{"id":581,"date":"2002-03-30T23:06:39","date_gmt":"2002-03-31T04:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=581"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:29:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:29:05","slug":"luck-of-the-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=581","title":{"rendered":"Luck of the Draw (by Karen)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>The consequences are far reaching when Joe accidentally shoots a young child.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (33,190 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luck of the Draw<\/strong><\/p>\n

It started out like any other day.<\/strong> He rode into town to do some errands for his father, and naturally stopped by the saloon. As he strolled through the wide, swinging doors, Joe paused and let the sights and sounds of the establishment wash over him. He was in his element and knew it. A group of his friends greeted him from a corner table, and Joe ambled over to join them. An obliging barmaid placed a beer in his hand and an arm around his shoulder. Taking a contented sip of the drink, Joe reflected that life just didn\u2019t get any better than this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The one beer stretched into two, and then three. The barmaid had long since settled in his lap and was whispering sweet nothings in his ear, while his friends had grown raucous. Joe was feeling a pleasant haze of good will, when the dusty group of men walked into the saloon and bellied up to the bar. A quick glance from his keen eye was all that it took to figure out that these men were good with their guns and not afraid to show it. They wore their holsters low and within easy reach of their fingertips, and all had that hard-edged look about them. Not a group to be trifled with, and Joe was casually content to let them alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was obvious the gunmen had other ideas, though. Joe watched as they surveyed the room with cold eyes, and held a whispered consultation as they looked over the group of young men in the corner. He knew the cut of his friends\u2019 clothes indicated that most were the sons of local ranchers. The presence of the saloon\u2019s two barmaids at their table bespoke of local popularity and money to spend. Joe knew they looked like just the kind of young pups who needed to be taken down a peg or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The leader of the group sauntered slowly over to Joe\u2019s table and stood gazing down at the rowdy young men. At first, he was ignored as the young ranchers continued with their fooling. But then, one by one, the voices died out and the eyes flickered upward. Finally, silence reigned at the table as the two groups of men waged a battle with their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tim Anderson, who sat to Joe\u2019s right, spoke first. A tall, good looking young man of 22, he was popular with the girls of Virginia City and with the group of young men who sat at the table beside him. Tim was known for his quick wit and ready smile. He was always ready to make a joke and get a laugh going. Now, he poked Joe in the side and smirked up at the silent gunslinger. \u201cWell, lookee here, Joe. I think this fellow don\u2019t like us too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt a stab of alarm as he saw the angry glint in the shootist\u2019s eye. \u201cShut up, Tim,\u201d he said, striving to sound genial and failing miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTake your friend\u2019s advice, pup,\u201d the man advised in a raspy voice. \u201cI don\u2019t like the way you boys are keeping all the women to yourselves. I think you need to do a little sharing.\u201d He reached down and snagged the arm of the girl in Joe\u2019s lap and gave a tug.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The girl gave Joe a pleading look as she was bundled off his lap and pulled into the strong embrace of the hard-eyed man. \u201cJoe?\u201d she said imploringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe frowned and tipped his hat back on his head. \u201cI don\u2019t think Daisy\u2019s real happy about being pulled out of my lap, mister,\u201d he remarked quietly. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d let her go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Daisy flashed him a grateful smile, the hired gun pushed her behind him and into the waiting arms of one of his henchmen. \u201cToo bad, kid,\u201d he said easily. \u201cDaisy is now otherwise occupied for the rest of the evening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He nodded insolently and strolled away, his hard-bitten men following at his heels. Daisy flashed Joe another look over her shoulder as she was hustled away, and shook her head when he made a move to get up. She\u2019d seen men of this type before and knew that Joe was courting disaster by coming to her aid.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe settled back into his seat reluctantly, his eyes remaining on the gunman and his compadres as they commandeered a table in the center of the room. He vaguely noticed that his own group of friends was no longer laughing and having a good time. Instead they were sitting sullenly back in their chairs, their eyes flashing with anger. Joe watched intently as Daisy was hauled into the leader\u2019s lap, and held there, while she struggled to get free. His jaw tensed and he rose to his feet without thinking. Crossing the room in two strides, he stood over the struggling pair, arriving just as Daisy slapped the gunslinger across the face with a resounding crack.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLet me go!\u201d she shrilled angrily. \u201cI told you I\u2019ve got work to do, now let me up.\u201d Daisy pushed futilely against the man\u2019s chest, but he only gripped her more tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re working for me tonight, sugar,\u201d the raspy voice drawled. The gunman spared a hand to rub the large red stain on his cheek. \u201cI think you\u2019re gonna regret that little stunt, Daisy. What\u2019re you gonna do if I get you fired for not being friendly with the customers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLet her go.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice cut through the man\u2019s words, and Daisy looked up with a gasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Joe, it\u2019s okay,\u201d she said urgently. \u201cGo on back to your table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou heard the lady,\u201d the gunman drawled. \u201cGo sit down, sonny, before I decide to teach you a lesson you won\u2019t ever forget.\u201d While he appeared to be occupied with holding onto the squirming barmaid, the older man\u2019s eyes never left Joe\u2019s left hip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe registered the man\u2019s interest in his gun, and he smiled. Joe was talented with his weapon. He liked the attention he got from being a good shot and he often indulged in shooting contests and demonstrations of fancy spins and twirls with his friends. Joe was widely considered to be the fastest shot in Virginia City, a fact that he didn\u2019t usually trouble to disagree with. If the truth were told, Joe reveled in his notoriety around town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Now he stood confidently poised on the balls of his feet, an expectant look in his eye. He was more than ready to take on this stranger, an obvious gunslinger, and he felt only the adrenaline rush of excitement. \u201cI asked you nicely, mister. Now let her go,\u201d he said again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a scrape of the chair, the gunman stood abruptly, dumping Daisy from his lap as casually as if he\u2019d been brushing a fly from his sleeve. She landed on the floor with a soft cry, and Joe\u2019s eyes hardened imperceptibly. He held out his right hand to help the girl to her feet, and she grasped it in a sweaty palm. She let herself be hauled to her feet, and with a nervous laugh she brushed back a lock of her ginger-colored hair. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Little Joe, let\u2019s go get a drink, okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The gunslinger put out a restraining hand; the sneer on his face was repellent. \u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere with Little<\/em> Joe, girl. You\u2019re staying right here with me.\u201d He stepped away from the table, giving himself more maneuvering room in the event of a gunfight, and Daisy\u2019s face paled. \u201cNow run along, sonny<\/em>. Leave the women to real men like us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe took a deep breath and struggled to control his rising temper. \u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere until you let her go,\u201d he replied. \u201cNow, I\u2019ve asked you politely. This time I\u2019m telling you. Leave her alone.\u201d He maintained his hold on Daisy\u2019s satin covered arm with his right hand, but his left hovered near his hip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Chairs pushed back, and men scrambled for cover in a melee of confusion. The signs of a gunfight were evident and no one wanted to get in the way. The bartender charged around the corner of the bar, his shotgun held high. \u201cLittle Joe, you know we don\u2019t allow gunplay in here. You take this outside,\u201d he bellowed frantically, his chubby face dripping with sweat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe never looked in the bartender\u2019s direction, instead, keeping his keen gaze focused on the shootist\u2019s eyes. He was waiting for that infinitesimal flicker that would indicate the man was about to draw. \u201cYou want to take this outside, mister. Or do you just want to leave Daisy alone,\u201d Joe asked calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The dark-clad gunslinger burst into loud laughter. \u201cYou hear that fellas, this young pup thinks he can take on Jake Myers.\u201d His glance dismissed Joe\u2019s abilities with a single flicker of an eyelid. \u201cI\u2019ll take it outside, sonny, if you\u2019re that eager to find your coffin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed, but without deigning to reply he tipped his head in the direction of the swinging double doors. \u201cAfter you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Myers laughed again, as he strolled casually to the door with a low, loose-hipped stride. His entourage followed close behind, already passing money as they wagered on how long it would take their leader to kill the young upstart.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe waited until they were all gone, and then he gave Daisy\u2019s arm a reassuring squeeze. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right now, Daisy. You go on upstairs for a while, and I\u2019ll straighten this fellow out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Daisy clung to Joe\u2019s arm, a sob making her catch her breath in a gasp. \u201cDon\u2019t do it, Little Joe. The man\u2019s a killer, I\u2019ve seen his type a hundred times before. It\u2019s not worth you risking your life.\u201d She gazed up at him imploringly, tears making her dark eye makeup run in tracks down her cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe thumbed away the mess and kissed her gently on the forehead. \u201cI think it\u2019s worth it. Now you do as I say.\u201d He gently disengaged her clinging hands and headed for the door, all the men in the saloon following behind him. A good gunfight wasn\u2019t something they would willingly miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe walked slowly, without a trace of fear, to the center of the dusty street. He saw that Myers was already in position at the far end. He could hear the low murmur of the crowd that lined the sidewalk as word of the gunfight spread like wildfire through the little town. He felt a slow trickle of sweat trace a path down his spine, but he suppressed the awareness of his discomfort. His world now centered on one man, and everything else vanished from his thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers flexed his fingers experimentally over his holster and Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed. The murmur of the crowd disappeared from his mind, as he deliberately shut out all sound. His gaze sharpened, as he waited for that first, barely perceptible indication that the other man was ready to fire his weapon. He no longer saw the faces that lined the streets, they\u2019d been replaced by a hazy blur that allowed him to hone in on the gunslinger\u2019s every breath and subtle movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Time slowed, stretching to the breaking point, every second turning into an agonizing length of time. Joe felt his own heart thudding in his chest, and was aware of the tingle of his nerve-endings as he waited for the battle to begin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

And then it was there, the twitch that signaled the other man\u2019s intent to draw, and Joe became all smooth motion. His weapon was clearing its holster and coming up to bear on the gunman, when a flurry of motion erupted from the blur on the sidewalk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Afterwards, Joe remembered every detail as if it were painted on a canvas. His bullet left the barrel of the Colt and headed down the street at the same time that Myers\u2019s bullet roared towards him. But, Joe\u2019s aim was affected by the distraction of a little bundle of churning arms and legs that seemed to be rolling across the street. He opened his mouth in a silent scream of horror when he realized that his bullet was bearing down on seven-year-old Peggy Hardesty. A piercing sound assaulted his ears when Peggy\u2019s mother screamed as her daughter dashed toward her father on the opposite sidewalk. Joe never felt the impact as Myers\u2019s bullet entered his right arm, near the shoulder, he was so intent on the scene at the other end of the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He watched in horror as the little girl crumpled bonelessly to the ground, a growing stain of red seeping into the earth beneath her. Freed at last from the paralysis that had overtaken him, Joe ran toward the little girl. He knelt beside her weeping parents and surveyed the scene in numb fascination as the crowd around them thickened and intensified. He reached out with a shaking hand to touch a lock of the blond hair, and was sickened to discover that it was now liberally daubed with blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGet away from her! Haven\u2019t you done enough?\u201d Mrs. Hardesty\u2019s voice was shrill, her gaze lethal as she glared at Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ve killed my daughter.\u201d The distraught woman gathered the still form of the little girl into her arms and cradled her against her chest. Keening sobs filled the air, the only sound heard on the hushed street.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Gentle hands pried at the child, as Paul Martin arrived on the scene. He was puffing slightly, out of breath from his frenzied run down the street in answer to the summons of an onlooker. \u201cLet me see her, Mary. Let her go,\u201d he murmured gently. \u201cI\u2019ve got to take a look at her, you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

In response to the doctor\u2019s continual stream of soothing words, the over-wrought mother finally released her child. Peggy lay limply in her mother\u2019s lap as the doctor conducted his examination. Joe didn\u2019t realize he was holding his breath, until a wave of dizziness threatened to overwhelm him. Expelling the pent-up air in his chest in a shaky explosion, he worked to drag oxygen into his lungs. Concentrating on his breathing, he almost missed the moment when the doctor finally raised his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShe\u2019s not dead, Mary. We need to get her to my office immediately. I\u2019ve got to remove the bullet and stop the bleeding, if she\u2019s going to have any chance at all.\u201d Paul\u2019s voice was brisk and unemotional, but his eyes told another story. He looked directly at Joe. \u201cWait in my office, Joe. I\u2019ll take a look at that arm as soon as I\u2019ve finished with Peggy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stared at him, uncomprehendingly. Seeing the lack of understanding, Paul reached out and gently tapped Joe\u2019s blood-soaked sleeve. Following the doctor\u2019s fingers, Joe realized that his sleeve was covered with an ever-growing stain, accompanied by an insistent throbbing in the wounded arm. With a nod, he rose, intent on following the Hardestys and Paul down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A black-clad figure stepped in front of Joe, halting his forward progress. \u201cLooks like you missed, Little<\/em> Joe.\u201d Myers sneered, a mocking smile plastered on his face. He tapped Joe\u2019s chest with one finger. \u201cI\u2019m glad I<\/em> didn\u2019t shoot that poor little girl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A haze of red rose before Joe\u2019s eyes and obscured his vision. With a wordless cry, he launched himself at Myers, intent on grinding his face into the dirt. He barely noticed the restraining arms that reached out to enfold him as he struggled to reach his goal. It was several minutes before he even heard the voice that was bellowing in his ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe! Stop it! Settle down, boy.\u201d Roy Coffee bawled frantically. \u201cThis isn\u2019t doing anyone any good, son. Stop it, now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe abruptly stopped his struggles to free himself, suddenly aware that the object of his anger was nowhere to be seen. He was trapped in the arms of several of the townsmen, while Roy Coffee stood directly in front of him, his face apoplectic with fury. \u201cWhere did he go?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cWhere\u2019s that bastard, Myers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI sent him out of town,\u201d Roy replied quickly. \u201cNow, do I have your word that you\u2019ll calm down, Little Joe. I ain\u2019t gonna have these fellas let you go until you do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded reluctantly, and watched as Roy signaled the men holding his arms to let him go. A sudden thought surged foremost in his mind, and he grabbed Roy\u2019s sleeve in frantic fingers. \u201cPeggy Hardesty? Is she all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy\u2019s face was wary, and his expression remained grim. \u201cThey took her on down to the Doc\u2019s office. I been too busy dealin\u2019 with you to find out what\u2019s goin\u2019 on. Let\u2019s walk on down there together, and we\u2019ll get your arm checked while we\u2019re there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had begun to shake in reaction to the shock of the day\u2019s events. The street swam in a hazy mist in front of his eyes, as he felt Roy grab his good arm and begin leading him down the street. They hadn\u2019t gone too far when dark spots appeared in front of Joe\u2019s eyes. They grew larger and enveloped his vision. He let the darkness take him, and crumpled into a heap at Roy\u2019s feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The clock ticked loudly, and Joe buried his aching head in his hands once more. He had been alternating between huddling in a chair watching the hands of the big clock move with agonizing slowness, and pacing like a caged animal in the narrow confines of the doctor\u2019s second examination room. It seemed like days since Roy had left him on his own in the little room to wait for Paul to finish with Peggy. Joe felt the acrid taste of bile at the back of his throat, as once again, his stomach rebelled against the ongoing tension that consumed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He pulled himself shakily to his feet and hastily doused his head with a splash of cool water from a basin set on the small bedside table. Sickening images of Peggy Hardesty lying in a pool of her own blood flashed before his eyes, and he moaned softly. He was sure that the little girl was dying, if she wasn\u2019t already dead. The fact that it was his bullet that the doctor was even now trying to pull from her small body was an idea so horrific that Joe had to struggle to make sense of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe dragged a trembling hand across his forehead, wiping away the moisture that clung to his skin. Already he could feel the flush of fever spreading over his body. His eyes burned in his head, and he blinked furiously. His vision remained clouded with a mixture of sweat and tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo sign of the doc yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jumped, startled by the sound of Roy Coffee entering the room. \u201cWhat?\u201d he gasped. When he saw who it was, he slumped against the examination table. \u201cSorry, Roy, you startled me. How\u2019s Peggy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy sighed. \u201cThe doc\u2019s still with her. He won\u2019t let me in to see her, but it sure is takin\u2019 a long time.\u201d He leaned companionably against the table, next to Joe, intentionally letting his shoulder brush against the green jacket. \u201cHow\u2019re you feelin\u2019 Little Joe? You don\u2019t look so good to me. Why don\u2019t you lay down here, and I\u2019ll keep an eye out for the doc?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head grimly. \u201cI\u2019m fine. I\u2019m not lying down until I hear something about Peggy.\u201d He expelled a heavy breath and let his head droop, his wounded arm clutched tightly to his chest. \u201cWhat happens if she dies?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy turned his head in surprise. \u201cIt was an accident, wasn\u2019t it Little Joe? You didn\u2019t aim to shoot Peggy, did ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe glared at the older man. \u201cOf course not! She ran into the street, but it was my bullet that hit her, and no one else\u2019s. I\u2019m responsible for what happened to her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a muffled sigh, Roy heaved his weary body off the table, and reached to pat Joe gently on the shoulder. \u201cIt was an accident, Joe. Ya can\u2019t change what happened. All ya can do is hope that Peggy gets better soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

He walked slowly to the door, but he paused before leaving. With a frown creasing his craggy face, he said softly. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you lie down on that table until the doc gets in here. You\u2019ve got a fever, and your Pa would tear the hide off me if I let anything happen to you. I\u2019ve sent someone out to the ranch to fetch him, so he should be here shortly. It\u2019ll be all right, Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stared blankly at the wall, the sheriff\u2019s presence already forgotten. Roy closed the door behind him, a gusty sigh trailing in his wake. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sharp click of the door jerked Joe back to awareness. He glanced up quickly, only to realize that he was once again alone in the room. The green eyes tracked vacantly around the room, coming to rest on the pearl-handled pistol that peeked from the coiled leather of its holster. Joe made a sharp sound of revulsion when he thought of what that gun had done to Peggy Hardesty. He advanced across the room, his eyes locked on the silent weapon, until he stood in front of the table where it rested.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He reached out a tentative hand and touched the gleaming metal. The gun was cool to the touch, and Joe let his fingers trail down the well-oiled surface. He had so many memories of this gun. It had been a gift from his father when the older Cartwright had finally decided that Joe was of an age to carry a gun. Joe remembered the excitement of feeling like a man with the weight of the gun nestling against his left hip. He allowed his thoughts to focus on all the hours of practice with the weapon, his face reflecting the disgust that he now felt. He jerked his fingers back from the gun, suddenly repulsed by the feel of the cold metal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He spun around, in an effort to shut out the sight of the gun that had become abhorrent to him. But still he could feel it. The gun\u2019s presence shouted at him, even though he could no longer see it. He felt the deadly potential of the weapon reaching out to him, calling to him to pick it up and put it on his hip again. With a sharp cry, Joe wrenched open the door and left the room. He quickly crossed the waiting room and was running out into the night before he understood what was happening. Behind him the room was silent, the gun on the table the only sign that Joe Cartwright had ever been present.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The big buckskin horse pounded through the rapidly gathering darkness. Dusk had given way to night, and Ben Cartwright was heading toward Virginia City and his youngest son as fast as his horse could carry him safely. His thoughts were in turmoil and he battled with the rage that threatened to overtake all the other emotions that were coursing through him. Little Joe had done it again. Ben wondered when his youngest was ever going to stop getting himself into these messes. His impulsive actions had led him into trouble so many times that the weary father had long since stopped counting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the lights of Virginia City appeared in the distance, Ben pulled the horse in a little. He needed the time to fix a calm expression on his face. With Joe wounded, the last thing he wanted to do was go in yelling. Time enough for that later, when the boy had healed some. Taking a deep breath, Ben approached Paul Martin’s surgery and hitched Buck\u2019s reins to the rail. Opening the door, he headed into the waiting area, only to stop short when he realized it was empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A quick glance around gave him no clue as to his son\u2019s whereabouts, but the soft murmur of voices from the first examination room led him in that direction. Softly pushing open the door, Ben glanced in and just as quickly pulled back again. Paul was laboring over a still form in the bed, but the body was too small to be Joe\u2019s. Heaps of bloody rags lay on the floor, and the presence of a teary-eyed, blank-faced Mary Hardesty was all the evidence Ben needed to know that he wasn\u2019t welcome in this room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He backed into the waiting room and spun around slowly. He saw the door to the second examination room was ajar, and he headed for that. With a soft knock on the doorframe, he pushed the wooden panel open and stepped confidently into the room. Again, he pulled up short, when he realized that this room was also empty. A flash of fear stabbed through him and he wondered where Joe was. His eyes swept the room frantically, and immediately they fastened on the bundle that lay silently on the small bedside table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He crossed the room in two swift strides and bent to pick up the gunbelt, obviously made for a left-hander. The pearl-handled pistol was all-too familiar, and gave evidence that Joe had been here. But where was he now? Ben glanced around the room, his eye drawn to the bed that was still made up, but rumpled a little as though someone had leaned on one edge. He moved closer and drew in a quick breath when he saw a couple of rusty stains that winked up at him from the white sheet. He touched one with the tip of a finger, and his eyes grew wide when he realized it was still damp.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Wiping his hand on his pants, he headed for the door. Paul Martin couldn\u2019t be disturbed now, but Roy Coffee would know where Joe was. Absently, he slung Joe\u2019s gunbelt over his shoulder as he walked. The sense of foreboding grew deeper as he struggled to piece together the information he had been given in the hasty message from the sheriff and the things he had seen at the doctor\u2019s office. Joe was in over his head, as usual. Now all Ben needed to do was find him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d Ben\u2019s usually mellow voice was a little strident as he barged into the sheriff\u2019s office. \u201cHave you got him back in one of the cells, or is he over at the hotel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy looked up from a stack of paperwork, his shocked expression telling its own story. \u201cWhat are you talking about, Ben? Little Joe? I left him over at the Doc\u2019s office. I figgered you\u2019d head there first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s face clouded with concern and he tossed Joe\u2019s gunbelt onto Roy\u2019s desk. \u201cHe was there, because I found this. But he\u2019s not there now, so where is he? Your message said that there\u2019d been a gunfight and that Joe was wounded. Has Paul seen him yet? And if he hasn\u2019t where would Joe go? And why would he leave his gun behind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy stood hastily, and he trailed a finger over the soft leather of the belt. \u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t go noplace without his gun, that\u2019s for sure. But he\u2019s sure not here, Ben. I think you should check over at the hotel, and I\u2019ll go back to the saloon. Mebbe he got tired of waitin\u2019 on the doc, and he went back to check on Daisy. You know how Little Joe is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy added the last statement in a matter of fact tone. They all knew how Little Joe was; it would be just like him to put Daisy\u2019s welfare above his own, especially if the doc had been too busy to tend to him yet. He put a companionable arm around Ben\u2019s tense shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him at one of those two places, you\u2019ll see. Then we\u2019ll drag him back to the doc\u2019s to get that arm looked at. It was hurtin\u2019 him some, and he was startin\u2019 a fever, but I think he\u2019ll be fine in no time. It\u2019s little Peggy Hardesty I\u2019m worried about right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shot a sharp glance at the stocky sheriff. \u201cWhat happened here today, Roy? What would cause Little Joe to take off like this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy\u2019s shrug was almost hidden by the darkness as the two men headed out of the office and onto the dark streets of the town. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you about it after we find Joe. That\u2019s what you need to be worryin\u2019 about now, not what happened earlier. We got time enough to worry about that.\u201d He clapped Ben on the shoulder, and pushed him gently in the direction of the hotel. \u201cGo find your son, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a last look at the sheriff\u2019s bland mask, Ben turned on his heel and headed for the hotel. Roy hadn\u2019t set his mind at ease, if anything he\u2019d added to the packload of worries that had settled on his back. Yes, finding Little Joe had suddenly become imperative.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tired. He was so tired. He felt the tug of the dried blood on his skin, and he swayed in the saddle from exhaustion. His arm throbbed unmercifully and his head pounded in rhythm with the beat of his heart. But still he rode without ceasing. He didn\u2019t care where he was going. In fact, his horse was picking the path more often than not. But he felt the need to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He still felt the urgent need to put as much distance between himself and his gun as he could. An uncontrolled trembling started again when he thought of the damage that his bullet had done to Peggy Hardesty. The thought of that gleaming gun that had been such a source of pride just a few hours earlier, now made him feel sick to his stomach. I\u2019ll never touch a gun again!<\/em> The thought echoed in his aching head, over and over again. And still he rode on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The first faint glimmers of the false dawn were making their way across the horizon when he could go no further. With an incoherent moan, he felt himself slipping from the saddle. He grasped at the leather of the pinto\u2019s lead rein as he fell, but it slipped through his nerveless fingers and did nothing to halt his descent to the ground. He felt the rough grit of the rocky ground as it gouged his cheek, but he couldn\u2019t summon the energy to lift his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe remained so still for so long that the horse grew restless. Trained to a ground tie from an early age, the horse wouldn\u2019t move far, but the call of the sweet grass at the edge of the trail proved to be too great a lure to resist. The animal moved away, cropping at the grass, he, too, close to exhaustion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The movement of the horse penetrated through Joe\u2019s foggy brain, and he struggled to roll himself over onto his back. The shift in his position sent renewed agony through his wounded shoulder and his aching head. He could tell the wound had broken open again by the soft trickle of warm stickiness that trailed down his skin under his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

In his new position, Joe could see that the sky had lightened considerably, but he had no idea where he was. His headlong flight had taken him many miles from home, and while he knew every inch of the surrounding area like the back of his hand, he was too numb with fatigue to take in his surroundings. His vision swam and blurred, dark streaks interspersed with lightning sharp flashes caused him to blink. When he made the mistake of trying to shake his head to clear his eyes, it was too much, and the darkness reached out to claim him. Joe\u2019s last thought as he tumbled helplessly toward oblivion was of his father. Ben Cartwright was going to be fit to be tied with his youngest son\u2019s latest escapade.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jolting movement reawakened the throbbing pain in Joe\u2019s arm, and his stomach finally lost its battle to retain its contents. He retched until what little remained from yesterday\u2019s breakfast was expelled. Once the dry heaves subsided, Joe took stock of his surroundings with a bleary eye. He was lying on his back, but for some reason the wooden surface he was resting on appeared to be moving. The soft tinkle of harness bells mingled with a constant soft tuneless humming, and he wondered what was causing the noise. Struggling to pull himself upright, Joe looked around frantically for Cochise. The only sight that met his eyes was a vision of stained and dirty canvas that swayed listlessly with the lurching movement of the wagon it covered. From the collection of boxes, barrels, odds and ends, and a seemingly endless supply of junk, Joe surmised that he was in a tinker\u2019s wagon. He looked down at the pile of rags he had been laying on, now stained with blood and vomit, and his stomach lurched again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With hesitation, he crawled toward the ray of light that peeked in through a slit in the canvas at the rear of the wagon. After an agonizing passage over the assorted trash, he was rewarded for his efforts by an ever-widening gap in the canvas. He tugged harder and was able to see the welcome sight of Cochise trailing placidly behind the wagon. The horse whinnied softly and nosed at the opening when he spotted the grimy face peering out at him. Joe couldn\u2019t help chuckling as the soft nose nuzzled his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The wagon stopped moving abruptly, and Joe was thrown off balance. He fell backward, his injured shoulder striking the edge of one of the innumerable crates. He couldn\u2019t help the cry of pain that left his lips, and he grabbed at his arm in an effort to quench the fierce throbbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Through a mist of pain, he was vaguely aware of the lurch and sway of the wagon as the driver left the seat. He heard the tuneless humming grow louder and a pair of booted feet crunched through the rocky roadbed. The footsteps stopped, and Joe raised his head. The light streaming through the gap in the canvas was gone, replaced by a nebulous blob that blocked the sun. The glare from the little light that made it past the tinker\u2019s head kept Joe from making out the person\u2019s features, and he instinctively struggled to sit up, not wanting to be caught lying down in the face of a potential threat. His hand moved toward his hip in an unconscious gesture, but stopped when he remembered that the familiar weight of his gun was gone. He held his head up as high as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho are you?\u201d he gasped out, hating that he sounded as weak as he did. \u201cI owe you my thanks for picking me up off the road last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The voice was velvety, deep with a hint of huskiness. \u201cNo problem. Ya looked like ya was in a heap o\u2019 trouble, so\u2019s I picked ya up. From the sounds o\u2019 it, yer needin\u2019 some tendin\u2019. Whyn\u2019t ya lay back down and I\u2019ll git ya some cool water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The head was removed from the opening in the canvas, with the result that a shaft of sunlight struck Joe full in the eyes. He was dazzled by the brightness and closed his eyes against the glare. He heard the tinker shuffling back, along with the welcome sloshing of a canteen that accompanied the footsteps this time. As he propped himself more comfortably against the crates, he tried to shield his eyes for a better look at his rescuer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHere ya\u2019 go, drink slow, now. Ya don\u2019 wanna git sick agin.\u201d The canteen was thrust into his hands along with the mellow-voiced advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe drank eagerly, savoring the sweet taste of the slightly tepid water as it washed away the sticky residue of the vomiting and the grit from the road dust. He sighed in relief and resisted slightly when he felt the tinker tugging on the canteen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cEnough, son, ye\u2019ll be sick, I\u2019m a\u2019warnin\u2019 ya.\u201d The tinker chuckled throatily, and Joe couldn\u2019t help but grin in response.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ve heard those words before, but I never can stop myself from drinking too much,\u201d he said mildly. \u201cThanks again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A husky laugh emerged from the dark shape that peeked in the canvas. \u201cYer soundin\u2019 better all ready. Kin ya last fer a spell longer, or do ya need ta stop here? It\u2019s still a ways ta my place, and I was aimin\u2019 ta head there before I took a look at yer arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe moved his arm experimentally, gasping at the sudden surge of pain that the smallest of movements engendered. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d he ground out from between his gritted teeth. \u201cDon\u2019t stop on my account.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The head tilted a little in speculation. \u201cLie back down then, or ye\u2019ll get banged up sump\u2019n fierce. Try to sleep, it\u2019ll be better fer ya, then tryin\u2019 ta sit up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded slowly; he knew the tinker was right. He eyed the trek back through the debris dubiously, though. He didn\u2019t know if he could face the crawl back with his entire body feeling like it had been caught in a stampede.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As if reading his mind, the dusky voice sounded again. \u201cNeed some help,\u201d the tinker asked sympathetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tried to gauge the stranger. It was obvious that the tinker meant no harm. He\u2019d scooped up a total stranger and taken him under his wing. And he knew that he wasn\u2019t feeling up to the crawl through the debris. Letting his guard drop completely, he answered the query with a simple nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Without further ado, the tinker hoisted a large soft body up onto the wagon\u2019s edge. A pair of strong arms caught him up and deposited him in the back of the wagon as if he didn\u2019t weigh any more than a child. A ragged blanket was drawn up over his shoulders and Joe let himself settle in as well as he could. With a soft sigh that was almost a moan, he shut his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He heard the tinker moving back out of the wagon and summoned up one last surge of energy. \u201cThank you,\u201d he tried to call, although it came out more as a whisper. He couldn\u2019t tell if the tinker heard, and suddenly it didn\u2019t seem to matter too much. He surrendered to the pull of sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A pair of shiny bright eyes peered down at him, and Joe jerked reflexively. He pulled himself out of the grogginess of sleep through sheer willpower and gazed back at the owner of the eyes. He smiled involuntarily at the small boy who stood looking at him. The child had curly black hair and skin the color of coffee. \u201cHi,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJared,\u201d the child answered sturdily. He rocked back on his heels and tucked a chubby pair of thumbs into his overall straps, never taking his eyes off the man in the bed. \u201cYou sick?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tested his shoulder and felt the renewed stab of pain. He could feel the binding of bandages and knew that someone had doctored him while he slept. His muscles shrieked in protest as he stirred. Mostly just sore from the long ride and the reaction to his injury, he decided. He felt flushed and warm, all-too familiar signs of a fever, but it didn\u2019t seem too bad. All in all he\u2019d been worse before.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll be okay,\u201d he reassured the boy. \u201cWhere\u2019d you come from?\u201d He struggled to pull himself to a sitting position and looked around him with curious eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He was lying on a rickety cot in a ramshackle shack. Small, but cluttered, with an assortment of odds and ends piled haphazardly everywhere he could see. The fabric of the quilt that covered him was clean but threadbare, attesting to the general state of the room. It was apparent that there wasn\u2019t much money to be spent on material things in this house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The child\u2019s voice startled him out of his reverie. Jared\u2019s answer betrayed his disgust with adults who asked foolish questions. \u201cI live here, silly. With my Pa. He brung ya here, t\u2019other night. Ya been sleepin\u2019 a long times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned. \u201cSorry about that. I hope I haven\u2019t taken your bed away from you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared grinned back, and Joe recognized a kindred spirit. \u201cYep, ya did, but ah don\u2019 mind. Pa says that ya needs it more\u2019n me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just then the child clapped his hand to his head in a comical display of despair. \u201cI\u2019s almost forgot. Pa says ta give ya sump\u2019n ta eat. Ya hungry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The chubby body radiated an eagerness to please that made Joe forget the aches that plagued him. He shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019m thirsty, more than anything. You wouldn\u2019t happen to have some water, would you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Happy to have a job to do, the boy hustled away. He soon returned lugging a heavy bucket with both hands. Joe could hear the water sloshing with every step, and he saw that the boy was leaving a wet trail behind him. It would be a miracle if there were anything left in the bucket when the child reached the bed, he thought ruefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After an arduous trek across the tiny cabin, the boy carefully placed his prize on the floor next to the bed. He plopped a dipper into the bucket and proffered it to Joe with an expectant look on his face. \u201cHere ya\u2019 go. I fetched it from the well, so\u2019s it\u2019d be nice \u2018n cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe reached eagerly for the dipper and sighed with relief as the cool liquid soothed his dry throat. He drank deeply before he held the dipper back out to the boy. \u201cThanks, partner. That hit the spot. I already feel much better. I don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ve got a rag around here somewhere, so I could do a little washing up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boy accepted the dipper and his face lit up. \u201cI shore do. I\u2019s s\u2019posed to take keer a ya till Pa gits back. You\u2019ll tell him I done a good job, won\u2019cha, Mister?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded solemnly. \u201cSon, if you find me a rag, I\u2019ll be happy to tell your Pa what a good job you\u2019ve done today.\u201d He awkwardly reached out with his left hand, because his right was resting in a sling. \u201cWant to shake on it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared\u2019s dark eyes gleamed like ebony as a brilliant grin streaked across his face. He proudly held out his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s a deal, Mister.\u201d He turned to leave on his errand, but then stopped and turned back to the man in the bed. \u201cSay, what\u2019s yer name anyways?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s green eyes twinkled. \u201cIt\u2019s Joe. So can I get that rag now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared nodded, his head bobbing up and down vigorously as he did so. \u201cSure \u2018nough, Mister Joe. I\u2019se be but a minute.\u201d He turned on his heel and scampered away quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe could hear the sounds of the boy digging through something on the far side of the cabin, but he was hidden by a tall stack of boxes. He felt himself relaxing against the bedframe, feeling calmer now than at any time since the shooting. A sudden thought of Peggy Hardesty crossed his mind, and Joe blanched. He drew a shaky hand across his forehead, feeling the trace of sweat that had sprung up. The little girl might be dead now. From the looks of Jared, he was about the same age as Peggy, although the man-child was completely different in every way possible from the little girl. Joe welcomed the distraction as Jared returned triumphantly brandishing a large square of white cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI jist knew Pa would hev sump\u2019n to use for washin\u2019,\u201d he exclaimed excitedly. \u201cHere ya go, Mister Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gratefully accepted the cloth and dipped it into the bucket of water. He wiped the soft fabric across his hot forehead and sighed as the coolness brought him a little relief. \u201cYou can just call me Joe,\u201d he remarked with his eyes shut, as he continued to bathe his heated face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared sucked in a breath, and Joe opened his eyes to see a look of something like hero worship in the boy\u2019s eyes. \u201cYa mean it? I kin call ya Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe winced. \u201cDon\u2019t look at me like that, kid,\u201d he mumbled. He saw the hurt that streaked across the child\u2019s face, and said hastily, \u201cOf course I mean it. I\u2019d like it if you\u2019d call me Joe. We\u2019re friends, aren\u2019t we?\u201d He was rewarded by a smile like sunshine on Lake Tahoe and couldn\u2019t help but smile back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure, Joe. We\u2019re friends,\u201d Jared said happily. He jumped up onto the bed beside Joe, jarring the injured shoulder in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe winced as the movement sent a jolt of pain through his arm from his fingertips to his shoulder. Jared stared at him, a sudden hint of tears in his eyes. \u201cI\u2019s sorry,\u201d the boy said quickly, and he moved to get back off the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He was halted by the hand that Joe placed on his shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, stay,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cJust move a little more slowly, okay?\u201d He patted the bed next to him. \u201cTell me about you and your Pa. Where is he anyway?”<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared settled in, his happiness easily restored. He prattled on at great length, telling Joe about his father who traveled around \u2018fixin’ and mendin\u2019. He didn\u2019t specify what the man \u2018traded\u2019, but Joe took another glance around the room heaped with boxes, barrels and crates, all bulging with goods of one type or another, and was able to make a good guess at what the man was bartering. Apparently Jared\u2019s Pa was gone for days on end, leaving the seven year old to tend the few critters that lived in a ramshackle barn next to the house. The boy\u2019s Pa had a neighbor stop to check on things from time to time; the only visitor the boy had. The child must have seen the indignation building in his new friend as Joe grew angry at the thought of the little boy living on his own for such a long time. The story trailed off and the boy\u2019s eyes grew huge in his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI guess thass all, Mister\u2026I mean Joe. We ain\u2019t got much goin\u2019 on round here. Don\u2019 get many strangers t\u2019all,\u201d Jared said quietly. \u201cYa mad at me, Joe?\u201d<\/span>
\nJoe shook his head quickly, but then regretted it, when he felt a sudden surge of dizziness sweep through him. He made a mental note to remember not to move suddenly before he managed to answer his new friend. \u201cOf course, I\u2019m not mad at you, Jared. But don\u2019t you get scared being out here all by yourself for so much of the time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared smiled serenely. \u201cCourse not. I\u2019s most a man, cain\u2019t ya see? \u2018Sides, if I didn\u2019 take keer o\u2019 the critters, they\u2019d die. Then where\u2019d we be? No milk, ner eggs neither. Pa d\u2019pends \u2018n me.\u201d He puffed up his chest proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had to laugh at the boy\u2019s air of manliness. The child reminded him so much of himself at that age that it was eerie. The difference was that Jared didn\u2019t have two older brothers to smother him with doting affection and more rules than a boy could shake a stick at. But he also didn\u2019t have the security of two extra fathers to take care of him when his Pa was away, and for that, Joe was sorry. He leaned back against the headboard, his eyes drifting shut. He felt the small body curl up next to him. Together the two \u201cmen\u201d fell asleep on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo word from anyone?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was soft, and his eyes darted quickly to his father\u2019s desk where Ben was sitting. \u201cDid anyone even answer the telegrams we sent?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss deliberately steered Adam toward the door. \u201cI got answers, all right. They just ain\u2019t good ones,\u201d he said in frustration. \u201cAin\u2019t no one seen Joe in any town within a hundred miles of here. If he was shot in the arm, like the doc says he was, then he couldn\u2019a ridden too far. I just don\u2019 understand this.\u201d He slammed his fist on the doorframe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know you\u2019re here, you might as well stop whispering in corners and come give me the news.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice wasn\u2019t loud, but it made itself heard in every corner of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Adam exchanged glances of trepidation, but they both walked obediently toward their father\u2019s desk. \u201cHey, Pa,\u201d Hoss called out, struggling to interject a jovial note into his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAny news?\u201d Ben\u2019s face was haggard, his eyes bleak with exhaustion and worry. \u201cDid anyone answer the telegrams?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss handed him a sheaf of papers. \u201cWe got answers, Pa, just not good ones. Ain\u2019t no one seen Joe since he left here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sighed heavily, and he listlessly ruffled through the telegrams. \u201cWhat\u2019s the word from Paul?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss lowered his eyes. \u201cPeggy\u2019s still not awake yet, and the doc says if she stays that way much longer, he cain\u2019t hold out much hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll ride out again in the morning. Don\u2019t worry, Pa. He can\u2019t have just ridden off the face of the earth. Someone\u2019s got to have seen him.\u201d Adam worked to sound calm and reassuring, but his effort was a failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head. \u201cWhere will you look, Adam? We don\u2019t even know what direction he took when he left town. We\u2019ve had men asking questions in every town within riding distance, and we\u2019ve wired all the ones that were farther away. You and Hoss have spent every day this week in the saddle, but there\u2019s just no place else to search.\u201d His shoulders slumped and he put a hand against the desk as if to brace himself. \u201cI think it\u2019s time we admitted that Joe might be gone for good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa!\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was appalled. \u201cDon\u2019t say that. Joe\u2019s gotta be around somewhere. We just ain\u2019t looked in the right place yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head, stubbornly. \u201cI\u2019ll find him. I\u2019ll be riding out at first light. Don\u2019t worry if I\u2019m not back for a couple of days, Pa. I\u2019m not calling off the search just yet.\u201d He turned to his brother. \u201cCome on, Hoss. Hop Sing\u2019s got some sandwiches and coffee in the kitchen. We\u2019ll eat light tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss nodded, his gratitude for Adam\u2019s words shining in his eyes. He clapped a companionable arm around Adam\u2019s shoulders, and the two men headed for the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat at his desk, staring at the stack of useless telegrams in his hands. In spite of his words, he felt reassured that his sons hadn\u2019t given up hope. If anyone could find Joe, it would be Adam and Hoss. He rubbed a tired hand over his face and allowed himself the luxury of a moment of quiet despair. Then, with a decisive push of his chair, he rose and headed for the kitchen, as well. If his boys hadn\u2019t given up, neither would he.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cYa don\u2019 need ta do that, Joe.\u201d The velvety voice made Joe jump and he almost dropped the pail of water he was lugging back to the shack. He looked up to see the tinker making his way toward him, a worried expression dominating the man\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure I do. You and Jared have taken good care of me the past couple of weeks and now it\u2019s my turn to do something for you.\u201d Joe continued his trek to the shack and the tinker fell alongside him, matching the slow pace, step for step.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLeast\u2019ways lemme take the bucket,\u201d the older man insisted, reaching out a strong arm to take it away from Joe. \u201cYor arm ain\u2019 near ready ta be haulin\u2019 a load like \u2018is.\u201d He wrested the bucket away from Joe after a good-natured tussle, and Joe smiled ruefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, Hiram. You\u2019ve got to let me do something for you. My arm\u2019s fine. I\u2019ve been lying around long enough. I know there\u2019s a lot of things that need mending, and I figure I\u2019m the man for the job.\u201d Joe thumped his chest playfully. \u201cSee, hale and hearty, that\u2019s me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The tinker chuckled, the deep sound reverberating deep in his belly, making Joe grin in response. \u201cWal now, if\u2019n yer really of a mind ta help, ya could hunt up some game fer supper. That\u2019d not be too hard on that arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s step faltered and his face grew pale. A sudden vision of a small girl lying huddled in the street while blood soaked into her blond curls sent a shiver up his spine. \u201cHunt up some game?\u201d he repeated. \u201cI . . . I don\u2019t think I can do that. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d He turned his face away from the dark eyes that now looked at him in amazement. \u201cHow about I chop up a load of kindling for the stove while you go get the supper?\u201d He asked quickly, forcing his voice to a normal register.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram stopped walking and peered at Joe intently. \u201cYa don\u2019 hunt?\u201d he asked simply. \u201cGot sump\u2019n gainst it?\u201d He pointed at Joe\u2019s hips. \u201cO\u2019course I noticed right off that ya didn\u2019 hev no gun, but I figgered ya lost it to whoever winged ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe swallowed and ducked his head. \u201cI did. I lost my gun to the fellow who did this. And I don\u2019t want it back either.\u201d He began to walk quickly toward the shack, Hiram hurrying at his heels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI kin lend ya m\u2019gun, if\u2019n thass all it is, son,\u201d Hiram said helpfully, the water sloshing on his heels as he tried to keep pace with Joe. \u201cWhy don\u2019 ya go ahead and give \u2018er a try. She\u2019s a right nice \u2018un if\u2019n ah do say so meself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They had reached the shack, and Joe stood irresolutely at the doorway. \u201cI said I didn\u2019t want to hunt, and I don\u2019t want to borrow your gun,\u201d he flashed irritably. Turning on his heel, he pushed into the shack, heading straight to the little cot. He sank down on it and buried his head in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He could feel his body trembling, and he flushed miserably at the spectacle he was making of himself. But the thought of handling a gun terrified him. \u201cI can\u2019t hurt anyone else, I just can\u2019t,\u201d he thought over and over again, and the memory of the shooting played itself out in his mind. \u201cI\u2019ve already killed one little girl because of my stupid fascination with guns. I won\u2019t take the chance on someone else getting hurt because of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Finally getting his breathing under control, Joe lifted his head. He jumped a little when he found the tinker sitting quietly in a chair, companionably smoking a pipe and waiting until the younger man had himself under control. Joe felt the heat rising on his face, and he looked down at the floor, unable to meet Hiram\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he forced out. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to snap at you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cS\u2019okay,\u201d the other man returned. His quiet voice was laced with compassion. \u201cYa got some family I needs ta be gettin\u2019 in touch with, Joe? Yer arm\u2019s bout healed, and I figger someone\u2019s worryin\u2019. I know I\u2019d be outta ma head if\u2019n Jared just up\u2019n disappeared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed, the heat sweeping up from his collar to engulf his face in flame. \u201cI can\u2019t go back there!\u201d he snapped. His voice faltered a bit as he thought of the people he\u2019d left behind. \u201cM\u2026my Pa will be looking for me, but he\u2019s got to know I can\u2019t go home again. He\u2019s got to understand that I had to leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy?\u201d Hiram took a puff on his pipe and the soft scent of the tobacco filled the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt a floodtide of memories stir and threaten to overwhelm him. Pipe tobacco reminded him so strongly of his father, and the thought that he might not ever see the man again brought a hint of moisture to his eye. He took a deep shuddering breath and dropped his head, so that Hiram couldn\u2019t see his face. \u201cI killed a little girl,\u201d he said softly. \u201cIt was an accident. I was in a gunfight with someone, and she ran across the street. But all I can think of is her mother\u2019s face. She was screaming at me\u2026\u201d Joe allowed his voice to trail off, and he clenched his hands to control the trembling that shook them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Bringing his head up suddenly, Joe met Hiram\u2019s deep brown eyes. \u201cCan\u2019t you understand? I can\u2019t go back and face those people ever again. I killed a little girl. I was so proud of that gun, always showing off and bragging about how good I was. And what did it get me? It\u2019s ruined my life. I\u2019ll never touch another gun as long as I live, but that still won\u2019t bring Peggy back,\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Still the other man sat in silence, his craggy faced lit up with a compassion that Joe had seen in his own father\u2019s eyes. Puffing on his pipe, he let the silence grow until Joe wanted to scream. When he couldn\u2019t stand it anymore, Joe let the words burst out. \u201cSo you want me to leave now? Now that you know what kind of man I am?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram smiled softly. \u201cI ain\u2019 askin\u2019 ya ta leave, Joe. I\u2019se seen how ya is with Jared. Yer not the man ya seem ta think y\u2019are. Looks ta me like ya got a bit more healin\u2019 t\u2019do.\u00a0\u00a0 Yer welcome here as long as ya want ta stay.\u201d He rose to his feet. \u201cI\u2019m gonna go rustle up some game fer supper. Ya wanna fill the woodbox?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The older man headed to the door without a backward glance, taking Joe\u2019s silence for assent. Joe sat gazing at nothing, his thoughts turned inward. The thought of touching a gun still left him feeling sick and shaky. Resolutely forcing his mind to calmness, he stood. Grabbing the axe that stood by the door, he headed for the woodpile. Soon the only sound that could be heard was a rhythmic thudding that filled the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The heavily laden wagon rumbled forward slowly. This time Joe sat on the seat next to Hiram, with Jared carefully wedged in between the two men. As the ramshackle dwellings of a small town appeared around them, Joe took a deep breath. He hadn\u2019t been near anyone but the tinker and his small son since the shooting of Peggy Hardesty. He wasn\u2019t sure he was ready to face the rest of the world yet, but Jared had begged his new friend to \u201ccome\u2019n see my town.\u201d Joe didn\u2019t have the heart to refuse the excited plea from the small boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Even now the child was chattering away, excitedly pointing out items of interest to the silent man on the seat beside him. Joe felt the small hand tug on the sleeve of his jacket and heard the boy exclaim, \u201cThere \u2018tis, Joe. See it? Thass where Pa\u2019s gonna trade us up some stuff, \u2018n he\u2019s gonna git some real nice things fer th\u2019 house.\u201d He pointed in another direction. \u201cAn over there, thass where Mr. Tom\u2019s got some right nice horses. He lets me pet \u2018em when I\u2019s in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe let the words wash over him, and he scanned the street for familiar faces. He was hoping that he didn\u2019t know anyone in this little town. He didn\u2019t want to run the risk of his father finding out where he was just yet. He rubbed absently at his still-tender shoulder, and resolutely pushed the thoughts of his family to the back of his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The town was small. The wagon was moving at a leisurely pace up the center of the single street. A line of wooden buildings on either side of the street was the extent of the little pocket of civilization. Hand-lettered signs indicated that the town boasted a saloon, a general store and a sheriff\u2019s office. The livery stable that housed the \u2018real nice horses\u2019 graced the end of one of the rows, while the simple cross marked the presence of a church at the other end. The rest of the buildings were a motley assortment of dwellings in various states of disrepair. While some showed that the inhabitants still cared enough to try, the others were clearly being allowed to decay until they were swallowed up by the dust that eddied in small swirls everywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They finally reached the general store, and Hiram jumped down to hitch the team to a rail that swayed drunkenly on its support posts. \u201cI\u2019se got some bizness wit ol\u2019 Sam Jenkins here, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cYou wants ta come in wit me, or take a walk wit Jared?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe couldn\u2019t help but notice the excitement on the boy\u2019s face, and put a hand on the little shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll take a little walk with my friend here, if you don\u2019t mind,\u201d he replied with a chuckle. \u201cI think he wants to show me his horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared beamed, a sunny smile spreading across his face. He grabbed Joe\u2019s hand and tugged. \u201cC\u2019mon, Joe. I\u2019se tol Mr. Tom all bout you. C\u2019mon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a nod to the older man, Joe walked slowly down the street with the small boy tugging his hand the whole way. He could feel the curious stares from the town\u2019s few inhabitants, and knew that he was the topic of conversation on most of the lips that were carefully concealed from him as their owners shared quiet words. He guessed that strangers didn\u2019t come to the little village too often. He squinted at the line of horses hitched in front of the saloon. Obviously it was the one establishment in town that was doing a booming business.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He spent a pleasurable fifteen minutes discussing horses with Jared and his friend Tom, a swarthy man who stood at a whopping six feet five inches. His bulk would have made Hoss look small, and Joe felt a sudden pang of homesickness at the thought of his older brother. His thoughts turned to Peggy Hardesty and the homesickness was washed away by a rush of sick remorse. He could never go back to Virginia City again, and he might as well get used to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He turned abruptly, stopping Tom mid-word. \u201cI think it\u2019s time we headed back,\u201d he muttered. \u201cWe told your Pa we\u2019d meet him by the wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared looked hurt for a moment, but then the child\u2019s natural ebullience reasserted itself. He once again grabbed Joe\u2019s hand and they headed back toward the wagon. \u201cWern\u2019 them the best horses ya ever seen, Joe?\u201d he asked, his face a study in pride and wonder. \u201cMr. Tom\u2019s got the nicest horses in the whole town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSure, they were great,\u201d Joe replied distractedly. His thoughts were centered on another herd of horses, most of which he had broken himself. He was only vaguely aware that the child\u2019s chatter continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They were almost on top of the wagon, when Joe realized that Hiram had indeed returned to the conveyance, but that he wasn\u2019t alone. A small group of men clustered in a loose semi-circle around the tinker, and their stance indicated that they weren\u2019t feeling friendly. The angry voices carried in the still air, and instinctively, Joe pushed the child behind him as they stopped just outside the circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, man. Tell us what you did with them,\u201d shouted one of the men. He was dressed in shabby trail clothes that were caked with layers of dust. His eyes were bleak with anger, and he towered menacingly over Hiram.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cI don\u2019 have nothin\u2019 that don\u2019 belong ta me,\u201d Hiram asserted. His eyes were wide and sweat gathered on his forehead. \u201cI tol\u2019 ya already. Search m\u2019wagon if\u2019n ya don\u2019 b\u2019lieve me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The group shuffled forward, but a cold voice stopped them. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have anything of yours in his wagon. You don\u2019t need to search it.\u201d Joe stepped forward as all of the heads turned toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis ain\u2019t none of your business, Mister,\u201d shouted one of the men. \u201cKeep on walking, this don\u2019t concern you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood his ground, his gaze level, but his eyes burned with anger. \u201cIt does concern me, and I\u2019ve just told you that you aren\u2019t going to search this wagon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cS\u2019alright, Joe, let \u2018em search. They won\u2019 fine what theys after,\u201d Hiram said. His eye darted behind Joe to where Jared stood, his face reflecting his uncertainty. \u201cOnce theys looked they\u2019ll leave an it\u2019ll be ovuh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe put his hands on his hips, his face set in a grim mask. \u201cI don\u2019t like people who threaten my friends,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cWhatever it is you\u2019re after, it\u2019s not in this wagon. Go on over to the saloon and have a drink and leave this man alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The men muttered and shifted. \u201cWhat right d\u2019you have to be telling us what to do, sonny?\u201d demanded the spokesman, advancing forward. He planted himself in front of Joe, and he glared down at the smaller man. \u201cIt\u2019s obvious that this man ain\u2019t no kin of yours. So leave us be. He\u2019s got our saddlebags in his wagon, and we aim to get \u2018em back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, he doesn\u2019t,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI said to back off.\u201d He stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated by the man\u2019s size.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, watch out!\u201d Jared\u2019s shrill voice rang through the air, and Joe turned in time to see one of the men heading toward him, a stout stick in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A sudden flash of rage swept through him, and without thinking, Joe dove into the man before he could raise the cudgel into the air. He drove the man\u2019s body into the dirt, and felt a satisfying gush of air leave the attacker\u2019s body in a rush. The man\u2019s grunt of pain, and the stick flying from his suddenly limp hand encouraged Joe to crush his fist into the man\u2019s chin. One down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

From the sounds behind him, he could tell that Hiram had entered the fray. Joe was on his feet, in a flash, fists flying, an unholy gleam in his eyes as he vented his frustrations on the hapless group. The crack of a bullet leaving someone\u2019s gun took him by surprise. He lurched to a stop and turned to see one of the remaining men holding his gun up and ready to fire again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe raised his hands slowly in the air, while his stomach lurched with a surge of nausea. He kept his eyes glued to the gun that was pointed at his heart. For the first time he wished for the familiar weight of his holster, and then shuddered as the image of a blond-haired child lying in a pool of blood flashed before his eyes, the desire for his gun dying a quick death.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cStand back!\u201d the gunman barked. \u201cBurke, search that wagon. Fletcher, see if Shorty is okay.\u201d Two men moved quickly to follow orders and Joe moved back a pace to stand silently beside Hiram.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared was sheltering behind his father\u2019s broad back, so that Joe couldn\u2019t see his face, but he could feel the tension radiating from the man who stood next to him. It sickened Joe to see the men tossing odds and ends around the wagon\u2019s interior. Bits and pieces came flying out to land in the dust beside his feet, and he closed his eyes to shut out the sight. To stand and allow the men to conduct their search galled him, and he fought back a wave of bitterness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey ain\u2019t here, Coop,\u201d Burke called. He emerged from the wagon and shook his head. \u201cNo sign of the saddlebags or the\u2026\u201d His words were cut off by a peremptory shake of the gunman\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere\u2019d you put \u2018em?\u201d Coop demanded, advancing a pace nearer to the waiting trio. \u201cWhere are the saddlebags?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe interposed himself between the gunman and Hiram. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have them. We already told you that. You\u2019ve had your search and the saddlebags aren\u2019t in there. Why don\u2019t you fellas move on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Coop took another step forward until the brim of his hat was almost touching Joe\u2019s. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna look around town, but if we don\u2019t find those saddlebags, we\u2019ll come find you,\u201d he growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He spat, and watched with satisfaction as a messy trail of slime worked its way down Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t get in our way again, boy,\u201d he said with a vicious grin. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to make that mistake twice.\u201d He spun on his heels and strode toward the saloon, his men trailing at his heels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood silently, his body shaking with suppressed rage. He reached for his kerchief and wiped away the disgusting mess that had tracked it\u2019s way into his collar. He jerked at the sudden pressure on his shoulder, looking up to see Hiram gazing at him intently.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou okay, Joe?\u201d Hiram let his gaze run up and down the slender figure. \u201cDid them fellas hurt yor shoulder agin?\u201d He reached with a gentle hand to touch the part in question.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook him off impatiently. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he snapped. \u201cWhat was that all about anyway?\u201d He stooped to pick up some of the debris from the roadway, and began stowing it back in the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTheys thought I done stole their saddle bags,\u201d Hiram stated flatly. \u201cDon\u2019 know why, but I reckon, I\u2019se jist handy. People only sees what theys wanna see.\u201d He joined Joe in the restoration of the wagon\u2019s contents.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When the last item had been put away, the three silently mounted the wagon seat and set out on their return trip back to the little cabin. No one spoke for the duration of the long ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOut with it. Why are you so angry with me?\u201d Joe asked as he dropped to the ground beside Jared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boy was sitting under the spreading branches of the lone tree that graced the yard of the little shack. He picked listlessly at the faded grass and kept his eyes glued to the ground. He had spent the previous day avoiding Joe, running to the barn if Joe entered the house, or heading for the yard if Joe followed him into the barn. When they had shared the evening meal, Jared kept his eyes on his plate and his mouth, which normally issued a steady stream of chatter, was used only for chewing. Joe saw Hiram give the boy a long, measuring look, but the man hadn\u2019t pressed the issue. Jared had escaped to bed as soon as the silent supper ended.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Now, the afternoon sun glinted off of several items from Hiram\u2019s latest haul, adding a festive air to the ramshackle little cabin. Joe studied the dwelling and the bits and pieces strewn about the yard as he waited for the boy to acknowledge his presence. He risked a glance from under his hat brim, and saw that Jared was stealing a look at him, too. He smiled encouragingly and the boy ducked his head quickly. But not before Joe saw the gleam of tears in the little boy\u2019s expressive eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Jared? I thought we were friends,\u201d Joe pressed. \u201cFriends can tell each other what\u2019s on their minds, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy\u2019d ya let those bad men throw our stuff outta the wagon?\u201d a small voice asked finally. \u201cWhyn\u2019t ya stop \u2018em, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stared at the boy in amazement. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t anything I could do, you know that. Those men had guns, Jared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The dark eyes came up at that, and they glared at Joe. \u201cYa coulda had one too. I done heerd Pa offer ya his one day. A man likes y\u2019are otta hev a gun,\u201d the child asserted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled grimly at that. \u201cA man like me?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat kind of man am I, Jared?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The child looked startled. \u201cWhy, ya knows wat I means. Travelin\u2019 around, fightin\u2019 with yer gun. I heerd bout men who done that, but I\u2019s never met one til ya come here. I thought ya\u2019d shoot \u2018em or sump\u2019n. But ya just stood there.\u201d The child dropped his eyes and sighed, his face a study in disappointment and anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was appalled. \u201cWhat made you think that I was the kind of man who traveled around making a living from my gun? I never told you that\u2019s what I did. I don\u2019t even wear a gun, Jared, you know that. I\u2019ve spent my life on a ranch with my family, not moving from town to town picking gunfights with other men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The child looked up again, confusion battling to the forefront on his expressive face. \u201cBut\u2026\u201d he stopped, but at the compassionate look on Joe\u2019s face, he struggled on. \u201cIf\u2019n yer not a gunman, then what was ya doing out there when Pa found ya? And how\u2019d yer arm git shot up? Why aren\u2019t ya home if\u2019n ya\u2019s got a fam\u2019ly? What do\u2019s ya do onna ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The questions could have continued on endlessly, but Joe\u2019s laugh dried up the stream. Jared smiled shyly, and stopped talking long enough to allow his friend to speak. \u201cWhoa, fella!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of questions to hit a man with.\u201d He stopped to think for a moment. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s take them one at a time, then if you have more, you can ask them. Is that a deal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared nodded eagerly and held out a grimy hand to seal the deal. Joe took the hand without hesitation and gave it a manly shake, which widened the smile on the little face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFirst question, what was I doing out there? That\u2019s a tough one.\u201d Joe stopped and swallowed against a sudden thickening in this throat, then continued. \u201cI got myself into a lot of trouble back home. I was showing off with my gun, thinking I was a big man, and a little girl got hurt. She wasn\u2019t much older than you, and she\u2019s dead because of me. That\u2019s why I left. I couldn\u2019t face the fact that I let a little girl die because of my stupid pride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe watched the little boy carefully, waiting to see the first glimmer of disappointment take root on the boy\u2019s face. When Jared just gazed back curiously, his face showing his struggle to control his tongue until his friend had spoken his piece, Joe gathered his courage and continued. \u201cI got shot in a gun fight, just like the ones you\u2019re talking about, but it\u2019s not what I do for a living. My Pa owns a big ranch, and my brothers and I help him take care of it. I left because I couldn\u2019t bear to see the shame in my father\u2019s face when he looked at me. So you see, I\u2019m not a hero, or a gunfighter. I\u2019m just a man and not a very good man at that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared sighed, his eyes huge in his little face. \u201cWhat happened to the lil girl, Joe? Did ya mean ta shoot her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shut his eyes in pain. \u201cNo, of course I didn\u2019t\u2019 meant to shoot her,\u201d he said vehemently. \u201cI was so confident that I could take that guy, I just knew it. Something went wrong, and suddenly, Peggy was in the street, and my bullet hit her instead of him.\u201d He drew in a shaky breath. \u201cIt was horrible, something I\u2019ll never forget. She was so little, and she was just lying there. . .\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared waited for a minute and then realized that Joe wasn\u2019t going to say anymore. \u201cBut ya wassn\u2019 aimin\u2019 at her, was ya, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head, unable to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boy eyed him wonderingly. \u201cThen, woudn\u2019 that be a ak- aksident? If\u2019n ya didn\u2019 mean to do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have been shooting my gun in a crowded street,\u201d Joe shot back. \u201cOf course I wasn\u2019t aiming at her. She was only a little older than you. But I was responsible. I could have refused to fight that man, or walked away from him, but I didn\u2019t. There was a woman that I was trying to protect, but it all went wrong. It was my fault, accident or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared patted Joe\u2019s knee with a gentle hand. \u201cAh\u2019ll bet that li\u2019l girl wouldn\u2019 be mad at ya, Joe, if\u2019n ya had ta hep another lady.\u201d His words careened onto another subject as his little mind struggled to grasp what Joe was saying to him. \u201cSo ya think yer Pa\u2019s wonderin\u2019 bout ya, Joe? Ya been gone awhiles now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sudden wave of homesickness washed over Joe like a tide, and he flinched at the boy\u2019s question. \u201cYeah, I guess he probably is, now that you mention it. And if you want to know the truth, I miss him, too. He and my brothers are probably looking all over for me, right now. But I can\u2019t go home, don\u2019t you see, boy? A little girl got hurt because of my stupidity, and I can\u2019t go home ever again.\u201d<\/span>
\nJared studied Joe quietly. \u201cMy Pa wouldn\u2019 like it, if\u2019n I\u2019se just up and lef wif no note, nr nuthin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned ruefully. \u201cI imagine my Pa doesn\u2019t like it too much either, now that you mention it, and I don\u2019t even want to think of what my brother, Adam is saying about me. But then, Adam wouldn\u2019t have made such a mess of things if he\u2019d been in my shoes, either.\u201d He stood up and stretched. \u201cThere\u2019s a woodbox that needs filling, and I promised your Pa I\u2019d take care of it. Thanks for talking to me, Jared, you\u2019re a good friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The little boy puffed up his chest with pride and walked to the woodpile with Joe, struggling to match him stride for stride. \u201cYer a good frien\u2019 too, Joe,\u201d he said, and slipped his hand into Joe\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe clasped the hand tightly, grateful for the return of the boy\u2019s ready smile. But the questions about his home and family had left him shaken, his confidence in his decision to leave eroding just a bit. His Pa must be fit to be tied at his long absence. In fact, he was probably tearing up the countryside looking for his lost sheep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At the woodpile, Jared scampered to sit atop the pile of split logs; his favorite perch while Joe was at this chore. He kept up his constant stream of chatter, and Joe lost himself in the rhythm of the work. With each blow of the axe he tried to push the thoughts of home and family back into the recesses of his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The last piece of wood was stacked neatly, and Joe stepped back to survey the results of his labors. He felt the ache deep in his wounded shoulder and he rotated his arm to ease the pain. When that didn\u2019t help, he massaged the muscles with the heel of his other hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShoulder playin\u2019 up on ya, boy?\u201d The mellow voice floated out from the shadows of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jerked his head up in surprise and squinted in the direction of the voice. \u201cA bit,\u201d he said, moving to join his friend. \u201cI think I overdid it some.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram stepped out of the shadows and surveyed the towering pile of split wood that now lay neatly stacked. He let loose with an appreciative chuckle. \u201cLooks like ya chopped enuff fer two winters, Joe. I ain\u2019t s\u2019prised ta see ya arm hurts. Sometimes a man jist has ta sweat out a problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned ruefully and levered himself down to the rickety porch steps with a sigh of relief. Taking off his hat, he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of one arm. \u201cYou\u2019re a wise man, Hiram. Do you read everyone\u2019s mind, or is it just mine?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJist yers,\u201d came the laconic reply. \u201cIt don\u2019 take much ta figger yer chewin\u2019 on sump\u2019n. Jared got ya upset?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe darted a look of surprise at the other man. \u201cYou may claim that you\u2019re not wise,\u201d he commented. \u201cBut you definitely know what I\u2019m thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a moment\u2019s hesitation, Joe shook his head and sighed. \u201cJared\u2019s upset because he thinks I should have stopped those men in town, and I can\u2019t say that I blame him. If I\u2019d had my gun, they wouldn\u2019t have done what they did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram took some time to light his pipe before he answered. \u201cYa don\u2019 know that, Joe. I\u2019se seen men like that afore. They\u2019se missin\u2019 theys things, and o\u2019course they think I\u2019d took \u2018em. If\u2019n ya\u2019d had a gun ya\u2019d be dead along about now. Mebbe me an\u2019 the boy right along wit ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy do you say that of course they\u2019d think you took the missing things,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t be that way. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong. All you did was ride into town to do some trading. Those men had no reason to think you\u2019d done anything wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDidn\u2019 need no reason. They\u2019s seen wat ah looks like,\u201d Hiram replied without heat. \u201cIt\u2019s happened \u2018fore an it\u2019ll happen agin. Ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 gonna change it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf I\u2019d had my gun, I would have changed it,\u201d Joe asserted. \u201cThose men were wrong, and I wanted so badly to teach them a lesson. But when I thought about my gun, all I could see was Peggy Hardesty lying on that street.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhen ya\u2019s ready fer that gun agin, ya\u2019ll know,\u201d Hiram said quietly. He reached over and patted Joe\u2019s slumped shoulder. \u201cBut tis more\u2019n that, ain\u2019t it, Joe. I\u2019se seen ya hackin\u2019 at that wood like it\u2019s a snake needs ta be killed. Ya gots more on that mind o\u2019yourn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe couldn\u2019t help but laugh. \u201cYou need to paint a sign on your wagon advertising the services of a mind reader, Hiram. It could make your fortune.\u201d His laughter died as swiftly as it had started. \u201cJared said something about my family worrying about me, and it started me thinking. I was so set on getting away from Virginia City and what I\u2019d done, that I never stopped to think about my Pa, or my brothers. They\u2019re probably tearing up the whole state looking for me. I\u2019m not ready to go home, but I don\u2019t want them to worry anymore. What do you think I ought to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram puffed on his pipe for a few minutes, and Joe inhaled the soft fragrance. Unbidden, a picture of his father ensconced in his favorite chair came to mind, and he passed a quick hand over his eyes. Forcing his attention back to the man beside him, he waited for the other man to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, now, ah mights be o\u2019some hep ta ya there, boy,\u201d Hiram said finally. \u201cAh\u2019s got ta leave in the mornin\u2019. Been neglectin\u2019 my route, so I\u2019se got a long ways ta go this trip. Ah could post a letter fer ya, if\u2019n ya wants. From some town a ways from here. Jist so\u2019s they\u2019s not worryin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe beamed and clapped the tinker on the back. \u201cThat\u2019s it! You\u2019re a genius. If you send the letter from the farthest town on your route, they\u2019d never think to trace it back here. That way they\u2019d know I was safe, but wouldn\u2019t know where to find me.\u201d He stood up and stretched the stiff muscles one more time. \u201cGot any paper in this shack of yours, my friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram smiled back. \u201cShore do. Ah\u2019ll fetch it fer ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two men entered the little shack together. In spite of his rapidly stiffening shoulder muscles, Joe felt easier than he had in a long time. Maybe things were finally going to go his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram left early the next morning with Joe\u2019s letter tucked safely into an oilskin pouch that he kept stowed beneath the wagon seat. He promised to mail it from a distant town, and then spent a few minutes checking over the wagon. He moored a flap a little more securely, and shifted the position of several of the crates in the rear of the vehicle. Jared and Joe stood and watched, and Joe kept a comforting hand on the boy\u2019s small shoulder. Hiram finished his pottering, and returned to take his son into his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow ya tek ker o\u2019things here, boy. Ya knows what ta do. Don\u2019 fergit the critters cuz yer off playin\u2019 somewhere.\u201d His words were stern, but his eyes were soft with warmth. He clasped the boy close for a last hug, and then turned to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThanks for letting me stay on a while longer, Hiram,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI should have moved on as soon as my arm healed. It\u2019s good of you not to turn me out.\u201d He reached out to shake the other man\u2019s hand firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram nodded solemnly. \u201cAin\u2019 no chore ta hev ya here, Joe. It eases ma mind a bits ta know Jared\u2019s got some c\u2019mpny while ah\u2019m gone this time. Usually the boy don\u2019 hev no one but ol Jake Dawes lookin\u2019 in on him ev\u2019ry once \u2018nwhile. He\u2019s got the place down the road a piece, an he stops by ta keeps an eye on the boy fer me whiles I\u2019se off tradin\u2019. Lets me travel easy ta know he\u2019s got ya here fer a spell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019ll be just fine,\u201d Joe promised. He clapped the tinker on the back, and watched as he climbed up onto the seat of the wagon. \u201cWe\u2019ll see you soon.\u201d He felt Jared nestle against his side, and he put a comforting arm around the boy\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two \u201cmen\u201d one big, one small waved as the wagon lurched out of the yard, groaning under the weight of the items Hiram hoped to trade. They stood together until the wagon was a speck in the distance. Reluctantly, Jared detached himself from Joe\u2019s protective arm, and scampered toward the barn. \u201cGotta check onna chickens, Joe. Ah\u2019ll be back,\u201d he called over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled at the boy\u2019s easy acceptance of his father\u2019s departure. He couldn\u2019t help but remember another small boy who\u2019d had much more trouble saying goodbye when his father had departed for one of his many business trips. Jared put him to shame.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe perched on the rail of the rickety fence, a wistful smile on his face. Jared was feeding his chickens, a chore the boy took on with relish. It wasn\u2019t readily apparent whether the chickens were actually getting a chance to enjoy their meal. Jared scattered the grain about with abandon, but his wildly swinging arms startled the fowl and set them to flapping and squawking. From a distance it looked like the boy was engaged in some sort of dance with the fluttering creatures.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t really see the boy though. His mind had drifted back to the Ponderosa and his brother, Hoss. He remembered vividly Hoss, on one occasion, chasing chickens in a futile effort to capture their dinner for the evening. Joe had been unable to control his laughter then, but now his stomach clenched tight against the pain. He missed his home and family, and even though the separation was of his own doing, it hurt like hell.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He felt the tug on his sleeve and arrived back in the present with a jolt. Looking down, he saw Jared\u2019s face staring up at him quizzically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019cha thinkin\u2019 bout, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jumped down from the fence and put his arm around the boy companionably. \u201cI was thinking about my brother Hoss and a flock of chickens a lot like yours.\u201d He started for the house with the little boy bobbing along at his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared giggled. \u201cHoss, thass a funny name. Tell me \u2018bout Hoss, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They reached the house, and Joe started the preparations for supper, while Jared balanced on a stool, his legs swinging as he listened eagerly. As Joe peeled potatoes he told story after story about his adventures with his older brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two finally settled in to the simple meal with equal enthusiasm. Jared\u2019s meal was interrupted frequently as he peppered Joe with questions about his home and his family. The sudden whinny of a horse stopped the flow of chatter instantly as Joe put a warning finger on the boy\u2019s lips. Hiram had been gone for almost a week, but he wasn\u2019t due back for at least another week, if not two.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe moved silently to the window and peered out into the yard. He saw Cochise move restlessly around the small corral, and the chickens were fluttering around again, when they should have been settled comfortably on their nests.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe?\u201d A small voice whispered. \u201cWhass wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe turned to see the boy standing on tiptoe, trying to get a look out the window as well. He crouched down to the child\u2019s level and gazed seriously into the dark eyes. \u201cWe might have some visitors out there Jared,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cBut they may not be friends. The animals know something\u2019s wrong, but whoever it is has taken the trouble to hide themselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The small boy stood unflinching and waited for his friend to continue. Joe gave him a pat on the shoulder and pointed to the darkest corner of the shack. \u201cGo hide over there, in that corner. Pull a blanket up over you. I\u2019m going to go outside to see what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He waited for an argument, but Jared just nodded. Joe\u2019s serious expression had apparently convinced the boy that he needed to listen without question. Joe watched as Jared scampered over to the dark corner and nodded approvingly as he pulled a blanket up over his head. When he blew out the candle and plunged the room into shadow, Jared could not be seen. With that, he eased open the door, and stepped out onto the porch, hugging the shadows as best he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pausing to survey the yard, Joe strained for a clue to the visitor\u2019s whereabouts. The chickens were settling back into their nests with distracted clucking, but the rest of the yard was unnaturally still. There was not a sign to indicate who had disturbed the animals in the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe eased himself toward the corner of the shack, intent of checking the other side of the house. He had reached his goal when a shot whined past his head. He ducked back, pulling his body close to the rough wooden wall. The shot had come from the back of the shack. He retreated across the porch to the opposite corner, a plan to swing behind the attacker foremost in his mind. He had no sooner poked his head past the wall than another shot rang out. Whoever it was had anticipated his move.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho are you?\u201d he called out. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come out and tell me what you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A laugh floated through the rapidly darkening evening. \u201cWe want that tinker. He\u2019s still got our saddlebags and we aim to get them back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe cursed under his breath, and then raised his voice once again to call, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have them. I give you my word on that. Now clear out of here and leave us in peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cStep out into the light, kid, and we\u2019ll talk,\u201d came the reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It wasn\u2019t hard to recognize Coop\u2019s voice, now that Joe knew what the gunmen were seeking. He spared a thought for Jared and hoped that he was following instructions. Deciding that he had no choice, he walked slowly into the path of moonlight that now cut a wide swath on the lawn. He made sure that it was evident he didn\u2019t have a gun and raised his hands into the air.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAll right, I\u2019m where you can see me. Let\u2019s talk,\u201d he said calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

One by one the men moved into sight. Burke, Fletcher, and Shorty arranged themselves in loose formation around Joe. Coop swaggered into sight and took up a position in front of the younger man. \u201cWhere\u2019s the tinker?\u201d he asked. He hooked a thumb toward the house. \u201cGet in there and tear it apart, boys. I want them saddlebags.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWait!\u201d Joe kept his eyes fixed on Coop. \u201cI swear they\u2019re not in there. Hiram never had them. You\u2019re not going to find your saddlebags in there, even if you strip it to the floorboards.\u201d For the first time since the incident in Virginia City, Joe wished he held his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat makes you think we\u2019ll take your word for it, kid?\u201d Coop sneered. \u201cLast time I saw you, you was beatin\u2019 up on old Shorty there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Shorty leveled an ugly glare at Joe. Even in the moonlight it was evident that a fading bruise decorated one cheekbone. It didn\u2019t enhance the man\u2019s looks any.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe let himself drift backward a pace. \u201cMy name\u2019s Joe Cartwright. I\u2019m from Virginia City. If you\u2019ve heard of my family, you\u2019d know that we have a reputation for honesty. If I give you my word, you can depend on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

While he was talking he drifted back a few more steps, until the rough edge of the wooden steps grated against his boot heel and halted his movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Coop eyed him warily. \u201cYeah, I\u2019ve heard of the Cartwrights. You\u2019re a long way from home, sonny.\u201d He laughed mockingly when he saw Joe\u2019s movement. \u201cWhere d\u2019ya think you\u2019re going, kid? You think one unarmed man can keep us out of this shack?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe backed up the single step and planted himself firmly in front of the door. \u201cI can try,\u201d he replied, his hands planted on his hips. \u201cI know that I\u2019m not going to let you search this place without a fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The men surged forward, Fletcher and Burke positioned themselves on either side of Joe as he stood his ground in front of the door. Joe tensed, ready to fight them all, when the door was wrenched open behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe! I got you a gun, Joe!\u201d Jared\u2019s shrill voice cut through the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe turned in horror at the sight of the little boy clutching the heavy weapon in his stubby hands. He heard the sound of Coop cocking his gun but didn\u2019t bother to turn to look at the other man. Instead he focused on the little boy, who stood trembling in the doorway. In one fluid motion, Joe snatched the gun from the little boy\u2019s outstretched hands. He shoved the boy back into the darkened interior of the house and wheeled to face Coop before the other man knew what was happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt a small whisper of wind brush his face as a bullet ripped past him. Without thinking he cocked his own gun and fired. He watched as Coop fell; the other man\u2019s face reflecting surprise as he clutched at his now-bleeding shoulder. Joe quickly turned the gun toward the remaining men. \u201cWho\u2019s next?\u201d he asked tonelessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The men shuffled their feet and Burke muttered, \u201cWe just want what\u2019s ours. We figgered the tinker had to have our saddlebags. He was in town the day they went missin\u2019. We took the town apart after he left and they didn\u2019t turn up. Who else\u2019d take \u2018em?\u201d He gestured Coop\u2019s prone body. \u201cCome on, boys, let\u2019s get him to the doc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They gathered up their fallen leader and dragged him to their waiting horses. Joe stood erect until they\u2019d gone. When the sound of hoofbeats finally died out in the distance, he slumped against the doorway, unable to control the trembling that overtook him. He let the gun fall from suddenly nerveless fingers as he stood gulping in shuddering breaths of air. His knees buckled and he let himself slide to the floor. He was sitting with his head on his knees when he felt a small hand tug on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe? They gone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gathered the boy into his arms. \u201cThey\u2019re gone. Are you okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He felt the boy nod. \u201cI\u2019m okay, but I\u2019s scared,\u201d Jared whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMe too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe never knew how long they sat there drawing comfort from each other. He only knew that he couldn\u2019t have stood up if he tried.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss clumped into the house, slapping the dust from his clothing with one broad hand as he walked. \u201cI\u2019ve got the mail, Pa,\u201d he called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Ben turned from where he\u2019d been standing, one foot propped up on the fireplace, his face carefully expressionless. \u201cAny telegrams?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNone today,\u201d he said softly. \u201cWe\u2019ll most likely get an answer from someone tomorrow. Someone has to have seen that boy somewhere, and they\u2019ll let us know.\u201d He brandished the thick stack of mail with a quick questioning glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben waved it away irritably. \u201cI\u2019ll look at it later, son,\u201d he said sharply. \u201cGo wash up, it\u2019s almost time for supper. Adam\u2019s already home and will be down in a minute. We don\u2019t want to keep Hop Sing waiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss nodded and casually tossed the pile of mail onto the sturdy square table that stood by the fire. He plodded up the stairs wearily. The long days of worrying about his brother had left the biggest Cartwright feeling lost and alone. Hoss had been riding in ever-expanding circles around the perimeter of the ranch, spending long hours in the saddle, in a futile attempt to find some trace of his little brother. At the same time, Adam worked tirelessly to keep the ranch running and sent out a steady stream of telegrams inquiring as to the whereabouts of the missing Cartwright. Both knew that their father wasn\u2019t weathering Joe\u2019s disappearance well. He wasn\u2019t eating or sleeping, and he alternated between frenzied activity around the ranch and periods where he did nothing but sit and stare into the fireplace. Apparently this day had been one of the latter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When the big man made his way back downstairs, he saw that Adam had taken up residence in his favorite chair. He was sifting idly through the day\u2019s mail, while their father sat at his desk, ostensibly looking at the books. Hoss couldn\u2019t help but notice that his father\u2019s pen never moved and that the pages of the ledger spread open before him were never turned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019 look like nothin\u2019 too urgent ta me,\u201d Hoss said as he plunked himself down on the settee. \u201cMostly ranch business, I guess. No telegrams today.\u201d He risked a quick glance at the study, but was reassured when his father didn\u2019t appear to have heard what he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sighed. \u201cI know. I asked Pa. It doesn\u2019t look good, Hoss. Joe\u2019s disappeared completely, and wherever he\u2019s holed up, it\u2019s obviously someplace off the beaten path. No one\u2019s seen him or heard about him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He squinted at the grimy envelope in his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s odd. I don\u2019t think we\u2019ve got any connections to Henderson, do we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNope, not that I know of, anyways. Why don\u2019 ya open it and see what it is. Ya ain\u2019t gonna find out what\u2019s in it by starin\u2019 at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam slit open the envelope carefully and withdrew a tattered piece of paper. He gasped in shock when his brother\u2019s distinctive handwriting fairly leapt off the page. \u201cIt\u2019s from Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss flung himself to his feet and leaned over Adam\u2019s shoulder to read. Ben was up and across the room so fast he almost flew. He arrived at Adam\u2019s other shoulder and reached with a disbelieving hand to capture the paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s it say?\u201d Hoss demanded. \u201cC\u2019mon, Adam, what\u2019d he say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe says that he\u2019s safe, and that he doesn\u2019t want us to worry, but he\u2019s not ready to come home just yet.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice held an odd mixture of exultation and anger. \u201cHow dare he send a letter like this. Doesn\u2019t he know what he\u2019s done to us, disappearing for all this time without a word. And now this\u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss noticed that for all their father\u2019s ranting, he smoothed the paper carefully, while his eyes returned to the words again and again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre we going to call off the search?\u201d Adam asked quietly. \u201cJoe says he\u2019s all right, and he doesn\u2019t want us to come after him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben snorted in disgust. \u201cAbsolutely not! He doesn\u2019t know about Peggy yet. The situation\u2019s changed since he left. Doc Martin thinks she\u2019ll have a full recovery. Joe must still think he killed her. We need to let him know that she\u2019s alive.\u201d He reached for the envelope. \u201cWhat does the postmark say? Joe must have been somewhere in the vicinity in order to post this letter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He stood erect, his eyes flashing. \u201cLet\u2019s eat and get a good night\u2019s sleep, boys. We\u2019ll be riding out first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss exchanged a quick glance. Nothing would deter Ben Cartwright when he was on a mission. Truth be told they wanted Joe home too. The letter from Henderson had lit a powder keg in the big room. Daybreak couldn\u2019t arrive soon enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam strode through the swinging doors of the saloon and paused long enough to survey the room. Spotting his father and brother at a table in the corner, he pushed through the crowd of cowboys who surrounded the bar. He sat down at the table and reached gratefully for the beer that Hoss pushed in his direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAny luck?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was carefully devoid of expression. They\u2019d been in the town for several hours, and spent the morning questioning the locals about Joe, with no luck. No one had seen a man who answered to Joe\u2019s description.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam swallowed the amber liquid and sighed as the alcohol worked its way to his stomach. \u201cI found the clerk from the town post office,\u201d he said. \u201cHe didn\u2019t see Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow is that possible?\u201d Ben exclaimed. He slammed his hand on the table in disgust. \u201cThat letter was postmarked Henderson. Joe had to have been here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam glanced at Hoss, only to find his brother staring morosely into his own beer glass. He turned back to his father. \u201cHe didn\u2019t recognize Joe, but he was able to give me a description of the man who posted the letter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss jerked upright and glared at Adam. \u201cWhy didn\u2019 ya say so in the first place, Adam. Ya know how worried we\u2019ve been. Where is this fella? I wanta talk to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s just it,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHe\u2019s a tinker of some sort. This man comes into town every couple of months to sharpen knives, repair guns and sell things. He\u2019s a black man, probably a freed slave, who\u2019s been coming here for several years now. That\u2019s why the clerk remembered him posting the letter. He was curious about why he was posting a letter to the Cartwrights of Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss scraped his chair back, but before he could push to his feet, Adam reached out and grabbed his arm. \u201cWait, Hoss,\u201d he ordered. \u201cThe tinker left Henderson a while back. He has a regular route, and there\u2019s no telling where he is now. He could be in any one of a half dozen towns, or gone back to wherever he lives. The clerk couldn\u2019t tell me where this man makes his home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two younger Cartwrights turned questioning eyes toward their father. Ben sat silently for a moment, his fingertips drumming on the table were the only outward sign of his inner turmoil. \u201cAll right, boys, let\u2019s order some supper,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to ride out at first light. We\u2019ve got a lot of towns to cover.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019re going to have to split up in order to find some trace of this tinker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He signaled for the barmaid, who hurried over obligingly. After giving an order for a substantial dinner, Ben steepled his fingers together and gazed at the wooden surface of the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Adam exchanged a long glance. Adam drew a deep breath, and spoke in what he hoped was a reasonable tone. \u201cPa, are you sure we should all go out on this search? It might be better if one of us headed back for the ranch. We\u2019ve got a lot of things piling up back there, and Joe might come home on his own. We might need someone there in case he does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben raised his head abruptly. \u201cI\u2019m going to find my son, Adam. In order to do that, we\u2019re going to need to search a lot of territory. It would be easier to have all of us out there looking for him, but if you want to give up and go home, I won\u2019t stop you. I\u2019m not going to let Joe disappear forever, without at least making an attempt to bring him back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean that we should give up, and you know it, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, carefully keeping his voice neutral. \u201cIt\u2019s just that searching through every small town that this tinker could have visited is going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack. We\u2019ll be lucky to find any trace of Joe by Christmas, at this rate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s face set stubbornly in a frown. Adam had seen the look many times in his life, and he sighed. It was clear that his father\u2019s mind was made up. Through long experience he knew that trying to change the older man\u2019s mind when he looked like that was next to impossible. He held his hands up in surrender.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOkay, Pa. We\u2019ll split up and search all the surrounding towns for the tinker. How are we going to get in touch with each other if we find this man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The men listened carefully as Ben outlined plans to check in by telegraph in several of the largest towns in the area. After eating a hearty meal, they headed up to the room for bed. They were all aware that long days in the saddle lay ahead.<\/span>
\n**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe! Some\u2019un\u2019s comin\u2019, Joe!\u201d Jared\u2019s voice was shrill with excitement. He tugged urgently on Joe\u2019s sleeve to attract his attention. His finger jabbed in the direction of the roadway.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of one arm, and shaded his eyes with his hand. He could make out the growing dust cloud, but not what was creating it. \u201cYou think it\u2019s your pa coming home?\u201d he asked the boy. \u201cIt\u2019s about time he was getting back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Even as he spoke, Joe was drifting casually back toward the house, his hand firmly clenching the axe he\u2019d been using to chop wood. He steered Jared with an iron grip on the boy\u2019s shoulder. After the visit from Coop and his gang two weeks earlier, Joe wasn\u2019t going to take any chances. As the dust cloud grew nearer, the pair settled in at the top of the steps, next to the door. Joe figured if the gang was returning he could shove Jared inside quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Slowly a figure emerged from the cloud of dust. A horse-drawn cart took shape, moving slowly along the dry road. When at last they could make out the figure of Hiram perched on the high seat of the vehicle, Joe released his hold on the boy\u2019s shoulder. Jared took off like a shot, high-pitched shouts of delight drifting back over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe watched the reunion, a smile spreading over his face. Hiram pulled the wagon into the yard, deftly missing the little boy, who leaped excitedly around the horses. The tinker left his seat, and jumped down into the yard. As soon as his feet touched the ground he was hurled backward by the boy who flung himself into his father\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa! We missed ya, didn\u2019 we Joe? I got lots ta tell ya, don\u2019t I Joe?\u201d Jared said between hugs. He nodded back at Joe, who moved to join the exuberant pair. \u201cJoe shot up all the bad men \u2018n made\u2019em go \u2018way. Right, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram\u2019s eyebrows shot up in alarm, and he shot a glance of inquiry at Joe. \u201cBad men?\u201d he asked quietly. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk ovuh dinner, I\u2019m plumb starved.\u201d He headed for the house with his arms full of the small boy, who filled the air with his excited chatter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe followed in their wake. He was happy to see Hiram, for more reasons than he\u2019d realized at first. More and more since his second encounter with Coop and his gang, Joe had felt the urge to move on. His first instinct was to head for home, but he knew that he still wasn\u2019t ready to face the consequences of Peggy\u2019s death. Although he was grateful to Hiram for providing the safe haven he\u2019d needed, he realized he\u2019d hidden from life long enough. It was time to face his fears and rejoin the real world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The trio settled in to eat the simple stew that Joe had left simmering on the stove. Jared more than filled in the gaps in the conversation, as Joe remained quiet. Hiram asked a few pointed questions, which encouraged the boy to chatter happily about all that had transpired in the man\u2019s absence. It was obvious that the tinker had long practice in getting his son to tell him all he wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At long last, Jared was safely tucked in bed, and Hiram sat in his favorite chair. He gave the impression that he was completely focused on filling his pipe, but Joe sensed the unspoken questions hovering in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSuccessful trip?\u201d he asked in an obvious effort to stall for time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYa jes finished hepping me unload th\u2019wagon, boy. Ya could see it was a good \u2018un.\u201d Hiram\u2019s smile was serene, and he surveyed Joe with calm eyes. \u201cAh gots time, Joe. Ya don\u2019t hev ta talk now, if\u2019n ya don\u2019 wan ta.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s just it,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI don\u2019t have time. I need to move on Hiram. I\u2019ve overstayed my welcome, I think.\u201d He stood up and moved to stand before the fire, avoiding the other man\u2019s compassionate glance as he did so.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYa ken stay long\u2019s ya want. I done tole ya that already. Somethin\u2019 eatin\u2019 at ya, boy? Those men, mebbe?\u201d The tinker took a long pull on his pipe and relaxed a little more in his chair. \u201cYa did a fine job o\u2019 protectin\u2019 the place \u2018n takin\u2019 keer o\u2019Jared. I thanks ya fer that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI didn\u2019t ever want to use a gun again, but I did,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cIt was a miracle no one was killed. I seem to attract trouble, Hiram. I always have. I hoped that once I left Virginia City that I could put that part of my life behind me, but I was wrong. I need to be someplace where I won\u2019t be tempted to shoot at people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTh\u2019 man had a gun o\u2019his own, didn\u2019 he?\u201d Hiram asked quietly. \u201cYa kep\u2019 him outta mah place \u2018n ya didn\u2019 kill him, though I \u2018spect ya could\u2019ve if\u2019n ya wanted to. There ain\u2019t no wrong in that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sighed and sank back into the room\u2019s only other chair. \u201cI still can\u2019t see any other choice in those circumstances, but it doesn\u2019t mean I have to like it,\u201d he said. He lifted bleak eyes to the other man\u2019s face. \u201cWhat if Jared had gotten hurt? Would you have been so charitable then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram smiled. \u201cIf it happ\u2019n\u2019 like ya said, then I couldn\u2019 fault ya, boy. Jared didn\u2019 get hurt, though. So\u2019s no sense borrowin\u2019 trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis time.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice rose. He swallowed hard. \u201cI can\u2019t take the chance of another child, or anyone else for that matter, getting hurt because of me. I\u2019ll leave tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cYou don\u2019 hav ta go, ya know. Jared\u2019n me\u2019ll miss ya. Ya been good comp\u2019ny. But ah won\u2019 hold ya here when ya feels the need ta move on. A man\u2019s gotta do wat he feels is right.\u201d Hiram sighed. \u201cYa want me ta break it t\u2019the boy in the mo\u2019ning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d He stood up abruptly and moved to stand next to the tinker. \u201cThanks, Hiram, for all you\u2019ve done for me. I\u2019ll miss you and Jared, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He clapped the older man on the back, and headed for his cot. He felt a stirring of some unnamed emotion rising within him. He wondered if it was fear of moving on, or relief that he\u2019d finally been able to come to a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cC\u2019mon, Jared, I thought we were friends,\u201d Joe cajoled. He crouched in the dust by the rickety porch and peered into the darkness underneath. \u201cCome out and say goodbye to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sunlight slanted through the slats of the porch marking the child\u2019s face with alternating stripes of light and dark. Joe saw the tear tracks that marked the child\u2019s dusty face. He smiled gently and reached out with one hand. \u201cLet\u2019s talk man to man, okay, Jared? I have some things to discuss with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The child took a quavering breath and swallowed visibly. After a long pause he reached out to grasp Joe\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cKay, Joe,\u201d he said. He let Joe haul him out from under the porch, stoically enduring Joe\u2019s attempts to wipe the dust and tears from his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s heart melted at the heartbreak peering out from the child\u2019s large dark eyes, and he paced slowly toward the only tree in the yard, plopping down under the spreading branches and patting the ground encouragingly. He waited until the little boy settled himself down, smiling a little at the way the boy sat with his arms folded across his chest and a dark scowl crinkling up the skin of his forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cYou knew I\u2019d have to leave sometime, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Joe\u2019s words were soft, and he patted Jared\u2019s knee as he spoke. \u201cI can\u2019t stay here forever, Jared. I\u2019ve got to move on and settle some things before I can go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared gazed up with troubled eyes. \u201cBut why? Ya said ya ain\u2019 never gonna go home. Ya tole me that. Cuz that li\u2019l girl got killed. So why cain\u2019 ya stay here, Joe? We gots lots\u2019a room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gathered the boy into a hug. He felt the boy pull back in resistance, then the tension drained from the small body, and Jared clung to him tightly. \u201cOh, I\u2019d love to be able to stay, Jared, and it\u2019s nice of you to ask me.\u201d He let the boy snuggle closer to him before he continued. \u201cBut people seem to get hurt when I\u2019m around, and I don\u2019t want anything to happen to you or your pa. So, I\u2019ve decided to move on. It\u2019s the safest thing for all of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared pulled back a little. \u201cAh don\u2019 wanna be safe if\u2019n ya gots to go, Joe. Ya ken jes stay here and Pa \u2018n me\u2019ll take keer o\u2019ya.\u201d He glared menacingly at the yard as if expecting a host of bandits to appear out of nowhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe chuckled. \u201cI know you would, buddy, but I can\u2019t. But I\u2019m expecting you to take care of your Pa, okay? And I\u2019ll come back and visit you. Now that we\u2019re friends, I\u2019ve got to be around to watch you grow up, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared smiled a little. \u201cWill ya really come back, Joe? Ta sees me?\u201d He scrambled up to perch on Joe\u2019s lap and peer intently into his eyes. \u201cPromise?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe freed a hand and solemnly made a motion on his shirt front. \u201cCross my heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boy\u2019s smile widened and he repeated Joe\u2019s motion. \u201cCross ma\u2019heart,\u201d he said happily. \u201cWhens ya comin\u2019 back, Joe? Nex\u2019 week?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe laughed and disengaged the boy gently. He stood up and pulled the child to his feet. \u201cNot next week, but soon,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all, you\u2019ll have all sorts of new baby chicks to show me by then. I\u2019ve got to keep track of your critters, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The pair started for the house, crossing the yard with Jared once again chattering excitedly. Joe stopped abruptly and shaded his eyes. In the distance a cloud of dust could be seen on the road and the steady drum of a horse\u2019s hooves sounded in the still air. \u201cLooks like your Pa\u2019s got company coming,\u201d he remarked. \u201cRun in and tell him, while I go get Cochise ready to go.\u201d He pretended to swat the boy\u2019s bottom, and Jared scampered for the house, his giggle preceding him toward the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe headed for the small corral intent on getting his horse ready for their journey. He\u2019d seen a few visitors arrive before when Hiram was home, intent on purchasing small items or bringing something that needed to be repaired. Joe didn\u2019t think the single horse was a sign of trouble, but he kept a wary eye on the rider as he worked, just in case. He saw Hiram come to the porch to greet the visitor, with Jared skipping at his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The figure emerged from the dust and Joe shaded his eyes in disbelief. With a sudden whoop he was across the yard before the rider had a chance to dismount. \u201cAdam!\u201d he shouted. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe saw Hiram and Jared watching; the man with a small smile of understanding, the boy with slack-jawed amazement. Deliberately halting his forward rush, he stopped before reaching his brother. His eyes grew wary and he waited for Adam to get off his horse. \u201cHow\u2019d you find me, Adam?\u201d he asked quietly. \u201cIs Pa okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam dismounted and reached out to grab Joe\u2019s shoulder in a firm grip. His breath released in a small sigh of relief as he surveyed his younger brother from top to bottom. \u201cYou look well, Joe. The shoulder all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed, the tinge of red sweeping up from his collar to engulf his face. \u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d he replied shortly. \u201cWhat are you doing here, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam hooked his thumbs into his pockets and rocked back on his heels a bit. \u201cLooking for you.\u201d He tipped his head briefly in the direction of the pair on the porch. \u201cWant to introduce me to your friends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jerked slightly as he glanced at Hiram and Jared. He\u2019d almost forgotten they were standing there. He could see that Hiram was holding Jared back by sheer force, and he grinned at the small boy. \u201cHey, Jared, come meet my brother, Adam,\u201d he called.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared flew across the yard like a shot and landed at Adam\u2019s side, peering up at the man intently. \u201cYer Joe\u2019s brother? Ya don\u2019 look nuthin\u2019 like \u2018im.\u201d He reached out to grab Joe\u2019s hand companionably.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss? I wanna see Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe and Adam exchanged amused glances and Joe held up his hands in warning. \u201cWhoa, slow down, partner,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cLet\u2019s give Adam a chance to breathe, okay. Adam, meet my friend Jared. And over there is his Pa, Hiram. They\u2019ve been taking care of me for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram left the porch and moved across the yard to the little group. \u201cSo yer Adam? We done heerd all \u2018bout yer family. It\u2019s nice ta git ta meet one o\u2019 Joe\u2019s brothers, at last.\u201d His face was creased in a friendly smile and he looked from Joe to Adam and back again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam reached out to offer the other man his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to meet you, sir,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019d like to thank you for posting that letter for Joe. It\u2019s what helped us to find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe frowned at his brother. \u201cThat letter helped you find me? We didn\u2019t send it from anywhere near here, just so\u2019s you wouldn\u2019t be able to figure out where I was.\u201d He crossed his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels. \u201cSo, how did you find out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam swept the hat off his head and wiped a dusty, black-clad sleeve across his forehead. \u201cI\u2019ve been searching every town between here and Henderson for days, ever since we got that letter. And so have Pa and Hoss. In fact, they\u2019re still looking in the towns due east and west of here. We split up a while back to cover more territory. I got lucky in that little town near here. Ran into a blacksmith that was able to identify Hiram for me. He gave me directions out this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam smiled at the little boy who was gaping up at him open-mouthed. He crouched down so that he was at eye-level with the child. \u201cDo you think you might be able to direct me to a bucket of cool water, son? I could sure use a drink and a bit of a wash, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared nodded, eager to be of help to Joe\u2019s brother. Puffing out his chest importantly, the small boy pulled at Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cThis way, Mr. Adam. I\u2019se got a bucket over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe followed, his shoulders shaking a little with suppressed amusement. It was a treat to see his older brother held captive by the boy. The whole group retired to the shack where Hiram bustled about hospitably to offer Adam a chair and something to eat. Joe hung back during the commotion of getting Adam settled. He\u2019d grown accustomed to thinking of Hiram and Jared as special to himself, to see them hovering over Adam sparked a surprising touch of jealousy that he quickly attempted to squelch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He emerged from his thoughts just in time to see Jared proudly showing Adam a cracked slate board with a tipsy row of chalk-written letters straggling across the dimpled surface. \u201cAn ah kin writes more\u2019n jes these here letters,\u201d the boy proclaimed in a triumphant voice. \u201cI\u2019se been workin\u2019 real hard, ain\u2019t I Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned at his little friend and nodded agreeably. \u201cYou sure have, Jared. Every day that I\u2019ve been here, you\u2019ve practiced those letters. I think you\u2019re getting pretty good at them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam examined the slate with interest and smiled at the boy. \u201cHow long have you been going to school, Jared?\u201d he asked idly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, I ain\u2019 never been to no school,\u201d Jared replied with wide eyes. \u201cI\u2019se learnin\u2019 my letters from m\u2019Pa. He\u2019s real smart. \u2018N since Joe\u2019s been here, he done teach me some too. I\u2019se gonna read s\u2019mday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It wasn\u2019t hard to see the quick look of pain that flickered across Hiram\u2019s face, but it was quickly masked by a gentle smile. \u201cThass enuff now, boy,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cMr. Adam looks lak he might wan\u2019 sum\u2019n tah eat. Go check the stew.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared scampered off willingly, and the adults eyed each other in the sudden quiet that descended over the group. With a soft clearing of his throat, Joe asked, \u201cYou didn\u2019t say how you knew it was Hiram you were looking for Adam. You want to explain how you found out who he was?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam settled back into the chair with a soft sound of contentment. As he stretched out his legs, an audible creak sounded in the air. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how good it is to get out of that saddle,\u201d he remarked. Turning to face Joe, he continued, \u201cI found the clerk who runs the post office in Henderson. He knows Hiram from his regular visits to town. He was curious as to why Hiram would be sending a letter to the Cartwrights of Virginia City, so he remembered it vividly. It wasn\u2019t hard to put two and two together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked down at the floor, suddenly unable to meet his brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cIs Pa mad at me?\u201d The words could barely be heard in the quiet room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam snorted rudely. \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d he asked, the words dripping with sarcasm. \u201cWe were all upset and worried about you. You disappeared from the doctor\u2019s office without a trace. We knew you\u2019d been wounded and had a fever. You didn\u2019t send any word about your whereabouts. Did you honestly think we were all going about our business without even thinking about what you were doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had the grace to flush. \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d he replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut I was hoping that you hadn\u2019t wasted a lot of time looking for me. I didn\u2019t want the ranch to suffer because of my stupidity. After what happened in town, I knew I couldn\u2019t face it, Adam. I had to leave.\u201d The green eyes pleaded for understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam leaned forward and glared at his younger brother. \u201cNo you didn\u2019t. You have a family, Joe. That\u2019s what we\u2019re there for. To help you over the rough spots. You didn\u2019t have to run away from your troubles; we\u2019d have helped you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s head snapped up and his eyes took on an angry glitter. \u201cYou expect me to walk through the streets of that town again, when I killed a seven-year-old girl who was doing nothing more than crossing a street. Don\u2019t you understand, Adam? I was shooting it out in the middle of the street because I was so sure I could beat that creep. I never even thought about the consequences. And a little girl is now dead, all because of me.\u201d Joe let his words trail off, and he let his eyes drop.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam levered himself out of the chair and moved to give Joe\u2019s shoulders a hard shake. \u201cShe\u2019s not dead, Joe. Peggy Hardesty is alive, and the doc says he thinks she\u2019ll eventually have a full recovery. You didn\u2019t kill anyone, but you didn\u2019t stop to find out, did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was no longer listening. His mind whirled and he stared at Adam in confusion. \u201cNot dead?\u201d he whispered. The color drained from his face and he groped blindly for the back of the chair to steady himself. \u201cShe\u2019s not dead?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Suddenly it was all too much for him. He sank into the chair that Adam had just vacated and buried his head in his hands. \u201cShe\u2019s not dead,\u201d he whispered again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Three men sat silently before the fire. Hiram pulled contentedly at his pipe while Adam discreetly watched Joe whenever he thought his brother wasn\u2019t looking. Joe hadn\u2019t said much after Adam had revealed that Peggy was still alive, but his preparations for leaving had come to an abrupt halt. Adam knew that when Joe was wrestling with a problem it was best to let him stew in peace for a while. Instead he had passed the time in a long discussion with Hiram while Joe took himself off for a walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Now Adam cleared his throat, drawing two pairs of eyes toward him. \u201cI think we should head out in the morning, Joe. We need to stop in town and send Pa and Hoss a wire, and then head back to Virginia City. We\u2019ve ignored the ranch for too long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grimaced.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can go back, Adam. I\u2019ve made such a fool of myself. How can I ever show my face there again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cNo one in Virginia City blames you for what happened,\u201d Adam said, exhaling softly. \u201cDaisy spread the word about the problems in the saloon, and there isn\u2019t a man alive who wouldn\u2019t have done the same thing you did. Peggy happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That\u2019s not your fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s not what her mother said when I talked to her,\u201d Joe replied, his face set in a stubborn mask. \u201cShe was furious, and I can\u2019t blame her. I almost killed her little girl. What\u2019s she going to say when I crawl back into town now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sure that Mrs. Hardesty has had time to face the facts,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cShe can\u2019t still be holding a grudge, especially now that Peggy\u2019s going to be okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHave you talked to her?\u201d Joe\u2019s question was brief, and his eyes bored into Adam\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam dropped his eyes from Joe\u2019s gaze and flushed a little. \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t. But she has her daughter back, Joe. She can\u2019t still be holding a grudge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sighed. \u201cI want to come home. I really do, it\u2019s just that I don\u2019t know if I can. I can\u2019t bring myself to wear a gun, it makes me sick to even think of it. How can I face my friends in Virginia City without a gun? What will they think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs it really so impossible to wear a gun?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cYou had a run-in with that gang not too long ago, didn\u2019t you? You found you had to have a gun in those circumstances.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe you should wear the gun but take the time to consider your actions before you draw it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s head came up sharply at Adam\u2019s words, and his eyes flashed angrily. \u201cI do consider my actions carefully, brother, but sometimes accidents happen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam chuckled softly. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve been trying to tell you, Joe. Accidents happen. So why don\u2019t you come home with me and get this whole mess sorted out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The fire died from Joe\u2019s eyes and he laughed suddenly. \u201cI always said you\u2019d make a good lawyer, Adam. You trapped me with my own words, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFrom where I\u2019se sittin\u2019 thass what it sounded lak t\u2019me, boy,\u201d Hiram said. He leaned forward and peered at Joe intently. \u201cI been tryin\u2019 t\u2019stay outta this, but I think\u2019s I needs t\u2019agree wit Adam. It\u2019s time ya went home, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Both Cartwrights looked up in confusion. They\u2019d forgotten that Hiram was with them, he\u2019d been so quiet. The tinker settled back in his chair with a quiet chuckle of amusement at their expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a moment, Joe nodded. \u201cIf you\u2019re both going to gang up on me, then I can\u2019t win. I\u2019ll go home.\u201d He turned to Hiram. \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you and Jared. You\u2019ve done so much for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019 hev ta miss me, I\u2019se goin\u2019 too,\u201d the tinker said with a smug smile. He waved his pipe in Adam\u2019s direction. \u201cYer brother says there\u2019s a need fer a man like me in Virginia City. Sum\u2019n who kin fix things, and work with guns. He sez they\u2019s a school fer Jared. Run by a freed slave, lak me. Ah wan\u2019 th\u2019boy ta hev a better chance n\u2019me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had listened to Hiram\u2019s words with a dawning glimmer of happiness on his face. At the end of the man\u2019s recital, he gave a whoop of joy. Leaping from his chair, he pounded the tinker\u2019s back enthusiastically, and then whirled to grab Adam. \u201cBig brother, don\u2019t ever let me say anything bad about you again,\u201d he cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam leaned back in his chair and manufactured a look of affronted dignity. \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were in the habit of saying bad things about me,\u201d he joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The men talked long into the night, hatching schemes for Hiram\u2019s success in Virginia City, and making more concrete plans for the journey home. Joe\u2019s thoughts were in such a whirl that he barely had time to worry about his impending return to the scene of his nightmare. There was time enough on the ride back to dwell on the situation in town. For now, his happiness over Hiram\u2019s decision outweighed any fears that he had. He knew that he owed his life to the tinker.\u00a0 The man’s friendship had come to mean a lot to him, and the chance to repay some of the debt was something Joe wanted to act on as soon as possible.\u00a0 He knew that he needed to put his friends first.\u00a0 Tomorrow would come all too soon.\u00a0 He could think about facing the people of Virginia City in the daylight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The ride home was uneventful. Joe was able to say goodbye to Hiram and Jared, secure in the knowledge that he would see them again soon. Hiram was already working to close up his house and make the transition to Virginia City as soon as possible. A brief stop in Jared\u2019s little town allowed Adam to send wires to Ben and Hoss arranging to meet at the ranch. Joe rode quietly at his brother\u2019s side, his mind occupied with thoughts of the reunion with his father.\u00a0\u00a0 He knew that he\u2019d caused his father concern by disappearing without a word, but still felt that he\u2019d had no other choice. With every mile bringing him closer to the confrontation, he felt his pace lagging.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam endured the slow pace for as long as he could, struggling with his natural inclination to hurry home. He knew that Joe needed time to sort out the emotional aftermath of his ordeal, but it was hard not to snap at his brother to increase his speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Finally, he pulled his horse up and waited for Joe to amble forward. \u201cI\u2019d like to get home before I\u2019m old and gray, Joe. Do you think we could pick up the pace a bit?\u201d he asked a bit more sharply than he\u2019d intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou can ride on ahead, Adam. You don\u2019t need to play nursemaid. I\u2019ll get there, eventually,\u201d Joe snapped.\u00a0\u00a0 His eyes flashed as Adam continued to match his pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI know you\u2019ve got a lot to think about,\u201d Adam said, as he struggled to moderate his tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut stalling isn\u2019t going to help. If we don\u2019t make it home soon, Pa\u2019s going to send someone out after us. When I sent the wire, I gave him an estimate on when we\u2019d arrive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed and lowered his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t think about that,\u201d he confessed. \u201cI\u2019ve been tied up in knots over this whole thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He rode on steadily for a few minutes, refusing to meet Adam\u2019s eyes. \u201cDo you think things will ever go back to the way they were, Adam?\u201d he asked finally. \u201cWill I ever be the same again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied firmly. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019ll ever be the same, but is that such a bad thing, Joe? If this whole experience has made you a little less cocksure with that gun of yours, or gets you to think a bit longer before you do something, it might be the best thing that\u2019s ever happened to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe rode silently, his expressive face readily reflecting the thoughts that played in his mind. Adam rode patiently at his side, pleased to note that their pace had picked up. They traversed several miles before Joe spoke again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSo was I really cocksure?\u201d he asked, a weak attempt at a grin on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam chuckled. \u201cYes, you were,\u201d he replied. He reached over to slap Joe on the shoulder. \u201cAnd probably will be again in the future. I can\u2019t tell you how much I\u2019m looking forward to a new, more humble Joe Cartwright, for as long as it lasts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe aimed a punch at his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cDon\u2019t hold your breath,\u201d he said, his good humor struggling to emerge at last. A wicked gleam shone in his eyes. \u201cLast one home is a rotten egg,\u201d he yelled, just as he put his heels to Cochise\u2019s side and urged the horse forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam pushed Sport to gallop, a smile lingering on his face. He wondered if he\u2019d ever get used to Joe\u2019s mercurial moods. At least they\u2019d get home quicker this way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe left the house and began the familiar ritual of saddling his horse and securing the items he needed to check the fence line. As his hands busied themselves with the routine tasks, his thoughts drifted back over the last week. His homecoming had been both joyous and wracked with tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Ben\u2019s reaction had been typical. He\u2019d enveloped his youngest son in a huge bear hug, and then held him at arm\u2019s length while he lectured him sternly on running away without making any attempt to let his worried family know where he was. All the while, those dark eyes were scrutinizing every physical detail of the young man who squirmed in his father\u2019s grasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe still felt the hot flush of shame as he realized the depth of his father\u2019s worry. He mentally berated himself yet again for his failure to consider what he was putting the people he loved through when he made one of his knee-jerk decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he hefted the saddle onto the pinto\u2019s back, he felt the weight of the gun resting on his hip. He spared a moment to consider the feel of it against his body. It still felt strange to be wearing the weapon. His father had been quietly insistent that Joe have the gun on his person while he worked the ranch. It wasn\u2019t safe for a man to be out alone and unprotected. There were too many wild animals prowling about, and Ben wasn\u2019t going to take any chances on losing his son a second time. Joe\u2019s attempts to explain his antipathy toward the gun had met with a stony-faced implacability. He\u2019d wear the gun or stay in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had to smile a little as he remembered Ben\u2019s eyes softening. His father knew full well what he was asking of his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m not asking you to use it for anything other than self-defense, Joe,\u201d Ben had said. \u201cBut then, that\u2019s all I ever wanted. If this experience has made you reluctant to use your gun, and keeps you from feeling over-confident, I\u2019ll be very happy. But you won\u2019t ride alone on this ranch without it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe eyed the pearl handle of the weapon warily. He still felt a surge of antipathy when he looked at it. Could he draw the weapon if he had to? He wasn\u2019t sure. The incident at Hiram\u2019s shack hadn\u2019t resolved his questions. Jared had thrust a gun into his hands and Joe had reacted without thinking. But to actually pull the gun from its holster deliberately, to aim and pull the trigger knowing what could happen. Joe wasn\u2019t sure he could do it. So far he hadn\u2019t even been able to try target practice. For now, the gun rode on his hip, a silent reminder of all that had happened in the past few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

His preparations completed, he swung easily into the saddle. He\u2019d been spending a lot of time at the tinker\u2019s new place. Joe hoped to have things finished today because he knew that he\u2019d been shirking ranch chores. So far, his father hadn\u2019t raised a complaint, but he could start demanding that Joe spend more time around the ranch at any moment. Hoping to forestall any last minute requests from his father and brothers he headed out of the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked up from his perch on the roof of Hiram\u2019s new house. His long hours were starting to pay off. With a last intensive effort today, he\u2019d have the place ready for Hiram and Jared when they arrived sometime during the week. He was startled to see Adam driving a loaded wagon into the little yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Climbing down the ladder that was propped against the plank walls, Joe greeted Adam warily. \u201cHey, older brother. What brings you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam jumped down from the wagon seat and grinned companionably. \u201cJust came out to see how things are going. I brought some supplies I thought you\u2019d need, and a pair of hands to help for a while.\u201d He pushed his hat back on his head a bit and whistled softly. \u201cLooks good, Joe. I hardly recognize the place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t reply, as he waited for the derogatory comment to follow the first statement. He was shocked when it wasn\u2019t forthcoming. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you, Adam?\u201d he demanded. \u201cIt\u2019s not like you to be so complimentary about anything that I do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam raised both hands in mock surrender. \u201cWhoa there, Joe. I didn\u2019t come here to fight. I came to help. Want to show me what you\u2019ve done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Deciding to take Adam\u2019s offer as one made in good faith, Joe eagerly showed his brother around the small dwelling. He proudly pointed out the improvements he\u2019d made, especially in the room that would be Jared\u2019s first real bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam looked it all over with his critical eye and found a lot to praise. He obviously couldn\u2019t resist a few suggestions, however, and it wasn\u2019t long before the brothers were working side by side on an improvement that he\u2019d suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoof beats sounded in the yard, and the brothers shared a quiet grin at the sight of Hoss hitching his horse to the rail. Smiling his big, easy grin, he sidled up to the pair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI had ta deliver a message to the mill for Pa, and I thought I\u2019d find ya both here. Looks good, Joe,\u201d he called out. \u201cNeed any help? I\u2019ve got a couple a\u2019hours ta spare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat took you so long?\u201d Joe asked cheekily. He reached out to punch at Hoss\u2019s beefy shoulder. \u201cThe more the merrier, brother. Pick up a hammer and join us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss plunged into the work, whistling cheerfully as he joined the others on their project. Suddenly he stopped and slapped a hand to his forehead. \u201cOh, hey, Joe, I\u2019ve gotta message fer you. Daisy heard you were back, \u2018n she wants you to stop in at the saloon and see her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped pounding long enough to shoot a venomous glance at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m not going into town,\u201d he said curtly. He bent his head to his task again, studiously avoiding the sympathetic glances he got from both of his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to go sometime.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was deceptively casual, but his dark eyes were fixed intently on his youngest brother. \u201cI know it\u2019s been hard for you to come back home, but maybe a trip to town would do you good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe just shook his head stubbornly, and continued working. He knew that it would be next to impossible to avoid a trip to Virginia City indefinitely, but he fully intended to delay that trip for as long as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe saw Adam glance at Hoss and shake his head. It was obvious what his brothers wanted him to do, but he wasn\u2019t ready to face the townspeople or his friends. Whenever he thought of his last trip to Virginia City, the image of Peggy Hardesty lying in the dusty street superimposed itself on his mind\u2019s eye. No, he wasn\u2019t ready to face the town yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss didn\u2019t bring up the subject again, and the tension eased.\u00a0\u00a0 They worked companionably for several more hours, only stopping when the sunlight indicated a late afternoon hour. Adam was the first to go, promising to return to help more the next day, if he was needed. Hoss followed soon after, the knowledge that Hop Sing was roasting chicken for dinner weighing heavily on his mind. Joe intended to finish up a few things and then head home as well. He figured that if he put in another hour he\u2019d have that roof done completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram and Jared would be arriving within the next couple of days and he wanted everything to be perfect when they pulled in. He grinned at the thought of Jared\u2019s face when he viewed his new house. The little boy would be beside himself with excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe reached for another nail, only to come up with nothing. He groped around the pouch where he\u2019d stored his supplies and realized that he was out. With a grimace of exasperation he climbed down his ladder and headed for the supply wagon that Adam had driven. Surely his older brother, meticulous about details like that, would have included extra nails in the things that he\u2019d brought.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A search of the wagon revealed nothing. Either they\u2019d used more nails than he\u2019d realized today, or Adam hadn\u2019t brought any extras. Joe stood thinking. He wouldn\u2019t have many more opportunities to get the work done. Hiram hadn\u2019t been specific about his arrival, but Joe figured he\u2019d be arriving in the next day or so. If he didn\u2019t finish up the repairs to the roof tonight, he might not have another chance before the tinker and his son saw their new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe swore angrily. He had really wanted this to be done. He only had two options. Head back to the Ponderosa and hope that he had enough time tomorrow to finish the job, or make the quicker trip into town and pick up more nails. If he went home, he\u2019d have to sit down to dinner with the family and he\u2019d never make it back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Could he make the ride into Virginia City and face the mocking stares of the townspeople? Joe grimaced in self-disgust.\u00a0\u00a0 He squared his shoulders and moved with determination to saddle his horse. For Jared he could face anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe tied his horse in front of the general store and strode quickly into the little building. He glanced around impatiently, but there was no sign of Tommy Hicks, the owner of the little Mercantile. Swearing under his breath, he tapped his fingers impatiently on the countertop. At this time of day, Tommy should have been closing his store, not wandering away from his post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Without thinking, Joe pulled his hat lower and kept his eyes trained on the rough planking that constituted the sales counter. He hoped to avoid running into anyone who would remember the events of that horrible day. He couldn\u2019t help the snort of disgust that escaped at the thought. Everyone must remember what had happened the day Peggy Hardesty was shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The tinkle of the shop bell sounded loud in the quiet room. Joe pulled the hat lower and moved to edge around the feminine figure that filled the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe Cartwright? Is that you?\u201d The woman\u2019s soft voice stopped Joe before he could move.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked up to find Mary Hardesty standing before him. He flushed brightly and swept his hat from his head. \u201cMrs. Hardesty, how are you? How\u2019s Peggy?\u201d he managed to stammer. \u201cI was going to\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s voice trailed off and he ducked his head quickly, unable to finish his sentence. The encounter was exactly what he\u2019d been trying to avoid since his return to the Ponderosa. He felt her hand rest gently on his arm and he glanced up hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI thought that was your horse tied up out front. I\u2019ve been hoping I\u2019d see you. I heard you were back at the ranch,\u201d Mary\u2019s voice was soft and filled with a mixture of compassion and regret. Then it was her turn to duck her head. \u201cI treated you very badly the last time I saw you, Joe. I wasn\u2019t thinking clearly then, and I\u2019m afraid I took my fear and guilt out on you. It wasn\u2019t my intention to drive you out of town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stared in amazement at the woman. This was the last thing he\u2019d expected from her. \u201cBut, I shot Peggy,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cIt was an accident, I swear, Mrs. Hardesty, but she almost died.\u201d A chill worked its way down his spine at the memory of the little girl lying in the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He could see Mary Hardesty\u2019s eyes fill with tears, and with an instinctive need to comfort, he reached to take her hand. \u201cI really am sorry, Mrs. Hardesty. I hope you believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

She smiled through her tears. \u201cI do believe you, Joe. I knew all along that you didn\u2019t mean to hurt Peggy, but I couldn\u2019t see that at the time. I\u2019m just as much to blame for letting her dash into the street like that. It was wrong of me to take my guilt out on you. I\u2019m sorry you felt the need to leave Virginia City because of what I said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gave her hand a sympathetic squeeze. \u201cIt sounds like we\u2019ve both done some thinking. I\u2019m glad I ran into you today.\u201d He glanced down at the floor and then up again quickly. \u201cDo you think I could come visit Peggy sometime? I\u2019d like to see her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Mrs. Hardesty nodded eagerly. \u201cSure, Joe. Anytime you want. Stop by and see us. She\u2019s getting better every day.\u201d She clasped Joe\u2019s hand in a warm grip. \u201cI\u2019ve got to be going. It seems like the chores are never done. I\u2019m glad I saw you today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe held the door for her; the relief that swept through him left him feeling better than he had in a long time. \u201cI\u2019ll be seeing you soon, then.\u201d He watched her walk away, and then softly closed the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He turned toward the rear of the store, suddenly eager to complete his errand and head for Jared\u2019s house. Still caught up in his thoughts of Peggy Hardesty and her mother\u2019s unexpected words, he didn\u2019t hear the shop bell when it tinkled again. The rough hand on his shoulder startled him, and he whirled to bump squarely into a man planted solidly in his path.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cExcuse me\u2026\u201d he began only to have his jaw drop in surprise as he stared into a face the haunted his worst nightmares. He sucked in a deep breath as Jake Myers sneered at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he demanded harshly. \u201cRoy Coffee said he\u2019d run you out of town after the shooting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The gunslinger smiled and arched an arrogant eyebrow. \u201cWell, well, well. This must be my lucky day. I\u2019ve been wanting to see the man who gunned down that little girl in cold blood.\u201d He leaned against the doorframe and allowed a sneer to develop on his lips. \u201cHow\u2019ve you been, sonny?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe glared at the other man, his hands planted on his hips. \u201cI want you out of this town, Myers. You\u2019re not welcome here. I\u2019ve got a feeling the sheriff doesn\u2019t know you\u2019re back, or he\u2019d have made it plain that we don\u2019t want your type in Virginia City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers laughed. \u201cMy type, eh? You\u2019re the one who put a bullet into that kid. Sounds to me that you\u2019re the type that needs to be run out of Virginia City. And I\u2019m not too worried about your Sheriff. The head honcho of the Double B ranch has hired me. Seems they\u2019ve got a small rustling problem and needed a gun to scare the bad men away. I\u2019ve already had a talk with the sheriff and he knows I\u2019m here.\u201d He let his hand drift down to his holster, where his fingers toyed with the pearl handle of his weapon. \u201cI don\u2019t even know why I\u2019m telling you all this. I don\u2019t owe you any explanations. If you\u2019ve got a problem with me, we could always settle it man to man.\u00a0\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we take this discussion outside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe blanched. \u201cI don\u2019t need to take anything outside,\u201d he said quickly. \u201cI\u2019ve got some business in the store, and I intend to do it.\u201d He tried to move forward but found his path blocked as Myers stepped in front of him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, sonny? Afraid of me? You\u2019ve been spouting off about running me out of town and now you\u2019re losing your nerve?\u201d the gunslinger taunted. \u201cI can see why. Last time we had a little run-in you didn\u2019t come out looking so good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Again, Joe tried to push past the gunman, and again the man moved to block his path. \u201cI\u2019m not interested in fighting with you,\u201d he said in what he hoped was a reasonable tone. \u201cWe can agree to ignore each other. Now let me pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers loosed a loud peal of laughter. \u201cI guess you\u2019ve learned to mind your betters, sonny,\u201d he said, his strident tones loud in the small room. \u201cLooks like you know that you\u2019re no match for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The color returned to Joe\u2019s face in a sudden heated rush. \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of you, Myers. I\u2019m not interested in a gunfight, that\u2019s all.\u201d He turned to go, but hesitated when Myers let loose another loud laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGo on, run away, sonny. It\u2019s safer for you at home. Ya never know what can happen when you come out to play with the big boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe wrenched his body around to see Myers leaning against the doorframe, a smug expression plastered across his face. Without thinking, Joe took a step forward, his hand already snaking toward his gun. The shop bell jangled again and a woman entered, a small boy trotting at her heels. He heard the shrill tones of the child frantically asking a question and he stopped cold, his blood freezing in his veins. Darting a quick look around, Joe saw Myers, a mocking sneer on his lips, while the woman at the doorway clutched her son to her frantically. His eyes fastened on the face of the little boy who appeared to be around the same age as Jared. The boy\u2019s eyes were wide with fear as he tugged on his mother\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Without another word, Joe shoved past the pair and almost ran from the store. He didn\u2019t stop his headlong flight until he\u2019d reached Cochise. Flinging himself on the horse\u2019s back, he pelted out of town at breakneck speed, the mocking laughter of the gunfighter still ringing in his ears with every step.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s still out there, and he won\u2019t come in, Pa,\u201d Hoss Cartwright reported in a worried voice. \u201cI done told him that it was dinner time and that you said to skedaddle in here, but he just kept starin\u2019 at nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to him, Pa.\u201d Adam rose from his chair as he slid a finger into the book he was reading to mark his place.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded, his eyes thoughtful. \u201cGo ahead, Adam. I\u2019m not getting anywhere with him, and Hoss has already tried. Something\u2019s eating at him, but he\u2019s not saying what it is. See if you can get him to tell you what it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shrugged ruefully, but headed for the table. There wasn\u2019t much that would keep him from one of Hop Sing\u2019s meals, and although he was worried about Joe, the rumble of his stomach convinced him that his older brother was the one best able to handle the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam closed the door softly behind him and headed for the corral. He knew he\u2019d find Joe perched on the top rail; it was where he could be found any time he was troubled. His stomach twisted with worry as he observed the hunched figure sitting on the fence. Joe\u2019s shoulders were slumped and he exuded weariness and despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam climbed up to sit beside him and let the silence grow and lengthen. At long last, Joe turned haunted eyes on his older brother and with the briefest of nods, acknowledged his presence. \u201cI know what you\u2019re going to say, Adam, so don\u2019t even bother. I don\u2019t feel like eating and I\u2019m not going to come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

There was a touch of belligerence in Joe\u2019s words, but Adam ignored it. He placed a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou want to tell me what happened between when Hoss and I left you at Hiram\u2019s and now. You were excited about your friends\u2019 arrival then. Now you\u2019re all tied in knots and not eating. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe turned away from the searching eyes, and gazed blankly at the horses that ambled around the corral enjoying the soft evening breeze. Again he let the silence grow until it became awkward. At last, he forced the words out. \u201cI went into Virginia City after you left. I know I said I wasn\u2019t going to, but I ran out of nails, and I wanted to finish the house. I ran into Mary Hardesty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam worked to keep his face from showing the astonishment that he felt. Joe had been so adamant about going into town, and then he\u2019d just up and done it. And to run into Mary Hardesty . . . No wonder the kid was tied in knots. \u201cHow\u2019d it go?\u201d he asked calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFine. She was very kind. She told me it wasn\u2019t my fault that Peggy got hurt, and invited me to come see her sometime soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s voice reflected his confusion. \u201cWell, that\u2019s a good thing, isn\u2019t it? What\u2019s got you all upset? You should be happy that you\u2019ve been able to put that whole incident behind you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cShe wasn\u2019t the only one I ran into. After she left, Jake Myers showed up. He tried to get me to shoot it out in the street again.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off, and he stared blankly at the horses in the corral.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam waited for him to continue and realized that the words weren\u2019t coming. \u201cWhat happened? Obviously you didn\u2019t go with him,\u201d he asked in concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head. \u201cHe laughed at me. Called me a coward. But I couldn\u2019t go with him, after what happened to Peggy.\u201d He looked at Adam in despair. \u201cI haven\u2019t drawn this gun since Pa made me start wearing it again. I don\u2019t know if I can even shoot it any more. So what am I going to do, Adam? I can\u2019t go into town and have that bastard calling me a coward every time I see him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s face hardened imperceptibly. \u201cI\u2019ll have a talk with him. That\u2019ll put an end to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe straightened abruptly, his eyes flashing with sudden anger. \u201cNo! I can handle this myself, Adam. I didn\u2019t ask you to interfere. I\u2019m not a baby who needs his big brother taking care of him. Not anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam held his hands up in a gesture of surrender. \u201cI didn\u2019t say you couldn\u2019t handle it.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve got a real problem on your hands, and I\u2019d like to help you solve it. Is that so wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe dropped his eyes, his face flushed with a mixture of anger and contrition. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. It\u2019s just that Myers has me so angry that I can\u2019t think straight. I know you\u2019re just trying to help. I have to work through this one on my own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Knowing that Joe was on the edge, Adam accepted the apology gracefully. With a quick slap on his brother\u2019s shoulder, he slipped down from the fence. \u201cI\u2019m here if you need me, Joe. All you have to do is ask.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled. \u201cI know that, brother. Thanks.\u201d He turned back to his contemplation of the milling horses; his brother dismissed completely from his mind already.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam turned toward the house, but then swung back as another thought crossed his mind. \u201cDid you get the roof finished, Joe? I\u2019ll be more than happy to come by and give you a hand if you need me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head emphatically. \u201cI can finish it up myself, Adam. There wasn\u2019t much left to do.\u201d He turned away again, clearly signaling that the conversation was over.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shrugged ruefully. He hadn\u2019t been able to help Joe, but his brother knew that he was available if he needed someone to talk to. It would have to be enough for now.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After a morning spent finishing the roof, Joe was putting the final touches on the repairs to the house when he heard a horse enter the yard.\u00a0\u00a0 He pulled open the front door and saw his father dismounting. Forcing a smile of greeting, Joe moved forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat brings you out this way, Pa?\u201d he asked. \u201cI thought you had a Cattlemen\u2019s meeting today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m on my way into Virginia City, and I thought I\u2019d stop in and see just what\u2019s been consuming all your time these days.\u201d Ben gazed around appreciatively. \u201cLooks good, son. You\u2019ve really been working hard. I think your friends are going to like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed with pleasure. Even though he considered himself a full-grown man these days, it still felt good to have his father praise something he\u2019d done. \u201cI\u2019m glad you think it looks okay, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all Hiram did for me, I felt like I had to do something to repay him. This was the only thing I could think of. Want to come in and take a look inside?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled with pleasure, his eyes resting fondly on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019d love to. Why don\u2019t you give me the tour?\u201d He gestured for Joe to precede him into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt a bit of his black mood slip away as he showed his father the improvements he\u2019d made in the little house. He found himself chatting naturally about his eagerness to see his friends again, pushing the thoughts of Myers to the back of his mind. It came as a jolt when his father mentioned the man, almost as if he\u2019d read Joe\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI heard from Roy that Jake Myers is back in town. Had you heard that?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was deceptively casual, but his eyes were dark with sympathy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Tension flooded in to replace Joe\u2019s good mood. \u201cI\u2019d heard,\u201d he snapped. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI just wondered if he\u2019s the reason you\u2019ve been so upset the last couple of days. You haven\u2019t had a run-in with him, have you?\u201d Ben allowed his gaze to sharpen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe slammed a fist into the doorframe, and then winced at the sudden pain in his bruised knuckles. \u201cWhy can\u2019t Adam ever keep his mouth shut?\u201d he demanded. \u201cI told him about Myers in confidence and the first thing he did was go running to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam never said anything to me,\u201d Ben\u2019s answer was quick and sure, leaving no room for doubt. \u201cSo you have seen Myers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Trapped by his own admission, Joe turned a hunted look on his father. \u201cSo what if I have? It\u2019s my business. I can handle this, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A strong hand dropped to the slender shoulder. \u201cI didn\u2019t say you couldn\u2019t handle it, Joe. I\u2019m just here to tell you that if you need help, you know where to find me. You don\u2019t have to do it all by yourself, son. That\u2019s what family is for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shrugged away from his father\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Pa. There\u2019s nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.\u201d He pointedly looked out at the bright sun. \u201cAren\u2019t you going to be late for your meeting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sighed. \u201cI guess you\u2019re right. I\u2019d better be going.\u201d He looked around the room again. \u201cYou\u2019ve done a fine job on this house, Joe. I\u2019m looking forward to meeting Hiram. I owe him a debt of gratitude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe followed his father out to where he\u2019d tied his horse. \u201cI know Hiram is looking forward to meeting you too, Pa.\u201d He watched as the older man swung himself into the saddle. \u201cEnjoy the meeting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben looked down and smiled softly. \u201cI meant what I said, Joe. You think about it.\u201d He nodded briefly and rode out of the yard, leaving his youngest son leaning on the hitching post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sighed heavily. It had taken every ounce of his self-control not to give in to those sympathetic eyes. He\u2019d almost confessed to his father all the fear and self-loathing that were churning in his gut. Then he squared his shoulders, and turned back to the house. He was running out of time. Hiram would be arriving any time now. There was no time for self-pity. Myers would have to wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cJoe!\u201d The little boy danced in excitement as Joe rode his pinto into the yard of the tinker\u2019s new home. \u201cY\u2019came t\u2019my new house!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared could barely restrain himself long enough for Joe to dismount and hitch the horse to a rail in front of the little house. As soon as Joe\u2019s booted feet hit the ground, the boy flung himself at his friend, enveloping him in a bear hug worthy of someone Hoss\u2019s size. Joe pretended to be overpowered by the little boy and the pair ended up sprawled in the dust. A deeper laugh joined with the boy\u2019s giggle, and Joe looked up to see Hiram standing on the porch, laughing along with his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned ruefully and gestured to the boy who was now perched on his chest, while Joe lay flat on his back in the dirt. \u201cWhat have you been doing with this guy, Hiram? He\u2019s got more energy than ever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s bin waitin\u2019 t\u2019see ya. He\u2019s missed ya sump\u2019n fierce, Joe.\u201d The tinker smiled, his dark eyes lit with a deep happiness. \u201cI done missed ya too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe managed to struggle to his feet, with little help from the giddy little boy, who was now clinging to his back. He strolled over to clasp Hiram\u2019s outstretched hand. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you both, also.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I wasn\u2019t here when you arrived. You traveled quickly. I figured you for at least another day.\u201d He gazed around appreciatively. \u201cSo what do you think of the new place? Looks like you\u2019re settling in quickly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The house was small, but sturdily built. The yard boasted a huge barn where Jared could keep his \u201ccritters\u201d and Hiram could store the items he wanted to sell. A shiny new chicken coop graced a quiet corner by the barn, and Jared\u2019s little friends were already making themselves at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cC\u2019mon in, boy. We\u2019s got sum stew on, hopin y\u2019d wanna stay.\u201d Hiram was already opening the door and shooing Joe inside. He tossed a glance at the younger man. \u201cI knows how much work ya been puttin\u2019 in \u2018round here, Joe. I thanks ya fer that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shrugged. \u201cI enjoyed it. I kept thinking how much Jared was going to enjoy his new home.\u201d He winked up at the small boy on his back, and received an answering giggle in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once inside, Jared wriggled down and took Joe by the hand. \u201cY\u2019gotta see, Joe. I\u2019se got m\u2019own room now.\u201d The boy\u2019s eyes were round with excitement, and pride shone from his face. \u201cAh\u2019ll show ya everthin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe allowed himself to be tugged around the small cabin and managed to produce the proper exclamations of appreciation, as if he were seeing it for the first time. Then, he settled in for casual conversation over the simple meal of stew, gratefully allowing the calm atmosphere to settle his churning emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At long last, with Jared playing contentedly at their feet, Joe and Hiram settled onto the porch. Hiram lit his pipe, letting the fragrant smoke curl up over his head. Joe inhaled deeply, the smell awakening an emotional response from his soul. It seemed that every time he was in trouble, he\u2019d go to his father. Ben\u2019s pipe smoke had accented almost every one of their heart to heart talks. Now, Joe sat with another man, but the tobacco smoke was with him as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, boy, ya wanna tell me \u2018bout it? Or is ya gonna make me guess wat\u2019s got ya so riled?\u201d Hiram asked, after the silence had grown long and uneasy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ve got to stop letting you read my mind,\u201d he said ruefully. \u201cEither that, or remember not to play poker with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He took a deep breath, moving to perch restlessly on the edge of his chair. \u201cI ran into a couple of people in town the other day. I\u2019ve been avoiding the place, but I had to run an errand. The first one turned out much better than I expected.\u201d He launched into a recitation of the meeting with Mary Hardesty.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe couldn\u2019t help the little smile that crept onto his lips, when he recalled the meeting. He\u2019d been twisted into knots about the shooting for so long, that Mrs. Hardesty\u2019s words of forgiveness had set him free. The immense burden had been removed from his shoulders and he could hold his head up again. He saw Hiram nodding, as he talked, the echoing smile on his friend\u2019s face showing his happiness over Joe\u2019s newfound freedom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSounds like Miz Hardesty done sum thinkin\u2019 too, Joe,\u201d he said, when Joe\u2019s rush of words finally ground to a halt. \u201cI\u2019se glad she\u2019s able ta see that it weren\u2019 yer fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The tinker shot a glance at Joe from the corner of his eye. \u201cThat cain\u2019 be wat\u2019s got ya in sech a twist, son. There\u2019s more, ain\u2019 there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded mutely. He struggled to frame his next words. \u201cI think I have to leave Virginia City again.\u201d He bowed his head, his hands clenched into fists in his lap. \u201cI ran into Jake Myers, the man I had the gunfight with, and he was taunting me. He called me a coward when I wouldn\u2019t go out and have another try at him. I can\u2019t hold my head up in this town with him telling everyone I\u2019m afraid to face him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s face was a study in misery. \u201cBut I can\u2019t fight him again,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cI haven\u2019t even been able to practice with my gun, let alone face someone in a shoot-out. I keep thinking of Peggy, and how I almost killed her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He dropped his head into his hands and shuddered as the horrifying images washed over him again. He felt a warm hand on his shoulder and struggled to collect himself. \u201cMaybe I am a coward,\u201d he whispered. \u201cHow do I live with that? I can\u2019t stay here, though. Here everyone thinks of me as cocky Joe Cartwright. I won\u2019t have them all laughing at me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYer real friens\u2019 won\u2019 be laughin\u2019, Joe,\u201d Hiram said quietly. \u201cAn\u2019 I don\u2019 think yous a coward. But \u2018til you realizes that, then ya gots a problem.\u201d He stopped and waited, but Joe couldn\u2019t answer, he was so wrapped up in his emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cKin ya really leave yer family, agin, Joe?\u201d Hiram continued when it became obvious Joe wasn\u2019t going to say any more. \u201cAfter wat ya puts yer Pa \u2018n brothers through t\u2019last time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood up abruptly, shaking the kind hand from his shoulder and pacing the length of the porch as he spoke. \u201cNo!\u201d he exclaimed roughly. \u201cI promised Pa I wouldn\u2019t go again. That\u2019s what I\u2019m so torn up about. I can\u2019t stay and I can\u2019t leave. That doesn\u2019t give me many options, does it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram leaned against the porch railing and gazed compassionately at his young friend. \u201cGo home, boy. Talk t\u2019yer Pa. Mebbe he\u2019ll be able t\u2019hep ya with sum o\u2019this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stopped pacing and glared at the tinker. \u201cNo, I can handle this on my own. I don\u2019t want Pa worrying about me any more. This has to be my decision.\u201d He folded his arms over his chest and dared the other man to contradict him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram sighed and shook his head. \u201cYer worse than m\u2019old mule out there in t\u2019pasture, Joe. Handlin\u2019 it on yer own wuz how ya ended up on m\u2019doorstep inna firs\u2019 place.\u201d He sucked on his pipe for a few moments and then continued. \u201cBut, I\u2019se kin see that yer a mite hardheaded, so I ain\u2019 gonna try t\u2019tell ya wut t\u2019do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled gratefully. \u201cI\u2019ve been called hardheaded before. I can live with that. Thanks for listening to me, Hiram. I didn\u2019t mean to burden you with all of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The tinker smiled. \u201cAin\u2019 no burden t\u2019lissen ta yer friens\u2019. Ya thinks \u2018bout alla this long \u2018n hard, Joe. Ya\u2019ll come out allright, Ah\u2019m sure.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s clenched arm. Then, as if a sudden thought had occurred to him, he said, \u201cI\u2019se gots a favor t\u2019ask.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou name it,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019ll help you any way I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAh\u2019s s\u2019posed t\u2019take Jared t\u2019meet his school teacher t\u2019morra, but I\u2019se also gots a man comin\u2019 ta tek alook at m\u2019stuff. He wants t\u2019buy sum things. It\u2019ll be good fer the folks in Virginia City ta hear from a neighbor that ah\u2019m here, so\u2019s Ah don\u2019 wan\u2019 t\u2019put him off. Could ya tek Jared along t\u2019meet th\u2019 teacher?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt the tension returning, and his eyes grew wary. \u201cWhere\u2019s the teacher? I don\u2019t want to take a chance of running into Myers tomorrow, especially not if I have Jared with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram\u2019s eyes were soft with understanding. \u201cTh\u2019 schoolmastuh lives in a part o\u2019the town where ya won\u2019 be seein\u2019 Myers. Leastways, ah don\u2019 spect so. His wife said she\u2019d be bakin\u2019 a special batch a\u2019cookies, jist fer th\u2019boy, t\u2019mek him feel more ta home. Jared\u2019s all \u2018cited \u2018bout t\u2019visit, n\u2019ah don\u2019 lak t\u2019disappoint \u2018im.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe considered the situation carefully. It was unlikely that Myers would be wandering in the poorer section of town. The man would most likely be out on the range, anyway. It should be safe to take Jared in to meet his new schoolteacher. He nodded his acceptance. \u201cSure thing, Hiram. I\u2019ll be glad to help you out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram nodded gratefully, and the conversation turned to more mundane things. After spending another hour playing with his little friend, Joe took his leave of the pair. He rode home determined to keep his worries to himself. The last thing his family needed was to worry about their wayward youngest son and brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He arrived back at the little house by mid-morning. Jared was already waiting, and he danced around the horse in excitement as Joe rode into the yard. Joe struggled to control Cochise, who wasn\u2019t used to the frenetic activity. When he finally succeeded in getting the animal under control, he saw that Hiram had scooped the boy up and was holding him firmly in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSorry \u2018bout that, Joe. Ah\u2019s been tryin\u2019 t\u2019teach t\u2019boy how t\u2019behave around horses, but he\u2019s jes so excited t\u2019see ya,\u201d Hiram said apologetically. \u201cHe\u2019ll know better nex\u2019 time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned easily. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. I should be used to it by now. Don\u2019t worry, Hiram, he\u2019ll learn.\u201d He swung down from the saddle and turned to pull a squirming bundle from a basket he\u2019d secured to the back of the saddle. \u201cI brought Jared a present though. I figured your new place needed just one more thing to make it seem like home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He turned around with his hands held carefully behind his back. Crouching in front of the boy, he looked into the wide dark eyes. \u201cWant to take a guess what I\u2019ve got for you, buddy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared squirmed with excitement. \u201cDon\u2019 know, Joe? Is it sweetnin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe chuckled. \u201cNope. I haven\u2019t been to the Mercantile this morning. I brought you this from the ranch.\u201d He pulled a wiggling bundle from behind his back. \u201cThis little guy was asking me if I could help find him a good home. Do you know any little boys who need a good hunting dog?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared\u2019s eyes grew huge in his little face. He stared awestruck at the little retriever puppy. \u201cFor me?\u201d he gasped. He looked imploringly at his father. \u201cC\u2019n I keep it, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram plastered a serious expression on his face, although his eyes sparkled with suppressed amusement. \u201cAh don\u2019 know, son. A puppy is a lot o\u2019work. D\u2019ya thinks ya c\u2019n do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared nodded eagerly, his whole body radiating his eagerness to touch the puppy that Joe held out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hiram nodded slowly. \u201cWell, son, that pup\u2019s jes beggin\u2019 ya t\u2019hold it. Ya might wanna tek it and see how ya gets along.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The little boy reverently gathered the puppy into his arms, and immediately sat down in the dirt. The puppy squirmed in his grasp and managed to wriggle close enough to lick the little face over and over. Jared\u2019s giggles resounded through the yard. Joe exchanged a quick glance with Hiram.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind, Hiram. I know I should have asked you first, but the pups were ready to be weaned from their mother, and Jared came to mind. I\u2019ll help take care of it as much as I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Hiram shrugged. \u201cAh don\u2019 mind. The boy\u2019ll tek care o\u2019the dog. He\u2019s good wit all t\u2019critters.\u201d He motioned for Joe to precede him to the house. \u201cC\u2019mon in and set a bit. Jared\u2019ll want t\u2019tek a little time getting\u2019 t\u2019know th\u2019dog before ya go meet th\u2019schoolmastuh.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was over an hour later before Joe was able to tear the little boy away from his new pet. It was only when Hiram gathered the dog up into his own arms and assured the boy that he\u2019d watch over the little animal the whole time Jared was gone that the child would consent to be tossed up into the saddle in front of Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They rode out of the yard, waving happily to Hiram, who waved the dog\u2019s paw in response. Jared\u2019s giggle was so infectious that Joe couldn\u2019t help laughing right along with him. The day was turning out much better than he\u2019d anticipated.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Several hours later, Joe and Jared were stuffed full of cookies and good conversation. The schoolmaster and his wife, both former slaves, had gone out of their way to make the little boy feel welcome to their home and the community. Jared was in rapture over the thought of attending \u201creal school\u201d, and he couldn\u2019t stop talking as they walked toward the farrier\u2019s stable where Joe had left his horse. Cochise had a loose shoe, and Joe had taken the opportunity to leave the horse with Job Watkins, another former slave who did a brisk trade in the poorer section of Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tried to keep his mind on the little boy\u2019s chatter, but he was preoccupied by thoughts of his encounter with Myers. He knew that he was going to have to come to terms with his gun, one way or another. It was dangerous to wear a weapon if he wasn\u2019t going to use it. The fact that it was equally dangerous to live and work without one was something that he\u2019d have to think about. He knew his father was serious when he said that Joe had to wear the gun while working the ranch, but even now the thought of drawing the weapon was repugnant. Every time he touched the smooth metal, he saw Peggy Hardesty lying in the street, her hair matted with blood. Maybe if he went to visit the little girl he could finally wipe that picture from his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

If only he hadn\u2019t been so cocksure about his prowess with his gun. He had replayed that scene in the saloon over and over again, but hadn\u2019t been able to come up with any way to avoid the gunfight. Daisy had needed his help, and he would do it all again if he had to. But he\u2019d walked into that fight with the certainty that he could and would win. The danger to innocent bystanders hadn\u2019t even entered his mind; he\u2019d been so focused on how good he was with his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

So where did that leave him? Joe groaned in despair. Jared heard the soft sound and stopped talking long enough to glance up and see the look on his friend\u2019s face. Stopping in his tracks, he planted his hands on his hips and demanded, \u201cYou sick, Joe? You don\u2019 look so good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe forced a smile to his face. \u201cI\u2019m fine, buddy. I just had a pain in my stomach from all those cookies. I\u2019m feeling better already,\u201d he said reassuringly. He grabbed the little boy\u2019s hand and swung it gently. \u201cHow about if we go find Cochise? He\u2019s probably got a stomach ache too from eating up all the grain in Mr. Watkin\u2019s stable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared grinned companionably and tugged at Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cC\u2019n we see all t\u2019other horses \u2018fore we go, Joe? I love horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Glad that the boy\u2019s worry was gone, Joe nodded. \u201cSure thing. We\u2019ve got some time, and I\u2019ll see to it that you get to talk to all the other horses in the stable. How about that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared responded with a little hop, and then he was tugging harder at Joe\u2019s hand, until the pair was hustling down the street. It was obvious the boy wasn\u2019t going to miss out on a minute of his promised treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

An hour later, after visiting every horse in the farrier\u2019s stable, several twice, Joe was ready to go. He looked around for Jared, who had run into one of the stalls, holding the hand of the stable\u2019s owner. Joe was amazed at the effect the child had on people. Job was charmed by the little boy, and his usual gruff manner had been replaced by a quick smile, and a willingness to take Jared to visit the horses as many times as he wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Grabbing Cochise\u2019s saddle, Joe talked softly to the horse as he made his preparations for leaving. He turned to reach for the bridle and bumped squarely into a man who was lugging his own saddle through the center of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWatch it sonny,\u201d the man snarled, only to have his eyes widen in recognition. \u201cCartwright? I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d have the pleasure of seeing you again. After our last meeting when you ran away rather than talk to me, I was sure you wouldn\u2019t show your face in town again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

His eyes narrowed, and he suddenly radiated a cold intensity that made Joe remember the man\u2019s reputation as a gunslinger. \u201cYou\u2019ve been making trouble for me, boy. I don\u2019t appreciate that too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes widened at the sight of the man he\u2019d wanted to avoid. What was he doing in this part of town? Joe straightened up to his full height, determined not to let the man intimidate him either physically or mentally. \u201cI haven\u2019t made any trouble for you, Myers. And I don\u2019t want any from you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSomeone talked to the foreman of the Double B. Told him I was trouble. He fired me yesterday. Me! Jake Myers fired and sent packing on the word of a punk like you.\u201d He tapped one finger on Joe\u2019s chest. \u201cWe got a score to settle now, little<\/em> Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI didn\u2019t talk to anyone at the Double B. If someone told them you were trouble, it wasn\u2019t me.\u201d Joe stood with a confidence that he didn\u2019t feel, alert for any sudden move the other man might make.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The gunslinger\u2019s eyes remained cold. \u201cYou got family, boy. One of them must have been nosing around in my business. It\u2019s all the same thing. I lost a good job because of you. Now we\u2019re going to settle it once and for all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s heart pounded and he felt a trickle of sweat work its way down his spine. \u201cWe don\u2019t have anything to settle, Myers,\u201d he insisted, forcing all trace of emotion out of his voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t talk to anyone at the Double B. If my father, or one of my brothers did, I didn\u2019t know about it. You don\u2019t have a reason to stay in Virginia City anymore, so why don\u2019t you just move on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers laughed, but there was no warmth in the sound. \u201cOh, I\u2019ll move on, sonny. After you and I settle our differences. You were just a nuisance before, boy. Now it\u2019s personal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The gunslinger dropped his saddle and settled into a relaxed stance, his hand hovering near the gun that rode his hip. \u201cYou still scared, sonny? Or do you want to settle this like a man?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe swallowed against the sudden surge of bile that rose in his throat. He carefully put down Cochise\u2019s saddle and backed away from the gunfighter, putting several yards between them. His fingers twitched as he thought of pulling the trigger on his gun. Could he do it again? Peggy Hardesty flashed through his mind, and the world spun dizzily around him. Working to keep all his churning emotions off his face, he struggled for words.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe don\u2019t have to do this, Myers. Just ride out of town and don\u2019t come back. I don\u2019t want to fight you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers\u2019 lips curled in a sneer. \u201cNo one wants to fight me, boy. That\u2019s because everyone knows what happens to the men who face Jake Myers. Now you pull that gun, or I\u2019ll see to it that everyone in this town knows you\u2019re a coward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grew still. He\u2019d been humbled by the accidental shooting of the little girl, but he knew that he\u2019d never be able to stay in Virginia City if Myers spread word of his cowardice to anyone who would listen. In the West, a man\u2019s reputation preceded him in all things. The Cartwright name stood for a lot of things to people and Joe wasn\u2019t about to let that name be dragged through the mud. Forcing his mind to settle and grow calm, he inhaled deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Again, he let himself slip into a heightened sense of awareness, narrowing his focus to the man who stood at the far side of the livery stable. His breathing hushed and his eyes riveted themselves on the gunslinger, watching intently for the signals that he knew so well. Even the best gunfighter couldn\u2019t hide some trace of his intentions if you knew what to look for. Time stretched out and then slowed to a stop. Only the thudding of his own heart marked the passage of minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe? What\u2019cha doin\u2019, Joe?\u201d Jared\u2019s voice was loud in the hushed barn, and the patter of his feet as he ran to his friend echoed in Joe\u2019s ears.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Wrenching his gaze from Myers with a gasp of fear, Joe blanched. Jared had run directly between the two men, putting himself in the line of fire. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Job Watkins hovering uncertainly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJared, no! Stay back.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was strained and he moved swiftly to put himself between the boy and the gunslinger. He quickly focused back on Myers, pushing Jared behind him in one motion. He tried to signal Watkins to grab the boy, but still the man stood frozen in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy, Joe? You fightin?\u201d Jared\u2019s eyes were wide. \u201cYa said ya don\u2019 fight, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Fear for the little boy made Joe\u2019s voice sharp. \u201cI want you to get out of here, Jared. Now,\u201d Joe said roughly. \u201cGo back to the schoolmaster\u2019s house and wait for me there.\u201d He glanced behind him long enough to see the boy wasn\u2019t moving. \u201cI said go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He heard Myers laugh disdainfully, and saw that the gunslinger still stood poised for action. The arrival of the boy hadn\u2019t deterred the man from his intention to punish Joe for the man\u2019s firing. Joe\u2019s concentration was in tatters, and his breath rasped in his lungs. He pushed Jared roughly toward the door. \u201cDo as I say, Jared and get out. I mean it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAw, don\u2019t send the boy away, sonny. So what if a darky kid gets hurt because of you? He ain\u2019t worth nothin\u2019 to nobody.\u201d Myers almost choked with laughter at his own wit. \u201cGood riddance, I say. The world don\u2019t need another brat running around in it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Suffused with anger at the other man\u2019s words, Joe grabbed Jared by the arm and hustled him to the door of the livery stable. \u201cGo on,\u201d he urged. \u201cI\u2019ll meet you back at the schoolmaster\u2019s house.\u201d He shot a fierce look at Watkins. \u201cSee that he gets out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared stood still for a moment, his face a mask of fear. \u201cPromise?\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe reached to give him a swift hug. \u201cI promise.\u201d He pushed the boy gently toward the sidewalk and waited until he saw the boy\u2019s feet moving of his own accord, clutching at the hand of the farrier who walked beside him. Both man and boy looked back, but Joe forced himself to turn away. Squaring his shoulders, he turned and walked back to the waiting gunfighter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t want to do this, Myers, but I will.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was calm again, his eyes bleak with resignation. \u201cIt\u2019s time we finished this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers didn\u2019t answer, instead he motioned with a disdainful wave of his arm for Joe to return to his place at the other side of the stable. With practiced ease the gunslinger slipped into his relaxed stance, his fingers hovering over his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sighed and returned to his place, and then with a deep breath, he forced himself to relax as well. He let his own hand hover near his gun, as he waited for the gunslinger to make his move. It had been weeks since he\u2019d drawn the gun, and he was no longer certain that he could win, but he knew he\u2019d run out of options.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Myers twitched, his hand blurred toward his gun, and he drew in one smooth motion. Joe felt the motion instinctively, and he had his own gun out and aiming at the other man\u2019s chest without conscious thought. It was only then that Joe realized that he had beaten Myers draw and had the gunslinger at a disadvantage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He had a clear shot at the gunslinger, but he didn\u2019t take it. Instead, he sighted down the barrel of the gun, to see that Myers had paled, and was staring with confusion at the weapon that threatened him. The man\u2019s own gun was only halfway up and he\u2019d never get a good shot off before Joe could shoot him down. With a nervous chuckle the gunfighter dropped his weapon to his side, and raised his other hand in a gesture of surrender.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLooks like you\u2019ve got me at a slight disadvantage, sonny,\u201d he said, all trace of his former arrogance gone. \u201cIf you don\u2019t aim to shoot that thing, why don\u2019t you put it away and we\u2019ll let bygones be bygones?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe let the weapon menace the other man for a brief second longer, his anger over the events of the past weeks churned in his stomach and demanded that he make the other man pay for his arrogance and callous disregard for human life. The knowledge that if he shot, he\u2019d be no better than Myers surfaced, and taking a deep breath, Joe lowered his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He shoved it into the holster. \u201cGet on your horse and get out of Virginia City, Myers. Don\u2019t come back,\u201d he said wearily. \u201cWe\u2019ve had enough of you around here.\u201d He turned his back on the gunslinger and walked to the door, alert to any sound that would indicate the man was going for his gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He stopped in horror at the sight of a little face peering around the corner of the barn door. Jared\u2019s eyes were wide with fear and he trembled visibly as Joe resumed his walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe thundered. He crouched in front of the boy and grabbed onto the little shoulders with shaking hands. \u201cI told you to get out of here. Don\u2019t you know that you could have been hurt, or worse? How dare you come back here?\u201d He glared up at the farrier, who stood holding an ancient gun in his hands. \u201cHow could you bring him back here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sight of tears dripping steadily down the boy\u2019s cheeks, and the shaking of the shoulders underneath his hands reminded Joe that he was talking to a child. His face softened, and he pulled the boy forward into the circle of his arms. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Jared,\u201d he breathed. \u201cI got scared when I saw you standing there. You could have been hurt if there\u2019d been any shooting. I\u2019m sorry I scared you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared hiccoughed and struggled to catch his breath. He scrubbed a hand over his dripping eyes and for good measure wiped his runny nose on the back of his sleeve. \u201cI jes\u2019 couldn\u2019 go \u2018way \u2018n leave ya, Joe. Tha\u2019 man\u2019s a bad\u2019un, an\u2019 ya said ya didn\u2019 shoot no guns, so\u2019s we brung one.\u201d He raised his bewildered eyes to Joe. \u201cYa said ya didn\u2019 shoot no guns, didn\u2019 ya, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe glanced back over his shoulder to see Myers putting the saddle on his horse. He stood up abruptly and holding Jared\u2019s hand, he pulled the boy out of the shadow of the barn and toward the street, with a nod of thanks and a quick handclasp for the farrier. He felt an urgent need to put some distance between the boy and the gunslinger. Stopping in the puddle of shade provided by a nearby tree, he dropped to the ground, waiting until Jared settled in beside him. He offered the child his handkerchief and paused until the boy mopped his face thoroughly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cFeeling better?\u201d he asked, his voice soft with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Jared nodded, his bright eyes reflecting the mountain of questions that he was unable to voice yet. \u201cWhy didn\u2019 ya shoot \u2018im, Joe?\u201d For once, the child stopped at one question. He fixed his eyes on Joe\u2019s and waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed and ducked his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I could have, but it wasn\u2019t worth it, Jared. Myers is a fool and he needed to be taught a lesson, but I just couldn\u2019t bring myself to take his life.\u201d He stopped and picked at a piece of long grass that he plucked from the ground. \u201cAt one point in time, I wouldn\u2019t have hesitated to shoot him, and maybe, I would have thought it was justified. But things have changed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He glanced at the boy, who was struggling to follow the conversation. Joe grinned at the intent expression on Jared\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s so hard to explain, I know, Jared. I know I told you that I didn\u2019t shoot guns anymore, but I think I\u2019ve come to realize that I\u2019m going to have to use one occasionally. We don\u2019t live in a place where I can be safe without one. But that doesn\u2019t mean that I\u2019m going to have to feel like a big man because I\u2019ve got one, or because I\u2019m good with it. Does that make sense to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The boy nodded slowly. \u201cYa means that sumtimes it\u2019s okay ta shoot, \u2018n sumtimes it\u2019s not, Joe? But how d\u2019ya know which is which?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe pulled his hat from his head, and rubbed his hand over his forehead. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jared. I really hope that I\u2019ll be able to decide when the time is right from now on. But it\u2019s going to be hard.\u201d He sighed, and then smiled as the little boy snuggled in close to his side. He looked down to see a pair of trusting eyes looking up at him. \u201cI\u2019ll probably struggle with decisions like that for the rest of my life. I hope I do. I don\u2019t want to ever get to the point where I\u2019m shooting at people just because I can, ever again. Wearing a gun is a necessity here, but it doesn\u2019t have to be a thing of pride to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He realized that Jared probably didn\u2019t understand much of what he was saying, but it felt good to put into words the churning mass of emotions that he\u2019d been burdened with for so long. \u201cI hope everything will be all right from now on, Jared. I don\u2019t want anyone hurt because of me. Once was enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI think ya\u2019ll do jes fine, Joe,\u201d Jared said. \u201cC\u2019n we go home \u2018n see m\u2019puppy now? He misses me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned. He stood up and swung Jared up to his shoulders. \u201cSure thing, that puppy shouldn\u2019t be alone any longer than he has too.\u201d They headed for the stables, embroiled in a deep discussion over the dog\u2019s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

**~**~**~**~**~**~**<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe entered the ranch house quietly, coiled his gunbelt on the credenza and hung his hat on a peg by the door. The familiar sounds and smells of the house enfolded him and he paused a moment to let them wash over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Adam sat talking by the fireplace, Adam with one finger marking his place in the book he was holding. Joe saw his father bent over some ledgers at his desk, his silver hair gleaming in the lamplight. He felt his spirits soar upwards for the first time in weeks. A weight had been lifted from his shoulders and he felt at peace with the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, don\u2019t all greet me at once,\u201d he called cheerfully as he headed for the settee. Settling down next to Hoss, he quickly scooped up an apple from the bowl and took a large bite.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDon\u2019t let Hop Sing see you eatin\u2019 that apple, little brother,\u201d Hoss commented. \u201cHe just told us that dinner would be on the table in a couple a\u2019minutes. He don\u2019t like us spoilin\u2019 our appetites.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe just grinned cheekily and ostentatiously took another large bite. He glanced up in time to see Adam looking at him quizzically. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked innocently. \u201cWhat\u2019s that look for, older brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shrugged, his eyes narrowed in speculation. \u201cYou seem happy tonight, Joe. Anything happen today you want to tell us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe giggled. \u201cNope, not a thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The ledger shut with an audible thump and Ben Cartwright strolled across the room to join his sons. He, too, eyed Joe speculatively. \u201cYou seem mighty happy about something, Joe. You sure you don\u2019t have anything to tell us?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed. \u201cCan\u2019t a man sit and eat an apple without answering a lot of questions?\u201d he asked, but he couldn\u2019t help the wide grin that streaked across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss leaned back, his arms folded across his broad chest. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen you grin like that in a long time, Joe. Somethin\u2019 happened. Now out with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe just sat for a moment, not yet ready to share the details of his run-in with Myers. Instead he offered his family an apologetic look. \u201cI\u2019m just happy that Jared took to the new schoolmaster so well. He\u2019s going to do real well in school. It\u2019s great to see him settle in and get a chance for a new life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben scrutinized his son\u2019s face, and then relaxed, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. \u201cLooks like you\u2019ve settled some of what\u2019s been eating at you, Joe. I\u2019m glad.\u201d He clapped Joe on the back gently, and then letting his hand rest on his son\u2019s shoulder for a moment, he said. \u201cLet\u2019s eat, boys. It looks like Hop Sing\u2019s just about ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss stared at his father. \u201cYou just gonna let him off the hook like that, Pa? Don\u2019t you want ta know what\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shrugged. \u201cI have faith that Joe\u2019s resolved things to his satisfaction. If he wants to talk he knows where I am. Now all I\u2019m concerned with is supper. Let\u2019s see what Hop Sing\u2019s got for us.\u201d He glared around at his three sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, what are you waiting for?\u201d he roared. \u201cGet to the table now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flashed his father a grateful smile, and rose to take his place at the table. He saw Adam and Hoss exchange rueful shrugs, and then they too settled down to eat. For a few moments the only sound heard in the room was the clinking of china and crystal. Joe glanced at his family surreptitiously. He was finally home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The End.<\/span><\/p>\n

March 2002<\/span><\/p>\n

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

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0The consequences are far reaching when Joe accidentally shoots a young child.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (33,190 words)<\/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":[23,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1482,"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":2842,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2842","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":0},"title":"Brother (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"May 14, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Growing up isn't easy. Two vignettes, two times in Joe's life when he is forced to mature\u2014and he's all on his own. Or is he? 1,250 words, rated T","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\/joe_adam.jpg?fit=987%2C747&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe_adam.jpg?fit=987%2C747&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe_adam.jpg?fit=987%2C747&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe_adam.jpg?fit=987%2C747&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5650,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5650","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":1},"title":"Eyes of an Angel (by DanceDiva)","author":"DanceDiva","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Twelve year old Joe is bitten by a rattlesnake, but things get uglier faster than expected. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0(500 words)","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\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12120,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12120","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":2},"title":"Blundered Seduction (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"December 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Caught with his pants down and in a compromising situation by the one person he'd least likely want to find him as such, Joe learns three valuable lessons; no one ever died of embarrassment, chose your friends carefully, and being 16 and still a virgin is nothing to be\u2026","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":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":3},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","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\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6373,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6373","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":4},"title":"The Girl in the Blue Dress (by debpet)","author":"debpet","date":"August 7, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe's encounter with an attractive young lady takes a turn into the unexpected.\u00a0 Something for the Halloween season. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a01100","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\/05\/Blue.jpg?fit=236%2C312&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3156,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3156","url_meta":{"origin":581,"position":5},"title":"Easter (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"March 24, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A short introspective piece as a son waits to hear if his father will live. 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