{"id":574,"date":"2001-07-15T22:56:50","date_gmt":"2001-07-16T02:56:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=574"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:18","slug":"the-vicious-circle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=574","title":{"rendered":"The Vicious Circle (by Karen)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A friend of Joe’s is accused of a serious crime. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (62,605 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

This is dedicated to my son Alex, because the idea was his.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The Vicious Circle Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Vicious Circle<\/a>
\nShadow of Deception<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Vicious Circle\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Three horsemen rode through the dusty streets of Virginia City, their thoughts focused single-mindedly on obtaining a beer at the Silver Dollar Saloon. The heat was stifling, tempers flared easily, and life at the Ponderosa ranch had become so tense that Ben Cartwright banished all his sons from his presence. He was tired of settling disputes and listening to petty grievances. His orders were for them to go to Virginia City and not come back until they could be civil to one another. Now his sons rode together but they weren\u2019t speaking to each other. Hostility crackled if their eyes met accidentally. Even Hoss, the natural peacemaker of the family had a hard edge showing today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The men dismounted in front of the saloon. They strode across the plank sidewalk and through the swinging doors without so much as a glance at each other. Little Joe Cartwright could already feel a loosening of the tension that had been knotted inside him. As he moved easily through the noisy throng, he nodded a greeting to friends and favored his favorite saloon girl with his best smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers, by unspoken agreement, separated as soon as they entered the bustling establishment. Adam was immediately hailed by a group of his friends and he joined their table with alacrity. He signaled for a beer, and heaved a huge sigh of relief at the first sip of the foamy liquid. He settled down for an evening\u2019s entertainment that didn\u2019t include his younger brothers, already feeling the stress slipping away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss favored a stance at the bar where he propped his meaty elbows and took a long appreciative sip of his own beer. He was soon deep in conversation with a local breeder of prize bulls. It wasn\u2019t long before the twinkle returned to his blue eyes, and his booming laugh was heard more than once over the shouts in the crowded saloon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe was seized by a large rowdy group of young men, and dragged bodily to their table. It was easily the most raucous group in the room and Joe was in his element. With his flashing green eyes and dazzling smile he soon had the saloon girls hanging on his arms and the young cowboys fighting for a spot at his table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to a spate of contract deadlines and a pile of ranch chores, none of the Cartwrights had been seen in Virginia City for almost two months. Joe was quickly filled in on the latest gossip, who was sparking whom, and what girl had recently parted with some poor ranch hand. He leaned his elbows on the green baize table and flashed his white teeth at the giggling girl on his right. \u201cDelores, honey, could I have another round, please?\u201d he asked sweetly. Delores leapt to do his bidding, she left the table and quickly returned with the amber brew. Joe smiled his thanks and turned his attention to Tom Pruitt who was sitting to his right. Unlike the rest of the people gathered at the table, Tom was quiet, almost morose. He looked startled when Joe addressed him directly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that Little Joe?\u201d he asked guiltily. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d He was a tall man, and he stooped as he sat, almost scrunching down in his chair in an effort not to tower over his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled again. \u201cI just asked how you were doing, Tom,\u201d he replied easily. \u201cYou seem kinda quiet tonight. Is there anything wrong?\u201d He took a long pull at his beer, absent mindedly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom hesitated, eyes darting around the room to see who was paying attention. Satisfied that no one was listening, he leaned forward intently. \u201cHave you heard about Renny Miller?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head negatively. Renny worked at the Bar T ranch, and often joined the group for a hand of poker and a beer. Joe\u2019s friendship with both Tom and Renny dated back about three years. \u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff\u2019s got him over at the jail. He\u2019s been accused of…\u201d Tom\u2019s voice trailed off, his cheeks turning pink. The tall man scrubbed at his face with a shaking hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gaze sharpened, and he smiled encouragingly. \u201cAccused of what?\u201d He leaned a little closer to hear Tom\u2019s low voice. He saw the signs of Tom\u2019s discomfort and they worried him. What could Renny Miller possibly have done to have upset Tom so badly?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the girls say that he was…well, he was much to forward with his attentions,\u201d Tom replied hesitantly, the color darkening on his cheeks. Again he hunched forward, almost shrinking in his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snorted in derision. \u201cRenny Miller is afraid to talk to girls. He wouldn\u2019t know how to be forward with any one of the opposite sex. There must be some mistake.\u201d The youngest Cartwright smiled broadly as he waited for the joke he was sure was going to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom shook his head miserably and raked his fingers through his short black hair. \u201cMary Sue Henderson says he tried to attack her at the dance last Saturday night, and she\u2019s got witnesses to back her up. A couple of the other girls say he tried to corner them too\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The noise in the crowded saloon had reached a crescendo, so that even though Joe\u2019s voice rose in reply it didn\u2019t draw a glance from anyone around him. His eyebrows rose, and his voice was incredulous. \u201cAre you sure we\u2019re talking about the same Renny Miller? Because the one I know wouldn\u2019t even say hello to a girl, let alone attack her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom nodded in agreement, his dark eyes were downcast. \u201cThat\u2019s just what I said, Little Joe. But there\u2019s a lot of folks in this town who believe Mary Sue and her friends. I\u2019ve even heard talk of a lynching.\u201d The lanky man buried his head in his hands, fear for his friend evident in every line of his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fun drained out of Little Joe\u2019s evening, leaving him tense and edgy. He leaned forward again, his body positioned so that no one could see what he was saying to Tom. \u201cWhat does Roy say? He knows Renny wouldn\u2019t do something like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy says his hands are tied. That since Mary Sue has sworn out a complaint he has to hold Renny for trial.\u201d Tom\u2019s face was tight with concern. \u201cIt\u2019s her word against his, Little Joe. I think he\u2019s going to go to prison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was startled. \u201cBut if he\u2019s innocent the jury won\u2019t send him to jail,\u201d he insisted vehemently. He vaguely noticed that Delores had given up on him in disgust and was entertaining herself with another of the cowboys at the table, but Joe found that he didn\u2019t care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary Sue\u2019s pa is the President of the Chamber of Commerce. He packs a lot of weight in this town, Joe,\u201d Tom replied wretchedly. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look too good for Renny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe pushed his hat back on his head and gave a low whistle of concern. \u201cMaybe I should have a talk with Mary Sue,\u201d he said thoughtfully. \u201cShe must have some reason for saying what she is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom darted another nervous glance around the room. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s such a good idea Little Joe. Her Pa\u2019s pretty mad about all of this. I hear he\u2019s got Mary Sue under lock and key.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded reluctantly. \u201cYou may be right,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll just have to hope that the truth comes out at the trial. Any idea of when it\u2019s gonna be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom shook his head slowly. \u201cThey\u2019re just waiting on the Circuit Judge. Roy thinks it could be a couple more weeks.\u201d He looked at Little Joe expectantly. If anyone could save their friend, it was the Cartwrights. They packed even more weight in Virginia City than the Henderson family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe sucked in a worried breath. \u201cHow\u2019s Renny doing with all of this?\u201d he asked, his eyes clouded. Joe\u2019s mind was whirling in confusion. He didn\u2019t believe that Renny Miller could have done what he was accused of, but it seemed impossible to clear his name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s pretty low. He doesn\u2019t understand how any of this could be happening to him,\u201d Tom replied softly. \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do for him, Joe. Maybe you could go see him and cheer him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll ride in tomorrow and visit with him for a while. Maybe I can even get in to see Mary Sue while I\u2019m in town.\u201d Tom beamed at his friend, reassured that the problem had been taken out of his hands. His implicit faith touched Little Joe, who sat mulling over the information that Tom had just given him.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then a fight broke out at a neighboring table as two miners argued over a game of poker. The fight quickly built in intensity, spilling over to the table where Joe sat with his friends. Bodies were flying, fists swinging wildly, but Joe just stood absently and moved away from the melee. He drifted to the bar, leaning next to Hoss, his distraction immediately evident to his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Little Brother. I ain\u2019t never seen you walk away from a good fight before. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hoss asked in some concern, his earlier bad humor forgotten. His frown deepened when it became evident that Joe hadn\u2019t even heard him. Shaking his brother\u2019s slim shoulder with one of his own large hands, Hoss claimed Joe\u2019s attention. \u201cLittle Joe, I asked you a question. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned startled eyes on his older brother. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked in confusion. \u201cDid you say something, Hoss?\u201d He sipped absently at his beer, lifting it high to avoid the sprawling body of one of the combatants as it fell at his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss reached over and laid a big hand on Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cNope, no fever. You feelin\u2019 sick, Little Joe?\u201d he asked tentatively. \u201cYou seem kinda out of it, all of a sudden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve got a lot on my mind, Hoss. I think I\u2019m gonna head back to the ranch.\u201d He moved to leave the saloon, only to be pulled up short by his brother\u2019s firm grasp on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe, I ain\u2019t never seen you leave a saloon this early before in my life. Somethin\u2019s going on and I want to know what it is.\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice rose over the confusion in the saloon, and it reached the ears of the quiet man in black sitting at a nearby table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright took in the posture of his two brothers and sighed heavily. When Joe and Hoss looked like that it usually meant trouble of some kind was brewing. He nodded farewell to his friends and rose, stretching like a cat. Putting his dark hat on his head, he ambled over to the younger Cartwrights. \u201cYou boys want to tell me what this is all about?\u201d he asked quietly, jerking his head toward the door in a commanding gesture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fight was losing intensity, and the combatants were separating quickly, sheepishly going back to their cards and drinking. The Cartwrights carefully picked their way over fallen bodies and spilled poker chips. As they passed through the swinging doors, the steamy heat of the summer evening hit them full in the face. Adam sighed ruefully. He had known his evening\u2019s fun was too good to last. He motioned for his brothers to leave. The three men headed for their horses, their movements slow and deliberate. Finally they were mounted and heading out of town at a gentle trot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned his dark eyes on his youngest brother. \u201cNow, come on Joe,\u201d he said intently. \u201cWhat\u2019s up? I can see just as well as Hoss can that something\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe bit his lip in frustration. He proceeded to fill his brothers in on the details of Renny Miller\u2019s plight, a sense of outrage creeping into his words as he spoke. By the time he finished they were halfway home to the Ponderosa, their previous animosity forgotten. Adam and Hoss listened intently to Joe\u2019s story, unable to get a word in edgewise even if they wanted to comment. When Joe finally reached the end of his recitation, Adam let out a long, low whistle. He pulled his horse to a halt, his brothers following suit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I think Renny Miller is going to be hard pressed to prove his innocence,\u201d he said quietly. Adam\u2019s expression was grave as he stared thoughtfully at his little brother. \u201cWith Mary Sue Henderson and several other girls ready to testify against him, he doesn\u2019t have a chance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to suppress the sudden surge of anger he felt. Adam was only telling him what he already knew. \u201cWhat do you think I should do, Adam?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think you should get involved at all, Joe,\u201d he replied quickly. \u201cRoy won\u2019t thank you for interfering, and it\u2019s really none of your business.\u201d Adam had a disturbing vision of his younger brother facing down a lynch mob flash through his mind, and he shuddered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right, Joe,\u201d Hoss interjected. \u201cThere just ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 you can do, so don\u2019t go gettin\u2019 involved.\u201d He pushed his big white hat off his head and wiped the sweat from his brow as he spoke. \u201cThis heat sure don\u2019t improve people\u2019s tempers. Renny Miller\u2019s gonna be lookin\u2019 at a heap of trouble if he can\u2019t come up with some way to prove he didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression was mutinous. \u201cI\u2019m still going to talk to Renny. I just can\u2019t pretend that I don\u2019t know him. He\u2019s my friend.\u201d He gathered Cochise\u2019s reins in an impatient gesture, prepared to ride again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached out and roughly snatched the lead rein from his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cJoe, wait!\u201d he ordered impatiently. \u201cI\u2019m serious. Stay away from Renny Miller and Mary Sue Henderson. None of this is your business and it will only lead to trouble. Pete Henderson is a power in this town, and he can be a vindictive man. Stay away from his daughter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shot Adam a look of pure venom. \u201cLet go of my horse, Adam,\u201d he hissed angrily. \u201cI\u2019ll see whom I want, when I want to. I\u2019m sorry I even asked for your advice.\u201d Joe tore the reins from Adam\u2019s grip and put his spurs to Cochise\u2019s side. The black and white horse sprinted forward leaving Adam and Hoss in his wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss sighed and scratched his head ruefully. \u201cThat sure went well, didn\u2019t it, Adam?\u201d he asked with a hint of humor in his tone. \u201cIt looks like our little brother wasn\u2019t too happy with your advice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched until the clouds of dust from Little Joe\u2019s passage settled back down again. His expression brooding, he slowly moved Sport forward. \u201cHe\u2019s going to get himself into trouble over this, Hoss. I just know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded in agreement. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, older brother. But there ain\u2019t much we can do about it.\u201d Together they turned and began the ride home in Little Joe\u2019s wake. It was a silent ride, and both were lost in thought. As they stabled the horses in the barn neither was any closer to a solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sun rose high in the sky, scorched earth a testament to its power. The streets of Virginia City were dry and choked with dust. Little swirls of it eddied from Cochise\u2019s hooves as Little Joe carefully made his way through the crowded town. He pulled up in front of Roy Coffee\u2019s jail and dismounted quickly. Hitching Cochise to the rail in front of the small clapboard building, Joe strode confidently into the Sheriff\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee looked up from the stack of paperwork he was scribbling on, a broad smile wreathing his face. \u201cLittle Joe!\u201d he exclaimed eagerly. \u201cWhat brings you to Virginia City today, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe returned Roy\u2019s smile and extended his hand in greeting. The pleasantries over he jumped straight to the heart of the matter. \u201cI\u2019m here to see Renny Miller,\u201d he explained. \u201cI just wanted to check on how he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s smile faded. \u201cI don\u2019t know that that\u2019s such a good idea, Little Joe,\u201d he mused. \u201cRenny\u2019s in here on a pretty serious charge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, Roy!\u201d Joe scoffed incredulously. \u201cRenny hasn\u2019t done anything wrong, and you know it. I don\u2019t know why Mary Sue is making up such a ridiculous story, but Renny\u2019s innocent. I just want to talk to him for a few minutes.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was becoming strident with indignation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy raised his hands placatingly. \u201cSimmer down, Little Joe,\u201d he ordered sternly. \u201cOr you won\u2019t be visitin\u2019 no one in my jail. I guess if you keep it short I can let you have a few words with Renny, but you leave your gun out here.\u201d He held out his hands as he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe was already unbuckling his gunbelt. He put the coiled leather into Roy\u2019s waiting palms. \u201cThanks, Roy. I promise I won\u2019t be long.\u201d He moved toward the double doors that hid the cells from public view, slipping through them quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s heart fell as he saw the miserable man huddled on the cot in the first cell. Renny Miller was a short, stout, young man, with a timid smile and a kind heart. At the moment that smile was nowhere in evidence. Renny was a study in dejection, as he lay curled in a ball on his cot. He didn\u2019t even look up when the door clicked shut. Joe moved so that he was directly in front of Renny, separated only by the iron bars of the jail cell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Renny,\u201d he called quietly as he gripped the bars in his hands. Joe shivered a little at the thought of being caged behind those bars. He hated confined spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renny slowly raised his head, his sandy brown hair falling limply over his brow. \u201cOh, hello, Little Joe,\u201d he responded softly. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled sympathetically. \u201cI just came to find out if there\u2019s anything I can do to help, Renny. You look like you could use a friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A sliver of hope rose in Renny\u2019s mud brown eyes. \u201cCan you help me, Little Joe? Have you talked to Mary Sue?\u201d he rose quickly and moved to grasp the cell bars in both hands. \u201cHas she agreed to drop the charges?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head negatively. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Mary Sue, yet. I wanted to talk to you first. Can you tell me what happened, Renny.\u201d As he spoke, Joe reached through the bars and gripped his friend\u2019s shoulder briefly in a gesture of support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renny leaned into Joe\u2019s grip, his eyes filling with unwanted tears. \u201cI didn\u2019t do it, Little Joe. I swear I didn\u2019t!\u201d he gasped miserably. \u201cI was at the dance, but I didn\u2019t even talk to Mary Sue, or any of those other girls. I went into the alley for some air, and they were all standing out there whispering and giggling. It was a whole group of them. They saw me come out, and Mary Sue even waved at me. I waved back, but then I went back to the dance. That\u2019s all, Little Joe, I swear! All I did was wave.\u201d Renny\u2019s voice trailed off, the tears falling faster. \u201cI don\u2019t want to go to prison, Joe,\u201d he whispered brokenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe gripped Renny\u2019s shoulder a little harder. \u201cI\u2019ll go talk to Mary Sue. I\u2019ll ask her who the other girls were. Maybe one of them can help us. We\u2019ll get this all straightened out, I promise. Is there anything I can get you before I go, Renny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The friendly sympathy in Little Joe\u2019s voice proved to be Renny\u2019s undoing. A sob caught in his throat, and he turned away, ashamed of his weakness. \u201cNo!\u201d He choked out. \u201cJust talk to Mary Sue, and get her to tell the truth. Please, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled reassuringly. \u201cI\u2019m going right now, Renny. You hold on now, and I\u2019ll be back soon to tell you what happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renny pulled himself together, wiping his eyes on his shirt sleeve. He smiled tremulously, as he reached out to grip Little Joe\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cThanks, Little Joe!\u201d he said fervently. \u201cYou\u2019re a real friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled briefly, and tipped his hat a little. \u201cYou\u2019d do the same for me, Renny. I\u2019ll see you soon.\u201d Joe took his leave, glancing back in time to see Renny resume his huddled position on the cot, his sandy head buried in his hands. The closing door blocked his view of his friend, and Joe turned in time to see Roy Coffee standing directly in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doin\u2019, Little Joe?\u201d Roy asked in concern. \u201cHe ain\u2019t been eatin\u2019 or sleepin\u2019 real well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s expression was grim. \u201cHe\u2019s doing about as well as can be expected, considering that he\u2019s an innocent man in jail for something he didn\u2019t do.\u201d He straightened his hat, and began buckling his gunbelt around his slim hips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy put out a hand to stop Joe as he moved toward the door. \u201cWhere are you going now, Little Joe?\u201d he asked brusquely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to see Mary Sue Henderson, if that\u2019s okay with you, Roy,\u201d Joe replied with a glare. He shook off the Sheriff\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cI\u2019m going to see if I can talk some sense into her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Sheriff moved to block Joe\u2019s path to the door. \u201cYou stay away from Mary Sue, Little Joe. Her Pa ain\u2019t none too happy about what\u2019s going on, and I don\u2019t want you in the middle of it.\u201d He stood with hands on hips, daring Little Joe to walk past him. \u201cThis is none of your concern, Little Joe. Stay out of my investigation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s glare was scathing. \u201cRenny Miller is my friend, Roy. That makes it my business. Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ve got things to do.\u201d He pushed past the sheriff, and opening the door, he stepped out into the glare of the hot sun. He moved to Cochise without a backwards glance at the man who stood shaking his head in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lead his horse through the streets until he arrived at the two-story clapboard house that the Henderson family called home. Tying the patient animal to the hitching post in front of the dwelling, he mounted the steps and knocked briskly on the door. After a few moments the door was opened a crack and a small girl of around ten peeked through. Her face broke into a wide grin when she saw who stood before her. She squealed with delight and threw herself at Little Joe, who caught her in his arms with an answering grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s my best girl?\u201d he enquired laughingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty Henderson, Mary Sue\u2019s little sister, was a blond-haired dynamo. It was well known that she harbored a crush on the green-eyed Cartwright. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Joe,\u201d she said smiling up at him with wide, excited eyes. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen you in a while, though. You used to come visit Mary Sue all the time. Where have you been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe swung her in a circle, eliciting an excited scream from the little girl. \u201cWe\u2019ve been kinda busy at the ranch, Short Stuff,\u201d he responded. Setting the girl back on her feet, he leaned against the porch railing. \u201cI\u2019m looking for Mary Sue. Is she home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty\u2019s smile disappeared. \u201cShe\u2019s in her room, Little Joe, and she won\u2019t come out. Papa is upset all the time, and Mama just sits and cries.\u201d The little girl\u2019s blue eyes were round. \u201cDo you know what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled sympathetically, and he crouched down in front of the girl. \u201cThat\u2019s what I want to find out. Do you think she\u2019ll talk to me, sweetheart?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty shook her head doubtfully. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Little Joe. I\u2019ll go see if I can get her to come out. Do you want to wait in the parlor?\u201d She tugged his hand, and Joe rose gracefully to his feet. He followed his small friend into the house, doffing his hat, and tossing it onto a sideboard by the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a seat on the uncomfortable horsehair sofa in the immaculate front parlor, Joe waited patiently. In the distance, he could hear the soft murmur of voices at the top of the stairs. As he waited he thought of all the time he had spent sitting in the room waiting for Mary Sue. They had flirted on and off for years, neither one wanting to take their relationship a step higher. In fact, Joe hadn\u2019t seen Mary Sue in more than three months. The busy life on the ranch had combined with other things to keep him away. Joe\u2019s patient waiting was rewarded when he heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs. He glanced up, and rose as he saw Mary Sue Henderson slowly descending. He advanced toward the girl with a ready smile on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue was one of Virginia City\u2019s leading beauties. She had soft blond curls that hung to her waist, today tied back with a blue velvet ribbon. Her slender waist begged for someone to circle it with his hands, while her eyes shone like sapphires. At the moment those eyes were fearful. Mary Sue looked warily at Little Joe as he moved to the bottom of the stairs to watch her descent. He took her hand and held it as they went back into the parlor together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, Little Joe?\u201d Mary Sue\u2019s voice was brittle. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time.\u201d She perched nervously at the edge of a straight chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Mary Sue. Busy as always, but that\u2019s life on a ranch,\u201d Little Joe replied easily. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I missed the dance Saturday night. It sounds like it was kinda exciting.\u201d Instead of taking a seat on the sofa, he paced to the window and stood staring out onto the busy street. Taking a deep breath, Joe decided to come straight to the point. \u201cI\u2019ve just come from visiting Renny Miller.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue sat a little straighter, her eyes widening in fear. \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk about Renny, Little Joe,\u201d she said insistently. \u201cIf that\u2019s what you\u2019re here for, you might as well go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to face the girl who was now fidgeting with the lace doily on the arm of the chair. \u201cI think you\u2019re going to have to talk about Renny eventually, Mary Sue,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cWhat are you going to do when you have to go to court? The judge and the lawyers will make you talk about what happened. If Renny is guilty then you shouldn\u2019t be afraid to talk about it.\u201d Joe stood by the window, keeping his distance from the agitated girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s breathing came a little faster, and a flush rose high in her cheeks, staining them a soft rose color. \u201cI don\u2019t want to think about that, Little Joe. I\u2019ll deal with that later,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the other girls?\u201d Joe tried to keep his voice calm, to avoid startling the frightened girl. \u201cWho was with you that night, and why were you all out in the alley anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue straightened abruptly. \u201cI was with my friends, and it\u2019s none of your business what we were doing outside.\u201d Her voice rose higher, a hysterical note creeping into it. The slim girl rose abruptly and crossed the room to stand next to Little Joe at the window. She put her hand on his sleeve in a gesture of entreaty. \u201cWhy are you asking me all these questions, Little Joe? What business is this of yours?\u201d she asked, obviously struggling to keep her voice level.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned haunted eyes on the girl, flinching a little at the fear displayed in her beautiful blue eyes. \u201cBecause Renny Miller is my friend,\u201d he said carefully. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want to see him put in prison for something that he didn\u2019t do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The blue eyes flashed angrily, and Mary Sue stamped her foot in a rage. \u201cAre you calling me a liar, Little Joe!\u201d she stormed at him. \u201cHow dare you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe flushed, his innate sense of courtesy reminding him to watch what he said. \u201cI\u2019m not calling you a liar, but I think you might be a little confused about what really happened.\u201d He turned to again look out the window. \u201cWho was with you in that alley? I\u2019m not convinced that Renny is capable of attacking someone, Mary Sue, and I want to know why you\u2019re accusing him of something like this. You\u2019re going to have to answer these questions sometime, you know. You might as well do it now.\u201d Joe again struggled to keep his voice neutral. He didn\u2019t want to upset Mary Sue any more than she already was. They had been friends, and maybe even something more, for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue stood with her hands clenched, the knuckles blanching white. \u201cI don\u2019t want to talk to you, Little Joe. You get out of here, right now!\u201d she exclaimed angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned quickly and caught her by the arm. \u201cPlease Mary Sue, listen to me, Renny\u2019s in that jail crying because he\u2019s so frightened of what\u2019s going to happen. He wouldn\u2019t even look at a girl, let alone do what you\u2019re saying he did. I\u2019m not going anywhere until you explain why you\u2019re persecuting an innocent man.\u201d Joe\u2019s gaze was steady, and he held her eyes with his own. \u201cWhy are you trying to send Renny Miller to prison?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue struggled against Joe\u2019s grip, as she opened her mouth to reply. She was interrupted by the sound of shots from the streets outside. Joe dropped her arm and whirled toward the window, leaning forward and peering out intently. The streets were filled with running people, many holding sticks and boards. Several men ran by shooting their guns into the air. The words \u201cJail\u201d and \u201cLynch\u201d floated in the air back toward the watchers in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened in dismay as he realized what was happening. The citizens of Virginia City had decided to take matters into their own hands, and they were going to try to hang Renny Miller. Without a backwards glance at the now sobbing girl, Joe grabbed his hat, wrenched open the door and ran down the street. As he struggled to fight his way through the crowd, he saw Roy Coffee standing with a shotgun at the ready in front of the jail. He heard Roy telling the people to back off, and heard the blast of the shotgun as it was fired into the air. Joe fought his way through the crush of people when he heard another shot, and saw Roy fall clutching the wound on his shoulder. Joe reached the front of the crowd just as they surged forward to the door of the jailhouse. He stood tall, his gun drawn. \u201cBack off!\u201d he called in his loudest voice, firing the gun into the air as he spoke. \u201cEveryone get back!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe could no longer see Roy\u2019s body, the sheriff had disappeared behind the roiling mob of people. The crowd wavered with Joe\u2019s shot, but a voice called out, \u201cGet out of the way, Cartwright, or we\u2019ll hang you too!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another voice egged the crowd onward. \u201cAre we gonna let this kid protect that animal? Let\u2019s get him!\u201d Joe backed against the door of the jailhouse as the crowd moved forward in a mass. He leveled his gun at the mob, prepared to shoot if he had to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The large rock sailed out of the crowd like a missile. It caught Joe on the temple, and the world went dark. Joe felt the darkness reaching out for him, and as he crumpled he could feel the mob surging past him, tossing him aside like a rag doll. Before he lost consciousness completely, he heard Renny\u2019s voice crying out in fear. Joe moaned and then knew no more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Wake up, son.\u201d The words were incomprehensible, but Joe struggled to understand. He felt a throbbing pain in his head and he moaned softly. The voice came again, more hopefully this time. \u201cJoe, wake up now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes slowly, he winced as another wave of pain rolled through his head. Struggling to focus, he saw his father\u2019s face take shape in front of his eyes. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked in bewilderment. \u201cWhere am I? What happened?\u201d He struggled to sit up, only to be gently pushed back down by his father\u2019s firm hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re in Doc Martin\u2019s office, son,\u201d Ben replied softly. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you were ever going to wake up, Little Joe.\u201d The relief was evident in the older man\u2019s tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes double for me, little brother,\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice registered, and Joe turned his head to see his brothers hovering at the end of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought back over the day\u2019s events. Remembrance of the mob rushed in and he gasped in shock. \u201cRenny!\u201d he cried wildly, as he tried to sit up again. \u201cPa, they were trying to lynch Renny.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben exchanged glances with Adam, his eyes were clouded with some indescribable expression. Joe gasped in shock as fear replaced every other emotion in his mind. \u201cRenny?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s gentle hand squeezed Joe\u2019s shoulder briefly. His shoulders were hunched with grief. \u201cThey hung him, son,\u201d he replied. \u201cRenny\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned his face to the wall, tears forming and falling of their own volition. \u201cHe was innocent, Pa,\u201d he whispered brokenly. \u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt Mary Sue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe only one who knows that for sure, now, is Mary Sue,\u201d Adam\u2019s deep voice was strained, and he paced the room in his agitation. \u201cRenny sure isn\u2019t going to be telling anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to stop them, Pa!\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was anguished, and his hand sought his father\u2019s arm. \u201cI couldn\u2019t. There were too many of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son. It was a very foolish thing to do. You didn\u2019t have a chance against that mob. But, I\u2019m proud of you, Little Joe.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was warm, and he gathered his son in his strong arms as if he were a small boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sobbed out his grief and anger, finally allowing exhaustion and pain to take him back into the darkness of sleep. Ben held him until his soft, even breathing told the older man that his son slept. Gently he laid the boy back on the bed, and drew the covers up around Joe\u2019s shoulders. Dimming the lamp, he settled into a chair next to the bed, clearly prepared to hold vigil until his son woke again. Adam and Hoss exchanged another glance, and by unspoken consent left the room. Joe was in good hands, and there was talking to be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pounding on the door yanked Adam awake from his light doze. He looked around startled and realized that he had fallen asleep in a chair in Paul Martin\u2019s waiting room. Hoss still snored in the chair next to him. The hammering came again, and Adam leapt from his chair, anxious to open the door before the visitor could disturb his little brother sleeping in the next room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The man at the door had his fist raised as if to strike the wooden plank again. He lowered it slowly as Adam looked calmly out at him, recognizing the visitor as Pete Henderson, President of the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce and one of the town\u2019s leading citizens. At the moment, Pete Henderson was a very angry man, he literally stamped his feet in rage. \u201cWhere\u2019s that brother of yours, Cartwright?\u201d he snarled, thrusting his way into the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved quickly to block the older man\u2019s progress across the room. \u201cLittle Joe is sleeping. He was badly hurt today.\u201d He put a hand on Henderson\u2019s chest, stopping his movement. \u201cWhat do you want with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want him to leave my daughter alone. Mary Sue is crying her eyes out over something he said or did to her today.\u201d Henderson\u2019s face was puce with rage, flecks of spittle gathered at the corners of his mouth. \u201cLittle Joe had better stay as far away from my daughter as he can get, because if I see him around her again I\u2019ll kill him. Just like we killed that other animal today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face hardened, and he heard the low growl of anger from Hoss, who had risen from the bench where he\u2019d been sleeping. The two Cartwrights towered over the older man, backing him slowly toward the outer door. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what, Mr. Henderson,\u201d Adam said coldly. \u201cWe\u2019ll make a deal. You stay away from my little brother, and I won\u2019t kill you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss glared at the now silent man. \u201cI think you\u2019d better leave now, Mr. Henderson, or we\u2019ll all do something we might regret.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson put his hand on the door knob, his face set in a stubborn scowl. \u201cYou\u2019ll keep that brother of yours out of town, if you know what\u2019s good for you and him!\u201d He made his way into the night, the air of menace he exuded trailing in his wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shut the door quietly, a heavy sigh escaping from his lips. \u201cLittle Joe sure knows how to keep things lively, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d he asked ruefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cOur little brother could stir up a storm in a teacup if he had a mind to, Adam.\u201d Hoss paced over to the inner door of Doctor Martin\u2019s office, hoping for a glimpse of his little brother in the darkened room beyond. Giving up, he sat back down on the hard bench that was his bed for the night. \u201cHe\u2019s not going to take this thing with Renny well, I know that for a fact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat down heavily, burying his face in his hands. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, Hoss. And there\u2019s no way we\u2019re going to be able to keep him from getting involved now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss echoed Adam\u2019s sigh. \u201cYou said it, older brother. That dadburned little cuss won\u2019t keep his nose outta this one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers lapsed into silence, each lost in their thoughts. Once again, Little Joe and his impulsive actions had conspired to create a long night for the rest of his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, three Cartwrights rode toward Virginia City. Adam and Hoss rode slightly behind Little Joe, who made a determined effort to ride in front of the other men so that he didn\u2019t have to see his brothers. Frustration was etched into every line of his body, and his expression conveyed the anger he felt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright had been successful in keeping Little Joe out of Virginia City for almost three weeks. At first, Joe\u2019s lengthy recovery from the severe concussion had kept him confined to the ranch. Later, Ben had resorted to ever weaker excuses to keep his youngest son at home and out of harm\u2019s way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The social event of the season proved to be his undoing. Little Joe was determined to attend the big barn dance being held that night, as all of his friends would be there. He challenged every argument his father gave him, exposing them for the fraud that they were. Finally, he had been allowed to go under the condition that his brothers go with him. Joe was furious to have acquired two chaperones, but at least he was getting off the ranch and into town. That didn\u2019t mean he had to speak to his brothers while doing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fiddles were playing a lively tune as the Cartwrights led their horses to the hitching post in front of the huge barn being used as a dance hall. Gaily clad women and cowboys dressed in their best string ties strolled past arm in arm. Joe slipped away from his brothers and entered the hall on his own, stopping just inside the door to survey the crowded room. The lanterns lit the throng of people, as they swayed to the music, or sat and chatted on the bales of hay being used as seating for the occasion. Several of Joe\u2019s friends spotted him and waved, but he ignored them as his eye lit on Tom Pruitt, who was leaning against the far wall of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s feet marked a steady beat on the dirt floor of the barn as he moved purposefully toward his friend. He was only halfway across the room when he saw the bleak look on Tom\u2019s face, and Joe\u2019s step faltered just a bit. He continued across the floor, however, stopping to casually lean against the wall next to Tom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like a good party,\u201d Joe remarked casually, his eyes gazing out at the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom gave a meaningless grunt in reply, his hands in his pockets, his face shadowed and drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow have you been, Tom?\u201d Joe tried again, turning to look the other man in the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom sighed and at last turned to face Little Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve been better, Joe. But then I hear that you haven\u2019t been feeling to well yourself,\u201d he replied softly. He held up his hand to forestall Joe\u2019s reply. \u201cI know what you tried to do for Renny, Little Joe. I\u2019m sorry I asked you to get involved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rubbed a hand over the yellowing traces of the bruise on his temple. \u201cI did it because I wanted to Tom.\u201d Joe\u2019s response was just as soft. \u201cI still don\u2019t think Renny was guilty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom flushed and glanced nervously around the room. \u201cWell, you seem to be one of the few who feel that way, Little Joe. Most people think he got what he deserved.\u201d Tom stopped speaking, his face losing its flush of color as he stared over Joe\u2019s shoulder, his eyes registering some deep-seated emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe spun around quickly and found himself face to face with Mary Sue Henderson. He drew a sharp breath, but before he could speak, she held out a soft hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, hello, Little Joe,\u201d she said sweetly, her voice fairly dripping with honey. \u201cYou walked right past me when you came in and didn\u2019t even say hello.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe took in the vision of the beautiful girl, her face framed by her long blond hair. He smiled half-heartedly. \u201cI didn\u2019t see you. I\u2019m sorry, Mary Sue.\u201d He stood awkwardly, wondering what to say next. Their last meeting had been very unpleasant, and Joe couldn\u2019t forget what had happened after their discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue seemed to have banished all the unpleasant memories from her mind. She smiled again and tugged at Little Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cThey\u2019re playing my favorite song, Little Joe. Will you dance with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a glance back at Tom, Joe allowed himself to be pulled to the dance floor. At first hesitant, he forced himself to obey the rhythm of the dance, and he smiled stiffly at the deceptively lovely girl in his arms. Across the room, Hoss spotted the couple and groaned softly. He hastily set down his glass of punch and went in search of his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss circled the huge barn several times before he found Adam sequestered in a quiet corner with one of the Perkins girls. From the looks on both faces, Hoss knew his interruption wasn\u2019t welcomed. Blushing a bright scarlet, he stammered, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss Millie, but I was wonderin\u2019 if I could talk to Adam for a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At Millie\u2019s gracious nod of assent, Hoss quickly yanked Adam away from the girl. Adam\u2019s scowl would have intimidated most men, but Hoss wasn\u2019t about to be deterred. \u201cWe got trouble, Adam,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cLook over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Following Hoss\u2019 pointing hand, Adam peered at the dance floor. He sucked in a quick breath of disbelief when he saw his youngest brother finishing a dance with Mary Sue Henderson, the one girl he had been warned to stay away from. As the music ended, the dancers left the floor. Adam tried to follow Joe, but lost track of his whereabouts in the constantly moving throng of people. He stopped and scanned the room, but couldn\u2019t see Joe or Mary Sue. A feeling of unease was growing in the pit of his stomach, and he turned to find Hoss at his heels.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see him anywhere, Hoss?\u201d Adam snapped. \u201cI\u2019ve lost him in this crowd.\u201d The dark scowl had returned to Adam\u2019s face, encouraging several people to dodge out of his way quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss pursed his lips in a frown. \u201cI can\u2019t see him either.\u201d He swivelled in a slow circle, his big hands resting on his hips. \u201cWhat is wrong with that boy, Adam? The one girl he should stay miles away from, and he\u2019s disappeared with her.\u201d Hoss shook his head in disgust, but he continued his circuit of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam flinched as he saw Pete Henderson enter the barn with his wife on his arm. \u201cMore trouble,\u201d he sighed. Adam began to circle the barn, unobtrusively checking the shadowed stalls for his little brother. He kept a wary eye on Pete Henderson as he made his trek, as he wanted to find Little Joe before Henderson discovered his daughter was missing. Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Hoss checking the other side of the dance floor. From the frown on his brother\u2019s face, Adam could tell that he hadn\u2019t located Little Joe either.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers met at the far end of the barn, frustration evident on their faces. Hoss opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance to say a word. A shrill, hysterical scream rent the night air. It was quickly followed by another, and then another. Adam clutched Hoss\u2019 arm, urging his brother to look at the apparition that had just appeared before them. A small cluster of girls ran into the barn, eyes wide with shock and fear. Following on their heels, her dress ripped in several places, hair disheveled, and her face scratched, was Mary Sue Henderson. As the crowd parted to allow the girls entrance to the barn, Little Joe Cartwright, his face ashen, stumbled into the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee paced the confines of his office, the soft thumps of his boot heels lost in the noise and confusion that reigned in the small room. His pacing was hampered by the crowd of people clustered within the confines of the jail. The sheriff was not a happy man. Three weeks earlier, he had lost one of his prisoners to a lynch mob. That same mob had shot him in the shoulder and knocked him unconscious, trampling over his fallen body to get to their victim. Now he was faced with a different kind of mob, and they were all talking at the top of their lungs. Roy held his good hand high and shouted, \u201cEnough!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the sudden silence, all eyes focused on the enraged sheriff. \u201cNow! I want everyone to be quiet so I can sort out this mess!\u201d he bellowed again, satisfied with the results of the order.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He stopped in front of Mary Sue, who was sobbing softly in her father\u2019s arms. \u201cNow, Miss Mary Sue, I want to know what happened tonight. Do you think you can tell me?\u201d he said, kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat monster attacked my child!\u201d Pete Henderson shouted before his daughter could speak. \u201cI want Joe Cartwright arrested, Sheriff!\u201d He cradled Mary Sue close to his broad chest as he spoke, carefully turning her head so that she wasn\u2019t facing the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The babble rose again as Joe shouted his innocence and the assorted witnesses tried to claim the sheriff\u2019s attention. Roy pulled his gun from his holster and fired it straight into the air. The sound of the shot instantly silenced the assembled people. Roy looked around the circle of shocked eyes, \u201cAll right!\u201d he ordered. \u201cI want everyone out of here, except Mary Sue and her pa. Little Joe, I\u2019m gonna have to ask you to stay too.\u201d His furious glare intimated the toughest men in the room, and sheepishly the citizens of Virginia City began filing out into the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy turned his baleful glare on Adam and Hoss where they leaned against the wall, but they calmly glared back, refusing to budge an inch. \u201cAdam, you heard me!\u201d Roy said icily. \u201cI want this room cleared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s expression would have sent shivers of fear down a lesser man\u2019s spine. \u201cI\u2019m not leaving Little Joe here alone, Roy. He\u2019s going to need someone who\u2019s on his side in here.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He turned his dark eyes on the Hendersons, making it clear just whom he thought Joe needed protection from.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t leavin\u2019 neither, Roy,\u201d Hoss growled. He moved to stand next to Little Joe, who was perched tensely on the edge of Roy\u2019s desk. It was clear that Hoss was offering his physical protection along with his unswerving emotional support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy glared at the three Cartwrights, but knew when he was beaten. He was aware that it would be next to impossible to separate the Cartwrights in a time of trouble, and he now backpedaled as gracefully as he could. \u201cAll right, you boys can stay, but I want you to stay outta this. As far as I know, Little Joe and Mary Sue are the only ones who know what happened tonight, and they are the only ones I want to hear talkin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes flashed angrily. \u201cYou might want to make that same speech to Pete. He doesn\u2019t seem to want Mary Sue to tell her story, the way he keeps talking for her.\u201d He gazed at Henderson in disgust. \u201cWhat are you afraid of Pete? Are you wondering why Mary Sue is now accusing a second man of attacking her? I know I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pete Henderson turned purple with rage, rising almost onto his toes, the force of his anger was so great. \u201cI\u2019ll kill you, Adam Cartwright!\u201d he ranted. \u201cHow dare you accuse my daughter of being a liar!\u201d He clutched Mary Sue\u2019s slender form, and pressed it closer into the circle of his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Roy\u2019s voice filled the room, the ring of command unmistakable in his tone. \u201cPete, if you can\u2019t be quiet, I\u2019m gonna throw you outta here. Adam, I already told you to keep your mouth shut!\u201d Roy readjusted the sling that supported his wounded shoulder, a stab of pain increasing his irritation. \u201cLittle Joe, you want to tell me what happened, since Mary Sue seems unable to talk at the moment?\u201d Roy asked his voice softening sympathetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slowly rose from his seat on the edge of Roy\u2019s desk, his face was pale, his lips trembled slightly. \u201cI danced with Mary Sue, and then she said she wanted some fresh air. I tried to talk her into a glass of punch instead, but she insisted that she needed to go outside. When we got into the alley behind the barn, a lot of Mary Sue\u2019s girlfriends were already there. She walked right past them though, and we just leaned against the corner of the barn for a few minutes. The next thing I know, she ripped at her dress and started messing up her hair. Then she screamed and ran. All the other girls screamed too, and we all went back into the barn.\u201d Joe\u2019s narrative ended in a rush, and he nervously sucked in a deep breath. \u201cI didn\u2019t touch her, I swear.\u201d Joe turned pleading eyes on his oldest brother. \u201cAdam, you have to believe me, I never touched her,\u201d he said in a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes softened, and he reached out a strong hand, gathering Little Joe to him in a fierce embrace. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t, Little Joe,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI believe you.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes turned hard and cold as he shifted his gaze toward the sobbing girl. \u201cMary Sue, I think you need to tell us what\u2019s going on,\u201d he said harshly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every pair of eyes in the room turned toward the slender girl. She drew in a stuttering breath, and braced herself against her father\u2019s chest. Speaking in a voice so low that it almost couldn\u2019t be heard, she began her story. \u201cLittle Joe asked me to dance with him. I didn\u2019t want to because he\u2019d said some things to me a couple of weeks ago that I didn\u2019t like. But I did it because I didn\u2019t want to make a scene. When the dance was over, he grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the barn. I saw my friends outside, but they didn\u2019t know how to help me. We walked past them, and leaned against the corner of the barn. Little Joe never let go of my arm the whole time, because he knew I\u2019d run inside, the first chance I got.\u201d Mary Sue\u2019s voice trailed off, and she leaned back against her father, her breathing sounded loud in the silent room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d Roy said softly, as he tried to keep the girl calm, but talking. \u201cWe need to know what happened next, Mary Sue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe….\u201d Again Mary Sue stopped, and she tried to bury her head in her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her father gently pulled the hands from her face. \u201cJust tell them the truth, honey,\u201d he crooned. \u201cYou don\u2019t have anything to be afraid of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue pulled herself up straight and tall, her eyes flashed with a cold blue fire. \u201cLittle Joe grabbed me, and when I tried to get away from him, he ripped my dress. He was trying to drag me farther back into the alley, and he was so angry that I wouldn\u2019t go with him. I tried to fight him off, but he kept holding on to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe erupted in fury. \u201cThat\u2019s a lie, Mary Sue, and you know it!\u201d he turned desperate eyes at the assembled men. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t like that, I swear. You\u2019ve got to believe me.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes widened in remembrance. \u201cRoy, you just have to ask those girls who were in the alley. They must have seen the whole thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s just what I aim to do, Little Joe.\u201d He moved to gather up the big key ring that he kept on his desk. Moving toward Little Joe with sorrow filled eyes, he spoke quietly, \u201cI\u2019m going to have to lock you up until I can question the witnesses. I\u2019m sorry, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a growl of fury, Hoss launched himself forward. \u201cRoy!\u201d he gasped in shock. \u201cYou cain\u2019t do that! You know that Little Joe didn\u2019t do nothing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Roy could reply, Pete Henderson pulled his gun from its holster, cocking it in the same motion. He aimed the gun at Little Joe\u2019s chest, fury emanating from every fiber of his body. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to lock him up, Sheriff,\u201d he hissed in fury. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of the little monster right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the occupants of the room watched in stunned amazement, Henderson pulled the trigger of the gun. Adam, seeing what was about to happen launched himself across the room, knocking the older man\u2019s arm up and to the side just as he fired the weapon. The bullet buried itself harmlessly into the wall of the office, as Adam delivered a fury filled punch to Henderson\u2019s jaw. Henderson sank to the ground, unconscious, followed swiftly by Mary Sue, as she fainted in shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee shook himself free from his paralysis, and swiftly moved to take charge of the deteriorating situation. \u201cHoss, go for Doc Martin!\u201d he ordered loudly. \u201cAdam, you get away from Pete. Little Joe, I\u2019m locking you up right now, for your own protection.\u201d The sheriff grabbed Little Joe\u2019s arm, and dragged the unprotesting boy toward the cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had time to turn one last pleading look back at his brothers before the sheriff had shoved him into a jail cell, and slammed the lock home. Turning back to the main room, he rapidly closed the dividing doors, cutting the Cartwrights off from a sight of their brother. Shaking his head in anger and frustration, Roy began to pick up the pieces of his quiet night, as he ruefully considered that maybe it was time to retire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright stormed into the Virginia City jail, bringing a cloud of dust in with him. The heat baked the little town, and the inside of the jail was stifling. As Ben slapped the dust from his clothing, he glanced searchingly around the small room. Roy was no where in sight, but the door to the cell area was ajar. Striding briskly to those doors, Ben pushed them open to find his son, sitting on the bunk in the cell conversing through the bars with his brothers. All three looked up expectantly as their father took the few steps necessary to join them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s first glance was for Joseph, who looked back at him sheepishly. \u201cHow are you, son?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood up and moved to grip the bars that separated him from his family. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa. I just want to get out of here.\u201d He wiped the sweat from his face with the back of one hand. \u201cIt\u2019s just too hot to breathe in here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached through the bars to grip his son\u2019s shoulder in a gesture of support. Joe smiled gratefully, his eyes displaying his misery. \u201cI know this is hard for you, Joe, but we\u2019ve got to do what Roy says for now. If he thinks you need to be in here while he investigates, that\u2019s what we do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s raised hand forestalled the splutters from Hoss. Shaking his head grimly, he said firmly. \u201cJoseph, I wish you would show some sense every once in a while. What on earth possessed you to go anywhere near Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grimaced uneasily. \u201cI didn\u2019t, Pa! She came up to me and asked me to dance. You can ask Tom Pruitt. He was standing right there when she did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes flashed black fire. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say that last night, little brother? It shows that Mary Sue is lying about part of her story, which makes the rest of it that much weaker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think of it last night, Adam!\u201d Joe protested heatedly. \u201cThings were a little confusing in here at the time, or don\u2019t you remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember Pete Henderson trying to kill you in cold blood!\u201d Adam snapped back. He turned to his father, \u201cPa, we\u2019ve got to get Joe out of here, he\u2019s a sitting duck in this cell. Henderson, or a mob like the one that killed Renny, anyone can walk in here and kill Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked startled as he realized that what Adam was saying was true. He had only been concerned with the heat, and the miserable conviction that he had done nothing wrong. The realization that the townsfolk could just as easily kill him as they had Renny had never crossed his mind. He gripped the bars convulsively. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered questioningly as his eyes sought his father\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glared at Adam. Turning to Joe, he spoke reassuringly, \u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay, Little Joe. Adam, Hoss and I are going to make sure that no one gets in here. You\u2019ll be safe with us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grinned his gap-toothed smile. \u201cYou bet, Short Shanks. They\u2019ll have to fight past me to get to you, and that\u2019s a promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Somewhat reassured, Joe smiled gamely back at his family. \u201cWhat do we do now, Pa?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to confer with our lawyer. If anyone can get you out of here legally it\u2019s Seth Greenwell. Adam, I want you to see if you can find out who those girls in the alley were. Hoss, you stay here and keep Joe company.\u201d Ben patted Joe\u2019s shoulder again. \u201cWe\u2019ll get through this together, Little Joe. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to hide his growing unease from his father, as he smiled and winked a farewell. Watching his father and Adam leave the little cell area left him feeling a bit abandoned until he looked at the reassuring bulk of his brother, Hoss. Hoss had pulled up a chair and planted his large body in it, facing the door to the office. It was clear that no one was going to get past him without a challenge. Joe settled back on his bunk, a warm glow starting in his middle. His family would pull him out of trouble, of that he had no doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue Henderson left her house, stopping only to glance surreptitiously to the right and left. After ascertaining that no one was watching, she hastily walked to the corner, and turned down a side street. She kept up her pace until she reached the home of her best friend, Ellen Meyers, a tall redheaded girl, known throughout Virginia City for her sharp tongue and quick giggle. Tapping on Ellen\u2019s back door, Mary Sue slipped in quietly. She smiled a greeting at her friend, and hastily looked around at the assembly in Ellen\u2019s kitchen. Her select group of friends had all arrived, and were waiting for her to begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen quickly slipped the bolt on the door and drew the curtains shut. Satisfied that no prying eyes could penetrate their sanctuary she turned expectantly toward her friend. \u201cWell,\u201d she giggled happily, \u201cIt looks like you\u2019ve got things under control, Mary Sue. Little Joe Cartwright is locked up in the jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s eyes blazed in sudden excitement. \u201cYes, he is, and I think he\u2019s going to find out that the Cartwright name doesn\u2019t mean so much anymore!\u201d She looked around the circle of young women, a smile curving on her delicate face. \u201cRenny was too easy. Little Joe is a much tougher matter. If the plan works on him, it will work on any man in this town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Mary Sue,\u201d Laura Carson, a willowy brunette, seated near the kitchen table spoke up, a worried expression marring her pretty face. \u201cIsn\u2019t someone going to get suspicious? I mean after all, you\u2019ve accused two men in the last couple of months. After a while people will stop believing your stories.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s face tightened with anger, a scowl creased her perfect browline. \u201cNot if we stick together!\u201d she snapped. \u201cYou agreed to this Laura! If you\u2019re going to back out on us now, say so, because you will no longer be a member of this club. We agreed that to belong to the club you had to go along with anything that we do or say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura shrank down in her chair, her face betraying her uncertainty. \u201cI didn\u2019t say that I wasn\u2019t going to stick with you,\u201d she said quickly. \u201cI was just wondering how many more times we\u2019ll be believed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs many times as we want to be believed,\u201d Ellen asserted boldly. \u201cI think it\u2019s thrilling that the men in this town are afraid of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie Holmes frowned worriedly. \u201cWe never said anything about people dying, girls,\u201d she interjected. \u201cThis was supposed to be fun and exciting. Renny Miller is dead because of us, and now Little Joe Cartwright is in jail. What if someone finds out what we\u2019re doing? What if they try to lynch Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe has his family to back him up!\u201d Mary Sue asserted strongly. \u201cNothing will happen to him. It would serve him right if he gets sent to jail. After all he\u2019s done to me, it\u2019s no more than what he deserves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has Little Joe ever done to you, Mary Sue?\u201d asked Maggie, a frown on her face. \u201cAs far as I can see, the only thing he did was not fall in love with you like you wanted him too. That shouldn\u2019t be enough to send a man to prison. For that matter, what did Renny Miller ever do to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue rounded on her friend in a fury, her eyes blazing. \u201cThat\u2019s it, Maggie!\u201d she hissed. \u201cYou are no longer welcome in this group. I want you to leave now.\u201d She stood up quickly from her chair, and it fell backwards with a crash, startling all the girls in the room. They watched apprehensively as Mary Sue advanced on Maggie, fury making her movements swift and sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie stood up slowly and backed away from the angry girl. \u201cAll right, Mary Sue, I\u2019m going,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cBut I want you to know that I think what you\u2019re doing is wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue thrust her face close to Maggie\u2019s, watching triumphantly as a trace of fear dawned in the other girl\u2019s eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you think, you little traitor,\u201d she snapped angrily. \u201cBut if you breathe a word of this to anyone, you\u2019ll regret it till the day you die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fear dawned full-fledged in Maggie\u2019s face, and she backed up even further. \u201cI won\u2019t say anything, and you know that. You don\u2019t have to threaten me.\u201d Maggie\u2019s voice was trembling, and she was on the verge of tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen get out of here, and don\u2019t come back!\u201d No one would have recognized the Mary Sue who was speaking. Her normally sweet, gentle voice was harsh and strident. With her hair flying about her face, and her eyes glinting like sapphires, she presented a formidable picture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie took one last terrified look around the room and stumbled to the door. The tears she had been struggling to hold back came fast and furiously, and she tried to wipe them away as she fumbled for the knob. Finally succeeding in opening the door, she blundered into the street, slamming the door shut behind her. Without looking up, she stepped forward, and then gasped in shock as she careened into the broad chest of a man clothed all in black.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright kindly set the terrified girl back on her feet, his eyes wide with concern. \u201cMaggie?\u201d he asked gently. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie gave Adam a look that positively radiated with immense fear. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam,\u201d she managed to gasp. \u201cI..I have to go, please excuse me.\u201d She pushed past him and rushed down the street, leaving Adam standing on the doorstep, his expression puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched until the girl disappeared around the corner, shaking his head in bewilderment. He knew Maggie Holmes only through Little Joe. She was one of the circle of girls that he dated occasionally. He couldn\u2019t fathom what might have upset her so badly. Heaving a sigh of frustration at his inability to help, he finally turned and knocked briskly on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen Meyers peeked out the door, opening it just a slit to see who was knocking. Her freckled face paled when she saw who was standing on her doorstep. Instead of inviting Adam in, she opened the door a little wider and slipped out to stand on the steps. Adam caught a glimpse of several girls staring out at him wide-eyed just before Ellen briskly shut the door tightly. Standing with her back to the wooden portal, she looked at Adam with a question in her eyes. \u201cWhat can I do for you, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tipped his hat to the young woman. \u201cI\u2019ve come to ask you a few questions, if you don\u2019t mind, Ellen.\u201d He crossed his arms over his broad chest, his expression calm and unreadable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen flushed, the color clashing with her vivid red hair. \u201cQuestions about what?\u201d she managed to respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what you and your friends were doing in that alley last night, and what you were doing in the alley the night Renny Miller was supposed to have attacked Mary Sue Henderson.\u201d Adam replied, carefully keeping his voice without inflection. He didn\u2019t want to frighten the girl, knowing that if he did she would not say a word to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you know that I was there?\u201d Ellen stammered in surprise, her eyes wide with shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour statement is on file in the sheriff\u2019s office, Ellen,\u201d Adam replied smoothly. \u201cMy little brother is locked up in that jail. You didn\u2019t think we would just sit back and leave him to the wolves, did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen\u2019s flush had receded, leaving her freckles standing out in stark relief against her pale, white skin. \u201cI see,\u201d she murmured. Her head came up defiantly, her eyes flashing at Adam, almost belligerently. \u201cYes, I was in the alley. I watched Renny Miller try to attack Mary Sue, and I saw your brother do the same thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose skeptically. \u201cReally, that\u2019s very interesting? How far away were you? What reason could both Renny and Joe have for wanting to attack Mary Sue?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice rose as he fired his questions at the quaking girl, one by one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen flinched back in fear as Adam crowded a little closer to her. Realizing the effect he was having, Adam immediately backed up a couple of steps. Lowering his voice, he said as calmly as he could, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ellen. I didn\u2019t mean to frighten you. I\u2019m concerned about my brother. I\u2019m sure you can understand that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen pressed her back against the door. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you anything, Adam. I know what I saw, and I\u2019ll tell the judge in court. But I\u2019m not going to go over it all with you, not now, not ever.\u201d Her voice shook with suppressed emotion, but Adam couldn\u2019t tell if it was fear or rage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hesitated briefly, then tipping his hat again he took his leave of the young woman, striding down the street without looking back. If he had, he would have seen the young red-haired girl wipe a shaky hand across her forehead before she opened the door and slipped back inside. A confused babble of voices greeted her, and she quickly launched into an explanation of what had just occurred.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pushed through the swinging doors of the Silver Dollar Saloon. He pushed his black hat back on his head, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. The heat continued unabated and all of Virginia City seemed to be clustered in the saloon, searching for salvation from the debilitating heat and swirling dust that hung over the town in a cloud. Leaning up against the bar, Adam ordered a beer, and took a long appreciative sip when it was passed to him. Nodding his thanks to the bartender, he made his way to a table in a secluded corner of the saloon. As he sat and surveyed the restless crowd his father appeared, his own beer cradled in the big work-worn hands. Ben pulled up another chair and heaved his bulk into it, a sigh escaping from his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny luck, Adam?\u201d he asked quietly, as he glanced around the room to see who was listening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in frustration. \u201cNone, Pa!\u201d he exclaimed angrily. \u201cI talked to Ellen Meyers, and she refused to change her story. I could see that she was upset about something, but I couldn\u2019t shake her. There were a lot of girls in her kitchen, but she wouldn\u2019t let me in, so I couldn\u2019t see who was in there. I tried two or three of the other names on the witness list, but none of them were home. I have a feeling that they were the ones with Ellen.\u201d Adam\u2019s narrative ground to a halt as he saw the look of fear that flashed across Ben Cartwright\u2019s face. He reached out and put a reassuring hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Pa. We still have time to get these girls to tell the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, swallowing back the lump in his throat, as he said tiredly, \u201cI don\u2019t know, Adam. If we can\u2019t get the girls to tell the truth, Seth Greenwell says that Little Joe is in trouble. It\u2019ll be his word against all of theirs. It doesn\u2019t look good, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hesitated, unsure if he should tell his father the next part of his news, but finally the need for his father\u2019s reassurance won out. \u201cThere\u2019s more, Pa,\u201d he said, lowering his voice. \u201cAll over town, I\u2019ve heard people whispering. This heat is driving people to do things they wouldn\u2019t normally do. They\u2019re saying that they got away with hanging Renny Miller, so why should they wait for a trial for Little Joe.\u201d Adam\u2019s dark eyes were bleak. \u201cI\u2019ve heard the word lynching mentioned more times than I can count, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben swallowed thickly, the bile rising in the back of his throat. \u201cIf they move against the jail, it\u2019ll be the three of us and Roy against a whole mob. Those odds don\u2019t sound very good right about now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we\u2019ve got to get Little Joe out of there,\u201d Adam said insistently. \u201cWe can\u2019t protect him in there. It\u2019s not easy to hold the jail against a mob.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat silently, misery reflected in his eyes. \u201cWe don\u2019t have much of a choice, Adam. Roy isn\u2019t going to let Little Joe out until the trial, so we\u2019ll just have to make sure that a mob doesn\u2019t get in.\u201d He patted Adam\u2019s arm reassuringly. \u201cDon\u2019t give up hope, Adam. We\u2019re just going to have to work harder at getting those girls to tell us what they know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glanced around the saloon as he spoke, noticing for the first time the furtive glances being shot in their direction. Even as he looked, he saw one man stare angrily at the Cartwrights, and then turn to whisper to a friend. The town was in an ugly mood. The summer heat was taking its toll on everyone. Ben nudged Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cLet\u2019s go, Adam, we need to get back to relieve Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights stood and left the saloon. Ben made a conscious effort to ignore the unpleasant looks and hostile murmurs as they moved through the crowd. It was a relief to get out to the street, in spite of the immediate assault by the sun and heat. Quickly, the two men headed for the jail. Both dreading the news they were bringing to Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The setting sun had brought little relief to the sweltering townspeople. The jail became an oven, and the men inside were miserable. Little Joe lay on his cot, clad only in his pants and boots. The cell was situated so that no air moved through it at all, the thought of sleep was impossible. He stared sightlessly into the dark, thinking about the events that had led him to this place. As he tossed and turned, he saw the consoling bulk of his brother, Hoss, sleeping on the cot in the unlocked cell next to his. Joe smiled softly. Hoss hadn\u2019t left his side all day, even when his father and Adam had returned from town and urged him to go have a beer. The knowledge that Adam and Ben were also somewhere in the jail house was comforting. Renny\u2019s lynching weighed heavily on Joe\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s smile deserted him abruptly as he thought about the news that he had heard that afternoon. The case against him looked very bleak. He knew that he hadn\u2019t touched Mary Sue, and he knew that she and the other girls were lying. But he could see no way to force them to tell the truth. The thought of prison terrified Little Joe. He felt like a caged animal just sitting in the little airless jail cell. How much worse was a real prison? He shuddered in terror, squeezing his eyes shut as if to block the thoughts from his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Faint sounds drifted in through the tiny barred window, and Joe registered them vaguely, his mind occupied with his thoughts. It was only as the sounds grew louder that he realized what he was hearing. It was the sound of many voices raised in anger. Joe\u2019s eyes flew open and he stood quickly to press his face against the barred window in the cell. He could see torchlight flickering ever closer as a mob approached the jail. The random noise began to separate itself into individual shouts. Joe heard the word \u201cLynching\u201d and he blanched in terror. He tried to move from the window to awaken Hoss, but his feet seemed to be glued to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of breaking glass freed him from his paralysis, as a bottle shattered against the side of the building. It had been hurled by one of the drunken men who comprised the mob. Joe flinched back, moving to the bars that separated him from Hoss. He realized that he didn\u2019t have to call to his brother when he watched Hoss leap up, surprisingly graceful for such a big man. Hoss\u2019s hand went instinctively for the rifle that was laying on the floor beside him. Taking the time to send his little brother a reassuring glance, Hoss moved to his own cell window. Squinting out into the gloom, he sucked in a worried breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mob had stopped at the edge of the wooden sidewalk, while Pete Henderson detached himself from the crowd to harangue them. \u201cThat little animal is in there, boys! Let\u2019s make sure the women of this town are safe! Let\u2019s get him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mob surged forward, more glass shattering as they hurled bottles and rocks at the jail. A shot gun blast roared into the night, followed rapidly by another, and then another. Roy Coffee stepped from the door of the jail, and planted his booted feet on the sidewalk, followed quickly by Ben and Adam Cartwright, rifles at the ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou men, stay back!\u201d Roy\u2019s voice was commanding, his determination to protect his prisoner manifested by his tone. \u201cThose first shots were a warning. The next ones will be to kill\u201d Roy\u2019s rifle targeted the center of the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a visible drawing back, as men shuffled their feet nervously. The implacable hatred on the face of Adam Cartwright was a deterrent unto itself. Ben Cartwright\u2019s face was inscrutable, but the weapon he held was cocked and ready to fire. All three watched with bated breath to see what the mob of men would do next. Inside the jail, Hoss and Joe exchanged glances, and Hoss cocked his own rifle, aiming out the window toward the mob. Joe stood watching, feeling naked and vulnerable. He hated standing helpless while other men defended him, and his fingers itched for a trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Outside, Henderson realized that his mob was falling apart, and he tried to revive the killing spirit that had infected them earlier. Again he shouted of Joe\u2019s terrible crimes against women, and he exhorted the crowd to think of their own women\u2019s safety. He might have been successful if Adam hadn\u2019t slipped up behind him and put his revolver to the side of Henderson\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest you stop shouting, Pete.\u201d Adam spoke calmly, but the cold fury in his tone made Henderson blanch. He allowed himself to be pulled back toward the jail, his hands raised slightly in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ugly mob seemed to transform itself into a group of ordinary men at lightening speed. With the removal of their leader, the men stood sheepishly, shuffling their feet. The men lucky enough to be standing at the fringes of the group began to drift casually off into the night, disappearing quickly. A few stood muttering in front of the jail, but a threatening gesture by Roy made even those few turn and walk into the night. Shoving Henderson roughly forward, the Cartwrights and Roy returned to the brightly lit office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pete stood blinking in the light, a defiant look on his face. He faced the three angry men, hands planted on his hips. \u201cI\u2019m not going to apologize,\u201d he spat angrily. \u201cLittle Joe deserves to die for what he\u2019s done, and I\u2019m going to find a way to make sure he does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy moved so that he was inches from the angry man. \u201cThis is my town, and my jail, Henderson. I won\u2019t have people leading mobs in my town. I\u2019ve got a good mind to throw you into a jail cell, right along side of Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson\u2019s eyes stayed steady, and he glared his defiance at the sheriff. \u201cGo ahead, Roy, you do that. I\u2019ll spend the time letting Joe know what I think of him, and what I want to have done to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved forward threateningly, but Ben put up a hand to stop him. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to get anywhere near my son, Pete,\u201d he said levelly. \u201cLittle Joe may have to stay here, but he doesn\u2019t have to be tormented while he\u2019s in that cell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s right,\u201d said Roy, a little more calmly. \u201cGo home, Pete. And don\u2019t come back. I don\u2019t want to see you anywhere near this jail until Little Joe ain\u2019t in it. If you bring another mob near here, I\u2019ll put you in the cell and let Little Joe go free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson glared at the men surrounding him, but he nodded his head once, and turned to go. \u201cI\u2019ll wait for the trial, Roy,\u201d he snapped. \u201cBut I\u2019ll see Little Joe sent to prison, you can be sure of that Ben.\u201d He pushed his way out of the small room, slamming the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men let out long sighs. \u201cWell that\u2019s over for now,\u201d sighed Roy in relief. \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019ll have any more talk of lynching, for a while at least.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes were angry. \u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re just going to let him go free after what he\u2019s done, Roy.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice crackled with disdain. \u201cHe incited a crowd to riot; there\u2019s got to be a law against that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy sighed and shook his head slowly. \u201cWell now, there is, Adam.\u201d He tried to keep his tone reasonable, but Roy\u2019s nerves were frayed with the events of the evening and his temper was starting to show. \u201cBut you heard what the man said. Do you really want him locked up in there next to your brother, spitting poison at the boy the whole time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam flushed slightly, \u201cI don\u2019t want him anywhere near Little Joe,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want him to go unpunished for trying to have my brother killed.\u201d He strode over to the outer door, and pulled it open to look into the now quiet street. His eyes filled with worry, he sighed softly, his thoughts in a whirl of confusion. He didn\u2019t know what he wanted anymore, except to be back at the Ponderosa, with his little brother safely at home beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard Little Joe\u2019s voice calling for his father, and Ben\u2019s retreating footsteps as he headed for the cells. Adam quietly shut the door, and prepared to join his family. He too needed the reassurance of being with his father and brothers after the night\u2019s disturbance. Pausing to give Roy a brief, conciliatory smile, and a quick clap on the shoulder, Adam moved to join his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd sat with bated breath, the only sound heard was the rustle of the ladies\u2019 fans, and the occasional shifting of someone\u2019s feet. The courtroom was packed with spectators; it seemed the whole town had turned out for what promised to be the event of the year. To see a Cartwright standing trial was exciting enough, but the circumstances surrounding the charges were sensational in and of themselves. The audience seemed to have divided itself into two distinct camps: those who thought Little Joe was guilty, and those who were convinced that Mary Sue was lying. The Cartwright family filled the front row, sitting quietly and ignoring the glances from the crowd. Little Joe was seated next to Seth Greenwell, the attorney hired by his father to defend his name. He kept glancing over his shoulder, each time receiving a reassuring nod from his father or one of his brothers. Heartened by his family\u2019s support, Little Joe sat up straighter, some of the fear leaving him for the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been a long week, the heat continued to bake the sweltering mining town, with no relief in sight. The unusually long hot spell would have typically given the townspeople more than enough to talk about, if the sensational trial of Little Joe Cartwright hadn\u2019t swept more trivial topics aside. The arrival of the circuit court judge had galvanized the town, and a swirling tide of people had been swept into the airless courtroom, breathless in anticipation of the entertaining trial to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe had spent the intervening week pacing the little cell like a caged animal. The heat, and his worry about the impending trial contrived to put him on edge. He wanted desperately to see Mary Sue and find out what was going on, but knew that it was impossible. Adam and Hoss had spent the week tracking down every girl who had witnessed the events in the alley. Each of them had sworn that they had seen Little Joe suddenly attack Mary Sue for no reason. Joe struggled to believe that the trial would clear his name, but his spirits had plummeted with every passing day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The aborted lynching seemed to have settled the town down for a while, however, and Little Joe had had no more nighttime visitations. His father and brothers had been a constant presence in the jailhouse, as they attempted to ensure his safety. As a result, none of the Cartwrights had slept much in the past week, and all of them were tense and edgy. The glowering looks they were receiving from the Hendersons, seated across the aisle, didn\u2019t help matters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The arrival of the judge, George Wheeler, created a rising murmur in the crowd, until the bang of his gavel silenced them. After the judge had announced the case and given instructions to the jury, the sweltering audience took a deep breath, almost in unison. Little Joe looked up wide eyed as Randolf Hill, the prosecuting attorney, strode to the front of the packed room. Hooking his thumbs into the top of his pockets, the man arranged himself in front of the jury box. He peered at Joe with a penetrating stare. Joe shifted in his chair, and glanced at Seth Greenwell, who was seated at his side. Seth caught the look, and he reached to pat his client\u2019s arm reassuringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen of the jury,\u201d Hill began in a serious tone. \u201cI have come before you today to prove to you that Joseph Cartwright is guilty of the heinous crime of assault against the person of Mary Sue Henderson. I think that we all have a good idea by now that this girl is the undoubted victim in this terrible series of crimes. Today we will prove that Cartwright is guilty of everything he has been accused, so that this town can put an end to this unfortunate rash of assaults against our poor girls.\u201d As he spoke, Hill strutted back and forth in front of the mesmerized jury. The crowd watched with bated breath, absorbing every detail for the inevitable discussions that would circulate through the town later. Hill finished his opening statements and strolled slowly back to his seat. Joe heaved a sigh of relief as the man sat down. He had felt the weight of condemnation on him while the attorney spoke, and he felt the nagging doubts rise again. He didn\u2019t want to think about the possibility of going to prison.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beside him, Seth Greenwell rose and cleared his throat. Walking slowly toward the waiting jury, he said calmly, \u201cNothing has been proven in this case. You will see no evidence presented, nothing but the word of Mary Sue Henderson and her friends. Why is Mary Sue accusing Joe Cartwright of something so unspeakable?\u00a0\u00a0 No one knows except for Mary Sue. Coming so quickly on the heels of her accusation against Renny Miller, should we believe that Joe Cartwright attacked Mary Sue in that alley behind the barn? We will leave it up to the jury to hear the testimony and make their decision. We know that Joe Cartwright is not guilty, and we rely on the jury to release him and send him home to his family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell continued to talk in his well-modulated voice, carefully presenting Joe in a positive light, mentioning the Cartwright\u2019s prominent place in the community, and the fact that Joe had never been accused of a crime such as this before. Joe felt himself lulled into a sense of security as the man talked. Greenwell was a charming and persuasive man; the jury seemed to be drinking in his words. Once again, Joe\u2019s hopes rose. As Greenwell finished his opening remarks and returned to his chair, Joe smiled at him warmly, his thanks written on his expressive face. Again, Greenwell patted his arm, but he pointedly refrained from speaking to his client. He knew that the combined testimony of the group of girls was going to be tough to surmount, and he didn\u2019t want Joe to feel secure in expecting a judgment in his favor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill returned to the front of the courtroom and called his first witness. Ellen Meyers rose, trembling slightly, and walked hesitantly to the front of the room. After a brief dipping of her eyes, she seated herself in the witness chair, arranging herself prettily as she awaited the lawyer\u2019s first question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Meyers,\u201d Hill began, his voice coaxing. \u201cWould you please tell us in your own words, what happened on the night in question.\u201d He stepped back a few paces to allow the jury to have a full view of the young girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ellen hesitated, as if searching for the right words. \u201cI was in the alley with a couple of friends. It was so hot we just wanted a breath of air.\u201d She looked up pleadingly, trying to generate a feeling of sympathy from the watching audience. \u201cI saw Mary Sue come by with Little Joe Cartwright. He had her by the arm, and when she tried to stop and say hello, he tugged her down the alley a little farther.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Mary Sue go willingly with Joseph Cartwright?\u201d Hill interjected quickly. He leaned forward intently, encouraging Ellen to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mary Sue was afraid,\u201d Ellen replied without hesitation. She tilted her red head defiantly at Little Joe, who gazed back at her impassively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection!\u201d Seth Greenwell jumped to his feet. \u201cThat is pure speculation on the part of the witness. She had no way of knowing what Miss Henderson was thinking or feeling that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSustained.\u201d The judge\u2019s voice was cool and calm. It was early in the trial, and the courtroom was stifling. It appeared as though he was struggling to stay awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill tried a new line of questioning. \u201cWhat happened after you saw Joe Cartwright walking Mary Sue down the alley?\u201d He again stepped back to allow the jury the full view of the witness. She did present an attractive picture on the witness stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen leaned forward confidingly, her eyes wide and guileless. \u201cI saw them stop and lean against the wall for a few minutes. The next thing I knew Little Joe grabbed Mary Sue, and she screamed. I guess when he grabbed her, he ripped her dress. Somehow she managed to get away from him and ran toward us. We all ran into the barn, and he followed us in.\u201d Ellen stopped talking and looked each member of the jury in the eye, willing them to believe her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe leaned forward in his chair, his eyes flashing dangerously. He knew that Ellen was lying, but he had no proof. He started to rise, but stopped as he felt a firm hand grasp his arm and yank him back down. Seth Greenwell glared at his client. Shaking his head furiously, he willed Joe to sit quietly. Joe sank back into his chair, his struggle to control his temper clearly evident on his face. He noticed several members of the jury looking at him and he worked hard to make his face impassive once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During Joe\u2019s struggle to regain control of himself, he had missed Hill\u2019s final questions for Ellen Meyers. He was startled to find his own lawyer rising to ask his questions of the girl. Greenwell walked quietly toward the witness stand. His face was friendly, as he didn\u2019t want the jury to think he was upsetting the pretty young girl. When he reached the front of the courtroom, he stopped in front of Ellen, gazing down at her for a few moments. The red-haired girl fidgeted a little, smoothing her skirt with shaking fingers, her eyes downcast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When he felt he had drawn out the pause as long as he could, Greenwell asked quietly, \u201cMiss Meyers, what were you and your friends doing in the alley on the night in question?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen looked up startled. \u201cI already told you, we were hot, and we wanted some fresh air.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho else was in that alley with you?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s voice remained neutral and he didn\u2019t relinquish his hold on Ellen\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen carefully reeled off the names of several girls who had already filed depositions with the sheriff. The defense attorney again led her through her version of the events that led up to Little Joe\u2019s supposed attack on Mary Sue. Ellen held her head high as she confidently repeated the same story over again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Greenwell leaned closer to the girl and asked carefully. \u201cHow far away from Joe Cartwright and Mary Sue Henderson were you that night, Miss Meyers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen\u2019s eyes grew distant as she struggled to remember the alley in the back of the barn. After a tense moment she said hesitantly, \u201cI don\u2019t really know, I\u2019m not very good at measuring things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell began moving away from the girl. He stopped a few feet from her. \u201cWas it this far away?\u201d he asked. At the girls negative answer, he continued to move. Stopping again, even farther away this time, he repeated his question. Again she answered no. Greenwell moved again, ending up against the far wall of the courtroom. This time when he asked the question, Ellen answered in the affirmative. He stood silently for a few minutes to allow the crowd and the jury to get a good feel for how far away he was. It was a good distance from the witness chair to where the lawyer was standing. Holding up his hand, Greenwell called out to Ellen. \u201cHow many fingers am I holding up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen stared hard, and then squinted just a little. \u201cUm, three,\u201d she said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually, it\u2019s four,\u201d he said triumphantly. Deciding that everyone had had enough time to digest the information, Greenwell made his way back to the front of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again standing before the witness, Greenwell looked at her sternly. \u201cSo when you say you saw Little Joe Cartwright rip Mary Sue\u2019s dress, you couldn\u2019t actually see what his hands were doing, is that right, Miss Meyers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen flushed guiltily, the ugly red stain creeping up her neck and spreading over her face. She shook her head silently, the tears starting to gather at the corners of her eyes. Greenwell spoke a little more sharply than he intended. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to speak up, Miss Meyers! The jury can\u2019t hear you shake your head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen looked up defiantly. \u201cI said, no! I couldn\u2019t really see his hands.\u201d Her voice rose in pitch, and she glared at the attorney. \u201cBut I know what he did, I saw Mary Sue\u2019s dress. I saw it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell moved back a few paces, distancing himself from the girl who was crying openly now. \u201cNo further questions, Your Honor,\u201d he said quietly, moving back to his own chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Randolf Hill rose quickly, and moved to stand in front of the still weeping girl. Offering her a handkerchief, he asked kindly. \u201cSo, even though you were far enough away from the couple that you couldn\u2019t see Joe Cartwright\u2019s hands, could you see how Mary Sue was reacting to the situation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ellen nodded her head eagerly, smiling up at the lawyer as she spoke. \u201cOh yes, I could see Joe reach for her, and then she jumped back from him. And then she screamed.\u201d She shot a vindictive look at Joe, and then stood as she was dismissed from the stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was very careful to keep his head high and to look levelly at the girl as she walked past. He didn\u2019t want the jury to think he had anything to hide. Thinking back over the testimony, Joe decided that his lawyer had scored a few points, but that the prosecution had also gained some ground. A lot depended on what the other witnesses had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Randolf Hill began a parade of young girls, who marched to the witness stand with their heads held high wearing an air of determination that didn\u2019t bode well for Joe Cartwright. One after another they testified that they had seen Little Joe attack Mary Sue in the alley, and not one could be shaken from their story. The best that Greenwell could do was to make the jury aware that the girls had been a fair distance away from the pair, and that none had a good view of what happened. As he watched and listened, Little Joe tried to retain his belief that he would be vindicated, that the jury would not believe the web of fantasy that the girls were weaving. But every time he looked in the jury\u2019s direction he could tell by the way they sat and avoided his eyes that they were soaking in every word that each girl spoke. Joe\u2019s heart sank like stone in his chest, and he felt a sudden surge of nausea threaten to overwhelm him. As he swayed a little in his chair, he felt a strong hand grip his shoulder, and he turned slightly to see Adam reaching out to brace him. Giving his brother a grateful look, he turned back to continue listening to the witness, but his spirits were slightly higher. His family believed in him, and that was enough for now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe listened gratefully as Judge Wheeler called for a noon recess, and he stood, along with the rest of the packed house, as the judge made his way from the bench. The Cartwrights and Seth Greenwell hung back to allow the people in the room to file out, and were surprised when not one person moved. Everyone seemed to be afraid that if they got up for lunch someone else would take his seat. The drama surrounding the trial ensured that a large part of Virginia City would go hungry today. Shrugging at the sight, the lawyer carefully shepherded his client out of the stifling room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee appeared at Little Joe\u2019s elbow. \u201cI\u2019ve got to take ya back to the jail, son,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019ve got some lunch waitin\u2019 for ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his acceptance and moved away at Roy\u2019s side, his family trailing along behind him. Seeing that they were determined to follow him, Joe stopped, frowning. \u201cThere\u2019s no sense in you all going hungry while I eat,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cYou go to the hotel, Pa. Get something there, and then come back and join me.\u201d Making little shooing gestures with his hands, Joe attempted his cocky grin. No one mentioned that he failed miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More to humor Little Joe, than a desire for food, Ben and his sons adjourned to the hotel. They sat miserably at a table and waited for the waitress to bring their meal. \u201cIt don\u2019t look good, does it, Pa?\u201d Hoss looked so despondent that Ben reached for him instinctively, gripping his son\u2019s large hand in his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo son, it doesn\u2019t look very good at the moment,\u201d he agreed quietly. \u201cIf Seth can\u2019t shake Mary Sue\u2019s testimony, I\u2019m afraid Little Joe will be going to prison.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slammed his fist into the table, the silverware clinked loudly and the glasses swayed. \u201cThere\u2019s got to be some way to make that girl tell the truth. Joe shouldn\u2019t be punished for something he didn\u2019t do.\u201d Adam\u2019s face was dark with anger, and he glared at the other diners, who hastily looked away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head sadly, \u201cWe\u2019ve tried everything we could, Adam. It\u2019s in the hands of the court now. There\u2019s nothing more we can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A commotion on the other side of the restaurant forestalled Adam\u2019s reply. At that moment a little blond whirlwind spun up to the table. Kitty Henderson smiled at the three men, who automatically smiled back at her. Ben stood gallantly and bowed to the little girl. \u201cWhy, hello there, young lady, how are you?\u201d he asked, the smile still on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty looked around conspiratorially for a moment, and then leaned in close to the Cartwrights. \u201cI\u2019m fine, sir. I\u2019m here with my family.\u201d She gestured to the table at the far side of the room, and ducked a little as her father\u2019s head swung around searchingly. \u201cI told him I had to use the outhouse,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled, \u201cYou\u2019re doing a lot of sneaking around, ain\u2019t ya, Miss Kitty.\u201d He put his large hand out, and she quickly laid hers within his grasp. \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind, punkin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty leaned against the big man, smiling up into his blue eyes. \u201cI was just wondering about Little Joe. Is it true he\u2019s going to jail?\u201d The smile faded from her lips, and the blue eyes sparkled with the glimmer of tears. \u201cI don\u2019t want that to happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat, seeing that Hoss was unable to speak. \u201cWe don\u2019t want it to happen either, Kitty,\u201d he explained quietly. \u201cBut there isn\u2019t really much anyone can do about that right now, except your sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The little girl looked confused. \u201cMary Sue? What can she do to help?\u201d she asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam scowled. \u201cShe could try telling the truth!\u201d he exclaimed, biting back the rest of his words when he saw the girl flinch backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Mary Sue the one who\u2019s making Little Joe go to prison?\u201d asked Kitty in dismay. \u201cIs that why she\u2019s been pacing around in her room, and why Papa is so angry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled gently. \u201cNow, Kitty, you don\u2019t need to worry your pretty little head about any of this. Little Joe is going to be just fine.\u201d He glanced up sharply, and then said quickly, \u201cI see your father looking for you, sweetheart. You\u2019d better run along; we don\u2019t want you to get in any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty darted a quick look back at her father, and saw that he was rising from his place at the table, obviously intent on finding his wayward daughter. She looked around at the seated Cartwrights, with an intense look. \u201cI didn\u2019t know it was because of Mary Sue,\u201d she said. \u201cNo one tells me anything.\u201d A look of determination crossed her face. \u201cI won\u2019t let it happen, Mr. Cartwright. I promise. I love Little Joe.\u201d She quickly darted away, as Pete Henderson began to move across the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights looked at each other and smiled ruefully. \u201cShe\u2019s a sweet kid. Too bad her sister\u2019s not more like her.\u201d Adam commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe sure is sweet on Little Joe,\u201d Hoss said chuckling. \u201cShe\u2019s been like that since she could talk. He sure can charm the ladies, no matter how old they are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cI wish she could help, but I don\u2019t see what she can do. We\u2019d better be getting back boys; the recess is almost over.\u201d He rose, placing some folded bills on the table to pay for the meal. The three men strode out of the restaurant, leaving behind their almost untasted meals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights once again entered the little courtroom, immediately feeling the blast of the heat that enveloped them. The people sitting tenaciously in their chairs looked wilted, their clothing a bit bedraggled and their faces dripping with sweat. A murmur of sound followed the Cartwrights down the aisle, as they seated themselves in the front row once again. Glancing back, Ben could see people whispering behind fans, and fingers pointing in their direction. With his jaw clenched in anger, Ben swung his head around, determinedly shutting the audience from his view. He saw Randolf Hill return to the courtroom and take his place, followed immediately by Seth Greenwell. Joe\u2019s attorney took the time to smile at the three anxious men seated behind him, but he didn\u2019t stop to talk. His mind was focused on the afternoon\u2019s ordeal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A crescendo in the crowd\u2019s whispering brought Ben\u2019s head up in time to see Roy Coffee escorting Joe in the side door. The sheriff walked the slender man to his chair, and left him with a kindly clap on the back. With a wink at Adam, Roy took up a station against the wall of the courtroom. The noise ceased abruptly as Judge Wheeler entered the courtroom and banged his gavel to call the chamber to order. Everyone sat up expectantly, even the fans were waved with less vigor, people were so intent on hearing every word.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill swaggered to the front of the room and called for his first witness of the afternoon. Joe was surprised to see Pete Henderson striding to the witness chair. The older man took his seat with determination evident in every line of his being. The glare he bestowed on Joe would have withered some men in their tracks. Joe stared back, his face a blank mask, but his mind whirling in confusion. What testimony could Pete Henderson have to offer? Joe\u2019s eyes were riveted on the man, who looked very distinguished in a silk vest, and crisp, black string-tie. After the witness was sworn in, Hill launched into his questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Henderson, did Joseph Cartwright visit your home the day Renny Miller died?\u201d Hill\u2019s voice boomed through the courtroom, serving notice to all the spectators that he was ready to fight. Many people shifted in their seats, heads craning for a better view.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pete Henderson sat tall in his chair, vainly trying to suck in his portly stomach. \u201cYes, he did. I came home to find my daughter in tears. I saw Little Joe running out of the house; he almost knocked me over when he left. He didn\u2019t even answer me when I called to him.\u201d Henderson\u2019s voice was indignant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see your daughter when you entered the house?\u201d Hill asked his witness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and she was very upset. She told me that Little Joe had threatened her.\u201d Henderson stopped to draw in an agitated breath, his face was red with suppressed rage, and the glare he sent toward Little Joe was frightening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHearsay, as to what she told him!\u201d Greenwell was again on his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcited utterance exception, Your Honor,\u201d Hill replied smoothly, obviously expecting the objection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Wheeler didn\u2019t even bother looking up this time. \u201cObjection overruled,\u201d he announced and then went back to a detailed study of his fingernails.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did your daughter say when you came in, Mr. Henderson?\u201d Hill pressed intently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said that Little Joe wanted her to change her story about Renny Miller.\u201d Pete\u2019s voice rose angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt his own anger rising. How could Mary Sue blatantly lie to her father about what had happened? He hadn\u2019t threatened her. He had certainly questioned her about Renny, but he had never tried to hurt her in any way. Again he felt a pressure on his shoulder, and this time he looked back to see Hoss give him an encouraging wink. Joe sank back into his seat a little, his anger abating. He winked back at Hoss, a brief smile crossing his face. Greenwell nudged him, and Little Joe quickly turned around to face his accusers again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill turned the questioning over to Seth Greenwell, who walked toward Pete Henderson with a brisk, businesslike stride. \u201cMr. Henderson,\u201d he said as he began his cross-examination. \u201cDid you speak to Little Joe Cartwright on the day of Renny Miller\u2019s lynching?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At Henderson\u2019s negative answer, Greenwell continued calmly, \u201cIf you didn\u2019t speak to Little Joe, how do you know what he said at your house that day?\u201d He stood with his hands crossed over his chest, his head tipped to one side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson sputtered indignantly. \u201cWhy, Mary Sue told me what he said, of course.\u201d His face was turning an alarming shade of puce as his anger increased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell turned his back on the irate man and strolled toward the jury, who watched his every move in fascination. \u201cSo, you really have no first hand knowledge of what your daughter heard that day, is that correct? Only Mary Sue and Little Joe know the words that were spoken?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson growled in rage, almost rising from the chair in agitation. \u201cI believe my daughter, Mr. Greenwell. She\u2019s not a liar!\u201d he shouted angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell smiled calmly. \u201cBut you cannot testify that you heard Little Joe Cartwright threaten your daughter at any time, on the day that Renny Miller was murdered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson was forced to answer in the negative, and he was dismissed from the stand. As he walked back to his seat, he stopped in front of Little Joe. Putting his face close to Little Joe\u2019s, he hissed angrily. \u201cIf the jury doesn\u2019t find you guilty, Cartwright, I\u2019ll kill you myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat calmly, but his face clearly displayed the anger he felt. Adam and Hoss stood quickly, while the courtroom behind them erupted in chaos. The judge\u2019s gavel banged futilely in the sudden uproar, as Roy Coffee made his way forward to grab Henderson by the arm. He reached the other man\u2019s side just in time, Hoss had already leaned forward to grab for the older man\u2019s shirt, while Adam was trying to get over the row of chairs to interpose himself between Henderson and his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At last, the judge regained control of the courtroom, his voice was harsh with displeasure. \u201cMr. Henderson. You will remove yourself from the courtroom immediately. Sheriff, see to it that this man doesn\u2019t return for the duration of this trial.\u201d He gestured to the throng of people who were settling back into their chairs, clearly enjoying the drama. \u201cI will eject anyone else who gets out of control in my courtroom. I won\u2019t have displays like the one we just saw, is that understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aghast at the thought of losing their precious seats for the dramatic event of the year, Virginia City\u2019s finest immediately sat as quietly as church mice, not even a fan waved in the stifling heat. Judge Wheeler called for a fifteen minute recess to allow the participants a break, instructing the jury to disregard what they had just seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe stood gratefully, and followed Roy from the room, eagerly gulping in the outside air, which was only slightly lower in temperature than that inside the courthouse. Without even looking, he knew that his father and brothers had followed him outside. When he felt his father\u2019s hand on his arm, he turned and buried his head on Ben\u2019s broad chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he said, so softly that Ben had to strain to hear. \u201cI don\u2019t want to go to prison.\u201d It was the cry of a frightened child, and Ben\u2019s heart crumpled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lose hope, son,\u201d he whispered. \u201cIt\u2019s not over yet.\u201d He rubbed Joe\u2019s back gently, wishing he had more encouraging words to say. But the truth was, things looked bad for Joe, and they all knew it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stood quietly, but still seethed with anger over Pete Henderson\u2019s behavior. Adam cursed his inability to help his little brother. He had always felt a tremendous responsibility toward his youngest brother; he would have sacrificed his life for Joe. This was a threat he was unable to protect Joe from, and it rocked Adam to the core of his being. The Cartwrights closed ranks, surrounding the youngest member of the family. Roy Coffee stepped back to allow them their privacy. The long day wasn\u2019t over yet. The worst was yet to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Court was once again in session, and Little Joe sat moodily in his chair, his spirits at a low ebb. His hopes for a quick trial and an easy verdict had been dashed early on. He fought to retain his optimism, but knew he was losing the battle. He let himself feel the comforting presence of his family at his back, but he didn\u2019t dare turn around to look at them. As if in answer to his thoughts, Joe again felt a quiet grip on his shoulder. This time Ben Cartwright was responding to his son\u2019s instinctive need for support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A ripple of excitement eddied through the courtroom as Mary Sue Henderson made her way to the witness stand. She looked fragile, in a sky blue dress, with a wide band of matching blue, holding back her soft blond hair.\u00a0\u00a0 Little sounds of admiration could be heard on many lips, and Mary Sue smiled softly in response. She carefully avoided looking in Little Joe\u2019s direction, keeping her eyes instead on the prosecutor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill allowed the jury to gaze on the lovely sight presented by the latest witness. When he finally decided to break the silence, some of the jurymen jumped visibly. At least one had to be elbowed by the man sitting next to him before he shut his mouth, which had been hanging open at the radiant sight before his eyes. \u201cMiss Henderson, would you be so kind as to tell us what took place on the night in question?\u201d Hill asked softly, almost afraid to break the spell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet those of the foreman of the jury. \u201cWell,\u201d she began, her voice ringing clearly in the hushed silence of the courtroom. \u201cLittle Joe approached me at the dance and asked me to dance with him. I didn\u2019t want to, because he had been to my house three weeks earlier, and his behavior was ugly. But he persisted, and I knew that it was a crowded room, so I agreed. After all, what could happen with so many people watching? The dance was fine, but it was so hot, I felt faint. Little Joe suggested that we go outside for some air. I didn\u2019t want to but he took my arm and pulled me out the door. I wanted to stop and talk to my friends who were outside in the alley, but Joe wouldn\u2019t let me. He kept pulling on my arm, until we were down by the corner of the barn. He leaned against the barn, but he never let go of me the whole time. The next thing I knew he was grabbing at me. He ripped the front of my dress. I tried to fight him off, and my face got scratched. Somehow I broke away from him, and ran for my friends. When they saw what was happening they screamed and ran also. We all managed to get inside the barn, with Little Joe following right behind us. It was a terrible experience.\u201d Mary Sue\u2019s face was placid, it appeared almost blank as she recited her story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill couldn\u2019t contain his brief smile at the sight of the jury staring mesmerized at the witness. He could tell that she was having a devastating impact on the men in the box, which could only help the case in his opinion. He had let her tell her story without interruption to give the jury the full affect of her words. He carefully led Mary Sue to tell of her alleged conversation with Little Joe three weeks earlier when he had threatened her if she didn\u2019t change her story about Renny. Mary Sue\u2019s face was the picture of bewildered innocence when she explained that she still considered Joe a friend when she let him in her house that day. She protested that she never dreamed that he could be so violently angry. The attorney concluded his questions, convinced that his case was made.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell rose carefully. He walked quietly to the front of the room. He was well aware that his treatment of Mary Sue would make or break the jury\u2019s opinion of Little Joe Cartwright\u2019s character. A lawyer who browbeat such an attractive witness could make himself very unpopular and that would hurt his client\u2019s chances of a favorable verdict. Schooling his face into a bland mask, Greenwell began his questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Henderson, why did Little Joe Cartwright visit your home on the day that Renny Miller was murdered?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already explained that,\u201d she replied petulantly. \u201cHe came to try to get me to change my story about Renny.\u201d For the first time, Mary Sue lost some of her prettiness, a trace of anger marred the lines of her face. \u201cAnd anyway, Renny wasn\u2019t murdered, he was hung for committing a terrible crime!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The realization that she was losing some of her charm snapped Mary Sue to her senses. \u201cI don\u2019t see what that has to do with anything!\u201d she cried, letting tears swim in her blue eyes. Pulling a dainty handkerchief from her sleeve, she dabbed at her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Changing tactics, Greenwell paced the small open space in front of the witness box. \u201cHow would you describe your relationship with Little Joe Cartwright before the hanging of Renny Miller?\u201d he asked unexpectedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue flinched visibly. \u201cWhy, we were friends, that\u2019s all.\u201d Her answer seemed a little forced, and her voice was becoming brittle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never been in love with Joe Cartwright?\u201d Greenwell stopped pacing and moved forward until he was close to the girl. Gazing at her intently, he waited impassively for her answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue flushed, the color rising in her cheeks. \u201cNo!\u201d she cried angrily. \u201cNever!\u201d Mary Sue crossed her arms across her chest, tapping her foot impatiently. \u201cI have never been in love with Little Joe!\u201d she repeated, her voice rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell stepped back, his face revealing nothing. He glanced at the jury, and could see they were looking at Mary Sue with speculation. Her vehemence was in total contrast to the picture she had presented earlier. She was no longer the calm, self-possessed girl who had taken the stand. Greenwell could only hope that the jury would take the time to question which was the true Mary Sue. He stepped back a few paces, and announced that he had no further questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Randolf Hill decided that it was best to get the girl off the stand before she disintegrated completely. He quickly stated that he had no desire to redirect, and Mary Sue was allowed to leave the stand. Again, Little Joe found himself confronted with an angry witness. The look that Mary Sue gave him would have taken paint from the walls. Joe stared back at her, his eyes hard. He was having trouble restraining his anger, he could only hope that the jury couldn\u2019t read it in his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue had been the prosecution\u2019s star witness, and Hill rested his case after her testimony. Again Judge Wheeler called for a brief recess to allow Seth Greenwell time to prepare for his turn in the limelight. The Cartwrights stood as one and filed out the door after Little Joe. None of them spared a backwards glance for the enrapt audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe sat on the cot in the jail cell and gratefully accepted the tin cup of cold water from the sheriff. He nodded his thanks and leaned back against the wall closing his eyes. Sipping from the cup, he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Visions of life in prison were beginning to crowd his thoughts, and he tried to shake them off. He heard booted feet approaching and he opened his eyes quickly to see the three men he loved most in the world approaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss plunked down on the bunk beside Joe, and they all laughed as the cot squeaked alarmingly under his added weight. Silently blessing his brother for reducing the tension, Joe smiled at them gamely. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem to be going too well, does it?\u201d he remarked to the room in general.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three pairs of eyes instantly swung away from his, in automatic avoidance. Joe\u2019s wry chuckle drew his father\u2019s dark brown orbs back immediately. \u201cWhat\u2019s funny, son?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s laugh faded quickly. \u201cYou,\u201d he replied. \u201cAnd Adam and Hoss. You\u2019re all trying so hard to keep me from knowing that you think it\u2019s hopeless. You can\u2019t protect me from this, you know. I know where this is heading.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes closed again and he leaned back against the wall, only barely acknowledging the support of Hoss\u2019s massive arm that rested behind his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam watched the despair growing in every line of Joe\u2019s body. Moving quickly to kneel before his little brother, afraid to sit next to him on the already overloaded cot, he reached to grasp Joe\u2019s knee. \u201cHey, little brother. Don\u2019t give up yet.\u201d Adam\u2019s mellow voice was filled with suppressed feeling, and Joe reluctantly opened his eyes to face his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what else to do, Adam.\u201d Joe laid his hand over Adam\u2019s and patted it gently. \u201cI have to start thinking about the future, and it looks like that future includes some time in prison.\u201d A rueful smile graced Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cHere\u2019s the time where you can say, I told you so, older brother. You told me not to go near Mary Sue, and I didn\u2019t listen to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam drew a sharp breath as he looked at his gallant little brother, who even in his despair was attempting to lighten his family\u2019s mood. \u201cYou didn\u2019t have much choice, Joe. From the sound of things, if you hadn\u2019t agreed to dance with her, she would have caused some sort of scene anyway.\u201d Adam\u2019s fist slammed into his own knee in sudden fury. \u201cI just wish I knew why Mary Sue is doing this. I don\u2019t understand how someone can treat another human being the way she\u2019s treating you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled sadly. \u201cThanks, Adam. You\u2019ve always been a great brother!\u201d He gently patted Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe may never know what\u2019s behind all this. I think Mary Sue is a sick girl. She needs help, and I wish someone would give it to her. Her father\u2019s been no good to her in all of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s face tightened at the mention of Pete Henderson. \u201cHe\u2019s just as crazy as Mary Sue,\u201d he growled. \u201cHe needs someone to teach him a lesson he won\u2019t forget, and I\u2019m the man for the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo Hoss, that\u2019s not the answer. The only way out of this is to find some way to shake Mary Sue\u2019s story, and I don\u2019t see how that\u2019s going to happen. Seth is doing all he can, but the jury is sure being taken in by all those girls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he watched his three sons launch into a discussion of the case, and the trial tactics being used by Seth Greenwell, Ben\u2019s eyes filled with tears. He, of all of them, knew what they were facing. He knew that Little Joe\u2019s chances of being exonerated were disappearing with each passing minute, and his heart sank at the thought of his youngest son going to prison. Ben was touched as he watched each one of his sons try to comfort the others. They were a tight-knit group. He knew that life on the Ponderosa was going to be very grim, if Little Joe were not with them to be a part of it. Ben\u2019s sigh was interrupted by the arrival of the sheriff, who had come to take Little Joe back to court.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They all rose and followed Roy out of the jail cell, their steps slow, all trying to enjoy the last few moments of each other\u2019s company. They knew the trial was rapidly coming to a close, and they were all aware that such moments might not happen again for a long time. With heavy hearts they returned to the courtroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The heat in the courtroom had risen to the point where men had removed their jackets and rolled up their sleeves, but still the sweat poured from their faces and bodies. The women fared worse, unable to remove any part of their clothing. One woman fainted, and as soon as she had been carried from the courtroom her seat was eagerly claimed by someone who had been waiting outside for just such a chance. The stench from so many sweaty bodies was almost unbearable. The smell hit Little Joe\u2019s nose as soon as he entered the room from the side door. He gagged just a little, and he knew that when he remembered the trial, it would always be associated in his mind with that particularly offensive odor. Crossing the expanse of floor to his now-familiar seat, Joe carefully avoided meeting the eyes of anyone in the room. The swell of whispering rose in pitch as he walked, and he ducked his head a little. It seemed like an eternity before he gained the sanctuary of the chair, and Joe sat quickly, ducking behind the shielding bulk of the lawyer\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The entrance of Judge Wheeler quickly silenced the buzz, and once again all eyes strained forward. Joe felt the brush of fabric on his arm as Seth Greenwell rose and headed for the front of the courtroom. He watched hopefully as Greenwell called for his first witness, Tom Pruitt. Glancing behind him, Joe watched his friend walk through the courtroom to take his place on the witness stand. After being sworn in, Tom sat gratefully, an embarrassed flush already staining his cheeks, his shirt plastered to his body with sweat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sympathetic glance at the nervous man, Greenwell launched into his questions, in the hope that Tom\u2019s nerves would settle down soon. \u201cMr. Pruitt, did you attend the dance in Virginia City on the night in question?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom straightened and cleared his throat. This was one he could answer. \u201cYes, I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you see Little Joe Cartwright at that dance?\u201d Greenwell was deliberately firing the questions at a rapid pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom nodded and said firmly, \u201cYes, I did. We talked for a little while, although I don\u2019t remember what time it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell positioned himself in front of Pruitt and asked his next question carefully. \u201cDid you see Little Joe Cartwright and Mary Sue Henderson together at the dance that night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom again nodded, more eagerly this time. \u201cYes, I did. Mary Sue came up to us as we were talking and she begged Little Joe to dance with her. Joe looked a little uneasy about it, but he finally gave in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A whisper rippled through the courtroom as people realized what Tom Pruitt had just said. The bang of the judge\u2019s gavel jolted people into silence. Little Joe sat up straight, his eyes eager. Tom\u2019s testimony was in direct contradiction to Mary Sue\u2019s assertion that Little Joe had asked her for a dance. Although the judge\u2019s gavel had silenced the whispers, a palpable air of excitement made itself felt in the courtroom. Little Joe decided that if someone dropped a pin just then, the noise would reverberate through the room like a cannon blast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell fully realized the effect of his questions, and he milked his moment for all it was worth. \u201cAre you certain that Miss Henderson asked Joseph Cartwright to dance, and not the other way around, Mr. Pruitt?\u201d he asked again, strolling toward the jury as he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom repeated his assertion, more forcefully this time. His confidence was rising rapidly as he fought off his case of nerves. Greenwell indicated that he had no further questions, and Randolf Hill rose to take his place in front of the witness. Looking into the prosecutor\u2019s hooded eyes and blandly smiling mouth, Tom\u2019s spirits plummeted abruptly. His newfound confidence disappeared as rapidly as it had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Pruitt, how long were you at the dance before you spoke to Joseph Cartwright?\u201d Hill asked quietly. He stood easily, his thumbs hooked into his vest pockets, but his glare was intimidating.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom shrugged briefly, and he stopped to do some mental calculations. \u201cI don\u2019t know for sure,\u201d he replied hesitantly. \u201cI guess about an hour.\u201d For lack of something better to do, Tom gripped his knees tightly, his knuckles showing white with tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you sample the punch, Mr. Pruitt?\u201d Hill\u2019s voice was deceptively gentle, and Tom relaxed visibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did,\u201d he answered with a slight smile. \u201cIt was pretty good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow many times did you visit the punch bowl that night?\u201d Hill asked, again keeping his voice mild.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom never even hesitated. \u201cI don\u2019t know, I lost count,\u201d he answered heartily. \u201cIt was mighty hot in that barn, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWere you aware that the punch was spiked with alcohol, Mr. Pruitt?\u201d Hill pressed, his voice losing its friendly tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sudden realization that he had fallen into an ambush made Tom feel sick to his stomach. \u201cYes, I knew that,\u201d he replied sullenly, refusing to meet the prosecutor\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd would you say that you consumed three cups of punch? Or more?\u201d Hill\u2019s eyes bored into the witness. The prosecutor\u2019s tone was harsh and unforgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore,\u201d Tom whispered softly. He looked at his knees, his fists clenched tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFive?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably about that many,\u201d Tom replied belligerently, suddenly looking up to face his accuser.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you say you were drunk when you spoke with Little Joe Cartwright that night?\u201d Hill asked, as he leaned forward pushing his face close to the white-faced man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think I was drunk at the time,\u201d Tom insisted, his voice ringing with intensity. \u201cI\u2019m sure of it,\u201d he asserted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt might be possible that your judgment was impaired that night, and that you might not be absolutely certain what happened before Joe Cartwright and Mary Sue Henderson began to dance,\u201d the prosecutor announced triumphantly. \u201cWould it be correct to say that Mr. Pruitt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know what happened that night,\u201d Tom said again, his face rigid with anger. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No further questions, Your Honor,\u201d Hill stated with disgust, as he spun on his heels and stalked away from the man on the witness stand. He clearly conveyed to the jury his contempt for the pitiful specimen that he had been forced to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell leaped to his feet and quickly crossed the room. \u201cMr. Pruitt, did Mary Sue Henderson ask Little Joe Cartwright to dance?\u201d he asked forcefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom Pruitt looked like a drowning man who had suddenly been thrown a lifeline. \u201cYes, she did,\u201d he stated again. \u201cI\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tom repeated his words when Greenwell asked him to speak up for the benefit of the jury. But the damage had been done, and Greenwell could tell that the jury was speculating on the veracity of Tom\u2019s testimony. Greenwell swore silently to himself. He had been counting on Tom Pruitt\u2019s testimony to knock a huge hole in the prosecution\u2019s case against Joe Cartwright. He quickly announced that he had no further questions for Tom, and called his final witness to the stand. Little Joe rose quietly from his seat and moved confidently to the front of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom was silent and still, not a muscle twitched, not a fan waved to cool the air. Joe walked through the expectant hush with his head held high, a dangerous glint in his eye. He moved to the witness stand and swore to tell the truth. As he settled into the chair set at the front of the room, he lifted his head and calmly surveyed the crowd. He was somewhat surprised to see that while some people met his gaze, many more flinched away, turning their eyes from his. When he glanced at the jury almost all of them looked away. It wasn\u2019t a good sign. Joe took a deep breath and let the fear wash from his mind. He gazed calmly at Seth Greenwell, who had been waiting for his client to compose himself. Seeing that Joe was ready to begin, Seth smiled gently and led him through the events at the dance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Under Seth\u2019s shower of questions Joe recounted the story of entering the dance hall, talking to Tom and being approached by Mary Sue. With Seth\u2019s prompting he explained his decision to dance with the girl in order to avoid a scene. He shook his head ruefully as he chastised himself once again for that bad decision. Greenwell was a skilled attorney, and he was careful to keep his questions within the letter of the law. He didn\u2019t want a barrage of objections from the prosecution before Joe had a chance to tell his whole story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell had Joe back up and explain his actions the day of Renny\u2019s lynching. Joe patiently answered question after question. No, he hadn\u2019t threatened Mary Sue. Yes, he wanted her to say that Renny was innocent. No, he had not meant to make her cry. Joe again looked around the courtroom. He saw people shaking their heads; he knew he wasn\u2019t reaching them. Many of the good folks of Virginia City had tried and convicted him already, and they had found him guilty. As Joe answered Greenwell\u2019s questions, his sense of despair grew. He could feel the disbelief of the crowd, and it rankled him. These were his friends and neighbors. They had watched him grow up. How dare they believe that he would ever attack a girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the turmoil grew, Joe\u2019s eyes more and more often sought the eyes of the people he knew trusted and believed in him. As he looked again at his father and brothers, Hoss smiled gamely, his blue eyes unable to hide their worry. Adam tried to send his brother a message of hope and confidence, his dark eyes carefully hiding his own whirling thoughts and emotions. Ben Cartwright simply gave Joe a look of love, and it warmed his heart and gave him the strength to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At last, Seth Greenwell had asked Joe all the questions he could. He had extracted every last nuance from Joe about his thoughts and motives on the night of the dance. He had tried to show the jury that attacking Mary Sue was the last thing Little Joe Cartwright would have done that night. But Greenwell was aware that the testimony of all the girls had been damning. Little Joe\u2019s words were too little, too late. With a sinking heart, Greenwell announced that he had no further questions for his witness. He moved back to his chair, and watched as Randolf Hill sprang to his feet and moved in for the kill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill paced up to Joe, a scowl fixed firmly on his face. He looked contemptuously at the calm young man sitting in front of him. \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d he began. \u201cYou say you didn\u2019t threaten Mary Sue Henderson the day of Renny Miller\u2019s death. And yet, her father has testified that he found her in tears. What did you say to Mary Sue to cause those tears?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat up straight in the chair, his eyes carefully blank. \u201cI simply asked her to think about what actually happened the night Renny supposedly attacked her,\u201d he replied, with a tight hold on his temper. \u201cShe got angry because she thought I was calling her a liar.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes strayed over to the pretty blond, who was sitting next to her father. Her face just then was marred by an angry scowl. It made her considerably less attractive.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill switched tactics, in the hope that he could confuse the witness. \u201cDid you ever date Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d he asked genially.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up in confusion. \u201cWe went out a couple of times,\u201d he said in bemusement. \u201cBut I don\u2019t see what that has to do with anything.\u201d Joe felt a trickle of sweat work its way down his back, but he pushed the irritation to the back of his mind as he focused all his thoughts on avoiding the trap being laid for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Mary Sue ask you not to come call on her anymore?\u201d Hill\u2019s voice lost its air of geniality, and he closed in on his victim. \u201cDid she tell you she didn\u2019t love you? That she was interested in someone else?\u201d The questions rained down on Joe in a firestorm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he answered firmly. \u201cNo, she didn\u2019t, in fact…\u201d Joe\u2019s words were cut off by Hill\u2019s next quick question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, Mr. Cartwright, it might be possible that you were in love with Mary Sue Henderson, and she rebuffed you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Hill rocked back on his heels, a smug look crossed his face, and his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face betrayed his anger and confusion. \u201cNo!\u201d he shouted. \u201cThat\u2019s not true! None of what you\u2019re saying is true!\u201d He made a visible effort to clamp down on the fury in his tone. \u201cMary Sue never asked me not to call on her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again Hill interrupted before Joe could go any further. \u201cRenny Miller was your friend, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d Hill was pacing in front of Joe as he spoke, his heels tapping out a staccato beat on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he was,\u201d Joe agreed quietly. \u201cA good friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWere you angry with Renny Miller for flirting with Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d Hill asked smoothly, and continued without giving Joe time to answer. \u201cDid you feel jealous of any man who got close to Mary Sue?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, baffled. \u201cNo, Mary Sue and I didn\u2019t have that kind of relationship,\u201d he replied. Before he could add more, Hill took advantage of the pause and rushed to fill it with more heated accusations. Joe watched him in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The prosecutor was building a picture for the jury. He was painting Joe Cartwright as a jealous man, passionately in love with Mary Sue Henderson. A man who could be driven to attack a girl out of rage and frustrated desire. He flung question after question at Joe, who could only helplessly answer in the negative. Until finally, the onslaught stopped. Hill stepped back, his face registering his disdain for Joe Cartwright. Taking a deep breath, he hissed, \u201cNo further questions, Your Honor,\u201d and he stalked back to his seat, his boots sounding loud in that hushed chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat back limply, utter misery etched on his face. He knew what had just been done, but he had been powerless to stop it. He saw Seth Greenwell rise from his seat and approach him quickly, a tight smile on his face. Greenwell\u2019s eyes implored Little Joe to sit up straight, to pull himself together. Joe read the message, and with a sigh, he straightened up wearily. Schooling his features to careful blankness once again, Joe waited for his attorney to ask a question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Greenwell walked toward Little Joe, Kitty Henderson slipped into the courtroom. Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he saw her approach Adam and tug on his sleeve. From where he sat, Joe couldn\u2019t see what Kitty was saying, but he saw Adam freeze, and then turn and glance in Joe\u2019s direction. Adams eyes reflected his moment of indecision. He gazed at Joe as if trying to gauge how his brother was faring. Joe nodded to him briefly, a question in his eyes. Adam inclined his head, a tight smile at his lips, but he shook his head as if to indicate that he had no answer to Joe\u2019s silent question. Joe watched his brother rise and walk out of the courtroom, a little blond tugboat pulling him along behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWere you ever in love with Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d Greenwell asked. He leaned forward, his eyes conveying a measure of strength to the weary man on the witness chair. Joe jerked in surprise, he had almost forgotten that he was sitting on the witness stand. He thrust the thoughts of Adam and Kitty from his mind, and turned his attention to his lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe seized on the question. \u201cNo,\u201d he replied vigorously. \u201cNo, I was never in love with her. We dated a couple of times, but it was very casual.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you would have no reason to feel betrayed or jealous?\u201d Greenwell responded quickly. \u201cYou had no cause at all for anger, in fact?\u201d The attorney repeated his question several ways, in the hopes that the jury would remember his point during their deliberations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Joe\u2019s voice rang out defiantly. \u201cNo! I wasn\u2019t angry with Mary Sue, or jealous. We were friends, casual friends, and that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you attack Mary Sue in the alley that night, Joe?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s voice was confident. It filled the silent room, and the audience leaned forward almost as one, their indrawn breath casing an audible ripple in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were clear, and he looked straight at the jury. \u201cNo!\u201d he stated. \u201cI didn\u2019t attack Mary Sue.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 His voice rang with conviction, and several of the jurymen were visibly startled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell announced that he had no further questions, and Judge Wheeler instructed Joe to return to his seat. Joe rose on legs that almost refused to support him, and he took a deep breath before he moved across that expanse of floor. He felt the stares from countless pairs of eyes, and a flush worked its way up from his collar, suffusing his face in a crimson glow. With a sigh of relief, he dropped into his chair, and scooted backwards toward his family. Instantly two hands shot out, gripping his arms and shoulders in a loving cocoon of protection, as Ben and Hoss reminded Joe of their support. Joe relaxed into the arms, and allowed the emotion to drain from his tense body. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead and he wiped them away with a shaky hand. At least his part was over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell was about to announce that he had no further witnesses, when there was a stir at the courtroom door. Adam Cartwright strode boldly up the aisle, Kitty Henderson skipping along behind him. He handed a note to Greenwell, who read it casually, and then again, more eagerly the second time. Greenwell swiftly turned toward the judge. \u201cYour Honor, I request a fifteen minute recess,\u201d he asked quickly. \u201cI need time to prepare my next witness for her testimony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Randolf Hill shot to his feet. \u201cWhat witness, Your Honor?\u201d he shouted out. \u201cIt\u2019s a little late to be introducing new witnesses to this trial. I object to any new witnesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor,\u201d Greenwell interjected hastily, \u201cI beg the court\u2019s indulgence on this matter. A new witness has just come to light, and her testimony needs to be heard. We will of course allow the prosecution ample time to question her as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection overruled, fifteen minute recess,\u201d the judge ordered, banging his gavel once. \u201cMr. Greenwell, this witness better have relevant information in this case or you will be in serious trouble with this court.\u201d The Judge\u2019s gaze was baleful, his eyes menacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Honor, I promise that this witness can provide extremely relevant information to this case,\u201d Greenwell replied, a smile playing about his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The people stood as the judge left the bench, and Greenwell hastily escorted Joe from the stifling courtroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights clustered around Seth Greenwell in an excited knot. The little anteroom where they were standing barely had enough room for the five men, and the heat was unbearable. Hoss swabbed at his damp forehead with a large white handkerchief, while Adam\u2019s black shirt clung wetly to his muscular frame.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s gaze was sharp as he buttonholed Greenwell and demanded answers. \u201cSeth, who is this witness? What do you know?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice rose in anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell smiled exultantly. \u201cI\u2019ll let Adam explain it to you, Ben. I\u2019ve got to go talk to my new witness.\u201d He strode from the room, while three pairs of eyes swung immediately to the tall man in black.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTalk now, Adam,\u201d Hoss growled. \u201cI don\u2019 like been\u2019 kept in the dark.\u201d He moved closer to his brother, his bulk pressing Adam back toward the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed a little, and gave Hoss a mock shove. \u201cNow I know how the Christians felt when they were thrown to the lions,\u201d he replied playfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was sharp. \u201cWe\u2019ve all been through a lot today. I\u2019ll thank you to stop playing around and put our minds at ease.\u201d Ben jerked his head toward Little Joe, who was gazing at Adam silently, his face white with tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s tone was contrite, and his eyes softened in sympathy. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe, it\u2019s just that I was so excited by what I\u2019ve found out.\u201d He put his arm around Joe\u2019s slim shoulders. \u201cMaggie Holmes is going to testify.\u201d He clapped Joe on the back exultantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was confused. \u201cSo what, Adam? Just what I need is one more girl telling the court that she saw me attack Mary Sue.\u201d He pulled free from Adam\u2019s arm and moved to gaze out the window. In the distance the mountain peaks towered against an ominous sky. Thunder heads were building on the horizon. It looked like a storm was finally going to break the heat wave that had held Virginia City captive for so long. Joe\u2019s expression mirrored the darkening sky as he swung back toward his waiting family. \u201cI just want this all over. I want to go home!\u201d he said slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben moved for his son, and bracing a strong arm behind Joe\u2019s back, he pulled the boy close. \u201cSoon, son. Adam must think Maggie can help in some way, or he wouldn\u2019t be so happy about this. Let\u2019s trust him to know what he\u2019s doing.\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes sought Adam\u2019s over the top of Joe\u2019s head, a question forming in the coffee colored orbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded back reassuringly, and he pulled Joe\u2019s attention back to himself. \u201cI didn\u2019t find Maggie Holmes, Joe. Your little friend, Kitty Henderson, did. If Maggie\u2019s testimony helps in any way, you can thank Kitty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Kitty got to do with all of this?\u201d Joe\u2019s tone was hostile. He didn\u2019t have the energy to even pretend to hold his emotions in check anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Adam could answer, Roy poked his head in the door, and announced that the judge was ready to reconvene the court. He motioned for Joe to precede him out of the room. Joe allowed himself to be pushed along to the courtroom, his thoughts a roiling mass of confusion. He glanced back at the family trailing behind him, but they didn\u2019t have time to exchange any more words. When he reached his seat, Joe was surprised to see Kitty Henderson perched in a chair next to the three reserved for the Cartwright family. She flashed him a devilish grin, and he couldn\u2019t help but grin back at her, giving her a quick wink in place of a greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The judge entered the courtroom and everyone rose silently. After he had taken his place and the assembly reseated themselves, Seth Greenwell walked briskly before the judge\u2019s bench and called for his surprise witness. The audience looked on in confusion as Maggie Holmes walked timidly toward the witness stand. Joe glanced at Mary Sue as Maggie moved forward and he was surprised to see a look of fear cross the blond\u2019s face. It was quickly suppressed, and Mary Sue again turned a bland face to the watching crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth looked at Maggie kindly, as he allowed her time to compose herself in the witness chair. He waited while she was sworn in, and then he strode forward, ready to begin his questions. Maggie looked up at him fearfully, her eyes huge in her tear-streaked face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Holmes,\u201d Greenwell began softly, \u201cWere you present at the dance the night that Little Joe Cartwright allegedly attacked Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie gulped and nodded, needing to be prompted to answer aloud. \u201cY-y-yes, I was,\u201d she replied softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you while Little Joe and Mary Sue were in the alley?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s eyes maintained their kindly glint, and he smiled paternally at the frightened girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI – I was in the alley with the rest of the girls,\u201d Maggie answered carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell framed the question that was now on everyone\u2019s mind. \u201cThen why weren\u2019t you on the witness list filed in the Sheriff\u2019s office?\u201d He stepped back a few paces to allow the girl some breathing room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s face was pale, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Maybe because I didn\u2019t go into the barn after I saw Mary Sue and Joe go in. I was so frightened that I went home, but I\u2019m surprised the other girls didn\u2019t tell someone I was there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see Little Joe walk from the barn to the corner with Miss Henderson?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s questions were coming quickly now, as he tried to ease the girl into a more confident state of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did,\u201d Maggie replied eagerly. \u201cJoe was holding Mary Sue\u2019s hand, and he stopped to say hello to us.\u201d Maggie smoothed her dress with nervous fingers as she glanced fearfully at Mary Sue, who was now glaring back at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened then?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s tone deepened and he leaned forward a little, as eagerly as the jury to hear the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary Sue tugged on Joe\u2019s hand and asked him to walk farther away. She said she could talk to us later, and that she wanted to be alone with Joe. So they went to the corner.\u201d Maggie\u2019s voice had stopped shaking as she let her thoughts drift back in time. The events of the night were clear in her mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see Little Joe Cartwright attack Mary Sue Henderson, Miss Holmes?\u201d The lawyer\u2019s question was fired like a rifle shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s head came up, and she answered firmly. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t. I saw Mary Sue rip her own dress, and mess up her hair, and then she started screaming. When she ran toward us, I saw her reach up and scratch her own face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom erupted in chaos. Mary Sue let out a furious scream and leapt up from her chair, only to be grabbed firmly by the prosecutor. Pete Henderson jumped up as well, his chair flying back into the lap of the stout matron sitting behind him. That good woman let out a wail like a banshee, while the rest of the audience broke into loud conversation. Roy Coffee sprang forward just in time to head the irate man off, as he tried to lunge toward Little Joe. Only when Roy pulled his gun and pointed it at Henderson\u2019s chest did he stop his furious charge. Little Joe sat stunned in his chair, his eyes wide in his white face. Ben turned and looked fiercely at Adam, who returned his father\u2019s glance steadily. Ben was reassured by what he saw and suddenly his face crumpled in relief, tears forming in the corner of his eyes. Hoss started thumping Little Joe on the back in excitement, unaware that he was leaving bruises that his brother would feel for weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The banging of the judge\u2019s gavel finally penetrated the bedlam. \u201cOrder! Order in the courtroom!\u201d Wheeler bellowed. He continued banging for several more seconds until an uneasy silence returned to the courtroom. \u201cContinue, Mr. Greenwell,\u201d Wheeler ordered. He turned a hooded glare on the assembled people. \u201cLet everyone be aware that if we have any similar disruptions, I will clear this courtroom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell couldn\u2019t contain his smile as he resumed his questioning. \u201cWhy would Miss Henderson do that?\u201d he asked quizzically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill shot to his feet. \u201cObjection!\u201d he roared, as if relieved to finally find a place to voice his displeasure with the events. \u201cSpeculation on the part of the witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSustained,\u201d Wheeler responded firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Greenwell changed his tactics. \u201cMiss Holmes, the whole town has been aware of this trial for some time. Why have you waited until now to come forward with this testimony?\u201d Seth paced back and forth slowly, waiting for the answer that everyone wanted to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie hung her head in shame, her cheeks flushed with a crimson stain. \u201cI was afraid,\u201d she whispered. Flinging her head up abruptly, determination replaced fear. \u201cKitty told me that Little Joe was going to go to prison, and I couldn\u2019t let that happen. He\u2019s innocent. Mary Sue made it all up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill was on his feet, but was unable to find a reason for an objection. Under the judge\u2019s heavy glare he sank back into his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Greenwell\u2019s one word question hung in the air as Maggie considered her answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At last the young girl raised her head, her trembling fingers ceased their smoothing motions and she sat up straight and tall. \u201cIt was part of the club\u2019s initiation,\u201d she said simply, as if that explained everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A little ripple of conversation spread through the courtroom, and Wheeler lifted his gavel. Before he could even bring it down, the murmur died. No one wanted to be ejected from the courtroom. In the distance, the low rumble of thunder could be heard, rising to a crescendo and then trailing off. The storm was moving closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again Greenwell asked the question that begged to be answered. \u201cWhat club?\u201d he asked, his eyebrows almost disappearing into his hairline as they rose in excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a club that Mary Sue started. At first it was just for fun, but then things changed,\u201d Maggie\u2019s voice was gaining strength, and her eyes gleamed with determination. \u201cWe were tired of all the boys in this town treating us like we were good for nothing but dancing with. We wanted some fun and excitement, too, because we\u2019ve been so bored. So Mary Sue started this girl\u2019s club. The only rule was that we had to do things to make the boys angry and get away with it. No matter what someone did, we had to back them up. If you didn\u2019t back up a person\u2019s story, then you got kicked out of the club.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s story trailed off, and she looked nervously over at Mary Sue, who was obviously fuming. The jury was also looking at Mary Sue in speculation, while Pete Henderson simply glared in red-faced fury at everyone around him. The girls who had testified against Little Joe were sinking in their chairs, while the people sitting near them were whispering and pointing behind raised fans or shielding hands. Again Judge Wheeler\u2019s gavel banged, and more than one person jumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat in stunned silence throughout Maggie\u2019s testimony. He closed his eyes, as he struggled to control his anger. Was it possible that Renny Miller had died because some girls were looking for a little excitement? He felt sickened at the thought. The fact that Mary Sue had been willing to let him go to prison for a crime he didn\u2019t commit was a thought he shoved ruthlessly out of his mind. He couldn\u2019t afford to let anger take control at this moment. When he heard Greenwell continue his questioning, Joe opened his eyes. He gazed across the crowded courtroom, and saw that Mary Sue was looking back at him. Joe looked at her, pity shining in his eyes. Mary Sue flinched, anger burning in her blue eyes, an ugly red flush staining her neck and cheeks. Deliberately, she turned her head away, and she refused to look back at him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s attention returned to the proceedings, and he realized that he had missed several of Seth\u2019s questions for Maggie. It appeared that she had been describing in more detail the club\u2019s activities and was in the process of naming the members, all of whom had appeared before the court as witnesses in the trial. It was clear that Maggie\u2019s testimony was dealing the case against Joe Cartwright a severe blow. At last, Greenwell finished, and turned the witness over to Randolf Hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill was furious, and he stalked toward the witness stand, a lethal gleam in his eye. Maggie cringed before him, her confidence leeching away with each passing second. \u201cMiss Holmes.\u201d Hill made the words seem like an epithet. \u201cWhy would you wait so long to come forward with such a ridiculous story?\u201d he demanded angrily. \u201cYou were certainly given ample time before the trial to come forward and give a deposition. Indeed, if what you say is true, there might not even have been a trial. Why, Miss Holmes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s voice was again barely audible. \u201cI was afraid,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfraid of what?\u201d Hill pounced quickly, leaning forward intently so that Maggie cringed backwards away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid of Mary Sue,\u201d the girl replied quietly. \u201cShe said if I told anyone about this she\u2019d find a way to get to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill drew himself up to his full height, and his voice was harsh as he demanded, \u201cAre you saying that this… this young woman,\u201d and here he pointed dramatically at Mary Sue, who was contriving to look as young and sweet as possible, \u201cthat Mary Sue Henderson has been threatening you, Miss Holmes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s eyes filled with tears, but she spoke with determination. \u201cYes, she has. She told me to watch my step, or she would find a way to hurt me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill stopped a moment to rethink his strategy. \u201cAre you now a member of this so-called club, Miss Holmes?\u201d he asked searchingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie shook her head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not. I was kicked out of the club, because I didn\u2019t like what happened to Renny Miller.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill nodded sagely. \u201cAh, so you are no longer a member of this \u2018club\u2019, and that makes you unhappy. Is that right? Perhaps you are bitter about being asked to leave the organization? Are you holding a grudge against Mary Sue Henderson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maggie\u2019s eyes went wide with disbelief. \u201cNo!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cIt was the best thing that ever happened to me. I\u2019m glad I\u2019m not in that group anymore. Those girls were awful, and they got worse every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill realized that he wasn\u2019t going to be able to shake Maggie\u2019s story, and he decided to wrap up his questions quickly. He could tell that the jury was drinking in every word she said, and his case was disintegrating before his eyes. He announced that he had no further questions, and retired to his seat with a show of disdain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Wheeler, his face dripping with sweat from the stifling heat in the crowded room, called for a recess to allow the attorneys to prepare for their closing arguments. Once again the crowd sat in their seats, but bedlam reigned as their voices strove to outdo each other. Speculation, comments and whispers were traded, but when Little Joe rose and was escorted from the courtroom, a visible hush fell over the crowd. Once he was safely out the door, the noise began again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood silent in the midst of a storm of emotion. He felt spent and drained. Despite his innocence, he had begun to fear he had no way to prove it. Maggie\u2019s testimony had blown Mary Sue\u2019s assertions to bits, but it all depended on whose version of the story the jury would believe. Ben looked up from his conversation with Hoss and Adam, who were discussing the testimony in excited tones. He saw the bleak expression on Joe\u2019s face and swiftly moved to his son\u2019s side. Outside the rumble of thunder moved closer, booming through the courthouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d Ben\u2019s face was concerned. \u201cYou should be happy at being vindicated.\u201d Ben slipped his arm around Joe\u2019s tense and unyielding shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m relieved, Pa,\u201d Joe replied quietly. \u201cBut I\u2019m not sure that I\u2019m happy. I just can\u2019t believe that Renny died for something so stupid.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes reflected his desolation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben squeezed his son\u2019s shoulder gently, and he pulled Joe closer to him. \u201cIt\u2019s a horrible thing, I\u2019ll agree, Joe. I\u2019m just glad that the same thing won\u2019t happen to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to his father, a trace of fear on his face. \u201cWhat if the jury doesn\u2019t believe Maggie?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat if they decide that Mary Sue was telling the truth, Pa? I\u2019ll still go to prison, or worse!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled gently. \u201cMaggie was very convincing, Joe. We\u2019re just going to have to rely on the jury\u2019s common sense. If they do decide to believe Mary Sue, we have a sound case for an appeal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, his smile still doubtful. \u201cI guess I\u2019ll celebrate when it\u2019s all over, Pa. I\u2019m afraid to get my hopes up.\u201d Joe\u2019s head jerked up as the roll of thunder boomed through the room. \u201cThat storm\u2019s getting close. It\u2019s a big one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, knowing that Joe was trying to ease the tension of the situation. \u201cI hope it brings a break in this heat wave. The whole town\u2019s on edge because of it.\u201d The two men moved off chatting of the storm, both trying to keep their fears at bay with their idle conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy arrived to summon Joe for a return to the courtroom. The Cartwrights filed out of the room for what they hoped was the last time. Joe noticed that both Adam and Hoss found some way to clasp his shoulder, and that Ben never let go of his arm. He took strength from the love of his family and it brought him a measure of peace. Whatever happened the Cartwrights would deal with it together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe saw the courtroom was still packed, the stillness in the air a presage of the impending storm outside. The bright flash of lightening occasionally lit the sky, accompanied by ever closer booming peals of thunder. It wouldn\u2019t be long before the storm arrived, hopefully to break the grip the heat had on the town. The arrival of the judge brought Joe\u2019s thoughts back to the present, and he watched attentively as the prosecutor walked briskly to the front of the courtroom, ready to begin his closing argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Randolf Hill looked calm and self-possessed. His walk was almost a swagger, as he paced in front of the breathless courtroom. Every eye in the place was riveted to the man, and he reveled in it. Hill launched into a restatement of the prosecution\u2019s case against Little Joe Cartwright. He mentioned the events at the barn dance, and Joe\u2019s asking Mary Sue to dance. He depicted Joe as a passionate man, who was suffering from a bad case of jealousy. Mary Sue had rebuffed him, and he was angry. Angry enough to pull her into an alley and attack her in front of a group of her friends. He mentioned Maggie Holmes\u2019s story about a girl\u2019s club, and dismissed it as pure fantasy. Maggie was clearly jealous of Mary Sue\u2019s beauty and popularity. He hinted that perhaps Cartwright money had bought and paid for Maggie\u2019s story, without actually coming out and saying the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt the slow burn of anger begin in his gut, and move throughout his body. He knew that Hill was only doing his job, but to hear the man twisting every word that had been said infuriated him. How could anyone believe the pack of lies that had been paraded as the truth in this courtroom? He glanced at Mary Sue and saw that she was wearing a triumphant smile as Hill talked about her sweetness and virtue. She was clearly enjoying her moment in the spotlight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hill talked and talked. He paced the floor in front of the jury, arguing, pleading and cajoling them to accept the word of the girls who had appeared before them. They all told the same story, and they all were convinced that they told the truth. The jury watched wide-eyed throughout Hill\u2019s speech, soaking in every word. They never moved their eyes from the energetic speaker, doubts about Maggie Holmes beginning to creep into their minds. At last Hill wound down. He stopped dramatically in front of Joe and pointed an outraged finger at the slender man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen of the jury!\u201d he thundered. \u201cThis man attacked an innocent young girl in full view of her friends. Punish him for what he has done. Make this town safe for women again!\u201d With that parting shot still reverberating through the hushed room, Hill walked grandly back to his seat and sat down with a flourish. Almost in unison, everyone in the crowd took a deep breath. More than a few people had been holding their breath for the duration of Hill\u2019s speech to the jury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell rose and walked forward into the silent room. He allowed the silence to build until people\u2019s nerves were at the breaking point. \u201cGentlemen of the jury, I\u2019d like to tell you a story,\u201d he began quietly. \u201cI\u2019d like to tell you about a group of girls who were bored, and tired of the young men in the town treating them unfairly. What did they do about this feeling? They started a club. At first the club was just something to pass the time, but then it became something more. Little things were done to annoy the young men of Virginia City, to the great amusement of these girls. Then the little things became bigger. And finally, the most exciting thing of all was planned. Renny Miller was accused of attacking a young girl and arrested on a criminal charge.\u201d Greenwell was pacing back and forth in front of the jury, his pleasant tone giving way to a stronger, more forceful one. The jurymen swung their heads back and forth, following his every move<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink of how exciting Renny Miller\u2019s arrest was for these girls. At last, something was happening in this dull, old town. They agreed to stick together through thick and thin. And sure enough, they did. But something went wrong. Renny was lynched, hung by a mob led by an irate father, who didn\u2019t know that Renny was innocent, that it was his own daughter who was lying. And suddenly, the games of this group of girls weren\u2019t games anymore. Did that satisfy them? No, it didn\u2019t. One of them went looking for another victim, and Little Joe Cartwright walked into her trap. Again the girls stuck together, agreed on a story, and were willing to send an innocent man to prison, or worse, to his death. All except for one girl. One girl with a conscience, who at last found the courage to come forward and speak the truth.\u201d Greenwell stopped pacing and stood before the jury, his eyes passionate and commanding, as he forced them to listen to his words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have heard the so-called evidence presented against Little Joe, the words of all the eyewitnesses to his alleged crimes matched perfectly. But stop to consider, were they too perfectly matched? If the girls were speaking the truth, their stories might have varied just a little, don\u2019t you think? They had different perspectives, and should have seen different things, but their stories were all exactly the same. Gentlemen of the jury, it is time to tell these little girls that their game is over. They need to stop playing with lives in such a callous fashion. It is up to you to let them know that Virginia City won\u2019t tolerate their behavior anymore! Declare Joe Cartwright innocent, because that is what he is.\u201d Greenwell stopped speaking, he walked deliberately back to his chair and sat down tiredly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The booming crash of thunder rolled through the room, as a bolt of lightening hit somewhere near the courthouse. The screams of the women in the room testified to their shock at being awakened from the trance they were in. Judge Wheeler banged his gavel to call the court to order. When it was silent at last, he gave some last instructions to the jury and sent them to deliberate on the fate of Little Joe Cartwright. Outside, the storm broke, and rain fell to the ground in a torrent. The long heat wave was over at last.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights had gathered in the little anteroom to await the jury\u2019s decision, but they barely had time to get settled. It seemed to take only a matter of minutes for the call to return to the courtroom was heard. Joe\u2019s eyes were troubled as he sought his father\u2019s face. A quick verdict could mean the jury had totally dismissed Maggie Holmes\u2019s testimony, or it could mean that they had believed every word she said. Ben silently gripped Joe\u2019s arm, and he didn\u2019t let go as they walked into the courtroom. Joe leaned into the welcome support, and drew a measure of strength from it. As they walked into the courtroom, he found the peace to smile into his father\u2019s eyes. Ben smiled back encouragingly, and then they were forced to separate, Joe moving to his chair, and Ben filing in behind him, along with Adam and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They watched grimly as the jury filed in and took their places. The judge asked for the verdict and quietly received the slip of paper that was handed to him. He read it without expression, and handed it back to the bailiff, who returned it to the foreman of the jury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Wheeler\u2019s voice rang into the hushed courtroom. He had to speak loudly to be heard over the torrential rain outside. \u201cGentlemen of the jury, what is your verdict?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The foreman of the jury looked directly at Joe and spoke in a loud voice. \u201cWe find the defendant Not Guilty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom erupted into chaos. The people of Virginia City, held captive in their chairs for so long, sprang up and the swell of conversation roared through the room. Mary Sue Henderson sat in stunned silence, her face pale, except for two bright red spots of anger that burned on her cheekbones. Her father leapt to his feet, and with a loud scream of rage, launched himself toward Little Joe. Adam had been anticipating such a move and he hastily pushed aside two chairs, and leapt in between Little Joe and the irate father. The sheriff also moved forward and between the two men, they wrestled Pete to the ground. Roy Coffee hauled the still-struggling man upright and happily dragged him off to the jail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright reached to shake Seth Greenwell\u2019s hand, trying to voice his gratitude. Greenwell waved him off with a deprecating smile, and then he turned to Little Joe. Joe was still standing in stunned disbelief. He had been so sure that he was going to prison that he couldn\u2019t quite believe his name had been cleared. Greenwell placed both hands up on Joe\u2019s shoulders and smiled into the bewildered green eyes. \u201cCome on, Little Joe, wake up!\u201d he smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re a free man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook himself and let a smile break out on his face. \u201cI am, aren\u2019t I?\u201d he whispered. \u201cI\u2019m really cleared?\u201d When he saw the answering smiles on the faces gathered around him, Joe let loose with his wicked giggle. \u201cThanks, Seth,\u201d he said gratefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben saw the courtroom was finally clearing and he shepherded his sons and the lawyer outside into the teeming rain. He marched them down the street to the International House, determined to provide Little Joe with a grand dinner to celebrate his acquittal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A couple of hours later, the five men sat lazily around a table littered with the remains of their dinner. Even Hoss had a look of repleteness, an unusual occurrence for him. The conversation had dwindled to a few desultory remarks about the cool air that was coming in the open windows. The rain had finally stopped and the temperature had dropped considerably. Joe looked at the group of men around the table, and the warmth of his feelings threatened to overwhelm him. He was saved from the embarrassment of making an emotional spectacle of himself by the arrival of Kitty Henderson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The little girl danced up to the table, a huge smile on her face. Joe stood up as she approached the table and swept the squealing girl into a bear hug. Between giggles the little girl pressed her lips to Little Joe\u2019s ear and whispered, \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re not going to jail, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hugged the child tightly, and whispered back, \u201cI\u2019ve got you to thank for that, Kitty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty smiled sweetly, and then let a serious expression take over her small face. \u201cMy Pa is pretty angry, Little Joe. He was yelling something fierce a little while ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked startled. \u201cYour Pa is home, Kitty? I thought Sheriff Coffee…?\u201d Joe let his voice trail off before he could say something to upset the little girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty didn\u2019t seem to notice though, and she immediately put on a confiding expression. \u201cHe came home from the jail not too long after the trial. He said something about bailing. I don\u2019t know what that means, though.\u201d Kitty continued innocently, \u201cHe sure was mad, it made his face all red. So I came looking for you, Little Joe. I got tired of listening to Pa and Mary Sue yell at each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe put the child down and pulled up a chair for her at the table. Signaling the waiter, he ordered a piece of chocolate cake for the little girl. He watched with a smile as her eyes danced with excitement at the sight of the huge slab on her plate. Joe looked up to see the rest of his family watching him with worried eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben\u2019s deep voice was hesitant. \u201cDo you think it\u2019s a good idea for Kitty to be here with us right now?\u201d He glanced at the girl who was happily digging into her piece of cake, her feet swinging back and forth in ecstasy as she swallowed each mouthful. \u201cHer father and sister aren\u2019t going to be too happy with us after the trial, and Kitty could get in a lot of trouble if she\u2019s seen with us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam lowered his voice, as he tried to keep the child from overhearing the conversation. \u201cI don\u2019t understand how the judge could let Pete Henderson out on bail so quickly. That man deserves to be in prison for all he\u2019s done to Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss growled, \u201cSo does his daughter!\u201d A scowl made Hoss\u2019s face look menacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben urgently signaled his sons to stop talking as Kitty\u2019s head swung up to listen to the conversation, a frown on her face. \u201cAre you enjoying your cake, young lady?\u201d he asked heartily, in an attempt to distract her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Kitty had a chance to answer there was a commotion in the dining room. Pete Henderson, his face dark red with anger, strode across the crowded room until he stood glaring down at the Cartwrights. \u201cSo you must be feeling pretty good, Ben,\u201d he hissed angrily. \u201cYour lying son sits here, happy as a clam, while my daughter is home crying her eyes out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty shrank down in her chair, in the vain hope that her father wouldn\u2019t notice her sitting with the Cartwrights. Adam casually moved his chair so that his body partially shielded the little girl from her father\u2019s line of sight. Hoss stood abruptly, ready to spring into action if Henderson should turn violent, but Ben waved him back down. They were already attracting attention in the dining room, and he didn\u2019t want Hoss\u2019s looming bulk to draw more eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The object of Henderson\u2019s tirade sat numbly in his chair. Little Joe heaved a weary sigh. He wanted to believe that he could put the whole ordeal behind him, but apparently the Hendersons weren\u2019t going to let that happen. He lowered his eyes to his plate and concentrated on ignoring the angry man, which seemed to irritate Henderson more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben spoke abruptly, his tone harsh. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go on back home, Pete? There\u2019s nothing more we have to say to each other right now. The jury found Little Joe innocent, and that\u2019s the end of the story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Greenwell, who had been a silent witness to the whole event, stood up. \u201cPete, if you don\u2019t leave Little Joe alone, Ben can have a restraining order placed against you. With your actions during this whole ordeal there would be more than enough reason for a judge to move against you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Henderson almost danced, his rage was so great. Flecks of spittle flew from his mouth and his eyes bulged from his head, while a great vein throbbed in his forehead. \u201cYou just try it, Greenwell!\u201d he shouted loudly. \u201cI\u2019ll show you what I think of your damn restraining order.\u201d Henderson pulled a derringer from a hidden pocket in his coat, and aimed it directly at Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights and Seth Greenwell sat frozen, their mouths open in shock. Hoss awoke first and started to lunge toward Henderson\u2019s outstretched arm. At the same moment, Adam smoothly drew his own gun, and pointed it toward Henderson. They were both too late. The little gun spoke once, and Joe stared unbelievingly at the red stain that started to grow on his shirt front. Then his vision blurred and darkened, and he slid to the floor without a sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The yap of the little gun was almost lost in the answering roar of Adam\u2019s larger one. Pete Henderson fell like a stone, his heart pierced by Adam\u2019s bullet. The only sound in the hotel dining room was the piercing scream of a ten-year-old girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright paced the small waiting room that adjoined Doc Martin\u2019s office. His feet tapped out a steady, measured beat. He had been walking without stopping for hours now, and Hoss and Adam despaired of getting him to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They had rushed Joe to the doctor\u2019s office, horrified by the amount of blood pouring from the wound in his chest. Ben had been a calm tower of strength at the restaurant, directing the attorney to take little Kitty Henderson into his care, obtaining a stack of linen napkins from the hovering waiters to staunch Joe\u2019s wound, and then helping Hoss and Adam move Joe carefully across the rain slick streets. Once Paul had taken a look at Joe and ordered everyone from his operating room, Ben had crumbled. It was then the pacing started, and he seemed unable to stop. The longer the door between the two rooms remained closed, the more shuttered and grim Ben became.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood and moved to his father for another attempt. He stepped into his father\u2019s path, forcing him to a stop. Putting both hands on Ben\u2019s shoulders, he said urgently, \u201cPa, please sit down. You\u2019re wearing yourself out! This isn\u2019t doing Little Joe any good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was pretty bad, Adam.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was strained and tired. \u201cHe lost a lot of blood on the way over here.\u201d Ben tried to start moving again, but Adam held him still.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine, Pa. He\u2019s just got to be.\u201d Adam looked into his father\u2019s tired eyes and smiled pleadingly. \u201cLittle Joe is a fighter. He won\u2019t give up for love or money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that he\u2019s been acquitted, he\u2019s got so much to look forward to,\u201d Ben said softly. \u201cHe\u2019s got to make it, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss rose from his chair and moved to join his family. \u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Pa. He\u2019s probably in there right now, fussin\u2019 at the doc, and itchin\u2019 to go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned grateful eyes to his sons. \u201cThanks boys, a man couldn\u2019t ask for better sons. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s next words were interrupted by the opening of the surgery door. Paul Martin emerged, rubbing tiredly at his eyes and wiping his hands on a towel. Spots of blood could be seen on his shirt, and Ben winced as he realized that it was Little Joe\u2019s. Paul smiled tiredly at the three men who looked at him anxiously. \u201cI\u2019ve had to do quite a bit of stitching, Ben. That bullet came closer to Joe\u2019s lung then I like, but I\u2019ve done the best I can. It\u2019s up to Little Joe now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I see him?\u201d Ben\u2019s face was as tired as Paul Martin\u2019s, but his eyes were pleading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Ben. I\u2019ve got him sedated, so he won\u2019t be able to talk to you. But you can sit with him, if you like.\u201d Paul smiled as he spoke. He knew that Ben Cartwright wouldn\u2019t leave Little Joe\u2019s side unless he was ordered to do so by the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben moved quickly to the bed where Little Joe lay, pale and unresponsive. He sank into a chair that was set by the bedside, and reached for Joe\u2019s hand. Joe\u2019s face was waxy and still, his skin made translucent by the loss of too much blood. He made no response to Ben\u2019s warm clasp, and he didn\u2019t move as Ben reached to smooth the unruly curls that fell on Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cJoe,\u201d Ben whispered. \u201cCan you hear me, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer, but Ben continued to speak, telling Joe of the many things they would do now that the trial was over, of plans for the ranch, and the horses that Joe was thinking of selling to a breeder in Carson City. Adam and Hoss hovered uncertainly in the background, not wanting to interrupt, but feeling the need to be close to their little brother. As the minutes turned to hours, the two men pulled up chairs, and the Cartwright family prepared to hold a vigil at Joe\u2019s bedside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunlight sparkled through the windowpane, the patterns created by the reflected light glancing off the face of the young man in the bed. Ben stirred and stretched, as he realized that he had drifted off sometime in the small hours of the morning. He looked quickly at Joe, but could see no change in his son\u2019s condition. Glancing around the room, a smile came to his lips as he saw Adam asleep in a chair on the other side of the bed, his head resting on Joe\u2019s arm. Hoss was sleeping in another chair set next to Adam\u2019s. The big man was tipped back, his snores reverberating through the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened and Paul Martin strode into the room, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. Seeing that Ben was awake, he promptly handed the coffee over to his friend, who took it gratefully. \u201cThere was no change during the night, Ben.\u201d Paul answered the question before it was asked. \u201cBut in this case that\u2019s probably a good thing. With a wound like this the first few hours are critical. The fact that Joe\u2019s still with us is a sign of his will to survive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d The words were a bare whisper of sound in the room, but Ben\u2019s head jerked toward the bed excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u201d he breathed, and he moved quickly to his son\u2019s side. \u201cHow are you feeling, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe answered briefly. He struggled to move his arm, but it was caught under Adam\u2019s dark head. The movement woke Adam, who struggled to wipe the sleep from his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing that Joe was awake, a broad smile lit Adam\u2019s face. \u201cHey, little brother. Finally awake, I see. It\u2019s about time you stopped being so lazy.\u201d Adam\u2019s words were accompanied by his gentle hand lifting to Joe\u2019s forehead as he checked for signs of fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled weakly back at his older brother. \u201cAw, come on, older brother,\u201d he said softly. \u201cA man\u2019s got a right to rest, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s snores ceased abruptly as he jerked awake, startled by the voices in the room. His blue eyes widened in pleased surprise, and he hastily jumped to his feet. \u201cHey, Short Shanks! It\u2019s good to see you back with us!\u201d he crowed excitedly. \u201cHow are ya, Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever better, brother,\u201d Joe replied. He tried to laugh, but the sound was cut off abruptly as he gasped in pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin leapt forward, forcibly moving the concerned men aside in order to get to his patient. \u201cLet me take a look at you, young man,\u201d he said with mock sternness. \u201cBen, why don\u2019t you take Adam and Hoss for some breakfast. You\u2019ve had a hard night, and I\u2019m sure you could all use some food. I\u2019ll look after Little Joe.\u201d He shooed the men out of the room, and began a careful check of the bandages that swathed Little Joe\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winced in pain, as the doctor probed an especially tender spot. \u201cHow does it look, Doc?\u201d he gasped out finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwright luck was working yesterday, Little Joe,\u201d the doctor replied soberly. \u201cA fraction of an inch to the right and that bullet would have seriously damaged your lung. As it is, you\u2019re going to be laid up for quite a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grimaced, as the doctor began to change the dressing on the wound. \u201cDoc?\u201d he asked suddenly. \u201cWhat happened to Pete Henderson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Martin busied himself with the soiled dressing, as he tossed the old soiled bandages out and replaced them with new, he carefully avoided Little Joe\u2019s questioning eyes. He mixed a powdery substance into some water, and returned to Joe\u2019s side. \u201cDrink this first, and then I\u2019ll answer your question, Joe,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor lifted Joe\u2019s head, and held the glass to the young man\u2019s lips. It was obvious that he wasn\u2019t going to let Joe argue his way out of the medicine, so Joe didn\u2019t even try, although he grimaced at the bitter taste of the drug. It was only when the last drop had been drained from the glass that Paul gave in. \u201cPete Henderson is dead; your brother shot him trying to defend you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes clouded, as he struggled to remember the scene that had become somewhat blurred in his mind. \u201cAdam?\u201d he asked soberly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the doctor\u2019s nod, Joe closed his eyes. The drug was already starting to work its way through his system, and he could feel himself drifting. Another thought inserted itself into Joe\u2019s mind, and his eyes snapped open. \u201cWhat about Mary Sue?\u201d he asked groggily. \u201cAnd Kitty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul stood silently for a moment. \u201cMary Sue has disappeared, Little Joe. No one\u2019s seen her since she argued with her father after the trial. Roy has questioned all of her friends and they aren\u2019t talking. Kitty has been taken in by some friends in town. Roy sent a wire to her maternal grandparents, and they\u2019re on their way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to form words to express his thoughts about Mary Sue and Kitty, but he couldn\u2019t fight the pull of the drug. The welcome release of oblivion overtook him, and he let the darkness take him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Little Joe rode toward Virginia City, he reveled in the crisp fall air. After the long summer of stifling heat, the first few days of autumn were a welcome change. In the month since the trial and the shooting, Joe had struggled to recover in both mind and body. He knew that he had given his father and brothers some anxious moments during his initial recovery. The chest wound had been serious, and he still was feeling the effects. It was only a week that he had been allowed to ride freely around the ranch. His father had hovered over him like a hen over its lone chick. Joe, never one to take recuperation times seriously, had been restless and edgy until he was finally given permission to ride again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s thoughts turned toward Kitty Henderson. He hadn\u2019t seen the little girl since the day of her father\u2019s death, although he had been kept up to date on her during his recuperation. He was going to say goodbye. Kitty\u2019s grandparents were taking her to live in St. Louis. The girl had been left an orphan when her father was killed, and with the disappearance of her sister, her grandparents were all she had left. Guilt stabbed through Joe, as he thought of all the girl had lost because of him. He hoped that she would forgive him enough to let him say goodbye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thoughts of Kitty led Joe into thoughts of Mary Sue. He wondered vaguely where she had gone, and if she would ever turn up in his life again. No one had seen Mary Sue in Virginia City since the day of the trial. Her friends stoically denied any knowledge of her whereabouts, but the townsfolk looked on them somewhat askance, knowing what had been revealed at the trial. The little clique of girls seemed to have been forcibly disbanded by their horrified parents, and most of the girls were being kept from seeing one another. The town was slowly recovering from the events that surrounded the trial of Little Joe Cartwright, but the deep wounds would take time to heal completely. The death of Renny Miller was a blemish that the town would like to wipe away, but everyone knew that Renny\u2019s death couldn\u2019t and shouldn\u2019t be forgotten. The return of the cool weather had brought a return of sanity to the town, and people were deeply ashamed at their part in the tragic events.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And so, as Little Joe rode quietly through the streets of Virginia City, he wasn\u2019t surprised to see some of the townsfolk turn away in shame, while others smiled and waved somewhat sheepishly. He acknowledged the people who waved, but didn\u2019t stop to talk. He headed for the stage depot with a single-minded determination to see Kitty Henderson before she left the town forever. Tying Cochise to the hitching rail in front of the depot, Joe scanned the crowd. He was afraid that he had missed the girl\u2019s departure, until he suddenly spied her, walking toward the waiting stage, a little carpetbag in her hand. She was flanked by an older couple, who looked pleasant and mild-mannered. He could tell, just by the way Kitty\u2019s grandfather laid his hand on her shoulder, that there was love for the child present. Joe smiled in relief. Kitty was going to be all right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked toward the trio hesitantly, afraid that Kitty would turn away from him in anger. His steps faltered a bit, but he planted himself in their path, so that they would have to walk right past him to reach the stage. Joe\u2019s hands were clenched nervously, as he waited for Kitty to see him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The little girl was chattering to the older woman on her right. Her grandmother was smiling down at her, as she responded to the girl\u2019s comments, when suddenly Kitty\u2019s eyes went wide. She stared at Little Joe in surprise for a moment, and while Joe stood waiting, she suddenly broke free from her grandfather\u2019s hand and ran toward him. Throwing herself into Little Joe\u2019s arms, she beamed happily. \u201cOh, Little Joe, you\u2019re all right! I was so afraid I\u2019d never see you again!\u201d Kitty was babbling, while tears streamed down her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hugged her fiercely and stroked the pretty blond hair gently. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, darling,\u201d he crooned softly. \u201cIt\u2019s okay now. I couldn\u2019t let you go without saying goodbye, now could I?\u201d His eyes were bright with his own tears as he held the sobbing girl close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought my father had killed you, and I was so scared! And then Pa…\u201d Kitty\u2019s voice trailed off, and her eyes went blank with remembered horror. She buried her face in Joe\u2019s shoulder again, and hugged him tighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty\u2019s grandparents reached the pair at that moment, and in the flurry of introductions, the little girl was able to pull herself together. Wiping the tears from her eyes onto the back of her sleeve, she sniffed a little, but smiled, as she said, \u201cI\u2019m going to St. Louis with Grandma and Grandpa, Little Joe. They say it\u2019s really pretty there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled broadly at the return of Kitty\u2019s smile. \u201cThat sounds fine, Kitty, real fine.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He met the eyes of Kitty\u2019s grandfather, and gazed at them with a wordless plea. \u201cI\u2019ll miss you so much!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The older man smiled back, and nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ll make sure she keeps in touch, Mr. Cartwright. Kitty won\u2019t ever forget her friends here in Virginia City,\u201d he promised. \u201cAnd if you should hear any word of Mary Sue?\u201d He stopped quickly, afraid to go any farther, as he remembered who he was talking to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe just smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll let you know if there\u2019s any news,\u201d he promised quietly. Joe turned his attention back to the little girl, as the stage driver bellowed for his passengers to climb aboard. \u201cNow you write to me, Kitty! Promise!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The little girl promised and gave Joe one last hug, and then climbed aboard the waiting stage with her grandparents. The last view Joe had of her, she was leaning out the window waving frantically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and slowly moved to remount his horse, his thoughts on the Henderson family, and the tragedy that had befallen them. Pete dead, Mary Sue missing and Kitty gone. So much had happened in such a short time. Joe shook the thoughts from his head. He hoped that he would see Kitty again sometime, but if the truth were told, he would be just as happy if he would never see her sister. He hoped that Mary Sue, wherever she had gone, and whatever she was doing, would never return to Virginia City. If she did, the law was waiting for her, at the very least a perjury charge would be filed against her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode at a leisurely pace out of Virginia City. He gazed back at the little town, the people bustling through the streets, and he smiled. It was good to put it all behind him. He turned his eyes toward the Ponderosa and home. Touching his heels to Cochise\u2019s sides, he urged the horse to a faster pace. It was time to go home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl wore a dress that had once been of fine quality, but was now stained and dirty. Her once pretty hair was snarled and tangled and matted with filth. As she walked through the back streets of Reno, she thought about what had reduced her to this state. Her friends had helped her this far and then turned their backs on her. She had no money and no friends, a fine life in ruins. And for it all she blamed one person, not herself, but Little Joe Cartwright. Her fine features twisted with hatred. The thought repeated itself over and over in her mind. *I\u2019ll make him pay*<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Shadow of Deception<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

by<\/span><\/p>\n

Karen Fedderly<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The barn was dark and shadowed with the coming night. As dusk crept in and the horses settled for the night, Little Joe Cartwright gave his beloved pinto a final rubdown with the curry comb and then headed for the house. He stopped briefly by the horse trough to splash his face with cool water from the pump. He let the water trickle down the back of his neck and soak his shirt. The heat, combined with a long day of breaking horses had left him sweat-soaked and weary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing with relief as the water refreshed his spirits, Joe straightened, his thoughts already turning toward dinner and a relaxing evening with his family. The glint of something gleaming silver in the feeble light thrown off by the early moon caught his attention. He stopped and bent over to pick up a pair of shiny silver spurs that were lying half-concealed in the loose dirt near the water trough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A perplexed frown creased Joe\u2019s face. He had seen just this set of spurs for sale in the mercantile in town the other day. In fact, he\u2019d stopped to admire them and had even considered purchasing them. A quick check of his wallet had convinced him to wait until payday later in the week, and he had put the spurs out of mind. Now here they were lying in the dirt in front of his house. Who could have left them there? He had only seen a single pair of the spurs in the little store, so this must be the same set. It was a mystery. Joe quickly put the spurs into his shirt pocket, making a mental note to check with the hands in the morning to see who had bought the spurs, so that he could return them. The smell wafting from Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen quickly put the thought of the spurs out of his mind, and he headed for the house, his hunger the only thing on his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that evening, as the Cartwrights relaxed in front of the fire, Joe was reminded of the spurs in his pocket. He felt the weight of them as he leaned forward to pounce on Hoss\u2019s remaining checkers. As he cleared the board and gave his brother a cheeky grin of triumph, Joe fished the spurs from his pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook what I found out front,\u201d he announced, holding the spurs up for all to see. \u201cThey were in the dirt by the horse trough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss leaned forward for a closer look, Adam letting out a soft whistle of admiration. \u201cThose are nice spurs, Joe. They look expensive. Who would have left them lying around outside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I looked at them in the mercantile the other day and they were pretty expensive. I was going to buy them, but I didn\u2019t have enough money. I didn\u2019t think one of the hands would have had the cash to buy them before payday, but someone must have had something in his poke. They didn\u2019t get here by themselves, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you just ask around tomorrow, Joseph?\u201d Ben Cartwright advised his son. \u201cI\u2019m sure the hand who lost them will be worried about losing something so expensive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll do just that, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI want to know who bought them. I kinda wanted them for myself, maybe whoever it is will let me buy them offa him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled. \u201cI knew there was more to this than just worry over some ranch hand losing their things, Short Shanks. I shoulda figgered that you\u2019d want those for yerself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe feigned annoyance with his older brother, and playfully punched his arm. \u201cHey, I always think about the other guy, Hoss. You know that!\u201d And with that the two men were off on a round of wrestling, which Adam and Ben tolerated until they upset the table that held Adam\u2019s cup of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben quickly called his unruly sons to order, and the roughhousing was discontinued for the night. The Cartwrights bid each other goodnight and headed up the stairs for a good night\u2019s rest. The spurs were forgotten, lying in a little silver heap on the coffee table in front of the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was reminded of the spurs when he descended the stairs the following morning. He quickly spotted them lying where he had left them the night before and, once again, he slipped them into his shirt pocket. After a hasty breakfast and a farewell to his father, Joe set off for his day\u2019s assignment. Although he questioned every hand he met that day, no one admitted ownership of the spurs. Joe pushed any thoughts of them to the back of his mind as he concentrated on breaking the day\u2019s quota of horses. He would ask his father what he should do that evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The day was long and exhausting. Joe pulled himself wearily from Cochise\u2019s back with a sense of satisfaction. The current crop of horses was a good one, and he knew the army would be pleased with them. In fact, they might even be able to drive the price up from last year\u2019s figures. He strolled toward the house, a soft whistle on his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s booted foot had only made it up onto the planked porch that flanked the large ranch house, when again he stopped and stared. Lying in a little heap on the rough board planking was a brand-new neck cloth. Joe had seen one exactly like it in the mercantile the same day he had admired the spurs. It was a soft green color, and he had fingered it momentarily, while debating about the spurs. He was just vain enough to know that it would set off his eyes nicely. Stooping to pick it up, he could tell that it was the same one he had admired in the store. It had a subtle flaw in one corner, in exactly the same spot as the one he had looked at.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He frowned in consternation. First the spurs, and now the neckerchief. Who was dropping the little objects around the Ponderosa? It wasn\u2019t one of the hands. None of them had known anything about the spurs, and he\u2019d be willing to bet that they wouldn\u2019t admit to knowing about the kerchief either. Still fingering the soft cloth, he entered the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up from his chair by the fireplace as Joe entered. The greeting he\u2019d been about to utter died on his lips when he saw the expression on Joe\u2019s face. Standing quickly he moved to meet his brother. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Joe?\u201d he asked quickly. \u201cYou look worried about something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe raised troubled eyes to his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cI found this out on the porch, Adam,\u201d he replied, his voice betraying his confusion. \u201cI was looking at this in the mercantile the other day, when I saw the spurs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s wrong with that, little brother?\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t understand why Joe was upset by such trivial incidents. \u201cAnyone could have dropped those things. We get a lot of men coming through here all day long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I asked all the hands about the spurs, and no one knew anything about them,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cI know if I ask about the kerchief I\u2019ll get the same response. Someone is leaving these things for me to find, Adam, and I want to know who it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI think you\u2019re making a mountain out of a molehill. How do you know the things were left for you, Joe? They could have been meant for me, or Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head stubbornly. \u201cThey were left for me. I know it. I was the one who saw them in the mercantile, and I was the one who found them. I want to know who\u2019s playing games with me.\u201d He brushed past Adam, a flash of irritation appearing on his face. \u201cI should have known you wouldn\u2019t listen to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The chuckle died on Adam\u2019s lips and he quickly grabbed Little Joe\u2019s arm and spun the younger man around to face him. \u201cI am listening, Joe!\u201d he protested. \u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to make fun of you or belittle your feelings. It\u2019s just that we don\u2019t have any evidence to back up your theory. I still say the spurs and the neckerchief could have been dropped by anybody, and they aren\u2019t necessarily being left for you to find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re wrong, older brother. Somehow, I\u2019ll prove it to you. Now if you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019m going upstairs to clean up for dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood watching Joe as he took the stairs two at a time. He flinched when the slam of the bedroom door reverberated through the house. A sigh escaped his lips. It never failed to amaze him how often he and Little Joe knocked heads, even when he had no intention of fighting with his younger brother. Wearily he headed back for his chair and picked up his book, but the words danced meaninglessly in front of his eyes. He\u2019d find a way to make Joe talk to him later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~**~*~**~*~**~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stayed tense and watchful over the next couple of days, but he found no more small trinkets lying in strange places. Adam kept a close eye on him, and when he saw Joe start to relax, he became less tense as well. The two men were fixing the fence line on the North Ridge and had spent the day in casual conversation, the earlier argument long forgotten. When even Adam had to admit that the fence line had been repaired enough to meet even his exacting standards, the two men called it quits and headed for the ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

They rode companionably for several miles, when Joe reined in suddenly. Slapping a hand to his forehead, he exclaimed in dismay, \u201cAdam, I left those new work gloves back on that tree stump. I\u2019ve got to go back and get them, or they\u2019ll be ruined.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed heavily, his muscles were aching after the long day\u2019s work, and the last thing he wanted to do was go back the way they had come. But the older man gamely turned his horse\u2019s head to follow his brother up the trail. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d he called to his brother. \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be right where you left them, after all, who else has been out this way today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right, brother,\u201d he called back. \u201cBut Pa just gave me those gloves, and he\u2019ll be furious if I lose them the first day I use them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They rode quickly back to the fence line, and Joe spotted the gloves lying on the tree stump where he had left them. Dismounting quickly, he leaned over to pick them up and then stopped his body frozen in shock. Adam looked up in time to see the blood drain from Joe\u2019s face, and he quickly leaped from Sport\u2019s back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked urgently, as he moved to grab the swaying form of his younger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe just pointed to the gloves. Adam followed the pointing finger with his eyes, and he gasped in shock. The gloves were still lying on the tree stump, but they were now ripped and torn. It looked as if they had been shredded with a sharp knife. Joe reached for them with a shaking hand, but Adam pushed him aside and quickly grabbed them himself. The dark-haired man examined the tattered leather gloves and let out a low whistle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks like some animal really tore these to pieces,\u201d he mused quietly. \u201cIt must have smelled your scent on the leather, Joe, and attacked them.\u201d The mellow voice trailed off as Adam eyed the gloves speculatively. Even to his ears the story sounded weak and implausible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe raised wide, green eyes to his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cNo animal did that, Adam,\u201d he said shakily. \u201cAn animal would have dragged them off into the woods, not left them on that stump, and you know it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hastily tucked the gloves into his hip pocket. Placing strong hands on the slender shoulders of the younger man, he struggled to infuse his voice with confidence. \u201cYou don\u2019t know that for sure, Joe. It\u2019s possible that an animal shredded these gloves. We certainly didn\u2019t see anyone else out here today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head in disbelief. \u201cWe both know that\u2019s not what happened, older brother. I can\u2019t explain it, but someone was here and destroyed those gloves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In silence the men mounted their horses and resumed their ride home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~**~*~**~*~**~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over a lavish dinner provided by Hop Sing, the Cartwrights discussed the shredded gloves. Joe was adamant in his believe that someone had deliberately shredded them and left them for him to find. Adam was equally insistent that it could have been an animal who had taken a dislike to the human scent on the leather. Finally, in disgust, Joe slammed his hand down on the table and asked his father\u2019s permission to go to his room. When Ben had waved him away, Joe stormed up the stairs and showed the depth of his distress by the harsh closing of his bedroom door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The three remaining Cartwrights looked at each other in consternation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe sure is riled up \u2018bout those gloves,\u201d Hoss observed with a frown of concern. \u201cIt ain\u2019t like him to carry on like that about his things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He moved as if to follow his brother away from the table, but Ben motioned for him to stay where he was. \u201cJoe needs some time to cool down, Hoss,\u201d he advised calmly. \u201cAnd I think it\u2019s more than the gloves. He\u2019s been tense and edgy since he found the spurs and the neckerchief.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam snorted softly. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, Pa. You should have seen his face when he walked in here with that neck cloth. He acted like it was a snake about to bite him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s craggy face clouded over with worry. \u201cI wonder what\u2019s got into the boy?\u201d he asked, not really expecting an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged telling glances, once again Little Joe had managed to cause his father worry. Both shrugged without answering and returned their attention to their forgotten dinners. There was no use trying to talk Ben Cartwright out of worrying about his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Ben\u2019s voice broke the silence. \u201cI think I\u2019ll send him into town tomorrow. He can pick up that load of grain from Silas Wheeler\u2019s place and get the mail. A trip to Virginia City always perks him up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to go with him, Pa?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cHe might like the company?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo, son. We\u2019re behind schedule with that timber contract and I need you and Hoss to ride out and get the men working more quickly. You\u2019ll get your own trip to town in soon, I promise.\u201d He smiled broadly at the chagrined expression on Adam\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled loudly and slapped Adam on the back. \u201cHe\u2019s got ya there, older brother. You thought you\u2019d sneak in a trip to town, but Pa\u2019s onto ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his glass in a silent salute to his father, and once again the men returned to their meals, Joe and his problems pushed to the background for the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sudden lifting of spirits, Joe joyously flicked the reins of the team and moved away from Virginia City. His father\u2019s sudden decision to send him into town to fetch the mail and the grain had taken him by surprise. He had finished his errands with time to spare and had enjoyed a pleasant hour at the Silver Dollar saloon. Feeling relaxed and refreshed, Joe lost himself in contemplation of the upcoming barn dance, parading a bevy of Virginia City girls before his mind\u2019s eye as he considered which one to ask to the festivities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The horses were familiar with the route home, and even in his abstraction, Joe kept a guiding hand on the reins. Mile after mile the horses trotted, until they reached a sudden downward turn in the path. Joe was anticipating the turn and he reached to gather in the reins to slow the horses\u2019 gait. As they swung into the turn, the reins parted with a sudden pop of leather, the ends dangling loosely in Joe\u2019s hands. Feeling no guidance, the horses continued their rapid descent around the turn, the wagon swaying precariously behind, the large load of grain making it hard to control.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe screamed for the horses to stop, but they were caught up in the joy of the run and they continued blindly onward. With a stricken gasp, Joe realized that the wagon was going to overturn and at the last second he hurled himself clear of the conveyance. With a sickening crash, the wagon toppled over onto its side, spilling its load of grain all over the roadway. The horses, panicked by the strange noises behind them, careened away into the distance, trailing their broken harness behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe found himself rolling uncontrollably down the slope, and reached out to snag a low hanging branch as he tumbled by.\u00a0\u00a0 His shoulder muscles screamed in protest, as he caught and held the branch, but he held on and panted in the sudden stillness. Joe dropped his head to hands and buried his face for a moment, overcome with the realization of how close he had come to being killed in the crash. Finally, pulling himself together, he painfully hauled himself to his feet and moved slowly to inspect the results of his accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa! I wasn\u2019t careless! I did inspect the leather before I hitched up the team.\u201d Joe\u2019s protests were shrill, and he paced restlessly before the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen how do you explain what happened, Little Joe,\u201d Ben bellowed furiously. \u201cYou could have been killed today, do you realize that?\u201d The coffee colored eyes flashed angrily, and the big man towered over his slender son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When he saw Joe flinch before him, Ben visibly tried to settle himself down. He couldn\u2019t wipe the picture of the team of horses, lathered and sweating and trailing broken harnesses as they entered the yard. He had immediately given orders for horses to be saddled, and he and Adam had thundered down the trail to find Little Joe. They were about a mile from home when they discovered the youngest Cartwright limping painfully along the roadway. Ben had pulled his son into a fierce embrace and then swept him up onto Buck\u2019s broad back. They had ridden home, his anger mounting as he rode. Now Little Joe was taking the brunt of his father\u2019s relief-fueled temper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood next to the great stone fireplace, one booted foot propped up on the hearth. He watched the scene, speculation written on his face. His eyes flashed with pity as he studied Joe\u2019s forlorn look, and he noticed the trembling in his younger brother\u2019s hand. Deciding that it was time to intervene, he moved gracefully between the two men, and placed a hand on either shoulder. \u201cOkay, you two. Let\u2019s calm down and talk this over rationally,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cYelling at each other isn\u2019t going to help this situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled gratefully at the older man, and then turned back to face his father. \u201cPa, I swear I checked that harness before I hitched the team. I always do. You taught us to do that when we were kids. It\u2019s a habit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded in conciliation. \u201cI know, Joe, and I\u2019m sorry I lost my temper. It\u2019s just that I thought..\u201d the older man\u2019s voice trailed off, and he wiped a tired hand over his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Adam exchanged a look; they both knew what Ben had thought. Joe reached to pat his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa. And I really don\u2019t know what happened to that harness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was interrupted by Hoss\u2019s deep voice joining in the conversation. \u201cI can help ya with that one, Short Shanks.\u201d He held up a frayed length of leather. \u201cThis harness was completely frayed through. Now you say you checked it this morning. That means it wore through awful quick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snatched the harness and inspected the leather. He turned wide eyes on his family. \u201cSomeone scraped at this with a knife while I was in the saloon. It\u2019s the only explanation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slowly. \u201cJoe, I know you want to believe that the harness was fine this morning, but who would want to tamper with your harness? Have you been in any fights recently? Made any enemies that we should know about?\u201d It was obvious that Ben was struggling to believe his son\u2019s story, but he couldn\u2019t quite bring himself to admit that the harness had been tampered with deliberately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed and the flash of temper returned quickly. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t have any enemies that I know of, and I haven\u2019t been in any fights. But Pa, someone deliberately tried to hurt me today. I\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam again stepped between his father and brother, anxious to avert another battle. \u201cWe\u2019ll look into it, Joe. If someone did this deliberately, we\u2019ll find out who it was.\u201d He reached for Joe\u2019s arm, only to be shaken off by the irate young man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf? Someone did do it deliberately, Adam!\u201d Joe stormed up the stairs. \u201cI thought my own family would trust me.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 They all caught the words as they drifted down the stairs, the hurt trembling in every syllable. Once again, the slam of a door echoed through the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat door sure is gettin\u2019 a workout lately,\u201d Hoss said, a glint of humor in his blue eyes, as he struggled to lighten the mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed heavily. \u201cAdam, ask around town and see if anyone noticed someone hanging around the team while Joe was in the saloon. Hoss go with him and see if anyone has been making threats against Little Joe or any of the rest of us. I\u2019ll go talk to Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The three men separated to their assigned tasks. None of them were convinced that they\u2019d have any success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben hesitated before Joe\u2019s door, but he finally tapped lightly and went in. As he had expected, Joe was lying on the bed, his hands laced behind his head, his legs stretched full length on the coverlet.\u00a0\u00a0 The older man chuckled softly as he moved to take a seat on the edge of the bed, playfully slapping at Joe\u2019s booted feet. \u201cTake your boots off if you\u2019re going to be lying in bed, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat up slowly and moved his feet to the floor. He stared moodily at the ground, not meeting his father\u2019s eyes. The silence grew between the two men, until Joe couldn\u2019t take it any longer. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I got upset, Pa,\u201d he ground out reluctantly. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to yell at you, but I just got angry when no one believed me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben placed a solid arm behind Joe\u2019s back. \u201cIt\u2019s not that I don\u2019t believe you, Joe. I simply think there may be some other explanation for that frayed harness. Maybe there was a flaw in the strap that you didn\u2019t see when you inspected it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe frowned, his brow wrinkled as he considered his father\u2019s words. \u201cI can see your point,\u201d he conceded hesitantly. \u201cBut I still think someone tampered with that rein deliberately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now it was Ben\u2019s turn to frown. \u201cWhy are you so sure that someone tampered with the rein, Joe?\u201d he asked. \u201cThat would mean there is a person out there who tried to kill you. Do you have any reason to believe that you have angered someone so much that they would deliberately try something like that?\u201d Ben stood and paced to the window as he talked. The thought of a continuing threat to his son worried him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood too, crossing the room to stand beside his father. \u201cI can\u2019t think of anyone who would want to hurt me, Pa,\u201d he confessed ruefully. \u201cBut I know what my instincts are telling me. And they\u2019re saying that someone deliberately shredded my gloves and just as deliberately tampered with the reins of the team. I don\u2019t have any proof, but I just know what I feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben drew a deep breath. \u201cJoe, if you\u2019re right about this, then I want you to stick close to the ranch for a little while. I don\u2019t want to take any chances if someone is trying to hurt you. Here at the house they\u2019ll have to come through me or your brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scowled. \u201cI\u2019m not going to hide like some baby, Pa,\u201d he said fiercely. \u201cI don\u2019t hide from trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just for a few days while we get this straightened out. Please, son. For my sake, stick close to the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pleading look on his father\u2019s face made Joe pause. With a wicked grin he grabbed his father by the arm and walked with him to the door. \u201cJust for a few days, Pa. And only because I\u2019m such a well-behaved boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s booming laugh echoed through the hallway, once again peace had been restored. But he had to wonder for how long.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The saloon was at its liveliest when Adam and Hoss met there that evening. Hoss was already leaning up against the bar when Adam strolled in and casually propped a booted foot on the rail. Standing shoulder to shoulder no one would have guessed they were related, let alone brothers, so dissimilar were their looks. But on this night, both men carried the same air of grim determination and it made most of the people in the bar steer clear of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned and surveyed his brother\u2019s dark, brooding features. \u201cNo luck, huh, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were bleak. \u201cDoes it show?\u201d he responded quietly. \u201cNobody saw anything, heard anything or will admit to knowing anything. How about you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s shoulders sagged wearily. \u201cAbout the same. I found one guy who might have heard from someone else that someone he knew might have seen something . . . if I paid him ten dollars to talk to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam chuckled, little mirth present in the sound. \u201cI take it you didn\u2019t bite?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was indignant. \u201cWhaddya take me for? A fool?\u201d He placed his massive hands on his hips and stood squarely in front of his brother. \u201cI can smell a story like that a mile off, older brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a long, slow pull at his beer, Adam said thoughtfully. \u201cSo that means the kid was wrong. No one tampered with those reins. He\u2019s not going to like hearing that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss tipped his mug at Adam in mock salute. \u201cYou\u2019re right about that, Adam. Joe\u2019s sure convinced that someone was trying to kill him. He don\u2019t want to think he missed something when he hitched up that team.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was about to respond when he felt a soft hand running up and down his arm. He turned to find a garishly dressed saloon girl hanging on him breathlessly. \u201cHi, Adam,\u201d she cooed softly. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I\u2019ve seen you around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned engagingly. \u201cHello, Lindy. I\u2019ve been in town a couple of times, but I didn\u2019t see you in here. Where have you been hiding?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The red-haired girl batted long, artificially dark lashes at him. \u201cOh here, and there,\u201d she murmured seductively. \u201cWere you looking for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s natural gallantry rose to the surface automatically. \u201cI always look for you, Lindy,\u201d he responded politely. \u201cBut if you\u2019ll excuse me this evening, I\u2019m not really in the mood for company right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl simpered at him, and again the eyelashes fluttered. \u201cI might have something to tell you, if you\u2019re interested.\u201d Seeing that the dark-haired man didn\u2019t look convinced, she added, \u201cIt\u2019s about your handsome little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss glanced at each other, both instantly alert. \u201cWhat about Little Joe, ma\u2019am?\u201d Hoss demanded eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lindy laughed shrilly. \u201cUh-uh, it\u2019s gonna cost you a drink, big fella.\u201d She patted Hoss\u2019s massive forearm, and giggled again when he blushed a dark red. She waited eagerly as Adam signaled to the bartender, and then quickly downed her whiskey in a single gulp. The two men waited with ill-concealed impatience while she drank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawing out her moment of glory, Lindy surveyed the Cartwrights over the rim of her glass. \u201cI hear you\u2019ve been asking about Little Joe\u2019s last visit to town,\u201d she said finally, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. \u201cI think I saw someone hanging around his team while he was in the saloon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was sharp, his gallantry forgotten. \u201cWhat exactly did you see, Lindy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She gestured at her glass, and Adam once again signaled the bartender, who filled it quickly. Lindy sipped it slowly this time, drawing out her answer as long as possible. \u201cWell, I was on my way to work, and I passed by Little Joe\u2019s team. I thought I saw someone standing by the lead rein, but when I got closer the person had moved on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s face fell. \u201cSo you didn\u2019t see who it was, or what they was doing, ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The girl hesitated, clearly wanting to make a different answer, but her basic honesty won out. \u201cNo, not really. By the time I got closer, whoever it was had moved away and into the shadows of the alley.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam tipped his hat to the girl. \u201cThank you, Lindy. I\u2019m grateful for your information. Come on, Hoss, Pa\u2019s going to be waiting for us.\u201d He moved toward the swinging doors, Hoss trailing behind him. Lindy watched them go, disappointment clearly written on her face. She always loved to be seen with handsome Adam Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once outside, Hoss grabbed Adam\u2019s arm and pulled him to a stop. \u201cSo what do you think, Adam. Did she really see anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hesitated briefly. \u201cIt could have been anyone, brother. Lots of people probably passed by that team while Joe was in the saloon. It\u2019s really not much to go on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right. I sure hate goin\u2019 home and tellin\u2019 Little Joe that he\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam squared his shoulders and began to mount his horse. \u201cWell, we\u2019d better go get it over with, brother. I don\u2019t look forward to it myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia City was throbbing with excitement. The first big barn dance of the season was in full swing when then Cartwrights rode into town, resplendent in their Sunday best. All three of Ben\u2019s sons had taken extra care with their appearance, with Little Joe hovering in front of the mirror far too long for his brothers\u2019 tastes. He had chatted like a magpie during the long ride to town, keyed up with the excitement of the occasion. Joe loved any excuse to be seen with a pretty girl on his arm, and he knew that he looked his best tonight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they reined in and dismounted in front of the livery stable, Joe was the first off his horse. He tossed the reins to a waiting stable hand and bounded off to join the throng swarming into the barn. Already the lively strains of the fiddle could be heard in the clear night and gaily dressed couples were swarming into the structure. Ben smiled to see Joe put aside the moodiness that had plagued him all week. His youngest son had chafed against his father\u2019s desire to keep him close to the ranch, and it had been a long week for everyone. Adam and Hoss had been correct when they assumed Joe wouldn\u2019t be happy with the results of their trip to town. He had taken his frustrations out on the two men until they were ready to strangle their youngest brother. The interminable week had passed without further incident, and Ben was inclined to dismiss Joe\u2019s speculation that someone had deliberately tried to harm him as just that, speculation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt his spirits rise even higher as he let the swirl of activity engulf him. He smiled and nodded at his friends and neighbors and waved at several attractive young ladies who were trying to attract his attention. He spotted pretty Laura Carson standing by the punch bowl and headed her way, never looking back at his family, who had entered the crowded hall in his wake, and were even now watching him make his entrance to the room with smiles on their faces. Laura smiled a greeting at Joe and the pair soon swung into a dance. Joe was at his most charming and the evening passed by swiftly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe escorted Laura to the punch bowl. They had just finished their third dance of the evening. Both young people were popular and both were in high demand for the dances. But Joe found himself admiring Laura\u2019s glossy dark hair and snapping brown eyes more and more and he made sure that he booked her for a fourth dance later that evening. But for now they were both tired and thirsty. Joe procured two cups of the punch and pulled Laura to a quiet corner, where he gallantly helped her into the chair that stood there. Laura sighed in relief and set her cup of punch on a small table that stood conveniently placed next to the chair. She raised a fan and lazily fluttered it back and forth in front of her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned as a sudden breeze brushed against his face, and he leaned closer to the beautiful young lady. \u201cAre you having fun tonight, Laura?\u201d he enquired, fairly certain of her answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura giggled a little and waved her fan at him again. \u201cI certainly am, Little Joe,\u201d she replied, her dimples appearing as she smiled. \u201cAnd I thank you for all the dances tonight. You just might turn my head with all this attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe set his cup down next to Laura\u2019s and leaned in even closer. \u201cWell, you do have the most beautiful face and head in the room, Laura. It makes it easy to give you a lot of attention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura giggled again, and then closing the fan quickly, she rapped it against the palm of her other hand. \u201cI declare, Little Joe, I am being forgetful,\u201d she said in dismay. \u201cI promised that I would pass on a message from little Kitty Henderson, and I forgot all about it until just now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKitty Henderson?\u201d Joe frowned slightly. \u201cI wasn\u2019t aware that you kept in touch with her, Laura.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d the girl replied, her smile fading slightly as she remembered the trial from the preceding summer. \u201cSince Kitty went to live with her grandparents, she\u2019s written me several times. She likes to hear about the doings in Virginia City, and I was a friend of her sister.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s frown deepened. \u201cYou haven\u2019t heard from Mary Sue, have you? You know she\u2019s still wanted for her part in what happened last summer.\u201d His words came out a little harsher in tone than he realized, and Laura flinched back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I haven\u2019t heard from her, Little Joe. I\u2019d have told the sheriff if I had. You know that. Now do you want to know what Kitty has to say, or not?\u201d Laura\u2019s stiff back and the loss of the beguiling dimples clearly indicated her distress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hastily smiled at her, and he reached to pat her on the shoulder. \u201cOf course, I want to hear all about how Kitty\u2019s doing, and what she has to say. She always was my favorite Henderson girl.\u201d He leaned closer to Laura, his full attention on her as she quickly unfolded a little note that she pulled from her pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe says that everything is going well in St. Louis and that her grandparents are thinking of letting her come back for a visit fairly soon. She wanted to know if you would like to see her when she comes.\u201d Laura folded the note back up and tucked it away, aware that Joe\u2019s eyes were riveted to the little piece of paper. She was fully aware of Joe\u2019s connection to the Henderson family, indeed, she had been a friend of Mary Sue\u2019s until the girl had been driven into hiding after the unsettling trial of Little Joe Cartwright the past summer. Now struggling to reclaim the happy mood of the evening, she stood up quickly. \u201cNow where did I put that punch glass?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe found the two glasses and gallantly bowed to his lady as he handed over her glass. Laura sipped at hers while Joe polished off the contents of his cup. \u201cWould you like some more, Laura?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you, Little Joe, I think I\u2019d really rather have that last dance you promised me.\u201d Joe\u2019s green eyes sparkled and he hastily set down his now empty cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bowing from the waist, he held out his arm, his good mood restored with the return of Laura\u2019s dimples. The handsome couple returned to the dance floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fiddles were singing a slow, sad tune, and Joe pulled Laura close for the dance. They were swaying gracefully through the set moves, when the first wave of dizziness hit him. Joe\u2019s steps faltered, but he recovered. Laura glanced at him in concern, but he smiled reassuringly. And then, just as quickly another surge engulfed him and Joe stumbled again, this time knocking into the couple who danced next to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The other couple glared angrily, and Joe rushed to apologize. \u201cI\u2019m . . . I\u2019m shorry . . . don\u2019 know whas come over me . . . \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura stopped dancing and stood with her hands on her hips. \u201cWhy, Joe Cartwright!\u201d she exclaimed indignantly. \u201cI believe you\u2019re intoxicated.\u201d She rushed from the dance floor with Joe stumbling in pursuit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He knocked into yet another couple and then staggered, clutching at his head. \u201cL…l…laura,\u201d he choked out. And then another surge of dizziness overwhelmed him. Joe fell to his knees, darkness spiraling up to meet him. With a low moan he allowed himself to be swept away by that swirling tide of oblivion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A shrill scream cut through the air, and the fiddles ceased abruptly. In the sudden silence, all eyes turned toward the crumpled figure on the floor. A rough laugh rang out as a gruff voice exclaimed, \u201cLooks like Joe Cartwright\u2019s been hittin\u2019 the punch bowl pretty hard tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright turned to see what the excitement was about, and noticed Hoss and Adam also circling the dance floor for a better view. Where there was trouble, Little Joe Cartwright was often to be found too. When he heard his son\u2019s name mentioned, Ben began pushing through the throng to reach Joe\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He saw the crumpled figure and reached out with gentle hands, turning Joe over onto his back. He felt another pair of hands join his, and he looked up gratefully to see Adam bending over his brother in concern. \u201cJoe,\u201d he murmured. \u201cJoe, wake up. Adam, find the doctor, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hurried off to do his father\u2019s bidding, and Hoss immediately moved in to take his place, crouching next to his brother, and using his bulk to shield him from the watching crowd. \u201cPa, he ain\u2019t had much to drink tonight,\u201d Hoss exclaimed worriedly. \u201cI\u2019ve been keepin\u2019 my eye on him all night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gently patted Joe\u2019s cheek. \u201cJoe,\u201d he called gently. \u201cCome on son, wake up.\u201d He bent to put his face close to Joe\u2019s, sniffing lightly. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Hoss. I don\u2019t smell alcohol on his breath. But what else could be wrong with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben, why don\u2019t you move aside and let me take a look at him. Then maybe I\u2019ll be able to answer your question.\u201d Doc Martin\u2019s calm, professional voice intruded on the scene. He glanced around at the avid eyes that were soaking in every detail. \u201cHmm, maybe we\u2019d better move him over to my office, Ben. Can you and the boys lend a hand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded quickly and signaled for Hoss and Adam to move in and help. With gentle hands they lifted Joe and carried him from the dance floor. The crowd moved apart silently, until Adam turned angrily. \u201cOkay, folks, the show\u2019s over,\u201d he cried out. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go back to your party?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The people of Virginia City turned away sheepishly, a low buzz of conversation filling the room. The fiddlers began playing again, and reluctantly, unwilling to allow the drama to end, the gaily clad couples again began to fill the floor. Laura Carson sobbed quietly in a corner, allowing herself to be comforted for her part in the debacle by several willing young men. It was a barn dance that would be talked about for days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben paced slowly around the small confines of Paul Martin\u2019s surgery. Adam and Hoss leaned against the wall, none of the men anxious to leave the young man who lay on the table. Paul raised the boy\u2019s eyelids and listened to his heartbeat. He finally straightened slowly and turned to face the waiting Cartwrights. Ben immediately moved closer, the agitated pacing stilled by the doctor\u2019s movements. \u201cHow is he Paul?\u201d he asked quickly. \u201cIs he just drunk, or is it something more?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul smiled ruefully and reached to pat his old friend\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019s not drunk Ben. I think he\u2019s been drugged.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrugged!\u201d Adam\u2019s face conveyed his shock and agitation. \u201cBut who would drug Joe? And with what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cIt could be any number of things, actually. There are many substances that mimic the effect of alcohol. But as to whom and why, those questions I can\u2019t answer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss screwed up his face in thought. \u201cPa, do you think that all those other things that Joe told us about were true, then? Is someone really trying to hurt him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben considered the question thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019m beginning to take this very seriously. I think Joe\u2019s been right all along. Someone has been trying to harass him, and now they\u2019ve stepped it up to actually trying to hurt him. And I want to know who.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face was grim. \u201cI\u2019ll find out, Pa. Don\u2019t you worry about that. And when I do, they\u2019ll wish they\u2019d never tangled with the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A low moan from the bed brought everyone\u2019s attention back to Little Joe. Ben immediately went to his son\u2019s side, stroking the pale cheek gently. \u201cIs he going to be all right, Paul?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be just fine, Ben. He just needs to sleep off the effects of the drug. At least he doesn\u2019t appear to have ingested an overdose of whatever was used. I\u2019d assume that whoever did this put the substance in whatever Joe was drinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pulled up a chair, silently declaring his intention of staying by his son\u2019s side. He glanced up at Adam and Hoss. \u201cBoys, I want you to go back to the dance.\u201d He held up a hand to forestall the protests that immediately sprang to both men\u2019s lips. \u201cI want you to talk to everyone who was there. See if anyone saw anything that would indicate who put the drug in Joe\u2019s drink.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took one last look at the huddled form of his brother. He silently patted the top of Joe\u2019s head, and then he left the room. Hoss, too, stayed a moment to touch his brother before he exited from the room. Ben\u2019s heart constricted at this evidence of the depth of caring that existed between his three very dissimilar children. He reached to take Joe\u2019s flaccid hand and prepared for a long night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A searing shaft of pain spiked through Joe\u2019s head, and he reached to clutch it with both hands. He moaned softly as a bright beam of sunlight hit his eyes, and he squeezed them shut as tightly as he could. He sensed a movement and knew that he wasn\u2019t alone in the room. When a second pair of hands joined his and began to gently massage his shoulders, he sighed in relief. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked. \u201cIs that you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mellow voice cut through the pain. \u201cI\u2019m here, Joe. You just take it easy.\u201d The strong fingers continued their gentle movement, and Joe moaned again in response.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He felt the headache ease and the surge of nausea receded slightly. Feeling brave enough to open one eye, he squinted up at the older man. \u201cWhat happened? Where am I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShh, lie still. You\u2019re in Paul Martin\u2019s surgery,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou\u2019ve slept the night away.\u201d His fingers finished their massage and moved to pat Joe gently on the top of his head. \u201cPaul left some medicine for you to take when you woke up. He said your head would hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rose and busied himself pouring a mixture from a bottle that Paul had left on the bedside table. Joe watched in some trepidation as he eyed the dark-colored liquid. \u201cI feel fine, Pa. Really I do,\u201d he said hastily, scrunching himself up in the bed and trying to turn away from the proffered spoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By now, Ben was used to Joe\u2019s reaction to being ill, and he blandly ignored his son\u2019s feeble protests. He firmly inserted the spoon in Joe\u2019s mouth and watched in satisfaction as the boy swallowed reluctantly. That done, he resumed his seat next to the bed. \u201cDo you remember anything about last night, Joe?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe squinted in thought, his eyes clouding over as he struggled to find a memory from the previous evening. His head felt as if someone were shoeing a horse inside his skull and it made thinking difficult. \u201cI was dancing with Laura . . . and I gave her some punch. We talked . . . and then I don\u2019t remember anything after that. What happened, Pa?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were wide with apprehension. \u201cWas I in a fight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben patted the boy\u2019s shoulder soothingly. \u201cNo, son. You weren\u2019t in a fight. The doctor thinks someone drugged you to make it look like you were drunk. You collapsed on the dance floor and we brought you here last night.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Hoss checked around the dance hall, but no one saw anyone come near your drink. That\u2019s all we know so far.\u201d Ben finished his narrative, keeping a close eye on his son\u2019s face as he talked. He watched the emotions flickering across Joe\u2019s face with a lightening fast rapidity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you believe me now?\u201d Joe\u2019s question took Ben by surprise and he raised his eyebrows questioningly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve you about what, Joe?\u201d he asked, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat someone is out to get me. That all these things that have been happening are more than coincidence.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was emphatic and there was a touch of belligerence in his tone. He winced in pain, as his sudden movement jarred his sensitive head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy son,\u201d Ben\u2019s hands gently pressed Joe down on the bed. \u201cYes, I believe you. I certainly don\u2019t believe that you were drunk last night. The doc has said someone drugged you. That\u2019s more than a coincidence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do about it?\u201d Joe asked grimly. \u201cI don\u2019t like the idea that someone is following me around, hiding, and I don\u2019t know who or why.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe go back to the Ponderosa, and we keep a close eye on you.\u201d Ben replied slowly. He knew that his words were not what Joe wanted to hear. His youngest son was not fond of being hovered over, preferring to meet his challengers head on. \u201cWe\u2019ll find this person. They\u2019ll have to show themselves eventually if they want to get to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed and closed his eyes. \u201cWhen can we go back to the ranch, Pa?\u201d he asked plaintively. It was the cry of a small child seeking the security of his home. \u201cI\u2019ll feel better once we get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cThe doctor says you can leave this afternoon. But he wants you to eat something first,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cIf you can keep your lunch down and your head feels better, then we\u2019ll head back to the ranch. Hoss and Adam are bringing the buckboard out for you.\u201d He raised a hand to stifle Joe\u2019s protests. \u201cAnd no, you are not riding Cochise home. Doctor\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed and lay back on the soft pillows. He knew there was no point in arguing. When the doctor ordered something, Ben Cartwright would stick to it to the letter. But at least they would be home, and then he would see about finding the person who was haunting his every move. Joe had no intention of sitting back quietly waiting for the unknown person to strike again. He closed his eyes and let sleep retake him. It was time to take action.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The days passed slowly on the Ponderosa. Tempers frayed rapidly as Little Joe railed against the confinement and restrictions imposed by his father. He paced around the house and barn like a caged animal. Every attempt he made to leave on his own had been thwarted by the vigilance of his brothers. With the realization that someone had actually been behind all the strange occurrences of the past few weeks, came a closing of the ranks. The three older Cartwrights were determined that whoever this unknown tormentor was, they would not get close to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was equally determined that he was going to go off and track down the culprit. He was tired of sitting back and waiting for something to happen. At last he found himself alone in the house. Hoss and Adam were out riding fence, and his father had been called into Virginia City unexpectedly. He could tell that Ben was nervous about leaving Joe to his own devices and the older man had delayed his trip as long as possible. He finally ran out of excuses and headed off on his big buckskin horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe waited all of ten minutes before he too headed for the barn. He hastily grabbed Cochise\u2019s saddle and tack and began the task of saddling his mount. He was totally engrossed in what he was doing, and didn\u2019t hear the footsteps that approached from the barn entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was cutting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe jumped and whirled around to face his brother. \u201cAdam, you startled me. I didn\u2019t hear you coming,\u201d he stammered out, his eyes wide with fright. He pulled himself together rapidly, narrowing his eyes at his older brother. \u201cWhat does it look like I\u2019m doing? I\u2019m going to go look for some evidence of who has been playing these stupid tricks on me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head slowly. \u201cI don\u2019t think so, younger brother. Pa asked me to come back to the house and keep an eye on things. He left explicit instructions that he wanted you to stay home. So let\u2019s get that saddle off of Cochise and go back into the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s reasonable tone added fuel to Joe\u2019s growing fire. \u201cI don\u2019t have to listen to you, Adam,\u201d he ranted. \u201cI\u2019m a grown man and if I want to leave the house, I will. You can\u2019t stop me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The older man struggled to retain his temper. \u201cI\u2019m only doing what Pa wants, Joe. You know that. And I happen to agree with him. Someone out there wants to hurt you, and wants it pretty badly. You\u2019re safer staying home for the time being.\u201d He moved to Cochise and began to unsaddle the little pinto. \u201cNow, are you coming peacefully, or do I have to carry you into the house?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe bristled angrily. \u201cYou couldn\u2019t carry me even if you wanted to,\u201d he snapped. \u201cNow get your hands off my horse and get out of my way.\u201d As he spoke, he attempted to push past Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The older man simply grabbed Joe by the collar of his shirt and hauled him backwards toward the house. Joe struggled and tried to twist around to reach Adam, but the dark-haired man was skilled in controlling his younger brother. He continued to move relentlessly forward. They finally reached the front door, which Adam pushed open with his booted foot. With a final heave, he pushed Joe into the room and slammed the door shut behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was so angry that he charged into Adam full tilt, barreling into the older man with such force that Adam was knocked off his feet. He lay winded and gasping with Joe sitting astride his chest, green sparks flying from the angry eyes. \u201cHow dare you treat me like a ten-year-old, Adam. Don\u2019t you ever do that again,\u201d Joe cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you continue to act like a ten-year-old, that\u2019s the way I\u2019ll treat you,\u201d Adam replied calmly when he finally regained his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He pushed Joe off his chest and pulled himself to his feet. He leaned down and offered his younger brother a hand up. When Joe disdainfully batted the offered hand aside and got himself to his feet, Adam shrugged and turned away. \u201cPa said you were to stay near the house until this mystery is cleared up. Don\u2019t think you\u2019re going to leave until he gives you permission to do so,\u201d he said as he walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s temper surged again. \u201cYou\u2019re not my father, and you don\u2019t speak for him,\u201d he snapped. \u201cIf I want to leave, I will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam noticed that Joe made no effort to head outside again, as he watched with a feigned disinterest. In truth, he was as worried about the mysterious person who seemed to be targeting Joe as his father. Adam was prepared to hogtie Joe if it meant keeping him safe. He sighed in relief when Joe headed up the stairs. It was obvious that while Joe was willing to talk strongly about defying their father, he wasn\u2019t prepared to put his words to the test. When Adam heard the bedroom door slam yet again, he let loose with the chuckle he\u2019d been struggling to suppress. Shaking his head, he sat down and picked up a book. He hoped it would be a quiet afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Later that evening, Joe emerged from his room and headed down the stairs. The succulent odors of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking had been wafting through the house for quite a while and he knew the oriental housekeeper would be calling the family to dinner shortly. He was surprised to find Adam was gone from the great room, and there was still no sign of his father or Hoss. Glancing around distractedly, Joe wondered where everyone was.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A sudden thought came to mind. If someone was really trying to harm him, they might be hiding outside the house. He decided to stroll casually around the yard in an effort to spot anything out of the ordinary. Moving to the credenza, he looked for his gunbelt. It was lying in its usual spot, but the pearl-handled pistol that usually filled the holster was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A silent curse on his lips, Joe glanced around the room. He had a suspicion who had removed the gun from its accustomed spot. \u201cAdam!\u201d he yelled loudly. \u201cAdam, where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam came around the corner from the kitchen holding an apple in his hand and polishing it on his shirt. \u201cYou yelled, little brother?\u201d he asked mildly, one eyebrow raised in curiosity at the sight of his obviously seething younger sibling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, what\u2019dya do with it?\u201d Joe demanded roughly, moving to stand inches from Adam, glaring up into his brother\u2019s dark eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam remained placid, refusing to let Joe ruffle him. \u201cMaybe you should tell me what you\u2019re looking for, and then I can help you find it,\u201d he offered politely as he took a bite of the apple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A touch of uncertainty danced across Joe\u2019s expressive countenance, but he maintained his belligerent stance. \u201cMy gun,\u201d he replied shortly. \u201cYou took my gun so that I wouldn\u2019t leave the house, and I want it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s second eyebrow rose to join the first and he stared at Joe in surprise. \u201cI didn\u2019t take your gun, Joe,\u201d he said with such obvious honesty that the wind was taken from Joe\u2019s sails.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The younger man watched in confusion as Adam walked quickly to the credenza. A quick glance was all that was necessary to confirm the disappearance of Joe\u2019s gun. Adam\u2019s heart beat a little faster as he contemplated the meaning implied by the missing weapon. The gun was Joe\u2019s prized possession; a gift from his father when Ben had deemed him old enough to learn to shoot. It was a beautiful piece with Joe\u2019s initials engraved on it. He turned to Joe in consternation. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen your gun, little brother,\u201d he said again. \u201cSomeone\u2019s been in the house and taken it. We\u2019re the only ones here at the moment besides Hop Sing, and I know he wouldn\u2019t touch it. I\u2019ve been out in the barn, and he\u2019s been in the kitchen. I suppose anyone could have walked in here and picked up that pistol.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face fell. He reached to finger the tooled leather of the holster disconsolately. \u201cWhy would someone want to take my gun, Adam?\u201d he asked plaintively. \u201cAnd how could they get into the house without anyone seeing or hearing them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face reflected the anger and worry that he was feeling. \u201cI don\u2019t know the answer to either of those questions, Joe, but I aim to find out. I don\u2019t like the way this person is able to invade our home at will. And I\u2019m tired with them upsetting my brother.\u201d He reached to place a consoling arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go outside and see if we can find any signs of the intruder, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, some of his former spirit returning on the crest of a wave of anger. \u201cI\u2019ll find the guy, Adam, don\u2019t you worry. And I\u2019ll make him pay for touching my things.\u201d He pulled away abruptly and started for the door, Adam trailing in his wake. It was obvious that Joe\u2019s spirit was returning quickly. It took a lot to keep the irrepressible youngest Cartwright down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men quickly scouted around the yard and barn with no success. There were too many people who had a legitimate reason to be in and around the yard for any clear cut tracks to be spotted. Nothing appeared to be out of place and there was no sign of the missing weapon. Joe\u2019s face grew more and more despondent as the minutes passed, while Adam\u2019s showed clear evidence of his concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They entered the barn at last, on a futile mission to find the weapon hiding under some conveniently placed object. Adam was a few steps behind Joe, and he entered the barn slowly, his eyes still scanning the dusty yard for a clue. He bumped forcefully into his brother\u2019s back as he entered the darkened interior of the big barn. Joe was standing stock still, his eyes wide with fear. Adam grabbed his arm quickly, and turned to look in the same direction that his brother was facing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what is it?\u201d he demanded quickly. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice was a breathy whisper, the fear striking deep into Adam\u2019s soul as he listened. \u201cWh . . . where\u2019s Cochise, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s heart dropped to the soles of his booted feet as he surveyed the wide expanse of the barn. Sport stood placidly munching on his evening feedbag, just where Adam had left him earlier, but Cochise\u2019s stall was empty. As a matter of course, Adam had fed and watered both animals only fifteen minutes earlier. The feed bin was still full in the pinto\u2019s stall. But there was no sign of the black and white horse that was the center of Little Joe\u2019s heart. Adam was fully aware of how much Joe cherished his horse, and he walked forward slowly, hoping against hope that the pinto had just broken loose of his tether and meandered out of his stall. That hope was dashed when he examined the unflawed leather and realized that a human being had untied the beast and led it away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked back to find Joe still standing rooted to the same spot, his face white and his eyes wide. The misery was etched so deeply onto his expressive features that Adam felt an answering pang in his own body. He quickly returned to his brother\u2019s side. \u201cJoe, we\u2019ll find him, I promise!\u201d he said urgently. \u201cIf it\u2019s the last thing I do, I\u2019ll get that horse back for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to look deeply into Adam\u2019s eyes, and the older man felt a chill as he watched the green eyes change. The look of fear disappeared to be replaced by a deep and consuming rage. \u201cYou won\u2019t have to find Cochise, Adam. I will,\u201d Joe said grimly. \u201cAnd when I do, I\u2019ll kill the bastard who dared to touch him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The clatter of hooves in the dusty yard yanked Joe\u2019s head up. He dashed out of the barn, hoping that his beloved horse was being returned to him. When he saw the familiar buckskin being ridden by his father, followed closely by Chubb and Hoss, his face fell. Scuffing the toe of his boot in the dirt, he levered himself down disconsolately to sit on the edge of the water trough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben dismounted, gathering Buck\u2019s reins in one hand in preparation for leading the big horse into the barn. He took in Joe\u2019s dejected attitude and his heart sank. He didn\u2019t need another crisis with his youngest son. The events of the past few weeks were taking their toll on all of the Cartwrights, and Ben was heartily sick of it. Sighing, he placed a gentle hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son?\u201d he asked quietly. \u201cYou don\u2019t look very happy at the moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone took my gun and Cochise,\u201d Joe blurted out, his anguish enshrouding him in a haze. \u201cWhat if they hurt him, Pa? You saw what that monster did to my gloves. If he kills Cochise . . . \u201d Joe\u2019s voice broke, and he found himself unable to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s quick intake of breath indicated his immediate understanding of the situation. If someone wanted to hit Joe where it hurt they had picked the right way to go about it. Cochise was the thing he held nearest and dearest to his heart. A threat to the pinto would be more than his youngest could bear. \u201cHow long ago?\u201d Ben asked quickly. \u201cHave you looked for tracks?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we looked for tracks!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cThere\u2019s been too many people in and out of here all day for us to pick up anything unusual. The person who took Cochise had to have left here within the past hour, but I can\u2019t find a trace of them.\u201d He put his head in his hands, the tears starting to trickle down his cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pulled Joe to his feet, and braced a strong arm around the slim shoulders. \u201cWe\u2019ll find your horse, son,\u201d he said gently. \u201cAnd then we\u2019ll see the person who\u2019s been behind all of this gets punished to the fullest extent of the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we need to worry about taking him in to the law, Pa,\u201d Joe growled angrily, but he leaned into the man\u2019s strength. \u201cI\u2019ll kill him first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave Joe a gentle shake. \u201cNo, you won\u2019t Joe. You\u2019ve been taught better than that. I don\u2019t care who\u2019s behind these incidents. We\u2019re going to let Roy Coffee handle it. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed heavily. \u201cI understand, Pa,\u201d he ground out reluctantly. \u201cBut I don\u2019t have to like it.\u201d He stood up, pushing his father\u2019s arm off his shoulders. \u201cI think I\u2019m going up to my room. Don\u2019t feel hungry for dinner any more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned wise eyes on his youngest son. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to like it to know that it\u2019s right, Little Joe,\u201d he said gently. He watched the young man turn away sadly, the shoulders slumped with anxiety. He felt the sudden surge of anger in his own heart when he thought of the person who was willfully inflicting such distress on his child. The older man struggled to fight back that rage that threatened to consume him. He knew that if he couldn\u2019t conquer his hatred he would have a hard time following his own restrictions. With a heavy heart he, too, returned to the ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The bay gelding had a smooth gait and was a well-trained mount, after all Joe had worked with the animal since he had first broken him to a saddle. But the horse wasn\u2019t Cochise, and Joe fretted over his lost horse with a fierce intensity. The search for the missing horse had proved to be fruitless. There were no clues and no leads to be found. Joe mindlessly went about his chores on the ranch, but his smile had disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After a long day of searching for strays, Joe headed for home, still puzzling over the mysterious events that had plagued his life for the last several weeks. He was convinced that they were all connected, and had been since the beginning. It had taken the loss of his gun and his horse to convince his family that Joe wasn\u2019t jumping at shadows. Lost in thought, Joe realized that he was near the grove where his mother lay buried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On impulse he rode to her tombstone and dismounted. Behind him the lake sparkled in the waning sunlight. Joe knelt next to his mother\u2019s grave, in a position that was familiar to him from long years of crouching in the same spot. He bent his head to say a prayer and halted suddenly. His breathing stilled and he reached slowly for a small package wrapped in oilskin paper that was lying next to Marie Cartwright\u2019s headstone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knew without being told that the package was for him. The person who had been leaving messages and gifts had already demonstrated a great depth of knowledge about the youngest Cartwright. This was Joe\u2019s favorite spot. It was a foregone conclusion that anything left here would eventually find its way into Joe\u2019s hands. He fingered the paper, working at the leather string that held it closed. A thin finger of dread was working its way up his spine when the paper finally fell open revealing a folded slip of paper and a lock of black and white horse hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blanched as he read the note. \u201cIf you care for your horse, be at the line shack on the Upper Rim at midnight Friday. Come alone and tell no one.\u201d He gently handled the little lock of horse hair. It was obvious that the hair had been snipped from the pinto\u2019s coat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s mind raced frantically. His father had only reluctantly allowed him to do his ranch chores without an escort today. It had taken days of coaxing and convincing the older man that he should be allowed to leave the ranch house, and several days more than that to get to the point where he didn\u2019t have an appointed shadow. He knew for a fact that his father wasn\u2019t going to want him meeting his foe alone and in the middle of the night. Joe\u2019s face hardened. This was his fight, and he wasn\u2019t going to take a babysitter to the meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He straightened abruptly and moved to his horse. Once again, the pang of missing Cochise swept through him and his resolve hardened once again. Riding toward home, Joe began to plan how he could get out of the house without his family being aware of his movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe feigned a huge yawn and allowed his eyes to droop sleepily. He propped his booted feet up on the square table in front of the fire and let his eyes close all the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked up from his book, a frown creasing his forehead. Joe had been quiet all evening, and his father was concerned that the events of the past few weeks were weighing heavily on his son\u2019s mind. He grimaced at the sight of the boots on the table, and cleared his throat loudly. \u201cJoe, if you\u2019re that tired, go on up to bed,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cOtherwise, I want those feet off the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat up sheepishly and moved his feet. \u201cI guess I am kinda tired, at that, Pa. I think I will go on up to bed,\u201d he replied quietly. Bidding his father and brothers good night, he meandered up the stairs slowly. With a sigh of relief he shut his bedroom door quietly, and flopped down on the bed. He hoped that his nervousness hadn\u2019t been apparent to the men downstairs. Now all he had to do was kill the time until the older members of the household went to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Down in the great room, the three remaining men exchanged glances. \u201cJoe seemed quiet tonight,\u201d Adam remarked to no one in particular. \u201cI think this thing is finally getting to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Adam, you know he misses that horse somethin\u2019 fierce,\u201d Hoss said in concern. \u201cIf anything has happened to him, Joe won\u2019t be fit to live with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded morosely. \u201cI\u2019ve had just about enough of this, as well. I don\u2019t like the idea of someone sneaking around this ranch with not one person able to spot a trace of him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, a trace of anger evident in his dark eyes. \u201cEspecially since this person appears to have quite a grudge against Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa,\u201d Hoss put in optimistically. \u201cAdam and I\u2019ll find \u2018im, and then we\u2019ll take him into Virginia City to talk to Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The older man nodded his head gratefully, but his eyes remained clouded with worry. Snapping his book shut suddenly, he stood and stretched. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go on up, too,\u201d he remarked. \u201cI think I need some shut-eye as much as Joe does.\u201d He headed up the stairs slowly, leaving behind two worried men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Peering out into the dark night, Joe carefully eased up the wooden frame of the window in his bedroom. He held his breath as the wood squealed a little under the pressure, but then relaxed as it began to move silently. He had many years of practice at slipping out of this window into the darkness, but each time felt like the first, as he lifted his leg over the sill, his heart in his mouth, his breath exhaling in relief as he made it over without a sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Carefully following the path that he had created many years earlier, Joe tiptoed over the roof line, and then slipped nimbly over the edge at just the right spot. He landed softly, little puffs of dirt eddying up from the dusty yard as his boots connected with the earth. Moving swiftly, but still silently, he eased open the door to the barn and, in minutes, he was leading his temporary mount out into the night. He sorely missed Cochise at this time. The black and white horse had been his constant companion on almost all of his nighttime jaunts, and seemed to sense when to move silently, and when to pick up his speed. It was only when they were well out of ear shot of the ranch that Joe mounted the bay horse and touched his heels to its silky flanks. Moving as fast as he dared in the dark, moonless night, he headed in the direction of the line shack on the Upper Rim.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hours later, as the sky was at its darkest, just before the shifting hues would melt into the dawn, Joe approached the line shack. He swayed in the saddle, a wave of exhaustion overtaking him. He hadn\u2019t slept in the last twenty four hours, and the ride to the line shack had been grueling. He knew that he was hours late for the appointed meeting, but he hoped that his mysterious tormentor would still be waiting for him. At the very least, he hoped to find some clue as to the whereabouts of his beloved horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled the horse to a stop several yards from the little shack, taking care to stay in the thickest part of the trees that surrounded the one room building. He tethered the horse to a tree and crept forward on foot. He could see no signs of life anywhere near the little shack, no trace of smoke, or signs that a human had been near the place in a while. Joe felt his spirits plummet again as he realized that he might have missed the person who summoned him, and Cochise might be lost to him forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He crept to the edge of the shack and peered around at the door. The snap of a twig made him whirl around, but a sharp blow to the back of his head halted the motion. Pain exploded in his head sending a shower of white stars dancing in front of his vision. With a soft moan, he crumpled to the ground and the world went dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dawn spread its light across the sky, and the Ponderosa stirred, stretched and came to life once more. Hop Sing hastened to his kitchen and soon tempting smells wafted through the house. Hoss sniffed appreciatively and hurried down the stairs, still buttoning his shirt, in his haste to reach the food. Adam followed at a more sedate pace, every button fastened neatly, his hair combed perfectly and a serene look on his face. Ben sat in his familiar place at the head of the table, a cup of coffee firmly planted in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The silver-haired man smiled a greeting at his sons, and offered the coffee pot to them. \u201cMorning, boys! Did you stop in to wake up Joe?\u201d he asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The big man groaned. \u201cI forgot, Pa,\u201d he said regretfully, his hand hovering over a steaming platter of hot cakes that Hop Sing had brought to the table. \u201cCan I get him in a few minutes, please? I\u2019m hungry enough to eat a horse this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cYou can wait a few minutes to eat, Hoss. Now go upstairs and wake that rascal up. Those hot cakes will still be here when you get back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled in amusement as Hoss reluctantly got up from the table and headed back up the stairs. The smile faded abruptly when a shout echoed through the house. \u201cPa, Adam, he\u2019s gone!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Adam pushed back their chairs abruptly and quickly flew up the stairs. They collided in the hallway with Hoss, who was heading back down. Pushing past the others, Hoss left the house at a trot, opening the barn door and disappearing inside. By the time Ben had checked Joe\u2019s empty room, and started back down the stairs, Hoss was back, his face screwed up in a worried frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a horse missing, Pa. The one Joe\u2019s been using the past couple of days.\u201d Hoss turned worried eyes on his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face displayed a curious mixture of fury and anxiety. Under any other circumstances Hoss and Adam would have found it comical to see their father wrestling with the emotions created by their younger brother. All three of the older Cartwrights were more concerned about Joe\u2019s mysterious stalker than they had let on. It was just like Joe to be so foolish as to leave in the middle of the night when he knew that someone was trying to hurt him. Without a backward glance at the laden table, the Cartwrights grabbed their guns and hats and headed for the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a constant plopping sound that dragged Joe back from the blackness that had consumed him. Somewhere in the distance water was dripping. He struggled to open his eyes to find the source of the annoying noise. The fleeting hope that Hoss was playing a practical joke on him raised his spirits momentarily, but were quickly dashed when he tried to move. The splinters of pain that danced in his abused head were enough to convince him that his brother wasn\u2019t involved. A muffled groan escaped Joe\u2019s lips as he tried to pull himself upright. He realized quickly that his hands were secured tightly behind his back and no amount of tugging and wriggling loosened the bonds that held him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He blinked several times, trying to clear his vision, but suddenly realized that he was lying in a dark cavern. It was the lack of light that hampered his vision, not the lingering effects of his head injury. Hesitantly, his body protesting every movement, Joe pulled himself upright. He leaned back against the rough stone walls of the cave and took a deep breath in an attempt to still his racing heart. For the first time, Joe regretted the impulsive gesture that brought him to face his tormentor alone. He knew his father was going to be furious when he found out that Joe was missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Joe.\u201d The voice was a whisper in the darkness, and Joe\u2019s eyes struggled desperately to pierce the darkness that kept the speaker hidden from his sight. \u201cI was afraid that you wouldn\u2019t come\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Joe was dismayed when his voice shook slightly. It wouldn\u2019t do to show fear before he knew who his enemy was. \u201cWhat do you want from me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRetribution.\u201d The single word hissed through the air like a whip crack, and Joe jerked as if he\u2019d been struck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRetribution for what? Do I even know you?\u201d The curly head turned from side to side. The echoes in the cavern kept him from being sure which direction the voice was coming from, and his eyes were still unable to see the person who spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The laugh was shrill, with a tinge of hysteria, as it echoed around Joe. \u201cKnow me? I think you know me, Joe. You haven\u2019t guessed, have you? I was sure you\u2019d know who I was by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time, Joe was aware that the speaker was a woman, and he peered intently to his left as the voice drew nearer. He was able to make out the figure of a woman moving toward him, but he still couldn\u2019t distinguish her features or determine her age, or her hair color. He waited, wide eyed, the chill of the cavern combining with a thread of fear to produce a slight tremor in his aching muscles. Closer and closer, the woman moved, she seemed to glide through the darkness with an effortless grace, and to Joe\u2019s confused vision, it appeared as if she were floating through the air. The tremors in his muscles gave way to outright shaking, and he drew in his breath sharply. The woman did seem familiar. With a gasp, he recognized her, just as she spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me, Joe. Mary Sue.\u201d And the woman leaned close and kissed Joe fully on the lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe huddled against the cold stone walls of the cavern. The air was damp and chill, and he shivered in his green jacket. The flickering light of the single lamp did little to dispel the darkness, and he struggled to keep an eye on Mary Sue\u2019s movements around the little chamber. She had a tiny fire blazing, but the warmth was minimal, and it was too far away to warm him. He could smell something cooking in the pot that hung over the blaze, but so far, his captor had offered him nothing to eat or drink. Soft footsteps alerted him to Mary Sue\u2019s return. She had stepped out of the little cave a few minutes earlier, and was now coming back along the passage that led to his place of imprisonment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe struggled to pierce the shadows that enshrouded the opening to the passageway and was rewarded by the sight of a slim figure looming in the darkness. He was amazed at the change in Mary Sue. A once-proud beauty, who would only wear the best clothing and accessories, the figure he was confronted with now was tattered and dirty. Her hair hung limply around her face, and her gown was ripped in places. Where once Mary Sue had been pleasingly curved, she was now gaunt and worn. Time had not treated her well. But the biggest change was in her eyes. Joe had dated Mary Sue casually, and they had maintained a friendship after the romance had died a natural death. At that time her eyes had been soft, sparkling with a flash of fun on occasion. She could be arrogant and a trifle haughty, but her eyes had been beautiful. Now they flashed a cold hatred, cloaked with the shadow of madness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Joe shivered as his tormentor drew near. \u201cWhat are you going to do now, Mary Sue?\u201d he asked softly. \u201cYou know you can\u2019t keep me here forever. My Pa and brothers will be out looking for me, and you\u2019re wanted by the Sheriff for what happened last year. Why don\u2019t you just let me go, and I\u2019ll forget I\u2019ve ever seen you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue threw back her head and a wild laugh filled the air. \u201cLet you go, Little Joe? I\u2019ve been working for a year to come up with the perfect way to make you pay for what you did to my family, and you think I\u2019m just going to let you walk away? You\u2019re stupider than I thought.\u201d The tattered woman crouched down next to Joe, her face inches away from his. \u201cYou and I are going to have a lot of time together, Joe. I\u2019m going to enjoy making you pay for what you\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pulled away from the woman; the madness in her eyes was unnerving. He tugged futilely on the tight ropes at his wrists, but the rope was new and didn\u2019t budge as he twisted and pulled at it. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d he insisted. \u201cI was innocent and you knew it. You\u2019re the one who filed the false charges against me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue spat in Joe\u2019s face, her eyes glittering with hatred. \u201cYou killed my father!\u201d she screamed hysterically. \u201cYou destroyed my family. And now I\u2019m going to kill you and see your family torn apart the way mine was.\u201d She surged to her feet, moving away from the bound man at her feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe followed her with his eyes. He wanted to protest his innocence, but he knew she wouldn\u2019t listen. He could feel her saliva dripping down his cheek and the urge to wipe it away was overwhelming. He struggled to bring his cheek to his shoulder, allowing the rough fabric of his corduroy jacket to absorb most of the moisture. He knew he was in serious trouble, and once again he berated himself for heading out on his own. His father and brothers wouldn\u2019t even know where to start the search for him. He could be dead and buried by the time Mary Sue was caught. Closing his eyes, Joe leaned his head back against the stone wall of the cavern. He had to come up with some sort of plan, or he was a dead man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three saddle-weary men rode toward the Ponderosa ranch house and slid gratefully from their mounts. They handed off the reins to a waiting ranch hand, who took the horses into the barn for the night. Without a word, the Cartwrights turned and entered their home, their thoughts centered on the missing member of their family. The question of where Little Joe could have gone was first and foremost in each mind. They had been riding since daybreak, and hadn\u2019t turned up a trace of the boy. Ben slumped into his favorite chair and buried his head in his hands. He felt a consoling arm on his shoulder and looked up to see Adam and Hoss hovering over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find him, Pa,\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was comforting, but his eyes betrayed his lack of confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Pa. Joe\u2019s out there somewhere, we\u2019ll find him tomorrow,\u201d Adam chimed in. The dark eyes were shadowed with weariness and something else. He, too, felt uncertain about their chances of finding Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart lifted at his son\u2019s half-hearted attempts to cheer him up. He, too, doubted whether they would find a trace of Joe. The mysterious person who had been threatening his son had been clever enough to hide any trace of himself so far. It would take a miracle to track him down now. But with Joe\u2019s life hanging in the balance, Ben wouldn\u2019t rest until he traced every available lead. He pulled himself to his feet, his muscles screaming in protest. \u201cThanks, boys,\u201d he responded with fervor. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much it means to me that you haven\u2019t given up hope. Let\u2019s get something to eat, and go to bed early. We\u2019ve got another long day ahead of us tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He clapped each son on the back, and left his hands resting on each broad shoulder. Together the three men moved toward Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe walked through a thick fog, his eyes straining to make out shapes in the distance. He tried to bat away the clinging mist, but it just swirled ever thicker before his eyes. With a soft moan, he began to run, his breath coming in harsh gasps. He ran on and on but never came to a place where the fog ended and the real world began. \u201cPa?\u201d he screamed. \u201cAdam, Hoss? Where are you?\u201d There was no answer to his cries, and he continued to run until the strength left his limbs and he lay in a huddled heap on the ground. Sobs racked his body and he tried again to push away the mist. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered desolately. \u201cHelp me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a jerk, Joe awoke, the nightmare clinging to his mind, refusing to dislodge itself. He bit back the cry that threatened to escape from his lips as he searched the dimly lit cavern for a sight of his tormentor. He stilled as he saw the huddled form next to the fire. Mary Sue was sleeping, a ragged blanket thrown over her tattered dress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a desperate sense of hope, Joe staggered to his feet, pushing back against the wall of the cave for leverage. His hands were still bound behind his back, but a terrible sense of urgency drove him forward. He ghosted silently across the rough, rock-strewn floor of the cave, every noise he made caused him to stop and check to make sure the woman still slept. He was halfway across the cavern when a skittering sound echoed softly through the chamber. It was followed quickly by the pattering sound of tiny footsteps. He gasped as a large, furry shape dashed in front of his feet, only to disappear into the darkness on the other side of the cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The noise wasn\u2019t loud, but the rat must have brushed by the sleeping woman, because she stirred and moaned softly, clutching at the blanket as it slipped from her shoulders. As she woke, Joe\u2019s heart sank and he turned to make a mad dash for the door. He had only gotten a couple of steps when the distinctive sound of a gun being cocked echoed through the chamber. It was quickly followed by the explosion of a bullet ripping from the gun, and Joe felt the bullet pass by his cheek, so close that the brush of air rippled across his face. He stopped and turned slowly, his face draining of color as he saw Mary Sue approaching, the hammer of his own gun drawn back, ready to fire a second time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeaving so soon, Little Joe?\u201d she queried softly, her face creasing in a wicked smile. \u201cI don\u2019t think so. You wouldn\u2019t want to be so rude to an old friend, would you?\u201d She gestured with the gun, making sure that Joe could see that her finger never left the trigger. Her face tightened into a snarl. \u201cNow, get back over there and sit down, and don\u2019t try leaving again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe complied with her orders, his heart sinking in his chest. \u201cWhat do you expect to gain from keeping me here?\u201d he asked abruptly as he sank back down on the floor. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just kill me and get it over with?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue crouched down in front of him, the gun aimed straight at his heart. \u201cYou want to die so soon, Little Joe? I thought it would take a few days with me before you got to that point. You\u2019re giving up too quickly.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She reached out with one grimy hand and traced the caricature of a caress down his cheek. She smiled at the shudder the gesture drew from him. \u201cWhat do I expect to gain from this? I expect to gain satisfaction. You ruined my life, Little Joe, and now I\u2019m going to ruin not only your life, but the life of your entire family. I\u2019m going to rip the Cartwrights apart, just as surely as you ripped apart the Hendersons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She stood abruptly and crossed the little chamber quickly. She stooped to pick up a bag that clanked as it moved. She hauled it back to Joe, dropping it in front of him with a thunk. \u201cI didn\u2019t think I\u2019d have to use these so soon,\u201d she murmured, almost to herself. \u201cBut you\u2019ve forced me into it. I\u2019ve got to be able to know that you\u2019ll still be here even if I fall asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened as she rummaged in the bag, and his heart hammered in his chest at the distinctive clanking that accompanied her movements. He wasn\u2019t surprised when she drew a set of manacles from the bag, but he couldn\u2019t control the ripple of fear that spread down his spine and raised the hair at the back of his neck. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to chain me up!\u201d he exclaimed quickly. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this to me, Mary Sue, we were friends once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s laugh was wild, the hysterical edge striking straight into Joe\u2019s soul. \u201cFriends! We were never friends, Little Joe. I used you because it was to my benefit to be seen around town with a Cartwright. When I was tired of you, I dropped you. You were always just someone to help me get what I wanted. Friends! Never. And besides, any hope of friendship died right along with my father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As she continued her demented ranting, Mary Sue was busily fastening the heavy manacles to Joe\u2019s ankles. The chain linking the metal cuffs was only four or five links long, effectively hampering his movements.\u00a0\u00a0 With his hands still bound behind his back, Joe would have a difficult time escaping again. She smiled with satisfaction at her handiwork, giving the metal a gentle pat when she was done. Humming softly, she moved back to the fire and huddled up under her blanket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe watched in horrified fascination as his hopes of freedom were dashed so easily. He gazed at his tormentor uneasily when she sat unmoving, gazing unblinkingly into the flickering flames. The wild humming did little to settle his nerves, and he closed his eyes to shut out the sight. With a convulsive swallow, he prayed silently that his family would find some trace of him and put an end to his torment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The minutes ticked by slowly, inexorably turning into hours, and Joe\u2019s body ached with tension and fatigue. He kept a wary eye on his captor through slitted eye lids. Occasionally he would doze off, but found himself jerking awake every few minutes with every rustle or whisper of sound in the dark cavern. Mary Sue slept by the fire for hours and Joe welcomed the respite from her insane mumbling and eerie humming. He watched uneasily when she finally stirred again, stretching like a cat and rising with a sensuous grace.\u00a0\u00a0 The darkness disguised the tattered clothing and softened the gauntness of her frame. Under other circumstances Joe would have admired the beauty of the woman before him, but now he felt only revulsion for the creature Mary Sue had become.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Goosebumps rose on Joe\u2019s skin as Mary Sue turned and made her way toward him, a mocking smile on her lips. He kept still until she was once again crouching before him. \u201cHow did you manage to take my gun?\u201d he asked abruptly in an effort to deflect anything she might be planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue smiled like a cat before a saucer of cream. \u201cIt was so easy!\u201d she exclaimed gloatingly. \u201cYou Cartwrights are such simpletons. You never found my hiding place, and I was able to get in your house any time I wanted to. Even that foolish cook of yours never suspected anything.\u201d She laughed mockingly, her eyes gleaming with madness. \u201cI followed you around Virginia City for weeks and you never saw me. I\u2019ve become invisible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe licked his dry lips. It had been more hours than he could count since he\u2019d had anything to eat or drink, and his head swam with dizziness. \u201cIs it worth it?\u201d he choked out finally. \u201cIs revenge worth all of this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s eyes grew hard. \u201cIt\u2019s worth more than you will ever know,\u201d she replied bitterly. \u201cYou took everything away from me, Little Joe. You\u2019re going to die for that.\u201d She stood up abruptly and moved away again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe followed her every movement. He hadn\u2019t been the one who pulled the trigger of the gun that had killed her father, but he felt responsible for what had happened, nonetheless. Despair threatened to overwhelm him, and he fought it off. He berated himself mentally for being unable to come up with a plan for his escape. The exhaustion and lack of nourishment were taking their toll on his mental state. His vision wavered and blurred and he blinked in an effort to clear his sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched as his captor knelt before the fire. She threw another log on the fire, and then paused, staring intently into the flames. Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed as he wondered what she was thinking. Her eyes reflected the light of the fire, giving off an eerie glow, and once again, Joe felt his skin crawl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue stood abruptly, a burning branch from the fire in her hands. Stalking toward Joe triumphantly, she laughed softly. \u201cI\u2019ve brought you a present, Joe,\u201d she whispered, holding up the flaming branch. Her eyes grew speculative. \u201cHow do you think it would feel to burn to death?\u201d she mused softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe blanched as the flaming branch was thrust nearer to him. He tried to escape the heat of the flame by backing away, but was quickly stopped by the wall at his back. \u201cMary Sue, don\u2019t!\u201d he pleaded desperately. \u201cYou can\u2019t do this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again Mary Sue laughed her eerie cackle. \u201cI can if I want to Little Joe. Burning would be a fitting punishment for the murder of my father, don\u2019t you think?\u201d She thrust the branch closer, a look of sheer delight on her face as she read the terror in Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beads of sweat stood out on Joe\u2019s forehead, his breathing was ragged and harsh. Again he tried to back away from his tormentor, but failed. Wrenching uselessly at the bonds on his wrists, a moan of fear escaped his lips. He felt his face redden from the flames and the smell of scorched hair assaulted his senses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As quickly as she had moved toward him, Mary Sue turned away, the burning torch in her hand forgotten as she trailed back toward her ragged bed in front of the fire. Absently, she tossed the branch into the flames, forgetting its existence before it could be consumed. Without a backwards glance at the shaken young man behind her, she curled up on her blanket and closed her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe fought to quiet his breathing, but the panic that remained from Mary Sue\u2019s attack was hard to dispel. His singed lashes were wet with tears as he struggled to regain a measure of calm. *Pa will come soon<\/em>* he repeated to himself, over and over again. At last exhaustion won out and he slipped into a troubled sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scraped his bound arms up and down against the rough stone. He felt the strands parting, the bonds loosening with each motion. A shaft of pure joy surged through him when he felt the last thread part with a pop, his hands separating involuntarily. He flexed his numb and bleeding hands in an effort to get the blood circulating through the stiff fingers. Knowing that he had to escape before his tormentor returned, he stood slowly, fighting back the dizziness and nausea that accompanied the movement. Swaying against the wall momentarily, he breathed deeply, trying to will himself to stay calm. Taking first one step and then another, he crossed the small cavern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as it seemed freedom was at hand, an ominous rattling sound echoed through the cave. Joe stopped his movements instinctively. He\u2019d grown up knowing what to do in the presence of a rattle snake. Looking down he saw a large distinctively marked snake coiled just before the entrance of the cave. His heart in his throat, Joe froze in fear. He watched in horrified fascination as the snake uncoiled, his feet feeling as if they were encased in lead. The snake struck quickly, sinking its fangs into Joe\u2019s leg, just above the soft leather of his boot. With a scream of agony, he fell, watching helplessly as the snake slithered out of sight. Another movement caught his eye, and Mary Sue loomed over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019ve met my little friend. Did you have a nice talk?\u201d she asked simply, a grin of pure pleasure on her face. \u201cI left him there just for you, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt the burning pain in his leg spreading throughout his body, and another scream left his throat. Mary Sue\u2019s laugh echoed in the cave, and his last conscious thought was of his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe woke with a scream. The dream had been so real, he ached to clutch his leg to make sure that he hadn\u2019t really been bitten by a snake, but his hands were still tied tightly behind his back. His searching eyes brought him the realization that he was in total darkness. The little fire had burned out and Mary Sue was either gone or asleep. In the total darkness, it was impossible to tell which. Joe guessed that she was gone, his scream would surely have awakened her if she were here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He wondered how long he\u2019d been imprisoned in the cave. It seemed like months, but had probably only been days. He battled against increasing weakness, brought about by the conditions in the cave and the lack of nourishment. Mary Sue had given him only tiny amounts of water and little food. His dreams were becoming increasingly vivid and confused, and Joe prayed desperately for help. He didn\u2019t know how much more of this he could take. He bitterly wished that he had taken his father into his confidence, and not gone off without telling anyone. It had seemed like the best idea at the time, but he now knew how wrong he\u2019d been. He hoped he lived to offer his apologies to his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, Joe felt the lure of unconsciousness beckoning him. With nothing to keep him anchored to reality, he allowed himself to disappear into its depths. Time passed inexorably onwards, but Joe had ceased to care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rode toward the abandoned mineshaft, a sense of foreboding overriding all other emotions. He had been searching for his youngest son for over a week now, and there hadn\u2019t been a trace of Joe anywhere. Adam and Hoss were completely worn out from searching, spending every waking moment in the saddle. Ben felt older than his years, his joints aching and every muscle stiff from the hours in the saddle and too little rest. His heart was heavy with worry and fear for his son. And now he had one more spot to search. This mineshaft appeared to be like all the others that he had seen so far. The Ponderosa was dotted with these gaping dark holes, the remnants of a prospector\u2019s faded dream. Ben\u2019s search for Joe had taken him into far more of these nooks and crannies than he cared to remember now, but he doggedly continued to search every conceivable place where a person, or a body, could be hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The opening loomed large and dark before him, the timbers half-rotted and creaking ominously as he passed beneath them. He could hear the creaks and sighs of the wood as it shifted with the rhythms of the earth. Ben held his breath as a trickle of dirt fell from the ceiling spraying him with minute particles of rock and dust. Going ever deeper into the mine, he called Joe\u2019s name over and over, hoping against hope that he would at last find his son. Something spurred him onward, and he couldn\u2019t put a name to the emotion that drove him. Holding aloft the makeshift torch that he had scrabbled together at the entrance to this gloomy hole, Ben peered into every corner. As he rounded a bend in the mine, his heart leapt to his throat. Ahead of him he spied a splash of color against the somber darkness of the mine. A touch of green trailing into the whiteness of a human hand. Rushing forward, his heart hammering madly, Ben knelt next to the fallen body of his son. With a cry of anguish he felt for a pulse and found none. Joe lay waxen and lifeless, his eyes closed, his features slack. It was obvious he\u2019d been dead for some time. Cradling his son\u2019s body in his shaking arms, Ben loosed an agonized cry that seemed to tear from the depths of his soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He felt rough hands shaking him, and heard his name being called over and over. Waking abruptly from his dream, he found himself looking into the worried eyes of his oldest son. Shivering slightly in reaction, Ben sat up slowly and found himself on the settee in front of the fire. It was late, and he must have dozed off before he could make his way up to bed. Rubbing his eyes with a rough hand, he blinked, trying to shake off the dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Pa?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was concerned, his eyes shadowed with fatigue and worry. \u201cYou screamed and I was worried about you. That must have been some dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled shakily and patted Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019m fine, son.\u201d His words lacked conviction and he buried his face in hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt a flash of fear as he watched his strong father crumple before his eyes. Feeling helpless, he moved to sit down beside the older man, and wrapped a gentle arm around his shoulders. \u201cWould it help to talk about it?\u201d he asked quietly, knowing from long experience with Joe that sometimes talking helped to dispel the nighttime terrors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben lifted his eyes to survey his son, and managed a weak smile. He took a deep breath and murmured, \u201cI found him. I found Joe, but he was already dead. I held his body in my arms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shuddered at the thought, and tightened his grip on his father\u2019s shoulders. \u201cIt sounds horrible, but it was just a dream, Pa. That\u2019s all it was, a dream. We\u2019ll find him, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been over a week with no word, no trace, nothing, Adam. I don\u2019t think we can be certain that we\u2019ll find him alive.\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes were bleak, and his voice betrayed his fading hope.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes against the sight of the pain in his father\u2019s face. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him,\u201d he repeated doggedly. \u201cAnd he\u2019ll be alive. You can\u2019t give up now, Pa. You just can\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled grimly. \u201cI won\u2019t give up until I find him. Someone has him and they\u2019ll pay for what they\u2019ve done.\u201d The sights and sounds of his dream surged up again, and he shivered. \u201cI dreamed I found him in an abandoned mine shaft. Have we looked at all of them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stopped to consider. \u201cWe\u2019ve checked most of them, Pa. But there\u2019s always the chance that we\u2019ve missed something. And there are a lot of caves in the upper reaches that could be used to hide someone. That is if he\u2019s on the Ponderosa at all.\u201d He stopped suddenly, not wanting to broach the thought that Joe might have been spirited away where they would never find him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood up suddenly. \u201cThat settles it. In the morning we\u2019ll start searching all the mine shafts and cave systems again. Put every available man on it, Adam. We must have missed something.\u201d He moved toward the stairs, pulling Adam along with him. \u201cGet some sleep, son. We\u2019ll have another long day ahead of us tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the men ascended the stairs, they were both lost in thought. Hope flared anew in Ben\u2019s heart. At least he had a focus again. He stopped in front of Adam\u2019s bedroom door and faced the dark-haired man. \u201cThank you, Adam. I appreciate all you\u2019ve done.\u201d He pulled Adam into a brief embrace, more than his reserved oldest son would usually tolerate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam returned the embrace, letting his guard drop for once, as he sensed his father\u2019s desperate need for reassurance. \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything you wouldn\u2019t do for me, Pa,\u201d he replied quietly. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking comfort in his son\u2019s strength, Ben smiled and turned toward his own room. Adam was right. They would find him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe woke again, his knowledge of the passing of time growing blurred. He had no idea how long he\u2019d been held a prisoner. The days and nights had gotten all mixed up in his head. Mary Sue was deliberately keeping him with very little food and water, and Joe\u2019s body felt limp and lethargic. His thoughts moved sluggishly and he had trouble focusing on anything for long. He didn\u2019t realize that what he felt was a combination of despair and malnourishment, and he berated himself for being unable to defeat this woman who held him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s year in hiding had obviously warped her mind, and Joe could see the signs of madness every time she looked at him. Her touch made him shudder in revulsion and he found himself flinching away from her when she came near him. Of course this made the bedraggled woman chuckle in insane amusement at her power over this once proud man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even now, Joe heard her stirring around in some far corner of the dark cavern, and he wondered vaguely what she was doing. He heard her footsteps drawing near him, and something inside him snapped. He felt a sudden surge of hatred well up within him and it consumed his entire being. His body shook with the effort, but he levered himself to his feet and stood waiting for his tormentor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue\u2019s eyes widened when she saw Joe on his feet, she had begun to believe that all the fight had drained out of her former friend. Her jaw tightened in anger and she clutched a jagged piece of wood firmly in her hand. Her intent had been to build up the fire, but she wasn\u2019t above using it as a weapon if she had to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood silently, watching her come toward him, his face impassive. He could feel the fine tremors that racked his entire body, but he ignored them, concentrating instead on how much he hated the creature that Mary Sue had become. When she stood before him, he glared at her, hoping to intimidate her with his anger. \u201cLet me go, Mary Sue,\u201d he ordered loudly. \u201cThis has gone on long enough. You\u2019ve had your revenge, you\u2019ve kept me here, made my family crazy with worry. It should be enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue laughed eerily and spit in Joe\u2019s face. \u201cIt won\u2019t be enough until I see you dead, Little Joe!\u201d she rasped. \u201cAnd from the way you look right now, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s going to be long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She waved the rough wood threateningly. \u201cNow sit down like a good boy, Joe. You don\u2019t want to get hurt, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The exaggerated leer on her once-pretty face made Joe\u2019s stomach lurch. He felt his anger being replaced by panic, and he squelched that emotion quickly. He couldn\u2019t afford to fall apart now. Drawing himself up to his full height, ignoring the screams of protest from his abused muscles, he glared back at Mary Sue. \u201cI want you to get these chains off my legs, Mary Sue. And I want you to do it now,\u201d he said commandingly. \u201cI\u2019m tired of your games and I want to take my horse and go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue cackled again. \u201cYour horse! That black and white thing! I killed that miserable beast the first night I stole it from your barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s heart contracted and his vision disappeared in a rush of scarlet. \u201cCochise!\u201d The anger and pain in his voice were terrible to hear, and Mary Sue stepped back a pace involuntarily. \u201cYou can\u2019t have killed Cochise!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe moved forward, his rage overriding his common sense. The manacles at his ankles hampered his steps and he stumbled, but pulled himself upright again. He headed toward the woman who had dared to touch his horse, murder in his eye. The fact that his hands were still tied tightly behind his back had been lost beneath the depths of his fury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue raised her weapon, panic in her eyes. She had never thought Joe capable of such anger, and she was afraid of what he would do, in spite of his bonds. As he reached her, she raised the wood and brought it down on his head with all her strength. Joe blinked at her in surprise, but his anger kept him standing. He advanced another step, and Mary Sue hit him again. This time he crumpled to his knees, unable to take the second blow on his already abused body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked up, blood streaming from a deep wound in his scalp, the scarlet stream leaching onto the dirty green of his jacket. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d he whispered shakily. \u201cStop it, Mary Sue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But the sight of Joe\u2019s blood appeared to have completely removed the last vestige of Mary Sue\u2019s sanity. With a shout of triumph, she raised her hands again and again, until Joe sprawled at her feet, blood puddling from a horrific collection of wounds, his eyes closed and his breathing shallow. Coming to her senses, Mary Sue surveyed her handiwork with satisfaction. Joe Cartwright was dead, or close to it. Her work was done. Humming, her breath coming in deep gasps, she turned away without another look, and began to gather her few, ragged belongings. Now all that remained was to leave and begin her new life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright rode doggedly, his face set in a determined mask. He was going to find his son at all costs, and the sense that time was running out had been growing steadily throughout the last several days. Joe\u2019s life force was flickering, and his father knew it. He urged Buck forward toward yet another dark hole in the hills of the Ponderosa. He had lost count of the number of such places he had visited, but this one looked vaguely familiar. Ben passed a weary hand over his eyes. Of course it looked familiar, didn\u2019t they all look alike? Hoss, Adam, and every available hand on the Ponderosa were conducting similar searches all around the area. They were all stretched to the limits of their endurance, and Ben knew that it would soon be time to call off the search.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dismounting by the yawning opening of the cavern, Ben threw Buck\u2019s reins over a bush that nestled next to the entrance. With a fond pat for the buckskin, he made his way into the interior of the cave, stopping only long enough to fashion a rough torch out of some debris by the cave entrance. Again a nagging sense of familiarity nagged at Ben\u2019s mind, but he dismissed the thoughts out of hand. Moving deeper into the dark, narrow passageway, Ben listened to the creaks and moans of the cave, the natural sounds a counterpoint to the absolute darkness that encroached on the flickering edges of the torchlight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving slowly forward, Ben held the torch aloft, intermittently calling his youngest son\u2019s name. Receiving no response, he moved further into the bowels of the earth. Abruptly the narrow passageway widened into a small cavern, the torch light lost in the open space. With a weary sigh, Ben decided to make a circuit of the cavern and then return to his horse. Yet another dead end, he decided. It was as he came to this decision, that his foot struck the remains of a campfire, metal utensils still strewn about next to the cold ashes. Crouching hastily to examine his find, Ben sifted the ashes speculatively. They were cold, but not as old as he would have imagined. He lifted the torch a little higher, and saw a few ragged pieces of cloth in a heap next to a pallet of branches and leaves. Obviously a drifter had been using the cave as a place of residence. Another bundle of cloth caught his attention and he straightened, striding across the open space quickly. With a strangled cry, he recognized the vision from his dream, a white hand encased in a dirty green sleeve. Dropping to his knees, he groped for the wrist, cold dread freezing his blood in his veins. \u201cJoe?\u201d His voice was tremulous, and his hand shook and he listened for a pulse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was there, faint, thready, but present. Joe was still alive, at least momentarily. His skin was cool and clammy, and his hand lay limply in his father\u2019s grasp. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was jubilant. Gathering the bundle of rags that was his son into his arms, a sob burst from his throat. \u201cOh, son, what have they done to you?\u201d Ben stood, the torch dropping to the ground as he rose. In the sudden darkness, Ben hesitated. His need to get Joe into the sunlight overrode everything else and he moved forward cautiously, feeling his way along the rough-hewn walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The journey seemed to take forever, and Ben paused more than once to rest, propping himself and his precious burden up against the stone. After many heart-pounding minutes, he emerged, blinking, into the sunlight. Moving to a clearing near the entrance to the cave, Ben stooped and deposited the body of his son gently onto the ground. Crouching next to the limp form, Ben got his first glimpse of the extent of Joe\u2019s injuries. At first sight, his youngest son appeared to be bleeding from every point on his body. As the older man frantically tried to wipe away the worst of the stains from Joe\u2019s face, he realized that the bleeding appeared to be concentrated around Joe\u2019s head and shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A frisson of fear lanced through him as he took in the damage done to his son. Rising hastily, he grabbed a canteen off of Buck\u2019s saddle, and moved back to Joe. Propping a strong arm under the thin shoulders of Joe\u2019s emaciated frame, he held the canteen to the boy\u2019s lips. \u201cCome on, Joe, try and drink,\u201d he murmured quietly. \u201cDon\u2019t give up on me now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At first the water trickled back out of Joe\u2019s mouth, but then with a weak cough, Joe swallowed reflexively, and then again, with a little more intensity. Ben smiled in relief, and patted Joe\u2019s shoulder as he pulled away the canteen. \u201cNot too much all at once, son. We\u2019ve got to take it slow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He laid Joe down again, and then moved as far away from the battered body as he felt comfortable. Raising his gun high in the sky, he fired twice, waited a few seconds and then fired twice again. Hoping that at least one of the ranch hands was within hearing distance, Ben hurried back to his son. Patting Joe\u2019s cheek gently, he crooned, over and over. \u201cJoe! Joe, wake up. Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At last, the worried father had the response he had been waiting for. Joe stirred and moaned, his eyes clenching tightly in pain. \u201cPa?\u201d The words were a thready whisper of sound that Ben had to strain to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, Ben gathered Joe\u2019s battered body into his strong arms, sitting behind his son and holding him close against his chest. \u201cHold on to me, Joe,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cPa\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sighed, his breath hitching in his chest, as he nestled closer to his father\u2019s broad chest. He didn\u2019t speak, but within minutes his breathing eased slightly, and the lines of pains lightened on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instinctively, Ben tightened his hold, cradling his son as if he were still a child. They sat that way for a long time, until the distant clatter of hooves indicated that someone had heard his signal. He waited impatiently until the rider came into view. With a shout of joy, he recognized Adam\u2019s black-clad figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam almost threw himself from Sport\u2019s back in his haste to reach the pair sitting in front of the cave. \u201cPa! Is Joe . . . ?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed off as he knelt before Joe\u2019s tattered figure. Reaching out with a trembling hand, he brushed a knuckle gently down Joe\u2019s battered cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive, but barely.\u201d Ben\u2019s response was quick, in an effort to reassure Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get him home and get Doc Martin to him quickly. He can\u2019t hold on much longer, he\u2019s lost so much blood, and I can feel his fever right through his jacket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw tightened as he fought for control of his emotions. \u201cI\u2019ll help you get him up on Buck, Pa, and then I\u2019ll go for the Doc. We\u2019ll meet you back at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He waited until Adam had gathered the frail form in his arms, and then he rose stiffly, stretching to ease the tension from his body. Quickly mounting Buck, he reached to pull Joe from Adam\u2019s waiting arms. Ben noticed that Joe never showed any signs of awareness of the movement, and it both worried him and pleased him that his son was spared further pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Joe was safely stowed in his father\u2019s arms, Adam allowed himself one final pat of the booted foot. Then he turned and gracefully vaulted into Sport\u2019s saddle. With a final tip of his hat, he urged the horse to a gallop, leaving his father to move forward at a more sedate pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The trip home was grueling. Ben felt every jolt and bump in the trail vicariously as Joe twisted and moaned in his arms. Joe never completely regained consciousness and seemed to be caught in a haze of nightmares. At times he sat passively in his father\u2019s arms, while at other times he fought against an unseen tormentor. It was at those times that Ben had to use all his strength to hold Joe in the saddle. He rode steadfastly forward, exhaustion threatening to overcome him. To keep himself awake and Joe calm, Ben kept up a constant soft crooning, without really hearing what he said. Joe would clench and moan, and Ben would tighten his grip, whispering endearments. \u201cEasy, son. We\u2019re almost home,\u201d he said over and over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Only once did Joe open his eyes fully, his wide green gaze bewildered and blinking in the bright sunlight. \u201cPa?\u201d he asked softly, his voice thready and weak. \u201cAre you really here? Am I dreaming again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart cramped in his chest at the pitiful words. He pulled Joe back against him tightly and freed a hand to gently stroke Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cIt\u2019s not a dream, Joe. I\u2019m here, and we\u2019re almost home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer, but he sighed contentedly and closed his eyes once again. Ben noted with relief that they were finally within sight of the ranch house, and he was greeted by the welcoming sight of Adam, astride Sport, racing into the yard alongside of Doc Martin\u2019s buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With many questions left unanswered, but with a profound gratitude that he had found his son, Ben rode slowly toward the hitching post in front of the house. He allowed Adam to pull Joe from his arms and dismounted quickly to join the waiting men. Together they moved into the house, the doctor leading the way toward Joe\u2019s room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam made his way carefully along the hallway, still breathless from his trip up the stairs with his precious burden. He watched as Ben moved ahead of him to fling open the door for the doctor. Paul went immediately to the dresser to set up his instruments, while Adam deposited his brother\u2019s limp form on the bed. Working silently, Adam began to strip off Joe\u2019s boots while Ben bent to try and pull the torn and bloody jacket from Joe\u2019s shoulders. Noticing that his father was having trouble with the jacket, Adam finished quickly and moved to help with the task. The vicious attack had left Joe bleeding copiously from a myriad of wounds. Whatever weapon had been used, it had apparently had a protruding nail of some kind. The wounds were deep and cloth fibers had been driven into Joe\u2019s flesh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the two men had finally managed to remove the jacket, Ben struggled to pull the remains of the tattered shirt from Joe\u2019s body. Adam turned to get a basin of water, seeing that the shirt was stuck to the wounds with a crust of dried blood. It seemed to take forever, as the two men labored over their work. The only signs of consciousness from Joe were an occasional soft moan, or the twitch of a finger. When the shirt was at last removed, the three men got their first look at the extent of Joe\u2019s injuries. Ben\u2019s face paled, and he clutched Adam\u2019s arm convulsively.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sucked in a deep breath, and struggled to school his face into a bland mask, but the rage that burned in his eyes was a frightening sight. Joe\u2019s body was a mass of bruises and abrasions. It was apparent that he\u2019d been beaten with a blunt object, and that object had been decorated with a sharp object. His skin was punctured in many places, blood oozing slowly from a welter of small puncture marks. Some of the wounds were shallow, others so deep that the doctor knew many hours of stitching were going to be required.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul took a long look at the two men who hovered over Joe\u2019s bedside. Ben\u2019s stricken face and Adam\u2019s angry eyes were enough to convince him that his next words were necessary. \u201cI want you two out of the room, please. This is going to take a while and I don\u2019t want you in my way.\u201d He held up a hand to forestall the protests that he knew were coming. \u201cSend Hop Sing up to me please, Ben. I\u2019ll need his help. You go get some coffee and rest. You can come back up in a little while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam made a noise. Obviously he was about to protest the expulsion from the room. Paul spoke quickly to forestall him. \u201cAdam, you\u2019re done in. I want you out of here. You won\u2019t help Joe any if you collapse on the bed while I\u2019m working on him. Now go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stooped over Joe\u2019s inert body. He reached to caress the still face, looking in vain for an unmarked spot to touch. He contented himself with a gentle touch to Joe\u2019s head. \u201cAll right, Paul. I\u2019ll get Hop Sing and I\u2019ll leave for a while, but I\u2019ll be back shortly.\u201d His face was determined and Paul knew that Ben would only obey orders for a short time. The other man\u2019s need to be with his son was a palpable thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor nodded quietly. \u201cSo be it. Now both of you get out of here and let me do my work.\u201d He placed a firm hand on Ben\u2019s arm and escorted him to the door. \u201cGo on, don\u2019t come back until you\u2019ve had a cup of coffee.\u201d He turned and saw Adam still hovering by Joe\u2019s bed. \u201cYou too, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were bleak as he surveyed the huddled form of his youngest brother. \u201cYou\u2019re going to save him, Doc?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s own eyes softened, and he rejoined Adam at Joe\u2019s side. \u201cI\u2019m going to do my best, Adam. He\u2019s been to hell and back, but I\u2019ll save him if I can. You know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, accepting the promise for what it was, the sense that Joe was in good hands easing his fears a bit. \u201cAll right, Paul. I\u2019ll leave. But I\u2019ll be just downstairs if you need me.\u201d He traced the line of Joe\u2019s jaw with a gentle finger. \u201cHang in there, little buddy,\u201d he whispered before turning to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul waited until the door shut softly behind the grim man in black, then he turned to his patient. Joe\u2019s condition was grave, and the doctor was fully aware that his promise was going to be difficult to keep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A firm hand dropped to Adam\u2019s shoulder, squeezing lightly. He looked up blearily to see his father standing over him, his face haggard and drawn. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved as if to rise, but Ben pressed him down firmly, and then rounded the settee to settle himself next to his oldest son. \u201cHe\u2019s sleeping. The Doc gave him some pretty strong medication for the pain, and he said that Joe should sleep for quite a while.\u201d He buried his face in his hands, exhaustion washing through every fiber in his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s turn to put a comforting hand on his father\u2019s shoulder, and he waited patiently for Ben to pull himself together. \u201cWhat else does the Doc say, Pa? Is Joe . . . ?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head jerked up quickly. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be fine.\u201d The vehemence startled both men, and Ben quickly modulated his tone. \u201cWho would do such a thing? Who hated Joe enough to beat him almost to death?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes briefly in a futile effort to shut out the sight of his father\u2019s pain. He felt a hot tide of rage course through his body, and he let it happen, drawing strength from his fury. \u201cI\u2019m going to find out.\u201d The words were simple and spoken quietly, but they radiated such cold ferocity that they fairly hissed in the quiet room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head jerked up, and he peered at Adam intently. \u201cYou\u2019ll stay within the law, Adam. I don\u2019t want you to hang over this. If we find the person, I want you to promise me that you won\u2019t do anything to put yourself in jeopardy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes glinted frostily in the light of the fire. \u201cIt won\u2019t be *if<\/em>* we find the person who did this. It\u2019ll be *when<\/em>*. And *when<\/em>* I find that person, I\u2019ll try to control myself. But I swear, Pa, when I remember how Joe looked when you found him, I find it hard to keep myself in check.\u201d He stood and paced the room, his wrath prevented him from sitting still any longer. \u201cIf Joe dies, then all bets are off,\u201d he concluded. \u201cI\u2019ll go after the animal who did this to him, and I won\u2019t hold back. That\u2019s a promise, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of footsteps descending the stairs interrupted the two men from their conversation. Doc Martin\u2019s voice preceded him into the room. \u201cHe\u2019s not going to die if I have anything to say about it, Adam. He\u2019s in bad shape, fighting infection and fever, but Joe\u2019s a tough kid. I\u2019ve never seen anyone fight harder to stay alive than your little brother. The next twenty four hours will be critical, but if he can hang on that long you can be certain he\u2019ll live.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u201cWhat can we do to help, Paul? What do you need for Joe?\u201d He rose to his full height, sloughing off his own exhaustion in his concern for his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s face softened as he looked at his old friend. \u201cYou can go to bed. You\u2019re not helping Joe by wearing yourself out. I\u2019ll sit with him for a while, and you can spell me after you\u2019ve gotten some rest.\u201d The doctor scowled fiercely. \u201cBut don\u2019t you show your face in Joe\u2019s room until you\u2019ve slept, my friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat, but before he could utter a word, the doctor hastened to cut him off. \u201cAnd as for you, Adam. I\u2019m telling you the same thing that I just told your father. I won\u2019t let you near Joe until you\u2019ve had some rest. The two of you are exhausted. You\u2019ve been driving yourself into the ground searching for Joe, and now you\u2019ve got nothing left. Both of you, go to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Adam exchanged sheepish looks. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like we\u2019ve got any choice, Pa.\u201d Adam\u2019s words were rueful. \u201cHe\u2019s pretty fierce when he\u2019s got a patient.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled softly, but a smile lit up his tired face. \u201cThanks, Paul. We\u2019ll go to bed, but I\u2019ll see you in two hours. Your authority only carries so far in this house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul clapped the silver-haired man\u2019s shoulder affectionately. \u201cI didn\u2019t figure I\u2019d get that long out of you, Ben.\u201d He shooed the two up the stairs in front of him, looking for all the world like a sheepdog with its flock. \u201cGo on! Get!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was only when two bedroom doors had closed behind the two weary men that Paul allowed his concern to show through. He headed back to Little Joe\u2019s room to find Hop Sing sitting beside the bed, crooning in Chinese. The two exchanged knowing looks, and then both settled in for a long vigil. Neither was willing to relinquish his post.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The early morning sun peeked through the windows of Joe\u2019s bedroom. A shaft of light tiptoed across the windowsill and meandered slowly through the room. It touched briefly on the form of a man clothed in black sleeping in a chair. His booted feet propped onto a small night stand. Stretching across the room it lingered on the form of the large man snoring, his back propped against the wall, resting on the floor because the only other chair in the room was filled by the bulk of an older man with silver hair. Dancing giddily across the room, the light glanced across the face of the young man in the bed, causing him to twitch, a sigh escaping his lips as he sleepily brushed the back of one hand across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The movement sent shards of pain lancing through Joe\u2019s battered shoulders, and he cried out involuntarily. Three men woke instantly, rising to their feet almost as one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben beat his sons to the bed easily, and he leaned over Joe in concern. \u201cJoe? Are you all right, son?\u201d His voice was husky with exhaustion, but his face broke into a triumphant smile when Joe\u2019s eyes opened. \u201cHe\u2019s awake,\u201d he cried jubilantly. \u201cAnd I think his fever\u2019s lower. Hoss get the doctor, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around in confusion, the sunlight dazzling his eyes, so that he squinted at the shapes hovering over him. \u201cPa?\u201d The eyes blinked again, and he covered them with his hand. \u201cSo bright,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, close the shade,\u201d Ben ordered quickly. \u201cThe light\u2019s too much for him.\u201d He moved his bulk so that it blocked the light until Adam drew the drapes shut, dimming the room considerably. \u201cIs that better Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lowered his hand, his gaze unfocused and uncertain. \u201cAnother dream,\u201d he murmured. \u201cI\u2019m just dreaming again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben felt a small stab of alarm, and he exchanged worried glances with Adam. \u201cWhere is that doctor?\u201d he murmured to himself. He gently took Joe\u2019s hand in his, his fingers searching to find a place that wasn\u2019t marked with a bruise. \u201cYou\u2019re home, Joe. It\u2019s not a dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved in close, his eyes sharp with worry. \u201cJoe, who did this to you?\u201d he asked abruptly. \u201cWho beat you like this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave Adam a hostile glance. \u201cNot now, Adam, he\u2019s not fully awake yet, and he\u2019s still feverish. Don\u2019t worry him about it yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stirred, his gaze focusing for the first time. \u201cPa? Am I really home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben swallowed, overwhelmed with a sudden flash of anger at the person who had damaged his son both physically and mentally. He struggled to keep his voice warm, hiding the anger as best he could. \u201cYou\u2019re home, Joe. We\u2019re all here with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened, the sound loud in the stillness of the room. Joe flinched in fear, his hands rising to defend himself from attack. \u201cDon\u2019t let her in here. Don\u2019t let her get me, Pa!\u201d His voice was shrill, and his eyes showed nothing but panic. \u201cShe\u2019s crazy, Pa. She\u2019s going to kill me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was bewildered. \u201cAre you saying it was a woman who did this to you? What woman?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin strode across the room briskly. \u201cI\u2019m sure Joe\u2019s not up to answering any questions right now, Adam. I want you all to leave me alone with my patient right now. I want to examine the stitches in his back and check his fever. Go have some breakfast and I\u2019ll call you when I\u2019ve got Joe settled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Doc,\u201d Hoss sputtered indignantly. \u201cI ain\u2019t even got a chance to talk to Joe yet. Let me stay with him while you work on him. He needs someone in here with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, boys!\u201d Ben spoke firmly. \u201cThe doc\u2019s right. You two go on downstairs and have some breakfast. We\u2019re upsetting Joe with all these questions. I\u2019ll call you when Paul is finished up here.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone brooked no argument. It was clear to both the doctor and to his sons that they were going downstairs and he was staying in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss reluctantly headed for the door, both moving slowly. When they had finally cleared out of the room, Ben stepped back and allowed Paul to start his examination of Joe, although he hovered protectively close. Joe\u2019s eyes were closed again, and he seemed unaware of the examination. Paul took his time, checking every stitch, bruise and battered spot on Joe\u2019s body. Finally satisfied, he drew the sheet up to Joe\u2019s shoulders and patted the boy lovingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a tired sigh, he straightened and stretched, trying to work some kinks from his back. He turned to find Ben watching him expectantly. Taking pity on the worried father, Paul drew the man to the door. \u201cLet\u2019s go down and talk to the boys, Ben. Joe\u2019s going to sleep for a while. I gave him another dose of laudanum and it should keep him out most of the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They descended the stairs to find Hoss and Adam at the breakfast table. In spite of their worry, both had plates piled high with breakfast food set in front of them. Ben chuckled when he saw their expressions. \u201cI see that Hop Sing has been hovering over you again,\u201d he commented, taking his customary seat at the head of the table. He gestured for Paul to sit opposite him, and as if on cue, Hop Sing appeared with the coffee pot and two fresh plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

They waited while breakfast was urged on them, and soon they were staring at their own loaded plates in amazement. Hop Sing hovered by the kitchen door, and it was clear that he wasn\u2019t budging until he heard what the doctor had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul heaved a sigh of contentment as the first wave of hot coffee and Hop Sing\u2019s pancakes hit his stomach. Between mouthfuls he updated the waiting family about Joe. \u201cHis fever has broken, and the wounds don\u2019t look too bad. A little infection but that\u2019s to be expected. He\u2019ll be in considerable pain for a while. Those bruises are quite extensive. I\u2019ll need to check on those stitches in his back daily, and I\u2019ll take them out in about two weeks if all goes well. On the whole, I\u2019d say that Joe is doing amazingly well considering that he is malnourished and dehydrated on top of his wounds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor paused to take a breath and gazed back at the four pairs of watching eyes. \u201cI hope you find out who did this and get that animal put in jail. What\u2019s been done to Joe is sick and inhuman. I don\u2019t ever want to see anyone in this condition again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When he finally finished his impassioned speech, the doctor tucked into his breakfast. Hop Sing\u2019s cooking was too good to let go to waste. He appeared not to notice the bemused expressions on the faces that watched him. Ben wracked his brains but couldn\u2019t remember a time when he\u2019d ever heard Paul sound so vehement about anything. A sudden vision of Joe\u2019s bruised and bloody body flashed through his mind. He nodded his agreement with what the doctor had said. They needed to find the animal who had attacked Joe. Ben knew that he wouldn\u2019t rest until they had, and he was aware that Hoss and Adam felt the same way. It was time to turn the tables on Joe\u2019s stalker.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The late afternoon sun was riding the sky toward the horizon when the sound of hoof beats was heard in the ranch yard. It was a commonplace sound, but still, Ben stood quickly and crossed to the window. He was seated in Joe\u2019s room, waiting for his son to wake from the doctor\u2019s second dose of laudanum. His eyes widened in amazement when he saw a young girl riding astride a bay mare leading the reins of a distinctive black and white pinto. He heard Adam yelling for him, and saw his two older sons hurrying from the house. Quickly he left the room and headed down the stairs. Arriving in the yard, he found Hoss helping Laura Carson down from her horse and Adam holding Cochise\u2019s lead rein.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLaura,\u201d Ben said pleasantly, a bemused expression on his face. \u201cWhere did you get Joe\u2019s horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura shifted nervously and wiped her palms on her skirt. Her eyes downcast, she said in a soft voice. \u201cI have a confession to make Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights listened silently, waiting for the girl to gather her courage and speak. When she saw that they weren\u2019t going to ask questions, she continued haltingly. \u201cI\u2019ve done a very bad thing. I thought I was helping a friend in a harmless prank, but it turned out to be more than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t hold still any longer. \u201cWhat friend? And what prank? You\u2019re going to have to be a little more specific than that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura blanched, her pale skin losing what little color it had. \u201cI bought a pair of spurs at the mercantile. And a neckerchief that Joe had been admiring. A friend asked me to follow Joe around town without him noticing, and to buy anything that he appeared to admire. I thought it was a joke, Mr. Cartwright! I really did. I even slipped something into Joe\u2019s drink at the dance. I didn\u2019t know what it would do to him. You have to believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face was stern, his eyes unreadable. \u201cWho asked you to do such a thing, Laura? And what now makes you think it\u2019s not a joke?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause that person came to me last night. She was riding Little Joe\u2019s horse and she was . . . was…\u201d Laura\u2019s voice trailed off, and she lifted eyes that reflected her fear. Her voice became a whisper, as she continued. \u201cShe was so odd. She was laughing to herself, and humming, and she was so filthy and wild looking. I asked her where she\u2019d gotten Joe\u2019s horse. Everyone knew that Hoss had been looking all over for Cochise, and she just laughed. I was frightened, so I waited until she went to sleep, and then I snuck Cochise out of our barn and hid him. She was furious when she woke up and he was gone. I told her he must have gotten loose and run away, but I don\u2019t know if she believed me or not. She stormed out of my house and I haven\u2019t seen her since this morning.\u00a0\u00a0 Then I brought Cochise here.\u201d Laura\u2019s eyes brimmed over with tears, the drops falling down her cheeks unheeded. She paused to wipe them away, bringing her flow of words to an abrupt halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam leapt into the silence with barely concealed impatience, his voice sharp with anger. \u201cWho? You keep saying *she<\/em>*. Who are you talking about, Laura!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura looked at him uncertainly, trying to gauge his temper. \u201cIt was Mary Sue Henderson,\u201d she said finally. \u201cShe was a friend of mine, so when she asked me to follow Joe I did it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three pairs of eyes looked at her in horror. \u201cMary Sue Henderson!\u201d Hoss\u2019s usually mild mannered face was set in stone. \u201cHow could you do anything that Mary Sue asked you to, ma\u2019am, after what she did last year?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura looked at him in confusion. \u201cWell, I know she acted badly, but I was out of town for most of the summer. I just assumed that the rumors that I heard were untrue. You know how people exaggerate. She was my friend, and she looked like she needed help. I felt sorry for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019ve returned Cochise to us, Laura. Joseph will be so pleased to have his horse back. I just wish you\u2019d come to us sooner. It might have saved us all a lot of heartache.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Laura bit back a sob. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I really am. Please tell Little Joe that I never meant to hurt him. If I\u2019d known what Mary Sue was like now, I\u2019d never have done it.\u201d She turned to go, silently accepting Adam\u2019s assistance as she mounted her horse. With a final sorrowful look, she rode out of the yard, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally Hoss let out a long, low whistle. \u201cMary Sue Henderson. What do we do now, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam interrupted before Ben could speak. \u201cWe find her and we make sure she suffers as much as Joe.\u201d He saw Ben\u2019s look and hurried to continue. \u201cI know she\u2019s a woman, Pa, but think of Joe. Think of what she put him through. She doesn\u2019t deserve to be treated like a woman anymore. She\u2019s a crazed animal that needs to be put down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s find her first, Adam.\u201d Ben replied slowly. \u201cAt least we know whom we\u2019re looking for now.\u201d He reached for Cochise\u2019s reins and headed for the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss watched him go. The older man\u2019s need to care for Joe\u2019s horse personally was evident to both of them. Standing shoulder to shoulder, they each made a silent vow to bring Joe\u2019s tormentor to justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Darkness had descended on the Ponderosa, and most of the residents of the sprawling ranch house had retired to bed. Ben sat in the chair by Joe’s bed watching each breath his son took. Joe hadn’t wakened from the doctor’s dose of laudanum, but it was only a matter of time. The sight of the dark bruises standing out in vivid contrast to the pale hue of Joe’s skin made Ben clench his fist in anger. He struggled with the idea that a woman had caused such extensive damage to his son. He remembered Mary Sue Henderson, had watched her grow up in fact. The last time he’d seen her she’d been incoherent with anger over the death of her father and the loss of her reputation in the town. The fact that she held Joe Cartwright directly responsible for both of these occurrences leant credence to the idea that she hated Joe enough to attempt murder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His thoughts turned to Adam and Hoss. Both men had turned in early, in preparation for an early morning departure. They intended to leave in the morning to scour the cave where Joe had been held a prisoner and the surrounding countryside for signs of the missing woman. He was afraid of what Adam might do if he caught the woman. Hoss would never harm a woman, regardless of what she had done, but Adam was another matter. In the heat of the moment, he was very capable of wreaking vengeance on anyone who threatened his family, Little Joe in particular. Ben feared the long-term consequences to his oldest son if he succumbed to those murderous impulses. He knew Adam well enough to know that when he returned to his senses, he would never forgive himself for hurting or killing a woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The heavy intake of breath from the slight form in the bed alerted Ben to the first stirring as Joe awakened.\u00a0\u00a0 He sat up quickly, and reached for the limp hand, cradling it within both of his own. He sat without speaking as Joe twitched and moaned, his eyelids fluttering as he struggled to fight off the effects of the medication. He was rewarded for his patience by the sight of Joe’s eyes gazing at him sleepily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hi, Pa.” Joe spoke softly, his voice husky with pain and the aftereffects of the laudanum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled, warmth spreading throughout his body as he spoke. “Hi, yourself, son. How are you feeling?” He smoothed the coverlet a little and then grasped Joe’s hand again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grimaced, “I’ve felt better. You look tired.” He glanced around the room searchingly, taking in the darkness. “Where are Adam and Hoss?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood briefly, fetching a pitcher of water and a glass. He busied himself with propping up Joe’s shoulders and holding a glass to his lips. He watched contentedly as Joe swallowed thirstily, waiting until he was done before speaking. “I’m feeling fine now that you’re awake. Adam and Hoss are sleeping, they’ll stop in and see you in the morning.” He grimaced when he saw the spasm of pain that flashed over Joe’s face as he was eased back onto the pillows. “Will you tell me about it?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes briefly, willing the pain to go away. “It was Mary Sue, Pa. She’s lost her mind. I stupidly thought that I could go get Cochise back from her, and she\u2026” His voice broke, and he stopped, swallowing convulsively. “She killed Cochise .” A hint of moisture shimmered in his eyes and he reached to swipe it away with the back of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“No, Cochise is fine, son.” Ben hastened to assure him. “He’s in the barn eating his fool head off. Laura Carson brought him back today.” He smiled when he saw the sheer joy flood over Joe’s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Cochise! She told me she killed him, just before she\u2026” Again words failed him and he couldn’t go on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben waited him out, soothingly stroking the few unmarked spots he could find on Joe’s body. “Easy, Joe,” he murmured. “It’s all right now. You\u2019re home.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It took a few moments for Joe to bring his emotions under control. When he was finally able to speak, he looked up at his father miserably. “I was so stupid, Pa. I thought that I could handle this all by myself, and I rode out of here without saying a word to you. The whole time she had me in that cave. I kept thinking about how I hadn’t even left you a note. I’m sorry, Pa!”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben’s smile was grim but his words were calm and measured. “We all made mistakes, Joe. I’m not saying that we won’t discuss what you did later, but for right now, I’m just happy that we have you back safe and sound. Now all you have to do is lie here and do what the doctor tells you to do and get well again.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe’s eyes were drooping with weariness, the pain gnawed at him relentlessly. “I’ll try. But I’ve got something to do pretty soon.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The question in his father’s eyes was plain to see, and so Joe continued. “I’ve got to find Mary Sue. She shouldn’t be out there on her own. She’s dangerous.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed grimly, the sound chilling in the dimly lit room. “Your brothers are going to find her, don’t worry. You won’t be going anywhere for a while, and you can believe that I’m going to be right here to make sure that you don’t.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He realized that Joe’s eyes were closed again, and could tell by the soft breathing that his son had slipped off to sleep once again. Pulling the covers close around the slender shoulders, Ben settled back into his chair. He fully intended to sit by Joe’s side until he was well again. He knew his son too well. The minute his father’s back was turned he’d be out the door on a foolhardy mission to find Mary Sue. That Ben was determined to prevent. Mary Sue would be dealt with, just not by Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The clatter of boots on the porch signaled the arrival of visitors and Ben left his desk to see who was approaching. He kept his gun at the ready, prepared for anything. He wasn\u2019t going to let anyone near his injured son while Mary Sue was still at large. The door opened as he approached and he relaxed at the sight of Adam and Hoss entering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men were obviously trail-weary, caked with dirt and dust and a couple of day\u2019s growth of beard. Adam was brushing futilely at the dirt on his pants when they entered, but he stopped when he saw his father waiting for him. \u201cHi, Pa. How\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked quickly. \u201cI hope he looks better than he did when we left three days ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben put a finger to his lips and gestured toward the settee. \u201cLook for yourself, son. But go quietly, he\u2019s sleeping.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s broad face lit up with a beaming smile. \u201cHe\u2019s out of bed? He must be better then. The doc wouldn\u2019a let \u2018im up otherwise.\u201d He hastened to peer over the edge of the settee and the smile softened. \u201cHe looks a lot better, don\u2019t he, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved to join his brother and clasped a hand on his shoulder as he too bent to look at Joe carefully. The bruises were now an interesting assortment of yellows and greens and blotchy dark shades, making Joe look like a battered prize fighter, but it was a definite sign of improvement. What little undamaged skin that could be seen underneath the bruises was a much healthier color, and his breathing was soft and even. Adam took a deep breath and felt the weight of some unnamed worry fall from his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019d say he looks much improved, brother.\u201d He gestured to Ben and tugged on Hoss\u2019s arm. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s see if we can wangle a hot meal out of Hop Sing and we\u2019ll fill Pa in while we eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An hour later, feeling much more human, the Cartwrights huddled together over coffee. \u201cNo sign of Mary Sue?\u201d Ben asked. He\u2019d restrained himself from asking questions while his sons had eaten an obviously much needed meal. Now he couldn\u2019t help but ask for the information he desperately wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in disgust. \u201cWe\u2019ve got every available ranch hand scouring the surrounding area and there\u2019s no trace of her, Pa. It\u2019s almost like she\u2019s invisible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben flinched. \u201cDon\u2019t even joke about that!\u201d he said vehemently, causing both of his sons to look at him in amazement. Seeing that he needed to explain himself further, he added. \u201cMary Sue taunted Joe by telling him that she was invisible. I don\u2019t want Joe to hear you say those words. He\u2019s been through enough without letting thoughts like that worry him.\u201d\u201cThoughts like what?\u201d Joe\u2019s sleepy voice rose from the depths of the settee. His head slowly followed, as he pulled himself up painfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As he started to rise, Ben hastily left his seat at the table and crossed the room. He reached Joe in time to place a gentle hand on the bruised shoulder and firmly held his son down. \u201cStay right where you are, Joe, and I\u2019ll have Hop Sing bring you a tray. You know the only reason you\u2019re down here is that you promised Paul you\u2019d stay put.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, in truth his body felt weighted down and sluggish, the bruises and battered muscles still causing him excruciating pain. \u201cThat sounds good to me, Pa,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut only if Adam and Hoss fill me in on what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His brothers joined the family group in front of the fire with alacrity, and Hoss gamely launched into a description of the futile search the two had been on for the last three days. When he finished his recital, he smiled at Joe. \u201cSo maybe she\u2019s left the territory, right, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe snorted in disgust. \u201cI don\u2019t think so, brother. She\u2019s lost her mind and she wants to kill me. I really don\u2019t think she\u2019d just ride out of town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stared into the fire speculatively. \u201cShe might think you\u2019re dead, you know. When she left you, you were certainly well on your way to death\u2019s door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head sorrowfully. \u201cIt\u2019s all over town, what happened, Adam. Everybody knows Joe ain\u2019t dead. If Mary Sue heard anyone talking she\u2019d know he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded his agreement. \u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s a safe bet that she knows right where Joe is. She was able to move around undetected before, and it\u2019s possible she\u2019s doing it again. Adam, I want you to increase the number of men patrolling around the house, and Hoss, take another look around town.\u201d He pounded his leg in frustration. \u201cSomeone\u2019s got to know something, seen something. She has to make a mistake sometime.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The older Cartwright sons nodded in agreement with the orders, while Joe rolled his eyes in disgust. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Pa. I\u2019m expecting her this time. She won\u2019t take me by surprise again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben glared at Joe, his brows drawn together fiercely. \u201cYou aren\u2019t leaving this house, Joe. Not until Mary Sue is caught. The woman is capable of murder, and who knows where she is right now.\u201d He tried to soften his tone, and he reached to pat Joe\u2019s leg gently. \u201cWe\u2019ll catch her, son, and then life will go back to normal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded sullenly, suddenly too tired to argue. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go on up to bed, Pa,\u201d he murmured, painfully levering himself off the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss moved instinctively to help him, smiling a good night at his father as he placed a firm arm around Joe\u2019s waist. \u201cI\u2019ll go on up with ya, Joe. I\u2019m done in myself, and it\u2019ll be another long day tomorrow.\u201d His eyes sent a message of reassurance to his father and the two made their way slowly up the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben waited until the door of Joe\u2019s room shut, and he felt that it was safe to talk. \u201cWhat do you think, Adam? Where is Mary Sue?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed and steepled his fingers together in front of his face. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa. She\u2019s capable of anything, and has shown that she can move around at will. I\u2019m worried.\u201d The simple statement hung in the air, bringing with it the air of unease that Adam was feeling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood and stretched tiredly, his face drawn with worry. \u201cThen we\u2019ll keep watch until she\u2019s found. I don\u2019t want her to have another shot at Joe.\u201d He patted Adam\u2019s shoulder and headed for the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m turning in too, and I\u2019d suggest you do the same. Hoss\u2019s right. It\u2019ll be a long day tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam smiled gently. \u201cI\u2019m not ready to go up yet, Pa. I\u2019ve got some things to think over. I\u2019ll head up in a little while.\u201d He watched as his father moved up the stairs, and couldn\u2019t help noticing how old his father appeared. The whole situation was draining the life out of the man. Adam stared morosely into the fire. There had to be a solution. He\u2019d be damned if he let someone get away with hurting his brother the way Mary Sue had hurt Joe. Adam would follow her to the ends of the earth if necessary. He leaned back against the back of the chair, and allowed his mind to roam freely. It would be a long night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A week later, Joe was chafing at the bit to get out of the ranch house and away from his family. His bruises were now fading, and his muscles had quit protesting at the slightest movement. He was still stiff and sore, but felt more like his old self. He had only been allowed to the barn and back, and he spent much of his time out there, crooning endearments to his horse. Cochise responded in kind, both man and horse overjoyed with their reunion. Adam and Hoss had scoured the countryside for most of the week to no avail. Mary Sue had vanished as completely as if she were truly invisible. Forced by missed deadlines, and overdue ranch chores, they had reluctantly called off the search and returned to work. Ben made good on his promise to keep Joe in eyesight, however, until his youngest son was ready to scream.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s need for freedom remained unfulfilled, however, the day finally came when Ben agreed to leave him unsupervised at the ranch. Hoss and Adam had been called out to the timber camps to discuss some problems with filling an order, and Ben urgently needed to consult with his lawyer about some business matters. It galled Ben that he had to leave Joe alone after he had taken his stand against this very thing, but at last he gave into necessity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He swung into Buck\u2019s saddle, his face set in a scowl. \u201cNow, Joe. You stay near the house, that means you don\u2019t get on Cochise\u2019s back for any reason, you hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded wearily. \u201cI\u2019ve already promised to be a good boy, Pa. I\u2019ll be fine, I\u2019m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took in the fading bruises, and noted that Joe still stood uncomfortably. His face softened and he bit back the obvious reply.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know son, I\u2019m sure you can. But if you\u2019d like to make your father happy, please do as I say, just this once.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded reluctantly. \u201cI\u2019m going to be in the barn for a while, Pa. I hope that\u2019s okay with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben ignored the obvious sarcasm, and patted Joe\u2019s shoulder gently. \u201cThanks, Joe. I\u2019ll be home soon. Take it easy today, you\u2019re not as well as you think you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes, but he smiled back at the worried man. \u201cGo on, Pa. Get out of here, I\u2019ll be a good boy, I promise.\u201d He shooed Ben and Buck away with his hands. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a final measuring look and a tip of his hat, Ben rode out of the yard at a gentle trot. Joe sighed with relief and felt at peace with the world. It was the first time he\u2019d felt truly alone since he\u2019d returned to the Ponderosa. He loved his family, but the constant hovering had been grating on his restless spirit. Wishing he could saddle up and go for a long ride, he headed for the barn. He knew that he would honor his promise to his father, but he fully intended to spend a while with his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few pleasant hours had passed, and Joe flexed his shoulders gingerly. He was still sore, even though he\u2019d never admit that to his father, and the long hours of grooming had made him ache. He turned to put away the brushes and stopped abruptly. Standing before him, eyeing him malevolently was a familiar tattered figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Little Joe.\u201d Mary\u2019s Sue\u2019s voice was bitter and filled with suppressed rage. \u201cI see you survived your little beating. I\u2019m sorry to see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood still and eyed her warily. She was dressed in a pair of britches hitched up with suspenders, and her hair tucked into a boy\u2019s hat. He would have known her anywhere because of the crazed eyes, but to a casual observer, she would appear to be just another hand on one of the local ranches. Joe understood now how she seemed to appear and vanish at will. It had never occurred to anyone that she was masquerading as a boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want, Mary Sue?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was even and toneless, as he struggled to control the frisson of fear that shot up his spine. \u201cIf you value your life, you\u2019d better ride out of here, half the territory is looking for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue laughed, and Joe\u2019s flesh crawled at the sound. \u201cYou know that\u2019s not true, Joe. They stopped looking for me a few days ago. You forget I have ways of knowing what\u2019s happening in Virginia City. I know all about you almost dying and about the search being called off. So don\u2019t even try to lie to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She moved forward a step and Joe instinctively moved backwards into Cochise\u2019s stall. The pinto moved restlessly as he sensed the tension emanating from his master\u2019s body. Joe put out a hand to steady himself and to calm the horse at the same time. \u201cI asked what you wanted, Mary Sue,\u201d he said again. \u201cYou\u2019ve had your revenge, now get out of here and leave me alone.\u201d He moved back another step and realized that he was pressed against the wall of the barn, with nowhere to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary Sue moved forward again, drawing a knife from behind her back as she did so. \u201cOh, I won\u2019t leave just yet, Little Joe,\u201d she crooned lovingly. \u201cI\u2019ve got some unfinished business with you. You aren\u2019t dead yet, after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe glanced frantically around the stall for a weapon, but there was nothing at hand. He cursed inwardly and braced himself for Mary\u2019s Sue\u2019s attack. She moved inexorably forward, an insane gleam in her eye and a feral grin on her lips. Joe followed her every movement warily, and he was ready when she made her first lunge. As she swung the knife at him, Joe dodged to the side, only to run into Cochise\u2019s broad side. The pinto danced and whinnied nervously, the movement pushing Joe back toward Mary Sue. It had been enough to have the swing go wide, and instead of burying itself in Joe\u2019s chest, the knife glanced off his arm, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hissed in pain, but he moved to the offensive, lunging out at Mary Sue in an attempt to grab her arm. She was expecting the move and sidestepped his outstretched arm. Joe was boxed into the corner of the stall, with Cochise shuffling nervously to his left and the solid wall to his right. He backed as far into the stall as he could and braced himself for the woman\u2019s next attempt. Cochise let out a shrill scream of fear as he caught the waves of tension that emanated from the human being that he knew best.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned his eyes toward the horse instinctively, and he reached to stroke the beast\u2019s nose. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, boy,\u201d he said, as calmly as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But the division of his attention proved to be his undoing. Mary Sue darted forward, knife raised high. She slashed it down toward him, and he could only twist futilely in an effort to get out of the path of the blade. He screamed as he felt the blade plunge into his back, sinking to his knees in agony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cochise, the scent of blood strong in his nostrils, screamed again, the sound splitting the air. Mary Sue moved in for a killing stroke just as the horse launched himself upwards, the leather that tied him to the stall loosening with the violence of his movements. The horse\u2019s hooves crashed down indiscriminately, and Joe screamed again as he felt one glance off his thigh. He was lost in a world of pain and chaos, the sounds of the shrieking horse intermingling with another high-pitched sound. The world went dark as he lost his fight to stay in control of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rode up to the hitching post in front of the ranch house. He dismounted quickly, tied Sport\u2019s reins to the post and headed for the house. \u201cJoe!\u201d he called as he entered. He stopped as silence greeted him. \u201cJoe!\u201d He tried again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing bustled around the corner from the kitchen. \u201cWhat you yelling for?\u201d he asked briskly. \u201cMister Joe not in here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u201cNot in here? Where is he then? He knows that Pa wanted him to stay around the house. That\u2019s why I came back, I knew he wouldn\u2019t listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing headed back toward the kitchen, a string of Chinese words following in his wake. He stopped just before he disappeared around the corner, cocking his head back at Adam. \u201cMister Joe go see horse hours ago. All a time, he\u2019s with horse. Probably still in barn.\u201d He faded out of sight, still muttering as he went.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grinned briefly at the little man, and then he turned to head for the barn. He had a strong sense of foreboding pressing on him. Joe wasn\u2019t known for obeying instructions and this was his first opportunity to leave the house without someone holding him back. Adam wouldn\u2019t be at all surprised to find Cochise gone when he got to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The barn\u2019s interior was dim, shafts of light filtering in through cracks in the walls and ceiling, creating a pleasing view, as small motes of dust swirled gently in the air. Adam entered the structure, waiting momentarily for his eyes to adjust to the change in light. He heard Cochise shuffling, uttering nervous snorts and snuffling at something in the stall. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam moved forward quickly, and then stopped, his blood freezing in his veins. He saw Cochise first, as the animal danced nervously around the stall. The walls and floor were liberally daubed with splotches of red, and Adam caught the acrid tang of blood. Two crumpled figures lay at the horse\u2019s feet, in constant danger of being stepped on by the prancing hooves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice rang out stridently, and Cochise\u2019s head jerked up as the horse gave a shrill cry of fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam forced himself to walk calmly, holding his hand out to the animal, crooning in a soft voice as he walked. Cochise finally allowed him to grab the halter, and Adam spent a few precious seconds calming the animal down. He quickly untied the remaining thongs of leather that held the horse in the stall, leading him quickly to a clean one across the barn. That taken care of, he dashed across the barn to the carnage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At first Adam\u2019s eyes were only for Joe, who lay in a crumpled heap in the corner of the stall. A bleeding gash on his arm, and deeper, pulsing wounds on his back and thigh gave silent evidence of what had transpired. Adam knelt and felt for a pulse, heaving a sigh of relief when he found one. \u201cOh, Joe. What have you done now?\u201d he whispered to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was only after ascertaining that Joe still breathed that Adam turned his attention to the other still form. His eyes widened when he rolled the boy over, only to find Mary Sue\u2019s sightless eyes staring back at him. He felt for a pulse with shaking fingers, finding none. The deep depression on the back of her skull gave evidence of what had killed her. In his panic, Cochise had brought his hooves down on anything in his path. Mary Sue had borne the brunt of his unwitting attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam quickly closed the staring eyes, and turned his attention back to his brother. He would deal with Mary Sue later, but Joe took precedence in his thoughts. Scooping up the slender body, he headed for the house, bellowing for Hop Sing as he went.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again, three men paced before the great stone fireplace, their faces set in grim masks. This time joined by Sheriff Coffee. The doctor had arrived at the same time as Ben and the sheriff, all summoned by the ranch hand that Adam had dispatched. Ben had only glanced at the grisly scene in the barn before racing for the house. He left Roy Coffee making an examination of the scene. Hoss had ridden in on a lathered horse moments later, the urgent summons he\u2019d received leaving him no doubt that his presence was needed back at the house. Roy had finished his study of the scene and dispatched a couple of men to town, bearing a grisly burden wrapped in a blanket and draped over the saddle of a pack horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now all four men looked up as the doctor appeared at the head of the stairs. When Paul reached the bottom, he almost turned and fled back up, as the men moved forward in a mass.\u00a0\u00a0 Holding his hands up in mocking self-defense, Paul smiled wearily. \u201cWell, you\u2019ve got a lucky boy, there Ben.\u201d He settled himself into a chair and gratefully accepted the cup of coffee that Hoss silently handed him. \u201cHis arm is badly bruised, but not broken. The wound on his thigh was very bad and I\u2019ve stitched it up, but I want him to stay off that leg for a while. His back will be sore, and he\u2019s got a couple of cracked ribs, but not much more than that. I think once I examine the other body we\u2019ll see that Mary Sue took the brunt of the horse\u2019s hooves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled in relief. \u201cIs he awake? Can I see him now?\u201d He was already heading for the stairs and it was clear that he was going to be with his son regardless of the answer he received.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss and Adam moved as if to join him, Paul intervened. \u201cLet your father go up first, boys. Joe is pretty upset and I think he needs some time alone with his father.\u201d He saw Roy make a move and shook his head at the sheriff. \u201cYou too, Roy. You can question him later. Let Ben talk to him first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grudgingly the three men sat back down, but their eyes and their attention were focused on the stairs. Given the word they would all have left their seats and rushed for the bedroom, but the doctor held them back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben opened the door softly and moved into the room, an expectant smile on his face. He was greeted by a pale face, and the sight of Joe lying swathed in bandages. Seeing his father enter, Joe turned his face to the wall. \u201cI don\u2019t feel much like talking right now, Pa,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI think I need to rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pulled up a chair and sat down next to the bed. He couldn\u2019t refrain from gently touching the exposed shoulder that peeked over the tops of the bedclothes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt might help to talk about it, son,\u201d he said gently. \u201cBut in either case, I think I\u2019ll just stay here for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned and tried to smile at his determined father. He was fully aware that Ben wouldn\u2019t leave his side when he was sick or injured. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa. The Doc says I\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes were calm, his face carefully dispassionate. \u201cI really thought you might like to talk about Mary Sue. You haven\u2019t asked about her at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grimaced. \u201cI feel so stupid, Pa,\u201d he said finally. \u201cI really thought I could handle her on my own. She came after me with a knife and there wasn\u2019t anything I could do to stop her. And then Cochise got upset and started rearing . . . \u201d his voice trailed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben reached for Joe, taking his hand in an instinctive gesture of comfort and support. \u201cShe\u2019s dead Joe, and now you can finally put all this behind you. She won\u2019t hurt you anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were haunted, his face drawn into grim lines that made him look older than his years. \u201cShe hated me so much. She blamed me for all her troubles.\u201d He turned to look deep into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cCould I have done anything different? Would it have made a difference to Mary Sue if I hadn\u2019t found out what she was doing to Renny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stroked Joe\u2019s hand within his, his thumb smoothing away the tenseness of the fingers. \u201cWe can\u2019t go back and undo the past, Joe,\u201d he replied quietly. \u201cYou made your choices, just as Mary Sue made hers. She wasn\u2019t completely sane when she came back here. You know that. You know in your heart that you wouldn\u2019t do anything differently, would you? You can\u2019t help being who you are, son. And if it makes you feel any better, I wouldn\u2019t want you any other way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned softly. \u201cI appreciate that, Pa. You always know just what to say, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cMy job as a father is to make you *think<\/em>* I always know what to say, Joe. The truth is I\u2019m often at a loss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes were closing in spite of themselves. He winced a little as he shifted restlessly on the bed. \u201cYou coulda fooled me,\u201d he murmured. His breathing became soft and even and he succumbed to the oblivion that sleep could bring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile faded and he gazed at his son, reflecting on how close he had come, yet again, to losing this child. He settled more comfortably into his chair, all the while keeping his hold on Joe\u2019s hand. It would be some time before anyone would be able to persuade him to leave Joe\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~**~*~**~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe rode Cochise slowly toward the edge of town. He had only been allowed on the horse for the past two days and he\u2019d finally escaped from his father\u2019s watchful eyes. He rode with silent determination, his mind focused on his destination. Absently he patted his pocket, thinking of the letter that resided there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulled out the letter and read it again as he rode, although he\u2019d memorized the words already.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Joe,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sorry I haven\u2019t written to you before, but Grandma and Grandpa didn\u2019t think I should write to a grown man. They said it wasn\u2019t proper! Who wants to be proper, anyway? When Grandma and Grandpa told me about Mary Sue and what she did to you, I begged them to let me send you this letter. I was so sad to think of my sister dying, but she wasn\u2019t the same girl that I remember. She never did get over Pa\u2019s death, and I don\u2019t think she was herself anymore. She never wrote to me after I left town with my grandparents. I\u2019m sorry if she hurt you, but please remember, that I love you, Joe! Not all of the Hendersons are bad people. Will you do me a favor, and take Mary Sue some flowers from me? I cry when I think of her all alone with no one to care for her anymore.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Love, <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Kitty<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled softly as he thought of the little blond-haired dynamo, who\u2019d always held the key to his heart. He could remember the exuberant hug she\u2019d given him, before she\u2019d been whisked off to St. Louis by her grandparents. He felt he owed it to her to honor her wishes. And now he rode toward Mary Sue\u2019s final resting place, the graveyard at the edge of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights had quietly paid for the burial of the woman who had kidnaped and tortured the youngest son of the family. Joe had been too ill to attend the simple service that had been held over the grave, but Ben Cartwright had lent his presence to the ceremony. He had reported that besides the preacher and the grave digger, he\u2019d been the only person in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A pang of regret struck Joe to the quick as he thought of Mary Sue\u2019s promising life gone so viciously wrong. He still wrestled with the nightmares of his imprisonment at her hands, and would perhaps do so for months to come. But in some corner of his heart, he still held himself to blame for her descent into madness. After all, he had caused the death of her father and destroyed her reputation in Virginia City. Adam might have been the one who pulled the trigger, but it was Joe who had shredded Mary Sue\u2019s character in court and enraged her father to the point where he\u2019d lost control and drawn his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He dismounted at the gate, hitching Cochise to the fence post before crossing quickly to the fresh grave at the corner of the small cemetery. A simple tombstone, paid for with Cartwright money, stated the name and dates of the occupant of the plot, but that was all. Joe knelt next to the grave and let all his memories of Mary Sue wash over him, starting with the last glimpse he had of her insane eyes and snarling grin. He covered his eyes and let himself move back in time. Seeing her crouching before the fire in the cave, sitting on the witness stand at his trial, smirking up at him during the fateful dance when she\u2019d accused him of trying to attack her. But then he let older memories surface, scenes of them enjoying other dances, playing in the schoolyard and chasing each other around town as children flickered through his mind at a rapid pace. He smiled slightly as the visions of the mad-woman\u2019s face was replaced by one of the small girl who\u2019d been his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He picked up a handful of dirt from the mound heaped over the grave site and let it trickle back through his fingers. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust . . .\u00a0\u00a0 With a last look at the headstone, he laid a small bouquet of flowers under Mary Sue\u2019s name. For Kitty, he thought. But for himself too. He felt more at peace than he had in a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising to go, his eyes caught sight of something that fluttered gently in the slight breeze, just past Mary Sue\u2019s tombstone. He bent to pick it up, and felt the small hairs on the back of his arms stand up. It was a beautiful blue satin ribbon, very like one Mary Sue had worn in their schooldays. Joe glanced around quickly. No one else was in sight. No other graves were close to this one. He let the ribbon drop to the ground and turned to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe almost ran for Cochise, glad he\u2019d left the flowers and allowed some healing to begin, but unsettled by the ribbon. As he turned for home, he caught sight of two horses moving toward him. He smiled happily, and moved to meet them. His brothers had come to make sure he was all right and escort him home. Under normal circumstances he would have chafed under their watchful protection, today he welcomed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the three Cartwrights rode for home, the breeze picked up briskly, rippling through the trees with a rustling sound. Joe cocked his head and listened, for a moment it had sounded like the ripple of a young girl\u2019s laughter as she had chased a curly-haired boy through the school yard. Putting his heel to Cochise\u2019s side, he urged the horse forward. \u201cLet\u2019s go home,\u201d he called and the men rode quickly away from the graveyard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The wind stilled, finally dying. The ripple of laughter continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/p>\n

July 2001<\/span><\/p>\n

Next Story in The Vicious Circle Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shadow of Deception<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong> Family, jail \/ jailed<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A friend of Joe’s is accused of a serious crime.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (62,605 words)<\/p>\n

The Vicious Circle Series, links to all stories of this series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":379,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2536,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/bonanza.jpg?fit=295%2C295&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2897","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":0},"title":"Terror of the Night (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"June 16, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0Little Joe has a nightmare.\u00a0 Rated: T (750 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/normal_TQoM2-JC11.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13631,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13631","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":1},"title":"Freedom from Fear (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 14, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 The aftermath of Joe's kidnapping and subsequent rescue. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (33,760) Due to the subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6475,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6475","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":2},"title":"A Circle of Family: The Book of Joseph (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Days\u00a0before Adam is scheduled to leave for college, Little Joe \"borrows\" his older brother's Bible and leaves it outside in the rain when his attention is drawn elsewhere. The Bible had belonged to Elizabeth and was one of the few tokens Adam had of his mother.\u00a0We watch as he\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":3},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7567,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7567","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":4},"title":"Spanish Gold (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A schoolyard bet leaves Little Joe in desperate need of some Spanish gold. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 \u00a0Word count:\u00a0\u00a01150","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":574,"position":5},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574","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\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=574"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=574"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}