{"id":5928,"date":"2003-02-12T11:52:17","date_gmt":"2003-02-12T16:52:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5928"},"modified":"2025-09-09T14:22:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T18:22:05","slug":"blind-mans-bluff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5928","title":{"rendered":"Blind Man’s Bluff (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Returning from a trip with Adam, Joe has an unfortunate accident. Things are then complicated when Joe is kidnapped.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> (9,220 words)<\/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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blind Man’s Bluff\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very quiet, Joe,\u201d Adam commented as they rode home. \u201cIs there something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe responded, glancing sideways at his oldest brother. \u201cI was just thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a novel occurrence,\u201d joked Adam. \u201cWas there something in particular, or just everything in general?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about Jeff,\u201d said Joe, soberly. \u201cIt must be pretty bad for him not being able to walk any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cBut he\u2019s alive, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe answered, but he didn\u2019t sound as though he was convinced by this argument. Jeff Fox, a friend that they often met at the cattle auctions, had been thrown from his horse during a stampede. His back had been broken, and Jeff would never walk again. When Adam and Joe had met him a few days before, Joe had been shaken. Jeff had seemed invulnerable, a giant among men, yet here he was, confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his days. He was younger than Joe\u2019s father, Ben. \u201cBut I can\u2019t help wondering how you make an adjustment like that. How do you reconcile yourself to never walking again, or not seeing or hearing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut its something you just have to do, I guess.\u201d He was silent for a minute, trying to imagine what it must be like. He couldn\u2019t. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be easy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

There was silence as they rode along. They had been in Sacramento at an auction, getting rid of some barren cows. The trip hadn\u2019t been restful, but it had been good for the brothers to get away from their usual routine, and they were more relaxed now that they were on their way home. They weren\u2019t carrying much money, and they had it divided up between them. Since Adam\u2019s nightmare experience with Cain, none of the Cartwrights had carried much money if they could avoid it.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we stop here for the night?\u201d Joe asked, shortly after they crossed onto Ponderosa land. \u201cThere\u2019s a pretty nice place for camping just up head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam said, indifferently. He followed Joe through the woods to a clearing. There, they both drew rein in surprise.<\/p>\n

There was a young man there, stripped to the waist, busily chopping logs. A tent was set up, and the area showed all the signs of habitation. Exchanging glances, the brothers rode across. \u201cHowdy,\u201d said the young man, wiping the sweat from his brow. \u201cWhat can I do for you fellas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the Ponderosa,\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou\u2019re trespassing, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stare the man gave Adam was completely blank and Adam began to think that they might have trouble. \u201cI knew I\u2019d crossed a fence line miles back,\u201d the man said, unhappily, \u201cbut I didn\u2019t realise this was still the same land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d gone another mile that way,\u201d Joe said, throwing a thumb over his shoulder, \u201cyou\u2019d come to the fence line again.\u201d He was annoyed that the man had ignored the fence line in the first place. He and his brothers spent enough hours making sure they were in good repair.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I thank you fellas for telling me,\u201d the man said. \u201cI guess I\u2019ll stick it out though, and hope the owners don\u2019t come up this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but they already have,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThe ranch belongs to our father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to evict me?\u201d the man asked, angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cThis is our land, and we don\u2019t want any nesters on it. Pack your things tonight, and be off the land by morning.\u201d Adam kept his tone pleasant, but firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind,\u201d he snarled, clearly furious. \u201cI\u2019ll just pack up now and be out of your hair.\u201d He turned his back and began to throw things into saddlebags.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s camp here as we planned,\u201d Adam suggested in an undertone. Joe nodded, and eased his hand away from his gun. Both brothers dismounted, and began to make preparations to stay for the night. They kept an eagle eye on the trespasser, who hadn\u2019t offered them his name.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take him long to pack. As he mounted he turned to glare at the brothers. \u201cYou\u2019ll regret this,\u201d he warned. \u201cAs sure as my name is Frank Williams, you\u2019ll regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not wanting to provoke him into violence, Adam and Joe just looked at him silently. With a last glare, Williams rode off into the forest. \u201cShould we follow him?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cJust leave it for tonight, Joe. We can check that he\u2019s gone come morning.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI\u2019ll start supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crossing to the horses, Joe gave them their evening feed, and checked their hooves. That done, he looked at where Adam was laying out the bedrolls. The frying pan was heating by the fire. Joe went to Williams\u2019 woodpile, and picked up a couple of logs. He dropped them by the fire, and went back for another couple. It looked like it might be cold that night.<\/p>\n

As he neared the fire, Joe realised that the top log he had in his arms was filled with fresh sap. It was a pine bough, and Joe made a mental note to throw the log away. Fresh pine sap could be quite explosive if thrown on a fire. The thought had barely crossed his mind when he tripped over something and fell to his knees. He dropped his load, and the logs spilled everywhere. The pine log shot from Joe\u2019s grip and landed on the fire.<\/p>\n

Catching himself, Joe was just in time to see the log roll slightly, and a huge drip of sap oozing from it. Then there was an almighty explosion, and Joe felt a stinging sensation on his face. Something hard hit his head, and he blacked out.<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam cried, as the explosion rent the air. He ducked as flying shards of wood spun crazily past him. He looked up, the danger over, and surveyed the wreck of the camp. The fire was burning fiercely, but luckily the fire pit was deep enough to stop the flames escaping. The frying pan had vanished, and Adam glanced round for it before spotting it lying about 150 yards away. Joe lay on his side, clearly unconscious.<\/p>\n

Hurrying over, Adam knelt by Joe and stared at him, aghast. Joe had been hit in the face by a shower of splinters, which were still sticking into his flesh. The frying pan had obviously made contact, too, judging by the lump rising on his temple. But the thing that horrified Adam most was the damage to Joe\u2019s eyelids. The splinters hadn\u2019t stuck in his lids, for which Adam was truly grateful, but Joe\u2019s eyelids were cut, and bleeding.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Adam just sat there, paralysed. As Joe groaned, and moved, Adam knew he would have to get the splinters out of Joe\u2019s face before his brother came round, and did so carefully. By the time he was done, Joe was conscious. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, softly, \u201ccan you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my head,\u201d Joe groaned. \u201cWhat happened, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, open your eyes for me,\u201d Adam coaxed. \u201cCan you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Wearily, Joe opened his eyes and winced at the pain. \u201cThat hurts!\u201d he protested, and slammed his eyes shut again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it hurts, \u201c Adam said, \u201cbut you\u2019ve got to open them again, Joe. Can you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe opened his eyes again. \u201cYes, I can see,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut it hurts, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, you can close your eyes again,\u201d Adam responded, relieved. He patted Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m just going to bathe the blood off your face. This\u2019ll nip a bit, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe replied, tightly. Adam could feel his muscles tensing under his soothing hand.<\/p>\n

As gently as he could, Adam cleaned Joe\u2019s face up. Joe sat rigid the whole time, but the only time he made a sound or a movement was when Adam touched his eyes. With his task done, Adam debated about their next move. Joe\u2019s eyes were clearly very sore, and Adam was concerned lest dirt get into them, and making things worse by causing infection. He came to a decision; one that Joe wouldn\u2019t like. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to bandage your eyes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He got the reaction he had expected. Joe\u2019s eyes flew open, and he gazed at Adam in disbelief for a second before the pain drove them shut again. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine in the morning,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cHonest, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Joe,\u201d Adam said, urgently. \u201cYour eyelids are cut, and I hate to think what would happen if they became infected. Right now, your eyesight isn\u2019t damaged, but I don\u2019t know if the same could be said if infection set in. Which would you rather?\u201d<\/p>\n

The silence spoke for itself. After a moment, Joe swallowed visibly, and nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, in a small voice. \u201cDo what you think is best.\u201d He heard Adam getting up and walking away, and realised that this was what it would be like for him over the next few days, until they got home and saw the doctor. He would be totally reliant on Adam for almost everything. He raised his chin in defiance of his fears \u2013 not of the dark, but of being helpless and vulnerable \u2013 and listened for Adam coming back.<\/p>\n

****************<\/p>\n

Watching from the edge of the trees, Frank Williams grinned as he saw Adam bandaging his brother\u2019s eyes. Williams had been furious at being run off the land, and he thought he would just wait until the Cartwrights had gone, and then move back on. Williams was on the run, having been part of a gang of bank robbers. They had robbed a bank in Kansas, and made off with over $20000. Williams had split from his partners, and each man decided to take a chance alone. So far, Williams luck had held, and he had met no one who recognised him. Now, he was wondering if the Cartwrights would mention him to a sheriff. He decided that perhaps it would be best to make sure that they didn\u2019t \u2013 at least for the time being. And watching Adam caring for Joe gave Williams an idea.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it dark yet?\u201d Joe asked. He could feel the heat of the fire in front of him, and the bacon was just beginning to sizzle in the frying pan. It smelt good.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much,\u201d Adam responded. He glanced at Joe, and could see the tension and misery in his brother\u2019s stance. \u201cSupper won\u2019t be long. Are you hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStarving,\u201d Joe said, a grin momentarily lighting his features.<\/p>\n

\u201cPity,\u201d Adam commented lightly. \u201cI\u2019d hoped that bang on the head would make you lose your appetite. Then there\u2019d be more for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sound more like brother Hoss every day,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cAdam, you\u2019re a hopeless liar!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must run in the family then,\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cBecause you can\u2019t lie worth a damn, brother.\u201d He forked some bacon onto the plate and ladled on some beans. \u201cHere you go, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the plate, Joe sniffed. \u201cIt smells all right,\u201d he said, doubtfully. Carefully, he scooped up some beans, and found his mouth. \u201cTastes ok, too,\u201d he mumbled through a mouthful. \u201cHop Sing been giving you lessons?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch it,\u201d Adam growled, but he was pleased at Joe\u2019s kidding. They ate in companionable silence, and then Adam went down to the stream to wash up. Joe strained his ears, but he couldn\u2019t hear Adam at all. His unease came flooding back.<\/p>\n

There was a sound, and Joe turned his head. \u201cAdam?\u201d he said, hearing the quaver in his voice. His hand slid down to his gun, resting reassuringly on his hip.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts me,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cSorry, I didn\u2019t mean to startle you. Do you want some more coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe responded, feeling the tension ease away again. Adam would look after him, Joe knew that. \u201cNo, thanks, I think I\u2019ll turn in now.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was soon stretched out by the fire, and his even breathing indicated to Adam that he slept. Gazing into the flames, Adam thought about the journey ahead. It would be slow going for most of the way. Joe was being very brave about the whole situation, pretending that it wasn\u2019t driving him crazy, but Adam could see he was extremely uneasy. With a sigh, Adam snuggled down into his blankets for the night.<\/p>\n

****************<\/p>\n

They ate breakfast next morning, and Adam packed up the camp. Joe sat uneasily, listening. Adam had briefly taken the bandages off Joe\u2019s eyes that morning to check for signs of infection, but thankfully, they appeared to be all right, although somewhat swollen. Joe had again confirmed his sight was fine, before Adam firmly re-bandaged his eyes. \u201cI\u2019ve just got the fire to put out,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThen we\u2019ll get moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed, listening to the hissing as Adam poured the dregs of the coffee over it. He could visualise Adam putting the coffee pot into his saddlebags. It made him feel less isolated. He heard footsteps, and held his head up.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Adam said, and reached down to help Joe to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not that helpless,\u201d Joe chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cI just can\u2019t help myself. Come on, get onto your nag!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cD\u2019you hear that, Coochie?\u201d Joe said, feeling the warm, soft hair under his hand. \u201cHe called you a nag.\u201d The pinto snorted and shook his head. Joe laughed. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t like you, Adam,\u201d joked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat horse would say anything you told it to,\u201d Adam retorted. \u201cHe\u2019s not a reliable witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once Joe was mounted, Adam got onto Sport, and took Cochise\u2019s rein. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m just going to backtrack a bit and make sure that guy from last night left, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat ever you say, Adam,\u201d Joe agreed, wondering what Adam would do if he protested. It didn\u2019t come naturally to Joe to sit passively on a horse, but he did his best to be patient. Adam didn\u2019t go far. The tracks seemed to be leading straight for the fence line, and Adam didn\u2019t want to waste any more time over it. He wanted to get home and hand Joe over to Ben.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t much talk as they rode through the morning. Adam\u2019s mind was fixed on getting Joe home as quickly and comfortably as possible. Joe\u2019s was fixed on keeping calm. He found it incredibly disturbing not to be able to see. His eyes were sore, and he worried silently about it. He had woken with a slight headache, too, which he put down to the knock on the head from the frying pan. The last thought provoked a small chuckle. It was ridiculous, being knocked cold by a frying pan!<\/p>\n

After a brief stop for lunch, they pushed on. Adam estimated out loud that they ought to reach the ranch house by suppertime, which was a cheerful thought for both of them. They were both tired of trail food. Joe speculated out loud that they would get roast pork, or roast beef, or even, if Hop Sing thought it likely they would be home that night, a roast chicken. Adam thought they would be lucky if there was anything prepared for them, as they hadn\u2019t been sure when they would get back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really know how to chirk a guy up,\u201d Joe complained. \u201cWhat a misery you are, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least I\u2019m not trying to rival Hoss,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI never heard you talk about food so much, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts your cooking,\u201d Joe returned. \u201cIts enough to make anyone develop an interest in food.\u201d He couldn\u2019t contain a laugh.<\/p>\n

Laughing as well, Adam was caught unawares as a figure jumped on him from a rock by the trail. He let out a cry, and fell to the ground as the weight of the other person hit him full on. Sport snorted and jumped out of the way. Cochise shied sideways, and Joe was almost unseated. He groped frantically for the loose rein, but couldn\u2019t find it. \u201cAdam?\u201d he cried, hearing the noises of the fight.<\/p>\n

There was no time for Adam to respond. He was wrestling with Williams, who had the advantage of surprise, and Adam was winded from his fall. He fought back as best he could, but he took a pounding. Williams managed to grab Adam\u2019s gun, and sledged it down on his head. Adam sank to the road, unconscious.<\/p>\n

Looking round, Williams couldn\u2019t contain a grin as he saw Joe sitting on Cochise, with his gun drawn, but not knowing where to shoot. As silently as possible, he sidled up to Joe. Cochise edged away, and Joe brought the gun round, but he heard very little sound to tell him where to aim. Fear of accidentally shooting Adam was uppermost in his mind. So when a hand grabbed his gun, Joe flinched, and before he knew it, the gun was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t move,\u201d said a voice, and there was the unmistakeable click of a gun cocking. Joe wisely decided to stay still. \u201cPut your hands on the saddle horn,\u201d Williams ordered, and soon had Joe\u2019s hands tightly bound. With an evil grin, Williams stuck Joe\u2019s gun into his belt, and led Cochise over to where his own horse was tethered. He mounted, and rode off, leading Joe helplessly behind him.<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

Some time passed before Adam stirred back to consciousness. He put a hand to his aching head, and it came away sticky with drying blood. The lump throbbed when he touched it, but there didn\u2019t seem to be much blood, for which he was truly grateful. Staggering to his feet, Adam glanced around. Sport was grazing a little further up the trail. Of Joe, there was no sign.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take Adam long to locate the trail and he followed it for quite a distance before it led onto rocky ground and vanished. Sick with worry, Adam knew that he couldn\u2019t look any more without help, and he reluctantly turned his horse\u2019s head in the direction of home. Despite his headache which throbbed fiercely, Adam kept Sport to a ground covering lope, and rode into the yard of the ranch house a couple of hours later.<\/p>\n

It was suppertime, as the smell of roast beef could attest. But Adam didn\u2019t feel hungry; he felt nauseated. He slid from Sport\u2019s back and staggered to the door and let himself in. He could hear Hoss talking, but the words didn\u2019t seem to make much sense.<\/p>\n

The sudden appearance of Adam came as quite a shock to his father and brother. He was white-faced and shaking, and there was dried blood on his neck. \u201cAdam?\u201d Ben said, disbelievingly. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was jumped, and he\u2019s got Joe,\u201d Adam said, sinking into his seat by the table. \u201cJoe\u2019s hurt, Pa. There was an accident in camp last night, and he can\u2019t see.\u201d<\/p>\n

At those words, Ben\u2019s heart contracted painfully. \u201cHow bad is he hurt?\u201d Ben asked, urgently, and Adam gathered his scattering wits. Quickly, he told them what had happened, and Ben was partially reassured. But only partially. The thought of Joe alone out there somewhere, injured and unable to see was very painful. He took a deep breath to quell the panic he felt rising, and took charge. \u201cHoss, get the sheriff and the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m all right,\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re covered in blood,\u201d Ben said, bluntly, in a tone Adam knew only too well. Ben looked at Hoss and nodded, and the middle son headed for the door.<\/p>\n

While they waited for Paul Martin and Roy Coffee to arrive, Ben gently quizzed Adam about the accident at the camp, and was reassured that Joe\u2019s injuries weren\u2019t life threatening. He was deeply concerned about Joe, but Adam needed him right now, and he could see that his older son was concussed.<\/p>\n

Finally, there was a clatter of hooves in the yard, and the door opened to admit the people Ben had been waiting for with barely concealed impatience. He rose to greet them, and listened while Adam told his story over again. Paul examined him, and dressed the lump on his head, and advised a good night\u2019s rest. \u201cHe\u2019s concussed, Ben, so go easy on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrank Williams, eh?\u201d Roy said, thoughtfully. \u201cThere\u2019s a warrant out for his arrest. Ben, I\u2019ll be back in the morning with a posse. We\u2019ll find Little Joe, Ben, don\u2019t you worry.\u201d He gave his friend a reassuring nod and left with Paul.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to bed, Adam,\u201d Ben said, but Adam protested that he could manage on his own and went off to bed.<\/p>\n

Ben knew that he would be very lucky if he slept that night.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

It seemed to Joe that they rode for a very long time. He had no idea which direction they travelled in, and he had no idea of what time they stopped. He didn\u2019t know if it was daylight or darkness. He was trapped in a nightmare with no way out. When they did finally stop, Joe was exhausted. Ever since the accident, he had been tense, and his muscles were shaking with fatigue.<\/p>\n

Rough hands untied the ropes that bound him to the saddle horn, and Joe was hauled from the saddle. He managed to get his feet underneath him, and leant against Cochise\u2019s warm side. It gave him a small measure of comfort.<\/p>\n

\u201cPut your hands behind your back and turn around,\u201d the voice ordered, and Joe baulked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you and what do you want with me?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

The backhand slap caught him completely by surprise, and he almost fell over. \u201cDo as you are told, or take the consequences,\u201d warned the voice. \u201cPut your hands behind your back and turn around!\u201d<\/p>\n

Warily, Joe did as he was told. The man had the upper hand for the moment, but Joe vowed to find a way to make a break for freedom. He winced as the rope was tightened cruelly round his wrists. Once his hands were secure, Joe was taken by the arm and led across some rough ground and dragged up a step onto a wooden structure. He almost fell, as the man leading him didn\u2019t warn him about the step. He bumped into what felt like a doorframe, and knew from the feel of the air that they were inside a building of some kind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, kid,\u201d the man said, and gave him a shove. Joe could sense something solid there, and when he sat down, he guessed it was a wall. He leaned back against it. He was no less lost, but at least he had a point of reference.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the man from the camp, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Joe accused. \u201cWilliams, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClever boy,\u201d mocked Williams. \u201cIt gave me great pleasure to see what happened to you last night, boy! It certainly helped my plans.\u201d He laughed sadistically. \u201cYep, it was real nice to see all that blood coming from your eyes. Your brother sure was concerned about you, yes siree! Pity I couldn\u2019t have stayed to watch his face when he saw you were missing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be a posse out looking for you,\u201d Joe warned. \u201cMy family won\u2019t just sit back and leave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t find us until I\u2019m ready,\u201d Williams said. \u201cI aim to get me a bit of the Ponderosa, and if I have to use the blind son to get it, believe me I will. You guys will be sorry you evicted me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll get you, Williams!\u201d Joe exclaimed, furious. \u201cScum like you won\u2019t get way with this!\u201d<\/p>\n

A hand folded into the front of his jacket, and Joe was yanked to his feet. He could feel Williams\u2019 breath hot on his face. \u201cYou\u2019re real cocky for someone who\u2019s helpless,\u201d Williams hissed, menacingly. \u201cYou give me trouble, and you\u2019ll regret it, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe scoffed, recklessly. He was completely unprepared for the fist that crashed into his stomach, and doubled over, falling to the floor with a crash. He lay curled on his side, unable to catch his breath for several terrifying seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a warning,\u201d Williams said, calmly walking away. Joe heard a door close, and wondered if he was alone. After a time, he managed to sit up, and leaned back on the wall. Williams was right. He was helpless right now. He began to feel along the wall, hoping that he would find a protruding nail, or piece of board that he could use to try and get free, but his questing fingers found nothing. Joe wouldn\u2019t allow himself to despair.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

Later, Williams made a fire in the stove in the line shack where he had holed up, and cooked some bacon. He fed Joe, who ate reluctantly. He was hungry, but there was a residual ache in the pit of his stomach. He choked down what he could, and listened to the sounds of Williams preparing for the night. He felt his muscles growing tense as footsteps approached him again.<\/p>\n

\u201cGotta tie your feet, Cartwright,\u201d Williams said, crouching by Joe. \u201cI can\u2019t take the risk of waking up and finding you gone, now can I?\u201d He briskly bound Joe\u2019s feet, and then hauled his captive forward to check the ropes binding his hands. Finding them still tight, he shoved Joe back against the wall. \u201cSleep well, Cartwright,\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n

The footsteps retreated, and silence fell. After a time, Joe heard soft snores from the other side of the cabin, and he relaxed. It took some time for him to realise that the ropes around his feet weren\u2019t as tight as they had been. When he did realise, he wriggled carefully, until the loops fell loose around his feet. Slowly, Joe raised one foot, then the other, and shook them, hoping the rope would fall free. The small thud showed him it had. He froze then, listening to make sure the small noise hadn\u2019t roused Williams.<\/p>\n

Reassured by the continuing snoring, he eased across the floor on his butt, feeling carefully with his feet for obstacles in front of him. Joe had tried to rub the bandages off his head, but Adam had done too good a job of putting them on, and they weren\u2019t budging. So he was forced to make his break for freedom much more slowly than his nerves could stand. Every instinct screamed at him to rise to his feet and run!<\/p>\n

He was sweating profusely when he reached the door. He eased to his feet, and felt for the latch. It was awkward to open it with his hands bound the way they were, but Joe persevered, stopping often to listen to the sound of William\u2019s breathing. The door opened slowly, and Joe stepped carefully outside, taking care to close the door silently.<\/p>\n

For a moment, he stood there, leaning on the wall of the cabin, gathering his strength and courage before he started off. He knew it was a foolish risk, but the thought of being held hostage for a piece of the Ponderosa was too much for him, and he knew he had to try and get away. He didn\u2019t know where he was, was tied up, and couldn\u2019t see, but Joe felt freer than he had since Williams attacked Adam. Cautiously, he edge towards the steps he knew were there.<\/p>\n

From the side of the cabin, Cochise snorted loudly. Joe flinched, and froze. He couldn\u2019t tell if Williams was still asleep or not, so decided to keep going. Cochise whinnied. Joe hurried his steps, sure now that Williams would be awake. \u201cThanks, Coochie,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

It was a nightmare journey for Joe. He tried to hurry, but stumbled frequently over unseen projections, and bumped bruising into trees. He fell to his knees more than once, and was trembling with exhaustion in a very few minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright!\u201d shouted a voice from behind, and Joe tried to quicken his steps further. He paid the penalty immediately by crashing his head off a low-hanging branch. The blow was hard enough to knock him over backwards, and he rolled over onto his stomach, feeling something trickling down his forehead. He forced himself to his knees, but his head swam, and Joe was still kneeling there when Williams arrived a moment or two later.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood try, Cartwright,\u201d Williams sneered. \u201cBut just not good enough!\u201d He yanked Joe to his feet, and buried his fist in the youth\u2019s stomach. He dragged his gasping captive back to the cabin, not caring that Joe stumbled many times. Once back, he threw Joe to the floor, and snatched up the rope. This time, he bound Joe\u2019s feet to the table leg. \u201cDon\u2019t bother trying that again,\u201d he warned, and kicked Joe in the stomach before returning to the bed.<\/p>\n

Lying groaning on the floor, Joe knew that there would be no escape this time.<\/p>\n

***************<\/p>\n

The posse arrived at the ranch shortly after dawn. Despite Ben\u2019s protests, Adam was determined to go with them. He pointed out, correctly, that he was the only one who knew exactly where he and Joe had been, and where he had followed the trail to. Ben capitulated, although he vowed to keep a close eye on his oldest son, who was still somewhat green about the gills.<\/p>\n

It was almost mid-morning before they reached the spot where the attack had taken place. Adam looked shaky, but insisted that he was all right. As Roy examined the area, Ben forced some water on Adam, hoping that his son would last the pace.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere to now, Adam?\u201d Roy asked, eyeing him with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d Adam said, and soon picked up the trail.<\/p>\n

As soon as Hoss saw it, he took the lead, and Adam relinquished his position at the front quite willingly. He felt dreadful, but his concern for Joe\u2019s well being far out weighed his concern for his own. He hoped they would find Joe quickly, but some little voice told him this was a forlorn hope.<\/p>\n

Soon, they came to the place where Adam had lost the trail the day before. \u201cWe\u2019d better split up,\u201d Roy said. \u201cBen, you and the boys go around that way. We\u2019ll go this way. Fire a signal if you find anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

They rode off in separate directions, and Ben allowed Hoss once more to take the lead and cast around for the trail. He eyed Adam worriedly. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Adam said, patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIf \u2018all right\u2019 includes going the shade of green you are right now. Adam, you heard Paul last night. You\u2019re concussed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not bad,\u201d Adam said, knowing he spoke the truth, but feeling ill all the same. He hadn\u2019t been stricken with bouts of nausea, which he counted as a plus, but his head ached relentlessly. \u201cBesides, it would have taken you longer to get here without me. And we need to get to Joe as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Ben said, quietly, but Adam shrugged the praise off.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my brother,\u201d he returned, softly, and no more needed to be said.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

They hunted fruitlessly for over half an hour before Hoss found the trail again. They quickly fired off a couple of shots, and waited anxiously for Roy and the posse to appear. Ben fretted silently that the shots would alert Williams to their presence, but there was nothing he could do about it. He had looked at the poster Roy had brought out with him that morning, and shuddered. It wasn\u2019t a good drawing, but it was good enough for Adam to nod recognition at once. Williams had the coldest eyes Ben had ever seen. In his career as a bank robber, Williams had shot and killed 4 men. Ben could only pray that Joe wouldn\u2019t become number five.<\/p>\n

Another 15 minutes passed before the posse rode into sight, and they followed Hoss cautiously along the trail. Finally, after several miles, they came to one of Ben\u2019s line shacks. The trail led right to the door.<\/p>\n

There was no need to be careful, for it was obvious at once that Williams and Joe were no longer there. The door swung in the wind, and there were no horses in the lean-to. Ben dismounted and rushed into the structure. The stove was still warm, and the blanket on the bed was rumpled. Two dirty plates lay on the table.<\/p>\n

Roy and Hoss scouted the area to pick up Williams\u2019 trail again. Adam sat on the step, resting his aching head and longing to lie down. Ben paced restlessly. He watched Roy and Hoss talking and pointing to the ground. Drawn, he went over to them. \u201cWhat have you found?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoot prints,\u201d Hoss said. He pointed them out again for Ben. \u201cWhoever this was stumbled an\u2019 fell a lot, Pa. Fell all his length there,\u201d he added, pointing to another place. \u201cThere\u2019s another set of prints coming from the cabin, too. Then they both go back. This one seems to have stumbled a lot agin.\u201d Hoss didn\u2019t say more, but they both knew that these prints belonged to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t any blood,\u201d Roy said, comfortingly. \u201cNot here nor in the cabin, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you found their trail?\u201d Ben asked, numbly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, right over here, Pa,\u201d Hoss led the way over. \u201cLooks like he\u2019s goin\u2019 back the way he come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Ben said. He went back to the cabin and looked at Adam. \u201cDo you want to stay here and rest, son?\u201d he asked, gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Adam asserted. \u201cIf you\u2019ve found Joe\u2019s trail, I\u2019m coming with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben brought Adam up-to-date on what they had found. Adam looked at him soberly. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said, echoing his father from moments before.<\/p>\n

Grimly, they mounted up again.<\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

Lying on the ground, Joe listened for sounds coming from Williams. He had been roused with a kick that morning, and Williams had forced him onto Cochise after a scanty breakfast. His hands were still bound behind him, and Joe had to concentrate furiously to stay in the saddle. They had ridden for a long time, and when they stopped, Joe had been more than willing to slide form the saddle and sit down. Williams had tied him to a tree and gone away. Joe hadn\u2019t heard a sound from him since.<\/p>\n

There was a sound, and Joe swung round. \u201cThirsty, Cartwright?\u201d Williams asked, and Joe nodded. He gratefully accepted the water Williams gave him. \u201cTime to go,\u201d Williams said, freeing Joe\u2019s feet, and hauling him to his feet. \u201cWe\u2019re nearly there, Cartwright. Does that please you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saying nothing, Joe concentrated on staying on his feet. His stomach still ached from the kicks he had received the previous night. He had learned to be wary of Williams. He obediently put his foot into the stirrup, and mounted with Williams\u2019 help. He wondered where they were going, but he was determined not to ask.<\/p>\n

The ride was much shorter this time. The horses came to a stop, and Williams\u2019 came to Joe\u2019s side. \u201cWe\u2019re here,\u201d he said, and before he could stop himself, Joe kicked out at his captor.<\/p>\n

For a blind shot, it was remarkably accurate. Joe felt his foot connect, and Williams let out a cry. Joe dug his heels into Cochise\u2019s side, and the pinto lunged forward. However, it hadn\u2019t occurred to Joe that his rein was still firmly tied to Williams\u2019 horse. The other horse took several steps before it balked. Cochise swung round as the rein tightened, and Joe was caught unawares, and slid out the side door, crashing to the ground.<\/p>\n

In a couple of strides, Williams crossed the clearing, and grabbed Joe. \u201cThat wasn\u2019t very bright,\u201d he snarled. \u201cYou\u2019ve annoyed me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re so brave when my hands are tied,\u201d Joe shot back. \u201cBet you wouldn\u2019t be so brave if I were free!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, scared of the blind man?\u201d Williams taunted him. \u201cI don\u2019t think so, son.\u201d He yanked Joe to his feet, and dragged him across the clearing, throwing him down at the base of a large pine. With economical movements, he tied a rope round Joe\u2019s ankles and knees, tightening them cruelly. \u201cLet\u2019s see you get out of that,\u201d he sneered, and walked away.<\/p>\n

Gritting his teeth, Joe tested the ropes, but there was no give in them. He was still a prisoner.<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

They lost the light, eventually, and were forced to bed down for the night. Adam was convinced by now that Williams was heading back to the clearing where he and Joe had first met him. Roy wasn\u2019t so sure, and was making them follow the trail, rather than take a short cut that would have got them there by now. The Cartwrights chafed under the delay, but Roy was in charge, so they did as he wanted.<\/p>\n

After supper, Adam lay down and went straight to sleep, and Ben was relieved. He knew that Adam was exhausted, and really should be at home in bed. He hoped that the next day, they would catch up with Williams and Joe, and that Joe would be all right. Lying on his bedroll, Ben begged the Almighty to spare his sons any further harm. It was another sleepless night for him.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

Next morning dawned cold and cloudy. The posse ate a cold meal, and drank water, rather than build a fire and waste more time. To Ben\u2019s and Hoss\u2019 relief, Adam looked slightly better, and he brushed off their concerned enquiries about his health.<\/p>\n

They were soon mounted, and following the trail much more quickly than the previous day. It was almost as though Roy had become convinced overnight that Adam was correct, and Williams would be found in that clearing near the boundary.<\/p>\n

As they drew nearer, and Adam\u2019s theory proved to be correct, they slowed, and approached with much more caution. Roy sent Clem on ahead to scout the lay of the land, while the Cartwrights seethed impatiently.<\/p>\n

Clem was back after a short time, although it seemed to have taken forever to the anxious family. The clustered round Clem to hear his report. \u201cHe\u2019s got the clearing set out just the way you said, Adam,\u201d Clem began. \u201cThere\u2019s a tent pitched up at the back, next to the woodpile. Williams is sitting out front, cleaning his rifle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crouching, Clem drew a rough map in the dirt to show the others. \u201cThere\u2019s a fire out front, and Joe is tied up over here beneath a tree.\u201d He marked an X on the map to show everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow does he look?\u201d Ben interrupted, although he\u2019d promised himself he wouldn\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n

\u201cDifficult to say,\u201d Clem answered, slowly. \u201cHis eyes are bandaged up, and he\u2019s all tied up. I wasn\u2019t close enough to see anything else, sorry, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Roy said. \u201cClem and I will come in from this side.\u201d He drew a line, showing that they would come from Williams\u2019 right. \u201cBen, you and Adam circle round and come on Joe from behind. Hoss, you come from the front, along with Dave and Jim here.\u201d He glanced round the circle of faces to be sure everyone understood him. He collected nods from everyone and drew his gun, checking it. They all did the same. \u201cLet\u2019s go, and everyone be careful out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

They set off on foot, as quietly as they could. Ben could feel anxiety shortening his breath and he glanced at Adam to see his son\u2019s face set and white with tension. They were so close, but anything could go wrong\u2026<\/p>\n

The thought had hardly crossed Ben\u2019s mind when there was a shot! They froze, then plunged towards the clearing, their instructions forgotten. All that mattered was Joe!<\/p>\n

************<\/p>\n

It had been a long cold night for Joe, under the tree. His hands and feet were already numb from the ropes, and he was worried that they would be seriously damaged if he didn\u2019t manage to get away soon. But he didn\u2019t know how to get free. The knots defied his every effort.<\/p>\n

He heard footsteps, and a kick crashed off his hip. Joe winced. \u201cAwake, Cartwright?\u201d Williams asked. \u201cSleep well, did you?\u201d He hoisted Joe to his feet. \u201cNot very talkative, are you, boy? Good thing I like my own company.\u201d Casually, he let Joe fall again, and laughed callously. \u201cI\u2019m gonna have some fun with you today, boy,\u201d he said, and went off.<\/p>\n

The morning passed slowly for Joe. He heard Williams walking about, and wondered what he was doing, but no power on earth could have forced Joe to ask. He knew that whatever Williams had in store for him, it wouldn\u2019t be pleasant.<\/p>\n

Footsteps approached, and Joe tensed. Then there was a shout from further away, and a shot rang out. Williams dropped to the ground, and grabbed Joe, using him as a shield. Williams gun went off very close to Joe\u2019s ear, and the youth flinched.<\/p>\n

Shots seemed to be coming from all around, pinging off the ground. Williams changed his grip on Joe, getting him in a strangle hold. Joe struggled helplessly. \u201cCome any closer and I\u2019ll kill Cartwright!\u201d Williams shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re surrounded!\u201d shouted a voice that sounded very like Roy Coffee to Joe. His heart leaped in anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone comes near me and I kill the boy!\u201d Williams repeated. \u201cNow, throw down your weapons and come out where I can see you!\u201d<\/p>\n

After a pause, the posse did as they were told and reluctantly came into view. As Hoss glared across the clearing at the man holding his little brother hostage, he suddenly realised that neither Adam nor Ben were in sight. He kept his gaze fixed on Williams, just in case his wandering eyes should alert the other man. To keep Williams attention on him, he said, \u201cAre you all right, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Hoss,\u201d Joe replied, but Hoss could hear the strain quite clearly in his brother\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get you outa this, don\u2019t worry, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss went on.<\/p>\n

There was movement from behind Williams, but as Adam\u2019s head appeared, the bushes rustled loudly, and Williams whirled, firing wildly in that direction. Hoss took advantage of his distraction and snatched up his gun. The rest of the posse did the same, and a volley of shots was fired. Williams jerked as at least one of the bullets found its target, and he dropped Joe.<\/p>\n

Thereafter, it was a confusion of movement and shouting for a few minutes. Williams was still alive, although gravely injured, with a bullet in his lower back. Joe lay still, and Hoss knelt by him, his heart in his mouth. He felt frantically for a pulse, and it was there, erratic, but there.<\/p>\n

Glancing up, he was relieved to see both Ben and Adam coming from the bushes, apparently uninjured. \u201cPa, quick,\u201d he said, but Ben needed no urging. He knelt by his youngest son, and checked him over.<\/p>\n

There was a bullet high in the back of Joe\u2019s right shoulder. Ben swiftly unwrapped the bandages from his eyes, reasoning that Joe would need to see to be reassured after this, and Adam cut through the ropes binding his brother. \u201cLook at these rope burns, Pa,\u201d he said, in a low voice. Joe\u2019s wrists were raw and had been bleeding.<\/p>\n

With a groan, Joe began to revive. His eyelids fluttered before opening. He squinted disbelievingly at Ben. \u201cPa?\u201d he ventured, then winced. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, thanks,\u201d Adam said, leaning in so Joe could see him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYankee Granite head,\u201d Joe muttered. His eyes closed and he winced again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake a travois,\u201d Ben said to his older sons. \u201cJoe\u2019s in no state to ride home. Once that\u2019s done, Adam, you ride back to the ranch and send a hand for the doctor. We\u2019ll keep moving until we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood,\u201d Adam said, and they moved off.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben said, leaning over his son again. \u201cJoe, your eyes are a bit inflamed, so I\u2019m going to bandage them again, all right? I won\u2019t leave you, son, so don\u2019t worry. Williams is under arrest, and you\u2019re safe.\u201d Ben brushed the curls back from Joe\u2019s head, and grimaced as he saw a gash and bruise running along his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe said, but Ben could hear the fear running through his voice. \u201cPa, my shoulder hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been shot, son,\u201d Ben explained, gently. \u201cThe bullet is still in there, but we have to get you home to a doctor before we can do anything about it. Rest easy. Your brothers are making a travois.\u201d He began to wind the bandage round Joe\u2019s eyes again, and then laid his son\u2019s head tenderly in his lap. After a time, Joe slept.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

It was a slow journey back to the ranch. Roy and Clem had rigged a similar travois for Williams. However, it seemed doubtful that he would survive the journey back to Virginia City. Ben couldn\u2019t find a shred of pity in himself for the man. He had made Joe\u2019s life a misery over the last few days, and had taken contemptible advantage of a man who couldn\u2019t see. If Williams didn\u2019t survive his injury, Ben wouldn\u2019t grieve.<\/p>\n

It had been dark for a couple of hours when the weary procession finally reached the yard of the Ponderosa. Joe was too exhausted to stand unsupported, and was running a temperature as the bullet began an infection in his system. Hoss, although extremely tired himself, picked Joe up as though he weighed nothing, and carried him into the house and straight up to bed. Adam, who had been back for some time, put the horses away.<\/p>\n

Entering Joe\u2019s room, Ben saw Paul Martin bending over Joe, examining the wound. He was chattering away nineteen to the dozen, reassuring Joe that he would be fine in no time.\u00a0 His voice was cheerful, but his face was grim. He glanced round at Ben, nodded, and reached for his medical bag. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to give you something to make you sleep, and when you wake up, you\u2019ll feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always say that,\u201d Joe said, his voice light and breathless.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m always right, aren\u2019t I?\u201d Paul said. \u201cAnd don\u2019t answer that, young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a gurgle of laughter from Joe, and Paul applied the ether mask, and shortly thereafter, Joe was deep in a drugged sleep. Ben was firmly ushered from the room, and Hop Sing assisted Paul during the operation.<\/p>\n

Downstairs, Adam made Ben and Hoss have something to eat, and they both washed up. After that, it was just a matter of waiting. Time seemed to stand still. No matter how often Ben glanced at the clock, its hands seemed frozen. But at last, Paul came downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, Ben,\u201d Paul said, sitting down. \u201cHe\u2019s running quite a little fever up there, but there wasn\u2019t too much infected flesh to cut away. Give him a day or two to get over the shock to his system and he should be on the mend. His eyes are on the mend, even though they don\u2019t look too good. Leave the bandages off until he\u2019s regained consciousness. But I think you can leave them off all together in a day or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben said. \u201cPlease, stay the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to,\u201d Paul said, honestly, rising. \u201cBut I have another patient to see tonight, Ben.\u201d He made a wry face. \u201cIf he\u2019s still alive that is.\u201d Collecting his hat, Paul left.<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights went up stairs and into Joe\u2019s room. Hop Sing gave them all a searching look before relinquishing his place by Joe\u2019s bed. Ben sat down on the edge, and Hoss and Adam crowded close. Joe was still deeply asleep, his right shoulder bandaged, and his arm in a sling. The dirt had been washed from his face, leaving the bruises and scratches standing out in dark relief against the pale skin. His eyes looked swollen and red, but Adam could see an improvement in them since the accident happened.<\/p>\n

After about an hour, Joe began to revive. He groaned several times, and then his eyes flickered partially open. His gaze fell on Ben\u2019s face, and he smiled brilliantly. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he whispered, and licked his lips.<\/p>\n

While Ben helped him to drink, Joe squinted at his brothers, but they could see it was an effort to keep his eyes open. They didn\u2019t need any urging from Ben to wish their brother good night, and head off to bed. It was already close to midnight, and none of them had had much sleep in the last few days.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to bandage your eyes again, Joe,\u201d Ben said. He had deliberately not mentioned it until he saw Joe was ready to go back to sleep. It hadn\u2019t taken long.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, all right, Pa,\u201d Joe slurred. \u201cI\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you sleep, son,\u201d Ben said, tenderly, as he did his work. And not much to his surprise, Joe was asleep before Ben had pinned the bandage into place.<\/p>\n

About 5 am, Adam came in and relieved Ben so that his father could get some sleep. Joe had been restless all night, tossing and thrashing around, mumbling endlessly. His fever was high, but not uncontrollably so. Adam took over bathing Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Sometime about 7 Joe woke. \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered. His hand groped in the air.<\/p>\n

Catching his hand, Adam squeezed it, as he said, \u201cNo, it\u2019s me, Joe. Pa\u2019s asleep. He was up until about 5.\u201d<\/p>\n

Returning the pressure, Joe asked, \u201cWhat time is it now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeven,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cSeven in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed deeply, and winced. He was covered in bruises, but he hadn\u2019t suffered any broken ribs. \u201cDo you know,\u201d he said, \u201cthis is the first day in ages that I\u2019ve known what time of day or night it is?\u201d He swallowed. \u201cNot since you were attacked, really. I lost track of time that first day.\u201d He drank eagerly as Adam offered him water. \u201cI sort of knew it was day time because we were moving, but I could hardly sleep, and I was never sure. It\u2019s awful, being in the dark, Adam. I wouldn\u2019t wish it on anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019ve coped,\u201d Adam pointed out. \u201cAnd in the worst of circumstances, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe said, doubtfully. He yawned. \u201cI\u2019m tired,\u201d he said, plaintively, and Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo back to sleep then,\u201d he said. \u201cI guess I can do your chores for you today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe said, so sleepily that Adam knew he hadn\u2019t got the joke.<\/p>\n

*************<\/p>\n

As Paul had predicted, Joe continued to run a slight fever over the next few days. He slept a good deal of the time, and Paul came out regularly to check on him. He reported, without any grief, that Williams had died before he had got back to town. Apart from a savage \u201cgood!\u201d from Ben, nobody said anything.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t tell Joe for several days. Once his fever broke, he began to show signs of recovery. Paul kept a sharp eye on the shoulder injury, but it showed all the signs of healing very quickly. After two days, Paul took the bandages off Joe\u2019s eyes and spent a long time peering into them, and asking Joe questions. Ben waited anxiously at the other side of the room. Adam and Hoss waited anxiously in the living room.<\/p>\n

Finally straightening, Paul said, \u201cYour eyes are fine, Joe. No damage at all. I don\u2019t see any need for the bandages again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Doc,\u201d Joe said, his eyes shining. He threw a glance at Ben, and his father thought how much he\u2019d missed those loving glances from his son\u2019s expressive green eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can get up now, as long as you don\u2019t over do it,\u201d Paul said, wagging a finger at his patient for emphasis. \u201cYou\u2019ve had a hard few days, and don\u2019t forget that shoulder will need at least another 2 weeks to heal properly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Joe assured him, and was out of the bed before Paul was out of the room.<\/p>\n

It was good to have Joe up and about again, although he obeyed doctor\u2019s orders to the letter, showing Ben that eh wasn\u2019t feeling as well as he made out. However, he continued to improve, and was soon strolling gently to the barn to visit his beloved Cochise.<\/p>\n

But there was a change in Joe, Ben noticed. He was quieter than usual, and although it took a little manoeuvring, Ben finally got him alone by the corral one afternoon. \u201cAll right, son?\u201d he asked, casually, leaning on the fence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied, but his answer wouldn\u2019t have convinced anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut with it Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThere\u2019s something bothering you. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam said I coped with being blind very well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Startled, Ben looked at him. \u201cYour brother is right, son,\u201d he said. \u201cYou did cope very well, and under trying circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was almost exactly what he said, too,\u201d Joe commented, wryly. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t cope well, Pa. I was terrified! I didn\u2019t know where I was, I didn\u2019t know if there was anyone with me, and I couldn\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, anybody in his right mind would have been terrified,\u201d Ben insisted. \u201cThat\u2019s partly why people like Williams blindfold their hostages. It takes away some of their self-confidence, as well as prevents them identifying their captors. It\u2019s a rather sadistic way of playing Blind Man\u2019s Bluff, don\u2019t you see? In that game, you take away someone\u2019s sight, and try and make them find other people. Its done in the name of fun, but it\u2019s the same idea. I think you were extraordinarily brave to try to escape the way you did. But you did cope, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you say that?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can say it because you came back to us whole in mind, if not in body. If you hadn\u2019t coped, Joe, you would\u2019ve gone mad. But one way or another, you found the means to deal with the deprivation of your sight, the same as you found the ways to cope with trying to deal with your imprisonment. Joe, you are a very strong personality. Lord knows, we\u2019ve had some battles because of that, haven\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure have,\u201d Joe said, ruefully.<\/p>\n

Clapping a hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder, Ben said, \u201cBecause you are a strong personality, son, you\u2019ll always be able to cope. It might not feel like you\u2019re coping at the time, but you can do it. We never know what life will throw at us, and I\u2019m glad. But you can cope, son. You don\u2019t need me or your brothers all the time, although we\u2019ll always be here for you, the same as you are always here for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t thought of it that way,\u201d Joe admitted, huskily. \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Returning from a trip with Adam, Joe has an unfortunate accident. Things are then complicated when Joe is kidnapped.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0 (9,220 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":9639,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1091,23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2069,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Indiana-Dividing-Line.jpg?fit=716%2C554&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5284,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5284","url_meta":{"origin":5928,"position":0},"title":"No Flash in the Pan (by Cowgirl8)","author":"Cowgirl8","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is\u00a0a story that I wrote for my English class. My teacher really liked it. It's about the boys while Ben is out of Town. There is foreshadowing. And we weren't supposed to have blood and Gore so nothing gruesome in this story. Any spelling or grammar errors\u00a0are my fault.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3845,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3845","url_meta":{"origin":5928,"position":1},"title":"Truths Behind Unexplained Adam Mess-ups (by OyNebach42)","author":"OyNebach42","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Just what the title says, why Adam does things that seem... illogical. 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Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,375 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Friendship-4.jpg?fit=500%2C373&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13179,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13179","url_meta":{"origin":5928,"position":4},"title":"Half Brothers (by No1ButJoe)","author":"No1butjoe","date":"July 28, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Adam the meaning of the words \u201chalf brother\u201d. Can Adam explain it correctly so a ten-year old Joe can understand? Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: 1250","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5959,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5959","url_meta":{"origin":5928,"position":5},"title":"Moon Blind (by Patina)","author":"patina","date":"February 18, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Rating: K Word Count=1696 Summary:\u00a0A short What Happened in Between for The Dowry. Joe, a beautiful woman, and moonlight should have been the perfect recipe for romance.","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\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Moon-Blind.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5928","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}