{"id":5930,"date":"2003-02-26T11:57:21","date_gmt":"2003-02-26T16:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5930"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:06:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:06:52","slug":"blame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5930","title":{"rendered":"Blame (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>An inexplicable attack upon Adam and Joe leaves Joe grappling with fear and blaming himself. Joe sets out to hunt down their attacker, but will he live to tell the tale?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>(12,325 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

Blame\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to pull through this time,\u201d Paul Martin said, sadly. He saw the shock on his old friend\u2019s face, and put his hand out to steady him. \u201cIf he had received medical treatment sooner, then perhaps I could be more optimistic, but right now, it looks pretty bleak.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was movement from behind Ben, and the outer door slammed shut. Turning, Ben stared at Hoss, his middle son. Hoss had tears in his eyes, but he was staring after his other brother, who had just rushed out of the room.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t realise he\u2019d take it so badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not your fault, Paul,\u201d Ben said, wretchedly. \u201cBut you see, he blames himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t his fault, Pa,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe don\u2019t think it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realise he blamed himself, but I should\u2019ve guessed that. Someone should go after him,\u201d Paul said. \u201cWith that head injury, he should be lying down resting, not wandering around alone!\u201d Paul sighed. \u201cI\u2019ll send Mrs Baxter to tell Roy to look out for him. We don\u2019t want him drinking until he\u2019s been thoroughly examined. Ben, do you want to go in and sit with\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben interrupted, and went past Paul. Hoss followed close on his heels. Paul looked to the outer door for a second, concerned about his other patient, but he didn\u2019t have the time to spare to go looking for him at that moment. He beckoned to Mrs Baxter, and said, \u201cGo and ask Sheriff Coffee to look for Little Joe and bring him back at once. He needs medical attention, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, doctor,\u201d she said, and went out. With a sigh, Paul went back in to see how Adam was getting on. He was almost certain that Adam would die.<\/p>\n

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

Outside, Joe leaned against on of the porch pillars and tried to catch his breath. Adam was near death! Joe could hardly believe that. Adam had always seemed so invulnerable to Joe, courtesy of the 12 sometimes-discordant years that separated them. And if Adam did die, it would be his fault for not getting him to the doctor soon enough.<\/p>\n

That thought caused so much pain that Joe ran from it, his steps stumbling and faltering. He headed instinctively for the Silver Dollar saloon, which spilled light and sound out onto the boardwalk. He lurched in the door, and leaned against the bar, trying to get his breath. He didn\u2019t understand why he found it so difficult. \u201cWhiskey,\u201d he panted, and dropped a coin on the bar. He was unaware of the sudden hush around about as everyone gazed at him in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you ought to, Joe?\u201d asked Sam. \u201cLooks like you need the doc to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give me a whiskey,\u201d Joe snarled. \u201cI\u2019m all right!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Sam said, and poured. Joe grabbed the glass and threw the spirit down his throat. As he clunked the glass back on the bar, ready to call for another, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror behind the bar, and gaped in shock.<\/p>\n

He was covered in blood!<\/p>\n

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

Gradually, he realised that someone was talking to him and he looked into Roy Coffee\u2019s face. \u201cRoy?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGotta come with me, Little Joe,\u201d Roy said, guiding him gently out of the saloon. Clem, his deputy, was on Joe\u2019s other side, ready to intervene if necessary. Joe looked dreadful, his face, neck and shirt streaked with dried blood from the gash along his hairline. His face was bruised, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019re we going?\u201d Joe slurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust back to the doc\u2019s to see how your brother is doin\u2019,\u201d Roy said, in that same soothing tone.<\/p>\n

Wrenching his arm from Roy\u2019s grasp, Joe attempted to turn back to the saloon. Clem caught him, and Roy re-asserted his grip. \u201cI\u2019m not going!\u201d Joe stated, struggling. Clem and Roy kept going inexorably. \u201cNo!\u201d Joe yelled, and dug in his heels. It made no difference. His heels just scraped little furrows along the dirt street. Panting, desperate to get away, Joe tugged his arms free, and spun around. But the whiskey he had consumed had gone straight to his head, and Joe\u2019s balance, already affected by the head injury, let him down, and he crashed to the ground. Once down, it seemed easier to Joe just to stay there. He felt hands on his arms, but he let go and fell into darkness.<\/p>\n

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

At dawn that day, Joe had been roused from a sound slumber by Adam, who even had breakfast almost ready. \u201cCome on, sleepyhead, up and at \u2018em,\u201d Adam said, cheerily.<\/p>\n

With a fearsome groan that worked hard to convince Adam that the groaner was at death\u2019s door, Joe opened one eye. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime to get up,\u201d Adam replied, with that infuriating logic that drove Joe to distraction first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo \u2018way!\u201d Joe muttered, and pulled the bedroll over his head again.<\/p>\n

But Adam wasn\u2019t having that. He pulled the cover away. \u201cCome on, Joe, get up. Breakfast is almost ready, and we have a lot to do today. If we get though it quickly, we might even get home tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rubbing his face, Joe accepted defeat, and rolled out from the warmth of the covers. He dressed quickly for the early morning air was brisk, and crouched by the fire to get a cup of coffee and some bacon. With the hot food inside him, Joe soon began to warm up and as the coffee began to circulate round his system, he began to feel more awake.<\/p>\n

Crouched on the other side of the fire, Adam watched this process with a hidden smile. He was quite used to seeing Joe transform from a grouch to a human being each morning. Some mornings, it annoyed him, but today he was amused. This had been a good trip for the brothers, with none of the discord that sometimes marred their relationship.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we tidy up the camp, so we can leave for home once we\u2019re done?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d Joe agreed, and before long, they were rolling up bedrolls, and packing up cooking gear. Soon, everything was stowed away in their saddlebags, and the fire was put out. Joe swung himself onto Cochise and looked at Adam. \u201cWhere do we start?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Mentally reviewing what was still left to do, Adam made a decision. \u201cWhy don\u2019t I go and mark off those trees along Wild Horse Ridge, and you go and check that last shack on the boundary? I\u2019ll meet you at Wild Horse Ridge, this end, later? That way we\u2019ll definitely finish in time to get home tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like your thinking, big brother,\u201d Joe said, and flipped Adam a wave as he rode off.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam mounted Sport, and rode off in the opposite direction. He knew that Joe was longing to get home after almost 3 weeks of tree marking and line shack checking, with a bit of fence fixing thrown in for variety. With a grin, Adam had to admit to himself that he was quite keen to get home, too! Three weeks of sleeping on the ground most nights was more than enough.<\/p>\n

Wild Horse Ridge was thick with trees, and Adam knew that Ben was right to earmark this bit for thinning out. He tethered Sport on a loose rein and headed off to work. The day was warming up nicely, but it was an Indian summer warmth, with a touch of the coming winter in the breeze. Several times Adam found himself shivering when he was out of the sun. Still, he could think of worse things to be doing \u2013 much worse! \u2013 and he whistled slightly as he worked.<\/p>\n

Riding in the opposite direction, Joe arrived at the line shack about an hour after setting out. He hitched Cochise to the rail outside, and went in to assess the condition of the shack. At first glance, it appeared to be fine, but a closer inspection showed that rats had been making a nest in one corner with the shredded remains of what looked like a food sack. Joe heard scampering noises indicating that the rodents were still in situ, and set about getting rid of them.<\/p>\n

The rats had caused a lot of damage amongst the stored foodstuffs, and Joe spent an age scrubbing and sorting out the food cupboard. He replaced the faulty catch that had allowed access to the food, and repaired the holes he found in the walls. It all took much longer than he had expected, and he ate a strip of jerky for lunch as he rode back to meet Adam at Wild Horse Ridge.<\/p>\n

The afternoon was well on when Joe arrived, and he feared they might not get home that night as they had intended. It wouldn\u2019t be a tragedy, but Joe knew that he would be very disappointed if that happened. He wanted to sleep in his own bed again, and to eat Hop Sing\u2019s cooking, not his own or Adam\u2019s!<\/p>\n

Pulling Cochise up beside Sport, Joe tethered his horse. He had expected Adam to be waiting for him, since he was so much later than intended. \u201cAdam?\u201d he called. Silence. \u201cHey, Adam!\u201d Joe whistled piercingly, but there was no answering shout or whistle. Perplexed, Joe set off to look for him.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons Adam had sent Joe up to the line shack was that Wild Horse Ridge had some precipitous drops, and Adam knew that Joe wasn\u2019t comfortable with heights. There were places along the ridge where the trail seemed to be clinging to the edge of the mountain by its fingernails, and Adam often felt a moment of disquiet walking along there, and he didn\u2019t mind heights.<\/p>\n

Coming to one of these places, Joe grabbed the nearest tree until his vertigo settled. He drew in several deep breaths before shouting once more. \u201cAdam!\u201d Still nothing, and Joe gritted his teeth and edged his way past the dizzying drop. Once more in the trees, Joe had to stop for a moment to catch his breath. He was beginning to feel anxious about Adam. Where was he, and why wasn\u2019t he calling back to Joe?<\/p>\n

All along the trail, Joe could see where Adam had marked trees, and he followed these marks quite easily. He wished Adam were as easy to find. Every now and then, he called and whistled, but there was never any answer.<\/p>\n

Just ahead, the trail opened to the mountainside again, and Joe hesitated while steeling himself to go onto the exposed ridge. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened on something lying on the trail, and he forgot about his nerves as he stepped forward for a closer look. He gasped.<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s axe!<\/p>\n

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

For a second, Joe stood frozen, then let out a piercing whistle. He assumed Adam was close. He rushed forwards, expecting to see Adam step from behind a tree with that infuriating grin he wore when he had succeeded in winding Joe up \u2013 again! But there was no sign of his brother, and no answer. Joe\u2019s anxiety increased.<\/p>\n

He halted uncertainly at the edge of the tree line, and something jumped on him from the branches above his head. Joe tumbled to the ground, catching himself barely inches from the edge! He twisted desperately, and threw a punch at the man looming down on him. The punch wasn\u2019t very effective, but it forced the man back for a moment, long enough for Joe to get a look at him. He was tall and cadaverous, unshaven and dirty. Joe had never seen him before.<\/p>\n

He had no more time to think on it, because the man launched himself at Joe again, and Joe rolled away. But it had just been a feint, and when Joe rolled to his feet, he found that his opponent had a long branch held in his hands in a manner that suggested he meant business with it, and knew how to use it.<\/p>\n

Panting, Joe tried to keep an eye on both the man and the edge of the mountain. But since eyes work best when they work together, Joe was bound to fail in this endeavour. He took his attention from the man for a precious second as he gauged his distance from the edge, saw a shadow in his peripheral vision and felt a blinding pain in his head. He toppled to the ground, no longer caring if he was near the edge or not. He was unconscious before he hit.<\/p>\n

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

How much time passed before Joe roused he was never sure. For a few seconds, he didn\u2019t know who he was or where he was, but awareness returned and he tried to sit up. Pain hammered through his head, knocking him flat again. He lay there, groaning, until a sudden thought drove everything else from his mind. Adam! Where was Adam?<\/p>\n

This time, Joe made it to his feet, although the sunlight seemed very bright. Shading his eyes, Joe looked around. There was still no sign of Adam, and Joe really didn\u2019t know where to look. Spying his hat lying close to the edge of the mountain, Joe staggered over to pick it up, and decided that it would be safest to do so if he was on his knees. It was a fortuitous decision, because as he leaned carefully over to retrieve it, his eye fell further down the mountain, and he saw Adam\u2019s broken body lying on a ledge about 10 feet below the trail.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam! Adam!\u201d Joe screamed, but his brother didn\u2019t stir. Clinging on to the edge, Joe saw that there were no handholds to be seen on the cliff face, and he would need a rope to rescue him. Joe swallowed. The thought of going down to that ledge made his head swim. He set his jaw. Adam needed him, and now wasn\u2019t the time to give in to his fear of heights. Joe staggered to his feet again. \u201cI\u2019ll be back soon,\u201d he called, hoping against hope that Adam might hear him.<\/p>\n

It took Joe a moment to orient himself again, but he set off determinedly. Pictures of the drop to the ledge kept intruding on his mind, and he finally had to stop and throw up behind a tree. Joe thought it was just his fear of heights that made him nauseous, not realising that he was bleeding copiously from a gash along his hairline.<\/p>\n

He hurried, terrified that Adam would die, but as he neared the place where the horses had been tethered, a new fear crossed his mind. What if the horses were gone? He bit his lip, something he\u2019d been doing a lot, and hurried even more. Crossing the last open space before he reached the horses, Joe was extra careful. A fall now would spell death for both brothers. By the time he reached the clearing where he had left the horses, Joe was sobbing.<\/p>\n

The horses were there. Cochise greeted his master with a snort. Joe barely had time to pat his friend as he snatched the ropes from both saddles. He took a step away, then turned back for the canteens. He gulped a few mouthfuls from one, feeling slightly better for a moment or two. He drew a deep breath as he started back along the trail. His vision was funny, but Joe blamed the sweat dripping into his eyes. He wiped it away with a shaking hand, not noticing the blood.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t seem as though Adam had moved at all. Joe called down to him, but got no answer. He swiftly tied the ropes together, and knotted one end securely round the nearest tree. He slid out of his jacket and laid it on the edge of the cliff, under the rope. The last thing he needed was the rope fraying! Tugging his gloves out of his pockets, Joe slipped them on, slung a canteen round his neck, and stopped. For a terrifying second, his fear paralysed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam will die!\u201d he hissed to himself. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to save him!\u201d Not allowing himself another moment to think, Joe grabbed the rope, tied the end of it round his waist, and slid gingerly over the edge.<\/p>\n

Slowly, hand over hand, Joe eased himself down the cliff. He kept his eyes on the rock face in front of him. The single glance he had taken to see how far he had to go had almost made him freeze. When his feet finally touched the rough surface of the ledge, Joe was all but crying as he tried to keep calm.<\/p>\n

Adam lay unconscious, and Joe anxiously felt him over for broken bones. It seemed that Adam had a broken leg, and probably at least one broken arm, but there didn\u2019t seem to be a head injury, probably because Adam\u2019s head had landed on one out-flung arm.<\/p>\n

Carefully lifting Adam\u2019s head, Joe trickled some water into his brother\u2019s mouth. After a minute or so, Adam began to drink, and Joe felt relieved. His brother wasn\u2019t too deep in unconsciousness if he could do that. However, that set Joe to thinking, and he realised that it would be easier on Adam if he could get him up the cliff while he was still out.<\/p>\n

It was a daunting thought. However he looked at it, Joe realised that he would have to pull Adam up while climbing up himself, so he could protect his brother from further injury. Joe didn\u2019t know if he had the physical strength to do it.<\/p>\n

After a lot of thought and a false start or two, Joe finally managed to get Adam onto his back, and tied on with the loose end of the rope. Joe was glad he had tied both ropes together. Joe took a drink from the canteen before he started, and hung it round his neck. Adam was a warm, dead weight on his back, and Joe prayed that he would find the strength to get them both up the sheer face in front of him.<\/p>\n

It took Joe almost an hour to traverse the cliff. By the time he dragged himself over the edge on his stomach, Adam was mumbling his way back to consciousness. Joe dragged them over to the trees before allowing himself to relax and believe that he had finally got Adam to safety. He was exhausted, and lay flat out for several minutes trying to regain his strength. He shed more than a few tears.<\/p>\n

However, practicality was soon asserting itself again. Joe untied the rope, and eased Adam carefully onto his back. He took a deep drink from the canteen, and gave some more to Adam. His brother\u2019s eyes opened, and he looked briefly at Joe, but he didn\u2019t speak, and his eyes soon drifted closed again. It was then that it occurred to Joe that he only had Adam part way to safety. He still had to get home from Wild Horse Ridge, and to do that, he had to get Adam back to the horses.<\/p>\n

The new effort he would have to make was staggering, but Joe didn\u2019t even think of shirking it. Adam needed help, that was obvious. Whatever was wrong with him was serious, beyond the broken arm and leg. Joe didn\u2019t have the time to ride home and get help. He couldn\u2019t leave Adam.\u00a0 Wearily, Joe rose and set about making a travois.<\/p>\n

By the time Joe was loading his brother onto the completed travois, the sun was beginning to go down. He gave Adam some more water, and then looped the ropes around his own slim shoulders and began to pull the travois along the trail.<\/p>\n

It was incredibly hard going, and Joe had already had a strenuous climb up the cliff bearing Adam\u2019s weight. He was forced to stop and rest frequently, and each time he rose again, it took more and more effort to get started. The sun was below the edge of the mountain when Joe finally reached the clearing where the horses waited patiently.<\/p>\n

From there, Joe\u2019s task was easier, once he had the travois hitched to Sport\u2019s saddle. It was getting cooler, and Joe shivered. He wished he\u2019d stopped to pick up his jacket, but it hadn\u2019t been a priority. But with his sweat-soaked shirt cooling rapidly in the chilly breeze, Joe was sorry he had left it behind. He took Adam\u2019s bedroll from his saddle and tucked it carefully around him. Adam had opened his eyes several times, but said nothing. Taking Sport\u2019s rein, Joe mounted Cochise, and set off for home.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Later, Joe wasn\u2019t sure when he decided to head for town, rather than the ranch. As far as distance went, they were about the same, but Joe reasoned that he was going to get medical help for Adam more quickly in town. It was fully dark and had been for a couple of hours when Joe rode into town. He was drooping in the saddle, barely able to stay upright, such was his exhaustion. But his determination was no less, and he was going to get Adam to the doctor if it was the last thing he did.<\/p>\n

As he pulled up outside Paul Martin\u2019s office, Roy Coffee, the sheriff came out of his office on the other side of the street. He recognised Joe at once and hurried across. \u201cJoe! What\u2019s happened, boy?\u201d he asked, catching the youth as he all but fell from the saddle.<\/p>\n

Fighting Roy off, Joe opened the door to the doctor\u2019s office. \u201cAdam\u2019s hurt,\u201d he announced. \u201cQuick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking one appalled look at Joe, Paul hurried out to the travois, and blanched. \u201cRoy, help me get Adam inside. Joe, sit down. Roy, could you get Mrs Baxter, I\u2019ll need her, and send someone across to the Silver Dollar for Ben and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure they\u2019re there?\u201d Roy gasped, as he helped Paul carry Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I saw them going in not half an hour ago.\u201d Paul grabbed his stethoscope and listened to Adam\u2019s heart. Straightening, he saw Joe leaning against the doorpost. \u201cSit down, Joe, I\u2019ll get to you soon,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe said, and Paul noticed he was slurring his words. The youth was filthy and he bore numerous small scrapes, as well as the gash along his head. It had clearly bled a lot, and although Paul knew how easily a small knock on the head could bleed, he was concerned that this injury was more serious. \u201cAdam fell off a cliff,\u201d Joe reported. His voice didn\u2019t sound like his. Joe blinked, trying to concentrate. \u201cI don\u2019t know how. I had to get him up. He hasn\u2019t spoken since I found him, this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d said his father\u2019s horrified voice from behind him. Joe started to turn, but his system had just had enough. He passed out into Ben\u2019s loving arms.<\/p>\n

Catching Joe, Ben hoisted him easily in his arms. \u201cPaul, what is it? Oh, my God, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLay Joe down I\u2019ll get to him when I can. Don\u2019t let him move about too much. That looks a nasty injury. Ben, I\u2019m afraid Adam\u2019s condition is critical, and I\u2019m going to have to operate. Do I have your permission.\u201d Paul wasn\u2019t asking.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, but what do you think is wrong?\u201d Ben stepped aside to let Mrs Baxter through.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s bleeding internally,\u201d Paul said, and closed the door in Ben\u2019s stunned face.<\/p>\n

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

They roused Joe from his faint with some brandy. Ben and Hoss listened intently as Joe told them what had happened to him. He couldn\u2019t say exactly what had happened to Adam, but he speculated that the man who had attacked him had attacked Adam, too, and somehow forced him off the cliff. \u201cIf only I\u2019d got there sooner,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I\u2019d only managed to get him back here quicker. But I kept having to rest. I didn\u2019t mean to take so much time, Pa, honest!\u201d Ben hastened to tell him it wasn\u2019t his fault, but Joe didn\u2019t appear to be listening. When Joe\u2019s weary voice had fallen silent, he had appeared to doze. Ben sat by his side, deeply concerned by the head injury, and terrified that Adam was dying on the operating table.<\/p>\n

They waited for better than an hour before Paul Martin appeared again. He looked tired and discouraged. Ben\u2019s heart sank. He left Joe\u2019s side and went over. \u201cWell?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to pull through this time,\u201d Paul Martin said, sadly. He saw the shock on his old friend\u2019s face, and put his hand out to steady him. \u201cIf he had received medical treatment sooner, then perhaps I could be more optimistic, but right now, it looks pretty bleak.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was movement from behind Ben, and the outer door slammed shut. Turning, Ben stared at Hoss, his middle son. Hoss had tears in his eyes, but he was staring after Joe, who had just rushed out of the room, evading Hoss\u2019 clutching hand.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Paul said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t realise he\u2019d take it so badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not your fault, Paul,\u201d Ben said, wretchedly. \u201cBut you see, he blames himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t his fault, Pa,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe don\u2019t think it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c I didn\u2019t realise he blamed himself, but I should\u2019ve guessed that. Someone should go after him,\u201d Paul said. \u201cWith that head injury, he should be lying down resting, not wandering around alone!\u201d Paul sighed. \u201cI\u2019ll send Mrs Baxter to tell Roy to look out for him. We don\u2019t want him drinking until he\u2019s been thoroughly examined. Ben, do you want to go in and sit with\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben interrupted, and went past Paul. Hoss followed close on his heels. Paul looked to the outer door for a second, concerned about his other patient, but he didn\u2019t have the time to spare to go looking for him at that moment. He beckoned to Mrs Baxter, and said, \u201cGo and ask Sheriff Coffee to look for Little Joe and bring him back at once. He needs medical attention, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, doctor,\u201d she said, and went out. With a sigh, Paul went back in to see how Adam was getting on. He was almost certain that Adam would die.<\/p>\n

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

Picking up Joe between them, Roy and Clem carried the unconscious youth back to Paul\u2019s office. The news about Adam was grim, and they feared what they might learn when they took Joe back. \u201cIs Adam \u2026?\u201d Roy asked, as Paul appeared from the inner office.<\/p>\n

\u201cHanging on,\u201d Paul said. \u201cI can\u2019t say more than that right now.\u201d He gestured to the couch where Joe had been lying earlier. \u201cPut him down there, thanks. Where was he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the saloon. He\u2019d downed one whiskey, but we stopped him before he could buy another.\u201d Roy looked down at Joe anxiously. He had known the boy all his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful to you, Roy. With an injury like this, alcohol is about the worst thing he could have.\u201d Paul began to clean up the wound. It was deep, and there were signs of infection. Ben had related Joe\u2019s tale to Paul, and he now up dated Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why would anyone do such a thing?\u201d Roy demanded, clearly perplexed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s your job, Roy, I\u2019m thankful to say,\u201d Paul responded, with an attempt at levity. \u201cI have enough to do with my own job right now.\u201d He poured some alcohol onto the injury, and was gratified that Joe responded with mumbling and winces. Quickly, he bandaged Joe\u2019s head, and then revived him completely. He spent some time peering into Joe\u2019s eyes and asking questions, and finally was satisfied that Joe didn\u2019t have a fractured skull. However, he knew that Joe was badly concussed, exhausted, dehydrated and in mild shock. He needed someone watching him, but naturally, all eyes would be on Adam. In fact, Paul knew he had to get back to Adam right then.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, do you want to see Adam?\u201d he asked. He felt a little guilty for asking that, but if Joe was in the same room as his older brother, Paul could keep half an eye on him at the same time he was watching Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe said, ducking his head. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Joe,\u201d Roy protested, but Joe cut over the top of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts my fault Adam is dying,\u201d he cried. \u201cMy fault, Roy! I didn\u2019t get him here fast enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

At Joe\u2019s outcry, Ben appeared in the doorway of the inner room, concern etched deep on his face. However, Paul didn\u2019t allow him the chance to speak. It was his comment that had reinforced Joe\u2019s idea that he was to blame for Adam\u2019s condition, and he must try to undo the damage. \u201cJoe, from what your Pa told me, I think it\u2019s a miracle that you got Adam here at all.\u201d He shook Joe\u2019s shoulder, then forced his chin up, so Joe met his eyes. \u201cListen to me, boy! Anyone would have had trouble getting Adam up a cliff like that, never mind someone who had just received a serious head injury! But you did get him up, Joe, and all alone! If you had come back to town for help, Adam would certainly have died.\u201d There were tears in Joe\u2019s eyes now, but he was listening. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if Adam will pull through or not, but I never count a Cartwright down. And if you hadn\u2019t done what you did, he would be dead! You have nothing to blame yourself for, do you understand!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d Ben said, fearing that the doctor had been too hard on Joe, but Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, Pa,\u201d he said, and Ben saw that Paul\u2019s brutality had succeeded where his own gentle understanding hadn\u2019t. Joe might not have been entirely convinced by Paul\u2019s argument \u2013 he was really too concussed for that \u2013 but he went a long way to shedding the load of unwarranted guilt he was toting.<\/p>\n

Rising, Paul looked at Roy. \u201cYou can question Joe tomorrow,\u201d he said, and Roy understood that come morning, they would know if Adam was going to live or die. \u201cHe might be a bit more with it then,\u201d Paul added. He reached down and slid an arm under Joe\u2019s. \u201cCome on, hero, let\u2019s get you lying down next door.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

For all that Joe intended to watch over Adam like Ben and Hoss were doing, he just couldn\u2019t keep his eyes open. Joe had run a gamut of emotions that day, and he was physically exhausted, as well as concussed. His body simply wouldn\u2019t allow him to stay away any longer, and he fell asleep almost at once on the cot across the room from where Adam lay.<\/p>\n

All night, Ben watched over both his sons. Joe was as restless as ever, and he murmured in his sleep, although the words weren\u2019t intelligible. Ben could only hope that he wasn\u2019t relieving the nightmare of the previous afternoon. He could still barely credit that Joe had managed to rescue Adam while injured himself. It didn\u2019t surprise him that Joe should do so, but that he should do so under such adverse circumstances impressed him no end. First, there was the head injury, and Paul hadn\u2019t underplayed the seriousness of that to Ben. Then there was his fear of heights, and of all the places on the ranch to face those fears, Wild Horse Ridge wasn\u2019t the place Ben would have chosen. It was an act of incredible courage and determination.<\/p>\n

And then there was Adam. His oldest son lay so still and pale on the bed; his chest and stomach heavily bandaged, his left leg in a cast, as were both his arms. Paul said it was a miracle that he hadn\u2019t broken his neck or back, or fractured his skull. But there had been some internal bleeding, and Paul had had to operate to stop it. They had been lucky. It wasn\u2019t an artery, or Adam would have died before Joe ever found him, nor was the bleeding vein attached to any major organ. None of Adam\u2019s internal organs appeared to be damaged as far as Paul could see.<\/p>\n

But Adam was still desperately ill. He had lost a lot of blood, and only time would make it good again. He hadn\u2019t regained consciousness properly since Joe had found him earlier that afternoon, and Paul was seriously worried. Was there some hidden head trauma? Some other little bleed that he hadn\u2019t found? Adam was far too weak for him to consider any further surgery. Paul simply had to trust that Adam\u2019s own constitution would pull him through. That \u2013 and the love of his family.<\/p>\n

In that dark hour before dawn, Adam made his first movement. Paul was dozing in a chair in the corner. Ben was soothing Joe, who had been crying in his sleep. Hoss was the only person in the room watching Adam, and he had been staring at his older brother for so long that he thought he was imagining it when Adam\u2019s fingers twitched. Sitting up slightly straighter, Hoss peered more intently, and was rewarded with another twitch. \u201cPa,\u201d he said, low, but it was enough. Ben was at his side in seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked, also keeping his voice low.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam moved,\u201d Hoss whispered. \u201cHe moved his fingers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Ben asked, fighting down the hope which had risen in his heart.\u00a0 But before Hoss could answer, it happened again. \u201cAdam?\u201d Ben said, leaning close. \u201cAdam, can you open your eyes for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

After a pause that lasted so long Ben thought nothing was going to happen, Adam\u2019s eyelids fluttered, and cracked open. Two bleary brown eyes met Ben\u2019s and he could see the recognition in them. \u201cStay awake, son,\u201d Ben urged, and Hoss leaned over to shake Paul, who came awake immediately, and rushed to Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Paul said, and Adam slowly looked over. \u201cYou\u2019ve had an accident,\u201d Paul went on. \u201cPlease try and stay awake for a while, all right?\u201d There was a slight nod in response. Paul shared a quick look with Ben before he began to examine Adam, asking questions which he could answer with a nod or shake of the head. Finally, he was satisfied that Adam wasn\u2019t bleeding internally any more, and would gradually become more alert as he made good the blood loss. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m just going to give you something for pain, and to help you sleep. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips moved, and Paul leaned in close to hear. The single word that Adam said came as no surprise to Paul and he smiled. \u201cOver there,\u201d he said, and urged Ben to step aside so that Adam could see the object of his concern sleeping restlessly on the cot. Following Paul\u2019s pointing finger, Adam saw Joe, and sighed deeply. His eyes drifted closed again, and Paul was convinced that he was asleep even before the needle containing the morphine pierced his thigh.<\/p>\n

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

By mid-morning, Paul was convinced that Adam would live. He had wakened up briefly, and Paul had been able to get some soup into him, along with more water. By then, Paul was almost out on his feet, and he left Adam in Mrs Baxter\u2019s capable hands while he went to catch some sleep. He ordered the Cartwrights to do the same, for Adam had a long road to recovery in front of him, and it would help no one if the other family members collapsed through exhaustion.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Ben and Hoss repaired to the hotel. Joe was still at Paul\u2019s office, as he had been stricken with recurring bouts of nausea, as a result of the concussion he had suffered. He was still physically exhausted, and Paul didn\u2019t want him moved quite yet. Head injuries were always tricky, and with Joe, anything was possible.<\/p>\n

Father and son ate quickly, then headed for their room. They barely took the time to shed their clothes, before dropping onto the beds and falling into a deep slumber. When Ben wakened, he could tell by the cast of the shadows that it was almost sunset. For a moment his heart contracted painfully. Were Adam and Joe still all right? Then common sense prevailed and he realised that if anything had happened, Paul would have sent for them at once. Sitting up stiffly, he could see that Hoss was still asleep. Ben rose from the bed, and started to dress. He tried to be quiet, but some small noise, or the movement, woke Hoss, and so they went to get a meal together before they headed back over to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

The office was quiet when they entered, and Ben softly opened the door to the inner room. Adam still lay asleep on the bed, and Ben doubted if he\u2019d moved at all since they left earlier. Joe was lying down, but as soon as the door opened, his green eyes glanced over, and he attempted a smile. It wasn\u2019t very successful, as he clearly still felt ill. Ben checked on Adam, feeling his forehead lightly to check for fever, which was absent, and then went over to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d he asked, taking in the youth\u2019s pallor, and the huge bruise that showed under the edge of the bandage.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe replied, listlessly. He made an effort to sit up, but the sudden feeling of nausea drove him back down before Ben could urge him to lie still. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping,\u201d Ben replied, glancing over his shoulder. \u201cBut Paul says he\u2019s going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he was dead,\u201d Joe said, and tears suddenly streaked his face. Ben gathered Joe in his arms, murmuring soothing sounds. \u201cWhen I spotted him lying there on that ledge, I thought he was dead!\u201d Joe sniffed. \u201cAll the time I was climbing that cliff, I thought of what would happen if I couldn\u2019t get him up. And then, I had to get him to the horses, and back here. Pa, I thought he would die! I thought it would be my fault if he died!\u201d Joe was working himself up into a fit of hysteria. Ben didn\u2019t doubt he was entitled to it, but he felt it would be better if Joe was kept fairly quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Joe,\u201d Ben said, sternly. \u201cAdam didn\u2019t die,\u201d Ben softened his voice, \u201cand it\u2019s all thanks to you! You risked your own life to save him, and I\u2019m so proud of you I could burst! Don\u2019t blame yourself for anything. You just rest and get better, and don\u2019t worry about a thing.\u201d He cradled Joe in his arms, as he had done when his son was just a small child. He could feel Joe relaxing in his embrace. After a few minutes, he realised that Joe was asleep, and eased him back onto the pillows.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cAdam\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those appeared to be magic words. They were hardly out of Hoss\u2019 mouth when the door opened, and Paul Martin came in. He was carrying a steaming plate of soup. \u201cOh, good, awake I see,\u201d he said, cheerfully. \u201cHello, Ben, Hoss. Have a good sleep? Good. You\u2019re just in time to help me feed Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, son,\u201d Ben said, gently lifting Adam\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam whispered, but Ben was delighted. It was the first thing he had heard Adam say. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe\u2019s all right. Got a bang on the head, but he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Accepting the first mouthful of soup, Adam swallowed dutifully, then looked back at Ben. \u201cDon\u2019t remember,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe brought you here, son, after he carried you up that cliff you fell over.\u201d Ben tried to make a joke out of it, but he failed dismally.<\/p>\n

His son\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cJoe?\u201d he croaked. He still managed to sound incredulous. \u201cA cliff? Oh.\u201d From the look in his eyes, Ben guessed that Adam did indeed remember at least part of the previous afternoon, and it was a part he\u2019d really rather not be recalling.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, Adam, you\u2019re safe here,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about a thing. Just do as the doctor says, and you\u2019ll be well in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Paul continued to spoon the soup into Adam, the oldest Cartwright looked around the room. He smiled briefly at Hoss, and his eyes rested on Joe\u2019s slumbering form for a second, but something was clearly on his mind. It was Paul\u2019s gaze he finally snagged. \u201cHurt bad?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam, you are hurt badly,\u201d Paul replied, matter of factly.\u00a0 \u201cYour left leg is broken, and so are both your arms. You were bleeding internally, and I had to operate to stop it. You\u2019re going to be here for at least a week, if not longer, then we\u2019ll think about letting you go home. But you won\u2019t be walking about much even if you do!\u201d He smiled. \u201cBut you\u2019ll be fine in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Adam said, and closed his eyes. Paul didn\u2019t object. Adam had eaten a lot more than he had expected, and he was quite satisfied with his progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sleep then,\u201d Paul said, and smiled as Ben eased Adam\u2019s head to the pillow, and carefully tucked him in.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Three days later, Joe rode slowly back to the ranch with Hoss. Ben was staying in town to be near Adam, who was gaining strength every day. Joe was still feeling the effects of the concussion he\u2019d suffered, but the gash on his head was healing cleanly, and he was mostly over the dreadful nausea. His head still ached relentlessly, but he fancied that being out in the fresh air was making a difference to it. He felt as weak as a newborn kitten, for until that day, he had only left the doctor\u2019s office to walk to the hotel. Lack of exercise was taking its toll.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right, Shortshanks?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou\u2019re awful quiet. You ain\u2019t plannin\u2019 some mischief are ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not planning anything,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Hoss, I was just thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Bout Adam, I don\u2019t doubt,\u201d Hoss said, wisely, for he knew it rankled with Joe that he hadn\u2019t had the chance to speak to Adam properly before he left for home. But Adam still slept most of the time, and when he was awake, Ben was with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, about Adam, and about Roy,\u201d Joe agreed. He had given Roy as full a description of his attacker as he could, but tall, thin, dirty and unshaven covered literally hundreds of people in the territory. Joe couldn\u2019t even make a good guess at the colour of the man\u2019s hair or eyes. \u201cHe\u2019s never going to find the guy that attacked us, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019t seem likely,\u201d Hoss allowed, doubtfully. \u201cBut, Joe, we don\u2019t even know for sure that the fella that attacked you attacked Adam first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow likely is it that Adam just fell over that cliff?\u201d Joe demanded. \u201cThey were fighting, and you know that as well as I do!\u201d Joe shuddered as the picture of Adam lying on the ledge imprinted itself upon his vision. \u201cBut what we don\u2019t know is why, and we won\u2019t know until Paul says that Adam is strong enough to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue \u2018nough,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cBut frettin\u2019 about its not gonna do Adam any good, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe answered shortly, but he couldn\u2019t tear his mind away from his thoughts. He rode the rest of the way home in silence.<\/p>\n

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

It was good to be home at last. Joe had been away for a month, and he allowed Hop Sing to fuss over him for a while, before gently showing that he\u2019d had enough. That night, secure in his own bed, Joe slept better than he had for the last few days. For the next few days, he allowed that peace and security to soothe his troubled mind as he gradually overcame the last lingering effects of the concussion, and resumed his usual workload.<\/p>\n

They had had regular updates about Adam, and 10 days after the incident, Paul judged Adam fit enough to move back to the ranch. Ben brought him slowly home in the back of the wagon, and once there, he and Hoss helped him up to bed. Adam would be confined to his room for many weeks to come as his broken limbs slowly healed. He needed help to do everything, and Ben delegated himself nursemaid. It was tiring and time consuming, but Ben didn\u2019t find it a chore. However, it meant that he was very tired come night, and more often than not went to bed early. Joe and Hoss took on the brunt of running the ranch. They didn\u2019t mind this, but Joe found that he still hadn\u2019t had the chance to talk to Adam, for his brother still slept a good deal, and seldom seemed to be awake when Joe was around.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Adam awake?\u201d Joe asked, a few mornings after Adam had returned home. They were having breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but he\u2019s pretty tired, son. I think you should leave him alone so he can get some sleep,\u201d Ben replied, absently. \u201cHoss, are you ready to move the herd to winter grazing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss had the chance to do more than open his mouth, Joe\u2019s temper flared and he snapped, \u201cAre you telling me that I can\u2019t see my own brother? What is this? Why can\u2019t I talk to him? Is it because you think I\u2019ll be upsetting him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Ben said, reprovingly. \u201cYou certainly will upset him if you go barging in with your temper blazing like that! Adam has been very ill, and has a long recovery in front of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know he\u2019s been ill!\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cAnd I know it\u2019s my fault! You don\u2019t have to rub it in by banning me from seeing him! How can I apologise to him if you won\u2019t let me see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe, Pa didn\u2019t say it was your fault,\u201d Hoss protested, as Ben sat there, stunned. \u201cNone o\u2019 this is your fault. We done told you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThis isn\u2019t your fault, Joe. I didn\u2019t mean to make you think it was. I thought we had this all sorted out while you were still at Paul\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Biting his lip, trying to control both his temper and the tears that threatened to well up in his eyes, Joe said, \u201cI don\u2019t remember too much about being at Paul\u2019s.\u201c<\/p>\n

Reaching out, Ben squeezed Joe\u2019s arm. He was mentally berating himself for forgetting that Joe had been hurt, too. Plus he had had the shock of finding Adam, and the strain, physical and mental, of getting his brother to safety. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe. I guess I haven\u2019t had the chance to spend much time with either you or Hoss lately. I didn\u2019t realise that you still blamed yourself. But, Joe, don\u2019t you see, you saved Adam\u2019s life. Paul says that if you had come back here for help, Adam would have died. Joe, you\u2019re a hero!\u201d He squeezed his son\u2019s arm again, and Joe lifted his head. His eyes were drowned in tears. \u201cGo and talk to Adam,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

For a paralysing instant, Joe wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to see Adam. But then he found himself on his feet, walking steadily towards the stairs. He could feel Ben and Hoss looking at him, but he didn\u2019t look back, he just kept on walking. Up the stairs, along the hallway, until he was standing outside Adam\u2019s door. He paused, and knocked tentatively. \u201cCome in,\u201d said a strong voice from inside.<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Joe went in, shocked for a moment by the vulnerable look on Adam\u2019s face. It was gone in a second, to be replaced by a welcoming smile. \u201cJoe! Its good to see you, buddy! Come on in. I was beginning to think Pa was bound and determined to keep me isolated here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Going over, Joe sat in the chair by the bed. Adam\u2019s bad leg was propped up on a pillow, and his broken arms each rested on another. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I wasn\u2019t there for you sooner, Adam,\u201d Joe said, ducking his head. Adam looked much thinner to Joe, and he felt guilty all over again.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was filled with frustration. Joe looked up. Adam was gazing at him intently. \u201cJoe, from what Pa says, you saved my life. If that\u2019s not being there for me, I don\u2019t know what is! You saved me, so why are you sorry? Are you sorry you saved me?\u201d<\/p>\n

A tiny smile crept onto Joe\u2019s face. \u201cOf course not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, stop apologising, and let me thank you. Joe, I know you don\u2019t like heights, and perhaps I haven\u2019t always been as understanding as I might have been about that. But I can imagine how difficult it must have been for you to climb down to me. Thank you.\u201d He made a tiny frustrated movement. \u201cWords just don\u2019t seem enough,\u201d he said. \u201cThank you seems such a small thing in comparison with what you did for me. I have my life, thanks to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks is enough for me,\u201d Joe said, softly. He was smiling, the tears running down his face. Adam\u2019s absolution was what he needed; he wasn\u2019t carrying blame about with him any more. He reached over and hugged Adam carefully.<\/p>\n

They sat quietly for a moment. \u201cWhat happened, Adam?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI came looking for you, and was jumped from the trees. It was a tall, thin, dirty, unshaven man who jumped me. We fought, and he knocked me out with a tree branch. When I came to, he was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the first person to ask me that,\u201d Adam said, soberly. \u201cPa won\u2019t let me talk about it in case it gets me agitated. But I\u2019ll be glad to get it out. I was marking the trees, and was just finishing up when someone shouted at me. For an instant, I thought it was you, and turned, and there was the man you described. He was waving his arms around and shouting. I didn\u2019t know what he was talking about. He came up close, and I realised that he was angry because I was marking the trees. I tried to explain what I was doing, but he wasn\u2019t listening. He grabbed the axe from my hand and dropped it. I was getting a bit annoyed, so I decided it would be best it ignore him. I stooped to pick the axe up, and he pushed me. I remember going over the edge, and falling\u2026.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed off, and he blanched. Joe\u2019s active imagination followed Adam over the edge of the cliff; he could feel himself falling, and landing with a crunch on the ledge, pain shooting through his body.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Adam said, sharply. He had come from his own, mercifully brief, remembrances, to see Joe sitting there, eyes gazing into the distance, his face chalk white. With a start, Joe came back to the present. \u201cThat\u2019s all, just falling. That\u2019s all I remember, until I woke up in Paul\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sliding to the floor, Joe laid his head on Adam\u2019s thigh. Adam was able to touch Joe\u2019s head with his fingertips. They sat like that for quite some time. Adam knew that Joe was crying, not for himself, but for Adam. Tears stood in his eyes, too but he felt lighter.<\/p>\n

The door opened quietly and Ben looked in. For an instant, he thought both boys were asleep, but then they both looked round as a whisper of air reached them. \u201cAll right?\u201d Ben asked, unsure which of them he was directing the question at.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fine,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cI think we were both needing this.\u201d He smiled as Joe got to his feet, and Ben came into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to talk to Roy?\u201d Joe asked Adam. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose there\u2019s much he can do now, but you never know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI can talk to him, if he wants a statement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m not sure that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Ben began, but Adam stopped him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it happened, you can\u2019t keep running away from it. Joe\u2019s right. Roy needs to be told. I\u2019m fine, honestly.\u201d Adam looked down ruefully at his casts. \u201cWell, I will be,\u201d he added. Joe laughed, so did Adam, and Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cAll right, son, off you go and tell Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cSee you later, big brother, and don\u2019t do anything I wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat leaves me plenty of scope,\u201d Adam commented, dryly, as Joe went out of the door, dodging to avoid the mock blow Ben sent his way.<\/p>\n

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

It was the first time any of the Cartwrights had been in town in almost 2 weeks, and Joe was stopped frequently as people asked after his health and Adam\u2019s. He answered patiently, and was genuinely surprised by the number of people who asked. He hadn\u2019t realised that they had so many friends.<\/p>\n

At length, Joe pulled up Cochise outside Roy\u2019s office and dismounted. He hitched his horse to the rail and went inside. Roy was sitting at his desk, sorting through paperwork. He glanced up as Joe came in, and smiled. \u201cHowdy, Little Joe. How\u2019re you feelin\u2019? How\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s getting better, thanks, Roy,\u201d Joe answered. He casually hitched one hip onto the edge of the desk. \u201cHe wanted me to let you know that he was attacked by the same man as me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Does he mind if I take a statement?\u201d Roy asked. \u201cDon\u2019t know what good it\u2019ll do, Joe, but\u2026\u201d He broke off, suddenly becoming aware of Joe\u2019s unnatural stillness. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said, suddenly worried. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

The youth\u2019s eyes were fixed on Roy\u2019s desk, and his breath came in gasps. \u201cJoe, what is it, boy?\u201d Roy asked, shaking his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHim,\u201d Joe breathed, pointing. \u201cIt was him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Following Joe\u2019s pointing finger, Roy looked at a wanted poster that had arrived a day or so before. He picked it up and re-read the information to refresh his memory. \u201cClarence Hawkins,\u201d Roy said. \u201cEscaped from a lunatic asylum back east a few weeks or so ago. Killed a guard on the way out. You sure, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not likely to forget that face,\u201d Joe said, closing his eyes as a vision of Hawkins wielding the branch rushed through his brain. \u201cI see it every night in my dreams.\u201d He shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it ain\u2019t likely he\u2019s still round here,\u201d Roy said, doubtfully, \u201cbut I\u2019ll get a posse together and go look for him.\u201d He patted Joe on the shoulder. \u201cGuess I will come out and see Adam after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

They rode out to the ranch together, but Joe was essentially silent on the way. He was thinking about Hawkins. The man had killed a guard and escaped from a lunatic asylum. He and Adam had been incredibly lucky to escape with their lives.<\/p>\n

At the ranch, Roy filled them in on the rest of the story. Hawkins had been a minister, until his wife and young family had been killed in a riot. He had been badly hurt, and had lost his reason. His family had done what they could to care for him, but his parents were elderly, and his brothers all had young families of their own. Finally, they had been forced to have him put away. He had been in the asylum for several years when he managed to break out, killing a guard on the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cTragic,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cBut he\u2019s dangerous. He\u2019s killed once, and attacked both your boys. I\u2019ll start lookin\u2019 for him tomorrow, Ben. You don\u2019t mind if I start on the Ponderosa, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019m just sorry that I can\u2019t spare anyone to help you look.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cBut with Adam laid up, someone has to be here with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Joe\u2019s head went up, and he stared at Ben, who deliberately ignored him. He didn\u2019t want to risk either of his sons meeting this man. Before Joe could make any kind of protest, Roy said, \u201cI quite understand, Ben.\u201d He rose, and took his leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to go on the posse, Pa,\u201d Joe said, belligerently, after Roy was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want you anywhere near him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe could have been watching this house for the past few weeks,\u201d Joe said, trying to hold on to his temper. \u201cHe could be outside right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe answer is still no, Joseph,\u201d Ben said, sternly.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe just stared at Ben, then he rushed upstairs and slammed his bedroom door behind him.<\/p>\n

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

When Ben looked in on Joe many hours later, Joe was sound asleep. He had thrown himself down on the bed in a fit of temper, and snarled out his anger into his pillow. Gradually, the tensions of the day caught him up, and his eyes closed, and he slept. Ben smiled, and gently tugged the quilt out from under his slumbering son, and covered him against the chill night air. The first snow had fallen high up the mountains that day. He knew how disappointed and angry Joe was, but he was determined that Joe was not going on the posse. He was sure Joe would see things his way come morning.<\/p>\n

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

It was still dark as Joe tugged on his warm coat and went out to the barn. He had wakened with the absolute certainty that he knew where to find Hawkins \u2013 Wild Horse Ridge. His heart quaked at the thought of going back there, but he was sure that that was where Hawkins was to be found. Joe hoped he would run into Roy and the posse on the way, but he was still determined to go, even if he didn\u2019t meet them.<\/p>\n

He had left a note for Ben up in his room, where it might take his father a little longer to find it, once he discovered Joe\u2019s absence. Joe had no doubts that Ben would be angry with him, and rightly so, but that didn\u2019t stop Joe. He saddled Cochise, mounted and left.<\/p>\n

However, Joe hadn\u2019t been as quiet as he thought he\u2019d been. Hoss had heard him moving about, but hadn\u2019t got up until he heard the front door close. Dragging on his clothes, Hoss peered out of his window, and saw Joe ride off. In the hallway, he met Ben, who had also heard the door close. \u201cHoss? Who was that who went out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust who you think it was, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI reckon he\u2019s goin\u2019 after Hawkins, in spite a what you said to him yesterday. But don\u2019t worry none, Pa, I\u2019ll get him back for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, son. But be careful.\u201d Ben shivered, and thought he might as well get up and get the house warmed up. It looked like it was going to be a cold day. \u201cI\u2019ll murder that young man when he gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try an\u2019 leave a piece of him intact for ya,\u201d Hoss said, with grim humour. He went downstairs and got ready to follow Joe.<\/p>\n

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

The frost was thick on the ground, and the sky was filled with slate-grey clouds. Joe knew there would be snow that day, and he hurried Cochise along. The last place he wanted to be caught when it was snowing was Wild Horse Ridge. Likely there would be some snow up there already.<\/p>\n

It was nearing noon when Joe arrived at Wild Horse Ridge. He had see no sign of the posse. He tethered Cochise, and drew a deep breath before heading off towards the ridge proper. There was a thin covering of snow on the ground, and Joe took a good look around, but there was no sign of footprints in the meadow.<\/p>\n

The going was slightly easier in the trees, as there was less snow there. However, Joe went cautiously, checking for signs of life all round, unwilling to be caught out, as he had been the last time. Just as he reached the first area where the trail hugged the edge of the mountain, Joe saw a footprint.<\/p>\n

Glancing all round, Joe knelt to examine it closely. It was bigger than a print he would make, and narrower than Adam\u2019s, he thought. Rising slowly, Joe stood for a minute, just listening. Still satisfied that there was nothing near by to trouble him, he looked round for more prints, and soon found them. They led away from the edge of the cliff, for which Joe was truly thankful, deeper into the forest. Cautiously, he followed them. Before long, he was rewarded, as he saw the makeshift shelter in a small clearing.<\/p>\n

Drawing his gun, Joe stepped out into the clearing. A branch crashed down onto his arm, and Joe\u2019s gun fell form his nerveless fingers. Joe didn\u2019t wait for the follow-up blow to the head. He dived forward, and rolled away, coming back to his feet and whirling round to face his attacker. His left arm hung numbly by his side. \u201cHawkins,\u201d he said, softly.<\/p>\n

At the sound of his name, the cadaverous man halted, peering at Joe curiously. \u201cThe trees haven\u2019t hurt you,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t hurt them.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was totally incomprehensible to Joe, who just ignored the statement. He continued to watch the man warily as he lifted the tree branch again. He glanced at his gun, which lay near Hawkins\u2019 feet. He hoped the crazed man wouldn\u2019t take it into his head to lift it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cut the trees,\u201d Hawkins said. \u201cBut I will protect them from you! I won\u2019t let you hurt the trees! The dryads will die if you hurt the trees.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right,\u201d Joe said, soothingly. \u201cI\u2019m not here to hurt the trees.\u201d He saw a movement behind Hawkins and wondered for an instant if it was a bear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s far enough, mister,\u201d said a familiar voice, and Hoss stepped into view. He had his gun drawn, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook out, Hoss!\u201d Joe cried, as Hawkins whirled and hurled the branch at Hoss.<\/p>\n

For a blind pitch, it was remarkably accurate. Hoss dodged, but not far enough. The branch hit him a glancing blow on the head; it wasn\u2019t enough to knock Hoss out, but it was enough to daze him. He dropped his gun. Hawkins lunged at Hoss, forgetting all about Joe, it seemed. Joe darted forward, but Hawkins seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, for he swung his arm round in a sweeping blow, and caught Joe on the throat, knocking him to the ground. Without missing a beat, Hawkins threw himself onto Hoss.<\/p>\n

Normally, Hoss would have had no problem keeping Hawkins off. But the blow on the head had dazed him, and he went down under the assault. Hawkins seemed to have much more strength than his thin frame suggested, and Hoss was soon getting the worst of it.<\/p>\n

Struggling to his feet, fighting a desire to throw up, Joe saw that his brother was having trouble, and lunged onto Hawkins back. His attack didn\u2019t seem to faze the man at all. Hawkins simply jabbed an elbow in Joe\u2019s stomach, dislodging the youth. Joe fell to the ground again. Hoss used the chance Joe had given him to throw a punch at the man, but it seemed to have no impact at all. Hawkins kept trying to strangle the life out of Hoss.<\/p>\n

Once more, Joe attacked, launching himself at Hawkins, and driving the man over sideways, clear of Hoss, who began to cough as he fought to get back his breath. Joe pummelled the man, hoping that he would be able to knock him out, or at least wear him down. It didn\u2019t work. Hawkins was scrabbling about with one hand, and Joe didn\u2019t pay any attention to what he was doing. He was far too busy trying to dodge the blows the man\u2019s other hand was raining on him.<\/p>\n

With a mighty swing, Hawkins brought his discarded tree branch round in an arc, crashing into Joe\u2019s side, and knocking him over. Pain rocketed through Joe\u2019s body, and he landed awkwardly on his still sore left arm. The wrist snapped audibly, and Joe let out a cry of pain.<\/p>\n

He was allowed no respite, though. Hawkins threw himself onto the injured youth, trapping his hands by his sides, and reaching down to choke Joe. The world began to go dark, as the man\u2019s fingers tightened. Joe gasped for breath. He couldn\u2019t get any, and he knew he was going to die.<\/p>\n

Then the pressure was gone, and Joe shook his head to force his eyes to focus. Hoss had knocked Hawkins away from Joe, and was going after him again. But Hoss\u2019 head was bleeding, and he was no match for the ex-minister. Hawkins once more found his branch, and clubbed Hoss heavily with it. Hoss crumpled to the ground without a sound. Hawkins looked round for Joe, and headed back towards him.<\/p>\n

Still gasping for breath, Joe threw himself across the clearing to where his gun lay. He snatched it up in his right hand and aimed at Hawkins. Clicking the safety off, he warmed, \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hawkins took no notice, and continued to advance on Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ll hurt the trees!\u201d the man shrieked, and lunged at Joe.<\/p>\n

In that instant, Joe knew he had no choice. He and Hoss were both injured. Hawkins was out of control. Joe pulled the trigger. His first shot had little effect, and he fired again, trying to scrabble away. Hawkins fell, and landed on Joe. For an instant, their eyes met. \u201cThe trees,\u201d Hawkins gasped, and died.<\/p>\n

Pushing the man away, Joe staggered to his feet and went over to where Hoss lay. He all but collapsed at his brother\u2019s side, and checked his pulse. Hoss was still breathing. Joe slumped in relief, leaning against Hoss\u2019 comforting bulk, too exhausted to move.<\/p>\n

He was still sitting there when the posse arrived a short time later.<\/p>\n

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

Hearing the horses in the yard, Ben rose from his desk, where he had been pretending to do some paperwork, and hurried into the yard. Whatever else he had been expecting to see, Joe, Hoss and a dead man with the posse hadn\u2019t been it.<\/p>\n

Hurrying across the yard, Ben could see at once that both his sons had been injured. Hoss\u2019 face was still marked by dried blood, and there was a gash and bruise on his head. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he asked, generally.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe here found Hawkins,\u201d Roy said, getting down from his horse. He gestured to the dead man. \u201cHawkins attacked him an\u2019 Hoss, an\u2019 Joe had to shoot him. We heard the shots, an\u2019 went to see what it was. Found Hoss just comin\u2019 round, an\u2019 Joe sittin\u2019 next to him. I sent one of the boys to town for the doc, Ben. It looks like they both need to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does indeed,\u201d Ben said. He went to Hoss\u2019 side, and helped ease his son from his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, in a strong voice. \u201cJust a bit of a headache.\u201d He produced a grimace that passed for a smile. \u201cLittle Joe saved my life, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing that Hoss was indeed quite steady on his feet, Ben went to help Joe. His youngest son was chalk-white, and couldn\u2019t meet his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cAnd as for you, young man,\u201d Ben said, tartly, \u201cif you hadn\u2019t gone off against my wishes, none of this would have happened, would it?\u201d He softened the sting slightly with a smile.<\/p>\n

Raising his head, Joe looked at Ben for a long moment. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa,\u201d he said. The pain he was feeling was evident in his voice. \u201cIts my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very quick to take the blame for everything, aren\u2019t you, son?\u201d Ben said, helping Joe down. \u201cYes, you disobeyed me, but we\u2019ll worry about that after we\u2019ve got you better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be gettin\u2019 back to town now, Ben,\u201d Roy said, mounting up again. \u201cI\u2019m right glad Little Joe found this fella. I heard some more about him last night. He thought his mission was to protect the trees, an\u2019 he seems to have killed a few men who were cuttin\u2019 down trees. Very strong for his size, they said. Last night, they changed the warrant to wanted dead, not dead or alive. There\u2019ll be reward money comin\u2019 to Joe for this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Escorting his sons into the house, Ben wasn\u2019t sure how to take that bit of news. He didn\u2019t know if it made things better or worse. However, he now had three invalids to look after, and with Hop Sing\u2019s help, set about preparing for the doctor\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n

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

Later, Ben told Adam all about the excitement. \u201cSo are they both all right?\u201d Adam asked, after Ben was finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is concussed, and has a huge bruise. Paul thinks he\u2019ll be fine in a few days. Joe has broken his left wrist and some ribs. He\u2019s covered in bruises, as is Hoss. Hawkins tried to strangle them both.\u201d Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you feel some sympathy with that, don\u2019t you?\u201d Adam commented. \u201cYou\u2019d quite like to strangle them both, too, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving his son a wry look, Ben nodded. \u201cYou\u2019re right there, son,\u201d he said. \u201cEspecially Joseph. What was he thinking of, going off on his own like that when I\u2019d told him not to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing down at the casts on his arm, Adam said, \u201cI think he might have been trying to expiate some of the guilt he still feels about my accident.\u201d As Ben frowned, Adam said, \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, Pa, I don\u2019t think he consciously feels any blame. But for a long time he believed that he had taken too long to rescue me. That kind of sub-conscious thinking takes a little longer to silence. Try not to be too hard on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a turn up for the books,\u201d Ben said. \u201cUsually, you say I\u2019m not hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cI must be getting soft as I get older. But we both know that Joe went hunting for Hawkins to keep me from further harm \u2013 and you and Hoss, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said, softly. \u201cGood night, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Pa,\u201d Adam answered, and smiled vividly. \u201cGo on, go and see Joe, and get this settled, or none of us will sleep well tonight.\u201d He paused and cocked his head. \u201cApart from Hoss, of course,\u201d he went on, as a particularly raucous snore ripped the quiet night air.<\/p>\n

Across the landing, Ben looked in on Hoss for a moment, but his middle son was asleep, as he had had been for most of the evening. Smiling, Ben went to Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t a surprise to find Joe awake. Ben knew the discomfort he was in, and not just physical. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he ventured. \u201cHow\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAsleep,\u201d Ben answered. He sat down by Joe\u2019s bed, and unbidden, his hand strayed out to push the tangled curls from Joe\u2019s forehead. \u201cHow do you feel, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. He wasn\u2019t meeting Ben\u2019s eyes any more. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I disobeyed you, Pa, but I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, son,\u201d Ben said, steadily. \u201cI\u2019m not happy about it, but I know why you did it. I\u2019m just grateful to have you and Hoss back alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know why I did it?\u201d Joe said, looking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know.\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cI know you, Joe, and Adam pointed it out to me, too. You went out there to get Hawkins so he couldn\u2019t hurt your family anymore. I\u2019m not happy you did it, but I do understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe said, so softly, Ben barely heard him. \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was why I did it, Pa. I really didn\u2019t \u2013 not until you said it. I\u2019m sorry Hoss got hurt because of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, both times you encountered Hawkins, you saved your brother\u2019s life, despite being injured yourself. Perhaps Hoss wouldn\u2019t have been hurt if he hadn\u2019t followed you, but you would have died. You had nothing to do with Adam\u2019s accident, except save his life. I think, on balance, the blame is far outweighed by your courage.\u201d Ben leaned forward to hug Joe. \u201cPlease, son, next time I tell you something, listen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Pa, I promise,\u201d Joe said. He looked more at peace now, ready for sleep. He slid down the bed, wincing at the pain in his ribs. Ben helped him place his cast comfortably on the pillow that supported it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetween you and Adam, we have no pillows left,\u201d he grumbled, gently.<\/p>\n

Smiling up at him, Joe said, \u201cBetter no pillows than no sons, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cheeky scamp!\u201d Ben said. \u201cGood night, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Pa.\u201d Joe said. He closed his eyes and relaxed as far as he could. He was glad the day was over. There was no need to worry about Hawkins any longer.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 An inexplicable attack upon Adam and Joe leaves Joe grappling with fear and blaming himself. Joe sets out to hunt down their attacker, but will he live to tell the tale?<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0(12,325 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":12352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-5930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3064,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/AdamJoeHP7.jpg?fit=399%2C299&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":1},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0887","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7623,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7623","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":2},"title":"Seeing An Angel (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A girl from Marie\u2019s past has something for Little Joe. Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0 1351","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\/10\/guardian-angel.jpg?fit=250%2C233&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5454,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5454","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":3},"title":"Autumn’s Surprise (by deansgirl)","author":"deansgirl","date":"October 30, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Autumn is setting around the Ponderosa and with it comes a very dear and long awaited surprise.\u00a0 \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,180 words) Autumn Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","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\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7580,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7580","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":4},"title":"The Wheelchair (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Years later Adam\u2019s wheelchair from \u201cThe Triangle\u201d comes out of the attic. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0667 The Wheelchair Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bird.jpg?fit=323%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6617,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6617","url_meta":{"origin":5930,"position":5},"title":"August Moon (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe Cartwright celebrates his 21st birthday with his family on the Ponderosa Ranch. Rated:\u00a0K+ (830 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/B_TLCSJoe1-1-1.jpg?fit=395%2C300&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\/5930","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=5930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5930\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}