paid for their stay.\u00a0 The two Cartwrights had thanked both men for their help and then headed back for the ranch.\u00a0 They knew that the search would just have to expand to other small towns now.\u00a0 But, both men felt a surge in determination and had more hope that they\u2019d catch up with the Dalton brothers sooner or later.<\/p>\n Joe listened to all that his brothers had said that evening, sitting there by the fireplace as Adam and Hoss informed Pa on what they had learned.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to pack up our saddle bags tonight, Pa, and we plan to stay out there until we find some sign of them,\u201d\u00a0 Adam explained their next move to Pa and to Joe, who, didn\u2019t seem to be very interested.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine, Son,\u201d Ben nodded over to his eldest and then caught the expression on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 He could tell that the boy\u2019s thoughts were on what would happen if his brothers found the Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to turn in,\u201d Joe announced quietly and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Brother,\u201d Hoss turned around to cast a look at the boy as he moved away from the family.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re gonna get them, don\u2019t you worry none.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe spun around and anger was written all over his face when he replied, \u201cand just what the hell good will it do?!\u00a0 They\u2019ve served time before — so they go back in for a few years and get out and do all this all over again to someone else!\u00a0 Is that the kind of justice that you three have been looking for all along?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged worried glances and then watched as Pa walked across the room and over to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, we have to catch those men.\u00a0 Now as for what happens when we do \u2013 well it will depend if they plan to come along willingly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh come on, Pa!\u00a0 You know that you won\u2019t kill them!\u00a0 No you\u2019ll bring them back and they might go to jail, meanwhile I\u2019m in my own prison every single day!\u201d Joe shouted.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it anymore — just go do whatever you want— I don\u2019t care,\u201d Joe sounded out angrily and made his way up the staircase.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa, the kid is just beside himself,\u201d Hoss tried to reassure his father.\u00a0 \u201cOnce we catch up with those two and they\u2019re either dead or in jail then Joe will be able to go on.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head sadly, he knew better.\u00a0 It was very evident to him that Joseph needed more than just to see the perpetrators arrested.\u00a0 He needed to face up to what the two men had put him through.\u00a0 Ben felt that Joseph was far more concerned with having to see the Daltons again than whatever sentence they might be given upon their arrest.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s just get those two first, Hoss.\u00a0 And, I hope I don\u2019t have to make myself clear again about what I expect from the two of you?\u00a0 Once you find them I want you to send word to me.\u00a0 Just keep your eyes on them and give me time to get to you.\u00a0 I want to be there when we get them,\u201d Ben warned and his sons could tell that he was dead serious.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know, Pa,\u201d Adam nodded and walked over to his father.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll send a telegraph from the closest town once we find them.\u00a0 And, we\u2019ll keep an eye on them so they won\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Boys.\u00a0 Now go get some rest, you\u2019ve got some long days ahead of you,\u201d Ben called over to both of his sons and turned to go up to bed.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had ridden many miles the first week after leaving the Ponderosa in their search for information which would lead to the capture of their brother\u2019s tormentors.\u00a0 They had passed through White Plains, Granite Point and Mill City, stopping in each town in order to talk to every day citizens as well as any local sheriff who might have some knowledge as to the whereabouts of the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 Not having much luck, they decided to circle around to the town of Sand Dust which was another thirty miles away.\u00a0 They both missed their own beds and hoped that their luck would change soon.\u00a0 Adam had sent his father a telegraph from Mill City keeping him apprised of their travels and how it had gone at each town they had checked thus far.<\/p>\n \u201cWe should make Sand Dust by tomorrow night,\u201d Hoss called to his brother as he settled the coffeepot above the campfire and spread out his bedroll.<\/p>\n Adam nodded over to his brother and readied their meager meal for the night.\u00a0 It was beans and bacon again, and he could tell that Hoss wasn\u2019t very happy about it from the look he had given him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll buy you some real grub tomorrow, Brother,\u201d Adam grinned and set the pot on the hook next to where Hoss had started the coffee brewing.<\/p>\n \u201cI miss my bed,\u201d Hoss groaned as he chucked a stone out from under his blanket.<\/p>\n \u201cI miss some peace,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBut, this will be worth it if we have any luck tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we can\u2019t do any worse than we have the last eight days.\u00a0 I hope Pa and Joe are doing okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam leaned back against his upturned saddle and replied, \u201cWell, Pa will be lots better once we have some real news to tell him.\u00a0 As far as our little brother —well\u2014I just don\u2019t know anymore, Hoss.\u00a0 Kid\u2019s got me worried.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned and turned to cast a glance towards his brother and said, \u201cYeah, I know what you mean.\u00a0 When we catch those varmints I\u2019m not at all sure what\u2019s gonna happen.\u00a0 You reckon what Pa will do?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged his shoulders and returned, \u201cPa talks a good game, Hoss, and though I know he wants to kill those men just like we both do, I don\u2019t think he will do it.\u00a0 Now — if they give us a reason — well that will be different.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just want all this to be over — I want Joe to be Joe again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmen to that, Hoss.\u00a0 Well, let\u2019s eat and get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0 When we get to Sand Dust at least we know some people there who might help us.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and reached over to pour the coffee.\u00a0 He silently sent up a prayer that Sand Dust would prove to be the big break that they needed.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright was fit to be tied.\u00a0 He had tried to find where his youngest had run off to and hadn\u2019t had any luck.\u00a0 Ben had gone up to Joe\u2019s bedroom to check on him as the boy never made it down for breakfast that morning.\u00a0 Pa had given him an extra two hours before heading up there, since he was well aware that Joseph had awakened with yet another nightmare around two a.m., and he figured the boy \u00a0could use the extra sleep to make up for the interruption.\u00a0 Joe was not in his room, however his leg brace was.\u00a0 Ben had been told by the surgeon that his son needed to keep the brace on for a full six weeks and only thereafter could he even think about getting it off.\u00a0 Doctor Richards had flat out told Joe that he would have to be checked out by his local physician before he could take the brace off of his injured left leg.\u00a0 But, there the brace was, just leaning against Joe\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n Going into the barn Ben was relieved to see that Cochise was still in his stall, so at least Joe hadn\u2019t done anything really dangerous like going for a ride on his horse.\u00a0 However, Ben knew it was foolish for the boy to be out walking somewhere without the assistance of that leg brace.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben yelled for the third time as he stood next to the front corral.<\/p>\n Just when the worried father was about to go and get his horse to go look for his son elsewhere, Joe appeared coming from around the back of the ranch house.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben sang out aggravation in his tone.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe walked closer to his father and answered, \u201cI\u2019m not doing anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you out here without your leg brace, Young Man?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t need the thing anymore.\u00a0 I\u2019m walking fine without it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know Doctor Martin has to give you the okay before you\u2019re supposed to take it off,\u201d Ben scolded.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help getting angry, as he was worried that his son might re-injure his leg.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my leg,\u201d Joe muttered and started to walk away from his father.<\/p>\n Ben reached out and grabbed his son\u2019s arm turning him around and preventing him from walking away.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe broke the hold and backed away.\u00a0 \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong with me I\u2019m just fine — or haven\u2019t you been paying attention?\u201d Joe returned, sarcasm coming out with his reply.<\/p>\n Ben took a good look at Joe and read so many things on his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 He could definitely see anger, but it was mixed with fear.\u00a0 \u201cJoe \u2013 is this about your brothers again?\u201d Ben asked with a forced calm to his voice.<\/p>\n Joe looked down at the ground and away from his father\u2019s worried gaze.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m tired — I\u2019m gonna go lay down,\u201d he responded, avoiding his father\u2019s question.<\/p>\n Ben drew closer to his son and put his hand on his shoulder and tried again.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, I know you\u2019re upset \u2013 but it\u2019s not helping anything by avoiding talking to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have anything to talk about, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered and walked towards the ranch house leaving his father standing there with concern written all over his face.<\/p>\n Ben felt helpless as to what he could do to take away his son\u2019s pain.\u00a0 Joe had been very mercurial as each day passed.\u00a0 Sometimes he saw one hundred per cent rage on his son\u2019s face and sometimes he only saw complete and total fear.\u00a0 Ben prayed that Adam would send word very soon that the evil brothers had been caught.\u00a0 Pa wasn\u2019t exactly sure how he would handle the situation once he headed out to join his other sons.\u00a0 Part of him wanted to kill the ones who had harmed his boy, and the other part of him wanted to simply torture them and then turn whatever was left over to the law.\u00a0 Sighing to himself, Ben headed inside the house to check on Joseph whether the boy wanted him to or not.\u00a0 He was also going to insist that his son put that leg brace back on, and he wasn\u2019t going to take no for an answer this time.<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Samuel Hazelton was a big man standing over six feet six inches tall.\u00a0 He also was a very seasoned sheriff, having held the position in the town of Sand Dust for over twenty years.\u00a0 The town\u2019s folk admired the sheriff who everyone knew was both fair and a no- nonsense kind of person.\u00a0 He had helped Ben Cartwright quite a few years ago when a doctor had gotten a hold of his son Joseph and left him hurt and alone in his office and simply skipped town.\u00a0 Ben had turned to the sheriff for help in getting Joe safely out of town, and he hadn\u2019t let him down.\u00a0 Now, looking up at the man\u2019s two older boys, Samuel could tell he was needed to assist the Cartwrights once more.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, these Dalton brothers abducted your brother Joe and held him against his will for three months?\u201d He asked the two Cartwrights, who now stood in his office asking for help.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Sheriff,\u201d Adam answered.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we\u2019ve been out trying to find anyone who knows anything about them.\u201d<\/p>\n Samuel shook his head as he leaned back in his chair.\u00a0 \u201cYour younger brother sure finds himself in the worst kinds of fixes, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can say that again!\u201d Hoss exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cI know you helped my Pa years back when Joe was hurt by that quack doctor, so you know some of what my brother has gone through.\u00a0 But, this time, Sheriff, those men really did a number on Joe!\u00a0 That poor kid is hurt beyond words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI might be able to help you boys,\u201d Samuel nodded and stood to get some coffee.\u00a0 He poured three cups and handed two over to the brothers.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve heard of those men, in fact they were here just a few days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss exchanged surprised glances and looked hopefully at the sheriff.<\/p>\n \u201cYou met them?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Samuel nodded and answered, \u201cYeah, they were over at the saloon drinking pretty heavily.\u00a0 I stopped in to check the situation out, but other than being loud they didn\u2019t get themselves into any trouble so I only got their names from the bartender, just in case. There was just something about them that didn\u2019t sit quite right with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we missed them by how many days?\u201d Adam inquired, setting down his coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was two days ago.\u00a0 I heard they were heading down towards Lone Pine — least that\u2019s what they told Molly who works there at the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess we\u2019d better head out,\u201d Adam returned.<\/p>\n \u201cJust hold up a minute,\u201d Samuel stood back up and called over to the two men.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s late and you two have been on the trail for a while, how about getting some dinner and staying overnight?\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t get far in the dark anyhow.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got a nice hotel and the food\u2019s not too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stared over at his brother and said, \u201cAdam \u2013 what do you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go get that food and then settle in at the hotel.\u00a0 The sheriff is right and besides I can send a wire to Pa so he\u2019ll know where we\u2019re heading and what we\u2019ve learned today.\u00a0 Oh, and Sheriff, my brother and I would sure like to take you to dinner, how about it?\u201d<\/p>\n Samuel smiled and walked over to grab his hat.\u00a0 \u201cI could use a good steak and by the looks of your big brother here I reckon he could too!\u00a0 Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n The three men headed over to the hotel where they\u2019d find a good meal and the Cartwright brothers could also get a hot bath and a decent bed.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss now had a direction in which to head in order to find the Dalton brothers and they finally felt that the hunt was almost over.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Joe happened to pass by his father\u2019s room the next afternoon and could see he was next to his bed and packing up his bedroll.\u00a0 Pa had been closed mouth about the telegraph that Fletcher had brought to the house the night before.\u00a0 Now Joe figured that his father was heading out to meet up with Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 He also assumed that meant that they had located the Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to meet up with Adam and Hoss, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Joe called into his father\u2019s room from out in the hallway.<\/p>\n Ben spun around surprised by his son\u2019s sudden appearance and what he had said.\u00a0 He stopped packing for a moment and stood up and turned towards the boy.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Joseph — I\u2019m going to join up with them in Sand Dust.\u00a0 I\u2019m leaving in about an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe leaned against the doorframe of his father\u2019s room and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, so you catch up with them and then what?\u00a0 You go and find the Daltons and put them in jail?\u00a0 Is that what you want?\u00a0 Is that justice, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked closer to his son and stared at him.\u00a0 He could see the mixed emotions written all over the boy\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, the most important thing is to get them.\u00a0\u00a0 Now as far as what happens when we do — well it will depend.\u00a0 Maybe they\u2019ll put up a fight?\u00a0 If they do then we know the outcome will be that they aren\u2019t brought back alive.\u00a0 I can\u2019t promise you either way, but we have to do something.\u00a0 They just can\u2019t get away with what they did to you, Son!\u201d Ben tried his best to get through to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cThey already got away with what they did to me.\u00a0 I can never get back what they stole from me, Pa!\u201d Joe insisted, and inadvertently tears began to fill his eyes.\u00a0 He reached underneath his glasses and pushed them away and then turned and walked away from his father.<\/p>\n Ben followed his son down the hall and grabbed his elbow to prevent Joe from going into his room. \u00a0\u201cJoseph — I know that capturing those men won\u2019t solve all that you\u2019re still going through — but we have to do it.\u00a0 If you will just talk to me — confide in me — maybe I can help you deal with all you were put through?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa \u2013 nothing\u2019s ever going to help me —- don\u2019t you understand?\u201d Joe returned bitterly, still so full of painful memories which he couldn\u2019t entrust to anyone; not even to his Pa, the man who he trusted most in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I get back — maybe then — maybe then we can talk this out?\u201d Ben asked, hoping that catching or even killing the ones who had hurt his son would be the catalyst that would help Joe to open up to him.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodbye, Pa,\u201d Joe returned sullenly and walked into his bedroom closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n Standing outside his son\u2019s bedroom Ben leaned against the closed door and shut his eyes as he thought to himself, *** I\u2019m doing this for you, Son, and I\u2019m doing this for all of those who care about you.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t let those men get away with what they did to you!\u00a0\u00a0 Lord willing they\u2019ll put up a fight and we\u2019ll be bringing them both in dead.\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to take away your pain, but it has to be done to start the healing process.\u00a0 I hope that someday you\u2019ll understand why I had to leave you in order to do this.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t protect you from them for all of those months \u2013 I wish to God that I could have!\u00a0\u00a0 But I can see to it that they\u2019ll never hurt you again.\u00a0 I love you, Joseph.<\/em> ***<\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had waited two days there in Sand Dust due to the telegraph that their father had sent back to them.\u00a0 He had informed his boys to wait for his arrival so that the three of them could go after Silas and Thorn Dalton together.\u00a0 Neither of the Cartwright brothers were very thrilled to have to wait on their Pa, as they were more than ready to get their hands on the evil perpetrators.\u00a0 But, they had told the man that they would let him be in on the capture so they would have to keep their word.\u00a0 They were well aware that Pa had blood in his eyes and that wasn\u2019t going to go away until those men were either dead or on their way to the Virginia City Jail.<\/p>\n Ben knocked the dust off of his hat as he climbed the stairs to the Arcadia Hotel.\u00a0 He spotted the proprietor, John Casey, a man he had met years ago when Joe had been rescued from the doctor\u2019s office there in town.<\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you again, Mister Cartwright!\u201d John smiled as he turned from the front desk and shook the other man\u2019s outstretched hand.<\/p>\n \u201cJohn, it\u2019s nice to see you as well.\u00a0 How\u2019s your wife?\u201d Ben felt like he needed to at least try to be sociable though all he really wanted was to find his two sons.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s just fine, visiting her sister for a week.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell her you came by and asked about her.\u00a0 Now I guess you\u2019re looking for your boys, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and smiled over at the man.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019ve ridden pretty much straight through from my ranch to catch up with them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you want a room for tonight, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n In response, Ben walked over to sign the guest register.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I could use a bath and at least one good night\u2019s sleep before the three of us head on out.\u201d<\/p>\n John Casey grabbed a room key and handed it over to the other man.\u00a0 \u201cNumber five just next door to where your sons are staying in room four, Ben.\u00a0 I believe I saw them come in a few minutes before you arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded to the man and took the key from him.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, I\u2019ll see you in a bit,\u201d He returned and headed for the staircase leading up to the guest rooms.<\/p>\n Knocking on the door to room four Pa called out, \u201cAdam — Hoss I\u2019m here!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was quick to open the door and smiled broadly down at his father.\u00a0 \u201cDad gum it you sure made good time, Pa!\u00a0 It\u2019s good to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved into the room and greeted both of his boys.\u00a0 \u201cI headed out the afternoon after I got your message,\u201d he explained and sat down in a side chair next to the two double beds.<\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope those two criminals haven\u2019t gotten to far down the road, Pa,\u201d Adam remarked and clapped his father on the back to welcome him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get them,\u201d Ben nodded with a look of total confidence on his face.\u00a0 \u201cThey don\u2019t know we\u2019re after them and I\u2019d imagine since it\u2019s now been quite a few weeks since they left Joe in Littleton that they think they\u2019re in the clear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe gonna head out now, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Hoss, not yet, I need some sleep — I only stopped a few hours and I\u2019m pretty beat.\u00a0 I want to make sure that we\u2019re all awake and extremely alert when we catch up with those two animals!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about we go get some supper and then you can get a bath to relax you before turning in?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n Ben nodded his agreement and stood back up again.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to go fetch my saddlebags first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, Pa, I\u2019ll go take care of that and I\u2019ll go put Buck at the livery with our horses.\u00a0 Now nobody start eating until I get back here!\u201d Hoss quipped and headed out to get his father\u2019s things and his horse taken care of.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, how were things with Joe when you left, Pa?\u201d Adam asked as he watched Pa sitting back down in the chair wearily.<\/p>\n Shaking his head Ben sighed and said, \u201cThe boy is still not talking very much, Son.\u00a0 He also took that leg brace off without asking Doc if he could.\u00a0 There\u2019s just not been a thing I can do for your brother, Adam.\u00a0 He just refuses any help of any kind.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam reached over and patted his father\u2019s arm in an attempt to provide some comfort to the man.\u00a0 \u201cWell, let\u2019s see how it goes once we catch those two evil brothers.\u00a0 Maybe if they put up a fight we\u2019ll be bringing in just their corpses?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and cast a look into his eldest son\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t at all surprised to see the same kind of hatred that he had read in Hoss\u2019 eyes whenever he spoke about capturing the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s just handle it as it comes, Son.\u00a0 I\u2019m surely not saying I want to take them alive, but, we can\u2019t just gun them down either.\u00a0 Hopefully they\u2019ll want a fight, and if so, well they\u2019ll get it!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and also spotted the look of revenge there in his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Pa, we\u2019ll see how it plays out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you see Sam today?\u201d Ben changed the subject.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah we saw him this afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s had dinner with us the last two nights,\u201d Adam answered.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, on our way to supper I\u2019d like to go see if he\u2019d like to make it three dinners in a row.\u00a0 I owe him for all that he helped me with a long time ago — and also for the very first clues as to where the Daltons are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019d like to see you, he\u2019s asked about you every time we saw him.\u00a0 Hoss will be back soon and we\u2019ll go get the sheriff and then maybe we can get the last decent meal we\u2019ll be having for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned back in his chair and waited for his middle son to return so they could all share a meal before the search that awaited them the next day.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n Silas and Thorn Dalton had traveled as though they didn\u2019t have a care in the world.\u00a0 They still had quite a bit of money left from what they had received from Preston Hilliard for keeping Joe Cartwright imprisoned for three months so they had enjoyed the many towns that they had gone to during the last six weeks.\u00a0 Of course it never had occurred to them that Joe had finally given up their names to his family, so they hadn\u2019t bothered to try to cover their tracks.\u00a0 From Sand Dust they had gone straight to Lone Pine, but they hadn\u2019t found much action at the small town and had only stayed a night there.\u00a0 So, they now were in the process of heading back towards Sand Dust for a night spent there and then planned on riding west towards Granite Point and to a saloon there where there would be lots more action.<\/p>\n Deciding to bed down right before dusk the next day, the two brothers gathered wood for their campfire and readied their evening meal.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you thinking of that saloon girl in Sand Dust, Silas?\u201d Thorn called over to his brother as he set the coffee pot above the newly stoked fire.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was okay, but I think I might pass on her.\u00a0 Now that gal over at Granite Point was more to my liking,\u201d Silas grinned wickedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah probably because she didn\u2019t want anything to do with you is why you liked her better than Molly!\u00a0 You always like the ones you can\u2019t have,\u201d Thorn laughed and reached for a coffee cup.<\/p>\n \u201cI like any of them that I can get, Thorn!\u00a0 Molly might have proven to have been just as much of a challenge as that girl at the Golden Nugget.\u00a0 But it\u2019s not worth it.\u00a0 I mean I like a bit of a tussle, but I don\u2019t like an all out fight on my hands and Molly just might have struggled a little more than I would\u2019ve cared for.\u00a0 Besides that pesky sheriff in that town, I didn\u2019t like the looks of him.\u00a0 Granite Point is a better place to find women anyway, but we can just stop at Sand Dust for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d Thorn said and handed his brother a cup of coffee and the two brothers eased back on their bedrolls.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n The three Cartwrights had spotted the campfire and halted their mounts about one hundred yards away from where the Daltons had set up camp.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think that\u2019s them, do you, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, keeping his voice down low.<\/p>\n Ben signaled his two sons to dismount and readied his Colt.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, but we\u2019re not going to take any chances.\u00a0 If somehow they doubled back towards Sand Dust it just might be them.\u00a0 Walk quietly to the tree line and we\u2019ll tie our reins there,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n Stealthily making their way closer to the glow of a campfire, the three Cartwrights neared the two other men.\u00a0 They were fortunate that there was just enough cover from the thicket of pine trees to ease closer without giving away their position.<\/p>\n Ben simply nodded towards his two sons and they knew he was giving the signal that they needed to remove their six-guns.\u00a0 Ben pointed for Hoss to head towards the north end of the camp and for Adam to come up from the south while he was going to walk in from the west side.\u00a0 Squinting off towards their Pa both men waited for the signal of his hand.\u00a0 Finally Ben raised his arm and waved towards his sons.<\/p>\n The three men rushed the camp and watched as the Daltons tried to reach for their weapons.\u00a0 Unfortunately, neither of the brothers were sitting close enough to grab their Colts.\u00a0 Ben had hoped for a shootout, but it wasn\u2019t in the cards.<\/p>\n \u201cPut your hands up!\u201d Ben shouted as he neared the men.<\/p>\n \u201cHey \u2013what\u2019s all this about?\u201d Silas asked, trying to appear innocent.<\/p>\n Hoss stared down at both of the brothers and he seethed inwardly with hatred.\u00a0 \u201cYou two want to go for those guns?\u00a0 We\u2019ll let you!\u201d He shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, how about trying for those Colts?\u201d Adam asked as he drew closer.<\/p>\n The Daltons looked up at Adam and Hoss and then spotted Ben Cartwright holding his pistol aimed directly at them.\u00a0 They could read the fierceness on Pa\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cGo for it!\u201d Ben yelled, hoping that one of the two men would reach towards their weapon.<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh,\u201d Thorn said, shaking his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 If you men want to shoot us it\u2019s going to have to be in cold blood because we\u2019re not touching our guns!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Silas added and watched as the three men exchanged woeful glances towards each other.\u00a0 \u201cSo?\u00a0 What are you going to do?\u00a0\u00a0 And who are you anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know who we are!\u201d\u00a0 Ben shouted, as he fought with himself over whether to shoot the two men sitting there on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright, huh?\u201d Silas grinned sadistically.<\/p>\n \u201cYou too yellow to try at that gun?\u201d Hoss tried to goad the men into a gunfight.<\/p>\n \u201cNope — not yellow, we\u2019re just not stupid.\u00a0 So, either shoot us or tell us your plans,\u201d Thorn replied.<\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath and cast a glance over to his sons.\u00a0 \u201cGet the rope, Boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we can get a rope to put around their necks, Pa?\u00a0 You know — like they did to Joe?\u201d Hoss called over to his Pa and he was dead serious at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cJust their arms and ankles for now, Son, there\u2019s plenty of time for all that later,\u201d Ben nodded to his middle boy.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go get the horses, Pa,\u201d Hoss sighed, though he really had hoped that the Daltons would do something stupid so he could simply gun them down.<\/p>\n Adam and Ben retrieved the Dalton brothers Colt revolvers and their rifles settling them far away from Silas and Thorn\u2019s reach.\u00a0 Soon Hoss was back with the horses and tied them there next to the Dalton brother\u2019s mounts.\u00a0 He walked over to Adam and handed him some rope and one by one they thoroughly tied Silas and Thorn\u2019s wrists and ankles.\u00a0 Hoss added an extra kick aimed at both of the two brothers sides.\u00a0 Silas and Thorn both grimaced from the impact.<\/p>\n \u201cJust needed to dust off my boots, Pa,\u201d Hoss explained as he moved to stand next to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine, Son,\u201d Ben smiled and he began to set up their own camp now.\u00a0 \u201cIf they even look like they\u2019re trying to escape you boys have my permission to kill them,\u201d Ben called to his sons and then removed his saddlebags.\u00a0 \u201cIf not, we\u2019ll be heading back in the morning.\u00a0 But we can take their carcasses back to Sheriff Coffee even easier, so let\u2019s hope they try something.\u00a0 It\u2019s a two day ride and anything can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss smiled over at each other.\u00a0\u00a0 They had never quite heard their Pa talk like this before and it was a side of him that they just happened to enjoy seeing.\u00a0 Pa was a law abiding man, and always had been.\u00a0 But, the man had been pushed beyond all endurance and there was no telling what might happen on the long journey back towards Virginia City.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n The vile Dalton brothers had not slept well that night.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam made sure that not only had they tied both men by their wrists and ankles, but that they had also tied the two men together back-to-back.\u00a0 So they lay there all night on their sides afraid to move a muscle.\u00a0 Hoss had called down to them prior to turning in for the evening letting them know that he had kept a part of the end of the rope that bound the two of them together and had looped it around his right boot.\u00a0\u00a0 He told both Silas and Thorn that if he felt the rope tug at his foot that he would be shooting first and asking questions later.\u00a0 They took that to heart and fought to hold as still as humanly possible until morning dawned.<\/p>\n Ben could have taken the time to make bacon and biscuits but he felt an urgency to move on to the high country, wanting to make it to Buckhorn Meadow before nightfall.\u00a0 He made beans with salted pork for his sons and they ate that while sipping their morning coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d Thorn shouted towards the men who held him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t we get any food?\u00a0 We didn\u2019t get any supper last night because of you guys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind, Thorn, they\u2019re not going to give us anything,\u201d Silas grumbled.<\/p>\n Ben cast a look over at both of his sons and motioned for them to hand him a couple of metal plates.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u00a0 Those skunks don\u2019t deserve a danged thing!\u201d Hoss protested as he watched his father dish out a small amount of beans on both of the plates.<\/p>\n \u201cPull them up, Adam and sit them against that tree,\u201d Ben pointed over to a big pine tree just a few yards away.\u00a0 \u201cHelp him, Hoss,\u201d Ben insisted.<\/p>\n Begrudgingly, both of the Cartwright brothers did as their father had told them to do and had both men untied from their previous position and leaned them up against the tree.<\/p>\n \u201cTie their hands up in front of them, Boys,\u201d Ben called across the camp, as he held his Colt on the Daltons.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss re-tied both Silas and Thorn\u2019s hands out in front of them and turned back to their father.\u00a0 Ben stood up, two plates in his hands and he moved over to them, now towering over the Daltons.<\/p>\n \u201cHere,\u201d He called down to the both of them and he bent down and set a plate out in front of each man.<\/p>\n \u201cHey — how about giving us a spoon or a fork?\u201d Silas shouted out.<\/p>\n Ben kneeled down next to the campfire and retrieved a spoon and turned back to the Daltons.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam shook their heads, very upset that Pa was being so accommodating to the two disgusting men.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve only got one spoon left, but if you ask me nice I\u2019ll let one of you have it first,\u201d Ben addressed the men.\u00a0 He had not forgotten what Joseph had confessed inside the stagecoach a few weeks back.\u00a0 Ben recalled vividly how the boy had spoken out in a whisper of how the men had made him beg for a spoon in order to eat the stew they had said he could have after weeks of only getting beans to eat.<\/p>\n Silas stared up at Ben and wondered if he knew what had happened to his kid back in the cabin.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGive me a spoon please,\u201d He called out anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, that doesn\u2019t sound sincere to me!\u201d Ben replied and then turned to look at Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cDid that sound sincere to you boys?\u201d He asked his sons.<\/p>\n Now, finally, both Cartwrights caught on to why their father seemed to be overdoing his concern for the two monsters.\u00a0 \u201cUm, no, Pa, it didn\u2019t sound sincere at all to me,\u201d Hoss smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNope, not to me either!\u201d Adam grinned over at his pa.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, let\u2019s hear some real sincerity, that is — if you want some grub.\u00a0 Because if not, well, I\u2019d just as soon pack up camp and be on our way,\u201d Ben addressed Silas once more.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you please give me a spoon, Mister Cartwright?\u201d Silas tried his best to sound less complacent.<\/p>\n \u201cWell — that was a bit better.\u00a0 Okay,\u201d Ben nodded and dropped the spoon onto the ground.<\/p>\n Silas moved his bound wrists forward to draw up the spoon from where it had fallen.\u00a0 Suddenly and unexpectedly he felt the heel of Ben Cartwright\u2019s boot come down onto his hands.\u00a0 He shouted out loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess you boys don\u2019t need a spoon after all,\u201d Ben smiled and pulled the spoon up from the ground.\u00a0 \u201cNow you have exactly three minutes to stuff those beans down your throats before we pack up camp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are we supposed to do that?\u00a0 We don\u2019t have a spoon or a fork!\u201d Thorn shouted.<\/p>\n Ben shot both men a hate filled gaze and remarked viciously, \u201cUse your filthy fingers!\u201d<\/p>\n Turning back towards Adam and Hoss, Pa looked down at both of his sons and his expression had changed from anger to a profound sadness.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I just did was what Joseph told me those men did to him.\u00a0 They crushed his fingers under their boots any time he tried to use a spoon or a fork.\u00a0 Now you know why your brother still can\u2019t use utensils.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss stared up at their father and they both wore an equally pained expression on their faces.<\/p>\n \u201cBastards,\u201d Adam muttered staring over at the Daltons.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to get some air,\u201d Ben whispered.\u00a0 The memory of how Joseph had confessed just how badly he had been treated had gotten the better of him. \u00a0Pa fought his anger and sorrow and then simply walked away.<\/p>\n ***********<\/p>\n After they had packed up their camp, the Cartwrights saddled the five horses and dragged the Dalton brothers over to mount up.\u00a0 Then, with their hands still tied in front of them, Silas and Thorn were surrounded on all sides by the angered father and two brothers as they made their way to the high country.\u00a0 After four hours in the saddle the Cartwrights stopped by a stream to water all of the horses.\u00a0 Adam, Hoss, and Pa had taken turns taking their horses down to the waterline and they filled their canteens.\u00a0 Always keeping a wary eye on the Daltons, each man waited and hoped they\u2019d try to make a move so they could send a bullet towards one or both of the men.\u00a0 But, neither criminal made a move.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u00a0 We\u2019re thirsty too.\u00a0 Come on you\u2019ve got to give us a drink!\u201d Thorn cried out.<\/p>\n Adam reached for the one canteen which had yet to be filled and brought it over to Silas and Thorn.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go,\u201d He said and first handed it to Thorn.<\/p>\n Upturning the canteen only two meager drops of water came out of it.\u00a0 \u201cHey!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t get nothing out!\u201d Thorn once again yelled over towards Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cOh I know there were at least a couple of drops of water in there.\u00a0 I guess you should\u2019ve saved at least one for your brother,\u201d Adam sneered over at them both.<\/p>\n Ben and Hoss turned around to watch as Adam had made sure he got his turn to torment those men who had so badly injured his youngest brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two won\u2019t die of thirst — though I wish you would!\u201d Ben sang out and settled the newly filled canteens onto the horses.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re both still alive by the time we make camp we \u201cmay\u201d give you a few more drops of water.\u201d<\/p>\n Silas stared over at Thorn and remarked, \u201cYou gotta give it to them, Thorn.\u00a0\u00a0 These three Cartwrights have a lot more guts than Joe had!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben overheard what Silas had said, and he walked over to the man\u2019s horse and grabbed him by the shirt throwing him out of the saddle.\u00a0 He then punched Silas squarely in the face.\u00a0 \u201cYou were saying?\u201d Ben asked, readying to throw another punch.<\/p>\n Silas spit out blood from his mouth but didn\u2019t say anything further.\u00a0 But now he knew exactly how to get at Ben Cartwright if he wanted to do it later.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright had chosen a good stopping point for the night.\u00a0 They had made it to Buckhorn Meadow before dusk and made an encampment right alongside a small lake with plenty of pine trees for a wind break.\u00a0 Riding steadily all day had afforded them the time for Hoss to use his prowess to catch some trout for their dinner.\u00a0 The three Cartwrights looked forward to eating something besides beans and salted pork that night.\u00a0 Ben made a batch of pan-biscuits and readied their supper.\u00a0 The two criminals stared towards their captors hoping that they might let them have some of the food that they were busy preparing.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had secured both men up against a very large pine tree so that the ropes went all the way around the prisoners and the base of the pine.\u00a0 Their ankles were once again bound as were their wrists which were secured in front of them as they had been all day.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, that trout sure smells good,\u201d Hoss smiled and sat down cross-legged on his bedroll.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just about done,\u201d Ben nodded.<\/p>\n Adam walked up from the lake and tossed the refilled canteens on the ground next to the campfire.\u00a0 \u201cThis should get us through the night, and I\u2019ve already watered all the horses.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Son,\u201d Ben nodded towards his eldest.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like a full moon tonight, Pa,\u201d Hoss remarked and stared up at the sky.<\/p>\n Ben set the coffee pot down on the ground and poured three cups for his sons and himself.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go,\u201d He called, handing Adam and Hoss a cup of the brew.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t we get anything?\u00a0 We haven\u2019t had anything to drink all day,\u201d Thorn sounded out loudly.\u00a0 \u201cEven prisoners get bread and water you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and looked over at his two sons.\u00a0 \u201cI saved some of the old beans, and after being out in the hot sun all day they should taste pretty bad, so I guess we can let them have some.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be their last meal until we turn them over to the sheriff tomorrow — unless they do us a big favor and try something tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa,\u201d Adam nodded and scooped out some of the old beans from the metal container which had been inside his father\u2019s saddlebags all day.\u00a0 He put some onto two plates and stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll feed them,\u201d The voice from behind the tree line called out.<\/p>\n Caught unawares, all three Cartwrights drew their pistols and aimed in the direction of the sound.\u00a0 Coming into view was Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 He approached his family and they had bewilderment painting their faces.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben exclaimed as the boy drew closer.<\/p>\n Joe walked over to the campfire, his leg still inside of the brace.\u00a0 He stood to face his Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cHow in the devil did you get out here?\u201d Ben asked harshly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been behind you ever since you left the ranch,\u201d Joe answered matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou rode all the way to Sand Dust?\u201d Hoss asked, as he and Adam moved closer to their little brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe nodded.\u00a0 He could see the anger on his father\u2019s face, and tried not to stare over at him.<\/p>\n \u201cBoy, that little stunt might just have cost you that leg being permanently lame!\u201d Ben said with both worry and agitation in his tone of voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa,\u201d Joe frowned and then, for the first time since he was imprisoned in the root cellar, looked face to face at the men who had abducted and abused him.<\/p>\n Ben stopped ranting about his son\u2019s foolhardy trip to catch up with his family.\u00a0 He could tell that the boy\u2019s face had taken on a stricken look as he was forced to view his tormentors for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like old home week!\u201d Silas called out over to the boy, and laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll shut them up!\u201d Hoss yelled and started over to them.<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d\u00a0 Joe insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI said I\u2019m going to feed them, Hoss.\u00a0 And that\u2019s what I\u2019m going to do.\u00a0 Adam, hand me those plates and a spoon,\u201d Joe called down to his brother.<\/p>\n Adam stared back to his father and over to Joe.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what he should do.<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead and give Joe the plates, Adam,\u201d Ben sighed.\u00a0 He had no idea what Joe had in mind but there was no way he was going to try and stop the boy now.<\/p>\n Joe brought the two plates over to the Dalton brothers and knelt down there in front of them.\u00a0 \u201cI hear you\u2019re hungry, huh?\u00a0 Here you go!\u201d Joe dropped the spoon to the ground and grabbed a handful of beans and tried to stuff them into Silas\u2019 mouth.\u00a0 When the man turned his head, Joe yanked it back again and pried his mouth open and tried to get the beans down.\u00a0 He then proceeded to do the same thing to Thorn, but that time he grabbed a handful of hair to get the man to open up.\u00a0 Both men started coughing and Joe only stopped what he was doing when he realized that Silas was smiling over at him.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s attempt to hurt his captors wasn\u2019t having the desired effect, and instead, both men seemed pleased.<\/p>\n Joe hurriedly grabbed the plates and spoon off of the ground and moved back to the camp fire and threw them down.\u00a0 Neither his father nor his brothers knew what they could do to help Joe, who now looked petrified.\u00a0 Confronting the Dalton brothers had affected him so much that his body had begun to shake.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben whispered to his son after regrouping a bit.\u00a0 He placed a hand onto the boy\u2019s shoulder and attempted to look at him.<\/p>\n Joe simply looked away from his Pa\u2019s concerned gaze.\u00a0 He tried to hide the tears which were starting to form in his eyes there under the dark shaded glasses which he still wore.\u00a0 Joe internally fought with his feelings.\u00a0 He had foolishly presumed he\u2019d be able to face both of his tormentors and somehow make them feel as helpless as he had all of those months down in the darkened cellar.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t worked.\u00a0 Now all Joe wanted to do was to run away, but he couldn\u2019t even do that due to his injured leg.\u00a0 The overwhelming fear was back again and had fallen down on him like a ton of bricks.\u00a0 It was the exact same feeling he\u2019d had up in the light of the cabin, a feeling of being weak and no longer in control of his body or his mind.\u00a0 Joe had played out the scene in his head for all the long days and nights that he had followed his father, and later his brothers too, as they tried to catch up with the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 He imagined how he\u2019d stand up to both Silas and Thorn and make them pay, even in some small way like choking on some beans, for the way that they had harmed his body, soul and mind.\u00a0 Instead, however, both of the men seemed gleeful to see him attempting any form of payback.\u00a0 Joe had felt his skin crawl when he had spotted the smiles on the two men\u2019s faces a minute ago.\u00a0 It was just like back in the cabin when they had laughed at him and mocked and humiliated him.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t wanted anyone to know that Silas and Thorn had gotten any more tears out of him, especially now.\u00a0 He was glad that his glasses had afforded him that one small favor at least.\u00a0 Now, however Joe felt stuck.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to admit that the Daltons had beaten him again, but in all honesty, Joe knew that they had.\u00a0\u00a0 There was no getting away from all of the horrifying things which they had done to him for three straight months.\u00a0 And now, witnessing the way that they had smiled up at him, Joe knew that they were still gloating about all that they had taken from him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Thorn, Joe was nothing like Winnemucca\u2019s granddaughter!\u00a0 Nope \u2013 now that gal was feisty!\u00a0 Once we killed her old man \u2013 boy did she put up a fight!\u00a0 It took us quite a while to take what we wanted from her.\u00a0 But, well, Joe —- he just laid down like a two-bit Saturday night whore!\u00a0 Yeah, the kid never fought us at all, did he, Thorn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he sure didn\u2019t, Silas,\u201d Thorn piped up, enjoying the way that their words seemed to strike a blow to Joe Cartwright\u2019s face.\u00a0 They had both seen the way the young man now stood looking both shocked and horrified. \u00a0\u201cI think the kid actually enjoyed our company!\u00a0 He let us do whatever we wanted to and he was always willing to please us from what I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he was more than willing to let us take him.\u00a0 Oh \u2013 wait —Joe— you did tell your family all about what you let us do to you, right?\u00a0 I hope I didn\u2019t blurt out anything that you didn\u2019t want them to know?!\u201d Silas sadistically taunted his former captive and then laughed along with Thorn.<\/p>\n Ben, Adam and Hoss looked over at the Dalton brothers absolutely outraged by what they had said.\u00a0 They turned back towards Joe and noticed the total panic now written all over his face.\u00a0 He rushed away from the camp, heading off towards the lake.<\/p>\n Filled with wrath, Ben shouted, \u201cBoys, gag them — gag them right now!\u201d He then ran off in the direction of the lake trying to catch up with his youngest.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam grabbed two bandannas from their saddlebags and quickly gagged each man tightly. \u00a0Both of the Cartwright brothers sent a solid punch to each of their prisoner\u2019s stomachs, knocking the wind out of them.\u00a0\u00a0 The Daltons had that coming, Adam and Hoss reasoned, for what they had said about their little brother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better stop me, Adam,\u201d Hoss thundered, as his hand fell down to his Colt.\u00a0 \u201cStop me because I\u2019m about ready to kill both of them right now!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam neared his brother and eased his hand down onto the big man\u2019s arm to steady him.\u00a0 \u201cNot now, Hoss.\u00a0 Wait — there will be a time for it —but just hold off awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss fought with everything he had left inside of him not to either shoot Silas and Thorn or rip them apart with his bare hands.\u00a0 These were the men who had tortured his little brother.\u00a0 These were the men who had been responsible for the bite marks on Joe\u2019s back.\u00a0 He had known that before leaving the ranch, but now it was all too evident what they had done to his brother.\u00a0 Hoss never before felt the type of rage which now coursed through his veins.\u00a0 He had hated before, he had been red-faced angry before, but he had never felt the way he did after hearing what Silas and Thorn had said.\u00a0 Hoss couldn\u2019t believe that the men had dared to laugh about what they had done to Little Joe.\u00a0 He could only assume that the Daltons were without a doubt insane or that they had a death wish.\u00a0 Either way, they both deserved to be killed as far as Hoss was concerned.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Ben had struggled to find where his youngest had run off to in order to hide from his family and all that had been said there in the camp by the Daltons.\u00a0 He carefully made his way down to the lake and peered around hoping to spy the boy.\u00a0 The glow given off by the full moon cast a shimmering line of light across the lake and Ben finally spotted Joseph sitting on a steep embankment.\u00a0 He slowly, and with great apprehension neared his son.\u00a0 Ben eased down alongside of the boy, sitting there in the tall grass which surrounded the lake.\u00a0 There was an uneasy silence which hung in the air as Pa tried to see his son\u2019s face with only the light of the moon to aid him.<\/p>\n Joe hung his head down and fought to say something, though he felt sick at his stomach ever since he had heard what the Daltons had said there in the camp.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t believe that they had dared to talk about what had happened while he had been held as a prisoner at the cabin.\u00a0 Finally, sucking in a deep breath and struggling to find the right words, Joe addressed his father.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s voice came out with a forced steadiness to it as he whispered, \u201cYou knew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — I — well I \u2013<\/p>\n Joe cut his father off as he fought to pull the words out of his gut. \u00a0His voice trembled as he said, \u201cPa — more than anything I need honesty from you now.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and chose his response as carefully as he could muster.\u00a0 He reluctantly admitted somberly, \u201cI knew some of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you find out?\u201d Joe asked, turning for just a brief moment to face his pa.<\/p>\n Ben frowned, not knowing how much he should say.\u00a0 \u201cI was with Doc the night he examined you when we got you home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and gave a short ironic laugh.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cI should\u2019ve known.\u00a0 Good old Doc.\u00a0 He was the one who told you what happened to me four years ago.\u00a0 He told you what I was never going to admit to you back then.\u201d\u00a0 Pausing for a few anxious moments, he finally continued.\u00a0 \u201cDid you know because of those bites on my back, Pa?\u00a0 I remember you kept saying that they were cuts when you were doctoring them.\u00a0 You were trying to pretend that you didn\u2019t know what they were, but I knew that you could tell that they were bites.\u00a0 I guess it was pretty easy to figure out how I came to get them, so you knew what had been done to me this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, we don\u2019t have to talk about all of this right now,\u201d Ben tried to get his son to let it go for the time being.\u00a0 He knew how badly the boy felt after hearing all that had been said up at the camp.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to make matters even worse now by offering more details.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa, it\u2019s got to come out, just like Doctor Wallace said.\u00a0 He told me it would all have to come out eventually.\u00a0 I guess today is \u201ceventually\u201d huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dropped his head down and tried to think of what he could say to help his son deal with all that had happened to him.\u00a0 He drew a blank, as nothing he could say would ever make the details any easier for Joe to explain.\u00a0 And, there wasn\u2019t anything he could offer to his son that would make it any easier for his Pa to hear the frightening story that was evidently forthcoming.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what they said a minute ago — what they said — well, it was the truth.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t put up any fight, Pa.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t resist either of them,\u201d Joe confessed and dropped his head down once more.<\/p>\n Ben touched his son\u2019s arm and insisted, \u201cJoseph, you were tied up, and there were two men.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t anything you could have done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa —you just don\u2019t understand.\u00a0 Four years ago — I was tied up and there was one man, but you know I fought!\u00a0 I knew I couldn\u2019t win, but by God I fought!\u00a0 You know that I did because it was you who untied me afterwards.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0I know you could tell how hard I fought.\u00a0 You remember, my wrists were tied behind me that time,\u201d Joe alluded, just as he had over a month ago inside the darkened barn, to the way he had been bound back then.\u00a0 In his mind he had always compared both events, and how they were both horrible and yet dissimilar due to how they had happened.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, as the remembrance of what had happened back at the ranch all those years ago had once more come back to haunt them both.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you saying, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa — even if there had been a hundred men I still would have fought!\u00a0 I know I never would have won, but I would have fought with all that I had in me any way!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I don\u2019t understand what you are saying about what happened at the cabin?\u201d Ben questioned, confused by what his son had been trying, in a roundabout way, to explain.<\/p>\n Joe whispered, \u201cPa — it just wasn\u2019t the same type of situation.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Tears began to form in his eyes as he knew the complete truth would now have to come out at long last.<\/p>\n \u201cJust tell me, Son.\u00a0 No matter what it is — tell me,\u201d Ben urged his son to finally get his story out into the open.\u00a0 It had been far too long that Joe had held it all inside of him, and it was killing the boy slowly.<\/p>\n Attempting to swipe away the newly formed tears from under his eyeglasses, Joe drew in a deep breath in order to summon the courage he would need to get through his story.\u00a0 \u201cPa,\u201d Joe began, his voice quavering, \u201cI woke up in that root cellar not knowing what was going on.\u00a0 The last thing I remembered was being at the Hilliard ranch and seeing you and Adam riding away.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know where I was, and I had no idea how far away they had taken me.\u00a0 All I knew is that it was dark and I was tied up,\u201d Joe said and paused again.\u00a0\u00a0 His body began to quake as he remembered what had happened the first time he had been taken up the stairs.<\/p>\n Ben draped his arm across the boy\u2019s shoulder as he called over gently, \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Joseph — take your time.\u201d<\/p>\n Struggling to describe what had happened, Joe began once more, \u201cThe first time — the first time they came down to get me, Pa — I didn\u2019t even see them until suddenly someone pulled me up and dragged me up the staircase.\u00a0 Then I was forced into the light of the cabin and I could barely see due to spending so many hours in total darkness.\u00a0 It was just too bright!\u00a0 Someone forced me down onto a table and held the back of my head so I couldn\u2019t move.\u00a0 I heard two voices, and they both said that I\u2019d better not look at either of them.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t see their faces, Pa.\u00a0 The only thing I could see was a man standing over by the wood stove.\u00a0 I only saw his arm and hand because of the way my head was shoved down onto that table.\u00a0 But, I saw what he was doing,\u201d Joe stopped speaking again, as he felt a sudden chill go up his spine.<\/p>\n Ben sat there, fighting his own emotions as he listened to his son painstakingly trying to explain what had happened to him.\u00a0 As a father, he was having a very tough time listening to the terror in his boy\u2019s voice.\u00a0 He knew that Joe needed to get the whole story out in the open, but Ben could tell that it was only going to get far worse.<\/p>\n Joe continued, drawing in another deep breath to force air back into his lungs.\u00a0 \u201cI could see he was holding a fire poker — about a foot in length and he had just pulled it out of the stove.\u00a0 Pa — it was red hot — and I didn\u2019t know what he was going to do with it!\u00a0 I could see him walking closer to the table.\u00a0 Then the man who was — who was \u2013 standing behind me — had a knife,\u201d Joe dropped his head down into his hands and couldn\u2019t fight his tears this time.\u00a0 He could feel his father\u2019s hand reaching for him trying to console him with his touch.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Pa!\u201d Joe cried out.\u00a0 He was trying to explain all of the frightening details, but he had been transported back to the event in his mind and he was now just as terrified as he had been as it all had played out in front of him months earlier.<\/p>\n Ben whispered, trying to calm his son, \u201cJoseph, are you going to be able to tell me what happened — or do you want to wait for another time to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa —- if I don\u2019t tell you now I\u2019ll never be able to,\u201d Joe insisted, and tried to sit back upright.\u00a0 He continued, \u201cThe man with the knife was standing behind me and he started to cut me, Pa.\u00a0 He said that they were going to — they were going to,\u201d Joe stopped once more and his body went cold and rigid.\u00a0 With his last ounce of strength, he finally spoke the horrifying words, \u201cThey were going to geld me, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben involuntarily gasped and drew his hands up to his mouth, so terrified by what Joe had just confessed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, God, no,\u201d Pa murmured.\u00a0 His hand shook as he reached over to touch his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down again and then continued, his voice sounding very strained, \u201cThey said they were going to geld me, Pa.\u00a0 The one behind me was still cutting me —and the other man said that once the cutting was done that he was going to put that red hot fire poker on me to stop the bleeding!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s stomach knotted up.\u00a0\u00a0 In his wildest imagination he never would have presumed that that kind of torture could happen to his son.\u00a0 He thought back to the night that Doctor Martin and he had examined Joe.\u00a0 Ben remembered seeing the festered bite marks on his son\u2019s back and he knew that Joe would\u2019ve had to have his shirt off in order for those bites to be so deep.\u00a0 Both he and Doc had come to the conclusion that Joe had been assaulted and in the most horrible way possible.\u00a0 However, they never imagined anything as horrendous as what the boy had just admitted to having been done to him.<\/p>\n \u201cI begged them to stop cutting me, Pa!\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t have cared if they just went ahead and killed me — it would\u2019ve been better than what they were planning to do.\u00a0 Pa \u2013 I didn\u2019t know if you were out there somewhere looking for me — or if I\u2019d ever be found.\u00a0 But, if I was found alive — I just couldn\u2019t — I just couldn\u2019t be found like that!\u201d Joe declared.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Joseph, what happened?\u00a0 How did you get them to stop cutting you?\u201d\u00a0 Pa responded quietly, still tightly holding onto his son\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n Joe sat up and placed his hands over his eyes as he tried to get more of the story out in the open.\u00a0 \u201cPa — they said that the only way that they wouldn\u2019t finish what they started was if I — if I — if I agreed to go along with anything that they wanted to do to me.\u00a0 I had to swear that I wouldn\u2019t fight them on any of it.\u00a0 They also made me swear I\u2019d do anything they told me to do.\u00a0 They said that I wouldn\u2019t get a second chance.\u00a0 If I gave them the least bit of trouble or protested in any way that they would go ahead and finish the job that they had started.\u00a0 Oh Pa! Pa, I swore that I wouldn\u2019t give them any trouble \u2013 and I would do anything they wanted!\u00a0 I just couldn\u2019t be \u2013 I just couldn\u2019t let them, Pa, I couldn\u2019t let them castrate me,\u201d Joe cried and dropped his head down and wrapped his arms around his knees, so swept up in his sorrow and humiliation.\u00a0 It took a few minutes to gather his courage and to control his voice, but then he fought to continue.\u00a0 Staring sadly over at his father he hesitantly confessed, \u201cPa, — they made me do things —they made me say things.\u00a0 Pa, I had to do and say things that were — horrible — they were degrading — they were unholy and they were unspeakable!\u00a0 It made what happened to me four years ago seem like it was nothing<\/em> — absolutely nothing<\/em>, Pa!\u00a0 Back then I had to go through maybe ten or fifteen minutes of pain and humiliation and then at least it was over.\u00a0 \u00a0But at the cabin it was three months of non-stop pain and fear.\u00a0 Silas and Thorn took pleasure in hurting and degrading me.\u00a0 They enjoyed seeing me suffer and hearing me cry due to the pain they were causing me.\u00a0\u00a0 And with those two it was almost an everyday thing!\u00a0 I would rather that they had killed me, but I wasn\u2019t given that choice, Pa,\u201d Joe reiterated.\u00a0 \u201cI only had the choice of giving in to all that they wanted, or letting them go ahead and castrate me.\u00a0 Pa, I would\u2019ve rather died than to let them do all of the things that they did to me!\u00a0 I would\u2019ve rather died than to give in and do everything that they told me to do!\u00a0 I never thought it was in me to ever surrender, but that\u2019s what I did.\u00a0 That\u2019s the only way I could stop them from cutting me — and finishing what they had started on that first day.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence fell over the two Cartwrights, neither of them being able to speak.\u00a0 Ben was so overwhelmed by his son\u2019s confession that he was having a hard time putting his emotions into check for the boy\u2019s sake.\u00a0 His hands formed into fists over the very idea of all that Joseph had endured.\u00a0 He just wanted to go back to the camp and kill both of the vile men who had abused his son.\u00a0 Ben knew that he had to first try to help Joe who, he could tell, was feeling totally destroyed over the memories of his imprisonment and the terrible decision his captors had forced him to make.\u00a0 He fought to find the right words of consolation to offer his son, but was once again struggling over what he could say that might help.\u00a0 Ben could tell that Joseph was feeling totally bereft.\u00a0 He also knew that the boy was at odds with himself over the decision he had made to go along with whatever his captors had told him to say or do. \u00a0\u00a0Pa knew that he wouldn\u2019t be able to ease his son\u2019s mind or provide much comfort to Joseph, not while there was still the issue of dealing with the Daltons.\u00a0 That situation had to take priority at the present time, but he could try to offer the boy some kind of solace before deciding on how justice would best be meted out.\u00a0 After that situation was handled, Ben would make sure that he spent more time talking with his son in order to try and help him to heal emotionally.\u00a0 But at the moment, Pa decided to simply pull his son a little closer to offer him his support in that way.<\/p>\n Joe could almost hear his father\u2019s thoughts at the time as he felt the man drawing him closer.\u00a0 The boy sucked in another deep breath and wrestled with himself trying to address his persistent fears.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa, every time I\u2019ve told you that there\u2019s pain in the light — this is what I\u2019ve meant.\u00a0 Pa, there are so many bad things that happened in the light.\u00a0 And, now they are always with me — they never ever go away,\u201d Joe, at long last, had finally admitted what had caused his phobia and why he had been forced to stay in the darkness.\u00a0 Then the weight of his confession about the bargain he had made with the evil Dalton brothers sent Joe reaching for his father and collapsing there into his arms.<\/p>\n Feeling as though he should have been able to prevent what had been done to his son, Ben held onto Joseph and wept there along with him.\u00a0 As he held his youngest tightly in his arms, Pa fought his pervasive fear.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t comprehend all of the horrors that his son had suffered through, and he was at a loss as to how to make the memories of them all go away.\u00a0\u00a0 Just the thought of what those evil men had forced on the boy made Pa cling to his son.\u00a0 He could not bear the frightful visions which were playing out in his mind, now that he knew how it had all begun.\u00a0 Ben thought about the knife which had been used to cut his boy and how it had forced Joe to concede to the Dalton brother\u2019s desires.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s plaintive voice shook as he called out, \u201cPa, I don\u2019t know if I did the right thing or not — all I feel now is fear and shame because I went along with all of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joseph, the shame is not yours, it is theirs.\u00a0 You weren\u2019t a willing participant it was forced upon you.\u00a0 It was a no- win situation, Son.\u00a0 I can assure you that no man would allow themselves to be castrated, no matter what the cost.\u00a0 It\u2019s just not human nature.\u00a0 You did the only thing you could do, it wasn\u2019t a choice it was a circumstance, a horrible, damnable circumstance that those sadistic men forced on you.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s sobs shook his chest as he clung to his father and relived in his mind all of the ways that he had been abused by Silas and Thorn for three long months.\u00a0 He could feel his Pa\u2019s hand as it gently stroked the hair on the back of his head and tried to calm him.\u00a0 Joe could also feel the stray tears that drifted down the back of his neck and he knew that they were from his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n It had taken a good ten minutes before either Joe or his Pa\u2019s tears had abated.\u00a0 Joe pushed himself back from his father and reached down into his right boot.\u00a0 He pulled out a knife and looked up at Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the moment that I saw those two sitting in the camp tonight all I\u2019ve thought about is taking this boot-knife and cutting them up, Pa,\u201d Joe confessed, as he attempted to wipe away his tears.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — if that would take all of this off of you I\u2019d honestly allow you to do it,\u201d Ben admitted nodding his head over to his son.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head and his voice broke as he replied, \u201cI thought I could do it, Pa — I thought I could just go and cut them like they cut me — but I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 When I tried to make them choke on the beans they smiled at me, and then I knew — I knew —\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t finish his statement as he was overwhelmed by fear again.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Son?\u201d Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa, I\u2019m still scared of them!\u00a0 I can\u2019t help it — they still terrify me, Pa,\u201d Joe choked out and then convulsed with tears. \u00a0\u00a0It took a few minutes before he could continue his explanation as to why the Daltons still frightened him so badly.\u00a0 Finally, he admitted, \u201cI don\u2019t know why, Pa.\u00a0 I \u2013 I know that they are still tied up and I know that I\u2019m not alone anymore\u2014I have the three of you now — but I\u2019m still just so scared.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa tried to comfort Joe as he placed his arm around his son once more.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s only natural, Son, they put you through the unimaginable.\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s just not something that just goes away easily.\u00a0 But, you won\u2019t have to see them much longer.\u00a0 I know how to deal with them now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Pa?\u00a0 Are you going to turn them over to the law?\u00a0 They\u2019d get five or ten years at the most and be right out and do this again \u2013 maybe even coming back to find me!\u00a0 They\u2019ll get a couple of years and meanwhile I have a life sentence of being afraid!\u201d Joe exclaimed, so sure that his father would just turn them over to Roy Coffee the next day.<\/p>\n Ben tried to calm the boy and whispered, \u201cNo, Joseph, I was talking about something else.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe attempted to catch a glimpse of his father, but the dim light along with his shaded glasses prevented him from witnessing the look in Pa\u2019s eyes or seeing the furious expression that was there on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cPa \u2013 I know you\u2019d like to kill them — I know both Adam and Hoss would like to as well.\u00a0 But, I know you can\u2019t do that, not after all that you\u2019ve told us our whole lives.\u00a0 I wish to God we could — but that\u2019s not the way you brought us up,\u201d Joe addressed the option he perceived his father was alluding to.<\/p>\n Ben reached over and placed his hand under his son\u2019s chin and replied, \u201cNo, Son, I know another option.\u00a0 I need you to trust me on this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, first of all, I want you to know that the two of us are going to have a long talk about everything that you\u2019ve gone through.\u00a0 I know you have a lot more to get off of your shoulders.\u00a0\u00a0 I need to make you understand that none of what you went through was your fault.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk it all out very soon.\u00a0\u00a0 But right now is not the right time or place for that.\u00a0 Right now there\u2019s a more pressing matter and that\u2019s getting you some justice!\u00a0 I\u2019m asking you to trust me on this, Son.\u00a0 And I also need you to go and saddle our two horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Joe responded, now very confused.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think that there was even a remote chance that real justice existed anymore.\u00a0 What kind of justice could repay the Dalton brothers for all that they had done to him, and all that they had stolen from him both physically and emotionally?\u00a0 Joe just shook his head dismayed over the very idea that there was any option left for obtaining justice.\u00a0 Real justice, in Joe\u2019s opinion, would only be served by killing the vile brothers and making them feel pain before they died.<\/p>\n Pa stood and reached down to take his son\u2019s hand to pull him to standing.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joseph, you\u2019ll know soon.\u00a0 Now I want you — or rather I need you — to stay with the horses once you get them saddled.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want you to even look at those men.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood and nodded solemnly over to his father.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t the slightest idea what Pa had in mind, but he could hear the fierce determination in the resonance of his voice and knew that he was deadly serious.<\/p>\n Ben threw his arm across his son\u2019s shoulder as the two of them walked back towards the camp.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t noticed that Pa had taken the time to retrieve his son\u2019s boot-knife from the ground, and he had no idea that his father intended to use it very soon.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Growing close to the light of the campfire, Ben patted Joe\u2019s back and motioned for him to head off in the direction of the horses.\u00a0 Pa didn\u2019t want the boy to see what he was about to do.\u00a0 Both Adam and Hoss spotted their father\u2019s approach and as he grew closer, they didn\u2019t miss the intensity on his face.\u00a0 Ben moved past his two sons, never looking over at them as he neared the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 He made it over to the pine tree and suddenly dropped down to one knee there right in between the two despicable men and drew up Joseph\u2019s boot-knife.\u00a0 Like the steady increasing rumble of an earthquake right before it rips the land in two, Ben\u2019s voice was absolutely seismic as he shouted, \u201cDid YOU<\/strong> cut my boy?!\u201d\u00a0 He held the knife up to Silas\u2019 neck, pressing in the tip of the blade just under the man\u2019s Adam\u2019s apple.\u00a0 \u201cDid you?!\u201d He screamed and watched as Silas\u2019s eyes grew bigger.\u00a0 Ben fought his rage, trying not to press in any harder than he had, and even at that, he had drawn blood.\u00a0 He next turned to Thorn and held the knife under the same location as he had done to the man\u2019s older brother.\u00a0 \u201cDid YOU <\/strong>cut my boy?!\u201d He bellowed.\u00a0 Thorn tried to swallow but was afraid to make the move since he had the point of the blade sticking in him at the time.\u00a0 Ben cut Thorn, though it was only a superficial wound, he hoped that both men had felt fear.<\/p>\n The two Dalton brothers tried their best not to make a sound, even though they were still gagged by the neckerchiefs.\u00a0 In fact, both of them tried to hold their breaths too.\u00a0 They could hardly believe that Ben Cartwright was holding a knife to each of their throats and had intentionally cut them.\u00a0 This was Ben Cartwright after all.\u00a0 Most people in Nevada knew the man to be law abiding, upright, moral and beyond reproach.\u00a0 But, foremost, Ben Cartwright was \u201cPa\u201d, and he was fighting for one of his sons, his youngest, who these scum had tried to destroy by all of their sadistic cruelty.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss neared their father and stood there silent as they caught sight of what he had done.\u00a0 They couldn\u2019t blame Pa, because the two of them had heard what the Daltons had said about Joe, and how it had injured their little brother so much that he had fled the camp.\u00a0 Both Cartwright brothers knew the rage which now showed on Pa\u2019s face and in his dark eyes.\u00a0 They both felt it too, and had fought their own urge to kill the Daltons by putting a bullet into each of them.\u00a0 Ben could feel the pulse in his neck getting stronger as he tried to steady his hand as it moved between Silas and Thorn, still wielding the knife.\u00a0 He glanced behind him and saw his two oldest boys standing there looking down at him.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes and prayed he\u2019d have the strength to let go of his need for blood.\u00a0 In his mind he could still hear Joseph\u2019s description of what Silas and Thorn had done to him up there in the cabin.\u00a0 He could still hear the cries of his youngest son after he had confessed to what he had been forced to agree to do in order to stop the men from gelding him.\u00a0 With all of the strength that he had left in his body, Ben pulled himself back to standing.\u00a0 He tried to gather control of his emotions as he stared down at the two men.<\/p>\n \u201cCome over here for a minute,\u201d Pa called to his two sons and walked back to the campfire.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss followed their father and stood looking over at the man.\u00a0 It would never cease to amaze them how Pa could keep himself together, even in the worst of situations.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe and I are going to see Chief Winnemucca, Boys,\u201d Ben whispered, his back turned towards the Daltons, not wanting them to know of his plans.\u00a0 \u201cI want you two to keep a good eye on the prisoners.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want you to kill them it would be too quick to shoot either of them.\u00a0 We should be back before dusk tomorrow.\u00a0 If they even try to escape you can put a bullet into them — but just a leg or an arm.\u00a0 I want them alive for when we return,\u201d Pa insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you going up there, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, also keeping his voice down.<\/p>\n Adam smiled over at his father and then nodded to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI think I know, Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2019ll explain it to you.\u00a0 Go on and take Joe, Pa, the kid doesn\u2019t need to hang around here with those disgusting creatures.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben patted both of his sons on their backs and turned to head for the horses.\u00a0 He was surprised to see Joseph standing there already.\u00a0 Looking over at his youngest he could tell by the expression that he wore that the boy hadn\u2019t done as he had been instructed.\u00a0 Pa was now aware that Joseph had witnessed the whole scene with Silas and Thorn.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s your horse, Pa,\u201d Joe said, and handed the reins over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Son,\u201d Ben nodded over to the boy and watched as Joseph moved towards his pinto and mounted from the right side.\u00a0 He looked at his youngest, confusion painting his face, as it was a definite rule to always mount from the left side of a horse.<\/p>\n \u201cI taught Cochise to let me mount up on this side because of my leg,\u201d Joe explained, when he noticed the surprised look that his father had shot over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re at least trying to take care of that leg a little bit, Joe,\u201d Ben sighed, still concerned about his son\u2019s injury.<\/p>\n \u201cMy leg is fine, Pa,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay then let\u2019s go,\u201d Ben replied and mounted his horse.<\/p>\n Joe eased Cochise closer to Buck and reached over and touched his father\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you got some use out of my knife,\u201d he whispered and nodded gratefully over to Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cI am too,\u201d Ben quipped and then the two of them sent their horses into a gallop.<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n The journey up to the Paiute camp had taken Ben and Joe almost six hours.\u00a0 They had only stopped twice, and that was only to water their horses.\u00a0\u00a0 Fortunately the light from the full moon had assisted them in making good time and had enabled them to make quite a few miles before daybreak.\u00a0 Finally reaching the main encampment where they would find Chief Winnemucca, Ben and Joe dismounted and walked their horses the last half of a mile to show that they posed no threat.\u00a0 The two braves standing just at the edge of the camp had recognized both Cartwrights and had waved over to two other Indians who stood just outside of the Chief\u2019s teepee posted like sentries.\u00a0 They moved inside the tent quickly in order to inform their leader that visitors were approaching.<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca knew Ben Cartwright and his three sons very well.\u00a0 He was one of the very few ranchers in the area who the Chief trusted.\u00a0 Ben had always been a friend to the Paiute tribe, and had helped them especially in the lean years when the winters had been very hard.<\/p>\n Ben held up his hand, and Joe had followed suit as they walked over to the Chief.<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d Chief Winnemucca called over to his friend.\u00a0 \u201cMuch time since last you come here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is good to see you again, Chief.\u00a0 You remember my son Joseph, don\u2019t you?\u201d Ben asked as he pointed towards Joe.<\/p>\n The Chief nodded and replied, \u201cYes, Chief know all sons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChief I need to speak to you with something of great importance,\u201d Ben wanted to get right to the point, as time was definitely and issue.<\/p>\n \u201cYou come in teepee,\u201d the Chief nodded.<\/p>\n Ben looked over at his son and called, \u201cJoseph — I\u2019ll bring you inside in a bit, I want to speak to the Chief alone for now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded that he understood and watched as Pa walked inside the tent with the Indian.\u00a0 He stayed outside and watched as several braves took positions around the tent, once again acting as sentries to protect their leader.<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca sat on the bearskin rug and pointed for Ben to do likewise.\u00a0 Ben sat with his legs crossed on the ground and spoke out.\u00a0 \u201cChief, I come with information that you\u2019ve wanted for a long while now.\u00a0 But, first, if you\u2019ll allow me to tell you how I came by it, then you\u2019ll understand why this is important to us both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpeak, Ben Cartwright,\u201d Winnemucca announced.<\/p>\n \u201cAbout four months ago my son, who stands now outside your tent, was taken away from me.\u00a0 There is a rancher name Preston Hilliard who has a ranch just southeast of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He and a gunman named Bridger took Joseph and then handed him over to two men who kept Joseph from me in another town for three months.\u00a0 These men did a great deal of harm to my son.\u00a0 It was only last night that I learned that they also have harmed you, Chief.\u00a0 They admitted to killing your son.\u00a0 I know we all tried to find out who had killed Silver Eagle a year ago, but we never could figure out who had done it.\u00a0 I also know your granddaughter was harmed.\u00a0 We just couldn\u2019t match her description of who had hurt her and killed your son to anyone we knew.\u00a0 Now, those two men sit up at my camp up at Buckhorn Meadow.\u00a0 I wanted to bring this to you before I take those men to the local law.\u201d<\/p>\n The Chief\u2019s demeanor changed as he felt the pangs of loss.\u00a0 His youngest son, Silver Eagle had been killed, and no-one had been held responsible.\u00a0 And, on top of that loss, his granddaughter Running Deer had been assaulted.\u00a0 Now he had finally learned who had committed the crimes and it made his blood boil.<\/p>\n \u201cYou take men for white man law?\u00a0 What white man law do for Paiute?\u00a0 What white man law do for what men do to my son\u2019s daughter?\u00a0 What white man law do for your son, Ben Cartwright?\u201d The Chief asked, his dark eyes forcing their gaze towards Ben.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and answered, \u201cNot enough, Chief.\u00a0 You know white man\u2019s court rarely takes up any cases regarding the Indian Nations.\u00a0 And, white man\u2019s law would not take away the pain that my son has gone through.\u00a0 He has been harmed much like your granddaughter was harmed.\u00a0 Even now he can\u2019t bear to look into light of any kind, which is why the boy is wearing glasses.\u00a0 White man\u2019s law is sometimes very weak.\u00a0 The most those evil men will get is perhaps five or ten years in a prison.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrison —then what happens to men?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen they are freed,\u201d Ben replied sullenly.<\/p>\n The Chief shook his head angrily and then returned, \u201cWhite man law not good!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and nodded his agreement.\u00a0 \u201cYes Chief in a lot of cases it falls very short.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy you tell me, Ben Cartwright?\u00a0 If you know white man law no good then why you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to ask you about Indian law, Oh Chief.\u00a0 What would Indian law do?\u00a0 I feel that you have suffered the most, as you lost your son.\u00a0 I grieve for your loss, but I also feel loss at what happened to my son \u2013 and also your granddaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n The Chief stood as did Ben and they faced each other.\u00a0 \u201cIndian law says that you take life you lose your life.\u00a0 These men owe three lives, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 They owe for Silver Eagle, they owe for Running Deer and they owe for your son also.\u00a0 That make three lives they must lose.\u00a0 That is Indian way.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath and replied, \u201cIn this situation I have to agree with you, Chief.\u00a0 These men are dangerous and they also have done these things and have laughed about it.\u00a0 They laughed about what they did to your son and granddaughter and they have laughed about what they\u2019ve done to my son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you let Indian handle justice or you choose white man justice?\u201d The Chief asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI choose Indian justice, since in this case they do owe you a life —and perhaps the other two lives as well for what they\u2019ve done to those two young people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere camp where men are?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBuckhorn Meadow down at the lake, Chief, and my other sons are watching them now.\u201d<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca moved to the entranceway of his tent and called out in his language.\u00a0 Soon both Running Deer and Joe Cartwright were brought inside.<\/p>\n \u201cThis my son\u2019s daughter, Running Deer,\u201d the Chief pointed to her and nodded over at Joe as well.\u00a0 \u201cShe only look at ground since father killed.\u00a0 See this on arm?\u201d The Chief pointed at the girl\u2019s black beaded armband.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Chief, I see it,\u201d Ben nodded as he looked at the young woman.<\/p>\n \u201cThat band of shame,\u201d The Chief said.<\/p>\n Ben looked over at the Chief confusion on his face very evident.\u00a0 The Chief must have noticed as he spoke right out.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Ben Cartwright, this not my son\u2019s daughter\u2019s shame, it is band of shame that must stay on her until we find men who hurt her.\u00a0 Once she stands before those who hurt her I will remove band of shame and give to those men who will pay for what they do.\u00a0 That a father duty, but her father, my son, lies dead so I must remove for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d Ben nodded, much relieved by the explanation, especially since Joseph looked like he was internally taking in all that was being said.\u00a0 His son had known about the young woman\u2019s attack and it wouldn\u2019t have been very well received if Joe thought that the Chief was purposely making the girl feel shame for having been a victim.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you want Indian justice, Ben Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will take a while for you to get up there.\u00a0 Can you make it before night fall tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n The Chief spoke out in his native tongue to a brave who was standing off to the right of him.\u00a0 The brave left in a hurry and came back in a few minutes.\u00a0 He had a black beaded armband.\u00a0 The Chief took the band and handed it to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou put on son, and you will take off son once Indian come to camp tonight.\u00a0 Tonight his band of shame will be gone when we have Indian justice,\u201d the Chief insisted.<\/p>\n Ben stared over at Joseph to see if he\u2019d accept wearing the black armband which Chief Winnemucca had offered before he even tried to place it onto him.\u00a0 Joe, seeing his father\u2019s hesitancy, nodded over to him.\u00a0 He figured that if the Chief was really going to provide true justice, then the least he could do was to wear the armband for a few hours.<\/p>\n Pa placed the black band onto his son\u2019s left arm and then called over to the Chief.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Chief Winnemucca, for allowing us to finally have justice.\u201d<\/p>\n The Chief walked over to Joe and said to him, \u201cSon of my friend, tonight my son\u2019s daughter will be able to look up to sky again.\u00a0 Maybe soon you be able to look at light.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded to the Chief and looked over at his granddaughter.\u00a0 He could see the hurt in the young lady\u2019s eyes and understood how she felt.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Chief,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cTonight Buckhorn Meadow by the lake, we will look for you and your braves,\u201d Ben called to the Chief and turned out of the teepee.<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca waved to the two Cartwrights as they mounted their horses and rode off.\u00a0 He then turned to gather his braves to prepare to ride out to meet up with the Cartwrights and their prisoners at Buckhorn Meadow.<\/p>\n ****************<\/p>\n Dusk had fallen just as Ben and Joe Cartwright arrived back at their camp.\u00a0 They both dismounted and approached both Adam and Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did it go, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, still keeping his voice down to just above a soft whisper in order to prevent the Dalton brothers from hearing of the Cartwright\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n Ben bent down and drew up the coffee pot with his gloved hand and poured two cups for both himself and Joe.\u00a0 He handed his youngest the coffee and then addressed his other sons.\u00a0 \u201cEverything worked out fine.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be long.\u00a0 Now, what about the prisoners — any trouble today?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled and cast a look over at the Daltons and then back over at his pa.\u00a0 \u201cThose evil varmints have been as good as gold, Pa.\u00a0 We undid their gags just long enough to give them some water and neither of them said one word.\u00a0 I think after feeling that knife at their necks last night taught them that they\u2019d better keep quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was about to reply when he noticed that Joe\u2019s gaze had fallen on his former captors.\u00a0 He reached over and touched the boy\u2019s arm and said, \u201cJoseph, once you have your coffee how about helping to pack up the camp?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Little Brother, come on I\u2019ll help you,\u201d Hoss offered as he had also witnessed the expression on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 He could tell that his younger brother had once again been caught up in painful memories after he had glanced at both Silas and Thorn.<\/p>\n Joe broke from his intent gaze on the evil men and took one long sip of his coffee before setting the cup on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I\u2019m ready,\u201d Joe said and turned towards where the bedrolls were spread out.\u00a0 He hurriedly walked away from Pa and Adam with Hoss at his side.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s the kid doing, Pa?\u201d Adam questioned once Joe was out of earshot.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head still worried about his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cAll I can say right now, Son, is that I hope Winnemucca gets here soon.\u00a0 Joe doesn\u2019t need to be around the Daltons, it\u2019s just too painful for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he tell you what happened at the cabin, Pa?\u00a0 Hoss and I didn\u2019t get to ask you last night before you left.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and replied, \u201cHe told me some of it, and it was beyond anything that we\u2019d thought he\u2019d gone through.\u00a0 I understand now why he\u2019s still wearing those glasses.\u00a0 That boy has gone through the unimaginable, Adam.\u00a0 Lord willing we\u2019ll have justice tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wore a tired frown as he returned, \u201cThen we\u2019ll have to try and help him deal with all that was done to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam watched as Hoss and Joe went around the camp gathering up all of the gear and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s that Joe\u2019s got on his arm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChief Winnemucca gave it to him it\u2019s called a band of shame.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Adam\u2019s question came out full of confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not what it sounds like, Adam — though I had the same concern when I heard that term.\u00a0 Winnemucca put one on his granddaughter too.\u00a0\u00a0 Paiute custom is that the victim of an attack must wear it until they find who hurt them and then the father removes the band and puts it onto the perpetrator.\u00a0 Joe was told all about it before he let me put it on his arm.\u00a0 He\u2019s okay with it,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n Hoss neared his father and asked, \u201cWhat do you want us to do with the Dalton brother\u2019s saddles and their horses, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cast a look over to the two evil men before he addressed his son\u2019s question.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Hoss, they surely won\u2019t need them so I\u2019ll offer them to the Chief before we leave.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to get the horses saddled now, Pa?\u201d Joe asked as he approached his family.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joseph, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll have much of a wait now,\u201d Ben nodded and watched as the boy walked away again.<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to keep the kid busy, huh?\u201d Adam smiled over at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and I hope we don\u2019t run out of chores before the Indians get here,\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n Only a few minutes after Pa had addressed keeping Joe occupied they heard the sound of horses approaching.\u00a0 The four Cartwrights approached the Chief as he made it into their camp.<\/p>\n The Chief arrived with six braves alongside of him and his granddaughter.\u00a0 They dismounted and walked over to the campfire.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome Chief,\u201d Ben said and his three sons nodded over to the entourage.<\/p>\n Winnemucca shot a glance towards the large pine tree which held the bound prisoners tied to it.\u00a0 He pointed over at his granddaughter and she approached him.\u00a0 \u201cThat men who kill father and disgrace you?\u201d he asked her.<\/p>\n Running Deer walked across the camp and over to the tree.\u00a0 She faced the two men.\u00a0 The Dalton brothers looked up at the Indian girl and their faces took on a very shocked appearance.\u00a0 It had been their assumption that Ben Cartwright had left the camp the night before in order to bring the law back with him.\u00a0 Neither man had any idea that he had apparently gone to the Paiutes.<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca signaled for Joe to draw closer to where Running Deer now stood staring at Silas and Thorn.\u00a0 Apprehensively the boy drew near the pine tree and stared down at the men who had abused him for months.<\/p>\n \u201cThis men?\u201d Chief Winnemucca called once more to his granddaughter.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, My Chief, this is the men who kill father and hurt me,\u201d she said trying not to show the fear which she still felt towards her assailants.<\/p>\n \u201cThis men who hurt you?\u201d Winnemucca asked Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Chief,\u201d Joe answered and dropped his head down, trying not to reveal the terror written all over his face.<\/p>\n Ben and his other two sons approached the Chief and Running Deer.<\/p>\n \u201cLet them speak!\u201d Winnemucca pointed to the two men and his braves came forward and removed the neckerchiefs which had been used to gag their mouths.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t turn us over to those redskins!\u201d Silas shouted just as soon as his mouth was freed.\u00a0 \u201cCartwright — you\u2019ve got to turn us over to the Sheriff, not to these savages!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSavages!\u201d Ben yelled and cast an exasperated look at the Daltons.\u00a0 \u201cThere are only two savages here —and I\u2019m looking at them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t let those Indians take us, Cartwright!\u201d this time it was Thorn who had spoken up, fear written all over his face.\u00a0 \u201cThey aren\u2019t the law — they\u2019re just Injuns!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh you\u2019re wrong,\u201d Ben replied sharply.\u00a0 \u201cThey ARE the law here, and they\u2019re going to provide the only true judgement that you two will ever get!\u00a0 You both have killed Winnemucca\u2019s son and you\u2019ve also attacked these two innocent young people, and now you will find out what justice really means.\u201d<\/p>\n Winnemucca reached over to his granddaughter to remove her black armband and then signaled Ben to remove the one that was around Joe\u2019s left arm.\u00a0 Joe looked up at Pa as he watched him undo the band and then watched as Winnemucca motioned to two of his braves.\u00a0 They took the armbands and placed one around Silas\u2019 arm and one around Thorn\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cNow shame is where it should be,\u201d Winnemucca announced.\u00a0 \u201cRunning Deer — you go and wait by horse!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe reached over to the girl before she turned to go back to where the Indians had left their mounts.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Joe whispered to her.<\/p>\n Running Deer looked into Joe\u2019s eyes and replied, \u201cThey could only take my body they could not take my spirit,\u201d She said to Joe and walked away from the men who had killed her father and assaulted her.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright!\u00a0 Cartwright, don\u2019t let them get a hold of us!\u00a0 You know what they\u2019ll do!\u201d Silas screamed.<\/p>\n Ben nodded his head and smiled viciously at the two men.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes, I pretty much know what they\u2019ll do to you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChief, we will leave you now and thank you for bringing justice to my son and to his family,\u201d Ben said and bowed his head towards Winnemucca.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben Cartwright, for letting Indian get justice,\u201d the Chief nodded over to Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cHey there are two good saddle horses over yonder,\u201d Hoss called to the Indians and pointed towards the Dalton brother\u2019s mounts.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to leave them, so they\u2019re yours if you\u2019d like them.\u201d<\/p>\n Chief Winnemucca nodded over to Hoss as he walked over to gather what he\u2019d need in order to enact justice on the two brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, goodbye Chief,\u201d Ben called to the Indian and turned with his three sons to leave the camp.<\/p>\n The four Cartwrights mounted their horses, leaving their campfire blazing as they figured it might be needed for the Chief and his braves for what they had to do.\u00a0 Joe cast one last long look over to the Dalton brothers and then sent Cochise into a gallop.\u00a0 The Cartwrights could hear the persistent shouts of Silas and Thorn as they rode away, noting the terror that was in their voices.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n There was just enough retreating light for the Cartwright brothers to see when their father had raised his right arm, signaling that they needed to stop riding.\u00a0 All four men pulled up about a quarter of a mile from their former camp where they had left the Paiutes.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJust hold up a minute,\u201d Ben answered and waited patiently.<\/p>\n Hoss shot a confused glance over to both of his brothers who had responded with just a shrug of their shoulders.\u00a0 None of them knew why Pa had insisted that they stop riding for home.<\/p>\n Just fifteen minutes later the echo of two very loud screams bounced off of the mountains surrounding the hill where the four Cartwrights sat on their horses waiting.\u00a0 Those screams were followed by terrifying shrieks which were very evidently sent from the camp by the two Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t never heard that kind of sound before, Pa,\u201d Hoss remarked.\u00a0 \u201cYou reckon what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would say it\u2019s the sound of justice,\u201d Ben nodded and then turned towards Joe, who was seated on Cochise just to the right side of his Pa.\u00a0 \u201cIs that what it sounds like to you, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa — sure sounds like justice to me,\u201d He answered catching his father\u2019s satisfied grin.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go home, Boys,\u201d Ben called and sent Buck into a gallop.<\/p>\n What the Cartwrights hadn\u2019t stuck around to see, was a very real kind of justice which was dealt out by the hands of Chief Winnemucca and his braves.\u00a0 They had indeed made each of the Dalton brothers pay for their crimes with three lives.\u00a0 In order to make the punishment fit their crimes, first the Chief had ordered for his braves to do to the Daltons what they had almost done to Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 The Paiute knives were much duller than the knife which Silas and Thorn had used on Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 Both Silas and Thorn had felt the slow agonizing pain of castration.\u00a0 Winnemucca had ordered that punishment for what they had done to Running Deer.\u00a0 Next, for having laughed over what they had done to Silver Eagle, Running Deer and Joe Cartwright, both men had their tongues cut out of their mouths.\u00a0 Lastly, to pay for the crime of murdering Silver Eagle, they had been hung on the same pine tree where they had spent their last two days of life.\u00a0 Unlike partially being hung, like what they had done to Joseph Cartwright, they had been killed by the ropes which had been placed around their necks.\u00a0 Thus, the two Dalton brothers had met a very fitting end to their rotten, disgusting and sadistic lives.<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n The first morning rays of the sun had just come over the mountains as the four Cartwrights rode their mounts into the front yard of the ranch house.\u00a0 Wearily each man came down from his saddle just as two of their hired hands came out of the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll take those, Mister Cartwright!\u201d Fletcher sang out and moved with Cody over to their employer and his sons.<\/p>\n Ben smiled and clapped the man on the back as he replied, \u201cThanks, we all appreciate it — it was a long trip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou all find the men you were looking for?\u201d The other hand asked.<\/p>\n Ben nodded and said, \u201cYes, it\u2019s all taken care of.\u00a0 I think the boys and I could use a few hours of sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou go on inside, we\u2019ve got this,\u201d Cody smiled and helped Fletcher take the four horses into the barn.<\/p>\n The living room looked very inviting to all of the Cartwrights as they got out of their hats and holsters there at the credenza.\u00a0 Hop Sing came out from the kitchen, and it hadn\u2019t come as a surprise to any of them. Somehow the Cantonese man always knew when they would be coming home.<\/p>\n \u201cI start breakfast!\u201d Hop Sing offered loudly as he smiled over at the four men.<\/p>\n Ben reached over and patted the cook\u2019s shoulder and returned, \u201cI think the boys and I are going to get a little sleep first.\u00a0 But, we\u2019ll all be hungry when we get up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen Hop Sing have late breakfast waiting,\u201d He replied smiling over at his family.<\/p>\n Ben followed his three sons up the stairs and watched as each one of them turned for his own bedroom.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t missed the way that Joe was limping far worse than he had before taking the long trip.\u00a0 Sighing to himself, Ben had to admit that he really hadn\u2019t expected much less from the young man who never thought things out before attempting any of the stunts he had pulled over the years.\u00a0 Joseph never should have been in on the hunt for the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 It had been a foolish thing to attempt to do, especially while sporting a leg brace.\u00a0 Ben thought on what his son had confessed to him two nights prior and his blood once again went cold.\u00a0 He knew that Joseph was still a prisoner, this time to his own thoughts.\u00a0 Pa was well aware that the boy still had a lot of very frightening memories that were preventing him from going back to the way he had been almost five months ago.\u00a0 Ben knew that Joe was still hiding inside the darkness in his mind, and he would have to find some way to pull his son back into the light.\u00a0 He reasoned that it would take a lot of time and that his youngest needed help in many ways before he could move forward with his life.\u00a0 Pa prayed that in time he would see the re-emergence of the \u201cold\u201d Joe Cartwright, the one with the bright smile and green eyes which weren\u2019t hidden behind dark eyeglasses.\u00a0 But right now, however, he knew that the boy still had a world\u2019s worth of trauma to deal with and somehow sort through.\u00a0 Pa wished that the Paiute\u2019s form of justice would have been sufficient enough to take away his son\u2019s pain, but he knew that the deaths of the Dalton brothers hadn\u2019t eased Joseph\u2019s burden.\u00a0 The kid needed a lot more help that was very evident just by looking over at him on the trip back to the ranch that morning.\u00a0 Ben sighed to himself and walked inside his bedroom.\u00a0\u00a0 He decided not to bother to change into a night shirt.\u00a0 The weary father was as played out as his three sons were, or maybe a bit more.\u00a0 Stretching out onto his soft feather mattress, Pa pulled up the quilt from the bottom of the bed and closed his eyes.\u00a0 \u00a0Any troubles would just have to keep until he\u2019d gotten some rest.\u00a0\u00a0 A few quiet minutes later Ben Cartwright was sound asleep.\u00a0 He had earned it.<\/p>\n **************<\/p>\n None of the four Cartwrights had realized just how totally exhausted they had been both physically and emotionally.\u00a0 The two eldest brothers didn\u2019t get up until almost six o\u2019clock that night and Ben had slept until seven.\u00a0 Joe, however, didn\u2019t get up at all that first day.\u00a0 His family were surprised that the boy had been able to stay down that long, and hadn\u2019t awakened to a nightmare, as was his habit of late.\u00a0 Ben had checked on his youngest and had decided to just let his son sleep on just as long as he could.\u00a0 He figured that, though they all had been through the mill due to the long manhunt and the after effects of all that they had witnessed, Joe had endured far more.\u00a0 Pa wasn\u2019t expecting a miracle, like for his son to be healed emotionally right away, but he had hoped that perhaps the boy might start on the long road back from his ordeal soon.<\/p>\n The following day, just as Adam and Hoss were preparing to go back to their chores and check on the newly branded calves, they reined their horses back upon seeing Sheriff Coffee entering the front yard.\u00a0 Both Cartwrights dismounted and waved over to the lawman.<\/p>\n \u201cHow you doing, Roy?\u201d Hoss called over to the man as he dismounted.<\/p>\n Roy reached out and shook both outstretched hands and replied, \u201cI\u2019m fine, I see you got back from your travels.\u00a0 Is your Pa around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he\u2019s inside.\u00a0 Come on in,\u201d Adam offered and the three men turned to enter the house.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Ben,\u201d Roy called after spotting the patriarch coming down the stairs.<\/p>\n Ben crossed the living room and shook Roy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow have you been doing, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n The sheriff nodded and moved to sit down on the settee followed by Hoss and Adam.\u00a0 Ben sat in his red leather chair and waited to hear what Roy had come about.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen did you all get back, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday about daybreak,\u201d Ben returned, not offering much at the time in regards to details.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you catch the Dalton brothers?\u201d Roy asked, and there was a good deal of suspicion on his face.<\/p>\n Ben frowned and cast a glance over to his sons.\u00a0 They had all spoken about the situation the previous night and knew what they\u2019d say if asked about the two evil brothers and what had become of their search for them.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we just about had them but they got away.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy nodded, and fought a smile.\u00a0 He had played poker with Ben Cartwright many times and could tell a bluff when he heard it.\u00a0 \u201cIs that a fact?\u00a0 Hum — I guess we can all stop hunting for them —right?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you\u2019re all done with looking for them now \u2013 no need to go back out after them, am I right again?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cleared his throat in an attempt to fight back his amusement over how the sheriff had figured out what had happened without saying it in an obvious way.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Roy, you\u2019re right there\u2019s no need in doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy nodded over to his old friend, the sheriff then got down to the main reason for his visit.\u00a0 \u201cI guess you can take two others off your list too, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Ben asked with confusion written all over his face.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you haven\u2019t heard, huh?\u201d Roy questioned, this time figuring that Ben was telling the truth by the way he had stared over at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHeard what?\u201d Adam jumped in.<\/p>\n \u201cPreston and Bridger — I figured that eventually you boys would be going after them — and — well now there\u2019s no need.\u00a0 One of Preston\u2019s hired hands came to my office first light today and said he\u2019d found the two of them dead.\u201d<\/p>\n The three Cartwrights looked very surprised to hear the lawman\u2019s news.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did they die?\u201d\u00a0 Ben continued.<\/p>\n \u201cJeff Connelly Preston\u2019s hired hand said he found the two of them first thing this morning there at the house.\u00a0 There were two Indian lances going through each of their bodies.\u00a0 Oh — and these were left also,\u201d Roy paused and reached inside his coat and pulled out two black beaded armbands.\u00a0 He handed them over to Ben.<\/p>\n Roy watched at the looks that went back and forth between Ben Cartwright and his two boys.\u00a0 He could see some form of recognition on their faces, but not enough to tell him much.\u00a0 \u201cYou reckon that\u2019s Paiute armbands, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to point a finger at his friend Chief Winnemucca.\u00a0 He figured that since he had told the Chief about how Joe\u2019s whole ordeal had begun with Preston and J.T. that most likely Winnemucca had felt that those two men were also in on what had happened to his son and granddaughter.\u00a0 Regardless, the Chief and his braves had apparently finished off the last two men on the Cartwright\u2019s \u201cto do\u201d list. \u00a0\u00a0Ben handed the armbands back to the sheriff and said, \u201cI don\u2019t know anything about those, Roy.\u00a0 And I\u2019m not going to sit here and lie and tell you that I\u2019m upset that those two men are dead, because I\u2019m not.\u00a0 Preston and Bridger were in on everything that happened to Joe, we all know it.\u00a0 We also know that \u201cwherever\u201d those Dalton brothers are that they got there due to Preston and because of whatever arrangement he made with them.\u00a0 I hope they\u2019re all in someplace very hot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t say as I blame you, Ben, I guess maybe the Paiutes had some kind of a problem with Preston and maybe J.T. too.\u00a0 Well, I just wanted to check on how you boys did, and I guess I can close the book now on what happened to Little Joe, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded as Roy stood up and headed for the front door.\u00a0 \u201cCan I get you some coffee before you head back, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks, but I\u2019ll take a rain check for next time.\u00a0 You boys stay out of trouble,\u201d Roy smiled and winked.\u00a0 He then turned out of the house heading back for Virginia City.\u00a0 As far as the sheriff was concerned he could now close the book on the abduction of Little Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 He knew that the Dalton brothers would never be heard from again, and he wouldn\u2019t shed a tear for either of them.<\/p>\n Hoss laughed as soon as he was sure that the sheriff was out of ear-shot.\u00a0 \u201cWe owe Chief Winnemucca a lot, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we do.\u00a0 Well, at least we don\u2019t have to try to get Preston and J.T. arrested and tried now,\u201d Ben nodded to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess the Paiute justice has just struck again,\u201d Adam sang out as he walked over to the door with Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad that our little brother won\u2019t have to deal with any trials now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo am I,\u201d Ben agreed.\u00a0 \u201cYou two have a good day.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe won\u2019t be too late, tell Hop Sing we\u2019d like a nice roast tonight to celebrate!\u201d Hoss laughed and then headed off to work with his brother.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n If Joe Cartwright was relieved to hear that both Preston Hilliard and J.T. Bridger were both dead he didn\u2019t say anything about it.\u00a0 But, then again, he wasn\u2019t saying much of anything here lately.\u00a0 It had been almost a full two weeks since they had returned home from the hunt for the Daltons and Joe wasn\u2019t doing very well at all, at least emotionally.\u00a0 Doctor Martin had checked him over, and though he wasn\u2019t amused in the least that Joe had ridden so far with a bad leg, he did think that the boy\u2019s injury would heal up okay.\u00a0 He had told Ben to make sure that the kid didn\u2019t do much riding for a while, but other than that Doctor Martin thought Joe was as healed up as he was going to get.\u00a0 Ben had pulled the doctor aside and told him of all that had been said up at the camp and Paul was just as shocked to hear what had been done to Joe as his Pa had been.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t offer much as far as advice, other than to tell Ben that he should let Doctor Wallace in on all that he had learned in order to get his opinion on the matter.\u00a0 Of course Pa had seen to that and had sent Doctor Wallace a very long letter just a few days after they had returned home.<\/p>\n Ben had tried not to pressure his youngest into talking to him, hoping that his son would want to get things off of his chest soon.\u00a0 But that hadn\u2019t happened.\u00a0 Joe had several violent nightmares the first week they had gotten back, but it had been strangely quiet the last few nights.\u00a0 Ben wished he could feel relieved by that fact, but he wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 Though Joe still wore his dark glasses, Pa could tell that his son wasn\u2019t sleeping, he couldn\u2019t see the boy\u2019s eyes but he could read the exhaustion on his face.\u00a0 That morning as Joe was heading out to take the buckboard filled with supplies to his brothers who were watching the new herd, Pa had asked his son to talk to him but he had flatly refused and then left hastily.<\/p>\n Later the same afternoon as Ben was preparing to gather some papers from his bedroom he met Hop Sing getting ready to take clothes upstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going that way, Hop Sing, I\u2019ll take those for you,\u201d Ben called over to the man and then pulled the folded clothes from him.<\/p>\n \u201cThose for Little Joe, Hop Sing already put away Mister Adam and Mister Hoss clothes,\u201d The cook explained.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll put them in Joe\u2019s room,\u201d Ben nodded and walked up the stairs.<\/p>\n Walking to his son\u2019s bureau, Pa pulled the drawers open one by one, settling the shirts and pants inside.\u00a0 Just as he was readying to close the last drawer his eye caught on something.\u00a0 It was a book and Ben wondered why it would have been stashed inside his son\u2019s bureau and not on his bookshelf.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like to pry and had fought to allow each one of his sons their privacy over the years.\u00a0 But his curiosity got the better of him so he drew the book out and then walked over to Joe\u2019s bed and sat down.<\/p>\n It was just as Ben had presumed.\u00a0 The book was the journal that Doctor Wallace had given Joseph before the boy had left the hospital.\u00a0 The doctor had informed Ben about what the purpose had been for giving his patient a journal to write down his thoughts inside.\u00a0 He had thought that the boy might be able to get some things off of his chest by writing down how he was feeling.\u00a0 Ben flipped through the first twenty or so pages and found them to be blank.\u00a0 He was surprised that Joe had squirreled the book away if he hadn\u2019t written in it and was just about to put it back into his son\u2019s bureau when he spotted writing in the middle of the journal.\u00a0 He wondered why Joe would\u2019ve skipped the first twenty pages, leaving them blank.\u00a0 Deciding it wasn\u2019t really prying to read what was in his son\u2019s book, since he was so worried about the boy, Ben began.\u00a0 There in the backward slant of Joseph\u2019s left handed scrawl Pa deciphered each word.<\/p>\n *** I don\u2019t know why I\u2019m even doing this.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think anything will help me anymore.\u00a0 We got back almost two weeks ago from the camp where those two bastards were finally killed.\u00a0 I wish I could\u2019ve done it myself, but I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 I hope they felt a lot of pain before the Chief let his braves kill them.\u00a0 I hope they rot in Hell.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure I should be writing this stuff.\u00a0 Is this supposed to be healthy?\u00a0 My father and my brothers think that all is well now.\u00a0 They were glad to hear that Preston and J.T. got killed too.\u00a0 Yeah, I hope they got it good and that they also felt pain.\u00a0 But now it\u2019s like I\u2019m supposed to be all back to normal — whatever that\u2019s supposed to mean.\u00a0 I can see it on everyone\u2019s face as they watch me every night at the dinner table.\u00a0 It\u2019s like they are all just waiting for me to pick up a fork.\u00a0 It makes me feel worse and I hate eating at all anymore.\u00a0 And my glasses — I know they probably think I\u2019m crazy because I\u2019m still wearing them.\u00a0 I wish I wasn\u2019t but I can\u2019t take them off.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried I\u2019ve tried almost every night sitting in here by myself.\u00a0 I pull them down and then I get the shakes and put them right back on.\u00a0 And the lamp too I\u2019ve tried to deal with the light.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried to pull up the wick every night, just an inch.\u00a0 But, that never works out either.\u00a0 I\u2019ve told them all to put the wicks up downstairs but they insist that they\u2019re okay with it.\u00a0 I know they\u2019re really not but they\u2019re trying to keep me from going off like I did that day out in the barn.\u00a0 It\u2019s all been so foggy in my brain.\u00a0 I kind of remember being in there and I kind of remember holding my gun.\u00a0 But a lot of it is just unclear.\u00a0 I told Pa that I was crazy maybe he should have taken me seriously?\u00a0 I don\u2019t know about that either.\u00a0 Now all I think about is what happened up there at the cabin and also what happened up there at the camp when I told my Pa what I did.\u00a0 I\u2019m just glad that it was dark so I didn\u2019t see his face.\u00a0 I wish now that I\u2019d never told him.\u00a0 And since we got back he\u2019s been trying to get me to tell him even more.\u00a0 He needs to leave it alone, he doesn\u2019t know what went on and he\u2019s better off not knowing.\u00a0 I wonder if I\u2019ll end up burning this thing?\u00a0 I don\u2019t want anyone to find it.\u00a0 Doctor Wallace said it would help me, but so far I\u2019m not feeling very helped.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sleeping because I can\u2019t.\u00a0 I keep waking my family up with nightmares.\u00a0 It makes me feel like a kid screaming out in the middle of the night.\u00a0 They\u2019re not getting any sleep so for the last couple of nights I\u2019ve just stayed up in the chair fighting off nodding off.\u00a0 It\u2019s getting rough but at least they\u2019re sleeping now.\u00a0 At least I don\u2019t have nightmares if I don\u2019t sleep.\u00a0 The last one was rough.\u00a0 Pa kept asking me what it was about and I told him I didn\u2019t remember.\u00a0 I sure do lie a lot lately.\u00a0 It was the one about begging those two monsters for my clothes again.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be so scary if it hadn\u2019t happened up there in the cabin, but it did.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad enough that I remember, there\u2019s just no reason to make anyone else go through this with me.\u00a0 I hope Adam and Hoss stay with the herd for a while then maybe I could try to sleep a few hours tomorrow.\u00a0 But then there\u2019s Pa and I don\u2019t want to wake him so maybe I can ease out to the barn and try to catch a couple of hours.\u00a0 I guess this book thing isn\u2019t going to help much.\u00a0 I don\u2019t feel any better and my hand now is cramped.\u00a0 Maybe I just need to go away somewhere. <\/em>***<\/p>\n The journal stopped there, and Ben closed it up and set it right back where Joe had hidden it underneath his shirts in the drawer.\u00a0 Pa felt bad for having read it but was feeling far worse due to what his son had written.\u00a0 Now he knew what his youngest was going through and how much he had been hiding from all of them.\u00a0 Pa would have to handle the situation in a covert manner so that his son wouldn\u2019t know that he had violated his privacy.\u00a0 Ben walked to the bedroom door and slowly pulled it open and then, with a very heavy heart, he walked out into the hallway.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Ben walked out of his bedroom late that night carrying a lamp with its wick trimmed down low.\u00a0 He moved quietly across the hall to Joe\u2019s room and gently eased the door open.\u00a0 There was Joseph!\u00a0 He was completely dressed and sitting in the straight back chair wide awake.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me why you are fully dressed and sitting in that chair when you should be in bed?\u201d\u00a0 Pa asked, and set the lamp down onto the night stand.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me why you\u2019re up at one o\u2019clock in the morning?\u201d Joe shot back, unamused that he had been found out.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me how you know it\u2019s one o\u2019clock in the morning?\u201d Ben volleyed back.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me why it matters?\u201d Joe frowned over being put on the spot.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to tell me why you\u2019d ask me that?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and gave up on the question game.\u00a0 \u201cJust go to bed, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve slept the last several nights which is more than I can say about you, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, it\u2019s too late for a lecture,\u201d Joe called over wearily.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t a lecture, Joseph it\u2019s a concerned father talking.\u00a0 Now why aren\u2019t you sleeping?\u201d Ben replied and sat down on the bottom of his son\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not tired,\u201d Joe lied as he had so often of late.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to try that one again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Pa just give it a rest will you?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice came off sounding very annoyed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give it a rest when you actually get some rest.\u00a0 Now how about getting into your night shirt and crawling into bed?\u00a0 Joseph, I can see it all over your face that you\u2019re absolutely exhausted.\u00a0 Are you afraid that you\u2019ll have another nightmare?\u201d Ben asked, much softer in tone as he tried not to reveal that he had information that had been obtained from Joe\u2019s hidden journal.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head and whispered, \u201cYeah I am worried I\u2019ll have another nightmare.\u00a0 Now is that what you needed to hear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I needed to hear that, so that maybe I can help you with it, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I don\u2019t want to keep any of you up because I have these dreams.\u00a0 It\u2019s not fair to any of you.\u00a0 It\u2019s bad enough that you\u2019ll probably all go blind from keeping the lights so low around this place —- the last thing I need is for any of you to get sick from getting woke up night after night because of me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, we are your family, we care about you. And none of us are doing without sleep like YOU are!\u00a0 At least if we do get awakened we go back to sleep — but you don\u2019t.\u00a0 We\u2019re all worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t change this and none of you can either.\u00a0 Maybe if I go away somewhere everyone would be better off?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked across the room and stood next to his son.\u00a0 He placed his hand down onto his shoulder and forced his gaze.\u00a0 \u201cWe had to live without you for three dreadful months — do you think we want you to go away?\u00a0 And as for changing things, maybe if you\u2019d confide in me then maybe I can help you with it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped his head down into his hands, looking away from his father\u2019s worried gaze.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I can\u2019t talk about any of it.\u00a0 I already told you more than you should know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s NOTHING you can\u2019t tell me, Joseph.\u00a0 Now what\u2019s all this about wanting to go away?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat way all of you get sleep and maybe I will too.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019ll agree to go to sleep tonight then I\u2019ll talk to you about this going away business tomorrow.\u00a0 Now will you please try to get some sleep?\u00a0 Your brothers are out with the herd so there\u2019s no way you\u2019re going to wake them up.\u00a0 You know Hop Sing can\u2019t hear you in his room downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you?\u201d Joe asked warily.<\/p>\n \u201cI promise that if you have a nightmare tonight I won\u2019t come rushing in.\u00a0 If you want me \u2013 then you can come and get me.\u00a0 Now will you please try because if you don\u2019t I\u2019m going to sit here and pester you all night.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took in a deep breath and finally looked up at his Pa.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, I\u2019ll try,\u201d He caved and stood from his chair and walked over to his bed.<\/p>\n Ben moved to the bedroom door and called across the room.\u00a0 \u201cGet into your night shirt!\u201d He called out and watched as his son reached over to the chair where Hop Sing had left the boy\u2019s night clothes.\u00a0 Walking out into the hall, Pa felt as though he had achieved a very small victory that night.\u00a0 At least Joseph wasn\u2019t sneaking out to the barn to sleep there as he had planned on doing according to his journal entry.\u00a0 As for everything else, well, it would just have to wait until the morning.\u00a0 Ben had something very important to discuss with Joe and he wasn\u2019t sure how well it would be received.\u00a0 Hopefully, after he\u2019d had a full night\u2019s sleep, his son might be ready to hear his proposition.\u00a0 With that his final thought, Pa headed into his bedroom praying that Joe\u2019s sleep wouldn\u2019t be interrupted by a nightmare again.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n Joe sat opposite his father there in his study the next morning.\u00a0 He had his arms crossed over his chest in another attempt to keep his silence in regards to what he had gone through since being held as a prisoner there in the cabin.\u00a0 Joe could tell that Pa wanted to hear how he was feeling, and he wasn\u2019t up to dealing with any questions.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was it all about last night, Son?\u201d Ben called from across his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Joe returned and pretended not to know what Pa was alluding to.<\/p>\n Ben arose and moved to stand at the end of his desk towering over the young man in the chair.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph — I heard you — I didn\u2019t come into your room because I told you that I wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Now will you tell me what your nightmare was about?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed, and shook his head very frustrated over his father\u2019s persistence.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDoes it really matter, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it does,\u201d Ben nodded down at his son.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay \u2013okay this one was about Preston — I guess I was thinking about him yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on,\u201d Pa insisted, hoping that if Joe would at least tell him about his nightmares that maybe it would help the boy in dealing with what was causing them.<\/p>\n Now Joe stood and began pacing there in front of the desk, his hands raised in gesture.\u00a0 \u201cI could see him holding a gun on me.\u00a0 I heard him laugh when he said that he was going to get rid of me.\u00a0 It\u2019s probably because I still don\u2019t understand,\u201d Joe trailed off.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t understand what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he went after me after all of these years, Pa!\u201d Joe shouted out, now enraged over how he had been targeted by Hilliard.\u00a0 \u201cI mean his son — Franklin — he\u2019s the one who went gunning for me \u2013not the other way around.\u00a0 And look how long ago that was!\u00a0 And on top of all of that I wasn\u2019t the one who killed Franklin — it was Adam — not me!\u00a0 So why was I the lucky one to get sent off to that cabin and not Adam?\u00a0 Why ME?!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned against the edge of his desk and watched as Joe\u2019s indignation and frustration poured out in front of him. Pa had wanted his son to get all that was bottled up inside of him out, trying to help him.\u00a0 But, now, seeing the total outrage pouring out of the boy gave Ben pause, not knowing if it had been a good idea.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joseph — I wish I had the answers to all of this,\u201d Ben replied softly trying to calm the tempest in his son\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n Joe spun back around and directed his gaze to his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did he pay those men to keep me alive and put me through non-stop torture?\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t he just let them kill me and be done with it?\u00a0 Or better yet why didn\u2019t Preston just get a gun and shoot me in the back like his son tried to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad he didn\u2019t kill you, Joseph,\u201d Pa whispered, feeling at a loss over what to say in response to his son\u2019s questions.<\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019m not!\u00a0 \u00a0I wish they had killed me — at least then it would all be over and I wouldn\u2019t have to deal with what they\u2019ve left me.\u201d Joe confessed seriously.\u00a0 He had spent so many days and nights wishing that he had been killed instead of going through all of the terrible pain which he had endured.\u00a0 He truly believed that death would have been much more merciful than to be left in the sadistic hands of the Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe— you won\u2019t always feel this way,\u201d Pa returned, hoping in his heart that what he had said to his son would end up proving to be fact.\u00a0 He understood some of what the boy had been dealing with but evidently there was so much more which Joe had endured.\u00a0 What the boy had gone through was apparently causing him so much anguish that he couldn\u2019t tell anyone nor could he admit to what had happened; not even to himself.<\/p>\n Joe, feeling spent from all of the raw emotions which had come out with a vengeance, fell back down into the side chair and shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cPa \u2013 Pa \u2013 I just feel stuck.\u00a0 I can\u2019t move forward and I can\u2019t deal with the past either.\u00a0 It just feels like one long day — one long day since you all brought me back from Littleton and that cabin,\u201d Joe lamented and then dropped his head down into his hands again.<\/p>\n Ben reached over to his son and placed a hand onto the boy\u2019s shoulder trying to comfort him.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph — I think there\u2019s a solution to this.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up and if Pa had been able to see his eyes from underneath the dark glasses he would have noticed his confusion.\u00a0 \u201cWhat kind of a solution, Pa?\u00a0 Nothing has helped me all of this time.\u00a0 None of you know, but I\u2019ve tried to take these glasses off just like I\u2019ve tried to turn the wick up in the lamp in my room but I can\u2019t do either.\u00a0 I am stuck, just like I said a minute ago.\u00a0 It\u2019s like Preston is getting his wish from beyond the grave \u2013 he wanted to destroy me and he\u2019s done a good job.\u00a0 And he\u2019s messing your life up too —and the lives of my brothers as well.\u00a0 I know you all thought I would be okay once all of the men responsible for me being taken were dead — but that\u2019s not how it is.\u00a0 I know I\u2019ve disappointed all of you,\u201d Joe admitted with a great amount of sorrow displayed on his face and in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Joseph — that\u2019s just not the truth!\u201d Ben replied emphatically.\u00a0 \u201cYou have NEVER been a disappointment to any of us.\u00a0 Now get that straight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is why there\u2019s no point in talking about this stuff, Pa.\u00a0 Nothing ever changes, no matter what I can\u2019t get free of what happened to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved back to sit down at his desk and opened the drawer.\u00a0 Removing a letter he held it up and called over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cI heard back from Doctor Wallace.\u00a0 I wrote him and told him all about what had happened to each of your attackers once we got home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over horrified by what his father had just said.\u00a0 \u201cPa \u2013 tell me that you didn\u2019t — that you didn\u2019t tell him about all that I confessed to you there at the lake that night!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I did, Son.\u00a0 But he will keep all of the information in utmost confidence, and won\u2019t even share it with your uncle.\u00a0 He made a suggestion and I think it\u2019s one that we need to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Joe asked, almost afraid to hear his father\u2019s response.<\/p>\n \u201cHe thinks that you should go back to that cabin and face all of what you went through,\u201d Ben answered quietly, knowing that the idea would probably hit the boy hard.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted and stood from his chair once more.\u00a0 \u201cIs he insane?\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t he know how terrified I am of that place?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe thinks that it will help you to finally address everything you went through.\u00a0 Doctor Wallace thinks it will be a catalyst that might help you to move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell isn\u2019t that easy for HIM<\/strong> to say!\u201d Joe yelled over the very idea of what the man was suggesting.\u00a0 \u201cHe wasn\u2019t the one who was —<\/p>\n Ben noticed the abrupt way that his son had stopped talking and could read the look on Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 Pa could tell that all of the painful memories were back in the forefront of Joseph\u2019s mind once again.\u00a0 He moved over to his son to try to get through to him.\u00a0 \u201cIt might help, Son,\u201d he whispered, in an attempt to calm the panic that was now very evident on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0 What if I just can\u2019t face it?\u00a0 What if I just freeze up?\u201d Joe replied with a strong tremble to his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t be going in there alone this time, Joseph, I will be with you every step of the way,\u201d Ben asserted.<\/p>\n Joe stared over at his father and whispered, \u201cPa — I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be able to deal with all that happened there anymore than I can.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben placed his hand onto Joe\u2019s shoulder and tried one last time to get through to his son.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s something that will help you then I can handle just about anything.\u00a0 Now — will you try?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what happens if we get out there and I can\u2019t do it?\u00a0 What then, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben patted his son\u2019s back and tried to reassure him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to force you to do anything.\u00a0 I\u2019m just asking you to try.\u00a0 How about you and I leave tomorrow morning?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared down at the floor and didn\u2019t respond right away to his father\u2019s suggestion.\u00a0 He was having a very difficult time just imagining going back to that cabin which held such God awful horrors for him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n Drawing in a deep breath and fighting his fears Joe finally nodded over to Pa.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go \u2013 but I still don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Joe conceded.<\/p>\n Pa gave his son a quick reassuring pat to his back and returned, \u201cLet\u2019s just see how it goes.\u00a0 Maybe this will be what finally rids you of all of the nightmares?\u00a0\u00a0 At least there\u2019s a chance, a chance that I think you need to take, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, but his rigid posture revealed that he was not very pleased in having surrendered to Doctor Wallace and his father\u2019s suggestion.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa hadn\u2019t missed the obvious terror that couldn\u2019t be hid on his son\u2019s face.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe turned for the staircase and despondently walked up to his bedroom feeling as though he would be stepping back in time by going to Littleton again.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure if he could emotionally handle seeing the cabin again, let alone going inside and confronting the memories of abuse and torture which would be awaiting him there.\u00a0 With great trepidation over what would lay ahead for him Joe made it into his room and collapsed onto his bed.\u00a0 It was going to be a long night of worrying and wondering about what was going to happen once the two of them were there\u00a0 confronting the horror that existed in the light at the cabin.<\/p>\n ************<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had been apprised about their father\u2019s plan to take their brother back into Littleton and to the cabin there.\u00a0 Both of the men wanted to show some kind of moral support to Joe, knowing that it was going to be the biggest challenge that he had ever faced.\u00a0 They also knew that their Pa would be forced to confront the horrors there as well.\u00a0 Coming home early from their job tending to the large herd the two brothers stood out in the yard and helped Pa ready the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s about got it,\u201d Hoss said and turned to look at his father.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I got those supplies you wanted and they\u2019re loaded under the tarp under the bench seat.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded over to his middle boy and replied, \u201cThanks, Son, I appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about anything here, Pa, Hoss and I have it well in hand,\u201d Adam assured and settled his hand onto his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you do, Adam,\u201d Ben returned just as Joe walked outside holding his bedroll and saddle bags.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are we taking the buckboard?\u201d Joe asked with confusion showing all over his face.<\/p>\n Ben cast a quick glance between his two older boys and then turned to address his youngest.\u00a0 \u201cI have some supplies I need to drop off later, Joseph.\u00a0 Just stow your gear inside here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe did as he had been instructed and as he moved to get up into the wagon he felt the hands of both Adam and Hoss reaching out to him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all going to be okay, Kid,\u201d Adam tried to sound confident for the boy\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Short Shanks just go on and take care of it and come home so\u2019s you can help us!\u201d Hoss grinned and patted his brother\u2019s back as he launched up to the bench seat of the buckboard.<\/p>\n Joe nodded down at both of his brothers, unable to find the words to say at the time.\u00a0 He knew that everyone had noticed the fear all over his face, there was no hiding it now.<\/p>\n \u201cSee you both in a few days,\u201d Ben smiled over at both of his sons and then sent the buckboard into motion.<\/p>\n *************<\/p>\n The trip had gone as smoothly as a trip like that could have gone.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t said much the first day and seemed more uneasy as each mile took them closer to their destination. \u00a0\u00a0They had stopped for the night and had taken care of the team before Ben started their coffee.\u00a0 He had made sure that Hop Sing had sent some food along with them which Joe could eat using his hands to make supper that night much easier.\u00a0 They had turned in early and Pa kept a watchful eye on his son knowing that there was always the chance he\u2019d bolt up from a dream.\u00a0 So, when the night had gone by uneventfully he was very glad.\u00a0 They headed out just after daybreak the following day and Ben had tried his best to time their arrival just right in order to place them there at the cabin around dusk.<\/p>\n The buckboard pulled up in front of the cabin just before dark.\u00a0 Ben had timed it perfectly.\u00a0 Joe focused on the front of the cabin as Pa pulled the horses to a stop.\u00a0 He had never seen the cabin from the outside.\u00a0 Joe had been drugged with ether by the Dalton brothers when they had brought him there from the Hilliard ranch.\u00a0 Three months later Joe had been unconscious when the sheriff and Jax, the man who had found him, had carried him outside and into Littleton.\u00a0 Staring at the place now, the cabin looked just as it had in his nightmares.\u00a0 Joe shuddered at the thought of what had gone on inside there.<\/p>\n Ben cast a very worried glance over at his son.\u00a0 He noticed how Joe looked frozen in time sitting there next to him.\u00a0 He saw how the boy now hung his head down as he fought with his memories.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph \u2013 are you ready?\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll never be ready, Pa,\u201d Joe returned somberly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do this,\u201d Pa insisted and dropped down out of the wagon and walked over to his son\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hesitated for a few minutes and then came out of the buckboard and stood next to his father.\u00a0 \u201cCan we start down in the cellar, Pa?\u00a0 I can\u2019t take going in there right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben threw his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder and replied, \u201cSure, Joe.\u00a0 Here let me get a lantern.\u201d\u00a0 Ben walked to the bed of the wagon and drew out the lantern he had prepared there at the ranch.\u00a0 He carefully drew the wick to half way and then walked back over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright to have a little light, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and said, \u201cI guess — since you\u2019re not used to the darkness like I am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go over here,\u201d Pa pointed to an entranceway on the side of the cabin.\u00a0 Both father and son walked over to the two wooden doors which led down to the cellar.\u00a0 \u201cThis is how the sheriff brought Adam and me inside the day we got to Littleton and found you at the doctor\u2019s office.\u00a0 We can go in here like this \u2013 and later we\u2019ll walk out the cabin\u2019s front door.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood staring over at his father and Ben could tell that he didn\u2019t want to go inside the cabin, even if they were going to begin there in the darkness of the cellar.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go in first then you can follow right behind me,\u201d Ben sang out and opened the wooden doors.\u00a0 He moved down the first couple of steps and then turned to make sure that Joe was following close behind.\u00a0 Soon they were both standing inside the dank dark cellar which had been Joe\u2019s prison for so many months.\u00a0 It was pitch black and foreboding just as it had been all of the time that he had been held in captivity.\u00a0 \u00a0Joe\u2019s pulse raced and he was finding it very hard to breathe.\u00a0 He bent over and coughed into his fist, his lungs fighting with the thick musty air which was far too familiar to him.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay now tell me,\u201d Ben urged his son to face up to his fears.\u00a0 He held the lantern out in front of him to get a good look at their surroundings.<\/p>\n Drawing in a hurtful breath Joe fought with his emotions before speaking.\u00a0 \u201cOver here — over here is where I stayed most of the time,\u201d Joe pointed to the far wall and then moved, with his father at his side, to where his old blanket still remained.\u00a0 He knelt down next to it and drew the tattered material up to show his father.\u00a0 \u201cThis is where they kept me and this was the only bed that I had.\u00a0 I stayed here unless I was told to move somewhere else.\u00a0 Over there,\u201d Joe paused again and pointed to a bowl which was secured to the hard ground.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I drank from just like I told you on the stage.\u00a0 But, I guess you saw all of this before, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and patted his son\u2019s back to try to put him more at ease, though he knew that wasn\u2019t going to happen.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAll I saw that day was those two metal plates \u2013 and those two jars that you found,\u201d he replied, making it a point not to mention having seen what had been left of the boy\u2019s ropes which had bound him for so long.\u00a0 Pa figured he didn\u2019t need to mention those at the time.<\/p>\n Joe moved over to where the jars still stood exactly where he had left them months ago.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve always wondered what was in the last jar, the first one had pickles.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grabbed the still sealed jar and knocked it on the ground a few times and then opened the rusty lid.\u00a0 \u201cFigures \u2013 it\u2019s more pickles,\u201d Joe announced and set the jar back down.\u00a0 He eased back to where the blanket was and pointed over to his right.\u00a0 \u201cOver there — over in that little area just past the stairs — that\u2019s where I\u2019d see my rat come in.\u00a0 I could see his eye-shine, and then he\u2019d head right over to me and would lie down on my chest.\u00a0 It seems crazy — I know — but after being alone for so long I really looked forward to seeing him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can understand that, and no I don\u2019t think it\u2019s crazy,\u201d Ben insisted trying to put his son at ease over the whole situation with the rodent.<\/p>\n Joe crossed the dirt floor making it over to the middle of the cellar where he called out again and pointed.\u00a0 \u201cI thought this was a pipe, Pa — but I guess it\u2019s just a big old tree root.\u00a0 This is what I used to set my leg.\u00a0 I put my boot underneath this and tried to pull back with my other leg.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took in the information and fought his continuing disgust over the fact that the Daltons had broken his son\u2019s leg and left him to die.\u00a0 He found it hard to comprehend that Joe had attempted to set his own leg down there in the darkness.\u00a0 \u201cYou did the best you could, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why, Pa — I don\u2019t know why I even bothered with my leg?\u00a0 I really didn\u2019t want to live,\u201d Joe confessed sincerely.<\/p>\n Dropping his hand down onto the boy\u2019s shoulder Ben replied, \u201cMaybe you thought you didn\u2019t want to live — but deep down you must have wanted to, Son.\u00a0\u00a0 You never quit, even when you were in a whole lot of pain, you still tried to find food.\u00a0 You were trying to survive, whether or not you thought that you were.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe thought he\u2019d heard a sound coming from the room above them and his heart stopped.\u00a0 He was propelled back in time to the sounds which his captors had made.\u00a0 Joe hurried across the room and over to the far wall where he dropped down and crouched.\u00a0 Ben had heard the sound as well, but he knew that it was just the old cabin shifting with age.\u00a0 He made it over to his son and tried to calm him.<\/p>\n \u201cJust the place settling, Joseph — no-one is up there anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe squeezed his eyes closed, trying to shut out the awful memories but they persisted.\u00a0 He could hear Silas yelling for Thorn to bring \u201cthe kid\u201d up.\u00a0 He could hear the sound of whiskey bottles clanking together and then dropping down onto the floor above.\u00a0 Joe could still feel the hands of his captors as they dragged him up the stairs where they would do their best to hurt and torment him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?\u00a0 Joseph it\u2019s okay, no-one is here but us,\u201d Ben reassured.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go up, Pa, there\u2019s pain in the light, stay in the darkness — you\u2019ll be safe here,\u201d Joe called over to his father, his voice rife with dread.<\/p>\n Pa knelt down next to his son and set his hand firmly onto the boy\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Joe, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa — I\u2019m not okay,\u201d Joe answered, now feeling totally swept away in all of the reminders of what he had gone through up in the light of the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph — let\u2019s go on up.\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to be the same this time — I\u2019m here with you — nobody is going to hurt you up there again.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe forced himself to look over to the stairs that led up to the cabin and whispered, \u201cPa, I\u2019ve never walked up those steps before.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been carried, I\u2019ve been dragged, but I\u2019ve never walked up them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stood and made his way to the staircase and then called over to his son.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joseph — let\u2019s finally put an end to those nightmares.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa — I can\u2019t \u2013 I just can\u2019t!\u201d Joe sang out his voice filled with increased panic.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you can.\u00a0 Come on — we\u2019ll go up together,\u201d Ben insisted and walked up a few steps.\u00a0 He held his hand out to his son just as if it were a lifeline.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, come on over here.\u201d<\/p>\n Feeling weighted down with every step that he took, he drew closer to the staircase.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe attempted to fight back the overwhelming terror which had engulfed him.\u00a0 He finally made it to where his Pa stood still reaching his hand out.\u00a0 Joe reached up towards his father and Ben latched onto the boy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 He patiently helped to draw his son up one step at a time.\u00a0 Finally the two of them were at the very top and stood there in the doorway that opened into the main room of the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, God, I think I\u2019m going to be sick,\u201d Joe muttered and turned to look back down towards the safety of the cellar and away from where he had faced such awful cruelty.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do this, come on, Joe, get it all out once and for all,\u201d Ben whispered and pulled his son gently inside the cabin.<\/p>\n Through the dark tinted glasses, Joe surveyed the room woefully.\u00a0 Each object, each piece of furniture held a terrible reminder of the suffering he had endured at the hands of the evil Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me all about it,\u201d Ben, with a forced calm to his voice, called over to his son and waited.<\/p>\n Joe took a few precarious steps into the room and then turned back to look over at his Pa.\u00a0 \u201cI \u2013 I guess I\u2019ll start from how it ended first — I have to work up to the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on, Son,\u201d Ben nodded and walked over to where the boy now stood.\u00a0 The night was fast approaching so Pa made sure that the lantern would provide enough light for Joe to be able to get around the room.\u00a0 He held it out in front of both of them as he watched his son carefully moving about the interior of the cabin.<\/p>\n Joe knelt down when he spotted the block of wood.\u00a0 He inspected it thoroughly and then announced shakily, \u201cI was right it was a piece of wood that they had used.\u00a0\u00a0 This is what they put my ankle up onto, Pa.\u00a0 This is where they stomped my leg.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben simply dropped his hand down onto Joe\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cSon, I\u2019m just so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled the block of wood up from the floor and held it in his hands for a few minutes.\u00a0 He then turned towards the doorway which led to the cellar.\u00a0 With an ever increasing feeling of rage, Joe sailed the block of wood down the stairs.\u00a0 Both men heard the crash as it landed in the cellar below.\u00a0 Ben was glad that his son had chosen to get rid of the reminder of what had been done to his leg, and he hoped it was just the start of purging the memories from Joe\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n \u201cIt gets worse from here on, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered as his eyes scanned the room.\u00a0 He then went down onto his knees as he moved across the room.<\/p>\n Ben watched as Joe crawled on hands and knees across the floor ending up against a partitioned wall which separated the main room from a smaller one.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t understand why his son had crawled instead of walking over there.\u00a0 Drawing in a deep breath, Ben moved over to where Joe had leaned against the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u00a0 Joe — tell me what you\u2019re doing now,\u201d Pa asked quietly.<\/p>\n Attempting to explain his actions, Joe looked up at his father and replied, \u201cPa \u2013 I wasn\u2019t allowed to look at either of those men.\u00a0 You know what they would\u2019ve done to me — you know now \u2013they would\u2019ve used that knife on me if I didn\u2019t follow their instructions.\u00a0 They made me crawl over here — I guess it was the night before they broke my leg and then left.\u201d<\/p>\n Kneeling there alongside his son Ben asked, \u201cSo they made you crawl over here just so you wouldn\u2019t look at their faces?\u00a0 What happened then, Son, why did they want you over here?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s left hand found its way to his neck and he felt of it for a minute before he answered his Pa.\u00a0 \u201cPa — they told me to keep my eyes down at the floor as they handed me the rope.\u201d<\/p>\n Fighting the terrible reminder of the rope burns which he had witnessed around his son\u2019s neck when he had first seen him in Littleton, Ben whispered, \u201cThey had you put that rope around your neck?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and closed his eyes, still feeling as though he would be sick to his stomach.\u00a0 \u201cYeah — they told me they were going to hang me, Pa.\u00a0 To tell you the truth I wasn\u2019t sure if they were really going to do it or not.\u00a0 They just loved to mess with my mind — it was almost as gratifying to them as hurting my body \u2013 but not quite.\u00a0 I figured that maybe they were actually going to kill me this time, so I put it around my neck and waited.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t see what was going on after that because they told me to close my eyes after the rope was on me.\u00a0 Then I started to feel it yank little by little.\u00a0 Then they called for me to get up and try to fight being hung by stretching as much as I could until the noose was so tight that I couldn\u2019t stretch and stand up any higher than the tips of my boots.\u00a0 I felt one last good yank and then I started to black out.\u00a0 But, then I came around and I was laying there on the floor.\u00a0 They were laughing over at me.\u00a0 They had cut the rope loose at the last minute.\u00a0 They said that I was lucky that time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pulled his son close to his chest and fought to find something to say which would be of comfort.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t think of much more than his continued, \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess they were running out of ways to try to terrify me, Pa.\u00a0 Maybe that\u2019s why they left the next day — I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Every time they brought me up it was for two reasons.\u00a0 They wanted to torment me \u2013 and they wanted to hurt me in every way that they could,\u201d Joe explained and then stood up.\u00a0 His eyes fell on the metal bucket sitting just to the other side of the partition.\u00a0 Joe moved over to retrieve it and then looked back at his father.\u00a0 \u201cBucket after bucket — do you remember — I think I told you about this back in the barn that day.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa solemnly nodded over to Joe and walked over to the boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou told me that they dumped buckets of cold water on you, isn\u2019t that right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah — they always wanted me clean.\u00a0 Kinda funny isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 I mean they were filthy animals and they kept me down in the cellar on top of that dirty blanket but they wanted my body clean,\u201d Joe stopped abruptly and his father could tell that he was starting to cry.<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead and get it out, Joseph — tell me what you\u2019re remembering now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sank down onto the floor and leaned against the wall, his hands pressed over his eyeglasses.\u00a0 Ben could tell that the boy was dwelling on something which had happened to him.\u00a0 He knelt down next to Joe and asked, \u201cWill you tell me?\u00a0 We\u2019re here to confront these memories, Joseph, it has to be done.\u00a0 Whatever you tell me won\u2019t leave this cabin, I promise I\u2019ll not tell anyone not even Doctor Wallace.\u00a0 Tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Keeping his hands over his eyes Joe began, \u201cPa, this is just so hard — so hard.\u00a0 They would take my clothes — then they\u2019d dump all of that cold water over me — and then they\u2019d make me beg just to get my clothes back.\u00a0 It was the only time that my wrists weren\u2019t tied together.\u00a0 But I\u2019d have to stay here, on my knees, and beg them to give me back my clothes.\u00a0 They just enjoyed humiliating me.\u201d<\/p>\n Pa shook his head so full of repulsion that he felt paralyzed for a few minutes.\u00a0 He looked over at his son and heard his cries and wished he could kill the Dalton brothers all over again.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright, Son, it\u2019s going to be alright,\u201d He whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cOh Pa — how will it ever be alright again?\u00a0 I haven\u2019t even gotten to the worst of it yet and I can hardly breathe.\u00a0 I know this isn\u2019t easy for you to hear any more than it is for me to say.\u00a0 It\u2019s all just so bad \u2013 just so bad,\u201d Joe cried shaking his head hopelessly back and forth in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll get through this, Joseph — I know we will,\u201d Ben assured his son even though it was the biggest acting job of his life.\u00a0 He was finding everything that Joe had already told him to be excruciating.\u00a0 And he could just imagine how the boy was feeling to have to relive all of the horrors and to say these kinds of things to his own father.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re hurting — just telling me about what you went through, I know it\u2019s a tough thing to do.\u00a0 But, we will handle the memories together and then in time maybe they\u2019ll stop hurting so much?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and pulled his glasses off in an attempt to push his tears away.\u00a0 Fighting for strength he settled the eyeglasses back into position and pulled himself off of the floor.\u00a0 His voice came out thick with emotion as he began once more.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Pa —- I won\u2019t go through everything or we\u2019d be here for days.\u00a0 I guess I\u2019ll just hit some of these things as quick as I can.\u00a0 That knife — you know \u2013 well whenever they\u2019d get it into their heads that I wasn\u2019t cooperating fast enough they would place it up onto my face and drag the blade across one of my cheeks to show me how sharp it was. I really didn\u2019t need to be reminded — I had felt it before you know?\u00a0 \u00a0Sometimes when they thought I wasn\u2019t eating enough they\u2019d bring me up here and stuff food down my throat.\u00a0 I would start to choke and they\u2019d just laugh as always.\u00a0 But, they made me swallow whatever it was — including the time they forced me to eat my rat.\u00a0 They\u2019d tell me that I had to stay alive because I was money for them — whatever that meant at the time — I didn\u2019t know,\u201d Joe paused as he walked around to the main room and his eyes fell on the wood stove.\u00a0 On top of it sat the fire poker.\u00a0 Joe lifted it up into his hands and turned to face his father.\u00a0 \u201cI guess they left it, huh?\u201d He said and handed it over to Pa.<\/p>\n Ben took the tool into his hands and fought the dread again.\u00a0 He very vividly remembered what his son had said about the man who had held it up, the poker being red hot at the time, and he had threatened to use it to seal up the wound that the other brother intended to inflict on the boy. *** Damned thing!<\/em> *** Ben thought to himself and then placed it back on top of the stove.<\/p>\n Joe sank back down onto the floor trying to get the last few horrible stories out.\u00a0 His heart began to beat rapidly just thinking about all that had been done to him and how he\u2019d have to figure out a way to tell his father.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s funny, Pa \u2013 funny how even the most horrible things can eventually become so common place that it becomes routine and you become numb to it.\u00a0 I know they drew such great pleasure in hearing me cry because of the pain or the humiliation of what they were doing to me so they\u2019d keep coming up with new ways to hurt me.\u00a0 After a while I stopped crying.\u00a0 I think that made them try harder.\u00a0 At first I remember praying all of the time that you\u2019d find me — and then after — well \u2013 I prayed that you would never find me.\u00a0 I never wanted you to know about these things that I\u2019m telling you about now,\u201d Joe stopped speaking and held his hands up to his face once more.<\/p>\n Ben moved closer and sat down on the floor next to his son.\u00a0 \u201cI prayed every single day that we would find you.\u00a0 Then days turned into weeks and then months.\u00a0 I would never have stopped looking for you, Son.\u00a0 No matter what you had to go through — you\u2019re alive — and we can get past this.\u00a0 Now, tell me the rest of it, Joseph.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s okay — I\u2019m here with you — you\u2019re safe now,\u201d He coaxed as he placed his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder in an attempt to comfort the boy.<\/p>\n Joe kept his hands up over his eyes and whispered, \u201cPa — I guess you figured out way back when I was brought home what they had done to me.\u00a0 It was the same thing that was done to me back at the house four years ago.\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand why \u2013 and I don\u2019t understand how this could happen to me again. \u00a0But it was so much worse than what Cade put me through — even as horrible as that was!\u00a0 You saw those bites — so you know \u2013 the Daltons were sadistic in all that they did.\u00a0 Their greatest form of pleasure wasn\u2019t in how they hurt me, it was watching me suffer, humiliating me and hoping I\u2019d beg them to stop.\u00a0 I told you that they made me do things and they made me say things,\u201d Joe paused again, fighting to get his words out.\u00a0 Finally, drawing in a hurtful breath, he continued.\u00a0 Turning his head away from his Pa he choked out, \u201cI \u2013 I \u2013 had to say things, Pa, terrible things.\u00a0 Joe paused and his voice changed to a soft whimper as he fought with the dreadful memories and then continued, \u201cThey forced me to say things when they were hurting me — when they were doing things to me \u2013 awful things.\u00a0 They made me say that I liked what they were doing to me —they made me say that I didn’t want them to stop.\u00a0 Oh, Pa, it was so degrading \u2013 it was so horrible!\u201d Joe dropped his head down into his hands and wept tears full of sorrow and shame.<\/p>\n Ben pulled Joe close and held him in his arms trying his best to shield him from the ever present visions that played out in his mind.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I knew of better words than to just keep telling you how sorry I am.\u00a0 It\u2019s just not enough \u2013 it goes way beyond that, Joseph.\u00a0 I wish I could have stopped all of this from ever happening to you.\u00a0 I wish I could\u2019ve protected you — that\u2019s what a father is supposed to do,\u201d Pa struggled to find the right words to explain how he was feeling and how badly his soul ached for all that his youngest had endured.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Joe sobbed, and once again felt a few tears from his father\u2019s eyes as they drifted down onto his neck.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never understand why I have to go through all of these trials.\u00a0 Why me?\u00a0 What did I do to deserve all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben quickly brushed aside the sudden appearance of tears and fought to control his emotions because his boy needed him to be strong.\u00a0 He cleared his throat in a valiant attempt to hide his sorrow.\u00a0\u00a0 He finally replied, \u201cI don\u2019t have the answer as to why you\u2019ve had to go through so much in your life.\u00a0 And, no, you didn\u2019t do anything to deserve any of this, Joseph.\u00a0 I\u2019d give anything to change what has happened to you.\u00a0 If I could change places with you I would, just so you wouldn\u2019t have had to go through all of this pain.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wiped the tears away from underneath his glasses and tried to gather his last ounce of emotional strength.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, after drawing in a deep breath, he continued.\u00a0 \u201cOkay — Pa \u2013 I\u2019ve got to finish this I guess — since most of it is out in the open now anyway,\u201d He pulled himself to standing and looked over at the table that stood opposite the wood burning stove.<\/p>\n Ben stood and watched as his son walked to the end of the table and over to a small shelf there at the end of it.\u00a0 He witnessed Joe take down the kerosene lamp and bring it over to the far end of the oblong dining table and set it down there.<\/p>\n \u201cI said I\u2019d end with the beginning \u2013 so this is it,\u201d Joe announced, his voice betraying the fear which was all-encompassing.\u00a0 \u00a0He walked over to the other end of the table, opposite of where he had left the lamp.\u00a0 \u201cThis is why I\u2019m still wearing these glasses, Pa.\u00a0 This is what they did to me — this is why I don\u2019t sleep and why I can\u2019t face light.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben waited to hear what his son was trying his best to explain, but after a few minutes he noticed that Joe hadn\u2019t moved or spoken.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph?\u201d he called out trying to release the boy from whatever was holding him back.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is just so hard,\u201d Joe cried and dropped his head down.<\/p>\n \u201cLet it out, Son, tell me about the light,\u201d Pa whispered as he drew near his son.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s pain in the light, Pa,\u201d Joe insisted still fighting the terror that had fallen over him as he stood next to the table where so many things had happened to him.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me,\u201d Ben urged.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head despondently and tried one last time to take control of his ever increasing fear.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I told you about when they cut me —and this was the table where it happened.\u00a0 I was pushed face down right here —and over there,\u201d Joe paused and pointed to the stove and the fire poker resting on top of it.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where the other one was with that poker.\u00a0 That was the beginning to all of this.\u00a0 After that I was told I\u2019d better not ever try to look at either of them —and I didn\u2019t.\u00a0 But there\u2019s one thing that they did want me to look at,\u201d Joe motioned towards the kerosene lamp which he had set down on the far end of the table opposite where both he and Pa now stood.\u00a0 \u201cThey would bring me here each time and I\u2019d be forced to watch what they were getting ready to do, but they had their faces turned away so I could only see what they were doing with their hands.\u00a0 Every time they brought me up here after the night with the knife — they would take that lamp and they\u2019d put in a new wick.\u00a0 They\u2019d fill the lamp with kerosene and then draw the wick all the way up.\u00a0 Then they\u2019d — they\u2019d \u2013,” Joe trailed off unable to continue.<\/p>\n Ben witnessed his son leaning down towards the tabletop, so swept up in the memory of what had been done to him there.\u00a0 Joe had both of his hands out in front of him on the table and his father could tell that in his son\u2019s mind he had been taken right back to when it all had happened to him.\u00a0 He fought to free Joseph from his daze and attempted to bring him back to reality.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cWhat happened, Son?\u201d Pa asked loudly, trying once again to rouse his boy.\u00a0\u00a0 He was well aware that Joe was having an extremely difficult time trying to disclose to him exactly what had gone on after the Dalton brothers had lit the lamp.<\/p>\n \u201cPa — they\u2019d light that lamp and they\u2019d tell me I had to keep my eyes on it the whole time.\u00a0\u00a0 Then they\u2019d take turns —- they\u2019d —they hurt me, Pa.\u00a0 They did exactly what happened to me four years ago with Cade.\u00a0 I never would\u2019ve believed that anyone could hurt me worse than he hurt me back then, but I was wrong!\u00a0 And they demanded that I watch that lamp —and if I didn\u2019t, they said that they\u2019d cut me with that knife and finish what they had started.\u00a0 They threatened to geld me they reminded me of that all of the time. And that\u2019s why I never fought them. \u00a0\u00a0Pa, they forced me down here on this table —and made me watch that lamp the whole time.\u00a0 And by the time they both got done—–the wick in the lamp was always half gone.\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s how long the pain would last, and that\u2019s why — that\u2019s why there\u2019s pain in the light, Pa!\u201d Joe exclaimed and suddenly dropped down onto the floor.\u00a0 He wrapped his arms around his knees and rocked himself back and forth as he sobbed over all that he had lost to the Dalton brothers.\u00a0 In Joe\u2019s mind the pain was back, the humiliation was back, and so was the paralyzing fear.<\/p>\n Ben stood there and fought his revulsion over what his son had finally revealed to him.\u00a0 He had known that Joseph had been injured and he had seen the scars which the numerous attacks had left on him.\u00a0 But, Pa had no idea of all the many ways in which his son had been harmed emotionally, until now.\u00a0 Overwhelmed with sadness Ben tried to take it all in and figure out how he could best help his son.\u00a0 He hurt for Joe and he hurt for himself, because watching his youngest having to deal with the unthinkable was tearing his heart out.\u00a0 He now knew why Joe had refused to remove those tinted eyeglasses, and he now knew why the boy couldn\u2019t handle any lamp whose wick was higher than halfway up.\u00a0 His son had gone through such torment and abuse that Ben wasn\u2019t at all sure that he had done the right thing in bringing the boy back to the cabin.\u00a0 \u00a0Joe had been forced to relive the horror and his father had heard and seen things that he would never be able to forget.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben called down to his son softly.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph — you got it all out— and I know how hard that was to do, but you did it,\u201d Pa said and then knelt next to the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa, now you\u2019ll have to live with all of this too!\u201d Joe cried filled with regret for having told his father the awful stories of what had happened to him at the hands of the Dalton brothers.<\/p>\n Ben settled his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and replied, \u201cWe\u2019ll both live with this \u2013 but we will live\u2014and that\u2019s the most important thing, Son.\u00a0 Now — we\u2019re going to finish all of this.\u00a0 I need you to go take care of that lamp!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t understand what his father had said.\u00a0 He pulled his head back up from his knees to look at him.<\/p>\n \u201cTake care of that lamp like you took care of that block of wood, Joseph,\u201d Ben insisted and helped to pull Joe to standing.<\/p>\n Joe pushed away the tears from off his face and walked to the end of the table.\u00a0 He lifted the lamp and stared over to his father.<\/p>\n \u201cTake care of it,\u201d Ben nodded to the boy.<\/p>\n Joe pulled back and then sent the lamp crashing against the far wall.\u00a0 It was smashed into a million glass shards as it exploded and fell down to the hard wood floor.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job, Joseph!\u201d Ben exclaimed proudly.<\/p>\n Joe moved back over to his Pa and noticed the way that he was staring very pensively at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, I want you to stand back,\u201d Ben motioned for his son to move over to the front of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked, totally unaware of what his father\u2019s intentions were.<\/p>\n Ben stared directly at his son and answered with fierce determination in his tone, \u201cBecause I\u2019M <\/strong>going to take care of this damned table!\u201d<\/p>\n Though he was emotionally spent due to a night rent with horrible memories and sorrowful confessions, Joe had to fight a smile when he saw the intense countenance of his Pa.\u00a0 He could tell that his father was savoring the chance to destroy something which had played a part in all of the pain which had gone on there in the cabin.<\/p>\n By the time Ben Cartwright was done demolishing the long dining table it was totally unrecognizable.\u00a0 He had, kick by kick and blow by blow, turned the wood from the table into such small pieces that they could have been used as toothpicks once he was done.\u00a0 Joe stood there with stunned awe as he watched Pa vent out the pent-up hatred that he felt over the sadistically evil Dalton brothers and all that they had done to his son.\u00a0 He had never witnessed his father show that much rage before, and that was saying something as Pa didn\u2019t hold back when there had been an injustice done.\u00a0 But Joe knew that his father had been hurt too.\u00a0 He knew how much the man who stood before him loved him.\u00a0 He knew that Pa had done his best to save him from those who had meant him harm.\u00a0 Foremost Joe knew that Pa would have given up his own life if it meant saving his son from being harmed like he had been there in the light of the cabin.<\/p>\n Ben drew close to his son as he mopped away the sweat from his brow.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph,\u201d Pa whispered and held out his arms.<\/p>\n Joe moved into the safety of his father\u2019s arms and held on.\u00a0 He could hear his Pa\u2019s muffled cries as he finally let out all of the sorrow and pain which he had felt during his son\u2019s recital of what had been done to him there in the cabin.\u00a0 The two of them stood there like that for a long while; each of them drawing strength from the other.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go outside now, Son,\u201d Ben whispered and moved across the room with the boy there at his side.<\/p>\n Joe pulled the cabin door open and looked up at his father.\u00a0 If Pa would have been able to look into his eyes at the time he would have seen the gratitude in them.\u00a0 But, since he couldn\u2019t, due to the eyeglasses, Joe whispered, \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n On their way outside, Ben had retrieved the lantern and held it out in front as the two of them made their way out on the porch and down the steps.\u00a0 The night was dark and without any sign of the moon.\u00a0 Ben walked over to the buckboard and climbed up onto the bench seat and moved the team.\u00a0 He made sure that the wagon was positioned so that the bed of the buckboard would face the cabin.\u00a0 Pa climbed back down and removed a canteen from under the seat and brought it over to his son.\u00a0 Joe took a couple good long swigs from the canteen and handed it back over to his father, who also drank.<\/p>\n \u201cAre we leaving now?\u201d Joe asked turning to face his father.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head and replied, \u201cNo \u2013 not yet anyway.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got something to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat cabin,\u201d Ben paused and pointed to the house, \u201cand the land it sits on \u2013 I bought it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at his father in dismay and asked, \u201cWhy would you do that, Pa?\u00a0 That cabin is a place of horror.\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome here a minute,\u201d Ben returned and held the lantern so that the boy could see his way to the bed of the wagon.\u00a0 Joe followed, but he wasn\u2019t happy about his Pa\u2019s news and it showed.\u00a0 \u201cPull that tarp open, Joe,\u201d Ben pointed over to where Hoss had packed the supplies underneath the bench seat.<\/p>\n Joe reluctantly pulled the leather tarp out from whatever was holding it down and noticed two metal cans placed there.<\/p>\n \u201cPull those out,\u201d Ben insisted, and he waited anxiously to see what Joe would say.<\/p>\n Joe lifted up the two very heavy metal cans and dropped them down onto the ground.\u00a0 Pa held the lantern close so the boy could read what was written on each one.<\/p>\n \u201cCoal oil?\u201d Joe questioned, after reading the block lettering on both containers.<\/p>\n Ben nodded and fought a smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s right, Joseph, coal oil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa,\u201d Joe said looking into his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n Ben dropped his hand down onto his son\u2019s shoulder and raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what it\u2019s good for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOther than starting a fire \u2013 no,\u201d Joe returned.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly,\u201d Ben said emphatically, and this time he managed a grin aimed towards his boy.\u00a0 \u201cSince I now own the place — it\u2019s time for a house warming \u2013 wouldn\u2019t you agree?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, having finally realized why his father had not only bought the cabin and surrounding property, but also why he had insisted on them taking the buckboard on their trip, nodded over to him.\u00a0 \u201cYeah — I think so too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow,\u201d Pa began and turned his son to face the front of the cabin, \u201cI want you to go in there — I want you to pour all of that on every blasted thing inside of that cabin.\u00a0 Then, after you come back outside, I want you to douse that porch and the exterior walls.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared up at Pa, and fear was very evident on his face as he insisted, \u201cPa \u2013 I can\u2019t go in there again!\u00a0 And, I sure can\u2019t go in there alone either!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben bent forward and placed a hand on each of his son\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0\u00a0 He stared intently into the boy\u2019s eyes and said firmly, \u201cJoseph, you have to do this \u2013 and you have to go in there alone this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI \u2013 I can\u2019t, Pa — I \u2013 I just can\u2019t, I\u2019m afraid,\u201d Joe stuttered nervously.<\/p>\n Ben nodded and replied, \u201cI know that you are — and that\u2019s why you have to do it.\u00a0 One last time you have to confront the fear so it won\u2019t take hold of you.\u00a0\u00a0 Now I\u2019ll be right out here waiting for you.\u00a0 You\u2019ll do fine, Son — I know that you will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa — I don\u2019t think I can,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cGo on now,\u201d Ben stated firmly, and gave his son a quick pat to his back.\u00a0 \u201cJust leave that door open and set this lantern down on the porch.\u00a0 Be careful where you toss that coal oil, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t want to go inside the cabin, even if the reason was to destroy it.\u00a0 He looked into his father\u2019s eyes and read expectation in them.\u00a0 Drawing in a deep breath, and still fighting the fear and dread that he felt, Joe gathered the two containers of coal oil and began to move towards the front of the cabin.<\/p>\n Ben watched his son as the boy apprehensively made it to the porch and turned to look over at him.\u00a0 He just nodded towards Joe and stayed put.\u00a0 Ben knew the boy had to face his fear, though he also knew how hard it was for him to do it.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joseph, you can do this,\u201d Ben whispered, knowing his son was far from earshot.<\/p>\n The whole time that his son was inside the cabin, his father kept a close eye out for him.\u00a0 However, he also used the time wisely and set up a small camp in order to get the coffee started.\u00a0 Ben also had a few other things to do there in the bed of the buckboard, which he took care of first.<\/p>\n Joe made pretty fast work of painting the remnants of furniture and the cabin walls with the coal oil.\u00a0 Less than ten minutes after he had gone inside the boy had come back out and began to coat the porch and exterior walls with the flammable fuel.\u00a0 Joe grabbed both of the cans and set them off to the side of the cabin and then retrieved the lantern which he had set at the bottom of the steps.\u00a0 He made it over to his father and could tell from the look on his face that the man was well pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job, Boy,\u201d Ben called over to his son and clapped him on the back proudly.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want those cans, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo they can go with the cabin,\u201d Ben nodded.\u00a0 He reached back to the bed of the wagon and grabbed up the torch he had just fashioned.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, you asked me a while back what would happen if you could never make it back into the light, do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe replied sullenly.<\/p>\n \u201cI promised you that if that were to be the case then we\u2019d just have to find you a new light,\u201d Ben continued and reached inside his vest pocket and drew out a match.\u00a0 He lit the torch and then looked back over at his son.\u00a0 \u201cHow about we let this be the start of that new light?\u201d he asked and then sailed the torch towards the cabin.\u00a0 It hit the porch and the flames shot up and soon the cabin was engulfed by fire.<\/p>\n Joe stood in awe watching the flames shooting up the exterior walls and then a loud boom was heard coming from the inside of the cabin.\u00a0 The fire was spreading so rapidly that only a few minutes later flames were up on the roof.<\/p>\n \u201cHand me your glasses,\u201d Ben called to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d Joe asked, fearing his father was going to take his eyeglasses away permanently and he wasn\u2019t ready for that.<\/p>\n Ben smiled and reached over and put a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t want you to miss this sight, Son.\u00a0 I\u2019ll give them back to you in just a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe drew in a deep breath and then removed his glasses handing them over to his Pa.\u00a0 Ben tucked them into the inside pocket of his vest.<\/p>\n Pa watched as his son stared over at the rapidly spreading fire, he could read so many things on the boy\u2019s face and in the way he stood there so rigidly.\u00a0 He knew that Joseph was thinking about all of the terror and pain that he had endured there inside of the cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cThose two evil brothers are gone, Joseph,\u201d Pa began and pulled Joe closer to him, draping his arm across his son\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cSoon that cabin and everything that was inside of it will be gone too.\u00a0 Before long the only thing that will remain are the memories.\u00a0 I know that they\u2019re not as easily destroyed as killing two disgusting men or burning down a cabin, but they do fade with time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so, Pa,\u201d Joe whispered fighting with his emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two things I\u2019ve wanted to tell you, Son.\u00a0 And I want you to pay close attention to both of them,\u201d Ben said and turned Joe to face him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow, I\u2019m not just saying this because I happen to be your father — though I am glad that I am.\u00a0 But, I wanted you to know that I think that you are the bravest and the strongest man I\u2019ve ever known.\u00a0 I mean it, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head as he stared into his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Pa — I\u2019m not worth that kind of praise,\u201d He insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t argue, Young Man, I said it and I meant it.\u00a0 Take the compliment — because it\u2019s a sincere one,\u201d Pa said sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay \u2013 well — thanks,\u201d Joe whispered, feeling very humbled by what Pa had said.\u00a0 Though he didn\u2019t feel like he was worth his father\u2019s praise he was very grateful to hear the words which he had said.<\/p>\n \u201cNow as for the final thing I\u2019ve wanted to tell you for quite a while,\u201d Pa paused and grabbed his son\u2019s arm and continued, \u201cCome over here and sit down in the buckboard.<\/p>\n Joe walked with his father and sat down on the right hand side of the bed of the wagon.\u00a0 He looked over at Pa and waited for him to finish his thoughts.\u00a0 Joe was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the time, due to all that had transpired inside of the cabin.<\/p>\n Ben turned his back on his son, and was busy readying something to assist him with his final statement.<\/p>\n \u201cA wise man told me something not that long ago.\u00a0 I want to share it with you now,\u201d Ben remarked, still not facing his son yet.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly the sound of glass hitting against the wooden bed of the buckboard was heard and something went sailing over to where Joe sat.\u00a0 He looked down to see a shot glass filled with rotgut.\u00a0 Joe stared over at his father, confusion filling his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cDrink your whiskey, Joe!\u201d Pa demanded and then broke into a smile.<\/p>\n Joe finally understood his father\u2019s gesture and knew that Pa was making light of their very intense stand-off in the barn weeks ago.\u00a0 Joe drew the shot glass to his lips and couldn\u2019t help grinning.\u00a0 ***Leave it to my father to come up with something to take my mind off of a night that has been filled with so much sadness by sending a shot glass of whiskey over at me!<\/em> *** Joe thought to himself.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to hold a gun on me, Pa,\u201d Joe remarked casting a wry smile towards his father before shooting the liquor straight down.<\/p>\n Ben nodded over at his son as he also drank a shot of the whiskey.\u00a0 He figured that they both had earned it after going through such an emotional night.\u00a0 Even if it was a brief calm to the on-going storm in Joe\u2019s life, at least it was calm for the time being.\u00a0 He knew that they had a lot to sort through and to accomplish but at least Joseph had been able to get out all of what had happened to him.\u00a0 It was a start.<\/p>\n Both father and son spent most of that long night sitting together in the back of the buckboard watching as the cabin burnt down to mere ashes.\u00a0 They spread their bedrolls there in the back of the wagon after eating just a little jerky with their coffee.\u00a0 Joe indulged in another shot of whiskey right before he closed his eyes. \u00a0He hoped that it would keep him from remembering all of the night\u2019s events and allow him to sleep free of nightmares.\u00a0 At first light Pa handed Joe back his eyeglasses which he received appreciatively.\u00a0 Then they made sure all of the remnants of what had been the cabin were no longer burning.\u00a0 Satisfied that all of the embers were out and there was no longer a danger of fire spreading into the surrounding forest, the two Cartwrights headed back towards the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Pa had decided to take a slight detour on the way home.\u00a0\u00a0 There was something that he wanted to show his son before they\u2019d be reunited with the other Cartwrights.<\/p>\n **************<\/p>\n A day and a half\u2019s journey found Ben and Joe sitting in the buckboard staring over at an overlook there at Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 Pa hadn\u2019t told Joe why he had chosen to go the long way back to the ranch or why he had decided to take him to that particular spot.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this is a good place to stop and stretch our legs,\u201d Ben stated and tied the reins down by the foot board.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get out and walk a bit, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over at Pa and could tell that he had something he wanted to tell him but wasn\u2019t going to come right out with it.\u00a0 He climbed down from the wagon and followed his father.<\/p>\n \u201cOver this way,\u201d Ben said and pointed to a large stand of trees.<\/p>\n The two Cartwrights began the trek into the forest and didn\u2019t stop until close to an hour had passed.\u00a0 Ben, having remembered to gather the canteen before getting down from the buckboard, handed it over to his son.<\/p>\n Joe took a good couple of long sips of the water and passed the canteen back to Pa and then asked, \u201cHow much farther?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re here,\u201d Ben smiled and set down the canteen.\u00a0 \u201cLook up there!\u201d He pointed to a towering Ponderosa pine tree.<\/p>\n Joe gazed up at the huge tree and then asked with confusion all over his face, \u201cPa, did we walk all this way to look at a tree?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot just any tree, Joseph, this is the largest tree on this whole ranch.\u00a0 It\u2019s taller and wider than any other tree.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood back as he cast another glance up at the tree and then over to his father.\u00a0 He knew that there had to be a point to standing there viewing a tree but he had no idea what that was.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah it\u2019s a big tree,\u201d Joe nodded, not knowing what else he should say.<\/p>\n Ben turned and looked at his son and read the confusion on his face.\u00a0 He smiled and placed his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder and said, \u201cJoe, there\u2019s a story behind this tree — it\u2019s why I brought you here.\u00a0 Long before there was a Joseph Cartwright your brothers and I were getting ready to build the ranch house.\u00a0 I would go around selecting just the right trees that were to be hewn as the logs we needed.\u00a0 A neighbor of ours told me about this tree.\u00a0 I brought your brothers up here to see it.\u00a0 Adam believed that we could have built the entire ranch house just from this one tree.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen how come you didn\u2019t use it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pointed up to the very top of the mighty pine and returned, \u201cI got to thinking about it and decided that since this pine tree had survived longer than any other here on the ranch that maybe it deserved to stay.\u00a0 Joe, this tree is hundreds of years old.\u00a0 It has survived more than any other tree around it.\u00a0 Look at the surrounding trees.\u00a0 They\u2019re no where\u2019s near that old.\u00a0 That means that this tree weathered all of the storms alone.\u00a0\u00a0 It didn\u2019t have any other trees around it to block the fiercest winds, most torrential rains or even the heaviest snows.\u00a0 It survived all of that.\u00a0 Look up towards the top,\u201d Ben paused and pointed up to where the tree almost touched the sky.\u00a0 \u201cDo you see how it\u2019s lost some branches along the way?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared up to where his father had directed and remarked, \u201cYeah, Pa, I see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, there on the east side — about halfway up.\u00a0 Look it\u2019s taken a few lightning strikes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I see that too, Pa,\u201d Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Joseph, in all honesty this tree should have fallen years ago.\u00a0 Not many trees make it after taking all of the abuse that this one has,\u201d Ben turned and stared directly into his son\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I don\u2019t know why it had to go through all of those storms, and go through them all by itself, but it did survive.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked into his father\u2019s dark eyes and understood the point that he was making.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s got some scars, it\u2019s taken a lot of abuse, but it\u2019s the tallest and strongest tree here on this ranch \u2013 maybe in all of Nevada,\u201d Ben asserted.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I guess it was lucky to survive,\u201d Joe nodded over to his father.<\/p>\n Ben settled his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder again and stared intently into the boy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, this tree didn\u2019t grow this strong and mighty in spite of all of the hardships and storms.\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>It<\/em> grew this strong because of them<\/strong><\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew exactly what his father was alluding to at the time.\u00a0 He knew that Pa was comparing what the tree had gone through to what his son had endured.\u00a0 Joe looked down to the ground for a few minutes fighting his emotions before replying.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a strong tree alright,\u201d Joe finally admitted and pushed aside a few stray tears.<\/p>\n Pa smiled and nodded towards his son and replied, \u201cIt certainly is.\u201d\u00a0 He patted his son\u2019s shoulder proudly and they turned together and walked back towards the buckboard.<\/p>\n Epilogue:<\/p>\n First it was a spoon.\u00a0 A few days later that was followed by a fork and then a table knife.\u00a0 It seemed like such a simple thing to master, eating with utensils.\u00a0\u00a0 But Joe\u2019s family knew that it was far more difficult than that, especially when a person had been abused as much as he had been.\u00a0 It had taken quite a while but Joe Cartwright had finally quelled the memories of how his captors had forced him to eat with only the use of his fingers.\u00a0 He realized that there was no longer anyone who would smash his hands with their boots for using a fork nor punish him if he used a spoon or a knife in order to eat his meals.\u00a0 His father and both brothers hadn\u2019t made a big fuss the first time they spotted the young man carving into the roast beef there on his dinner plate.\u00a0 There were however, a few quick smiles cast around the table, all out of the sight of Joe, so he wouldn\u2019t feel embarrassed.\u00a0 Hop Sing had grinned and simply patted the youngest on his shoulder and then hurried back into the kitchen to bring out more side dishes for the family that first triumphant night.\u00a0 Joe could feel the eyes of all the others around the table looking at him, but he never let them know and went about eating as though it hadn\u2019t been a big deal.<\/p>\n When Adam and Hoss had asked their father how it had gone at the cabin, Ben had been very vague in his answer.\u00a0 He had promised Joseph that he would keep all that had happened between the two of them, and he was going to do just that.\u00a0 He had informed Joe\u2019s brothers that he thought that the boy would do better now that he had addressed all that had gone on in the cabin with him and that everything would play itself out in time.\u00a0 Pa had also suggested that neither of his other sons should ask Joe about the cabin nor make any mention of the fact that the boy was still wearing the dark tinted eyeglasses.\u00a0 Pa believed that it would all resolve itself in time; at least he prayed that it would.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Hoss promised their father that they would go about their daily routine as though nothing was wrong with their little brother.<\/p>\n Ben had written to Doctor Wallace to inform him that he had taken his advice and gone with Joseph to the cabin.\u00a0 Keeping his promise about that too, Pa hadn\u2019t divulged any of the horrific details that Joe had confessed to him that night.\u00a0 He simply told the doctor that he thought that his son was beginning to act more like his former self and that he was very hopeful as to Joe\u2019s progress in the future.\u00a0 Ben had thanked the doctor for all of his help and left it at that.\u00a0 He hoped in his heart that Joe would no longer need assistance from the doctor in San Francisco.<\/p>\n The annual cattle drive would be starting in just a few weeks and Ben was happy to see Joe heading out with his two brothers every day.\u00a0 Other than much shorter hair, which had grown just a tad, and the dark glasses Joseph still wore, he was starting to look like his former self.\u00a0 Pa noticed that his son had picked up some of the weight that he had lost and his clothes no longer hung on him as they had for months.\u00a0 Pa wasn\u2019t altogether sure how his youngest was doing inwardly, but outwardly he looked much like Little Joe Cartwright again.\u00a0 The two of them hadn\u2019t spoken very often about what had happened up in the cabin, though during the first few weeks after they had gotten home, the nightmares had returned.\u00a0 On those occasions it had been Pa, and only Pa, who helped to calm Joseph down.\u00a0 He was the only one who was acutely aware of what his son had gone through there in the light of the cabin.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But, the nightmares had finally eased up and now they were more or less a rarity, and that was something everyone was thankful for.<\/p>\n \u201cDad burn it, Little Joe!\u201d Hoss fussed as he looked down at the checkerboard which sat on the coffee table there next to Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou could\u2019ve double jumped me three moves ago but instead you just let me win!\u201d<\/p>\n Pa cast a glance over at Adam who sat in the living room opposite him.\u00a0 The two of them shot smiles back and forth between each other in response to what Hoss had said.\u00a0 It was nice to hear the normal loud banter going on between the two youngest Cartwrights.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa and Adam exchanged winks, feeling very grateful to see that some form of normalcy had returned at long last.<\/p>\n \u201cOne minute you accuse me of cheating to win and now you accuse me of cheating to lose!\u00a0 Make your mind up will you?\u201d Joe replied to Hoss\u2019 outburst.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess now that I\u2019m not bribing you with rotgut you ain\u2019t trying to win, is that it, Little Brother?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned and removed the last few checkers from the board.<\/p>\n \u201cVery funny, I don\u2019t need you to get my rotgut anymore anyway,\u201d Joe insisted.\u00a0 \u201cHey, I\u2019m tired so why don\u2019t you try to see if Pa or Adam will beat you fair and square now?\u201d Joe said and stood from the coffee table.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll have to be Pa, Hoss, I\u2019m going to finish reading this book since it\u2019s the last one I\u2019ll be reading for a while.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to put up with you and the kid for two weeks once the drive starts so this is the last true peace I\u2019ll have for a while,\u201d Adam called out smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0 You want to beat me at checkers?\u201d Hoss called over to his father.<\/p>\n Ben stood and stretched and replied, \u201cOkay, just one or two games then I\u2019m going to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe moved to the staircase and called out a \u201cgoodnight\u201d and then walked up to his room.<\/p>\n Adam listened for the sound of Joe\u2019s bedroom door being closed and then moved to the lamp and turned the wick up higher.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t want to say anything, Pa, but it was a bit hard to read with that lamp down so low.\u00a0 How long do you think it\u2019ll be before Joe comes out of those glasses?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben settled down onto the settee and helped Hoss set up the checkerboard.\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders and looked over at his eldest and replied, \u201cI\u2019m not sure, Son, and I still don\u2019t want either of you boys to mention those glasses to Joseph — not a word, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir \u2013 I was just wondering if the kid happened to say anything to you about why he\u2019s still wearing those glasses when you both were up at the cabin three weeks ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes and thought back to how he had felt when Joe had finally told him why there was pain in the light.\u00a0 He remembered so vividly the boy\u2019s description of what happened when the wick was raised by the evil Dalton brothers and how Joe had been forced to watch as it burnt down.\u00a0 The thought of it still sickened him and he fought daily not to dwell on it.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t imagine how much worse the whole memory of what had happened was for Joseph to deal with.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Adam called out, noticing the faraway look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cOh \u2013 no — he didn\u2019t say,\u201d Ben tried to answer as vaguely as he could.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t going to say anything that would violate his promise to Joseph.\u00a0 \u201cJust give the boy time.\u00a0 I think that Joseph has done remarkably well since we got home.\u00a0 His nightmares are almost completely gone and \u2013 well\u2014 you\u2019ve both seen how he\u2019s finally back to normal as far as his eating habits are concerned.\u00a0 Give him time, he went through so much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve got red, you go first,\u201d Hoss announced to his father.<\/p>\n Adam went back to reading his book and Pa and Hoss played a few games of checkers while Joe got ready for bed.\u00a0 Things at the Ponderosa were beginning to go back to normal, and all three of the Cartwrights were very thankful for the large strides that Joe had made lately.<\/p>\n Ben played a few games of checkers with Hoss and then bid his two sons a goodnight before heading up the stairs.\u00a0 He was going to stop by and see if Joe was okay but decided it was best not to hover over him.\u00a0 Donning his nightshirt and slippers Ben got ready to crawl into bed when he noticed something there underneath the lamp on his nightstand.\u00a0 He pulled it up and noticed it was an envelope.\u00a0 His face took on a quizzical appearance as he sat at the head of his bed and opened it.\u00a0 Inside was a single piece of paper and a pair of dark tinted eyeglasses, which he knew were Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 Ben read the note and smiled to himself.<\/p>\n Pa, would you give these back to Doc in case someone else needs them?\u00a0 I don\u2019t need them anymore.\u00a0 Thanks, Pa, for staying in the darkness when I needed you there with me.\u00a0\u00a0 And thank you for showing me how to come back into the light again.\u00a0 Love Joe<\/em><\/p>\n Ben stood and pushed the slippers back onto his feet and pulled on his robe.\u00a0 He just had to go and see his youngest whether the boy was asleep or not.\u00a0 Grabbing his lamp, and being sure to pull the wick down low, Ben made his way out of his bedroom and across the hall.\u00a0 He was surprised to see light coming from the bottom of the bedroom door, he hadn\u2019t seen it there in so long.\u00a0 Pa wondered if Joe was still awake after all, and if he was, he was surprised to see that much light shine coming from underneath the boy\u2019s door.\u00a0 He quietly pulled the door open and walked inside the bedroom.<\/p>\n Joe was lying on top of his covers and had apparently fallen to sleep without changing into his nightshirt.\u00a0 Ben moved closer and peered down at his youngest.\u00a0 He smiled to see that the boy had evidently passed out while writing in his journal.\u00a0 Carefully Pa reached down and lifted the book out of his son\u2019s hands and tried not to awaken him.\u00a0 Casting a quick glance over to the lamp, Ben was surprised that the wick seemed a bit higher than the half-way point which had been the highest Joe had allowed it to be raised.<\/p>\n Unable to resist temptation, Ben eased down into the chair at the side of Joe\u2019s bed and pulled the book opened to where his son had left a pencil marking the last entry which he had written.\u00a0 Pa felt a tad guilty for reading the journal again, but he just had to see if there was any mention about why his son had finally given up his dark glasses.\u00a0 A smile filtered down onto Pa\u2019s lips as he read what Joe must have written right before he had fallen to sleep.<\/p>\n *** I just took my glasses off.\u00a0 It was a hard thing to do, but I have to at least try to live in the light again.\u00a0 I\u2019ve also turned the wick of my lamp up by a whole inch.\u00a0 I guess it\u2019s a start.\u00a0 Maybe my Pa is right.\u00a0\u00a0 He said that things will be okay.\u00a0 I hope so.\u00a0 Anyway, today was a good day ***<\/em><\/p>\n Ben had to wipe away a few stray tears as he set the book on the nightstand.\u00a0 He put the pencil where Joe had left it, hoping he would presume that he had placed the book there before falling to sleep.\u00a0 Pa looked down at his youngest and smiled proudly.\u00a0 He gently ran his hand over the top of his son\u2019s head and sighed.\u00a0 *** You are just as strong as that Ponderosa pine, Joseph ***<\/strong> <\/em>he thought to himself.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m proud of you, Son,\u201d Pa whispered and then eased out of the boy\u2019s bedroom closing the door quietly.<\/p>\n *** Good timber does not grow with ease, the stronger wind, the stronger trees.\u00a0 The further sky, the greater length, the more the storm the more the strength.\u00a0 By sun and cold, by rain and snow, in trees and men good timbers grow ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n Author’s Note:\u00a0 Thanks to all of the readers who stuck with me on this very long tale, I hope I did it justice. The next in the series is “Chiaroscuro” followed by “The Sound of Surviving.”<\/p>\n Dedicated to my story consultant Rob, who REALLY wanted me to do justice to killing those rotten, disgusting, and sadistic Dalton Brothers!<\/p>\n R.I.P.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s rat<\/p>\n Characters in this story can be found in: Best Medicine: Malice Aforethought (Samuel Hazelton), Whatever it Takes: A Part of the Main (Doctor Harold Peele, Nurse Hastings), and Every Purpose Under Heaven (Cade)<\/p>\n
\nA New Light<\/a>
\nChiaroscuro<\/a>
\nThe Sound of Surviving<\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\nBen glanced over at Adam and read the hatred all over his face.\u00a0 He knew that his oldest boy really wanted to take care of J.T. for two reasons.\u00a0 One was that he had been a party to stealing his little brother away, and the other reason was to repay him for the bullet that the gunman had sent through Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n