Summary: Joe wreaks havoc during his many attempts to save Pa from being killed after having a recurring nightmare.<\/p>\n
Rating: T\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0WC: 13,600<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Author’s Note:\u00a0This comedy\/drama was written to celebrate Michael Landon’s life and his request to remember him with laughter.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Morpheus<\/strong><\/p>\n (Is all that we see or seem, but a dream within a dream?)<\/p>\n Excerpt from A Dream Within a Dream by Edgar Allan Poe<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright woke with a start, his heart pounding and his breathing hard upon hearing the ear-piercing scream from Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 He hurriedly donned his robe and made his way out of the bedroom and proceeded down the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0 A very tired Adam called from his doorway.\u00a0 \u201cJoe again?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and his eyes trailed down the hall to his youngest brother\u2019s room.\u00a0 To that Ben wearily nodded and replied,<\/p>\n \u201cYou go on back to sleep, Son.\u00a0 I\u2019ll handle it tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Ben finished his trek to Joe\u2019s bedroom and walked in to see Joe sitting straight up in the bed, a wild frightened look in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked moving to sit down next to Joe.<\/p>\n Joe made an attempt to catch his breath before speaking but wasn\u2019t having much luck.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, this is the third time this week—–\u201d Ben started but Joe cut him off.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay now–just go back to bed!\u201d\u00a0 He insisted, embarrassed that he had once again awakened his father and probably the rest of the house.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no, I am not leaving here until you tell me about your dreams.\u00a0 And don\u2019t tell me everything is okay–and don\u2019t tell me you don\u2019t remember anything–because I won\u2019t buy that this time!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust forget it, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe slowly pulled himself out of the bed and reached for his robe.<\/p>\n \u201cNo–not this time, Joseph.\u00a0 No one on this ranch is getting any sleep due to your nightmares\u2014and especially you.\u00a0 You can\u2019t go on like this.\u00a0 You\u2019ve barely slept at all.\u201d\u00a0 Ben spoke softer now, not wanting his words to come out like some kind of a late night lecture.<\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t want to discuss it!\u201d\u00a0 Joe protested and sat down in his chair by his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you remember when you had those dreams earlier this year?\u00a0 You know the ones about Eagle\u2019s Nest?\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t tell me what was going on and it made it even harder to resolve your problem because of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned at the mention of his past nightmares, and the subtle reminder of what his previous fear had been.\u00a0 Somehow climbing a mountain and perhaps falling to his death seemed a lesser nightmare than what his current ones were.<\/p>\n Ben approached his son and continued, \u201cYou and I worked that one out didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried for humor to break the tension and his father\u2019s prying eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWell–if you mean have I gone back up there, Pa—no–and I’m much more careful with what I do and don’t do with my rifle too!\u00a0 It’s for darn sure that if I ever do something stupid like that again I’ll just buy a new rifle and keep my mouth shut.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head at the memory and the intensity there had been when he had to talk Joe down off of the mountain.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s good—because I sure don\u2019t ever want to follow you up that mountain again.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t tell you back then how petrified I was \u2013 not only over my worry about you falling, but I\u2019ve never been too keen on falling off of a mountain myself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sat next to Joe and gazed into his troubled eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSo—are you going to tell me that you don\u2019t remember what your dreams were about?\u00a0 I know that you do.\u00a0 It\u2019s now been three times this week already that you\u2019ve woken up covered in sweat and three times this week you have refused to tell me what\u2019s going on in your head.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took a deep breath and let it out slowly, he didn\u2019t want to confess his most frightening nightmare, but he knew that his father would persist in his questioning.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember the nightmare, Pa.\u00a0 And it scares me to death!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it about something happening to you—you know like before?\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to figure things out in order to help Joe through the memory and hopefully chase the bad dream from coming back.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no—it\u2019s not ME, Pa!\u00a0 That would be welcomed—-that wouldn\u2019t be as frightening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen who is it about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about you, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe confessed quietly and looked down at the floor and away from his father\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u00a0 Your nightmare is about me?\u00a0 Do I get hurt or what?\u2019\u00a0 Ben tried to once again piece together the dream to make it vanish from his son\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n \u201cHurt?\u00a0 No, Pa—–actually you die.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked back up at his father and his statement hung in the air for a few minutes.<\/p>\n Ben thought on what Joe had revealed and decided to rationalize its meaning.\u00a0 \u201cYou know I bet it\u2019s because of that fall I had a month ago–you remember?\u00a0 I was knocked out cold—and you were the one who found me in the barn!\u00a0 It probably left some impression in your mind that is just now starting to play itself out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head adamantly, \u201cGood try, Pa—but that\u2019s not it.\u00a0 This dream is REAL<\/strong>—-and it happens over and over again!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned at having gotten nowhere with his youngest son.\u00a0 He also wasn\u2019t too keen on the fact that Joe was having dreams that his father was going to die.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph—you know we are ALL going to die sometime—we mustn\u2019t let the reality of that keep us from living.\u00a0 What you had is a nightmare–plain and simple. And I don\u2019t plan on going anywhere any time soon.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried a reassuring smile and reached over and ruffled Joe\u2019s head of curls.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you try to go back to sleep now?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked standing up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go ahead, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be okay, really.\u00a0 Sorry I woke you up again—\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head and sighed, he hadn\u2019t accomplished much in his talk with Joe.\u00a0 Maybe in the morning it would be easier to get into it, he reasoned and walked to the door.\u00a0 \u201cTry to sleep—-I\u2019m right down the hall if you need me.\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered and noticed Joe\u2019s halfhearted nod in response.<\/p>\n Joe walked over to his dresser as his father left the room.\u00a0 He decided he would get his clothes on and, if need be, he would even start his daily chores—even though it was only three a.m.<\/p>\n Ben peered out his bedroom window about a half of an hour after he had left Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 He noticed the figure as it walked toward the barn and saw a lamp being lit.\u00a0 It was Joseph–working to avoid the trauma that sleep was causing.\u00a0 Ben sat back on his bed and decided he would try to figure it all out in the morning after some badly needed sleep.<\/p>\n ****************************<\/p>\n The next morning three men groggily sat staring down at their breakfast.\u00a0 Adam sat with his hand propping his chin up and Hoss could just barely keep his eyes open.\u00a0 Ben hadn\u2019t slept much either; concerned with all the nightmares his youngest son was having, and trying to find a way to quell them.<\/p>\n \u201cPa—I\u2019m telling you if I don\u2019t get a good night\u2019s sleep pretty soon I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll make it!\u201d Hoss exclaimed and poured some more badly needed coffee.<\/p>\n Adam nodded his agreement and replied, \u201cMe too!\u00a0 What\u2019s with Little Joe anyway?\u00a0 That boy must have some deep psychological problems to scream at night the way he does!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gave a tired frown at his oldest son and his assessment of his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cJoe has been having nightmares about me dying.\u00a0 It\u2019s not really a joking matter!\u00a0 It\u2019s really bothering him and I would greatly appreciate it if the two of you wouldn\u2019t tease him about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDying?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked surprised.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know Joe was thinking about that.\u00a0 What do you think is causing it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI asked him if it was because of the fall I had last month but he said it has nothing to do with that.\u00a0 He claims his dreams are real and he\u2019s terrified.\u00a0 I saw him go out to the barn right after the nightmare.\u00a0 He never came back in.\u201d\u00a0 As Ben made his statement Hop Sing appeared coming in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe already fill all the wood boxes and help Hop Sing in the kitchen this morning. He look vely tired.\u201d Hop Sing added to the conversation.\u00a0 The three Cartwrights looked worriedly at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Pa–maybe it was your fall.\u00a0 I remember seeing Joe\u2019s face when he came running in here that afternoon petrified that you were dead!\u00a0 I think Doc Martin was more worried about him than you that day.\u00a0 He was in a pure panic!\u201d\u00a0 Adam stated trying his best to come up with an answer to it all.<\/p>\n \u201cWell–hopefully the nightmares will eventually go away. But, until they do–you two don\u2019t go too hard on your brother for a while–okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam nodded somberly.\u00a0 They were worried about Joe, but each son was also worried about the very same thing Joe was.\u00a0 None of them ever wanted to think of their father dying.<\/p>\n *********************************<\/p>\n After breakfast Joe finally made his way back into the ranch house and walked over to Ben\u2019s study.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you gonna do today, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 He asked sitting down next to his father.<\/p>\n Ben looked up at his son and could see the dark circles around his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI have to go into town—why?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave a slight shrug of his shoulders and returned, \u201cNo reason—how about I go with you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe stared pensively at his father, and Ben could see the worry displayed in his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Joseph–\u201d Ben started and briefly put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to help Hoss with the branding.\u00a0 You need not tag along after me.\u00a0 I will be back tonight.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to worry about me!\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice was calming but did little to settle the dread in Joe\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not worried—I just wanted to go into town!\u201d He protested but even in his statement Ben could read the truth of the matter.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing is going to happen to me, no matter what kind of dreams you\u2019ve been having.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe broke his father\u2019s stare and turned to walk away but Ben grabbed his arm and pulled him back.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s me that should be worried about YOU<\/strong>.\u00a0 You look awful!\u00a0 If you don\u2019t get some sleep soon I\u2019m afraid of what will happen.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s worried expression made Joe feel even worse.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa.\u00a0 Maybe tonight will be better. Well–if you insist on going by yourself to Virginia City then be careful!\u201d\u00a0 Joe cautioned still hoping Pa would cave in and let him go along.<\/p>\n Ben gave Joe a quick hug and laughed when he released him, \u201cI have been going into Virginia City for more years than I can remember.\u00a0 And that was long before there was a Joseph Cartwright to worry about me.\u201d\u00a0 That statement brought a smile across Joe\u2019s face and, rather reluctantly, he left for the branding corral.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n All afternoon Joe and Hoss branded the new calves, barely speaking other than to yell a direction to turn the cattle.\u00a0 Hoss fought hard to think of some way to stop the haunting look, which displayed itself across Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 When they finally took a break, the two brothers sat under a shade tree and drank from their canteens.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got it almost done now.\u00a0 I am surprised you kept up so well, Little Brother!\u00a0 You look mighty tired.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was opening the door in case Joe wanted to talk.<\/p>\n Joe leaned back against the tree and thought.\u00a0 If there was anyone in the entire world that he could talk earnestly about his fear, it was the gentle hulk of a man sitting next to him.\u00a0 He had always been there for him in the past, quieting his fears and helping him to think things out.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss—-did Pa tell you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe mumbled, finding this talk harder than ones in the past.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–he told Adam and me this morning.\u00a0 Joe–you know I think of Pa being gone sometimes too.\u00a0 It scares me to death!\u00a0 I\u2019m sure even our big brother Adam has the same fear.\u00a0 But, you can\u2019t dwell on it you know?\u00a0 I think Pa was right about it having something to do with him getting hurt last month.\u00a0 I know I was worried about him after that.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned to look directly at his brother and his eyes burned in intensity.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2019m telling you I SEE Pa die!\u00a0 It\u2019s not because of something that happened before.\u00a0 It\u2019s like some kind of a warning.\u00a0 Pa thinks I\u2019m crazy or something–I bet Adam does too.\u00a0 What about you?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHeck, Joe–I ALWAYS have thought you was crazy!\u201d<\/p>\n To that Joe smiled and gave Hoss a jab to his ribs.\u00a0 The big man had a way of breaking up even the most dramatic moment.\u00a0 \u201cBut–really–Joe–I think you THINK it\u2019s real.\u00a0 So–no-there\u2019s nothing crazy about that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna do my best to make sure nothing happens to Pa!\u201d\u00a0 Joe remarked with a determination to his expression.\u00a0 Hoss just shook his head.\u00a0 At times there was no such thing as reasoning with his brother.\u00a0 Sometimes he just had to sit back and watch what Joe\u2019s next move would be.<\/p>\n ******************************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright walked down the wood planked walkways on C Street in Virginia City heading toward the International House.\u00a0 He had spent the better part of the day and afternoon in meetings and his head hurt from all the details that had been laid out by his business partner over a new merger.\u00a0 Ben wanted nothing more right now than a quiet meal and some brandy to lighten his mood and ease his head.\u00a0\u00a0 As he turned to walk toward the hotel and restaurant, he could hear boot steps behind him.\u00a0 Ben turned and saw no one.\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders and began again.\u00a0 Lanterns lighted the streets, but the alleyways were masked in complete darkness, and Ben heard again someone behind him as he stepped off of the sidewalk down onto the street.<\/p>\n In one swift move, Ben drew his six-shooter and spun around as a shadow danced into the alleyway.\u00a0 \u201cWho is it?\u00a0 I know you are there–come out where I can see you!\u201d\u00a0 Ben demanded.<\/p>\n From out of the shadows a figure slowly came into view and Ben holstered his gun as he shook his head angrily.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 He boomed and Joe winced at the sound.\u00a0 \u201cI could have shot you!\u00a0 What in heaven\u2019s name are you doing lurking around–following me!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders, embarrassed at being caught stalking his own father.\u00a0 \u201cI was—\u201d Joe started but couldn\u2019t finish his statement.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t even think of a good enough lie at the moment.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were following me!\u201d\u00a0 Ben finished his son\u2019s statement.\u00a0 \u201cYou are supposed to be at the Ponderosa–not here snooping around.\u201d\u00a0 Ben put his hands on his hips and waited for an apology.<\/p>\n \u201cI got all my work done, Pa.\u00a0 Just thought I\u2019d stop by and say hi.\u201d\u00a0 Joe explained, but then realized what a lame excuse it had been.\u00a0 Ben just shook his head still angered by the whole idea of his son checking up on him.\u00a0 Then he remembered Joe\u2019s nightmare and the whole picture came into full view again.<\/p>\n He softened his expression and reached out and touched Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNow, Joseph–I told you I\u2019d be home later.\u00a0 What—-did you think I wouldn\u2019t make it back alive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not funny!\u201d Joe retorted hotly, his father obviously had no clue to the danger he was in and was merely mocking him.\u00a0 \u201cPa—something\u2019s gonna happen to you–I know it!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben placed both hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders and looked him squarely in the eyes.\u00a0 He had to get a grip on the matter before it made Joe a nervous wreck.\u00a0 \u201cNo–Joseph–not ME<\/strong>!\u00a0 Something is going to happen to YOU<\/strong>!\u00a0 That is if you don\u2019t stop this nonsense. I told you before—-what you had was only a dream, nothing more. Now I want you to get on home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe kicked at the ground with his boot, angered at his father.\u00a0 He wondered why Ben wouldn\u2019t believe him.\u00a0 \u201cCan I wait and go back with you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe finally asked quietly his eyes now questioning his father\u2019s ire.\u00a0 Ben sighed deeply.\u00a0 It was always so difficult to stay mad at his youngest, especially when he turned those sad hazel eyes on him.\u00a0 But, this time it was for Joe\u2019s own good, Ben reasoned and he stood firm.<\/p>\n \u201cI will be home later–you go on.\u201d\u00a0 He stated firmly but with a hint of compassion in his tone.\u00a0 Joe frowned and started to turn away but Ben caught his arm and forced him to look at him.\u00a0 \u201cI promise you I will be fine.\u201d\u00a0 Ben assured with a smile on his face.\u00a0 Joe just nodded, never returning his father\u2019s smile as he walked away.<\/p>\n *******************************<\/p>\n Later that night Joe returned to the ranch house and his mood was more than glum.\u00a0 He tossed his gun belt on the credenza and hung up his hat as Adam approached coming in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cNice of you to let us know you wouldn\u2019t be home for dinner!\u201d He said sarcastically.<\/p>\n Joe shot him an unfriendly look and responded, \u201cLay off, Adam!\u201d\u00a0 Joe proceeded over to the settee and sat down putting his feet up on the coffee table.\u00a0 He knew that Pa wasn\u2019t home so the placement of his boots wouldn\u2019t be an issue.\u00a0 Hoss came down the stairs and approached his younger brother.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe—-where the heck did you go? I looked all over for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about it,\u201d Joe said and leaned his head back and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI bet he went into town to check up on Pa,\u201d Adam jumped into the conversation and Joe simply sneered in response.\u00a0 Hoss sat down next to Joe on the settee and reached over and patted his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe–you got to stop worrying about Pa.\u201d\u00a0 He said softly.<\/p>\n \u201cIf either of you had seen what I saw in my dream you would be doing just what I am doing!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked up a book and pretended to be uninterested in Joe\u2019s plight, but he was bothered by it.\u00a0 He remembered what his father had told him about going easier on his youngest brother and he regretted jumping his case when he had walked in.\u00a0 He decided to try to get Joe\u2019s mind on other more pleasant things.\u00a0 \u201cYou two know about the Founder\u2019s Day celebration Saturday don\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Hoss smiled at what Adam was trying to do.<\/p>\n \u201cHey–yeah–that\u2019s right!\u00a0 Joe, they have the shooting gallery again this year.\u00a0 Bet you could win it this time!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe slowly stood up and barely looked at his two brothers when he replied, \u201cI\u2019m glad that you both can think about things like that.\u00a0 But, all I can think about is the fact that Pa is in serious danger.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to go upstairs.\u201d\u00a0 Joe made his way up the staircase, his two brother\u2019s concerned gazes following him.<\/p>\n After putting Buck away for the night, Ben wearily walked inside the ranch house.\u00a0 He noticed his two oldest sons still waiting in the living room for his return.<\/p>\n \u201cLong day, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked as Ben removed his coat at the door.\u00a0 He walked over to the fireplace to warm his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but the merger is in the works so it was all worthwhile.\u00a0 Where\u2019s Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe went upstairs an hour ago.\u00a0 Don\u2019t think he\u2019s sleeping though.\u00a0 We\u2019ve heard him moving around up there.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cDid he tell you both that he followed me into town tonight?\u201d Ben asked and sat down in his chair and stared over at his two sons.<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t have to.\u00a0 When he didn\u2019t make it home for supper we figured where he had gone.\u00a0 Now, I guess we just wait awhile until he falls to sleep and has another nightmare.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stated flatly at a loss over what to do for his brother.<\/p>\n Ben reached into his vest pocket and took out a small envelope.\u00a0 \u201cI stopped by and spoke with Doc Martin.\u00a0 I told him what\u2019s been going on and he gave me some sleeping powders for Joe so he can get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Pa, that\u2019s great–that is if you can get him to take it.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned knowing his brother\u2019s distaste for any and all medicine.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to have Hop Sing put it in a drink and then I\u2019ll take it up to him.\u00a0 At least he should be able to sleep tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–and maybe we will too.\u201d\u00a0 Adam announced wearily.<\/p>\n Joe had heard the boot steps as they got closer and knew his father would soon be paying him a visit.\u00a0 He hoped he wasn\u2019t still in trouble for his little venture into town.\u00a0 Ben knocked on the door and walked into the room carrying a glass in his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI see you are still awake.\u201d\u00a0 Ben remarked and sat down opposite Joe on the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not very tired,\u201d Joe said but it was a lie. He was exhausted and only the fear of what sleep would bring kept him from crawling under the covers.<\/p>\n \u201cDrink this.\u201d\u00a0 Ben handed the glass to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked warily.<\/p>\n \u201cJust something Hop Sing sent up for you.\u00a0 He was worried because you didn\u2019t eat any supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not thirsty.\u201d\u00a0 Joe announced putting the glass on the nightstand.\u00a0 Ben quickly retrieved it and handed it back to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cDrink it anyway!\u201d\u00a0 He insisted.\u00a0 Joe frowned and couldn\u2019t understand the importance of drinking what Hop Sing had made.\u00a0 He finally surrendered, knowing his father would not leave until seeing that he had done it.\u00a0 Joe drank it down in one quick swallow and grimaced at the taste.<\/p>\n Ben smiled knowing that this would not only help Joseph, but also the entire family get some sleep.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to talk?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing to talk about, Pa,\u201d Joe stated flatly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou need to get some sleep, Joseph.\u00a0 Then maybe things will seem a bit better in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–sure,\u201d came Joe\u2019s sarcastic reply.\u00a0 He was tired all right. Tired of everyone thinking he was making a big issue over what they deemed to be a silly dream.<\/p>\n Ben sat with his son for a while until he saw Joe\u2019s eyes growing heavy and a yawn escaping his mouth.\u00a0 Joe leaned back against the headboard puzzled at his sudden drowsiness.\u00a0 Ben couldn\u2019t help but to smile when he saw how quickly the medicine had taken over.\u00a0 He knew that without sleep that Joe\u2019s troubled mind would be worse.\u00a0 Ben hoped a truly good night\u2019s sleep would make a great difference in his son\u2019s whole outlook.<\/p>\n \u201cYou rest now, Joseph.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you in the morning,\u201d Ben whispered as Joe nodded off into a deep slumber.<\/p>\n ****************************<\/p>\n The next morning came and went and Joe slept through it all.\u00a0 A little past noon he finally made his way down the stairs groggily and glanced over to his father\u2019s study where Ben sat working on some business papers.\u00a0 \u201cWell–I was beginning to wonder if you\u2019d ever wake up!\u00a0 How do you feel, Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called over to his son who slowly made his way over to his father\u2019s desk and sat down on the corner of it, ignoring the chair altogether.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel drugged–that\u2019s how I feel.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked piercingly over at his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was in that drink anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had to force the grin from off his face not wanting to give away his secret.\u00a0 \u201cYou would have to ask Hop Sing–I don\u2019t exactly know.\u00a0 But, you did finally get a good night\u2019s sleep, right?\u00a0 And may I add—no nightmares!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, it was true that he never screamed out in his sleep, but the truth was that he had dreamed of the same scenario, always ending with his father\u2019s demise. \u201cWell, I guess I slept.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you wake me?\u00a0 Hoss will have all the branding finished before I even get out there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam is helping Hoss today.\u00a0 I have other plans for you, Joseph.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied and pushed over the ledger book to rest in front of his son.<\/p>\n \u201cNot the books! Pa–you know I hate figuring.\u00a0 I never was any good at numbers.\u201d\u00a0 Joe protested wanting to escape to an outside chore.\u00a0 To that remark Ben stood and stared down at his youngest.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can consider it a trade-off.\u201d\u00a0 He stated emphatically..<\/p>\n \u201cA trade-off for what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA trade-off for what you did yesterday.\u00a0 I decided the only way to make sure you don\u2019t tag along with me today was to give you the inventory sheets to balance.\u00a0 That will keep you busy the rest of the day.\u00a0 Oh—and the statement from the general store–don\u2019t forget that as well!\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned and walked toward the front door with Joe following close behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not fair!\u201d\u00a0 Joe insisted but Ben never turned around to reply.\u00a0 He grabbed his holster and hat and continued getting ready.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked worry mounting in his voice.<\/p>\n As Ben reached for the door he finally looked at his son.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help but wonder why Joe had such a desperate look on his face.\u00a0 Ben had never asked for specifics about the nightmare, because he really didn\u2019t want to know.\u00a0 Somehow since the revelation that his son\u2019s dreams were about his own apparent death, the details were not something he wanted to hear about.\u00a0 Ben had hoped that Joe would eventually forget about it, but apparently that wasn\u2019t happening.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not telling you this time.\u00a0 That way you won\u2019t try to find me.\u00a0 I will be home for supper.\u00a0 That gives you about six hours to get those books done.\u00a0 And believe me, Joseph you will need all six hours to do it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you so mad?\u00a0 I was only trying to protect you!\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s voice came off with a hurt to it.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I don\u2019t need you to protect me.\u00a0 I appreciate your concern, but you have to stop thinking about that dream.\u00a0 Now go get on those books—it\u2019ll take your mind off of everything else.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed toward the study and Joe looked down at the floor defeated once more.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled and Joe turned and walked away not responding to what he had said.\u00a0 Ben left the house as Joe sat in his father\u2019s leather chair at his desk.\u00a0 This book work was Joe\u2019s least favorite assignment.\u00a0 He knew that Pa was aware of that and Joe felt he was being punished unjustly.\u00a0 Joe pushed the ledger away and instead started to go through other papers on the desk.\u00a0 Joe found the merger notes from his father\u2019s trip the day before.\u00a0 He read over the details just as he heard Adam walk into the house.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Joe glad to see you\u2019re up!\u201d\u00a0 Adam sang out and walked over to sit next to his brother.\u00a0 He had decided to be kinder to Joe than he had on the previous night.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam–what\u2019s this merger thing all about anyway?\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard you and Pa talking about it, but I haven\u2019t paid it any attention,\u201d Joe asked still looking at the notes before him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Pa is going into a partnership with Henry Wilkins.\u00a0 They have put a bid in jointly on that new railroad extension.\u00a0 It means a lot of money and between the Wilkins and us we can do the job in half the time!\u00a0 That will probably win us the bid.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pursed his lips and went over the figures.\u00a0 \u201cWhen will Pa know if we\u2019ve got the contract?\u201d\u00a0 Joe questioned looking over at his brother who seemed surprised to hear his little brother having such keen interest in anything besides horses.<\/p>\n \u201cI think Pa just left–he\u2019s going to Carson City today.\u00a0 The bids will be opened around three o\u2019clock I think. Why?\u201d\u00a0 Adam stared more sharply at Joe now, wondering what the kid was up to.<\/p>\n \u201cOh—no reason I was just wondering.\u00a0 Hey Pa told me to work on these books–so I guess I\u2019d better get on them.\u201d\u00a0 Joe drew the ledger over and took a pencil out of the desk drawer.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I just stopped by to grab some lunch Hop Sing packed for Hoss and me.\u00a0 You go ahead and get that paper work done and we\u2019ll see you at supper.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned and walked into the kitchen.<\/p>\n Joe sat at the desk deep in thought. ***Pa is in Carson City.\u00a0 He may run into trouble there.\u00a0 Maybe THAT is what the dream is about****.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Joe scribbled some figures down a couple of columns to make it look like he had at least tried to balance the books.\u00a0 He knew the backwards slant of his writing would make Pa have to erase it all anyway so he wasn\u2019t worried.\u00a0 Joe gave it a good fifteen minutes after Adam left so he wouldn\u2019t be spotted as he walked out to the barn to saddle Cochise.\u00a0 He had a long ride ahead of him to get to Carson City.<\/p>\n ****************************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright sat in the Crystal Palace Saloon enjoying the triumph of winning the bid for the railroad extension.\u00a0 Henry Wilkins bought the first round of drinks and he and Ben and their mutual friend Aaron Thompson toasted the success of their new venture.<\/p>\n \u201cCouldn\u2019t have won this one without you, Ben\u201d Henry smiled and sipped his whiskey.<\/p>\n \u201cWe both needed each other for this one, Henry.\u00a0 I was happy to team up with you!\u201d Ben toasted his friend and Aaron joined in.<\/p>\n \u201cYou both are a winning combination alright.\u00a0 Maybe next time you can let me in on some of the fortune.\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will–but let\u2019s get this one under our belts first,\u201d Ben responded and then looked at his pocket watch.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I\u2019d better be heading back to the ranch.\u00a0 I have the feeling that Hop Sing will have a celebration dinner in the works.\u00a0 He always seems to know these things!\u201d<\/p>\n The three men shook hands and Ben nodded over at the two men.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you both tomorrow, right?\u00a0 You are coming to the Founder\u2019s Day celebration aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t miss it.\u201d\u00a0 They both smiled and shook Ben\u2019s hand.\u00a0 He then headed out of the saloon and over to the hitching post to get his horse.<\/p>\n Joe grinned.\u00a0 He was pleased with himself over how well he had hidden himself in the saloon away from his father\u2019s view.\u00a0 He had overheard the whole conversation from over in the corner behind some rather large miners who sat at the table in front of him.\u00a0 Joe had changed from his normal green jacket and into a plain brown coat as a disguise.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to stick out in the crowded saloon.<\/p>\n Figuring that there probably wasn\u2019t any danger that might befall his father in Carson City after all, Joe began to leave.\u00a0 Just before making it to the saloon doors he heard Aaron say to Henry, \u201cBen will never know what hit him!\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to see his face!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–he\u2019s had it coming for a long time.\u00a0 It will come totally out of the blue!\u201d Henry mused.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s thoughts flashed in his mind.\u00a0 The two men were somehow out to get his father!\u00a0 This might be exactly what his foreboding dream had been all about. He moved a little closer and heard one final statement from Henry Wilkins.\u00a0 \u201cAt the barn dance—-that\u2019s when he\u2019ll get it.\u201d<\/p>\n To that Aaron nodded and Joe hurried out of the saloon.<\/p>\n The long ride home was filled with a whole lot of worry on Joe\u2019s part.\u00a0 He wondered what dastardly plan his father\u2019s false friends had in mind.\u00a0 Whatever it was, at least HE<\/strong> knew about it.\u00a0 Or, at least, he knew when it was going to happen.\u00a0 Joe decided that regardless of the two men\u2019s plan, he would be there and prevent anyone from harming his father in any way.\u00a0 Joe urged Cochise faster, picking up the pace hoping to be lucky enough to make it to the ranch house before his father did.<\/p>\n *********************************<\/p>\n Ben surveyed the handwriting on the ledger books as Adam and Hoss sat in the living room playing checkers.\u00a0 Joseph had not made it home yet and Ben could imagine where he had gone off to.\u00a0 The books appeared to be completely balanced along with the account from the general store.\u00a0 Ben noticed the writing to be his son\u2019s all right, his eldest son\u2019s.<\/p>\n Minutes later Joe walked in the door and Ben turned to walk over to him.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d Joe said innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked his eyebrows narrowing for effect.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged his shoulders and paused trying to think of a good story.\u00a0 \u201cI just went out for a ride.\u201d\u00a0 Was all he could come up with, his mind still preoccupied with what he was going to do the next day in order to protect Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cWell—at least you got all the books done.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated and Joe looked up surprised.<\/p>\n Joe glanced over at Adam who was trying to give him a sign to keep his mouth shut so Ben wouldn\u2019t know who really completed the task that Joe had been given.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah—well—\u201d Joe paused again and changed the subject abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cHey–dinner sure smells good!\u201d\u00a0 He walked over to join his brothers by the fireplace and to avoid Ben\u2019s questioning eyes.<\/p>\n Ben stared over at all three of his sons.\u00a0 He knew they were all somehow involved in Joe\u2019s scheme to get out of doing the books and having followed him into Carson City.\u00a0 It was impossible to disguise the perfectly legible writing of his oldest son, Adam.\u00a0 Ben studied the numbers again and noticed how evenly spaced they were.\u00a0 Most apparent was the straightness of each number, not having the awkward back-slanted lines that belonged only to Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 And, if that wasn\u2019t all, the numbers actually added up! Now, this was not by the hands of his youngest, Ben knew, but waited to see how far all three sons would take their deception.<\/p>\n After dinner Joe made an excuse about having to check on one of Cochise\u2019s hooves and walked out to the barn.\u00a0 One by one, the other sons volunteered to go help him check on the horse.\u00a0 Ben sat back and lit his pipe.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the first time the three young men covered for each other.\u00a0 That part pleased Ben, however he did not appreciate being deceived by any of the three.\u00a0 He would speak to his youngest later.\u00a0 He knew Joseph was always the son most apt to tell a lie, but not adept enough to keep his face from telling on him.<\/p>\n Out in the barn Hoss looked at Cochise and Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cHoss–let the horse alone!\u00a0 Nothing wrong with her.\u00a0 Joe just wanted to talk to us, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and sat down on an overturned barrel.\u00a0 \u201cYeah–thanks for doing the books, Big Brother.\u00a0 And thanks Hoss—–for not giving it away.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled and nodded, \u201cWe knew you had probably followed Pa again.\u00a0 You need to give up on that, Little Brother!\u00a0 You are getting more jumpy as each day passes Pa is going to be just fine.\u00a0 It\u2019s you that we\u2019re all worried about!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe–all of us are going to the celebration in town tomorrow.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just go and have a good time, okay?\u00a0 Take your mind off all of this for a while.\u201d\u00a0 Adam tried to once again get through to his brother.<\/p>\n Joe looked up at the concerned faces of his two brothers.\u00a0 They all shared a special bond, and despite any disagreements each one would die for any of the other two.\u00a0 It was because of that, that Joe decided to keep what he had overheard in the saloon away from his brothers.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want anyone hurt.\u00a0 That included all three of the other Cartwrights.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, we\u2019ll go and have a good time.\u201d\u00a0 Joe tried to sound excited and hoped that it came off better than it felt to him on the inside.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam were satisfied that a day in town to relax and have fun was just what their little brother needed.<\/p>\n When the three Cartwright brothers made it back into the house Ben was waiting for them by the door.\u00a0 \u201cWell–is Cochise okay?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked, knowing that the horse excuse was just that, and the only thing lame around the ranch was the excuse itself.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa, she\u2019s all better!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss responded after sharing a glance with both of his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cGood—oh, I\u2019d like to have a talk with Joseph right now—if you two will excuse us?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned as both of his brothers headed toward the staircase.\u00a0 He walked over to the fireplace and stood there waiting for what he was sure would be an interrogation.<\/p>\n Ben walked over to the coffee table and pointed for Joe to sit down.\u00a0 He did as instructed as his father handed him one of the ledger books.\u00a0 Joe grimaced at what was coming.\u00a0 He finally got the nerve to look into his father\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Joe knew Ben was waiting for the truth, and would sit there staring at him all night if he didn\u2019t come forward with it.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Pa.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t do the books.\u00a0 Looks like Adam covered for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes–I figured that one out all on my own.\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded and Joe slunk his shoulders down already feeling like the disobedient son he was about to hear that he was.<\/p>\n \u201cSo—-let me guess–your ride was into Carson City, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe answered almost in a whisper.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are driving me insane with all of this! You know that don\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben raised his voice and Joe winced at the upcoming lecture.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe muttered helplessly.<\/p>\n \u201cThis has to stop, Joseph.\u00a0 You have to get a grip on yourself!\u00a0 Your dreams are not real, your fears may be real, but your dreams are not.\u00a0 I should make you stay here and work tomorrow instead of going into Virginia City!\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated exasperated.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted and then apologized.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa–I HAVE to go!\u00a0 There\u2019s something really important I have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was surprised at Joe\u2019s outburst.\u00a0 The boy rarely raised his voice to him, especially not during a lecture.\u00a0 He thought on it and replied.\u00a0 \u201cI said that I \u201cshould\u201d make you stay, Joseph–not that I \u201cwould\u201d make you stay.\u00a0 But, if you follow me around I swear I\u2019ll—-\u201d Ben trailed off and Joe interjected.<\/p>\n \u201cNo–Pa—you don\u2019t have to worry–you\u2019ll hardly know I\u2019m there!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOH?\u00a0 Are you going to wear that brown coat again?\u201d\u00a0 Ben gave a knowing smile that made Joe wonder if he had spotted him inside the saloon that afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cPa—-I\u2019ll act right–I promise.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stood and tried to convince his father that he really was more stable than he had acted recently.\u00a0 Ben stood in turn and put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and squeezed it, playfully but hard.\u00a0 Joe winced not knowing if Ben was still mad or not.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay—we\u2019re all going tomorrow.\u00a0 But now I have your word that you won\u2019t spend the whole day running around \u201cprotecting\u201d me?\u201d\u00a0 Ben waited for further assurance and Joe gave his most convincing smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYes—Pa–I\u2019m going to have other things to do.\u00a0 Like I said a minute ago–you\u2019ll hardly know I\u2019m even there.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded still unsure of exactly where his son\u2019s thoughts truly were, but too tired for more of his paternal lecture.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you\u2019d better turn in.\u00a0 Tomorrow looks like it will be an interesting day.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned toward the stairs and muttered to himself, \u201cIt sure will be–in more ways than one!\u201d<\/p>\n *********************************<\/p>\n Saturday turned out to be a wonderful day for the Virginia City Founder\u2019s Day celebration.\u00a0 The town was full of commotion as townspeople and visitors crowded the streets.\u00a0 There were booths that lined both sides of Main Street with everything from a shooting gallery to kissing booths and foods and entertainment of all kinds.\u00a0 The four Cartwrights each went their own way for a while.\u00a0 Hoss checked out the pie stand, which held some of the best cooking from local women including his current girlfriend, Betsy.\u00a0 He stood and sampled all the different pies before deciding on the entire apple pie that Betsy had made.\u00a0 She planted a kiss on his cheek, which turned Hoss\u2019 face redder than the cherry pie sitting on the table next to him.<\/p>\n Adam stood in front of the mercantile where a booth had been erected with volumes of old books.\u00a0 Adam thumbed through several before deciding what suited his collection best and then he bought four of them.\u00a0 He found a book on Greek mythology, which he intended to read parts of to his youngest brother.\u00a0 After making his purchases he met his father over by the shooting gallery.<\/p>\n \u201cGonna try your luck?\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled and tapped Ben on the back.<\/p>\n Ben returned his son\u2019s smile and shook his head, \u201cNo–but if we find Little Joe I think we\u2019ll see what he can do!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLast time I saw him he was down the end of the street,\u201d Adam replied pointing.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised he isn\u2019t stalking me!\u201d\u00a0 Ben laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, from what Hoss and I heard of your little talk last night, I think Joe knows better than to pull anything today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go find Hoss,\u201d Ben said and he and Adam headed over to the pie stand.<\/p>\n Little Joe heard his name called as he strolled past one of the covered booths sitting next to a tent.\u00a0 He looked up and saw that it was the fortune telling tent, where coming from inside he spotted his friend the gypsy who was known as Madame Sylvia.\u00a0 \u201cHi!\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen you in a long time!\u201d\u00a0 Joe gave his most welcoming smile and the gypsy pointed for him to come inside.\u00a0 Joe looked around not wanting anyone to spot him going in there and then continued inside the tent.\u00a0 Once inside he sat down at the small round table upon which sat a crystal ball.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been in Carson City recently,\u201d Madame Sylvia started.\u00a0 \u201cI saw you pass by yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gulped; he figured his disguise must have been useless if even the gypsy could tell it was him.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah—I was there,\u201d Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you are troubled and I want to help you Joseph. I have never forgotten your kindness.\u00a0 You were one of the few people in Virginia City who welcomed me when I first came here.\u00a0 I remember the first time we met—you fixed the wheel on my wagon–and never asked for anything in return.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shifted nervously in his chair. He wondered how the old woman knew he was troubled.\u00a0 \u201cI told you I\u2019d always be your friend Madame Sylvia.\u00a0 You are a kind woman; I\u2019ve seen how you are with the children here in town.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that some people don\u2019t understand your ways–that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a great fear, Joseph.\u00a0 I see it on your face.\u00a0 Speak to me of it.\u201d\u00a0 She looked piercingly at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been having dreams—bad dreams.\u201d\u00a0 Joe finally confessed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have dreams of death?\u00a0 But not your own, am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded suddenly feeling at ease with the gypsy, like she was someone who just might understand what he was feeling.\u00a0 \u201cYes–I have dreams of my father dying.\u00a0 No one believes me—they think I\u2019m crazy!\u00a0 But I know that something awful is about to happen and I can\u2019t stop thinking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a gift—you are revealed things in your dreams.\u00a0 That gift dates back as old as the Bible.\u00a0 It makes little sense to me that people who believe in the Bible don\u2019t believe in what it teaches us!\u00a0 There is a name for your gift–it\u2019s called precognition.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up surprised.\u00a0 \u201cPrecog–what?\u201d<\/p>\n Madame Sylvia smiled again, the handsome young man before her had never heard of the word.\u00a0 \u201cPrecognition–it means you see things before they actually happen.\u00a0 Sometimes the gift is given to us to help us change what is about to happen. Unfortunately sometimes the dreams are too vague to tell us all the details.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–that\u2019s like mine! I know Pa gets killed—I just don\u2019t know how.\u00a0 I have a couple of ideas—but nothing solid yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen next you dream, try to remember all the details–as best you can when you first awake and then write them down right away.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his understanding.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure he\u2019d need the advice because he honestly believed the attempt on Ben\u2019s life would happen at the barn dance that evening.<\/p>\n Joe stood and said, \u201cThank you for your help–but most of all thanks for not thinking I\u2019m crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n The gypsy gave a knowing smile and replied, \u201cThank you, for always being my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe left Madame Sylvia\u2019s tent just as the other three Cartwrights were walking by.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben sang out and Joe walked over to him, a little embarrassed at having been seen coming out of the fortune telling tent.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat were you doing?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked surprised that Joe would even partly believe in fortune telling or the like.<\/p>\n \u201cOH–Pa–\u201d Hoss broke in to get his brother off of the hook, \u201cHe just wants to know how many rich beautiful women he\u2019s gonna meet today–that\u2019s all!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave Hoss a nod of thanks and then Adam spoke up, \u201cJoe–we want to watch you try your luck at the shooting gallery.\u00a0 No-one\u2019s won the prize yet, and it\u2019s a solid gold pocket watch!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could feel how shaky his hands were already thinking about what was going to happen that evening.\u00a0 There was no way that he could shoot accurately now.\u00a0 He looked over at his oldest brother and remarked, \u201cNow what in the world would I want with a stupid pocket watch anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n To that statement Ben frowned, he had future plans for the pocket watch that had been given to him by his own father, and Joe was part of that future plan.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t have to try your luck with the shooting gallery, Joseph, but isn\u2019t there something else around here you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaw—you three go on ahead. I\u2019ll catch up with you later,\u201d Joe replied sullenly.\u00a0 He really didn\u2019t want to hang around the others, especially Pa.\u00a0 He knew that he would be watching his father most of the evening and wasn\u2019t worried about the afternoon.\u00a0 Joe turned and walked down the street where he planned to catch a quick nap under a tree.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe is not himself.\u00a0 He always has had fun at this celebration!\u00a0 We\u2019ve had to drag him out of here each year. Now all he does is talk to gypsies,\u201d Adam remarked upset over his brother\u2019s mental state.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s not let it spoil our time.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go see what else they have here this year.\u201d\u00a0 Ben put his arms briefly around his two son\u2019s shoulders and walked on.\u00a0 He paused briefly and turned to look at Joe\u2019s departing figure as it rounded the corner of the street.\u00a0 Ben worried internally, but wanted to cheer his other sons up, even if he couldn\u2019t lighten Joe\u2019s spirits at the present.<\/p>\n **********************************<\/p>\n The final attraction of the Founder\u2019s Day celebration was a lively barn dance at the outskirts of town.\u00a0 The entire place was decked out with streamers and lights and the local musicians, including Adam Cartwright, were firing up the crowd with square dance tunes.\u00a0 Hoss stood with his father and grinned as Adam soloed for a minute on his guitar and then was joined in by several fiddlers and a banjo player.\u00a0 Hoss looked around the crowded room for his little brother but could not spot him.\u00a0 \u201cWhere do you think Joe is?\u00a0 There\u2019s pretty girls and dancing–he\u2019s never turned that down before!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t seen hide nor hair of Joseph either.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll show up eventually,\u201d Pa replied hoping that would be the case.<\/p>\n Joe stood in the wings, off from where the stage had been rigged up.\u00a0 He figured he would have a better vantage point from there.\u00a0 He had full view of all of the entryways and would know the instant that Henry or Aaron walked in.\u00a0 A couple of girls came by to entice Joe into a dance but he had to brush them off, his heart being elsewhere that night.<\/p>\n Right before ten o\u2019clock Joe saw two figures enter from the side of the room.\u00a0 It was the two men who Joe had heard the previous day plotting against Ben.\u00a0 Joe noticed something peculiar that one of the men was carrying.\u00a0 He strained his eyes to make it out from across the room.\u00a0 It was a rifle!\u00a0 Joe felt as though his legs would go out from under him.\u00a0 Never did he even think that they would be so bold to try and kill his father right there in front of everyone!\u00a0 And to walk in with a rifle and not even try to conceal it! That was beyond bold.<\/p>\n Joe slowly inched his way around the crowd trying to keep the two men in sight.\u00a0 He saw that they were heading directly over to where Ben now stood, by himself, by the punch bowl.\u00a0 Joe saw Aaron pull the rifle out of the scabbard and that\u2019s when he made his move!\u00a0 Joe ran shouting towards the three men.\u00a0 People parted like the Red Sea in bewilderment.\u00a0 Joe gave a running leap and knocked his father down so that he first crashed into the table with the punch bowl, and then came to rest on the floor with the full contents of the punch bowl splashing down over both Pa and Joe.<\/p>\n Ben attempted to breathe, having had the wind knocked out of him temporarily.\u00a0 He watched in confusion as Joe got up off of him and turned on Aaron and Henry.\u00a0 \u201cYou leave my father alone!\u201d Joe shouted pulling the rifle from Aaron\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Both men asked in unison.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u00a0 We were giving your father that rifle!\u00a0 It was a gift we have been waiting to give him.\u00a0 It\u2019s from the Cattlemen\u2019s Association.\u00a0 Look at the inscription!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d\u00a0 Joe muttered confused and then looked down at the stock of the rifle and saw the engraved plate, which had his father\u2019s name along with the association\u2019s insignia.\u00a0 \u201cI thought–\u201d Joe started but then looked over as his father slowly got up from the floor.\u00a0 He looked terrible!\u00a0 He had red punch all over his good dress shirt and even the white in his hair had not been spared from the punch\u2019s red coloring.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart sank in his chest, as Ben drew closer to him.\u00a0 His father did not speak a word, but hastily grabbed Joe\u2019s elbow dragging him outside.<\/p>\n By the time Ben had pulled him into the back alleyway Joe had already figured that now instead of his father, he was the one who was about to be killed. He had never seen his father look so angry before.\u00a0 Angry and red.\u00a0 Joe could still see the red colored punch dripping down from his father\u2019s sideburns and it was a horrible sight!<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT!\u00a0 JUST WHAT—WERE YOU THINKING!\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0 Ben shouted and Joe winced at the sound.\u00a0 He opened his mouth but nothing came out.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never–in my whole entire life–been as embarrassed as I am right now! Do you realize what you have done? Answer me!\u201d\u00a0 Ben yelled again not releasing his grip on Joe\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cPa—I overheard them talking yesterday in the saloon–saying that they were really going to get you—I didn\u2019t know that they meant surprise you–\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the saloon!\u201d\u00a0 Ben was even angrier now with the reminder of Joe\u2019s prior disobedience when he had followed him into Carson City..\u00a0 \u201cFirst you are going in there and apologize to Aaron and Henry–and I MEAN APOLOGIZE<\/strong>!\u00a0 Then you are going to ride back to the ranch and wait for me!\u00a0 And I promise you that when I get home what I will do to you will put your nightmares to shame!\u00a0 Do you understand me, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grimaced from his father\u2019s tight grip on his arm and also from his father\u2019s explicit threats.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe nodded and Ben turned loose of his arm finally.\u00a0 Ben wiped his hand across his forehead and felt more punch drip down.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you had better hope that this punch comes out of my hair too!\u201d\u00a0 Ben yelled totally exasperated at the situation.\u00a0 It was bad enough that Joseph had gone insane, but for the entire town to have witnessed it was humiliating, Ben thought.\u00a0 Equally humiliating was the fact that his hair, which was white as snow, and had been so attractive, was now sporting streaks of white, red and pink. Pa knew that he now looked ridiculous!\u00a0 He pushed Joe toward the door to make his apology.<\/p>\n ******************************<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe sat in the living room of the Ponderosa ranch house.\u00a0 Hoss had followed Joe home out of sympathy for what was surely going to be a bad night for his brother once their father returned.\u00a0 Joe had filled Hoss in on why he had done what he had at the barn dance and Hoss just sat on the couch shaking his head in wonderment.<\/p>\n \u2018Pa\u2019s gonna kill me Hoss!\u201d\u00a0 Joe exclaimed as he put his head in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cYep—I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re right about that, Little Joe.\u00a0 Did you see everyone looking at him when he came back inside?\u00a0 I sure hope that red head of his won\u2019t be a permanent thing!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe once he\u2019s had a bath–\u201d Joe muttered, he had already cleaned himself up so as to be more presentable at his soon- to- be funeral.\u00a0 Hop Sing came in from the kitchen and brought the two boys some coffee.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss had both filled the cook in on what had happened in town.\u00a0 Hop Sing–always Joe\u2019s protector, decided he would do his best to run interference on Ben to stall what would be an awful lecture or worse.\u00a0 He had laid out fresh clothes and had gotten a bath all ready for Ben\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n \u201cFather be home soon–maybe Little Joe need to disappear up to room?\u201d Hop Sing smiled and Joe just grunted.\u00a0 It was then that the front door opened and both Adam and Ben appeared.<\/p>\n Hop Sing walked over and surveyed Ben\u2019s new hair color.\u00a0 \u201cNot look too bad—red nice color on you!\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing grinned and Ben scowled in response.\u00a0 He knew Hop Sing was trying to get Joe off the hook but no one would be able to accomplish that this night.<\/p>\n \u201cHave bath all ready–you go up!\u201d Hop Sing insisted.<\/p>\n Ben crossed the room pausing briefly to stare at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou stay right there, young man!\u00a0 I will be down shortly.\u201d\u00a0 He stated with anger still very apparent in his tone.\u00a0 Joe gulped and dropped his head down.<\/p>\n Ben walked upstairs to take a bath while Adam sat down with his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cYou know–I don\u2019t ever remember seeing Pa so mad!\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s remark came off too casual for Joe and it angered him.<\/p>\n \u201cOh–I bet you\u2019re loving this!\u201d\u00a0 Joe stated giving his brother a sharp look.<\/p>\n \u201cHey–why are you mad at me?\u00a0 I just spent the better part of the evening riding home with Pa–do you think that was pleasant?\u00a0 Every other word was what he planned to do to you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGreat,\u201d Joe whispered thinking of a way to escape.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to calm him down to protect your ornery hide.\u00a0 Maybe after he\u2019s had a bath–and hopefully gets to a lighter pink shade of his hair he will simmer down.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s reassurance seemed a bit lame and Hoss jumped in.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I was you, Little Brother, I wouldn\u2019t say anything other than yes sir or no sir.\u00a0 That just might spare your life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou both are making me feel so much better!\u201d\u00a0 Joe replied sarcastically.<\/p>\n An hour later, Ben appeared on the staircase.\u00a0 He was now in his nightshirt and robe.\u00a0 A towel was draped over his head and he rubbed at his hair trying to dry it.\u00a0 When he took the towel down they all could still see the pinkness left from the punch stains.\u00a0 Without another word Hoss and Adam hurried up to their rooms leaving Joe alone with Pa.<\/p>\n Ben walked over to the fireplace.\u00a0 \u201cCome over here.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stated flatly and Joe reluctantly got off the settee and walked to where his father now stood.\u00a0 \u201cTake a good look.\u201d Ben commanded.<\/p>\n \u201cA good look at what, Pa?\u201d Joe asked innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cAT MY HAIR!\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0 Ben bellowed and Joe could see the pink that still tinged the white of his father\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cWhat color is my hair, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked and Joe shrugged his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cWhite?\u201d\u00a0 Joe answered sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cPINK<\/strong>!\u201d Ben yelled and Joe stepped back.<\/p>\n \u201cWell–it\u2019s not as pink as it was–\u201d Joe started and then wished that he hadn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph—-how old are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh?\u201d\u00a0 Joe was confused by the question; surely his father knew his age!<\/p>\n \u201cHow old are you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben repeated louder.<\/p>\n \u201cEighteen, Sir.\u201d\u00a0 Joe replied knowing his father was in no mood for back talk now.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think you are too old for me to give a tanning to?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so.\u201d was Joe\u2019s unthinking reply.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019re not!\u00a0 But, it\u2019s only because I might not be able to stop myself that I\u2019m not going to do that right now!\u201d\u00a0 Ben yelled again.<\/p>\n Joe heaved a sigh of relief.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t thought his father would hit him, however, he wasn\u2019t sure of anything after witnessing the anger Ben was displaying. \u201cUm–thanks.\u201d\u00a0 Joe said, not knowing what his father wanted as a reply.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are going up to your room.\u00a0 I want you to stay there all day tomorrow.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to SEE<\/strong> you, I don\u2019t want to HEAR <\/strong>you, I don\u2019t want to even THINK <\/strong>of you for one whole day!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned, Pa was really on a roll now!\u00a0 All Joe could do was to wait until he was given permission to leave ship and then start his banishment up in his room.<\/p>\n \u201cDo I make myself clear, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe returned quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cOne day–one day of peace–I don\u2019t think I\u2019m asking too much do you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa–you\u2019re not asking too much,\u201d Joe replied because he figured Pa wanted to hear it.<\/p>\n \u201cNow go!\u00a0 But, I am warning you–I don\u2019t care if you are eighteen or a hundred and eighteen\u2014if you pull another one of these stunts you won\u2019t sit down for an entire year!\u00a0 Do I make myself clear, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Ben boomed again.<\/p>\n \u201cUm–I mean–Yes, Sir!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow go!\u201d\u00a0 Ben pointed to the stairs.\u00a0 Joe backed away, not wanting to take any chances on Ben changing his mind.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss were waiting upstairs in the hallway.\u00a0 They had listened in on their father\u2019s very loud lecture and as Joe started to pass them Adam reached over and handed Hoss a silver dollar.\u00a0 \u201cHere—guess I lost this one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you he wouldn\u2019t get a whoopin!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grinned as he pocketed the money.<\/p>\n Joe stopped and yelled, \u201cThat\u2019s not funny!\u00a0 You two don\u2019t have to listen to everything do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Then there was a loud noise from downstairs, it was Pa.\u00a0 \u201cIn your room, Joseph!\u201d He hollered up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going—\u201d Joe muttered \u201cTry to save someone\u2019s life and this is what you get!\u201d\u00a0 Joe walked down to his room and shut his door rather loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah–maybe we ought to turn in too?\u00a0 Pa is not very happy right now and we don\u2019t want it bleeding over onto us!\u201d\u00a0 Adam remarked and walked into his own room.<\/p>\n ****************************<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss took their seats in the dining room the next morning at breakfast.\u00a0 They noticed that their brother\u2019s normal place setting was missing and knew that their father had stuck to his guns about Joe\u2019s day of punishment.\u00a0 They began to eat, as their father had not yet made it to the table.\u00a0 Finally, after almost ten minutes, Ben appeared coming from the kitchen.\u00a0 He sat down and poured some coffee and glanced over at his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Pa,\u201d Both Adam and Hoss said timed perfectly together.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied, still very annoyed over what had happened the previous night.<\/p>\n Hoss looked around after smelling a strange scent coming from the end of the table.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s that awful smell?\u201d\u00a0 He asked and Pa\u2019s face blushed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s vinegar if you must know,\u201d He replied flatly and put more sugar in his coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cVinegar?\u00a0 What was the vinegar for?\u201d\u00a0 Adam jumped in after also smelling the pungent odor.<\/p>\n Hop Sing came in and answered for Ben, \u201cUse in father\u2019s hair–try to get out color–not work!\u201d\u00a0 Hop Sing tried to stifle his chuckle.\u00a0 He thought it was amusing to see Ben with pink hair.\u00a0 A large part of that amusement was in retaliation for the fact that Little Joe had been banished to his room.\u00a0 Hop Sing did not appreciate Ben doing that, and the hair problem, Hop Sing thought, was a fitting punishment for Ben for doing it.<\/p>\n Hoss and Adam tried not to laugh as they noticed the sharp look Ben had given the cook who walked away muttering something in Chinese. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t smell THAT awful!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam tried to reassure and Hoss broke in, \u201cYeah–kinda smells like pickles!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben threw down his newspaper and walked into his study.\u00a0 He had enough of all three of his sons at the moment.\u00a0 After they ate, both Hoss and Adam hurried out to work to appease their father.\u00a0 Ben sat at his desk mulling over everything that had happened recently.\u00a0 He was still angry with his youngest son.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t figure the kid out!\u00a0 What would compel him to act so fool hardy?\u00a0 Ben knew Joe\u2019s nightmares had been bad ones, but could that really make Joe act as horribly as he had?\u00a0 Ben wondered all of this out loud.\u00a0 He was at a loss over what to do about all of it.\u00a0 He stood and walked over to pour some brandy and the faintest feeling of guilt began to creep into his mind.\u00a0 He knew that Joe was trying to protect his father and really hadn\u2019t meant any harm to come of it.\u00a0 Ben wondered if he had been too hard on the boy the night before.\u00a0 But, as he continued to mull over the previous night\u2019s events, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror that hung on the wall of his study.\u00a0 There was that pink hair again!\u00a0 Ben cringed at the sight and suddenly he wasn\u2019t sure if he, indeed, hadn\u2019t been hard ENOUGH on Joseph!\u00a0 Between the sight of his hair and the smell of the vinegar rinse Pa brushed aside any thoughts of letting Joe out of his room.<\/p>\n *******************************<\/p>\n Joe sat on his bed tossing cards into his hat.\u00a0 He was getting pretty good at it, since he had been doing it for almost four hours. \u00a0He wondered what everyone else was doing that afternoon as he served out his time in his room.\u00a0 The only other soul he had seen was Hop Sing, who had brought him up breakfast and lunch.\u00a0 Hop Sing was not able to stay long as he had strict instructions from Ben to bring up the food and leave.\u00a0 Evidently, Pa was still mad and probably still pink, Joe thought to himself.<\/p>\n Around five o\u2019clock Joe looked out of his window and saw his two brothers riding up to the house.\u00a0 He called out to them.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s the outside world?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss dismounted and looked up at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cFine–how\u2019s prison?\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed and Joe threw an apple he had saved from lunch out of the window and narrowly missed Adam\u2019s head.\u00a0 Hoss laughed and then he saw Pa walking out of the front door. Hoss tried his best to give his little brother a sign that he needed to stop talking but Joe wasn\u2019t paying attention.<\/p>\n \u201cHey–is Pa\u2019s hair still pink?\u201d Joe yelled down, not seeing his father\u2019s presence as the roof to the front porch concealed him.\u00a0 Ben slowly made his way into view and Joe stood stunned.\u00a0 There was still enough sunlight which brightened the color of his father\u2019s hair to a rather awful shade of pink.<\/p>\n Pa stood looking up at Joe standing there in the window.\u00a0 He placed his hands on his hips and stood there in his usual paternal stance. \u201cYou were saying, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben called up to his son sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cUm—-I was just closing my window, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s face winced at Ben\u2019s sudden appearance and then he closed the window and turned back into his bedroom.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n After dinner that evening, Adam knocked on his youngest brother\u2019s bedroom door and then walked in.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s the exile going?\u201d\u00a0 He asked moving over to the chair by the bed and sitting down.\u00a0 Joe frowned and walked over to his brother and plopped down on his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cTen more hours and then the warden will free me.\u00a0 What have you got there?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked and Adam handed him a book.<\/p>\n \u201cI picked it up in town the other day.\u00a0 It\u2019s a book on mythology–thought maybe you\u2019d like to read it.\u00a0 It even has one of your favorite people in it!\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned the pages and pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cMorpheus?\u00a0 Who is Morpheus?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn mythology he is the god of dreams,\u201d Adam stated and laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cVery funny!\u201d\u00a0 Joe said and tossed the book to the bottom of his bed.\u00a0 \u201cYou all think my nightmares are a joke—but Madame Sylvia thinks I have precognition!\u2019<\/p>\n Adam looked shocked; firstly, he didn\u2019t think Joe even knew of the word, secondly, he could not believe that Joe would believe such nonsense.\u00a0 \u201cJoe—the gypsy was just pulling your leg!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Joe retorted angrily.\u00a0 \u201cShe says that the dreams are a warning as to what will happen.\u00a0 She said that if I try real hard I could figure out what the dreams mean.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head wearily and stood.\u00a0 \u201cI gotta go–I\u2019m not really supposed to be up here with you.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you read the book?\u00a0 It\u2019ll give you something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam left his brother\u2019s room and Joe reluctantly picked the book back up and started reading it.\u00a0 He read everything about the god of dreams before finally falling into a deep sleep.\u00a0 His dreams were all muddled that night.\u00a0 They were full of visions of strange creatures he had read about in the mythology book and horrible pictures of the on-coming death of his father.\u00a0 In his subconscious mind Joe tried to pin point the events leading up to the scene of his father being hurled blindly over a cliff and falling to his death.\u00a0 Joe awakened as he had in the past, with a loud scream escaping his trembling lips.<\/p>\n **********************************<\/p>\n Pa lit the lamp and slowly walked down the hall towards Joe\u2019s bedroom.\u00a0 He opened the door and saw Joe sitting upright in bed, his hands covering his face.\u00a0 Ben moved over to him and sat down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cAnother one, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben questioned softly.\u00a0 Joe just nodded his head in response.\u00a0 Ben sighed deeply he hated to see his son so visibly upset.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to come downstairs and have something to eat?\u201d\u00a0 Ben offered.\u00a0 Joe shook his head from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cSame dream?\u201d\u00a0 Ben continued on.<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t look into Ben\u2019s worried eyes.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t talk to his father anymore, especially not about his dreams.\u00a0 Joe wondered how many times he would even have a father to come into his room and console him.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s mind told him that Ben\u2019s demise would be soon.\u00a0 Joe wanted his father to leave the room and not see the tears which had gathered in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cGo back to bed, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n Ben felt at a total loss as to what he could do to help his son anymore.\u00a0 He reluctantly stood and walked to the door taking one last glance over at his son who wore such a terrified look on his face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you in the morning, Joseph,\u201d Ben said and left the room.<\/p>\n Joe walked over to his desk and lit his lamp.\u00a0 He drew out a piece of paper and began to write down as many details as he could about the dream.\u00a0 He remembered the gypsy saying to write everything down while it was still fresh in his mind.\u00a0 Joe wrote for several minutes and then groggily went back to bed.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n The next day things on the ranch seemed to be getting back to normal.\u00a0 Joe was no longer a prisoner in his room and had gone out with his two brothers to herd cattle.\u00a0 Ben was getting back to normal as well except for his hair which still held a pinkish cast to it.\u00a0\u00a0 But he was pleased that, at the very least, breakfast had gone well, and his sons had shared the normal banter around the table.\u00a0 All three sons were present and they traded stories and laughed before having left for work.\u00a0 Ben hoped that his worries about Joe the previous night had been unnecessary.<\/p>\n Later at the dinner table, the four Cartwrights talked about their working day as well as future plans for the railroad contract.\u00a0 Ben filled them all in on what he had accomplished already that day in town.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, tomorrow I leave for Sacramento and we will formally sign the contracts.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back in a couple of days and then we will start hiring the new men,\u201d Ben stated and couldn\u2019t help but notice the panic which spread across his youngest son\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t go, Pa!\u201d \u00a0Joe blurted out adamantly.\u00a0 He noticed the looks on the faces of his family as they stared at him shocked over his very loud outburst.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph–I\u2019m only going to be gone a few days—-\u201dBen started but Joe again broke in.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0 Pa if you take that trip you won\u2019t be coming back!\u201d\u00a0 Joe now stood, as did his father.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, Joseph–this is getting out of hand!\u00a0 Stop it now!\u201d\u00a0 Ben responded getting angry.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of you—–none of you believe me!\u201d\u00a0 Joe yelled and left the dining room and walked to the front door.\u00a0 He had to leave; he couldn\u2019t stand how his family had looked at him like he was crazy.\u00a0 Joe left slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n Ben sunk back down into his chair.\u00a0 He folded his hands and rested his head on his knuckles exasperated.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam looked at each other not knowing what to say.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Joseph does have serious emotional problems–just as you said a few days ago, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo–Pa–\u201d Adam reached over and touched his father\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cHe isn\u2019t crazy–if that\u2019s what you mean.\u00a0 He just believes in what he sees in his dreams.\u00a0 The other day that gypsy told him he had some kind of a gift–and he bought it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa–maybe you shouldn\u2019t go?\u201d Hoss asked, his concern coming out in his tone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell me that you believe this dream malarkey as well?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cNaw—-but with Joe thinking that something bad\u2019s gonna happen–he\u2019s gonna have a tough time with you leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell—my going and coming back will prove to him that his nightmares weren\u2019t true,\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cI could have my attorney go and sign for me–but we can\u2019t cave in to all of this or Joseph will keep on until he drives all of us insane!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss both frowned but nodded their agreement.\u00a0 They both felt that proving to Joe that Ben was able to take a trip and return safely would probably stop all of the nightmares.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n Joe stood outside at the hitching post leaning on it for support.\u00a0 He felt weak, weak from the strong feeling of dread he felt deep inside.\u00a0 He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.\u00a0 The light from the porch provided just enough illumination to see the scrawled description of his dream that he had written the previous night.\u00a0 It read: stage coach, Emerald Bay, rockslide, everyone killed.\u00a0 Joe knew that Pa\u2019s stage ride would take him right to the place that he had seen in his dream.\u00a0 There was a blind turn in the high road above Emerald Bay.\u00a0 Joe knew in his heart, mind and soul that it was going to happen, just as it had so many times in his dreams.\u00a0 Now that he knew the details, Joe was determined to do something about it.\u00a0 He just had to save Pa from a certain death.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright put his satchel in the back of the buggy and turned to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Joseph?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t he going to ride with us into town?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned; he had already tried to talk to his little brother.\u00a0 Joe refused to go with the other three Cartwrights and had told Hoss that he was going to stay home.<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t want to go, Pa,\u201d Hoss responded.\u00a0 Ben looked over at Adam who just shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said and walked into the house.\u00a0 Joe was standing by the fireplace as Ben made his way over to him.\u00a0 \u201cC\u2019mon, Son—ride into town with us.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you want to see me off?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned to face his father and Ben noticed that his eyes gave the impression that the boy had been crying.\u00a0 \u201cGood bye, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe said quietly.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure that he would ever see his father again in life and he didn\u2019t want to be a party to taking him into town and on to his death.<\/p>\n Ben hugged Joe and whispered, \u201cJoseph–I AM<\/strong> going to come back!\u00a0 Then you will finally see that all of this worrying you\u2019ve been doing has been for nothing.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pushed his way out of his father\u2019s embrace and walked on up to his room.\u00a0 Pa knew that the only thing that would make his son feel better was the relief that he would feel upon his father\u2019s safe return.\u00a0 Ben turned and walked outside to make the trip into Virginia City.<\/p>\n ********************************<\/p>\n Joe looked around in the barn for an ax.\u00a0 He found one over in the corner and tested it for sharpness.\u00a0 He determined that it should do the trick and walked over to Cochise.\u00a0 The horse was saddled and ready to go.\u00a0 Joe mounted his horse and hurried to his assigned destination.\u00a0 He had decided that he had to do something to prevent the terrible accident that would befall his father if he made it to that particular blind turn in the road above Emerald Bay.\u00a0 Joe figured that he had several hours to get there and change his father\u2019s destiny if he hurried.<\/p>\n ******************************<\/p>\n Ben sat and thought as he looked out of the stagecoach window.\u00a0 He had missed Joe when he had said goodbye to both of his other sons at the stage depot.\u00a0 Ben wanted to make quick business of signing the contracts and returning to what he hoped would be a happier Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 He looked over at the two other passengers.\u00a0 There was another businessman and his wife on this trip and they, too, were eager it seemed to get to Sacramento.\u00a0 The driver hurried the team of horses down the road hoping to make the first way station before dark.<\/p>\n Three hours after the stagecoach departed, it came to a sudden stop.\u00a0 Ben could hear the driver as he cussed upon bringing the horses to an abrupt halt.\u00a0 The driver jumped down and saw where a tree had been cut and was laying across the road.\u00a0 Then the driver spotted a pinto and a young man standing on the side of the road with an ax in his left hand.<\/p>\n \u201cBoy you are going to be in some serious trouble for doing this!\u00a0 What in the Hell were you thinking?\u201d\u00a0 The driver cussed as he inspected the large tree blocking the road and he knew that it would take a good long while to have it moved out of the way.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna have you arrested!\u201d\u00a0 The man shouted again.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can have him after I\u2019m done with him!\u201d The strong commanding voice from the inside of the stagecoach sang out.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright noticed his son standing there and surveyed the damage he had caused as he stepped down off of the stage.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u00a0 I cannot believe you would do a thing like this!\u201d\u00a0 Ben shouted and walked over to his son.<\/p>\n Joe dropped the ax out of his hand as his father approached.\u00a0 \u201cI had to do it, Pa! I told you something would happen to you if you took this trip!\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n Ben grabbed Joe\u2019s arm roughly and stated angrily, \u201cNO—–SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU!<\/strong>\u00a0 And it\u2019s gonna happen right now!\u00a0 I am going to take you over to that stand of trees and give you the thrashing of your life!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked over as the two other passengers disembarked from the stage and his face went red at the thought of getting a tanning in front of perfect strangers.<\/p>\n \u201cBut—Pa–\u201d Joe started but Ben just grabbed his arm tighter and started to push him into the woods.<\/p>\n Just then a rider approached coming in fast.\u00a0 He reined his horse abruptly and yelled as he dismounted.\u00a0 \u201cThank God!\u00a0 Thank God you all stopped in time!\u201d\u00a0 He yelled almost completely out of breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 The driver asked looking over at the man.\u00a0 Ben, Joe and the other passengers also turned toward the rider.<\/p>\n \u201cThe road\u2019s gone up ahead–right around that last blind turn! Must\u2019ve been a rock slide!\u00a0 You all never would\u2019ve seen it until it was too late!\u201d The man explained full of fear at the thought of what could have happened. \u201cWhen I heard about it I tried to catch up with you–but I would\u2019ve been too late if that tree hadn\u2019t held you up!\u201d He pointed toward the tree which Joe had taken great pains to have fall dead center into the road.<\/p>\n The passengers and the driver turned and looked at Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou saved our lives!\u201d They all said amazed by what Joe had done.<\/p>\n A big smile spread across Joe\u2019s face as he looked up at his father who still stood speechless, taking it all in.\u00a0 \u201cOh–Pa?\u00a0 C\u2019mon–don\u2019t you want to give me that thrashing now?\u201d Joe asked wryly.<\/p>\n Ben looked down at his son and responded by giving Joe a big hug.\u00a0 \u201cNo–I don\u2019t think that will be necessary now.\u00a0 You saved us all, Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben admitted as he finally let Joe\u2019s arm go.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you know?\u201d\u00a0 The driver made his way over to Joe and asked bewildered.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head still wondering the same thing, and replied. \u201cDon\u2019t ask.\u201d<\/p>\n *******************************<\/p>\n The day had come to a merciful end.\u00a0 The stage had been driven back to Virginia City and the passengers were all told that they would have to wait until the next day when a new route would be planned.\u00a0 That didn\u2019t matter to Ben, who had instructed his attorney to go in his place and sign the contracts for him.\u00a0 Joe and his father had ridden back to the ranch and Adam and Hoss sat spellbound as Ben had revealed everything that had happened and why now, more than a dozen people and the Overland Stage Line deemed Joe to be a hero.\u00a0 Pa, Adam, and Hoss all apologized to Joe even though they still couldn\u2019t figure out how he had managed to dream of the event and also had been able to stop it from happening.\u00a0 None of that mattered to Joe.\u00a0 He was content just having his father home safe and sound. He figured that his nightmares would finally stop now that everything was back to normal.\u00a0 Pa was so grateful to his youngest son that he hadn\u2019t uttered one word of correction when he spied Joe\u2019s boots which had been placed on top of the coffee table during the lengthy explanation of all of the events that night.<\/p>\n Later that evening, after everyone else had gone to bed Ben turned the doorknob to his youngest son\u2019s room and peered in on him.\u00a0 Joseph was sound asleep.\u00a0 Pa walked over to the bed and noticed a slight smile creasing the corners of the boy\u2019s mouth.\u00a0 He grinned to see that his son was sleeping peacefully.\u00a0 The events of the last few weeks passed through Pa\u2019s mind.\u00a0 The railroad contract was the Cartwrights now, Ben\u2019s life had been spared due to his son’s intervention and Joe\u2019s nightmares were all gone.\u00a0 He paused when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror on Joe\u2019s bureau.\u00a0 Pa studied his reflection and gave a sigh of relief.\u00a0 Everything was back to normal on the Ponderosa at long last including his hair which was finally white again now that the pink coloring had faded away.\u00a0 ***God’s in his heaven — all’s right with the world<\/em> ***<\/strong> Pa thought to himself and quietly closed the bedroom door.<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n Written by Wrangler<\/p>\n (Originally written in 2001, and rewritten for 7-1-25)<\/p>\n Dedicated to Michael Landon who wanted to be remembered with smiles and laughter.<\/p>\n (And, as always, to my story consultant Rob)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: Joe wreaks havoc during his many attempts to save Pa from being killed after having a recurring nightmare.
\nRating: T Word count: 13,600<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":57227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1015,23,1008,4,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-family","category-humor","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot_20250627_235528_YouTube-2.jpg?fit=729%2C665&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=57225"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57225\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/57227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=57225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=57225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}