{"id":586,"date":"2001-05-17T23:12:45","date_gmt":"2001-05-18T03:12:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=586"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:20","slug":"a-question-of-honor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=586","title":{"rendered":"A Question of Honor (by Karen)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe stuns his family when he joins the Army.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0T (22,790 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

To Terri, thank you for a wonderful idea and an equally wonderful friendship.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

A Question of Honor<\/strong><\/p>\n

The horse\u2019s hooves thrummed a steady beat<\/strong> on the earthen path that led to the sprawling ranch house. As he rode, Joe Cartwright\u2019s thoughts raced frantically. He planned his speech, marshaling his arguments like a general planning a battle. He tried to anticipate every objection in order to have a counterattack in mind. But as he approached the ranch house that had been his home for all of his twenty-two years, the thoughts disappeared from his mind, like smoke on the wind, leaving him with only a vague sense of unease.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Slowing his horse to a walk and entering the yard at a sedate pace, just as his father liked him to do, Joe dismounted and tied the pinto to the hitching rail in front of the house. His steps lagged as he headed for the front door, a fluttering sense of unease developing in the pit of his stomach. Quietly he opened the door and pushed his way into the great room, removing his hat and gunbelt out of long habit, carefully placing both in their designated spots. A quick glance at the hat rack showed him that both of his brothers and his father were home. Joe sighed. He had hoped that Adam and Hoss would still be out. He didn\u2019t relish facing his entire family all at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs that you, Joe?\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s baritone voice called from his desk, the welcoming note bringing a queasy smile to his son\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me, Pa!\u201d Joe called, and he began the walk toward that desk, his stride so unlike his usual springy bounce across a room that Ben knew right away that his youngest son had something on his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben looked up expectantly, a warm smile on his lips. Just the sight of Joe made him smile these days. Joe had lived through a turbulent adolescence, but he seemed to be maturing with fits and starts. Ben chuckled inwardly at the thought of how many of the gray hairs on his head he could attribute to his most volatile son. The past three months had been so peaceful that Ben knew it was time for an explosion of some sort. He could tell by Joe\u2019s walk that the explosion was about to happen, and he braced himself for the onslaught. His eyes bright with expectation, he allowed the silence to build, knowing he was driving Joe to a fever pitch of anxiety. \u201cWant to tell me about it, son?\u201d he asked finally, a knowing smile playing about his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gasped in astonishment. \u201cHow do you always know, Pa?\u201d he asked ruefully, his hands on his hips in exasperation. \u201cI can\u2019t keep anything from you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben laughed, the booming sound bringing Hoss in from the kitchen and Adam down the stairs. Joe swallowed anxiously as his brothers moved across the room to join the group. He felt Hoss\u2019s large hand clap him on the back, the blow almost propelling him across his father\u2019s desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s about time ya\u2019 got home, Short Shanks,\u201d Hoss said jovially. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s been fussin\u2019 about supper for half an hour now. He said if you weren\u2019t home in ten minutes he was goin\u2019 back to China!\u201d The men laughed at the old joke; they all knew that Hop Sing wasn\u2019t going anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe patted Hoss\u2019s large stomach. \u201cI think you could stand to miss a few of Hop Sing\u2019s meals, big<\/em> brother,\u201d he quipped, ducking away from Hoss\u2019s feint in his direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam smiled at the antics of his younger brothers, and as he moved to perch on the edge of the desk, he asked quietly, \u201cDid you hear any news in town, Joe? I\u2019ve heard there\u2019s some trouble with some of the local tribes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe lost his sense of merriment, as he thought about what he had to say to his family, and he ducked his head sheepishly. \u201cNot much new in town, Adam,\u201d he said quietly, and then taking a deep breath, he added, \u201cI\u2019ve got some news of my own though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s eyebrows rose toward his hairline. \u201cOh really, Joe, what news is that.\u201d Ben quaked inwardly. He knew that whatever Joe had to say wasn\u2019t going to make him happy. Joe\u2019s agitation since he had entered the house telegraphed his words to anyone who knew him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe\u2019s eyes were huge in his expressive face. \u201cI…I\u2019ve joined the army, Pa,\u201d he stammered out in a rush, determined to get it over with.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

If Joe had announced that he had set fire to the sheriff\u2019s office and then proceeded to dance a war dance on the carpet, he couldn\u2019t have shocked his family any more. Three men stood frozen, as if they were carved in stone. Hoss\u2019s jaw had dropped, and his mouth was hanging open, while Adam frowned severely. He glanced at Ben\u2019s white face, and saw his father\u2019s clenched knuckles. \u201cCome on, Joe. That\u2019s not funny,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cYou\u2019re upsetting Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss began to laugh hysterically, his huge hand slapping at his knee as he shook with mirth. \u201cOh that was a good one, Short Shanks!\u201d he gasped finally. \u201cJoined the army!\u201d Hoss wiped tears from his eyes as his laughter continued uncontrollably.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gulped, and then, knowing that he had no choice, he spoke to the silent man who stared at him in shock. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa, I didn\u2019t mean to spring it on you like that. But, I\u2019ve joined the army. There was a recruiter in town, and I signed up with him. I\u2019ll be leaving at the end of the week to report for duty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss\u2019s laughter died abruptly as he realized that Joe wasn\u2019t joking. \u201cJoe, this ain\u2019t funny,\u201d he said as he moved to shake Joe\u2019s slender shoulders. \u201cYou cain\u2019t join the army. What about the Ponderosa and your work here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rose from the desk, towering over his youngest brother\u2019s slight form. \u201cYou\u2019re just going to have to tell them that you\u2019re not joining any army, Joe. We need you here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe ignored his brothers and focused on his father, who had yet to speak a word. He grimaced at the sight of his father\u2019s pale face, but he plunged onwards, knowing he had to get it all out. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa! It all happened so fast. I knew that I wouldn\u2019t have a chance to talk to you before I signed up, but the recruiter needed a decision right away.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off, and his eyes pleaded for his father to say something.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Ben moved then. He paced around the desk, Hoss and Adam parting before him, and Joe flinched as his father reached out for him. Ben\u2019s eyes were hard with anger, but his touch was restrained. \u201cI think I need to hear more of an explanation, Joseph,\u201d he said softly, but his voice left no room for disobedience. \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about? Why have you done something like this without talking to your family first?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes dropped, and he tried to move away from his father, but Ben\u2019s grip was like iron. \u201cWell, Pa, I went into town for the mail, and I ran into this army recruiter. He was so convincing Pa.\u201d Joe\u2019s tone was pleading, his eyes begged for his father\u2019s understanding. \u201cThey need good men, they\u2019re really short handed right now, and, well……\u201d Joe stopped, his left hand moving to pry at the fingers that were gripping his arm. In the morning he would find a bruise on that arm that would take weeks to fade.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s body quivered with suppressed anger. \u201cWell, you\u2019re just going to have to go into town and tell this recruiter that you\u2019ve changed your mind, Joseph. You can\u2019t join the army. We need you here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI can\u2019t, Pa.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was quiet, his body taut with anxiety. \u201cI\u2019ve signed a contract, and the recruiter told me that it was binding by law.\u201d Again he reached to touch his father and cringed as Ben shook him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThen, I\u2019ll ride into town and have a talk with this so called recruiter,\u201d Adam stated with some satisfaction. \u201cHe\u2019ll tear up that contract when I\u2019ve finished with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss nodded vigorously. \u201cYeah, jest let me get my hands on that fella. He\u2019ll let Joe outta the army so fast it\u2019ll make his head swim.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was rising, and he fought for control. \u201cI\u2019ve made this decision, and no one is going to interfere. I\u2019m over twenty-one and I\u2019m legally an adult. If I want to join the army, I can join the army.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben turned on his son, using his height to his own advantage. \u201cI\u2019m asking you to change your mind, Little Joe.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was quiet, his eyes dark with an inner pain. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to leave the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe winced at the naked feeling on his father\u2019s face. \u201cI can\u2019t change my mind, Pa. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d The simple words hung quivering in the air, the battle lines drawn between the two men.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing barged into the room, his singsong voice stridently calling them to order. \u201cDinner on table, Cartwrights eat now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stopped seeing the four tense men, and knew that he had stepped into the middle of one of the family\u2019s major disagreements. Looking at Joe\u2019s white face and wide eyes, he knew instantly who had caused the uproar and his heart sank. Hop Sing had helped raise Little Joe from babyhood, and the boy had a huge place in the little man\u2019s heart. In an effort to ease the palpable tension in the room, Hop Sing again ordered his family to the table. Getting no response from anyone, not even his faithful Hoss, the Oriental man shook his head and stalked back to the kitchen, a trail of Chinese wafting through the air in his wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing\u2019s arrival broke the Cartwrights out of the trance that had kept them still. Ben sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily. \u201cI knew the peace and quiet was too good to last,\u201d he muttered. \u201cLet\u2019s eat and talk about this again after dinner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe felt his stomach lurch. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry, Pa. I\u2019m just going to go on up to bed,\u201d he said quietly. Then he turned on his heels, fleeing the room, all the while feeling like a coward for not being able to face his father\u2019s pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Three stunned and silent men watched the boots fly up the stairs, and listened until they heard the door to Joe\u2019s bedroom slam shut. Turning back to each other then, they silently made their way to the dinner table and Hop Sing\u2019s elaborate meal. The little cook was doomed to be disappointed that evening, as most of the dishes were sent back to the kitchen untouched.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Ben Cartwright rode toward Virginia City in a fury. His face was set in a scowl, and his eyes were grim. His mission was to find the Army recruiter who had persuaded Little Joe to sign a contract. Breakfast at the ranch had been a bitter affair. Little Joe had been sullen and argumentative; he was clearly feeling defensive about his decision. His brothers had alternated between scolding and cajoling their brother, which had added to Joe\u2019s sour mood. Ben had tried persuasion and then threats. Little Joe remained unmoved. He had signed a contract and he was going to live with his decision for good or ill. After a plea for his family\u2019s understanding, Joe had stormed out of the house, leaving for a solitary day of riding fence. It hadn\u2019t escaped Ben\u2019s notice that Joe looked grateful to be getting out of his family\u2019s sight for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The town came into view and Ben rode straight for the Sheriff\u2019s office in the center of town. If anyone knew where to find the Army recruiter it would be Roy Coffee. Roy didn\u2019t miss much that happened in his town. Roy Coffee looked up from his paper-strewn desk with a welcoming smile when his oldest friend walked into the office. His smile dimmed as he took in Ben\u2019s grim face and enraged eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTrouble, Ben?\u201d he asked, coming quickly to his feet and moving around the desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben planted his large frame in front of the sheriff. \u201cI need to know where I can find an Army recruiter who was in town yesterday, Roy. The man talked Little Joe into joining the army!\u201d Ben\u2019s hands clenched into fists, and his knuckles showed white.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A look of sheer astonishment flickered across the sheriff\u2019s face. \u201cLittle Joe joined the Army?\u201d he asked incredulously. \u201cWhy on earth would the boy want to go and do a thing like, Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s fisted hands moved to his hips and he glared at the Sheriff. \u201cIf I knew that Roy, I wouldn\u2019t be here in town talking to you, now would I?\u201d he said through gritted teeth. \u201cThat\u2019s why I need to find this recruiter. I need to talk some sense into him and get him to rip up Little Joe\u2019s contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy shook his head ruefully. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but that recruiter fella rode out of town last night. He said his troop was waitin\u2019 for \u2018im just outside of town. You ain\u2019t gonna find him anytime soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s face took on a look of carved stone. \u201cDo you know which way they were heading? Which town were they going to visit next?\u201d Ben\u2019s feet began to pace out a rhythmic pattern on the office floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy leaned against his cluttered desk, and gazed with concern at his friend. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say, Ben. I wish I could help. But I didn\u2019t think it was important at the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s sigh echoed through the room. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have any way of knowing, Roy. I\u2019m not blaming you. I guess I\u2019ll have to ride to the fort with Little Joe when he \u2018reports for duty\u2019, as he calls it. I\u2019ll find some way to get him out of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy shook his head. If Little Joe Cartwright had decided to join the army, then his father was going to have a hard time getting him to change his mind. Roy had watched the struggles between father and son since Joe was a little boy. He wouldn\u2019t bet a nickel on Ben\u2019s chances of winning this one. He walked Ben to the door, his arm across his friend\u2019s shoulders. With a parting murmur of comfort, he watched as Ben mounted his horse to begin the long ride back to the Ponderosa. With a sigh, Roy turned and made his way back to his desk, but this time he sat without looking at his paperwork. He could imagine all too well the scene that was going to play out on the Ponderosa, and he was glad that he wasn\u2019t going to be out there to be part of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe\u2019s last week at home flew by in a blur. His family alternated between threats of locking him in his room and bouts of sadness at his coming departure. Joe spent some time packing a few things and saying goodbye to his friends. When at last he was ready to go, his father and brothers gathered with him in the Great Room of the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben had spent the intervening week sending telegrams to everyone he knew. He was disheartened when they all confirmed that Joe was legally an adult and entitled to enlist in the army if he chose to do so. There was nothing his father could do, or say, about it. Ben was still against the idea of Joe leaving, but he was determined that Joe wouldn\u2019t go away on bad terms with his family. As he looked at his youngest son, a small valise in his hand, descending the steps, Ben\u2019s heart lurched in his chest. He struggled to keep the grief from his face, but he couldn\u2019t make himself smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father with both pity and understanding. He felt guilty for putting his family through the turmoil of his leaving, but he was convinced that he had made the right decision. He couldn\u2019t back down now. It wasn\u2019t in his nature to give up so easily. With a sigh, Joe approached his father. \u201cI\u2019ll be home for a visit as soon as I get leave, Pa. I promise,\u201d Joe said softly. He gazed steadily at the older man, and was relieved when his father gathered him into a fierce embrace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI wish you weren\u2019t going, Joe,\u201d Ben whispered against his son\u2019s hair. Pulling back to look into a pair of green eyes that were shadowed with sorrow, he tried to speak calmly. \u201cStay safe, Joe. You know I\u2019ve been against your decision from the beginning, but you\u2019re an adult now, and entitled to go where you want to go. But please remember, that this will always be your home, and we\u2019ll be waiting for you to come back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grabbed his father\u2019s forearm and nodded solemnly. \u201cThanks, Pa. I know this isn\u2019t easy for you. I\u2019m going to miss you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe turned to his brothers, who stood watching the scene with frustration evident in every line of their bodies. Approaching Adam, Joe reached out for a handshake, only to be swept into Adam\u2019s open arms. \u201cCome back soon, Kid,\u201d Adam said softly, and then he turned abruptly aside, surreptitiously wiping at his eyes with the back of his sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss crowded in to take Adam\u2019s place, throwing a beefy arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYeah, Short Shanks, you lissen to your big brother, y\u2019hear. We want you home soon. Ya got a ton of chores that\u2019re gonna pile up while you\u2019re gone.\u201d His hug almost squeezed the breath out of Joe\u2019s body. \u201cAnd don\u2019t be thinkin\u2019 that Ol\u2019 Adam an\u2019 I are gonna do \u2018em for ya, either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned, \u201cI\u2019ll be back soon, brother. I promise.\u201d He strode for the door, determined to make the parting as brief as possible. He\u2019d already asked his family not to accompany him to the Fort, fully aware of the scene that Ben Cartwright could make if he chose. The door closed behind him with a soft click.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Three men stood frozen in place for a brief moment, and then Ben sank into his favorite chair, a shaky hand going to his forehead. Adam moved quickly to his side, and crouched next to his father, easily balancing on his heels. \u201cHe\u2019ll be back soon, Pa. You\u2019ll see,\u201d he said with a forced confidence. \u201cJoe\u2019s a tough kid, the army isn\u2019t going to know what hit them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben looked at his oldest son gratefully. \u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d he murmured. He heaved a sigh and then levered himself to his feet, his movements suddenly seeming slow and old. \u201cWell, there\u2019s work to do, boys. Let\u2019s get at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The three men moved for the door and the start of another day on the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe eased himself onto his bunk with a groan. His muscles screamed a protest, until he positioned himself on the bed. The cessation of movement brought blessed relief to his abused body. Since his arrival at the Fort two weeks earlier, he had been drilled morning, noon and night. The Sergeant in charge of the new recruits seemed to delight in taunting \u201cthe rich kid\u201d who had recently arrived in his platoon. He apparently felt that Joe was dabbling in the army because he was bored with his elegant life as the son of one of the richest men in the territory. No amount of hard work on Joe\u2019s part disabused the man of his notion, and he continued to work Joe twice as hard as any of the new men. Joe moaned a little as his muscles twinged again, but he pushed the pain to the back of his mind. He was determined to show the Sergeant that he didn\u2019t know what Joe Cartwright was made of, and he was too proud to show weakness in front of his fellow soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just as Joe\u2019s thoughts turned in that direction, he heard the sounds of boots entering the barracks, and knew that the rest of his troop was arriving back from the mess hall. The ribald shouts and raucous laughter swirled around him, but while he smiled at some of the comments, he didn\u2019t join in with the banter. He closed his eyes, and sent his thought winging back to the Ponderosa, a picture forming in his mind. He could almost see his father and brothers seated around the dining table, with Hop Sing chatting in Chinese, while the events of the day were discussed. A pang of homesickness twisted through his body, so sharp he drew a ragged breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

So engrossed was he in his thoughts that he didn\u2019t hear the approach of a pair of booted feet. He grunted painfully when those boots swiped at his legs, his eyes flying open to see a large man lowering himself to Joe\u2019s bunk. \u201cHey, Cartwright, you looked pretty good out there today,\u201d the man commented. \u201cFor a rich kid.\u201d A chuckle took away the sting of the words, and Joe smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThanks, Thompson.\u201d Joe\u2019s glance was friendly. He sat up painfully, clutching at his aching stomach muscles as he did so. \u201cI just wish the Sergeant would think so, and lay off me for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Steve Thompson was a big man who reminded Joe of his brother, Hoss. He had a ready laugh and was always willing to commiserate with Joe at the end of a long day of training. Thompson had worked cattle for several of the ranches in the territory, and he and Joe could spend hours discussing the merits of the horses at the various ranches they had both visited. It felt good to have someone to talk to, and Joe felt his homesickness recede just a little at the sight of the man\u2019s cheerful face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson\u2019s friendly smile faded just a little as he considered Joe\u2019s last comment. \u201cWatch out for the Sergeant, Joe,\u201d he warned. \u201cRoberts sure seems to have it in for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded in agreement. \u201cYeah, I could tell. He can\u2019t get past the fact that my last name is Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson slapped Joe on the back, chuckling at the wince of pain he elicited. \u201cWell, we all know that the name Cartwright means \u201crich, lazy kid\u201d don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe scowled in mock anger and playfully punched Thompson\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYeah, well, I\u2019d hate to tell you what the name Thompson means. It might hurt your feelings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson\u2019s reply was lost in the sudden rustle of men jumping to their feet. Sergeant Roberts strode through the room for his last inspection of the day, and he frowned to see Joe struggling to his feet. \u201cCartwright,\u201d he barked. \u201cTen-hut!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe snapped to attention, his hand rising stiffly in salute. He stood in the accepted stance, his eyes focused on a point just past the Sergeant\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYessir!\u201d he snapped crisply in reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re slow to get up, soldier,\u201d the Sergeant snarled. \u201cI expect instant attention when I walk in the room. Take twenty laps around the parade ground before you turn in for the night.\u201d He smirked at the horror-struck expression on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cDo it now, soldier, or I\u2019ll make in forty laps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a resigned look back at Thompson, Joe marched his weary body out to the parade ground and began to run the ordered laps. His whole body ached with weariness, and his muscles shrieked in protest, but he kept at it doggedly. He deliberately turned off the part of his mind that focused on his physical body, and allowed himself to picture Lake Tahoe at sunset, a fishing pole in his hands and his brother Hoss at his side. His legs automatically followed the set pattern, while Joe\u2019s every thought yearned for home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Adam entered the ranch house on silent feet. He laid his gunbelt in its accustomed spot, and noted that his father and brother were home. He sighed as he thought of the missing member of his family. The house had seemed so silent and still without Little Joe. Hoss had been moping for the last month, and Ben Cartwright was a shadow of his former self. Adam squared his shoulders, determined to shake his family out of the doldrums, even if the news he bore wasn\u2019t good.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa! Hoss!\u201d he called out. \u201cWhere is everybody?\u201d Adam quickly strode across the room, heading for Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen. He almost collided with the large body of his younger brother as Hoss barreled around the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the shouting about, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked eagerly. \u201cHave you brought us a letter from Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Adam smiled affectionately at the larger man. \u201cNo, I\u2019m afraid not, Hoss. I picked up the mail, but there was nothing from that little scamp. He\u2019s probably too busy marching with the other soldiers to write to his family.\u201d He looked around searchingly. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shrugged his shoulders, his eyes losing some of their brightness at the lack of a letter from Joe. \u201cHe\u2019s around here somewhere, older brother. What are you so riled up about, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam frowned and rubbed a hand through his dark hair. \u201cI heard some news in town and I thought you\u2019d both be interested in hearing it. I\u2019ll go see if I can find Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right behind you, son.\u201d The deep voice came from behind Adam, and he jumped slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he wheeled around to see his father advancing across the room, Adam was once again struck by the changes in his father in the last month. Ben seemed to have aged ten years since Little Joe had joined the army. Ben never complained, but Adam knew he was missing Little Joe terribly. A sudden wave of guilt washed across Adam as he realized that perhaps Ben had felt the same way during his years away at college. Adam smiled a greeting at the older man, as he reached into his vest pocket to produce a sheaf of letters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI brought the mail from town, Pa.\u201d He shook his head quickly to forestall the question. \u201cNo, there\u2019s nothing from Joe.\u201d As Adam spoke, he moved across the room to the decanter of whiskey, pouring three glasses without asking if the others wanted one.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben raised his eyebrows as he accepted the drink from Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cYou seem a little on edge, Adam. What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam quickly handed Hoss the second glass of whiskey, and then picked up his own. \u201cI heard some news today, and I thought we should talk about it.\u201d He took a sip of his drink and continued. \u201cThe whole town\u2019s buzzing about the latest rash of incidents with the Indians. It seems that several of the outlying small ranches have been hit by raiding parties. Winnemucca claims that they aren\u2019t his braves, but no one is sure how much the chief really knows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss whistled appreciatively at the news. \u201cIs everyone on those ranches all right?\u201d he asked soberly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam shook his head gravely. \u201cSomeone\u2019s been selling guns to the Indians. The raiding parties have all been well armed with the latest rifles. Bob Henderson and several of his hands were killed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s forehead furrowed in thought, and he looked at his sons\u2019 gravely. \u201cI think I need to make a trip out to see Winnemucca,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cHe probably knows more than he\u2019s letting on. Even if these aren\u2019t his braves, he must know that allowing the young men of the tribes to buy guns can only lead to trouble. The soldiers at the Fort won\u2019t hesitate to move against the Indians, if they think it\u2019ll stop the gun trade.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A momentary stab of alarm pierced through the older man as he realized that should the Army move against the Indians, Little Joe would most likely be in on the action. Ben chided himself silently for worrying needlessly. Little Joe was a man now, and had made the decision to join the Army. He would be able to take care of himself. All the same, Ben uttered a silent prayer that Little Joe wouldn\u2019t see any fighting so soon in his new career.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam was watching Ben carefully, his father\u2019s thoughts transparent to his eye. \u201cI thought you might want to go out to see Winnemucca, Pa,\u201d Adam said quietly. \u201cI\u2019ll ride along with you. We need to get this situation under control quickly. The people in town are ready to go out and start shooting anything that even looks like an Indian.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u201cYou two ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere without me along to watch out for you. I\u2019ll ride along with you too, Pa.\u201d The big man clapped his father on the back, making him choke on his drink. \u201cYou guys ain\u2019t gonna get to have all the fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam smiled to see the spark of happiness return to his brother\u2019s eyes. It had been too long since he\u2019d seen that big grin. Maybe this crisis would be just the thing they needed to get their minds off Little Joe. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll be riding out in the morning then,\u201d he said, glancing at his father for confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben nodded abstractedly, his mind already working on the problem that was facing the community. His friendship with Winnemucca had averted problems with the Indians on several occasions. He hoped that this would be another time when the Chief could be reasoned with. Before the men could discuss the situation further, Hop Sing announced dinner and stridently demanded that his family sit down and eat. Moving toward the table, the conversation about the mysterious influx of guns into the territory continued. The melancholy thoughts about Little Joe had been temporarily banished from the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Little Joe slumped over the metal plate that contained an unappetizing mixture that the army cook called dinner. He listlessly stirred his fork through the contents, but never raised it to his mouth. He jumped when a large hand slapped him heartily on the shoulder, and then looked up to smile miserably at Steve Thompson as he slid into the chair next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A look of compassion crossed the older man\u2019s face, but he quickly buried it in a warm smile. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, cowboy?\u201d he asked briefly. \u201cThe Sarge gettin\u2019 you down?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded tiredly. \u201cYeah, just between you and me, this army life is a lot tougher than I thought it would be.\u201d He shook his head in disgust. \u201cAnd that Sergeant\u2019s attitude doesn\u2019t help matters. He acts like he wants me to quit.\u201d Again Joe turned his attention to the unappetizing meal, and he tried gamely to swallow a mouthful of the slimy green substance he assumed was a vegetable.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson grunted a response, and tucked into his own meal, an exact duplicate of the one in front of Joe. \u201cHe probably does. The Sarge don\u2019t hold with rich kids joining the army on a whim.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flushed angrily. \u201cI didn\u2019t join on a whim!\u201d he began angrily, only to stop when Thompson held up a warning hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cNow, sonny, I didn\u2019t say you did,\u201d the older man replied. \u201cBut the Sarge doesn\u2019t know that. He thinks you\u2019re just some stuck up brat who had a fight with Papa and ran off to join the army to spite the old man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere would he get an idea like that?\u201d Joe demanded in astonishment. \u201cI certainly never gave him any reason to believe that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sarge has seen a lot of men join up in his time in the service, and he draws his own conclusions,\u201d Thompson replied. \u201cThat\u2019s not saying he\u2019s right, mind you. It\u2019s just saying that\u2019s what he thinks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s splutter of indignation was cut off by the arrival of a detachment of Military Police. They marched into the Mess Hall and positioned themselves on either side of Sergeant Roberts as he strode briskly into the assembly.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes widened when the little group moved inexorably toward him, and he paled involuntarily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTen-hut!\u201d The words rang through the mess hall, and well more than a hundred men stood in unison, shoulders back, eyes facing forward. Joe moved with them automatically, but his eyes revealed his nervous tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant stopped in front of Joe, his face impassive, his eyes like flint. \u201cCartwright,\u201d he barked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYessir!\u201d Joe\u2019s response was crisp, his weeks of military training making the response instinctive. His hand was locked in a salute. His eyes looked stonily over the Sergeant\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re under arrest!\u201d The Sergeant responded curtly. \u201cYou\u2019ll be coming with me to the stockade.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes widened in horror. \u201cUnder arrest, but…\u201d he sputtered, his salute falling away as he stepped forward involuntarily. \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant looked at him impassively. \u201cFor theft, Cartwright. We found several rifles that belong in the equipment room hidden under your bunk. We\u2019ve had a rash of missing rifles since you joined our little troop. I think we\u2019ve found out who\u2019s been taking them.\u201d The Sergeant couldn\u2019t keep the satisfaction from creeping into his voice. \u201cNow march, soldier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stumbled forward, the protests dying on his lips. He marched, white-faced and silent before the hundred other soldiers at the fort, feeling their eyes on his retreating form. He wanted to stand up and proclaim his innocence, but he couldn\u2019t. These men would be quick to believe the worst. As the little group moved through the gathering gloom of twilight, Joe\u2019s mind raced. What was the penalty for theft in the army? Was there any way to prove his innocence? Was a man accused of a crime allowed a lawyer? Joe\u2019s mind turned toward home and his father. Oh Pa! <\/em> The silent cry filled his mind. I don\u2019t want to hurt you with this<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s emotions were a tangled wreck when the group finally reached the little stockade. He let himself be pushed forward into a cell, turning in time to see the door swing shut, firmly locked by the man in charge of the army\u2019s prisoners. Joe gripped the bars tightly. \u201cWhat now, Sergeant?\u201d he called to the older man. \u201cWhat are you going to do with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant blinked at the question. \u201cDo? I\u2019m going to see that you pay for your crime, Private Cartwright!\u201d He turned on his heel and crisply marched from the building, leaving a crestfallen Joe in his wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stumbled to the cot and sank down, his head buried in his hands. This was going to kill his Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe sat numbly in the small room that served as the courtroom for the Army post. He glanced nervously at the small crowd of men in uniforms who filled every available chair in the room. He spotted Thompson in the back row, and was briefly heartened to see his tight nod and thin smile of concern. At least he had one supporter in that sea of unfriendly faces.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The assembled men were awaiting the return of the seven man tribunal that had listened impassively to an array of testimony from several sources. Sergeant Roberts had testified to the discovery of the rifles under Joe\u2019s mattress. He was only the first of several men to do so. Apparently the Sergeant had been on one of his unannounced inspections with several of the base commandants in tow. The rifles had been hauled out in full view of a lieutenant and a captain. Both of whom were even now scowling at the hapless Private Cartwright. The two men had been more than willing to testify that they had seen the sergeant pull the rifles out of Cartwright\u2019s bunk, and that they had only been missed from the arsenal that very morning. All three had testified that the finding of the rifles had been timed perfectly. They expressed the belief that given a few more hours, Cartwright would have found a way to make those rifles disappear, as so many others had in the past two months.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had taken the stand in his own defense, but he could only profess his innocence, and not much more than that. Since no one could document the time of the theft, Joe had no way of proving his whereabouts during the crucial time. That the evidence against him was purely circumstantial didn\u2019t seem to bother anyone in the courtroom. Joe felt the weight of condemnation from many of the men in the room. He didn\u2019t need to see the faces of the seven men who were now filing back into the room to see that he had already been judged guilty in the eyes of his fellow soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe squared his shoulders, determined to meet his fate like a Cartwright. He looked straight at the returning men, who filed into their seats with solemn expressions on their faces. The man who had been appointed to defend Private Cartwright stood quickly, ready to receive their verdict. The camp commander returned to his seat and motioned for everyone in the courtroom to resume sitting. Joe carefully kept his face blank as the commander polled the members of the tribunal for their verdict.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A resounding cry of \u201cguilty\u201d was heard from each of the seven throats, and a low hum of conversation filled the room. The Commander banged a small gavel and everyone instantly quieted, eyes riveted to the drama playing out in front of them. Joe stood in despair as he waited for the Commander to pass sentence on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPrivate Cartwright,\u201d Commander Caton said formally. \u201cYou are hereby sentenced to 20 lashes, and a dishonorable discharge from the service. You are a disgrace to the uniform. The sentence is to be carried out immediately.\u201d He stood and moved from the room, leaving a stunned Private behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked at the man who had been his defender. \u201cDischarged!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat does he mean discharged?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The advocate looked back at Joe in disdain. \u201cHe means that you are no longer a member of this man\u2019s army, Mister Cartwright. That is after you\u2019ve been flogged of course.\u201d He motioned to the Military Police who were even now approaching the young man. \u201cIt looks like your escort is ready for you. Good day, sir.\u201d The older man walked off without a backwards glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood quietly as the little detachment of guards motioned for him to move from the courtroom. His brief hesitation earned him a few black looks, but when his feet finally started to move, the police officers settled down. Apparently there was to be no delay in carrying out the sentence, and Joe was hustled to the center of the Post, where a circle of soldiers had gathered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe swallowed nervously as he spotted the post that stood in the center of the square. He had seen several soldiers disciplined for one reason or another during his time in the army, and he knew all too well what was about to happen. He numbly obeyed the order to remove his shirt, and let himself be secured to the post.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The guards were quick and efficient with their work. They had performed the same duty many times. As the watching circle of soldiers grew quiet, one of the guards unveiled a long black whip, coiled sinuously around his arm. With a crack of the well-oiled leather, the whip took on a life of its own.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe closed his eyes to shut out the sight of the dark leather, and his hands tightened convulsively onto the rope that restrained his wrists. The guard took a couple of practice swings with the whip and then moved in for the first real blow. Joe let out an involuntary gasp of pain as the leather cut across his shoulders leaving a trail of fire in its wake. A second blow quickly followed the first, and then another. Joe tried to keep from crying out, but the pain was agonizing. By the tenth blow he couldn\u2019t control himself, and by the fifteenth he was weeping openly. The strokes continued inexorably until the required twenty had been delivered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe moaned as he felt the fire consume his back. The moan became a loud groan and his eyelids flickered open. As he blinked and focused he became aware that he was in a sparsely furnished room, its walls painted a sterile white. Joe struggled to remember where he was and what had happened to him, but the pain in his back overwhelmed all coherent thoughts. Battling back the pain with a strength his father would have recognized, Joe struggled to sit up. As he rose upright on the cot, the figure of a man swam into his field of vision. He recognized the base doctor, a man he\u2019d had little contact with before now.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI see you\u2019re awake.\u201d The voice was calm, but not overly compassionate. \u201cHere, take this.\u201d The doctor thrust a glass full of a cloudy liquid at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe accepted the glass and swallowed, his thirst overriding his qualms about drinking something that looked so repulsive. Gagging on the bitter taste, he handed the glass back to the doctor. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d he choked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSomething to take the edge of the pain, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ve put a salve on your back, and I\u2019ll give you more of this medicine to take every six hours on the trail. That should hold you until you get home.\u201d The doctor\u2019s face was stern and forbidding. He pointed to a neatly folded pile of civilian clothing. \u201cThey\u2019ve sent your things over here. You\u2019re not to go back to the barracks. I\u2019ll expect you to get dressed and be out of here within the hour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe gaped at the man in disbelief. \u201cJust like that?\u201d he asked in bewilderment. \u201cHere\u2019s your hat, get out!\u201d Joe\u2019s voice rose on the last few words, and he struggled to control the shaking that had begun to wrack his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019ve been dishonorably discharged, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the doctor said dispassionately. \u201cYou\u2019re lucky that you weren\u2019t sentenced to hard labor. It was the lack of evidence that saved you from that, I believe. But you\u2019ve been ordered to leave this installation. My job was to make you ready for your departure. I judge you medically fit to travel.\u201d The doctor turned to leave, but spun on his heel momentarily. \u201cRide slowly, Mr. Cartwright. I hear you\u2019re from over Virginia City way. If you take the medicine and don\u2019t push too hard, you\u2019ll be all right for the ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With that advise the doctor left the room, leaving a silent young man behind him. Joe looked at the pile of clothing and forced himself to move toward them. He struggled to slide his shirt over his back, gasping as the cloth pressed against the wounds on his back. With effort he managed to dress completely, although his boots caused him some problems. Bending over made his head swim, as the shirt rubbed against the lash marks. At last he was dressed and ready to go. All of his belongings were in a pile by the door, along with the saddlebags he had brought with him. Joe carefully stowed his things into the bags, and dragging the heavy leather satchels behind him, he trailed slowly out the door. He found his horse waiting outside the clinic, and he stowed the saddlebags on the back of the pinto. The medicine had managed to subdue the pain in his back to a dull roar, and Joe was able to swing himself stiffly into his saddle. With a last glance around, he headed the horse toward Virginia City and home, leaving his army career behind. He spared a thought to what his father would say when he arrived home in disgrace, but then ruthlessly pushed those thoughts out of his head. He would deal with Ben Cartwright when he got home. Right now it was all he could do to stay in the saddle for the long ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

It was dusk, and the three men gathered around the table for their evening meal. Ben spared a glance at the empty chair, and firmly schooled his thoughts to think only of mundane ranch matters. He missed Joe so fiercely that it was a physical pain. He remembered the years that Adam had spent away from the ranch. He had missed his oldest son then too, but this was different. Joe was his youngest, and the spitting image of his long departed mother. It had never occurred to Ben that this child, who was so firmly rooted in the Ponderosa, would ever choose to leave it. The suddenness of Joe\u2019s departure had only added to Ben\u2019s misery. He hadn\u2019t had a chance to absorb the impending loss before it had happened. Again, he wrenched his thoughts away from the missing member of the family, and turned to ask Adam a question about the timber operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He intercepted a meaningful glance being exchanged by his two oldest sons, and a grimace crossed Ben\u2019s face. He knew that Adam and Hoss missed their brother fervently as well. Forcing a smile onto his face, Ben started once again to ask his question. Once again he was interrupted, this time by the distinctive sound of hooves approaching the ranch house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s eyebrows rose quizzically. \u201cWhom do you suppose that is, at this time of night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss was already digging into a full plate of food, and he mumbled, \u201cWhy don\u2019 you go find out, older brother. I\u2019m a little busy here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam ostentatiously unfolded his napkin and laid it in his lap. \u201cI sure miss that little brother of mine. He was always so good at answering the door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben glared at his sons. \u201cWell, one of you get up and see who\u2019s here,\u201d he began sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Before he had a chance to continue, they were all startled by the sound of the door being pushed open. Pushing back their chairs, the three men moved to see who was invading their home. Three mouths dropped open as a familiar figure entered the house. \u201cJoe!\u201d A chorus of voices exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood quietly, tossing his hat onto a peg on the wall and quickly stripping off the gunbelt at his hips. As he coiled the supple leather in his hands and carefully placed the belt on the wooden chest that stood waiting to receive it, he looked calmly at his father and brothers, who even now were moving toward him. \u201cHi, Pa.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was soft, ragged with tiredness and something else.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cJoe? What are you doing home, son?\u201d His face broke into a tentative smile. \u201cNot that we aren\u2019t glad to see you, but you didn\u2019t send word that you had leave. We weren\u2019t expecting you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss\u2019s face broke into a big smile. \u201cYeah, little brother, did ya get kicked outta the army so quickly?\u201d He moved to clap Joe on the back, and was startled when Joe drew back from him with a hiss of apprehension.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSo what if they did!\u201d Joe\u2019s answer was quick, his voice belligerent. \u201cMaybe I just wasn\u2019t cut out for the army after all.\u201d The green eyes were flashing with a glint of anger, and more than a trace of nervousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam sucked in a deep breath. \u201cJoe, are you saying you\u2019ve been discharged from the service?\u201d he asked in disbelief. \u201cWhy? What happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hesitated briefly. Then his head snapped up and his eyes bore into Adam\u2019s dark orbs. \u201cYes, I have, Adam. Now, are you going to drop the subject? I\u2019m tired. I\u2019m going to go on up to my room, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben placed a firm hand on his youngest son\u2019s chest. \u201cNow wait a minute, son. You can\u2019t just go off and leave us guessing. Why would the army discharge you so soon? I want to know the whole story, Joseph.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben reached to put his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder, and was shocked by Joe\u2019s involuntary gasp of pain. \u201cJoe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked quickly. A closer look at his young son told him that Joe was tired beyond the point of exhaustion. There were lines of fatigue and pain etched onto his finely chiseled face. \u201cYou\u2019re hurt son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flinched away from his father\u2019s grasp. \u201cLeave me alone!\u201d he cried angrily. He turned, intending to make his way to his room, but the events of the past few days had taken their toll. The room twisted and spun crazily in front of him, and Joe stumbled, putting a hand to his head in an effort to stop the spinning. With a soft moan, he crumpled bonelessly to the ground at his father\u2019s feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Doc Martin made his way down the familiar stairs, his black bag in hand. He glanced up in time to see three men surge to their feet and move toward him, anxiety written plainly on their faces. The doctor smiled reassuringly. \u201cHe\u2019s tired, and in quite a bit of pain from the lash marks on his back, but with rest he\u2019ll be fine boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The doctor moved toward Ben and his smiled widened when he saw the cup of coffee held out to him. Sipping from it gratefully, he grimaced at the thought of Joe Cartwright\u2019s back. Whoever had administered the flogging had been a professional and he\u2019d done his job well. Joe would be feeling the effects of the beating for a long time to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cDid he say anything to you about the beating, Doc?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was calm and controlled, but the underlying anger caused the doctor to glance up at him quickly. \u201cWho did it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe didn\u2019t say much of anything, to be honest, Adam,\u201d the doctor replied thoughtfully. \u201cI gave him a sedative before I started my examination and he fell asleep pretty quickly. The beating was administered by a professional, so I\u2019d imagine it was done by the army.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s sudden indrawn breath sounded loud in the suddenly quiet room. \u201cThe army! Why would someone in the army order Joe to be flogged? And why is he home?\u201d Ben\u2019s questions were sharp and his eyes betrayed his bewilderment. \u201cHe seemed to be doing so well. His letters home were full of funny stories about the other men in the squad. What could have happened, Paul?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul shook his head slowly. \u201cJoe will have to answer those questions for you, Ben. I don\u2019t have much to tell you, other than that he\u2019ll heal physically, given time. Emotionally, I\u2019m not so sure about. He seems to have something eating at him. Given the state of his back, and his sudden arrival home, I think you better find out pretty quickly what it is.\u201d With that the doctor took his leave, and the three Cartwrights listened until they heard the sound of his buggy pulling away from the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben turned toward the stairs, only to catch sight of Hoss standing, a furious scowl on his face, his hands clenched in anger. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u201d he asked gently. \u201cThe doctor says that Joe\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss turned fierce blue eyes upon his father. \u201cWho coulda done somethin\u2019 like that to him, Pa?\u201d he asked angrily. \u201cI\u2019d like to go find \u2018em and tear \u2018em apart with my bare hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben put a strong hand on Hoss\u2019s huge shoulder. \u201cWe need to talk to Joe before we leap to any conclusions, son. Don\u2019t go off half-cocked. Wait until Joe wakes up and can shed some light on what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss nodded slowly. \u201cYessir,\u201d he replied automatically. \u201cBut when Joe wakes up and tells us who did this to him, that fella is gonna have a little visit from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam moved to stand at Hoss\u2019s side. \u201cYou\u2019re going to have some company on that little trip, brother,\u201d he said quietly, his words taking on a deadly tone that sent a chill down his listeners spines.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben frowned at his sons. \u201cYou boys are going to stay right here until we get to the bottom of this matter. I don\u2019t want either one of you running off on some misguided mission of vengeance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam and Hoss exchanged a long measured glance. It was clear they weren\u2019t in agreement with their father but they were willing to let things rest for the moment. Together the three men mounted the stairs. All wanted to be reassured that Joe was resting comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Ben woke up suddenly. He shook his head to clear the sleep from his thoughts and looked around quickly. He was still in Little Joe\u2019s room, sitting in the rocking chair by the window. He had fallen asleep while watching over his son in the night. He glanced at the bed and his mind blankly registered the fact that it was empty. Joe had disappeared. Ben jumped to his feet and stormed to the head of the stairs. \u201cJoe!\u201d he called loudly. He heard the sounds of Hoss and Adam moving in their rooms and both men stuck their heads out into the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam moved quickly to stand beside his father, obviously having been interrupted while getting dressed. He was clad only in pants and socks, his shirt still lying on a chair in his bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe\u2019s not in his bed!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was frantic and he started down the stairs, Adam following quickly behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stopped abruptly, causing Adam to bump into his back. Joe walked around the corner from the kitchen, a bottle of Ben\u2019s best whiskey in his hand. His weaving gait and bleary eyes, as well as the level of the whiskey in the bottle told his father and brothers that he was drunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes were concerned, but his tone was carefully neutral. \u201cWhat are you doing out of bed?\u201d He moved to take the bottle from Joe\u2019s hand, and was shocked when his son jerked it back from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThass mine, don\u2019 you touch it!\u201d Joe said, his speech coming out with an effort. \u201cIss mine!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe doctor wants you to stay in bed for at least two more days, son. Let\u2019s go upstairs.\u201d Ben spoke gently, carefully trying not to upset Joe any more than he already was. \u201cCome on, Joe.\u201d Again Ben tried to take the bottle from his son\u2019s hand. And again, Joe snatched the bottle back from his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI said iss mine!\u201d he ground out angrily. He began a weaving walk toward the stairway, the bottle clutched firmly to his chest. \u201cIss to help the pain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam turned concerned eyes to his father. \u201cLet me try to get him to bed, Pa. Why don\u2019t you see if Hop Sing has some strong coffee brewing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben hesitated a few moments, his face drawn with fatigue from his long night by Joe\u2019s bed. Finally, he nodded. \u201cAll right, Adam. See what you can do with him, I\u2019ll go see about some coffee. It looks like we could all use a cup.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam heard his father\u2019s sigh and he turned grimly back to his brother. \u201cCome on, Joe. It\u2019s back to bed with you,\u201d he urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe resisted Adam\u2019s efforts at first, but then reluctantly allowed his brother to half-carry him up the stairs. Joe\u2019s gait was lopsided, his head hung to his chest and he occasionally giggled uncontrollably. When the pair reached Joe\u2019s room, Adam pushed Joe into a chair and began to remove his brother\u2019s boots. As Joe\u2019s back came into contact with the back of the chair, he hissed in pain. His eyes filled with tears as the lash marks on his back throbbed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes were concerned, his hands gentle, as he attempted to continue his task. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to hurt your back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cS\u2019okay, Ad..adam,\u201d Joe slurred. \u201cDid\u2019n feel nuthin\u2019 anyway.\u201d His eyes belied his words. It was obvious that Joe was feeling quite a bit of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou gonna tell me what happened, little brother?\u201d Adam asked quietly, as he finished with the boots and then sat back on his heels to look at his brother\u2019s face. \u201cYou can\u2019t keep it from us forever, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A flash of anger marred Joe\u2019s features, and he glared at the older man. \u201cGot kicked outta the army, that\u2019s what happened, Adam.\u201d He attempted to stand, and fell back into the chair, eliciting another gasp of pain. \u201cThey dishonorably discharged me. Said I was stealin\u2019 guns. You happy now, older brother. You always said I wouldn\u2019t amount to much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam exhaled slowly, his thoughts in turmoil. Dishonorably discharged, stealing guns. Joe would never do a thing like that. At last Joe\u2019s final words penetrated, and Adam looked up into Joe\u2019s pain-filled eyes. \u201cI never said that you wouldn\u2019t amount to anything, Joe, and you know it. All I said was that I didn\u2019t think you were the right type for army life. There\u2019s a difference. You know we can fight these charges, little brother. Let me help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou never have faith in me, Adam, and now I\u2019ve proven you right.\u201d Joe forced himself to his feet and blundered toward the window, staring outside with sightless eyes. \u201cI wanted to show you all I could do it. Tired of being the little brother alla the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam moved in closer, his hand automatically reaching out to grasp his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cJoe,\u201d he began. But before he could finish, Joe swung around in a sudden fit of temper.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGet offa me, Adam. Get outta here!\u201d he said shrilly. \u201cI don\u2019t need you in here starin\u2019 at me with that look in your eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tried to shake Adam off, but his brother was persistent. With a cry of anger, Joe lashed out with his left fist and caught Adam squarely in the right eye. Adam grunted in pain, but didn\u2019t fight back. Joe crouched a little as if expecting a blow, and when it didn\u2019t come, he dropped his head into his hands and let the tears fall. Staggering over to his bed, he collapsed into it, still not looking at his stunned brother. \u201cGet out, Adam!\u201d was all he could say. He never looked up as Adam silently left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Several weeks later, two somber men rode into Virginia City. They were on a mission to find their brother. In the weeks since Joe\u2019s return to the Ponderosa they had been sent on this errand many times. As they rode through the streets of the dusty little mining town, Adam and Hoss turned instinctively toward the saloon. Joe seemed hellbent on self-destruction since his return and the place to accomplish this task was the local drinking establishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy Coffee had been out to the ranch several times to relay tales of saloon brawls and drunk and disorderly conduct. So far he hadn\u2019t arrested Little Joe, but everyone knew that it wouldn\u2019t be long before Roy was forced to take steps to protect his town. It hadn\u2019t helped matters that rumors were flying through the town. Some people said that Joe had been kicked out of the army for attacking the commanding officer and killing him. Others thought it was for stealing an entire arsenal of weapons and attempting to flee with them. No one really knew what had happened but people were more than willing to speculate on it. Joe\u2019s sullen responses and wild behavior were only adding fuel to the rumors that abounded through the town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Hoss and Adam pulled up their horses in front of the saloon they heard a loud crash. Suddenly the hanging doors swung wildly on their hinges and a body flew into the street to roll to a stop at their feet. Picking himself up and dusting himself off, the young man charged back into the saloon like a bull after a red flag. Exchanging glances, the Cartwrights followed their brother into the saloon. They watched momentarily as Joe tried to fight with three huge miners. When Hoss saw the largest of the burly men rear back and hit Joe in the face with a flying left hook, he couldn\u2019t stand it any longer. Regardless of what Joe had done, he was still Hoss\u2019s beloved little brother. Hoss waded into the fray, his fists flying, pulling men off of Little Joe with both hands. Adam sighed resignedly and joined his brothers in making short work of the three miners.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

As the dust settled in the saloon, Roy Coffee barged in, rifle lying across his arm, ready for action. \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on in here?\u201d he demanded roughly. Catching sight of the Cartwrights, his face changed, a weary expression taking residence on his craggy face. \u201cAgain, Little Joe?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJus\u2019 tryin\u2019 to make these men shut up,\u201d Joe mumbled thickly. It was obvious he\u2019d been drinking for a while. \u201cThey were waving that rag in front of my face, and I wanted them to stop.\u201d Joe stared belligerently at the three men looking at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat rag?\u201d Hoss asked with a sigh. \u201cLittle brother, we don\u2019t have a clue what yer talkin\u2019 about.\u201d He moved to dust off his brother\u2019s jacket, and was firmly shrugged off by the ungrateful young man. Hoss just shrugged, he was getting used to Joe\u2019s nasty temper since his return from the army.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe hurled a crumpled paper at the others, and Adam calmly unfolded the grimy piece of paper. It was the local scandal sheet. A one page gossip style newspaper that was eagerly sought by the town\u2019s residents as a way to pass the time. The headlines boldly asked the question \u201cWhy Was Joe Cartwright Sent Home?\u201d The paper went on to elaborate on all the rumors and innuendos that had been flying around the town. Needless to say the reporter hadn\u2019t taken the trouble to ascertain the truth of any of the rumors, merely placed them in black print for all to see. Adam finished reading, with Hoss hanging over his shoulder in an effort to see as well. When the oldest Cartwright looked up he could see Joe had returned to his bottle of whiskey and was taking a long swallow directly from the bottle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI think you\u2019ve had enough of that, little brother.\u201d Adam spoke calmly, but his face was troubled. Joe\u2019s actions had been so volatile of late that he was dreading this latest confrontation. \u201cPa wants you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe simply ignored his brother and took another swallow from the bottle. Hoss growled in anger and snatched the bottle from Joe\u2019s unresisting hands. \u201cAdam said you\u2019d had enough, Joe!\u201d Hoss said angrily. \u201cNow come on. We\u2019re goin\u2019 home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood, his hands planted on his hips, his face a study in anger. \u201cI ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowhere with you, brothers.\u201d Joe practically spat the last words. \u201cI\u2019m a big boy now, and I don\u2019t need a pair of keepers. You go on back and tell Pa I\u2019ll be home when I\u2019m good and ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam snorted in disgust. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to deliver that message yourself, Joe,\u201d he retorted. \u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019m not going to be the one to give it to him.\u201d He spun on his heel and stalked angrily through the swinging doors without a backwards glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss shook his head in disgust, although he looked as if he wanted to say something. Finally, he just turned and left the saloon. Little Joe watched him go, a strange look passing over his face, and then the mask slipped back into place. Turning to Roy Coffee, he asked quietly. \u201cSo am I under arrest, Roy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy too shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019ll pay for the damages to the saloon, Little Joe. But I ain\u2019t gonna take you in this time. But I\u2019m warning you, one more time and I\u2019ll have you in a cell so fast it\u2019ll make your head swim. Now take my advise, Little Joe. Go on home to your Pa, maybe he\u2019ll be able to help you with whatever is eatin\u2019 away at you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe laughed bitterly. \u201cIt\u2019s too late for that, Roy. Much too late.\u201d He turned his back on the grizzled lawman and took his bottle of whiskey to a far table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Roy turned to leave the saloon he scratched his head in bewilderment. He wished he knew what was going on with Little Joe Cartwright. Joe had always been one of his favorite people, always laughing, or fighting, or just having a good time. Joe had such a way with people that he tended to be in the middle of a crowd at all times. It was only as he thought about it that Roy realized for the first time that Joe was sitting alone. He had turned away all of his old friends and seemed to be alienating everyone who he met. With a sigh Roy returned to his office to ponder the mystery. The boy needed help, that was obvious. But who would give it to him? Ben Cartwright was at his wit\u2019s end with the events of the last several weeks. The Cartwright family was disintegrating right before the whole town\u2019s eyes, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe let himself into the darkened great room of the big Ponderosa ranch house. He slipped his gunbelt off as quietly as he could and struggled to set it down silently. As he moved through the silent room, Joe struggled to keep his steps steady. He couldn\u2019t remember how much whiskey he\u2019d had, but it was a few too many. A muffled curse slipped from his lips as his toe struck the corner of the settee, scattering his thoughts briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Joseph. I\u2019m glad to see you decided to come home.\u201d The baritone voice was quiet, but it still filled the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe cringed and swung around slowly to face his father\u2019s wide desk. \u201cPa.\u201d Joe tried to keep his voice steady, and winced when he heard the quaver. \u201cI hope you weren\u2019t waiting up for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben rose to his full height and moved slowly across the room. The immense anger he felt welling up inside him threatened to overwhelm his good sense, and he made a concerted effort to dampen it slightly. Standing directly in front of his youngest son, he took in the flushed face and the red eyes. \u201cOf course I was waiting up for you, Joseph. I was worried about you.\u201d His voice remained quiet, but his eyes burned with anger. \u201cAdam delivered your message.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe flinched, remembering the harsh words he had spat at his brother. \u201cHe said he wasn\u2019t going to give it to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s face was grim. \u201cI insisted that he tell me what you\u2019d said, because I couldn\u2019t believe that you\u2019d disobey a direct order.\u201d He reached for Joe\u2019s shoulder, but wasn\u2019t surprised when his son jerked away from his touch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t you believe that Pa? I was kicked out of the army, wasn\u2019t I? Obviously, I\u2019m not very good at following orders. Never have been.\u201d Joe\u2019s tone was bitter, his face a mask of anger. \u201cNow if you\u2019ll excuse me, it\u2019s a little late for bedtime stories.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe tried to brush by the older man, but was jerked backwards by the fierce grip his father placed on his arm. \u201cThat\u2019s enough insolence out of you, young man!\u201d Ben snapped. \u201cNow, I want some explanations. What happened at that army camp? Why were you dishonorably discharged? Why won\u2019t you let us help you fight these charges? You\u2019ve got to talk to me sooner or later, Joe, and I think it should be sooner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe glared up into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t have to talk to you, Pa. I\u2019m a grown man and I\u2019ll talk to whom I please.\u201d He jerked his arm free from his father\u2019s restraining grip. \u201cNow if you don\u2019t mind, Pa. I\u2019m tired and I\u2019m going to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s eyes reflected his shock, anger and disappointment. Joe took one last look into his father\u2019s eyes, and then stumbled quickly up the stairs. Ben listened until he heard the door slam violently. When the sounds of Joe\u2019s movements stopped, he shook himself violently, trying to break the spell that bound him. He had felt Joe\u2019s anger pierce his soul, and he didn\u2019t know if he could deal with it. Moving slowly, like an old man, Ben stumbled and fell into the seat of a waiting chair. Burying his face in his hands, he prayed. He knew there was not much else he could do for his son at that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe saddled Cochise before the sun rose in the sky. He headed down the trail toward Virginia City, in hopes of avoiding another confrontation with his father and brothers. As he drew near a bend in the trail, a figure on horseback suddenly appeared on the road in front of him. Joe reined in sharply, his eyes suddenly alert. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he called out loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Cartwright.\u201d The familiar voice caused Joe\u2019s eyes to widen and a smile to break across his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThompson!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe rode up to the man and grasped his hand in a quick hello.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019ve come to see you, Joe. I\u2019ve been following your adventures since the discharge, and I have a proposition for you.\u201d Thompson\u2019s smile was wide but his eyes were wary. He sat quietly on his horse and scrutinized the younger man\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Joe was bewildered. \u201cFollowing my adventures? What do you mean by that? And what kind of proposition?\u201d Cochise danced a little as he felt his rider\u2019s sudden nervousness, and Joe reined him in sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get off that fancy horse of yours and talk over here in the shade with me, Joe?\u201d Thompson dismounted and led his horse over to a shady spot. He dropped the reins to allow the horse a chance to graze. \u201cI\u2019ve been hearing about you wrecking up saloons and drinking and gambling like there\u2019s no tomorrow. I\u2019ve been keeping track of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe frowned in confusion, but he followed Thompson to the shade. He, too dismounted and allowed Cochise to join the other animal who was now cropping at the grass at the edge of the path. \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about, Thompson?\u201d he asked again. \u201cHow could you be keeping track of me while you were still at the fort?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI have my ways, Joe.\u201d Thompson replied affably. \u201cI\u2019ve come to make a business proposition to you. My friends and I are looking for a person on the outside to help us with a real money making scheme, and I\u2019ve persuaded them that you\u2019re just the man for the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe was startled. \u201cMe! Why me?\u201d He stood up quickly and began to pace. \u201cAnd what kind of scheme are you talking about anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The older man reached up and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cSit back down, Joe, you\u2019re making me dizzy,\u201d he complained good-naturedly as he pulled the boy down next to him. \u201cI\u2019m trying to explain all of this to ya, but you keep interrupting me. The boys and I have a really good scam going, but we\u2019ve lost our outside man. You\u2019re just the man we need. The way you\u2019ve been acting around town lately, no one\u2019s gonna notice if you just ride in and out. You don\u2019t seem to need to be anywhere on any set schedule. Like I said, just the man we need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou still haven\u2019t told me what I\u2019d be doing,\u201d Joe said quietly. \u201cNot that I\u2019m not interested. I don\u2019t like asking my Pa for money, now that I\u2019m home in disgrace and all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cWe\u2019ve been selling guns to the tribes in the area. A couple of the young braves are very interested in getting their hands on a steady supply of \u2018em. We\u2019ve been doing pretty good so far, but, like I said, our outside man disappeared a couple of weeks ago, so we need a replacement. Your job would be to pick up the guns from us and deliver them to the braves. You\u2019d then bring the money back to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat makes you think you can trust me to do that?\u201d Joe asked bitterly. \u201cFor all you know, a man like me\u2019d run off with your cash.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson laughed heartily. \u201cOh, I got to know you pretty well back at the camp, kid. I don\u2019t think you\u2019d sell out a partner. \u2018Sides, my associates wouldn\u2019t take too kindly to you betraying us. I think you know what that\u2019d mean.\u201d The smile disappeared from the other man\u2019s face. \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t take very kindly at all to a double-cross, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat silently for a moment. His life had been destroyed by the discharge from the army. He felt like a stranger at home and an object of scorn and ridicule in town. This offer sounded like the one he\u2019d been waiting for. He looked up at his friend and smiled bitterly. \u201cIt sounds like I\u2019m your man, Thompson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson\u2019s smile returned and he clapped Joe heartily on the back. \u201cI knew I could count on you, kid. Meet me Thursday night behind the saloon in town. I\u2019ll introduce you to the boys, and we\u2019ll discuss the transfer of the merchandise to the Indians.\u201d He stood quickly and grabbed his horse\u2019s reins. \u201cBe seeing ya, Joe.\u201d Tipping his hat, he rode off quickly, his horse disappearing down the road in a cloud of dust.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe sat still for a moment. He knew what he was facing, but he\u2019d come to a point where the offer had been almost inevitable. He was no longer a carefree young man with a sterling reputation. In Virginia City, he was widely regarded as a failure and a disgrace to the name of Cartwright. While no one in his family had ever said anything to that effect, Joe couldn\u2019t help but realize that he had let them all down. With his name and reputation in ruins, offers like these were to be expected. In Virginia City, a man was only as good as his name, and Joe\u2019s name was now synonymous with shame and dishonor. With that thought, Joe mounted Cochise and continued on his solitary ride to town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\u201cWhat do you mean, he\u2019s not in his room?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was quiet, but the anger was palpable. \u201cAfter all he had to drink yesterday, I thought he\u2019d sleep till noon if I let him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t know how much he had to drink, Pa. But he\u2019s definitely not in his room. And Cochise is not in his stall.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes were grave. Hoss stood by his side, clenching and unclenching his meaty fists.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The naked pain in Ben\u2019s eyes made his son\u2019s drop their own away from him. \u201cWhat do ya want us ta do, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked miserably. \u201cI can ride out after him.\u201d His eyes followed his father\u2019s form as the older man paced across the plank flooring that graced the Ponderosa great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At Hoss\u2019s words, Ben stopped walking and gazed back at his sons. He could see that they were as torn by Joe\u2019s behavior as he was. Since Joe\u2019s return from the army in disgrace, all three Cartwrights had attempted to stand by him, waiting for their son and brother to let them help him. Joe had steadfastly refused to talk to them, and he seemed hellbent for self-destruction judging by his actions in Virginia City. He had rebuffed all offers to help clear his name, and had refused to even tell his family why he had been disciplined and sent home. The only details the Cartwrights had obtained about Joe\u2019s discharge came from the townsfolk, who seemed to be abuzz with news about Joe\u2019s actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Joe failed to see was that his reckless behavior was destroying his family as well. Both Adam and Hoss had returned home from trips to Virginia City bearing obvious bruises, received in fights defending their younger brother\u2019s name. Joe had never acknowledged the bruises or thanked them for the help they offered. He seemed determined to push the people he loved the most as far away from him as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Now Ben considered his options. Joe had once more defied his authority and ridden off to town, clearly determined to continue his self-imposed isolation from ranch life. He could send Adam or Hoss after their brother, but knew that Joe wouldn\u2019t return with them. Ben knew that he could go himself, but didn\u2019t feel that was the right option either. Joe was letting the discharge and the flogging eat into his soul, and a public argument with his father didn\u2019t seem like the right answer. Shaking his head against the turmoil of his thoughts, Ben groaned and buried his face in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instantly Hoss and Adam were at his side, both reaching to physically reassure their father of their presence and their love. He looked up at them with grateful eyes, and said slowly, \u201cLet\u2019s get on with the day\u2019s chores, boys. Joe will be back in his own good time. I\u2019ll deal with him then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa!\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was unbelieving. \u201cWe can\u2019t just let him keep gettin\u2019 away with this kind of thing. I\u2019ll go after him and make him come home.\u201d The big man turned as if to leave, and Ben clutched frantically at his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo, Hoss.\u201d The older man\u2019s voice was stern. \u201cI said that I would deal with Joseph when he sees fit to return home. I want you and Adam to stay out of this.\u201d He looked fiercely at his sons and they both broke his gaze and looked down. \u201cI want your word on this, boys. Leave Little Joe to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam hesitated, but when he saw the determination in his father\u2019s eyes, he nodded. Then he spun on his heel and grabbed for his black hat. \u201cCome on, Hoss. We\u2019ve got a lot of work to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss stood, his hesitation plain for all to see. At last he too met Ben\u2019s eyes and gave his unspoken promise. Then he dutifully followed Adam out of the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben watched them go, his pride in them an almost visible thing. His countenance changed when his thoughts again turned to his youngest son. No longer a source of pride and joy. Again he groaned, but then resolutely pushed the thoughts away. He turned and headed for the ever present books, determined to spend the necessary time to get them in order. They\u2019d been neglecting the ranch long enough. He would deal with Little Joe later.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe returned to the Ponderosa late that night. He led Cochise to the barn and went through the motions of stabling the horse. As he cared for the animal his thoughts raced frantically, as they had all day. Joe knew that if he joined up with Thompson he might be cutting the last tie that kept him bound to the Cartwright family honor. His father and brothers had never voiced one word against him after his return from the army in disgrace. Joe longed to fall into his family\u2019s loving arms and sob out his anger and frustration. He hated the looks that came his way, the whispers of conversation that reached his ears. Joe had never before realized how much he valued the Cartwright name and all that it stood for. To have that name soiled by the rumors and innuendos that were rippling through town hurt him to the core of his being. If he fell in with Thompson\u2019s plan then he gave truth to all those hateful words and thoughts. Joe loathed the thought of dragging the family name even further through the mud.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He finished with the horse and moved quietly toward the house, still uneasy about the choice he was being asked to make.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHello, Joseph.\u201d The words were quiet, but the voice held an edge of anger that seared Joe\u2019s soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jumped as if he had been shot. \u201cUh, hello, Pa,\u201d he answered, his own voice betraying his nervousness. \u201cWhat are you doing out here at this time of night?\u201d Joe strolled to the edge of the porch and leaned against a post. He struggled to give the appearance of casualness, even as his stomach tightened with a knot of fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s time we had a talk.\u201d Ben rose from his chair, moving out of the shadows and standing before his quaking son. \u201cI want to know what\u2019s going on Joe. You can\u2019t shut me out any longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s hands tightened into fists and he tried to keep his voice from quavering. \u201cI\u2019ve said all I\u2019m going to say, Pa. I don\u2019t have anything else to talk to you about.\u201d Joe found that he couldn\u2019t bring himself to meet his father\u2019s eyes, and he stared down at the shadowy wooden planks that made up the porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Ben reached to put a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, it struck him once again how young Joe was and how vulnerable to hurt. He softened his tone considerably, not realizing that his kindness undid Joe more than his anger ever would. \u201cTalk to me, Joe. I\u2019m here to help you. I know there\u2019s more to this than you\u2019re letting on. You\u2019re not the kind of man who steals guns, so why are you letting your name be destroyed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe hesitated briefly. It would be so easy to surrender the burden he carried, but he had promised himself that he wouldn\u2019t allow his actions to endanger his family. He shook off Ben\u2019s hand with a sudden motion, drawing himself up to his full height. \u201cI\u2019ve got nothing to say to you, Pa,\u201d he repeated forcefully. \u201cI\u2019m going up to bed now.\u201d He moved toward the door, his eyes blinded by a sudden rush of tears.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe.\u201d The voice reached out for him, and held him briefly. \u201cThe offer stands. I\u2019m always ready to listen, remember that, son.\u201d Joe bolted for the door, determined to make it to the sanctuary of his room before he crumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The older man stood silently on the porch, his head bowed with grief. He could do nothing while his son tore himself apart. Ben Cartwright had never before felt so helpless. He stumbled back to the chair and fell into it, burying his head in his hands. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d he whispered. \u201cWhy won\u2019t you let me help you?\u201d It would be a long night for both the oldest and the youngest Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Thursday afternoon saw the three Cartwright brothers working together to brand the season\u2019s young calves. It was not a favorite activity for any of them. The grueling work was made even less enjoyable than usual by the palpable tension that filled the air between them. Joe had spoken less than a dozen words to his brothers in the past several days, and his face reflected an inner turmoil that made both of the other men steer clear of him. He had torn so many strips off their hides since his return home in disgrace that they walked warily around him now.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

At last calling for an end to the work for the day, the three stood wiping their sweaty faces and sharing a canteen of tepid water. Adam sighed heavily, realizing that he couldn\u2019t put off the confrontation any longer. He hated what was happening to his father and his family, and he was determined that Joe was going to be brought to his senses if it killed them both.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He stepped closer to his youngest brother, taking note of the dark circles under Joe\u2019s shadowed green eyes, and the hint of ribs showing on his too-thin frame. Joe had removed his shirt in the heat and as he turned to retrieve it from the ground, Adam could see the marks of the flogging, still a glaring red on the younger man\u2019s skin. He winced in sympathy as Joe grimaced with the pain the day\u2019s work had caused to his abused back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLet me help you with that, Joe.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was gentle, his eyes sympathetic. He stepped toward Joe intent on helping him ease the shirt over the still-tender back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s head snapped up, and his eyes watched Adam warily. He anticipated anger from his older brother. The unexpected sympathy unnerved him. \u201cI don\u2019t need your help, Adam.\u201d Joe\u2019s answer was automatic, but there was less heat in it than Adam had become accustomed to hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The older man stepped back a pace, his hands raised slightly in surrender. \u201cJoe,\u201d he began, tentatively. \u201cWe need to talk.\u201d Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw Hoss drawing near, intent on joining the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked from brother to brother, his expression becoming that of a cornered animal. His eyes were wild and he stood in a half-crouch, his body tensed as if ready for flight. \u201cWe don\u2019t have anything to say to each other, older brother.\u201d Joe deliberately kept his words toneless. The last thing he wanted was to hash out his recent behavior with his brothers. He was only too-well aware of the effect he was having on their father, but he felt helpless to stop it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A hint of moisture glinted in Hoss\u2019s kind blue eyes as he watched his beloved brother. He felt a physical pain at the look of suspicion and hostility that Joe was leveling at them. \u201cHey, Short Shanks, you know we only want what\u2019s best for ya,\u201d he began, reaching out to clasp the slender arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook him off and backed a step away. One touch from Hoss and all his carefully erected defenses could crumble. \u201cYeah, I\u2019m sure you do, Hoss.\u201d Joe forced a sneer into his voice. \u201cOr maybe you\u2019re just tired of hearing what a louse you have for a brother. It might be better for all of you if I just disappeared from Virginia City, wouldn\u2019t it. Then maybe all the talk would die down and the Cartwright name could mean something again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss flinched as if he\u2019d been struck. \u201cJoe!\u201d he gasped. \u201cI never said that. I never even thought it.\u201d The blue eyes were filled with pain. This wasn\u2019t the little brother who had always looked to Hoss for comfort when something was wrong. In his place was a stranger, someone who spoke hate-filled words.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam stepped into the breach. \u201cHey, younger brother,\u201d he said quickly, deliberately using his nickname for Joe. \u201cYou know us better than that. We\u2019ll stick by you through thick or thin. Give us a chance to help you now. Don\u2019t shut us out. Don\u2019t you think we deserve better than that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe quickly dropped his eyes. He could no longer meet the entreating gazes from the dark eyes or the light. \u201cI don\u2019t have anything to say to you,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cCan\u2019t you just leave me alone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe started to turn away, but Adam stepped forward quickly and grasped his arm in a firm grip. \u201cIs that really what you want, Joe?\u201d he asked quietly. \u201cI can\u2019t believe that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe slipped out of Adam\u2019s grip and whirled to face him, his breath coming in sharp gasps, as he shook with some deep inner turmoil. \u201cYes, that\u2019s what I want, Adam! Leave me alone. It\u2019s best that way.\u201d With something that sounded like a sob, Joe ran for his horse and leapt onto the pinto\u2019s back. He never looked back at the two stunned men, who stood watching him go.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam turned rueful eyes on Hoss, who stood with his mouth set in a perplexed scowl. \u201cNow, that went fairly well, don\u2019t you think?\u201d he asked, trying to lighten the atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss blinked and rubbed the back of his hand across his sweaty brow. \u201cI wish I knew how to help him, Adam. I feel like he\u2019s screamin\u2019 for me, and I can\u2019t get to him. It\u2019s like a nightmare come true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam put a comradely arm across Hoss\u2019s broad shoulders. \u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out, Hoss. I\u2019ve let Joe get away with this kind of behavior for long enough. I don\u2019t intend to let it continue. It\u2019s too hard on all of us, especially Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss gazed at Adam, his unwavering faith in his older brother\u2019s ability to solve any problem shining in his steadfast blue eyes. \u201cYou just tell me what to do, Adam, and I\u2019m right there with ya,\u201d he said fervently. \u201cJoe\u2019s been punished enough for what\u2019s happened, not that I\u2019ve ever believed he did what he\u2019s been accused of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam nodded in agreement, and the two men moved toward their horses, both deep in thought. It was obvious that Joe wasn\u2019t heading toward the ranch house, and their father would need to know his youngest son\u2019s whereabouts. With a sigh, Adam mounted his own horse, thinking that being the oldest son wasn\u2019t always the easiest thing in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe moved quietly through the shadows that decorated the alley behind the saloon. He threaded his way past crates and barrels, and tried not to scuff his boots on the heaps of trash that were piled haphazardly around. He glanced around nervously, but didn\u2019t see any signs of the men he was supposed to meet. Ghosting to a stop at the end of the alley, he swung slowly around, hoping to spot Thompson and his partners. When he saw that he was still alone he sighed heavily. Joe\u2019s nerves were screaming with a fever-pitch of anxiety. A long evening spent nursing a beer in the saloon while he prayed that his father and brothers wouldn\u2019t follow him to town had eaten into his rapidly eroding confidence. *What have I gotten myself into now?<\/em>* he asked himself as he leaned against the grimy alley wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sound of footsteps echoing loudly in the still night halted any further thought. Joe peered through the gloom and was able to make out the approaching figures of three men. Thompson moved to the front of the little group, and smiled when he saw the slender figure waiting for them. \u201cCartwright!\u201d he exclaimed happily. \u201cI knew you\u2019d be here.\u201d He moved forward to grasp Joe\u2019s hand in a friendly grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWas there any doubt?\u201d Joe asked, hoping his voice didn\u2019t betray his nervousness. \u201cAre you going to introduce me to your friends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson smiled wolfishly, and introduced Joe to his partners. \u201cThis here\u2019s Blake, and over there\u2019s Hank. We work on the inside of our little project. You\u2019re going to be our outside man. You\u2019ll be the one who makes the deliveries and picks up the payment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou haven\u2019t explained to me what the project is, Thompson.\u201d Joe reminded the other man quickly. \u201cI\u2019m still not sure where you get the rifles and how you\u2019re going to get them to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Blake leaned toward Joe menacingly. \u201cIt seems to me you ask too many questions, kid,\u201d he hissed. \u201cYour job is to be the delivery boy, that\u2019s all. Too many questions could get you in a lot of trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe drew himself up and braced himself for a fight, but Thompson quickly stepped in between the two men. \u201cNow, Blake, you\u2019re being a mite unfriendly,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe has a right to want to know what he\u2019s getting into, don\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He chuckled at Joe\u2019s silent nod. \u201cBut Joe also knows how to keep his mouth shut, don\u2019t you boy?\u201d The last words had taken on such a tone of menace that Joe blinked quickly, not sure if he had imagined it or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m not in any position to say much of anything, Thompson, you know that.\u201d Joe\u2019s answer was quick, his voice displayed none of the nervousness that was eating at his stomach. \u201cNow are you going to trust me or not? Because if you\u2019re not, I\u2019m leaving right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson smiled slightly, the menacing look fading from his eyes. \u201cSettle down, boy. We\u2019re all friends here. Blake, you too!\u201d he snapped at the other man. \u201cFrom now on, we\u2019re all in this together. No more sniping at each other, agreed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He waited until he had secured the assent of all the men present, and then, slipping a friendly arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders he proceeded to fill him in on the gunrunning operation. Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he realized the extent of the operation and he tried to absorb as much information as possible. Thompson and his cohorts were making huge sums of money selling the stolen rifles to the renegade braves in the area. These three men were responsible for most of the unrest that had been cropping up between the native population and the white men in the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson finished talking and stood waiting for Joe to make some sort of response. Joe stood still, his eyes wide with the import of all he\u2019d heard. At his continued silence, Thompson and his cohorts grew still, a rising sense of menace filled the air. \u201cToo much for you, kid?\u201d Thompson asked finally, his face grim.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe looked up quickly to see Blake and Hank fingering their guns, while Thompson glared at him fiercely. \u201cNo,\u201d he answered quietly. \u201cI\u2019m just waiting to hear what my cut is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson laughed heartily at Joe\u2019s response, and the tension disappeared as quickly as it came. \u201cYou make that first run for us, kid. When we see how you do, we\u2019ll tell you what your cut is. Agreed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded and watched as Thompson\u2019s men began to slip toward the entrance of the alley. He felt Thompson again throw a friendly arm around his shoulders, the pressure a little heavy for Joe\u2019s comfort. \u201cWe\u2019ll meet at the drop-off spot, Joe. Don\u2019t let us down, you hear?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shook the other man\u2019s arm off his shoulder and stalked toward the front of the alley. \u201cI already told you. You can count on me. Don\u2019t push me, Thompson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson laughed again. \u201cNow that\u2019s the spunky kid I remember. See you at the drop-off, Joe.\u201d With that, he too disappeared into the shadows and was soon gone from Joe\u2019s sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe stood leaning against the wall near the entrance to the alley. The die was cast and he was in with Thompson and his gang no matter what. He knew they\u2019d kill him if they even got a hint that he was thinking of betraying them. Joe closed his eyes and sighed. He knew he couldn\u2019t face his father and brothers until the meeting had been accomplished. He was close to a breaking point with them, and he didn\u2019t want to risk tainting them with his involvement in Thompson\u2019s plan. Moving slowly, his steps tired, Joe headed for the hotel. He longed to be riding toward the Ponderosa and his old life there, instead. \u201cSoon,\u201d he told himself. \u201cI\u2019ll be able to go home soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Adam Cartwright leaned casually against the wall of the livery stable in Virginia City. He\u2019d been waiting patiently for several hours, taking care to be in the shadows and not in view of the people coming in and out of the establishment. Joe hadn\u2019t come home the night before and Ben Cartwright was beside himself with worry. Adam closed his eyes and rubbed a tired hand down the bridge of his nose. He had assured his father that he would bring Joe home if he had to hogtie the kid to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

On arriving in town, Adam\u2019s first stop had been the saloon. Not seeing Joe in what had become his familiar haunt, he had headed for the livery stable. The first thing Adam saw was Cochise contentedly munching on some grain. Knowing that Joe wouldn\u2019t go anywhere without his beloved horse, Adam had taken up his stance. His patience was rewarded with the sight of Joe walking toward the livery stable, saddlebags slung over his shoulder. Adam was about to step out of his hiding place and confront his little brother, when he spotted the look on Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe, unaware of his observer, wasn\u2019t hiding his expression behind the mask he had carefully adopted for so long. To anyone who knew him well, the doubt and uncertainty were plain to be seen. Adam noted that Joe\u2019s step was hesitant, his face troubled. Wherever Joe was heading, he wasn\u2019t happy about it. Adam waited until Joe finished saddling Cochise and headed out of town. He quickly returned to where he had tied Sport and touching his heels to the horse\u2019s side, headed after his brother. It was time to get to the bottom of Joe\u2019s strange behavior since his sudden decision to join the army.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They two men rode for several hours, Adam taking care to remain a discreet distance behind the flashy pinto. Joe was apparently so preoccupied by whatever he was thinking that he never noticed his brother trailing in his wake. Adam reined in sharply when he noticed the black and white speck pull to a halt near a large stand of trees. He left the trail and circled around so that he could approach Joe and take him by surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

Leading Sport by the reins and muffling his footsteps as much as possible, Adam approached the distinctive shape of the black and white horse. Stopping in a spot where he was screened by some low lying foliage, he peered at his brother, eyes widening in surprise when he saw Joe conversing with three men, all in army uniform. Moving a little closer, Adam felt a cold chill settle in the marrow of his bones at the conversation he could now overhear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHere, you go kid. The guns are all in this sack. You need to rendezvous with Eagle Feather at Chimney Rock by dusk. If you don\u2019t get there on time, he\u2019s gonna think we betrayed him. We don\u2019t want them on the warpath, now do we?\u201d Thompson was saying. He clapped Joe firmly on the back. \u201cCollect the money, and bring it back to us. We\u2019ll be here at midnight. If you don\u2019t show up, we\u2019ll know you screwed up somewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded impatiently. It was the second time Thompson had been over the instructions. \u201cI know what I\u2019m doing Thompson. You don\u2019t have to tell me again,\u201d he snapped angrily, his green eyes flashing. \u201cI won\u2019t screw this up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe moved to gather up the large bundle of rifles, but was stopped by a rough hand on his arm. He looked up to see Blake glaring down at him. \u201cDon\u2019t even think about a double-cross, kid. I\u2019ll make sure you live to regret it.\u201d The threat hung in the air, but Joe didn\u2019t flinch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He glared right back at the older man. \u201cYou won\u2019t make me regret anything. Let me take care of this my own way. You\u2019ll get your answer about my integrity tonight at midnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson hastily interposed his large frame between the two men, a nonchalant grin decorating his face. \u201cBack off, Blake,\u201d he ordered, his voice friendly, but his eyes hard. \u201cThe kid is okay. He don\u2019t need you threatening him like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Blake sneered at Joe, and then turned his glare on his boss. \u201cI don\u2019t like bringing in an outsider and you know it, Thompson. I\u2019ve gone along with it on your say so. But if he betrays us, then you\u2019ll both pay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thompson nodded equably. \u201cFair enough. And when Joe gets back at midnight with our money, I\u2019ll make you pay for doubting him and for talking to me that way.\u201d He strolled away and mounted his horse, never stopping to look at the sudden pallor on Blake\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Blake through an uncertain glance at Thompson as he rode away, followed closely by Hank. He turned to look at Joe, who was tying the rifles to the back of his saddle. Some of the heat had gone from his gaze, and he said nothing. He watched until Joe disappeared into the distance, then he too mounted and left the scene. None of the men noticed the dark shadow who still stood concealed in the foliage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam stood with a horrified look on his face for a few more minutes. When he was sure that the last of the renegade soldiers had disappeared from the area, he quickly mounted Sport and pelted after Joe, no longer taking care to conceal himself from sight. He had to stop his brother before he made the biggest mistake of his short life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe rode without looking back. He was afraid that if he hesitated or allowed himself to even think about his actions, he would change his mind. As he rode, he kept his mind carefully blank of all thought except for the plan. He would meet the Indians and exchange the rifles for cash. What could be more simple than that?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The thought of what his family would think if they knew what he was doing was something Joe didn\u2019t want to think about. He had put his family through hell in the past several months, and it tore at him. He had dragged the Cartwright name into the dirt and stomped on it with his booted heels. He could only hope that his father and brothers would eventually find it in their hearts to forgive him for what he was about to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he approached the rendezvous point, Joe slowed and picked his way more cautiously. It wouldn\u2019t do to ride into a trap at this point. He scanned the surrounding terrain, but could detect nothing amiss. In fact, he couldn\u2019t even glimpse the braves that he was supposed to be meeting. Riding toward the spot that had been designated as the meeting point, Joe dismounted and ground tied Cochise. Chimney Rock towered over him, but the area where he was standing was relatively clear, the ground decorated with a few small boulders strewn about haphazardly by the whims of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe found himself unable to stand still. He paced nervously around the small clearing, his eyes constantly darting about in order to spot the Indians before they arrived. Even so, Joe was startled as four braves seemed to melt out of the bushes and into the small clearing. One minute he was alone, the next he was surrounded by a ring of men, who all held bows with arrows notched and ready on the string.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre you Cartwright?\u201d The voice was guttural and harsh, the eyes of the man who spoke were stern and unwavering. \u201cDid you bring what we asked for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe carefully kept his hands in plain sight, and nodded. \u201cI have the rifles over there, on my horse.\u201d He gestured to the pinto who grazed quietly a few paces behind him. \u201cI need to see the money first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The first brave signaled to one of the others. The second man stepped forward and pulled a small pouch off his belt. The leather sack was heavily weighted and the clink of metal could be heard with the movement. The second man grudgingly handed the pouch to Joe, who opened it carefully. A stream of gold coins cascaded into his waiting hand, and he nodded in satisfaction. Without taking the time to count, he stashed the coins back in the pouch and tucked it into his shirt pocket. With an inclination of his head, he showed the first man the bundle on the back of the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Another of the braves strode forward and carefully untied the bundle, checking to make sure it contained the rifles they had been promised. A grunt of satisfaction escaped the man\u2019s lips as he carefully checked the number of rifles in the bundle, and the condition of the weapons. All seemed to be in order, for he hefted the bundle and moved back to stand with the other men. At another silent signal the remaining braves lowered their weapons. Their leader looked at Joe and nodded once. The braves then began to leave, melting away as silently as they had come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The whole process had taken less than ten minutes, but they had been the longest ten minutes of Joe\u2019s life. He wiped a shaky hand across his suddenly sweat-drenched forehead and let a low whistle escape his lips. He moved back to Cochise and laid his head on the horse\u2019s soft flank.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat the hell do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d The words flew across the clearing and Joe\u2019s head jerked up, his hand reaching automatically for his gun. His face paled when he saw Adam ride into the clearing. His older brother\u2019s shocked expression left no doubt that he had just witnessed the entire exchange.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Adam dismounted so quickly that he almost flew from the saddle. He closed the clearing in two strides and reached out to grab Joe\u2019s shirtfront in both hands. \u201cHow dare you?\u201d the irate man ground out between clenched teeth. \u201cWe\u2019ve tried so hard to be patient and understanding since you got home, Joe. I really thought you had sunk so low that you would have to start surfacing soon. You\u2019ve proved me wrong, as usual.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe didn\u2019t try to protect himself from Adam\u2019s furious assault. His eyes were wide with shock and apprehension. \u201cAdam,\u201d he gasped finally when it appeared that his brother was running out of steam. \u201cIt\u2019s not what you think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOh, really, then what is it?\u201d Adam replied, dropping Joe in disgust. He turned away, stalking grimly away from Joe; he was afraid that he would hurt Joe if he had to look at him. \u201cI saw you give the Indians guns! With my own eyes, I saw it. If someone had tried to tell me that my brother would sell stolen guns to the Indians I would have defended you to my dying breath, but I saw it, Joe! I can\u2019t defend you anymore. You disgust me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe shrank in on himself, he reached out a pleading hand, tugging at Adam\u2019s sleeve like a small boy caught in wrongdoing. \u201cAdam, please, listen to me, it\u2019s not what you think. I swear it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam swatted away the groping hand. \u201cThen why don\u2019t you explain it, Joe. I think I need to hear it from your own lips. What was in that bundle, and why did those Indians give you money if you aren\u2019t selling them stolen rifles?\u201d The dark eyes glared into the green ones, showing Joe all too clearly how much Adam despised him at that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes, those were guns in that bundle, and yes, I took money for them Adam. But you don\u2019t understand.\u201d Joe\u2019s words were cut off by the sound of a horse approaching. The brothers looked at each other, Joe\u2019s eyes wordlessly begging Adam to remain silent until he had a chance to explain himself. Adam responded to that look with a grudging nod of his head. He\u2019d hold off on his judgement until he could hear Joe out. His eyes promised retribution if Joe didn\u2019t explain to his satisfaction however.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Both men stood silently as the horse and rider moved into the clearing. Adam\u2019s eyes widened in shock as he saw a uniformed officer dismounting from his horse. He moved his hand to his gun, ready to defend his brother if necessary. He might not agree with what Joe was doing, but that didn\u2019t mean he was prepared to let an outsider take his brother off for another flogging.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe put out a hand to stay Adam\u2019s move toward his gun. He waited impassively as Sergeant Roberts moved toward them. \u201cHello, Sarge,\u201d he said quietly, his eyes displaying no trace of fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCartwright.\u201d The sergeant nodded blandly, his eyes moved to the second man. \u201cWho\u2019s this? And what\u2019s he doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThis is my brother, Adam,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHe followed me, and saw the exchange with the Indians. He thinks I\u2019ve sunk lower than a snake\u2019s belly or else totally lost my senses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roberts allowed a grim smile to cross his face. \u201cYou\u2019ve kept your secret from your family, boy?\u201d he asked. \u201cI knew you were the right man for the job, the minute I met you. Good work, Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam turned bewildered eyes on Joe, his head moving back and forth between the two men. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, his tone pleading. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Isn\u2019t this the man who ordered you kicked out of the army?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded. \u201cSergeant Roberts, this is my brother, Adam Cartwright. Adam, Sergeant Roberts. He\u2019s the man who recruited me for this mission.\u201d Joe stopped momentarily, allowing Adam to absorb his words.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMission.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes went blank for a moment as he considered what he had seen and heard. Then they widened in shock. \u201cIt was a set-up, right from the start. You only joined the army so that you would have an excuse to get involved with the gunrunners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe grinned happily. \u201cYou got it, older brother. And in one guess too. You always were a smart one. I never intended to make the army a career. I ran into the Sarge in town. Someone had recommended me for this job. I guess I have a reputation or something.\u201d Joe\u2019s wicked chuckle filled the air, and Adam smiled involuntarily. It had been so long since he\u2019d heard that laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant picked up the tale where Joe had left off. \u201cWe needed a newcomer to enlist, and establish a reputation in the barracks. Then when we felt the timing was right, we planted the rifles in Joe\u2019s bunk. It gave us the excuse to create a bitter, unhappy man with a grudge against the world. Then we sat back and waited to see if someone would make contact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded, his grin faded. \u201cI never thought it was going to be Thompson. He was so nice to me while I was in training. I wanted it to be someone else.\u201d He shook his head sadly. \u201cBut the plan worked. Thompson and his men contacted me, and we set up this little rendezvous with the Indians.\u201d He looked at the Sergeant again. \u201cI assume your men have rounded up those braves and collected the rifles I just gave them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant nodded. \u201cYes, son, we got them all, thanks to you. Now we just need to finish this off. When do you meet back up with Thompson and his gang?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMidnight tonight at Chimney Rock. Your men should be in position a couple of hours before that. We don\u2019t want Thompson and his men to get suspicious.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was confident, his face blithely unconcerned with the danger involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam took one look at the happy-go-lucky young man and his heart lurched in his chest. He had thought that this Joe was gone forever. Suddenly his eyes widened in remembrance. \u201cHey, Joe?\u201d he asked, his voice speculative. \u201cYou mean all this time, you\u2019ve just been pretending to be drinking? You weren\u2019t really drunk at all?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled serenely at his older brother, his green eyes lit with the sparkle of a shared joke. \u201cNo, Adam. I was never drunk any of the times you thought I was, but it sure was easy to make you think I was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A scowl descended on the older man\u2019s face and he grabbed at Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cYou hit me!\u201d he said, his voice almost strangled with sudden anger. \u201cAnd I let you get away with it because I felt sorry for you. Oh, you\u2019re going to pay for that, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe chuckled again, a smirk on his lips. \u201cNot yet , older brother. I\u2019ve got to finish my job, don\u2019t I Sarge.\u201d He turned to the military man, an unspoken plea for rescue from his fierce older brother on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Sergeant had to grin at the tomfoolery between the brothers. Then he sobered abruptly. \u201cYou do have to finish this job, Cartwright. So let\u2019s get down to business.\u201d He moved between the two men, only to be thrust aside by Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow, wait a minute, Joe,\u201d Adam thundered. \u201cIt\u2019s much too dangerous for you to go back there on your own. I\u2019m coming with you.\u201d He pushed his face up close to Joe\u2019s. His glare would have made lesser men quail.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe just smiled his familiar grin. \u201cCan\u2019t do that, Adam? If Thompson sees you, he\u2019ll know he\u2019s been set-up and I really will be in trouble. Right now he trusts me. Don\u2019t mess this up for me, brother.\u201d Joe\u2019s face was suddenly serious, his eyes pleading. \u201cI\u2019ve sacrificed a lot for this, Adam. Please understand that I have to do this alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam hesitated, he knew what Joe had been through the last several months, and with the realization that Joe had willingly allowed himself to be placed in such an unfavorable light, his heart constricted. He reached out to grasp Joe\u2019s shoulder gently. \u201cI understand Joe, but Pa would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you. You can go in alone, but I\u2019ll be waiting just outside the meeting place. If it looks like things are going sour then I\u2019m coming in, you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded mutely. Adam\u2019s unwavering confidence in him meant more than he could say. He allowed his eyes to speak for him, and he looked at Adam gratefully. \u201cThanks,\u201d was all he could manage to say, but the simple word conveyed much more.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The three men put their heads together and began to make plans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Joe rode straight into the little clearing under the towering strength of Chimney Rock. He was a few minutes early for the meeting with Thompson and his gang, but he wanted to be the first one there. A quick glance around reassured him that Adam and the soldiers were well hidden. He hadn\u2019t seen a single sign that would betray their presence. A smile of satisfaction lit Joe\u2019s face. At long last his deception was ending. He had become heartily sick of feeling like a social outcast. One last meeting with the gunrunners and he would be free to resume his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe brooded and the minutes ticked slowly by, until the sound of hoof beats interrupted his reverie. Thompson and his men were coming. Joe glanced quickly over to where he had ground-tied Cochise. He wanted to be sure the animal was ready in case he needed a quick getaway. Seeing the black and white horse contentedly munching on the sparse grass, a smile skimmed across Joe\u2019s face, disappearing as rapidly as it appeared. The horse was there and ready for action when he was needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe lifted his head and watched as Thompson rode into the clearing followed closely by Hank and Blake. He tried to look casual and at ease as he leaned against a boulder, but his muscles were tense, and his stomach churned with apprehension. Focusing on Thompson\u2019s rough-hewn face, Joe tried to force a smile to his lips. \u201cI thought you weren\u2019t coming,\u201d he said quietly as the three men dismounted. \u201cYou\u2019re a little late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid you bring the money?\u201d Thompson\u2019s voice made no pretense at friendliness. His bluff and hearty mannerisms were gone, leaving a hard, vicious man in their wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded. \u201cI did. We need to talk about my share.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Every instinct was screaming of the danger that faced him, and he fought to remain leaning against the rock. Joe knew that he was walking a tightrope and he struggled not to fall into an abyss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere is it?\u201d Blake\u2019s glare was lethal, and he moved to stand uncomfortably close to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The younger man lost his battle to remain casual, and he drew himself up tensely. \u201cBack off, Blake. I\u2019ll give you the money when you tell me what my share will be,\u201d he hissed at the outlaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

From his hiding place at the edge of the clearing, Adam tensed. He watched the confrontation between his gallant little brother and the renegade soldiers and he twitched impatiently. He had less faith than Joe did that this would all come out all right, and he had only allowed Joe to continue with the plan after many minutes of pleading on the part of his younger brother. From where he was concealed he could see, but not hear, the voices were being carried away from him by a wind blowing in the opposite direction. He watched as one of the men menaced Joe and something in Adam snapped. Joe had sacrificed so much to capture these men, but Adam would be damned if he\u2019d let them hurt his younger brother again. As Blake pushed Joe roughly back against the rock, Adam sprang from his place of concealment, a shout echoing through the clearing. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Four heads swivelled toward the man in black, and four guns cleared their holsters in record time. Joe saw Hank take aim at his brother\u2019s chest, and he barreled into the man with all his strength. Adam drew back a strong arm and let his fist fly directly into Thompson\u2019s face. The other man was rocked back, and Adam swung again. While his attention was diverted, Adam didn\u2019t see Blake take aim at his exposed back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe heard the click of the trigger being pulled back, and he saw Blake pointing the gun at his brother. With a cry of rage, he threw himself between the gun and Adam. The sound of the gunshot reverberated through the clearing, dislodging the hidden soldiers from their hiding places. Soon the three renegade soldiers were subdued and trussed up by Sergeant Roberts\u2019 troops. In the confusion, no one noticed Adam cradling his younger brother\u2019s limp form in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Ben paced across the great room, his face bleak and etched with lines of worry and fatigue. The doctor was upstairs with Joe, with only Hop Sing in attendance at the doctor\u2019s request. Ben knew his son was in critical condition. He had seen the wound when Adam had carried his brother into the house and stripped the bloody shirt and jacket from the younger man\u2019s back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam had just shaken his head at his father\u2019s persistent questions, preferring to hover over Joe until the doctor had arrived. Now the three remaining Cartwrights could only wait and pace. Adam sat in a chair by the fire, his head buried in his hands, his face white with shock and fear. He listened to the rhythmic pacing of his father\u2019s feet, until he suddenly became aware that the sound had stopped. He looked up and found his father standing over him, the unspoken questions trembling on the older man\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam rose and offered the chair to his father, gently placing his hands on the older man\u2019s shoulders and steering him onto the velvet seat. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to sit down, Pa, before you fall over,\u201d he remonstrated quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben allowed himself to be pushed into the chair, but he snaked out a hand and grabbed Adam\u2019s wrist. \u201cYou\u2019ve got some explaining to do, son,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI want you to start now. What happened to Joe? What were you doing with him when he was shot?\u201d Ben could have asked many more questions, but he halted the flow of words and turned expectant eyes toward his oldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam\u2019s face reflected his pain. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault that Joe\u2019s up there, Pa,\u201d he ground out. \u201cIf I had just stayed where I was supposed to be, I think it would have been okay. It\u2019s my fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss spoke up from where he stood with one leg propped up on the fireplace. \u201cWe don\u2019t rightly know what you\u2019re gettin\u2019 at, Adam,\u201d he said sympathetically. \u201cWhat were you and Joe up to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam painfully recounted the events of the day, starting from when he trailed Joe to his first rendezvous with Thompson, to the final confrontation with the trio of renegade soldiers. He talked steadily, trying to distance himself from the worry and the guilt that threatened to overwhelm him. He heard his father and brother gasp when they realized that Joe had been operating undercover for months, that his recent behavior had all been part of the plan to smoke the gunrunners out into the open. Adam quickly finished the story, taking care to tell his family about Joe taking the bullet to save his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Just as Adam was finishing his story there was a knock at the door. Hoss strode quickly to the wooden portal and flung it open to reveal a man in an Army Sergeant\u2019s uniform standing on the threshold. He was surprised when Adam quickly joined him at the door and greeted the man by name. \u201cRoberts, did you get Thompson and his men into custody?\u201d he demanded. \u201cI hope Joe didn\u2019t go through all of this for nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roberts smiled wearily. \u201cThey\u2019re behind bars, Mr. Cartwright. I\u2019ve come to see how Joe\u2019s doing,\u201d he responded quietly. \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam ushered the man into the room and introduced him to his father. Ben\u2019s eyes grew hard as he recognized the man as the Sergeant who had treated Joe so badly during his time in boot camp, and who had seemingly talked him into the undercover scheme in the first place. \u201cRoberts,\u201d he said harshly. \u201cI\u2019m not sure you\u2019re welcome here. Joe is upstairs fighting for his life, apparently because of the scheme you got him involved in. What more do you want with my son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben was joined by Hoss, who stood with arms folded on his chest, a glare of anger in his blue eyes. Roberts took a step backwards in the face of such naked anger. \u201cForgive me, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Roberts said quickly. \u201cI only came by to see if Joe was all right. The Army owes him a debt of gratitude and I, personally, have grown very fond of the boy. He would have made one hell of a soldier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roberts was clearly uttering his highest praise, and Ben\u2019s face softened. \u201cThank you, Sergeant,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope you get a chance to tell Joseph that in person.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sound of footsteps interrupted whatever response Roberts would have made. Almost as one, four men swung to face Doctor Paul Martin as he descended the stairs, carefully buttoning the cuffs of his shirt as he walked. The doctor\u2019s face was lined with fatigue, but he smiled at the expectant eyes that waited for him. \u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right, Ben,\u201d he said quickly, knowing that the worried father wouldn\u2019t want him to beat around the bush. \u201cThe bullet tore up a lot of muscle and he\u2019s lost a lot of blood, but he\u2019ll make it, given time and rest. You can go up and see him now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben didn\u2019t hesitate. He took the stairs two at a time, Hoss and Adam in close pursuit. The Sergeant and the doctor exchanged rueful smiles, then they both moved to sit in front of the fire. It was obvious that the Cartwright men were going to be occupied for some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

The dark curls rested against the white linen pillow case. The face underneath those curls almost as white as the sheet that was drawn up underneath Joe\u2019s chin. Even as Ben watched, a grimace of pain crossed Joe\u2019s face, although the green-flecked eyes never opened. Ben stooped over the bed, his hand going involuntarily to the pale cheek. As he caressed his son\u2019s face, his eyes took in the wide bandage that was wrapped around most of Joe\u2019s upper body. Ben had seen enough back wounds in his time to know that Joe would be out of commission for quite some time to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

His inspection complete, Ben\u2019s eyes returned to Joe\u2019s face and he smiled softly at the bewildered green eyes that were staring up at him. \u201cHello, son,\u201d he said gently. \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss and Adam jostled each other in their eagerness to reach Joe\u2019s bedside. \u201cHey, brother,\u201d Hoss crowed in satisfaction. \u201cI thought you were gonna sleep all day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam hung over Hoss\u2019s shoulder and his dark eyes expressed his relief to see Joe struggle to produce a smile. \u201cHow are you feeling, Joe?\u201d he asked quickly, and winced in sympathy as an expression of pain contorted Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m okay, Adam,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI was afraid that you…\u201d Joe\u2019s voice died off, and he swallowed involuntarily.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben reached for the pitcher of water on the bedside table and poured a small amount into a glass. Holding the cup to Joe\u2019s lips, he urged him to swallow, smiling as Joe gamely complied with his orders. \u201cDon\u2019t try to talk, son,\u201d he instructed sternly. \u201cThe Doc says you need rest and quiet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cBut Pa, I need to tell you about…\u201d Joe began, his voice shaking with his effort to speak in spite of the burning pain in his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNot now, Joseph.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice held a hint of rebuke, which immediately silenced his son. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it later. Adam\u2019s told us as much as we need to know for now.\u201d He smoothed the covers up over Joe\u2019s shoulders and patted his son gently. \u201cGo back to sleep, Joe,\u201d he urged again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe nodded, the pain in his back fading as Doctor Martin\u2019s drugs worked their way through his system. Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, he let the darkness claim him once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben pulled up a chair and settled into it. He was clearly determined to sit by his son\u2019s bedside for as long as necessary. Hoss and Adam exchanged a long look of understanding. They gently drifted back out of the room, their intention to be ready to relieve their father not needing to be spoken aloud. Once again the Cartwright family closed ranks and prepared to hold vigil.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

A muffled curse echoed down the hallway, followed by a loud thump. A snicker of laughter filtered through the air, bringing an answering smile to Ben\u2019s lips as he sat in front of the fireplace, a cup of coffee in his hand. He glanced up at the stairway and held his breath as Adam\u2019s black-clad figure appeared, the smaller form of the youngest Cartwright tucked up against him. Joe\u2019s arm was wrapped tightly around Adam\u2019s neck, while Adam\u2019s arm was firmly holding onto Joe\u2019s waist. The two made their way carefully down the stairs, and Ben breathed an audible sigh of relief when Adam finally deposited his burden onto the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was Joe\u2019s first day downstairs and they were all relieved that his enforced incarceration in his room was finally coming to an end. Joe was not an easy patient to begin with, and his high-spirits made it hard for him to sit in one place for too long. Everyone had grown tired of the doctor\u2019s orders that restricted Joe to his bed. With a final pat on Joe\u2019s curly head, which caused Joe to jab at his older brother\u2019s retreating back with a clenched fist, Adam finally left the room to start the day\u2019s chores.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled at Joe\u2019s audible sigh of relief. \u201cGood to be out of bed, son?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe turned luminous eyes on his father, as he smiled brightly at the older man. \u201cI thought I\u2019d never be allowed to get up, Pa,\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cOld Doc Martin was being too cautious this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips. \u201cI think he knows what he\u2019s doing, Joe,\u201d he responded in amazement. \u201cYou were a very sick boy for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe chuckled. \u201cWell, I feel fine now, Pa. In fact, I think I\u2019m gonna take a quick walk to the barn. I haven\u2019t seen Cochise in weeks. I\u2019m sure the poor horse has missed me.\u201d He moved to swing his legs off the settee, only to find a strong hand suddenly pressing down on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou\u2019re not moving, young man!\u201d Ben ordered firmly. \u201cYou\u2019re only downstairs because we promised the doctor that you would rest. I will not have you off that settee until the doctor says it\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe groaned in frustration. \u201cBut, Pa..\u201d he began. His words trailed off disconsolately as he saw the determination in the older man\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled at the sulky figure before him. \u201cThis will give us a chance to talk, Joe. We\u2019ve got some things that need clearing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe jerked his head up, his eyes going wide with dismay. His first instinct when he was wounded was to tell his father everything. If he died, he didn\u2019t want his family wondering what had caused Joe to do what he had done. But as time marched on, Joe found himself less willing to talk about his actions. He had grown somewhat defensive about his role in the affair, and he felt grateful that the opportunity to talk to his father hadn\u2019t presented itself. It was obvious that Ben hadn\u2019t forgotten the need to hear Joe\u2019s story, and it was equally obvious that he wasn\u2019t going to let Joe off the hook.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat do you want to know, Pa?\u201d Joe asked quietly. \u201cI met Sergeant Roberts in town, he persuaded me that they needed someone to infiltrate the gunrunning gang, and I agreed to do it. I\u2019m sorry that I couldn\u2019t talk about it, but I was under orders to keep my role a secret from everyone.\u201d The words came out in a rush, and Joe raised wary eyes to the older man who sat looking at him. Ben\u2019s face held a thoughtful look and he smiled at his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m not questioning your decision to do what you did, Joe,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cBut when the Sergeant asked you not to tell anyone, did he really mean for you not to confide in your own family? Joe, you had us believing that you were in disgrace. You allowed yourself to be whipped and cashiered out of the army, your good name destroyed. Wouldn\u2019t it have been easier if we had known that it was all part of a plan? We could have helped, Joe. Instead you caused us a lot of suffering. It wasn\u2019t just your name being destroyed. It was ours.\u201d Ben sat back and watched his words hit home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s expressive face registered every word as a direct hit. Wearing a troubled expression that hinted on belligerence, he shot back at his father. \u201cI was ordered to keep it a secret. I did! Pa, was that so wrong? We found the gunrunners and that\u2019s what\u2019s important, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben shook his head slowly. \u201cI don\u2019t think so, Joe. In this case, the ends don\u2019t justify the means. You don\u2019t live in alone, son. You\u2019re part of a family. When you suffer, we all suffer. I think you owed us an explanation of what you were doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s face was pale, his lips trembling slightly with emotion. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. I didn\u2019t stop to think of it that way. When Roberts first sought me out, it sounded so exciting, and I was flattered that he thought I\u2019d be good for the part. When I got home, it was so hard to keep up the pretense. I wanted to tell you so badly. But I had promised. It tore me apart to let you think that I was a failure. I didn\u2019t think about how it was affecting your good name too.\u201d Joe let his head drop to his hands. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Pa.\u201d The words were a thin whisper of sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben took in Joe\u2019s defeated posture and moved quickly to take his son in a firm embrace. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m proud of what you did. You were willing to sacrifice everything for the good of the people of this community. I don\u2019t want to take that away from you.\u201d He tightened his grip on the slender shoulders, which were now shaking with suppressed sobs. \u201cBut, next time, son. Tell your family and allow us to help. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe let himself be enveloped in the warmth and security that he always found in his father\u2019s arms. Heaving a sigh, he raised his head and looked deep into his father\u2019s dark eyes. \u201cI promise, Pa. I hated not being able to talk to you. That was the hardest part. Not the flogging, not the disgrace. The distance from you, Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled gently. \u201cYour family is part of your strength, Joe. Draw on that strength and use it to help you with your life. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s shoulder and drew himself up to his full height. \u201cNow, young man, I\u2019m going to see if Hop Sing has your breakfast ready, and I\u2019m going to stand over you until you\u2019ve eaten every bite of it. You\u2019re much too thin.\u201d The silver-haired man bustled off toward the kitchen, bellowing for Hop Sing as he walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe smiled as he heard a string of Chinese words explode from the back of the house. The smile turned into a huge grin when he saw his formidable father scurrying out of the kitchen quickly, a small whirlwind following behind him making shooing motions. No one invaded Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen uninvited. Joe\u2019s high-pitched giggle resounded through the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hop Sing stopped and looked at the sight of the young man, helpless with laughter and holding his sides as if they hurt. Exchanging fond looks, the two men returned to their play acting. Ben felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Life on the Ponderosa might just be returning to normal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

Epilogue<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A festive air hovered over the dusty little mining town. Virginia City residents paraded the streets dressed in their finest. Bright banners hung from store fronts, and in the distance, an Army band could be heard playing a sprightly marching tune. A quartet of horsemen rode through the streets, eyes widening at the sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhew, Joe! Would ya look at all this?\u201d Hoss exclaimed from the back of his huge horse. \u201cThe town shore does look done to a turn, don\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s eyes were wide, a hint of fright lurked in the green depths. With an audible gulp, he turned a sickly smile on his older brothers. \u201cYeah, sure does look nice,\u201d he said weakly. Running a finger around a suddenly tight collar, he turned to his father. \u201cPa, I think I left something at home. I\u2019m just going to ride back there to get it.\u201d He started to wheel his horse around, but a strong hand caught the bridle and held it tight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNo way, younger brother,\u201d said Adam smugly. \u201cThis is all for you, and you\u2019re going to stay right here.\u201d He smirked at the shrinking form of his little brother. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to play the hero, you have to take the consequences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe turned his pleading eyes toward his father, but Ben just grinned back at his son. With a resigned slump of his shoulders, Joe allowed himself to be drawn forward. As the four men dismounted and hitched their horses to a convenient rail, a group of soldiers bore down on them purposefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCartwright!\u201d Sergeant Roberts\u2019s voice boomed loudly. \u201cGood to see you, son. We\u2019ve got the platform all set up. You\u2019re just in time. Straighten up, soldier and follow me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

With a last agonized look at his family, Joe allowed himself to be herded forward to a large platform, draped in bunting and set prominently in the middle of the town square. A blast of trumpets caused the townsfolk to gather around the platform, and Virginia City watched with pride as Joe Cartwright received an Army Medal of Honor and the heartfelt thanks of the post\u2019s commandant for his role in catching the men responsible for supplying guns to the Indians.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three remaining Cartwrights watched with satisfaction as the youngest member of their family was surrounded by a celebratory crowd. Joe\u2019s name had been cleared with a vengeance. It was good to see the return of the sparkle in his eye and the zest in his step. The ordeal was over, Joe\u2019s honor was restored.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019d say this calls for a drink,\u201d Adam commented dryly, gesturing toward the saloon. \u201cI think Little Joe\u2019s buying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Exchanging smiles, the three men took off in Joe\u2019s wake. As they walked Ben draped a companionable arm around each man\u2019s shoulders. The Cartwrights were whole again.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

The End<\/span><\/p>\n

May 2001<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

Tags:<\/strong>\u00a0 army, Family<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Joe stuns his family when he joins the Army.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0T (22,790 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-586","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":1616,"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":12134,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12134","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":0},"title":"In My Father’s House (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3790,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3790","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":1},"title":"Christmas Surprise (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"September 26, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Written originally for Bonanza Gold, here is a little tale of a surprise at Christmas, funnily enough! Rated:\u00a0 T (1,150 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\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":2},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":3},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12133,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12133","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":4},"title":"Frightened Beyond Reason (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"June 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4460,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4460","url_meta":{"origin":586,"position":5},"title":"The Gift (by JoeC)","author":"JoeC","date":"April 28, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe get's a special birthday present Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (553 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/joe-chaps-21.jpg?fit=314%2C547&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=586"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/586\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}