{"id":638,"date":"2008-03-30T13:16:43","date_gmt":"2008-03-30T17:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=638"},"modified":"2026-07-30T14:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T18:25:13","slug":"blood-is-thicker-than-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=638","title":{"rendered":"Blood is Thicker Than Water (by Terri)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/span>What if Clay and Will never left the Ponderosa.\u00a0 How will Ben cope with five rambunctious under his roof.\u00a0 Will rough housing, drinking, card playing, womanizing become the norm??<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a024,000<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blood is Thicker Than Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were days when it just felt so good to be alive;<\/strong> the sun would shine, birds would sing and every moment was to be enjoyed.\u00a0 And then there were other days.\u00a0 Those were the days when it would have been better to stay in bed and let the world pass you by.\u00a0 Ben was not having one of the good days.\u00a0 His day had started bad and got steadily worse, and by the time he arrived home for supper his mood was dark and unforgiving.\u00a0 Little did he know things were about to get worse!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The scene that met Ben when he finally stabled his horse and walked through his own front door left him completely speechless.\u00a0 Joe was sprawled across an upturned chair, blood streaming from his nose.\u00a0 Clay stood with clenched fists looking as if he might explode.\u00a0 Hoss was trying desperately to restrain his eldest brother and Will\u2026..well cousin Will was leaning against the fireplace with an amused grin on his face, enjoying the melee immensely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT IN DAMNATION IS GOING ON HERE?\u201d Ben bellowed looking from one son to another before allowing his eyes to scan the rest of the chaos in the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all Adam\u2019s fault,\u201d Joe piped up, wiping his bloody nose on the sleeve of his jacket.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cME?\u201d Adam cried with indignation, pushing Hoss\u2019 long arms away from him.\u00a0 \u201cI was trying to protect your scrawny butt you ungrateful little weasel.\u00a0 In future I\u2019ll just let him pound you to death.\u00a0 You probably deserved it anyway,\u201d\u00a0 he added, gesturing towards Clay who was trying desperately to regain his temper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t need your protection,\u201d Joe screeched back.\u00a0 \u201cI can take Clay any day of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh you really think so?\u201d was Clay\u2019s immediate reply, finally giving up the battle to stay calm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cENOUGH!\u201d Ben bellowed once more.\u00a0 \u201cOutside all of you and stay out there until you can behave like the grown men you\u2019re supposed to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing they had crossed the line and not wanting to provoke a further outburst, all the men in the room began to head towards the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot you Joseph,\u201d Ben growled, grabbing his youngest son by the arm as he tried to slink past.\u00a0 The others quickly made good their escape leaving Little Joe to face the music.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy me?\u201d Joe asked petulantly.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t start it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask me to go there Joseph, because if I do and I find out you are at the bottom of this, you won\u2019t want to face the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s retort died on his lips as all the possible scenarios of his father\u2019s punishment crossed through his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stresses of the day overtook Ben once more and with a sweeping gesture at the dishevelled room, he walked towards the stairs, calling over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to wash up before supper.\u00a0 When I return I expect this room to look the way it did when I left the house this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled behind his father\u2019s back, but surprisingly he had the common sense to keep his mouth firmly shut.\u00a0 The blood from his nose was just dripping slightly by now and before seeking out Hop Sing, he thought it prudent to pick up the overturned furniture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Less than ten minutes later it would have been almost impossible to tell a fight had taken place, except maybe for the chip out of the corner of the table and a crack in the oil lamp nearest the fireplace.\u00a0 Well as long as Pa didn\u2019t notice, Joe figured he wasn\u2019t about to enlighten him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sauntering into the kitchen Joe adopted his best \u2018puppy dog\u2019 face and eased himself onto the stool next to Hop Sing\u2019s table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing, in the middle of preparing supper, eyed the interloper over the top of the vegetables.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat boy do now?\u201d he asked, noting Joe\u2019s bloody nose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot you as well Hop Sing,\u201d Joe complained.\u00a0 \u201cHow is it everyone always assumes I\u2019m to blame?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause boy can\u2019t keep out of trouble,\u201d Hop Sing remonstrated as he reached over and slapped Joe\u2019s hands away from the sliced carrots.\u00a0 \u201cKeep hands away from food or boy have bloody fingers as well as bloody nose.\u201d\u00a0 And just to reinforce the message, Hop Sing waved the knife in front of Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 But Hop Sing had always had a soft spot for the youngest Cartwright and picking up a cloth he walked over to the far corner of the room.\u00a0 Dipping the cloth into a basin of cool water he rang it out tightly before returned to the table and handing it to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hop Sing,\u201d Joe smiled as he held the cloth against his nose, knowing full well that the cook\u2019s hard exterior was just a facade.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing bristled self-consciously.\u00a0 \u201cHumph.\u00a0 No need to thank; Hop Sing only thinking of rest of family.\u00a0 No one want eat food after boy drip blood all over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile upstairs Ben lay on his bed with his eyes closed and tried to forget his trying day.\u00a0 The bi-monthly meetings of the Cattlemen\u2019s Association were something he would dearly love to miss, but they had elected him Chairman that year and so it was his duty to attend.\u00a0 Many of the men present were full of their own importance and took the meetings as an opportunity to preen and crow about their own accomplishments.\u00a0 Ben often found himself trying to keep the peace, as opposed to discussing the items on the agenda, and today had been no exception.\u00a0 Then to top it all, he returned home to yet another battle taking place in his own front room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only nine weeks had passed since his dead brother\u2019s son, Will, had come to live with the family.\u00a0 It had been a time of adjustment for them all as Will Cartwright tried hard to fit in with the kinfolk he had never really known and Ben and the boys tiptoed round him on eggshells, giving him the space he needed to adapt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before their new living arrangements had become habit, another surprise addition to the extended family reappeared.\u00a0 Clay Stafford, Joe\u2019s half brother by his mother Marie, had by chance bumped into Adam down in San Francisco one weekend and, with a little persuasion from his stepbrother, Clay had agreed to return to the Ponderosa and give it another try.\u00a0 Six months before Clay had left the ranch under a cloud and Ben had really believed he had seen the last of him.\u00a0 But Clay was Marie\u2019s son and Ben welcomed him back as if he were his own.\u00a0 He owed that to his dead wife; after all she had given her love to his own sons without question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Needless to say Joe had been delighted with the return of the brother he had never really had the opportunity to get to know and so it was, Ben found himself sharing his home with five lusty young men, full of testosterone and attitude.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reflected on how things had changed in those few short weeks.\u00a0 Gone was the peace and quite he looked forward to at the end of a hard day; it was now a thing of the past.\u00a0 Even Adam, his most studious and level headed son, was becoming more and more gregarious as he struggled to keep himself at the top of the pecking order with his siblings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Will was almost the same age as Adam with Clay about four years younger and Hoss about two years younger than Clay.\u00a0 This was probably where the problem arose.\u00a0 Little Joe had always resented being the youngest and smallest in the family and now with his extra sibling and cousin, he felt his youth and inexperience even more.\u00a0 Rather than accept there was nothing he could do to change things, Joe fought and bucked at every opportunity, goading his brothers to take him on so that he could prove he was every bit as good as they were.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The day\u2019s events took their toll and Ben drifted off to sleep.\u00a0 It only seemed like a few minutes had gone by when he felt a hand on his shoulder gently shaking him awake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa wake up, supper\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly raising himself into a sitting position, Ben gazed sleepily at his eldest son.\u00a0 \u201cOnly closed my eyes for a moment.\u00a0 I can\u2019t believe I dozed off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been up here for almost two hours Pa.\u00a0 Are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Making a determined effort to pull himself together Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cOh I\u2019m fine son, just had a long day that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Then to top it all coming home to that scene earlier didn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked sheepish.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry about that Pa, but we\u2019ve all been putting in a lot of hours over the last few weeks and\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 well one thing just led to another.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cClay and Joe at it again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThey are so alike.\u00a0 You know Pa if I had to have another brother, why couldn\u2019t God have sent me one like Hoss?\u00a0 Having another Little Joe around is too much for any man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben also started to chuckle; things had certainly livened up with the arrival of Clay in the household.\u00a0 \u201cI think we had better be getting back downstairs son, that is, if I want the house to stay in one piece.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The days dragged until Friday finally came round and tempers mellowed as the Cartwrights looked forward to a night on the town.\u00a0 All past disagreements were put to one side as the brothers readied themselves for a night of drinking, gambling and a bit of female company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they left Ben couldn\u2019t help giving Joe a last word of warning, \u201cI want you to keep out of trouble young man and mind your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you always assume I\u2019ll be the one to get into trouble?\u201d Joe complained.\u00a0 But one look at his father\u2019s face forestalled another outburst and he quickly donned his hat and gun belt and hurried outside to his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKeep an eye on him boys,\u201d Ben instructed.\u00a0 \u201cRemember you are all men, Joe still has a bit of growing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa,\u201d Hoss reassured.\u00a0 \u201cHe puts one foot out of line and I\u2019ll hogtie him to his horse and bring him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The evening started off well and all of the boys were in good spirits.\u00a0 With just a little persuasion Clay soon joined his younger brother at the poker table and watched with amusement as Little Joe won game after game.\u00a0 There were five men seated round the table and not all of them were as amused as Clay at Joe\u2019s success.\u00a0 Both Adam and Hoss, observing the rising tension, tried on several occasions to get Joe to quit while he was ahead, but Joe would have none of it.\u00a0 When the young man scooped up his latest winnings the atmosphere in the room took a turn for the worse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something very funny going on here,\u201d the man to Joe\u2019s right declared.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe your streak of luck kid.\u00a0 You must be cheating.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at the man and was about to give him more than a few harsh words, but one look at his eldest brother\u2019s raised eyebrow was enough to stall his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t cheating mister,\u201d Joe retorted.\u00a0 \u201cBut if you have any argument with that, perhaps you might want to take it up with my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man looked hard at Joe before scouring the room to see just who Joe could be referring to.\u00a0 \u201cYou think I\u2019m frightened of your kin boy, you got another thing coming.\u00a0 Where are these brothers of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled at the man and nodded his head towards Clay.\u00a0 \u201cWell my brother Clay is sitting right next to you mister and I don\u2019t think he likes you calling me a cheat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sneering at Clay the man dismissed him out of turn.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t rightly care what he thinks,\u201d the aggressor declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case maybe I should introduce you to my cousin Will.\u00a0 He\u2019s the good looking guy talking to the pretty girl at the next table.\u201d\u00a0 The man looked at Will trying to assess his size.\u00a0 \u201cOh and then there\u2019s my eldest brother Adam leaning on the bar over there,\u201d Joe continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was by now beginning to have second thoughts, not only would he have the kid to contend with but also two brothers and a cousin, all of whom were considerably larger and tougher looking than the kid in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was beginning to enjoy himself.\u00a0 \u201cIf that doesn\u2019t convince you I\u2019m not a cheat, perhaps my middle brother Hoss might be the one to persuade you.\u00a0 He\u2019s standing right behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man leaned his head back and took in the huge bulk of the third brother standing just inches from him.\u00a0 If he had felt any bravado before, it now completely escaped him, there was no way he was going to tackle with this one.\u00a0 Picking up his hat and heading quickly for the doors, he shouted back over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t always have your family with you kid.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t go wandering round town on your own if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d\u00a0 Then before exiting the door he concluded, \u201cYou\u2019re not the only one who has friends, I got friends of my own, so just watch your step.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as the man was out of sight, Joe dissolved into a fit of giggles.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see his face, Hoss?\u201d he cackled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe almost died when he clapped eyes on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay and Hoss laughed with him, while Will just shook his head. Big brother Adam was not so amused.\u00a0 \u201cYou are setting yourself up for trouble Little Joe,\u201d he berated.\u00a0 \u201cThat fella isn\u2019t going to just forget about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Adam don\u2019t be such a pessimist, that guy ain\u2019t likely to hang around after seeing you lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rest of the evening passed without incident and it was a tired but happy bunch that decided to take their leave and head for home.\u00a0 Joe was the first one out of the door and it was only his agility that prevented the fist of the man entering from making contact with his jaw.\u00a0 Unfortunately Adam, who was right behind him, wasn\u2019t quite so lucky.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s poker playing friend entered the saloon with fists flying, followed by at least six of his cronies.\u00a0 Looking at the Cartwrights he announced; \u201cNow we\u2019ll see how tough you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had quickly sidestepped the entering bodies and now stood outside the saloon doors watching the melee.\u00a0 His face screwed up in sympathy as Clay took a right one, two to the stomach and Hoss was set upon by at least two of the bigger brutes.\u00a0 Adam and Will were holding their own but had still taken a few direct hits to the face, the blood streaming from Adam\u2019s nose being testament to this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right break it up boys\u201d a voice called from behind Joe and Sheriff Coffee made an appearance.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to do with me Sheriff,\u201d Joe answered innocently with a shrug of the shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just here for the view.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee and Clem Forster waded into the saloon with guns at the ready and called for a halt to the proceedings.\u00a0 \u201cRight you lot,\u201d Roy Coffee bellowed.\u00a0 \u201cYou can all cool off with a night in the cells and we\u2019ll sort out the damages in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 And with that he heralded the men in front of him across to the jail.\u00a0 Little Joe slunk back into the shadows as his brothers\u2019 past by, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that he hadn\u2019t joined in with the fight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was only when they arrived at the cells and Clem ushered them inside that Adam looked round in confusion and asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u00a0 Hey Clem is the kid all right, I can\u2019t remember seeing him after the fight started?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem laughed as he turned the key in the lock.\u00a0 \u201cFrom what I saw Little Joe wasn\u2019t involved, he\u2019s free to go home whenever he chooses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As realisation struck; Hoss\u2019 face turned to one of thunder.\u00a0 \u201cWhy that lily livered little runt, so help me I\u2019m gonna tear him limb from limb when I get outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll need to wait in the queue,\u201d Will retorted, clenching his jaws tightly together.\u00a0 Normally he was the one to view Joe\u2019s antics with laid back amusement, but on this occasion his sense of humour deserted him.\u00a0 Will noted the two bunks between four of them and he mentally promised his young cousin that he would make his hide as uncomfortable as this night was likely to be for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was way past midnight when Joe arrived home and unsaddled his horse.\u00a0 As he opened the ranch house door, Ben was on his feet to greet him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d Ben asked anxiously, looking at his young son\u2019s face for any sign of injury.\u00a0 \u201cI only heard one horse ride up.\u00a0 Where are your brothers and cousin?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bit on his bottom lip and rested his chin on his chest, not wanting to look his Pa in the face in case he guessed there was more to the story than Joe was willing to tell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cT-t-there was a fight in town Pa, and well, er the others got involved and the er s-s-saloon got smashed up a bit.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid Sheriff Coffee locked them up for the night and he says he\u2019ll assess the damage in the morning before letting them go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s mouth dropped open in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean to tell me your brothers were involved in a fight and you just stood by and watched?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cY-y-you told me to keep out of trouble Pa, so that\u2019s just what I did.\u00a0 I can\u2019t be held responsible for the rest of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Moving quickly towards the stairs in the hope of avoiding more questions, Joe called over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m real tired Pa, so I think I\u2019ll head up to bed.\u00a0 It\u2019s gonna be a busy morning if there\u2019s only me around to do chores.\u00a0 Who knows when the rest of them will get home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that Joe made good his escape and left Ben still standing with his mouth wide open, unable to comprehend what Joe had just told him!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was mid-morning the following day when the errant Cartwrights\u2019 returned.\u00a0 Joe was in the barn cleaning out the stables when he heard the horses approach and butterflies appeared in his stomach as he thought about his brothers\u2019 reaction to his part in their demise.\u00a0 As he stood in the doorway watching the men dismount the butterflies in his stomach turned to a stampeding herd as he looked at the grim faces of his dishevelled family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cH-h-hi guys,\u201d he called, trying to act as if nothing was amiss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to look at him in a way that made Joe feel like a small boy again; a small boy that had pushed his eldest brother too far and a \u2018necessary talk\u2019 was about to be metered out.\u00a0 The breath that Joe was holding was only released when he saw the ranch house door open and his father stride towards them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I heard horses,\u201d Ben barked, leaving the men present under no illusion that their escapades of the night before had not gone down well with their father.\u00a0 Looking at each of them in turn, Ben took in their unshaven faces and unkempt clothes.\u00a0 Adam was sporting a black eye and Clay\u2019s lip was twice its normal size.\u00a0 Hoss looked relatively unscathed, but Will had a streak of dried blood running from his ear, where someone had obviously decided to take a bite out of his flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I suggest you boys get washed up and I\u2019ll see you inside?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you have a perfectly good explanation for your behaviour\u2026..at least, for your sakes, I hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben turned to walk away, Joe hurried to his side.\u00a0 \u201cI-I-I\u2019ll come with you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joseph, I suggest you get on with your chores and wait out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joseph,\u201d Hoss repeated, grabbing hold of his younger brother by his shirt and yanking him back into the barn.\u00a0 \u201cYou get on with your chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried desperately to wrestle his way free, but to no avail, Hoss was not letting go.\u00a0 In a last ditch attempt to escape, Joe kicked out with his foot and made contact with his middle brother\u2019s shins.\u00a0 Hoss yelled out in pain and released his hold on Joe\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 Joe sprinted forward but he didn\u2019t get far; he ran straight into the arms of his cousin Will.\u00a0 Joe raised his foot to lash out once more, but Will was too quick for him.\u00a0 With lightening speed he turned Joe face about and in one swift movement he had his young cousin face down across an upturned barrel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight who wants to go first,\u201d Will asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cD-d-don\u2019t you dare,\u201d Joe screeched.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not a little kid.\u00a0 You let me up now or so help me I\u2019ll\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll what little brother,\u201d Hoss asked, at the same time removing his belt.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll tell Pa!!!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that Hoss brought the belt down hard on his brother\u2019s scrawny hide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe yelled more in surprise than pain.\u00a0 \u201cYou got no right to do this!\u201d he cried indignantly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m too big for a tanning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh is that right,\u201d Adam spat back at him, taking the belt from Hoss and adding a couple of swots of his own.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve had this coming for a long time and you know it.\u00a0 I for one am not putting up with your bad behaviour any longer.\u00a0 So let this be a lesson little brother, from now on if you behave like a kid, what you still are I might add, then you will be punished like one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was seething,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust wait till I get up\u201d he said through gritted teeth, \u201cI\u2019ll take you all on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe didn\u2019t get a chance to retaliate as they each took an arm and leg and unceremoniously carried him over and dropped him in the water trough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat will cool your scrawny hide and your temper,\u201d Hoss admonished.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if you\u2019ve any sense in that dumb head of yours you will think before you act in future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spluttering to the surface Joe was about to give his brothers a right mouthful of abuse when he caught sight of their laughing faces.\u00a0 Suddenly the absurdity of the whole situation tickled his fancy and he found himself laughing along with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I deserved that,\u201d he said sheepishly, at the same time scooping water from the trough and trying to give his brothers a dowsing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I could be wrong,\u201d Adam acknowledged.\u00a0 \u201cThe kid might be starting to grow up after all.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s get inside before Pa busts a gut waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Less than ten minutes later the elder siblings were stood in front of their Pa and did their best to recall the events of the night before, without giving any indication of Joe\u2019s involvement in the affair.\u00a0 Ben was not easily taken in, but if his sons decided to protect his youngest\u2019s hide then that was up to them.\u00a0 Brothers would be brothers after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks guys,\u201d Joe said shamefacedly that night after supper as they all made their way outside to bed the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem, little cousin,\u201d Will declared, before landing a heavy swat on the young man\u2019s already sore behind.\u00a0 \u201cJust don\u2019t give us any reason to make us regret what we did in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I won\u2019t, really I won\u2019t,\u201d Joe declared, moving far away from his cousin\u2019s long reach.\u00a0 Joe was thinking he may have to re-evaluate Cousin Will; he had always seemed the most laid back in the past, but Joe was beginning to think there may be a bit more of his Pa and Adam in his cousin than he first thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that night they were all sat round the fireside relaxing before turning in for the evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa, I just remembered,\u201d Hoss declared.\u00a0 \u201cI picked up the post this morning before we left town and it\u2019s still in my saddlebags.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that Hoss made his way to the credenza and returned moments later with a handful of letters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one here for you Clay,\u201d Hoss said with a quizzical expression on his face.\u00a0 \u201cWho knows you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked equally bemused as he took the letter Hoss offered him.\u00a0 \u201cWell I did leave Virginia City as a forwarding address with a few people, but I must admit I didn\u2019t expect anyone actually writing to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay tore open the letter and his face changed from one of puzzlement to one of surprise as he read the contents.\u00a0 The other men in the room tried to look uninterested, but it was obvious they were all dying to know who it was from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Putting the letter down on the table Clay looked first at Joe and then at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cI think this is going to come as a bit of a shock; well it certainly has to me.\u00a0 When I first went looking for my mother\u2019s grave only to find that she hadn\u2019t died after all, I also tried to trace my mother\u2019s parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and his face drained of all colour.\u00a0 Ben, aware of how sensitive his youngest was to anything pertaining to his mother, rested a reassuring hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and gently squeezed his support.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on,\u201d he urged Clay to continue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I found out that Marie\u2019s mother died when she was twelve years old as a result of a cholera outbreak, but I was also informed that her father had been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cM-m-murder?\u201d Joe murmured. \u00a0This was all news to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cMarie did tell me her father had been in jail.\u00a0 She also told me he died there when she was about fifteen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picking up the letter once more Clay shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot according to this letter.\u00a0 The person who wrote this, claims to be Francis De Val, my grandfather.\u00a0 He claims that he was released from prison ten years ago and was informed by Jean Marigny\u2019s parents, my paternal grandparents, that Marie died in childbirth almost twenty-five years ago and that the child died with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The room fell silent for a long time.\u00a0 Eventually Joe could stay silent no longer and asked in a shaky voice.\u00a0 \u201cAre you telling me that I have a grandfather?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIf this man is really our mother\u2019s father, then yes, I guess me\u2026 and you\u2026 have a grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben licked his dry lips and tried to make sense of it all.\u00a0 \u201cWhat else does he say?\u00a0 In the letter\u2026\u2026\u2026what else has he told you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot much really.\u00a0 He says he decided to leave New Orleans; there was nothing left for him there.\u00a0 He also claims to have had money waiting for him when he got out of prison, but he doesn\u2019t elaborate where it came from.\u00a0 It seems he is living on a ranch just outside of Sacramento called the Southern Belle and if I am truly his grandson he would like to meet me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did he know about you?\u201d Ben asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhy would he go looking for a grandson he thought dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t go looking for me,\u201d Clay corrected with a shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cOnce I found out that my mother hadn\u2019t died all those years ago and had, in fact, remarried and had another child, I wondered how many of the other things I had been told were really true.\u00a0 And so I placed an ad in the New Orleans paper stating who I was and asking if anyone had any information about my family.\u00a0 When I left New Orleans I knew I would be coming to Virginia City and I asked for any mail to be forwarded to me here.\u00a0 Turns out a friend of Francis De Val sent a copy of the paper to him and that is why he has got in touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head was reeling he couldn\u2019t quite take it in.\u00a0 He had always been led to understand that his mother was orphaned quite young and so the idea of a grandfather had never crossed his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to see him?\u201d Joe asked of Clay.\u00a0 \u201cI want to go with you, he\u2019s my grandfather too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked at Joe and then at Ben, seeing the concern in the older man\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIt might be better if I go first Little Joe; after all we don\u2019t know if this person is who he says he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can still go together,\u201d Joe blurted out, his emotions starting to get the better of him.\u00a0 \u201cI need to know if he is my grandfather just the same as you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up behind his youngest son and placed both his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders, trying to ease the tension.\u00a0 \u201cWhen do you intend to ride out Clay?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNo point wasting time.\u00a0 I\u2019ll sort my stuff out and ride out in the morning if that\u2019s all right with you Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes of course it is.\u00a0 I know how anxious you must be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you,\u201d Joe declared, a look of defiance coming into his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned Joe to face him.\u00a0 \u201cNow Joe, I know this has come as a shock to you.\u00a0 It\u2019s come as a shock to us all.\u00a0 But I would be happier son if you wait until Clay has met with this man and can clarify he is who he says he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to protest, but Ben was adamant.\u00a0 \u201cThat is my final word on the matter Joseph.\u00a0 Once Clay is sure the man is his\u2026\u2026\u2026 and your, grandfather, then we can all ride out to meet him.\u00a0 But I won\u2019t have you riding round the country on a wild goose chase.\u00a0 He may or may not be Francis De Val, but if he is, your brothers\u2019 and I will accompany you to meet him.\u00a0 I\u2019m not forgetting the man was tried and convicted for murder, I don\u2019t want you riding into something you can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa\u2019s right Joe, I\u2019ll let you know as soon as I know for certain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the faces surrounding him and knew they were all in agreement.\u00a0 \u201cOkay,\u201d he conceded. \u201cI\u2019ll wait until I hear from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Joe was not going to make a fuss, but Adam was not taken in.\u00a0 He could see the determined jut of the chin and defiance in the eyes of his younger brother and he decided to keep a good watch on Joe over the next twenty-four hours.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The following morning was Sunday and after the family attended church together, Clay headed out on his own.\u00a0 The journey would take him a couple of days and as he prepared to leave, Hop Sing arrived with provisions.\u00a0 Looking at the size of the package Hop Sing gave to him, he joked,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Hop Sing are you trying to turn me into Hoss?\u00a0 There\u2019s enough here to feed a small army for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing beamed at Clay\u2019s words.\u00a0 He had lately begun to regard the young man as family and, as such, he looked after him as he would any one of the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way you planning on going?\u201d Hoss asked as he handed Clay the reins to his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFigured I would go by Geiger Road and camp out at Sulphur Springs,\u201d Clay replied.\u00a0 \u201cThought that would be the quickest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust you be careful young man,\u201d Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cRemember, you don\u2019t know anything about this man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be careful,\u201d Clay promised, surprised at how easy it was to become part of this family that he had tried so hard to escape from.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Clay had departed, Joe entered the house and changed from his church best into his ranch clothes.\u00a0 As he saddled his horse, Ben walked over to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where are you off to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThought I would ride over and see Mitch Pa.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t at church this morning and I promised to make arrangements with him about going hunting next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay that\u2019s fine,\u201d Ben replied, relieved that Joe wasn\u2019t sulking over not being allowed to accompany his brother.\u00a0 \u201cJust be sure to be home for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled but didn\u2019t answer, he had no intention of being home for supper, but he wouldn\u2019t outright lie to his Pa.\u00a0 He was telling the truth when he said he was going to visit with Mitch, but that was only to deliver a note for Mitch to handover to Ben the following day to explain Joe\u2019s whereabouts.<\/p>\n

\n

Chapter 2:<\/p>\n

Darkness had descended when Clay finally stopped to make camp.\u00a0 Sulphur Springs was an ideal spot; plenty fresh water and firewood.\u00a0 As he started a fire and prepared the stew that Hop Sing had made for him, he became aware of a noise off to his left.\u00a0 Drawing his gun from the holster, he stepped away from the fire and hid in the undergrowth; it didn\u2019t pay to take chances when out on the range alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A lone figure rode up to camp and dismounted from his horse.\u00a0 As the man tied his mount to a nearby tree, Clay crept up on him and with his gun pressed firmly into the stranger\u2019s back he whispered, \u201cDon\u2019t make any sharp moves mister, raise your hands and turn around nice and easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man slowly raised his hands and, as instructed, turned very slowly round.\u00a0 When the firelight flickered on the stranger\u2019s face, Clay let out a shout that would have woken the dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou stupid little cuss, I could have blown your head right off.\u00a0 Of all the irresponsible things you have done, this has got to come near the top.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay\u2019s display of temper didn\u2019t faze Joe at all.\u00a0 \u201cI trust you implicitly big brother.\u00a0 I knew you wouldn\u2019t shoot before you knew whether you were in any danger or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew no such thing,\u201d Clay threw back at him.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact I\u2019ve a good mind to hogtie you to your horse and take you home again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see you try,\u201d Joe shouted back at him, his own temper now ignited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I can\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With no other siblings around to prise them apart the two brothers launched at each other and traded punches, falling to the ground and rolling backwards and forwards as each tried to land a fist on the other first.\u00a0 In many ways they were evenly matched, but Clay\u2019s extra weight and height won out at the end of the day.\u00a0 Straddling his younger sibling and pinning his arms to his side, Clay slapped Joe several times across the face until the younger man stopped struggling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa would swat your ornery hide good and proper if he could hear the blasphemy coming out of your mouth,\u201d Clay admonished.\u00a0 \u201cNow I\u2019ll ask you again, do you give in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried with no avail to throw his brother from him and so reluctantly he said in a voice hardly above a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cOkay I give in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said I give in,\u201d Joe shouted in a much louder voice.\u00a0 \u201cNow are you going to get off me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay chuckled as he stood up and reached down to pull Joe to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cYou know kid you have quite a punch.\u00a0 I can see I\u2019m going to have to watch out for you\u2026\u2026when you grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe\u2019s left hand formed into a fist once more, Clay quickly retracted.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t go and get all steamed up again, I was only joshing with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Peace was restored and the two brothers sat down to enjoy Hop Sing\u2019s stew together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you didn\u2019t tell your Pa you were coming after me.\u201d\u00a0 It was more a statement than a question and Joe shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve left a note with Mitch to give to him in the morning, telling him what I intended doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gonna be real mad at you,\u201d Clay added, stating the obvious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh I know,\u201d Joe admitted, failing to keep some of the worry from his voice.\u00a0 \u201cBut Francis De Val is my grandfather too; I have every right to meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t argue with that Joe.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just hope the guy is who he says he is,\u201d Clay added.\u00a0 \u201cTo tell you the truth brother, I\u2019m glad to have you along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to be here,\u201d Joe smiled.\u00a0 \u201cSuppose we better get some sleep, we\u2019ve got a long dusty day ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When Joe didn\u2019t turn up for supper that evening, Ben didn\u2019t have to wait for the message from Mitch to know where his youngest son was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to saddle up and ride out after him Pa?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo Adam, let him go.\u00a0 Maybe I was wrong to forbid him in the first place; he\u2019s not a child any longer.\u201d\u00a0 Then with a heavy sigh he added.\u00a0 \u201cAt least he has Clay to look out for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what worries me,\u201d Adam muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said, \u2018we\u2019re worry free\u2019 then Pa.\u00a0 Clay is bound to keep them out of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked hard at his eldest, trying to work out if he was being flippant or not.\u00a0 \u201cThat may be, but if we don\u2019t hear from them by the end of the week, we set off after them.\u00a0 Agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d Hoss, Adam and Will said in unison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I suggest you all go to bed and get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u00a0 After all there will be two less hands working fence tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn Joe\u2019s case we won\u2019t notice the difference,\u201d Hoss concluded, chuckling as he made his way to the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe enjoyed the next couple of days with only Clay for company.\u00a0 At almost 25, Clay was nearly eight years older than Joe, but unlike Adam and Hoss, he was more of a kindred spirit.\u00a0 He had Joe\u2019s fiery temper, wicked sense of humour and a \u2018devil may care\u2019 approach to life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On reaching Sacramento the brothers didn\u2019t have to ask many people before they were directed towards the ranch of Francis De Val; he was almost as famous as the Cartwrights were in, and around, the Virginia City area.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they entered the land belonging to the Southern Belle they were surprised to suddenly find themselves surrounded by half a dozen men, heavily armed and looking none too friendly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you doing here?\u201d one of the men asked.\u00a0 \u201cThis is private property.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay was quick to answer, \u201cMy name\u2019s Clay Stafford.\u00a0 I\u2019m here to see Francis De Val, he\u2019s expecting me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without uttering another word, the man who had first spoken, ushered the brothers forward towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Clay entered the yard and dismounted.\u00a0 Tethering their horses to the fence they ascended the steps and headed towards the front door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking hold of Joe by the arm and firmly pulling him back, the same man spoke yet again.\u00a0 \u201cNot you kid.\u00a0 We was told to expect a man by the name of Stafford.\u00a0 No one else is allowed in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay shrugged his shoulders at Joe and reassured, \u201cDon\u2019t worry Joe, as soon as I tell him who you are, he\u2019ll want to see you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s okay,\u201d Joe said without malice.\u00a0 \u201cYou go ahead, I\u2019ll be waiting right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking a deep breath, Clay slowly turned the handle and pushed open the door.\u00a0 Stepping just inside, he stopped and looked around unsure what to expect.<\/p>\n

A voice called out to him.\u00a0 \u201cQui est celui?\u201d\u00a0 When Clay did not immediately reply, the heavily accented voice called again, \u201cWho is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe name\u2019s Stafford, Clay Stafford,\u201d Clay replied, still unsure whether he should continue into the room or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a sharp intake of breath, before the man called out again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, come in.\u00a0 I want you here where I can see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay\u2019s eyes were drawn in the direction of the voice.\u00a0 There in front of him stood a grey haired, thin man, probably in his middle sixties.\u00a0 Looking hard at the elder man in front of him, Clay couldn\u2019t help but think he looked familiar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val stood up to meet his grandson.\u00a0 \u201cMy God, it\u2019s true, you are Marie\u2019s boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you believe me?\u201d Clay asked, surprised that this elderly man accepted him without question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val started to laugh, a deep throaty laugh.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not a case of believing you; I just have to look at you.\u00a0 It\u2019s like turning the clock back forty years.\u00a0 You are me as a young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Clay knew why the man looked so familiar; he was indeed an older version of himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why do you use the name Stafford?\u201d the old man asked curiously.\u00a0 \u201cYour father\u2019s name was Marigny was it not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say Marigny was a name I no longer wanted to be associated with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next fifteen minutes were filled with questions from both sides as each man tried to glean as much knowledge of the other as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy poor Marie,\u201d Francis said when there was finally a pause in the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cTo die so young and in childbirth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut she didn\u2019t die in childbirth,\u201d Clay corrected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you saying?\u00a0 I was told your mother died giving birth to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I was told as well,\u201d Clay confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cBut she didn\u2019t die.\u00a0 My mother was told that her baby died at birth, she never knew that I lived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho would do such a thing?\u201d Francis demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy paternal grandparents,\u201d Clay said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cThey never felt that my mother was good enough for their son.\u00a0 So now you know why I changed my name.\u00a0 I no longer wanted to be associated with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val sat down and tried to comprehend what he was hearing.\u00a0 For so long he had believed his darling daughter had died in childbirth at the tender age of twenty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what of my Marie,\u201d Francis now asked the hope evident in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cAre you telling me she is still alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I was,\u201d Clay answered wistfully.\u00a0 \u201cNo, my mother married again years later, but sadly she died in a riding accident about twelve years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hope died in Francis eyes and he sat down defeated.\u00a0 \u201cAll those years my beautiful Marie was still alive and I believed her dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay was puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cBut I was told she also believed you to be dead.\u00a0 How can that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis hung his head in shame. \u201cThat was my doing.\u00a0 When I went to jail, my Marie was only a young girl, I thought it better that she think me dead than know the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Clay remembered Joe waiting outside the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something else I need to tell you,\u201d Clay said enthusiastically, already not wanting to see the despondency in his grandfather\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Francis asked, his natural curiosity taking over.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarie, my mother, she had another baby, a boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis interrupted \u201cYou mean I have another grandson?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay smiled in reply.\u00a0 \u201cYes, he\u2019s here, he came here with me.\u00a0 In fact he\u2019s right outside waiting to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen bring him in,\u201d Francis demanded, hardly able to contain himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay couldn\u2019t wait to do his bidding and rushing outside, he shouted for Joe and then ushered him into the room.\u00a0 Joe was unsure what to expect and stood awkwardly with his hat in hand, shifting from one foot to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val moved forward and looked hard at Joe, but didn\u2019t utter a single word.\u00a0 Joe looked to Clay for help, but Clay just shrugged his shoulders, this man was just as much a stranger to him as he was to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking that maybe his grandfather doubted the legitimacy of his claim, Joe began, \u201cI can prove who I am Sir, if you have any doubts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without warning the elderly gentleman reached forward and pulled a startled Joe into his arms in a fierce bear hug.\u00a0 Joe had no idea how to react and stood stiffly in the man\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Finally releasing Joe from his hold Francis De Val pushed the boy away from him and with eyes moist with unshed tears he almost whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no need to prove anything young man. I have no doubt who you are, no doubt at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t?\u201d Joe asked, shuffling from side to side with embarrassment, when faced with the intense stare of the old man in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow could I ever doubt you?\u201d Francis stated simply.\u00a0 \u201cYou are the spitting image of my darling Marie.\u00a0 While you live, she will never be dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The next few days were ones of discovery as Francis De Val found out all he could of the two grandsons that up until recently he had no idea existed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay had led a very different life from Joe.\u00a0 As a child he had been over protected and spoilt by his grandparents. \u00a0During his teenage years, he was reluctant to follow the rules his grandparents tried to impose on him and desperate to break free from the constraints laid upon him, he left home early and spent his time perfecting both his gun and card playing abilities.\u00a0 As far as he was aware his paternal grandparents were still alive, but since finding out the lies and deception they had practised throughout his life, he found he had no wish to return to their home.\u00a0 Much as they may have loved him in their own way they had also deprived him of his mother\u2019s love from the day he was born and that he could never forgive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had led a charmed life by comparison and he knew it.\u00a0 He had experienced his mother\u2019s love, if only for a short while, and the love and support of a doting, if sometimes strict, father and brothers from the day he was born.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite their different upbringings it was easy to tell they were brothers.\u00a0 Both were hot headed, impulsive, fun loving individuals with a deep sense of loyalty and Francis De Val was only sorry that neither he, nor his beloved Marie, had been around to watch them grow into manhood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the second evening of their arrival they were sitting having dinner together when the door opened and a large imposing man in his forties strode in.\u00a0 He still had trail dust clinging to his clothes, but he made no apology for his appearance.\u00a0 Taking but a second to take off his hat and gun belt he walked over to the table and with curiosity in his voice he asked of the owner of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you going to introduce me to our guests, uncle?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val was quickly on his feet and with more than a hint of pride he declared, \u201cJacque come and meet my grandsons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque Martinique couldn\u2019t have been more surprised if Francis had said the world was about to end.\u00a0 His mouth hung loose and he struggled to find his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the two young men sat at the table made to rise, their grandfather made the introductions.\u00a0 \u201cClay and Joseph, meet my nephew Jacque.\u00a0 He is my late sister\u2019s son and the reason I come to be living here in Sacramento\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque made no attempt to shake hands with his new relatives, but instead turned on his uncle in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean grandsons?\u00a0 You don\u2019t have any grandsons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis placed a calming hand on his nephew\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cCalm down Jacque.\u00a0 Go wash up and come and join us, I will then explain everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Without glancing at the young men now standing feeling foolish, Jacque pushed his uncle\u2019s hand from his arm and made his way towards the stairs.\u00a0 Through gritted teeth he called over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be back in five minutes and this had better be good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An embarrassing silence settled in the room that was only broken by the clink of cutlery on plates as the three men waited for Jacque\u2019s return.\u00a0 Fifteen minutes later he arrived back in the room after having washed and changed, but he looked no happier than he did when he left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once seated he looked from Clay to Joe before turning to his uncle and demanding.\u00a0 \u201cNow would you mind telling me how I leave here ten days ago the only living relative you have and return to find you now have two so-called grandsons?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was about to open his mouth to speak when Clay kicked him under the table and shot him a warning look to keep quiet.<\/p>\n

With utmost patience and leaving nothing out, Francis explained to his nephew the events that led up to Clay and Joe appearing at the ranch.\u00a0 Jacque reluctantly allowed his uncle to finish, but as soon as he did, he asked incredulously.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you believe that cock and bull story?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat reason would they have to lie?\u201d his uncle asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look around you uncle,\u201d Jacque said with contempt. \u00a0\u201cThis ranch, the house, the land.\u00a0 This place is worth a small fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you are forgetting one thing Jacque, one very important point in all of this,\u201d Francis continued even more patiently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat may that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found Clay, he didn\u2019t find me!\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know I existed anymore than I knew he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque couldn\u2019t answer that one.\u00a0 His uncle was right; Clay hadn\u2019t gone looking for a grandfather.\u00a0 It was his uncle who had contacted Clay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is one more fact, a one that can\u2019t be denied.\u201d Francis continued.\u00a0 \u201cLook at them Jacque, there is no doubt that Clay is my grandson and as for Joe he is the spitting image of his mother.\u00a0 You and Marie were children together; surely even you must see the likeness?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque no longer put up any argument, he could see that it was pointless, but there was no welcoming tone in his voice when he addressed the brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo now that you have found yourselves a grandfather, what do you plan to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlan?\u201d Clay queried.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean plan?\u00a0 Joe and I only came here to see if Francis was indeed our mother\u2019s father.\u00a0 Other than that we have no business here.\u00a0 Joe and I will be returning at the end of the week to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque was sceptical.\u00a0 He was sure that the brothers would hang around once they realised the true worth of the land, but he wisely kept his own counsel. There was no way these two interlopers were going to come between him and the inheritance that was rightfully his!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The following day Clay and Joe were at the coral watching a couple of the men breaking in new horses.\u00a0 There was a particularly ornery black stallion that all the men were wary of.\u00a0 He was an expensive horse and none of the men were keen to ride him.\u00a0 If they were unsuccessful in breaking him it would make it doubly hard for the next man and Jacque would no doubt be angry and someone would suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they argued who would be the reluctant rider, Joe piped up that he would like to give it a try.\u00a0 The men were a bit reluctant, but he was the old man\u2019s grandson after all, so they shrugged their shoulders and told Joe to do his best.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was overjoyed at being given the chance to show off.\u00a0 He was an excellent horseman and there was no doubt in his mind that if anyone could tame this horse it would be him.\u00a0 Climbing over the corral fence he made his way over to the horse and, much to the surprise of the assembled men, he spent a few minutes talking to the animal in a reassuring tone and stroking its head, trying to calm the skittish colt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once he was ready Joe indicated for the men to hold the horse steady as he prepared to mount.\u00a0 Just as he was lifting his left leg from the ground he found himself being yanked from behind and forcibly and dragged backwards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell do you think you are doing boy?\u201d bellowed Jacque Martinique, as he landed a heavy swat on Joe\u2019s butt and pushed him from the corral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s cheeks burned with embarrassment and he was ready to explode.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did it look like?\u00a0 He screeched, unable to believe the man had treated him like a twelve year old.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh you really think so?\u201d Jacque bellowed even louder than Joe.\u00a0 \u201cWell if you think I am going to let some wet behind the ears punk kid, try and break my best horse you have another thing coming.\u00a0 Stick to your toys until you grow up boy.\u00a0 Leave the men\u2019s work for the men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That was it, the red mist descended and if Clay hadn\u2019t intervened Joe\u2019s fists would have made contact with Jacque\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The angry voices had drawn the attention of Francis De Val and he was quick to approach the corral.\u00a0 Looking from his nephew to his youngest grandson he demanded.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour so-called grandson here was just about to ruin a $200 horse, that\u2019s what\u2019s wrong.\u201d Jacque replied, with just the right amount of contempt in his voice to send Joe completely over the top.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay wrapped both his arms tightly round Joe\u2019s body in order to restrain him, which was just as well because if both his arms hadn\u2019t been occupied he may well have taken a pop at Jacque himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trying to diffuse the situation Francis turned to Joe and asked calmly.\u00a0 \u201cYou think you can ride this horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know I can,\u201d Joe spat back disrespectfully, forgetting that he was addressing his elderly grandfather.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis was not prepared to overlook Joe\u2019s tone, regardless of the provocation.\u00a0 \u201cI think you forget who you are talking to young man!\u201d he said sharply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was immediately contrite and hung his head.\u00a0 \u201cSorry grandfather,\u201d he said quietly, then looking up with sparks still igniting his eyes he said passionately, \u201cBut I do know horses and I\u2019m sure I can break that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis looked questioningly at Clay and raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 Clay loosened his grip on Joe and now smiled at his grandfather.\u00a0 \u201cFrom what I\u2019ve seen, Joe is about the best horseman there is, he\u2019s been breaking horses since he was fifteen years old.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque could see the way things were going and he was not happy.\u00a0 \u201cSurely you are not going to let the kid ride?\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably break his scrawny neck in the process, but more to the point I paid $200 for that horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to see him ride,\u201d Francis decreed.\u00a0 \u201cHis mother was a fine horsewoman, maybe he inherited more than her looks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled triumphantly as he pushed past Jacque and once more entered the corral.\u00a0 Once again he took a few minutes to reacquaint himself with the stallion before he attempted to mount.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This was not an easy ride and the men watching from the sidelines could not help but be impressed as the slip of a lad moved as one with the animal.\u00a0 To a greenhorn bystander it may have looked as if Joe was simply hanging on for dear life, but to men who had spent their whole lives working with horses, every toss of it\u2019s head and every clenching of Joe\u2019s knees looked rehearsed and choreographed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the horse finally stood still and Joe slid from the saddle the men cheered and patted him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cGreat ride Joe,\u201d Clay shouted, before hugging his young brother to him in a rare show of affection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His grandfather too was very impressed, horsemanship was a De Val trait and he was pleased that a family tradition was being carried on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only Jacque failed to be impressed; inside he was seething and he was having a hard job disguising the fact.\u00a0 One way or other he had to get rid of these kids and he wasn\u2019t going to be too particular how he did it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that day Francis invited his nephew and grandsons to join him in his den.\u00a0 \u201cI have something to show you,\u201d he declared enthusiastically, before opening the safe and pulling out a casket.\u00a0 Inside was the most exquisite diamond necklace any of them had ever seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s priceless,\u201d Francis said proudly.\u00a0 \u201cIt belonged to your grandmother and one day I intended to give it to your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d Clay exclaimed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes it is,\u201d Francis confirmed. \u201cI was so sad not to have been able to see your mother wearing it, but maybe now, sometime in the future, you will have a daughter and she will wear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay smiled and nodded his head, while Joe just looked embarrassed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning to his youngest grandson, Francis chuckled, \u201cIn your case young man, that great granddaughter needs to wait a good few years, do you hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cYou can be assured of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque Martinique looked on with disdain.\u00a0 Although never promised, he had always assumed the necklace would come to him.\u00a0 More than ever he felt the need to be rid of his cousins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Chapter 3:<\/p>\n

On Saturday morning bright and early Joe was up and raring to go.\u00a0 \u201cI need to go into town and wire Pa that everything is okay\u201d he informed Clay.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019m in enough trouble as it is without provoking him more than I have already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to come with you?\u201d Clay asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo I\u2019m a big boy Clay; I think I can manage to send a telegram on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay held up his hands in mock surrender.\u00a0 \u201cNo argument from me on that score little brother.\u00a0 Just thought I would do a spot of fishing this morning that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure you catch a couple for me,\u201d Joe cajoled.\u00a0 \u201cAfter a long ride and a couple of cool beers, I\u2019ll be ready to eat a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust take it easy with the beers Joe,\u201d Clay warned.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t want any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSince when did you get so sanctimonious?\u201d Joe retorted.\u00a0 Then with a wink of his eye, he mocked.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry big brother, I\u2019ll be a good boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe prepared to ride out he was joined by Jacque and a couple of the ranch hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll ride with you,\u201d Jacque insisted.\u00a0 \u201cMy uncle would be most upset if we didn\u2019t look after his youngest grandson,\u201d he added sardonically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders at Clay, but resigned himself to having company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ranch was about an hour\u2019s ride from town and during that time Jacque decided he would find out as much as he could about his young cousin.\u00a0 Francis De Val had tried on several occasions to involve Jacque in their discussions over the last few days, but so far his nephew had shown no interest at all in anything to do with Joe or Clay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo Joe, what do you do back in Virginia City?\u201d Jacque asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBreak horses, ride fence, work the ranch, much the same as the other cowpokes,\u201d Joe replied with a shrug of his shoulders.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t feel inclined to give Jacque any information about his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hear my Uncle say it was your father\u2019s ranch you worked on?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh that\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque looked at the other two men riding with them and smiled. \u00a0If Joe was obliged to work alongside the other cowboys at his father\u2019s ranch, it didn\u2019t sound as if it was very successful.\u00a0 This just confirmed Jacque\u2019s suspicions that Joe and his brother were out to cash in, on what he believed to be, his inheritance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how long are you and your brother planning on staying at the Southern Belle?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked sideways at the man beside him before answering.\u00a0 Jacque was smiling but Joe didn\u2019t trust him one bit and he was tempted to tell the man that he didn\u2019t have any plans to go home just yet, but thought better of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sending a telegram to my Pa to say we\u2019ll start home on Sunday.\u00a0 I don\u2019t suppose he\u2019ll be too happy if we stay away any longer; it\u2019s a busy time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After the first few interchanges, Jacque found it hard going trying to make conversation; he really had nothing in common with the boy and he certainly had no interest in his miserable ranch back in Virginia City.\u00a0 The rest of the journey passed in silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On reaching town the men split up.\u00a0 Jacque directed Joe to the telegraph office and arranged to meet him at Sutter\u2019s Saloon in an hour\u2019s time.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t tell Joe what his business was in town and Joe didn\u2019t ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Less than an hour later Jacque had concluded his business and after meeting up with his two henchmen he made his way to the saloon. \u00a0By this time Joe had also done all he needed to do and was halfway through his second beer and happily flirting with one of the saloon girls.\u00a0 Pulling out a chair and sitting down at Joe\u2019s table, Jacque instructed the saloon girl to bring them all a beer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held up his hand and protested.\u00a0 \u201cNot for me, I\u2019ve had enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh that\u2019s right,\u201d Jacque goaded.\u00a0 \u201cJoe here\u2019s not old enough to be drinking.\u00a0 Better make that three beers Mandy and bring the boy a sarsaparilla.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face flushed red with embarrassment.\u00a0 \u201cJust bring four beers,\u201d he called to the girl\u2019s retreating back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure about that kid?\u201d Jacque mocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Joe retorted, knowing his cousin was enjoying his humiliation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three beers led to four, then five, plus a bottle of whisky that Jacque insisted they share.\u00a0 When Joe tried to stand he found his legs buckling under him.\u00a0 At seventeen he was usually restricted to a couple of beers when out with his brothers and his body was not accustomed to this amount of alcohol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before Joe hit the floor Jacque\u2019s men grabbed him at either side and almost carried him back to his horse. \u00a0It was an unpleasant ride for Joe back to the Southern Belle as he desperately tried to hold onto the contents of his stomach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they approached, Francis De Val came out of the house to greet them and he looked at Joe disapprovingly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is the meaning of this?\u201d he demanded of Jacque.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque looked at Joe slumped across his saddle and with a shrug of his shoulders he defended, \u201cIt\u2019s not my problem if the kid can\u2019t hold his liqueur.\u00a0 I\u2019m not his keeper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Joe had been in any shape to notice, he would have seen a look in his grandfather\u2019s eye that very much resembled his father.\u00a0 Turning to Clay, Francis said sharply, \u201cSee to your brother.\u201d\u00a0 Then as he walked away he added, \u201cI expect him to be at the table for supper this evening, so I suggest you make his coffee extra strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay pulled his brother from his horse and with one arm round Joe\u2019s waist and his other arm holding onto the arm draped over his shoulder, he half dragged his brother into the house.\u00a0 Taking Joe straight to the kitchen he sat him in the nearest chair and set about making the extra strong coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat were you thinking of Joe?\u201d he berated.\u00a0 \u201cYou promised me you wouldn\u2019t have more than a couple of pints.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat with his head in his hands moaning softly.\u00a0 \u201cI only intended to have two pints; but Jacque was goading me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he said to stick your head in the fire would you do it?\u201d Clay found himself saying, then added, \u201cI can\u2019t believe I just said that; I\u2019m beginning to sound like your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That brought a chuckle from Joe, but it was short lived.\u00a0 \u201cClay, I think I\u2019m gonna be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo no don\u2019t Joe, hang on a second.\u201d\u00a0 Clay grabbed the first thing he could lay his hands on and was just in time to put the fruit bowl under his brother\u2019s head and prevent Joe from messing all over the floor.\u00a0 Clay\u2019s nose screwed up with disgust but he held the bowl in place until Joe was finished.\u00a0 He then disappeared outside to get rid of the contents and rinse the bowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On returning, Clay looked at the ashen face of his young brother and sighed. \u201cYou know Adam\u2019s right, you do need a keeper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By supper time Joe was sober enough to present himself at the table but it was obvious to those present that he was not feeling well.\u00a0 Francis surveyed the young man thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph do you have anything to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped pushing the food around his plate and looked over at the elder man.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not really feeling very talkative at the moment Grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not what I meant Joseph,\u201d Francis added and then waited for Joe\u2019s response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was puzzled and was about to say so, when a kick to the shins from his older brother caught his attention and he glared across the table at Clay.\u00a0 At first he couldn\u2019t tell what his brother was mouthing at him, but then the penny dropped and he turned sheepishly back to his Grandfather and said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about my behaviour today Grandfather, it won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val had been a young man himself and his voice softened as he replied.\u00a0 \u201cWell see that it doesn\u2019t young man.\u201d\u00a0 Joe visibly relaxed and Francis asked him.\u00a0 \u201cDid you at least manage to send the telegram to your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told him we would start back on Sunday.\u00a0 With a bit of luck he will have forgiven me by then,\u201d\u00a0 Joe added without thinking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForgiven you for what Joseph?\u201d his Grandfather asked, raising his eyebrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s chin dropped to his chest as he realised his blunder.\u00a0 \u201cW-w-well I didn\u2019t exactly tell him I was coming here with Clay\u2026..I-I-I left a message for him with a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The silence that followed this statement was deafening and Joe closed his eyes as he waited for the tirade that he was sure would follow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At first the sound that came from Francis was indiscernible, but then as it got louder the men round the table looked at each other in surprise; he was laughing and Joe\u2019s mouth dropped open in surprise as his Grandfather started to chuckle uncontrollably.\u00a0\u00a0 After several minutes Francis wiped his eyes and looked at his youngest grandson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph there is no doubt you are your mother\u2019s son.\u00a0 Marie could try the patience of a saint and I\u2019m sure your father feels the same way about you.\u00a0 Now off to bed young man, if tomorrow is your last day I want you at your best.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s telegram never reached his family.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t appeared that urgent to Bert in the telegraph office and so he thought he would give it to whichever of the Cartwright\u2019s arrived in town the following day to pick up the mail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Saturday morning and Ben, Will, Hoss and Adam were sitting down to breakfast.\u00a0 Ben was unusually quiet and the other three kept exchanging knowing glances.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eventually Ben clattered his coffee cup back into the saucer with a bang and said angrily.\u00a0 \u201cThat boy has no consideration for his family.\u00a0 Not a word; not a single word.\u00a0 First he leaves without permission and then he doesn\u2019t even have the decency to send a telegram to say he\u2019s arrived safely and when to expect him home.\u201d\u00a0 Before any of the others had time to express an opinion, Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cEven if Joe is that irresponsible, I would have thought Clay would have more sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his hands up in mock surrender.\u00a0 \u201cNo point getting all worked up Pa; you know Little Joe, he\u2019ll be so caught up in his big adventure he won\u2019t be thinking about us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019ll give him adventure when I get hold of him.\u201d Ben continued, still not willing to calm down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was ever the peacemaker.\u00a0 \u201cYou know the young\u2019un don\u2019t mean anything Pa, he just forgets all about time when he\u2019s having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at his middle son and Hoss tried to smile but it froze on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re that worried Uncle Ben, why don\u2019t you take a trip to Sacramento and see for yourself that he\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other three men at the table stopped talking and looked at Will.\u00a0 Ben started to protest, \u201cI can\u2019t just leave the ranch and go gallivanting across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not Pa?\u201d Adam said with a shrug of his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWe are all up to date here and Charley is quite capable of looking after things when we are gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018when we are gone\u2019?\u00a0 Since when was it decided that everyone was going?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at his father, but he was with Adam on this one.\u00a0 \u201cWell I don\u2019t know about Adam and Will, but I think if we have a grandfather in the family, it\u2019s only right the rest of us get to meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thought for a minute, then looked round at the expectant faces, before allowing a smile to grace his lips.\u00a0 \u201cOkay boys you win, it would appear we are going on a little trip, so you better get your bags packed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe could hardly drag himself out of bed on Saturday morning; he was no longer nauseous, but his head felt as if he had been kicked by a mule and his tongue was so thick he found it difficult to swallow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay was rather amused at Joe\u2019s predicament as they sat at the breakfast table and took great pleasure in eating a large plate of fatback bacon and eggs as Joe drank his coffee and tried not to look at the greasy food on his brother\u2019s plate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe, look lively,\u201d Clay cajoled, rising from the table.\u00a0 \u201cGrandfather is waiting for us outside and he won\u2019t want to be kept waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned loudly as he stood to his feet, but he gritted his teeth together in grim determination and followed Clay from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val was delighted to have the company of his grandsons as he went about his business and by the end of the day the boys were saddle sore and tired as they rode back to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the brothers\u2019 washed for supper that evening Clay marvelled at the old man\u2019s stamina.\u00a0 \u201cHow does he do it?\u00a0 He almost rode the two of us into the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBeats me,\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut I think we had better get a move on, cause I\u2019m willing to bet he\u2019s already changed and sitting waiting for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All too soon the day came to an end and the brothers\u2019 retired to bed that evening knowing they would be starting the journey back to the Ponderosa early the following morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As the brothers slept soundly in their soft beds that evening, the rest of the Cartwrights prepared to sleep beneath the stars on the hard earth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose he\u2019s like?\u201d Hoss asked, lying flat on his back with his arms crossed behind his head looking up at the dark sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat who\u2019s like?\u201d Adam asked crossly, pulling his bedroll over to a piece of land that wasn\u2019t quite as lumpy as the one he had first tried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s Grandpa, of course.\u00a0 Who else would I be talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if he\u2019s anything like Joe or Clay, God help us,\u201d Adam replied, lying down once more, but not finding the comfort he desired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just get some sleep,\u201d Ben said wearily.\u00a0 His first night on the trail and already he could feel himself getting tetchy.\u00a0 He really was getting too old for this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As for Will, he was already sleeping like a baby.\u00a0 Will hadn\u2019t had it quite as easy as his cousins and he took the minor discomforts in his stride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sunday morning and Clay and Joe were all ready to leave.\u00a0 Their grandfather hugged them to him in a fierce embrace and begged them to visit him often.\u00a0 Both boys promised to be back the first opportunity they had and after a final goodbye they mounted their horses and left for home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque had not put in an appearance before the boys\u2019 left, but neither of them was sorry, he had spent as little time as he could with the brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About four hours into their journey, Clay pulled his horse to a stop and asked his brother to do the same.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy we stopping,\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could be wrong,\u201d Clay said guardedly.\u00a0 \u201cBut I think we\u2019re being followed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked all around and was just about to ask his brother why he thought that, when men rode out from amongst the trees and surrounded them.\u00a0 They were mean looking and had guns at the ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you boys just get down from your horses nice and easy,\u201d one of the men ordered.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t want anyone getting hurt.\u201d\u00a0 The man had removed his hat revealing a completely bald head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Joe demanded.\u00a0 \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be asking the questions sonny,\u201d the man replied calmly, but there was a veiled threat in his voice when he added.\u00a0 \u201cBut I suggest you get down off your horse like I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust do as he says,\u201d Clay advised as he swung his own leg over the saddle and jumped to the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did likewise, but he left the men around him under no illusion that he was doing it under protest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook in their saddlebags,\u201d the first man instructed once more, keeping his gun trained on the young men in front of him, ready for any trouble they might give.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you looking for?\u201d Clay asked this time, as he leaned slightly forward and put a calming hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll know if we find it Mister,\u201d one of the other men informed him, at the same time pushing Clay forward and away from his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers\u2019 belongings were thrown down and scattered across the ground.\u00a0 Joe could feel his temper rising and it was only Clay\u2019s hand on his shoulder that warned him not to do anything rash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, what have we here?\u201d one of the men declared, lifting something from Joe\u2019s saddlebag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d the bald headed man asked, leaving them under no illusion who was in charge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then the man lifted it up for them all to see \u2013 Francis De Val\u2019s diamond necklace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cW-w-where\u2026\u2026h-h-how, I mean it couldn\u2019t be.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked at his brother dumbfounded.\u00a0 There was no way he could explain how the necklace came to be in his saddlebags.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked equally shocked and just gaped at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cClay I-I-I never,\u201d Joe declared, now desperate to assure Clay he was innocent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joe there\u2019s got to be an explanation for this,\u201d Clay reassured.\u00a0 But before he could say anything else the bald headed man interrupted him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery convincing boys, but you don\u2019t fool anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust who are you?\u201d Clay demanded, he was beginning to suspect that he and Joe had been set up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBob Denver\u2019s the name,\u201d the bald headed man replied.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m the sheriff in these parts and you boys are under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s got to be some mistake,\u201d Joe exclaimed, finally finding his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo mistake son,\u201d the sheriff affirmed.\u00a0 \u201cNow put your hands up and keep them there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Joe wasn\u2019t listening; he needed to make this man understand that they weren\u2019t thieves.\u00a0 He took two steps forward before the butt of the gun on the back of his head stopped him dead in his tracks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe slumped to the ground unconscious, the sheriff shouted at the man who did the deed.\u00a0 \u201cNow why did you go and do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid wouldn\u2019t do as he was told,\u201d the man stated, trying to defend his actions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay knelt down and took hold of his brother\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, Joe,\u201d he whispered, but Joe wasn\u2019t listening, and already Clay could feel the stickiness of Joe\u2019s blood as it seeped through his fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bob Denver shook his head in annoyance.\u00a0 \u201cHandcuff him,\u201d he said, pointing his finger at Clay, \u201cand hogtie the other one over his saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two of the men roughly pulled Clay to his feet, cuffed his hands in front and manhandled him into his saddle. \u00a0Then as Clay looked on helpless they lifted Joe from the ground and threw him face down over his horse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a long ride back to town and Clay became increasingly concerned about his brother, as Joe was still out cold and the blood was now a congealed mass on the back of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they finally arrived the men carried Joe into the jailhouse and, taking him into the cells, they slung him unceremoniously onto the nearest bunk.\u00a0 The handcuffs were removed from Clay and he was pushed into the cell beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a doctor,\u201d Clay called after the men\u2019s retreating back.\u00a0 \u201cMy brother needs a doctor.\u201d\u00a0 But the men ignored him.\u00a0 They walked away without a backward glance and closed the door between the cells and the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An hour later a familiar figure walked into the jailhouse and sat down opposite the sheriff.\u00a0 The man didn\u2019t waste any time on niceties.\u00a0 \u201cYou got them?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got them,\u201d the sheriff replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe younger one\u2019s got a bump on the head, but he\u2019ll live.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the necklace?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff opened his drawer, lifted out the necklace and handed it to his visitor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now Jacque?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque smiled the devious smile his cousins had come to hate over the last few days and shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cThey are thieves,\u201d he stated simply.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure the judge will have no compunction about sending them to prison for a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just then a loud noise was heard from the back room and the sheriff rose and went out to the cells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother\u2019s hurt,\u201d Clay stated simply.\u00a0 \u201cIf you won\u2019t allow him to see a doctor, could I at least have some water and a clean cloth so I can look after him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff looked at the still form of the boy lying on the bed and relented.\u00a0 \u201cAll right\u201d he agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get you what you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust one more thing sheriff,\u201d Clay pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cCan you send word to Ben Cartwright at the Ponderosa Ranch just outside Virginia City and let him know we are here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff was confused.\u00a0 \u201cBen Cartwright?\u00a0 What do you have to do with Ben Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s our Pa,\u201d Clay stated simply, surprised at how easily the words slipped from his tongue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff walked back to his office and closed the door behind him.\u00a0 He turned to Jacque and said accusingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me the boys\u2019 were named Stafford,\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque didn\u2019t know what the sheriff was getting at.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s right, Stafford.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid just told me their name\u2019s Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStafford, Cartwright!\u00a0 What difference does it make?\u201d Jacque said in frustration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you heard of Ben Cartwright?\u201d the sheriff asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, why should I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff looked at Jacque in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cIf you haven\u2019t heard of Cartwright, surely you must have heard of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque was becoming annoyed.\u00a0 \u201cOf course I\u2019ve heard of the Ponderosa, everyone round these parts knows of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Ben Cartwright owns the Ponderosa,\u201d the sheriff informed him.\u00a0 \u201cAnd when he finds out I\u2019ve arrested his boys he ain\u2019t gonna be too happy, and I for one don\u2019t want to be taking on the likes of Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque caught hold of the sheriff by the arm and held him tight.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve been well paid for your part in this,\u201d he said through gritted teeth.\u00a0 \u201cJust make sure those boys are in court tomorrow and that the judge knows what he has to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI may have been paid,\u201d the sheriff answered.\u00a0 \u201cBut that was before I knew we were dealing with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 I want double what you gave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A furious Jacque had no alternative but to pay up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Clay gently bathed the back of his brother\u2019s head and checked the damage.\u00a0 The wound had bled quite a bit, but head wounds always did, and it wasn\u2019t as bad as Clay had thought it would be.\u00a0 Joe would certainly have quite a head ache when he came round, but it didn\u2019t look as if the cut required stitches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A low moan escaped from Joe\u2019s lips and Clay sat back and waited for him to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyelids fluttered for a few seconds and then he slowly and cautiously peeked out from under his long lashes.\u00a0 A quick look was enough before he scrunched his eyes tight shut once again.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Joe asked at last.\u00a0 His throat felt dry and dusty and he quickly pleaded for a drink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay held a glass of water for him until he had drunk his fill.\u00a0 \u201cThat better?\u201d Clay asked as he replaced the glass on the floor next to the bunk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh thanks,\u201d Joe said in a raspy voice.\u00a0 \u201cMy throat feels like I\u2019ve been riding drag for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter they knocked you out, they hogtied you over your horse,\u201d Clay informed him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m willing to bet you ate more dirt on the ride here than you would at the back of the herd.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and reached round and touched the back of his head.\u00a0 He winced in pain and made to sit up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Clay warned.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s quite some lump you\u2019ve got there.\u00a0 You might feel a little dizzy at first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA little?\u201d Joe said sarcastically, as he slumped back onto the bed.\u00a0 Then as if he remembered all of a sudden why they were there, he sat back up again and asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhere did the necklace come from Clay?\u00a0 I swear I never touched it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay placed a hand on Joe\u2019s arm and reassured him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know that?\u00a0 We\u2019ve been set up Joe and I\u2019m willing to bet I know who by.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJacque,\u201d Joe stated simply and Clay nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cYes Cousin Jacque.\u00a0 Who else would go to such lengths to get rid of us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben and the boys broke camp early on the Monday morning.\u00a0 Hot coffee and the left overs of Hop Sing\u2019s biscuits had to suffice until they could replenish their rations, but Hoss was the only one to complain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as we hit town, I\u2019m gonna have me the biggest steak I can find,\u201d Hoss declared hungrily.\u00a0 \u201cLittle brother\u2019s just gonna have to wait; I can\u2019t go meeting no grandfather on an empty belly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell let\u2019s get a move on,\u201d Ben said, winking at his eldest son as he added.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to be accused of starving any of my children.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Will laughed at the good natured banter and lamented, not for the first time, on what he had missed out on by being an only child.\u00a0 He had spent most of his young life travelling from place to place with his father; never stopping long enough to make friends.\u00a0 It was the only life he knew and he didn\u2019t regret it, but in the few months he had spent with his relatives he had come to realise that there was a different way of life; a one he would have liked to of experienced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Clay and Joe were totally unaware that their family was only a few hours ride away when they were roughly awoken that Monday morning.\u00a0 The sheriff was in no mood for conversation as he and his deputy ushered the brothers from the cell and marched them over to the courthouse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The building was almost empty as they stood in front of the judge and listened to him reading out the charges against them.\u00a0 When either of them opened their mouth to speak they were forcibly told to remain quiet and in less than 15 minutes rough justice was dispensed.\u00a0 The brothers were found guilty of theft of the diamond necklace and sentenced to five years in prison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do that,\u201d Joe screeched at the judge, as the deputy took hold of his arm and tried to remove him from the dock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay was equally upset and struggled to release the hands that grabbed him.\u00a0 \u201cThis is all a set up Joe,\u201d he said angrily.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s obvious the sheriff and the judge are in the pay of Jacque Martinique.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor that outburst young man, the sentence will be increased to six years.\u00a0 Maybe by the time you are released you will have gained some manners and a bit more common sense,\u201d the judge said with disdain, before rising and leaving the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The brothers were immediately taken back to the jailhouse and returned to the cell.\u00a0 After about twenty minutes Clay started banging on the cell bars and shouting for the sheriff.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the sheriff who came to see them but one of his deputies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you making all that noise about,\u201d he bawled, a half eaten sandwich in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my kid brother, he doesn\u2019t look too good.\u00a0 His head has started bleeding again and he looks real sick.\u00a0 I think he needs a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deputy looked past Clay and into the cell where Joe was lying on the bunk holding his head and moaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe seemed okay before,\u201d the deputy said, unsure of what he should do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he look okay to you now,\u201d Clay said in a worried voice, going over to the bunk and bending down and running his hand over his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deputy shuffled from one foot to another.\u00a0 The sheriff had gone for breakfast over at Jenny\u2019s cafe.\u00a0 If he went over and brought him back and the kid was okay, Bob Denver wouldn\u2019t be too pleased and he had been on the end of the sheriff\u2019s wrath all too often, he didn\u2019t want to experience it again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I better take a look at him,\u201d the deputy finally decided, returning to the office and coming back with the key.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With gun in one hand and the key in the other he motioned for Clay to move away from the bed.\u00a0 Keeping his gun firmly fixed on Clay; he walked over and looked down at Joe.\u00a0 The deputy had to admit the kid didn\u2019t look too good; his face was ashen and his eyes were rolling to the back of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose is wrong with him?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look at the back of his head,\u201d Clay instructed.\u00a0 \u201cI think maybe whoever cracked him one with that gun, did more damage than we thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deputy leaned in closer towards Joe and taking the only opportunity they had the brothers moved into action.\u00a0 In one swift movement, Joe brought his fist up into the unsuspecting jaw of the hapless man and, at the same time, Clay hit him as hard as he could from behind.\u00a0 With nothing more than a surprised yelp, the man slumped to the floor unconscious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Clay were quickly on their feet and, without a word passing between them; they gagged and tied the man to the bed.\u00a0 Taking the keys and the gun they crept out of the cell, locked it behind them, and made their way into the outer office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now?\u201d Joe asked, a touch of panic in his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow we get out of here and find somewhere to hold up,\u201d Clay replied.\u00a0 The truth was he didn\u2019t have a plan, he only knew that he wasn\u2019t prepared to be carted off to jail for something he hadn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t so sure.\u00a0 \u201cOnce they realise we\u2019re gone, they\u2019ll have the whole town looking for us.\u00a0 They\u2019ll probably shoot us down on sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked at his brother in exasperation; he could do without the questions at this point in time.\u00a0 \u201cWould you have rather gone to prison?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa would have come and got us out,\u201d Joe argued.\u00a0 He had always been taught to respect the law and he didn\u2019t want to think what Ben was going to have to say about them knocking a deputy unconscious and breaking out of jail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he would,\u201d Clay admitted.\u00a0 \u201cBut that could take a week or more.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA week wouldn\u2019t be too bad,\u201d Joe persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn awful lot could happen in that week Joe, especially to a kid like you.\u00a0 Believe me you don\u2019t want to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u00a0 I can look after myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cForget it Joe.\u00a0 Just trust me on this one, prison is one experience you don\u2019t want.\u00a0 Now quit talking and take a look and see what\u2019s happening outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reluctantly dropped the subject and peeped through the barred window to the world outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks pretty quiet to me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow if I remember correctly,\u201d Clay pondered.\u00a0 \u201cOnce we get outside if we go to our right we can be in the back street in seconds.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just hope our luck holds and no one spots us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that Clay slowly opened the jailhouse door and when he was pretty sure there was no one around he motioned for Joe to follow him and the next moment they were out the door, round the corner and into the backstreet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no more time for talk, with their senses on heightened alert; they made their way through the streets, avoiding contact with anyone.\u00a0 They had almost made it to the outskirts of the town when their luck ran out.\u00a0 As they came round the corner one of the saloon girls, who was late for her shift and taking a short cut in the dirty back streets, came rushing round the bend and straight into the arms of Clay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey what you doing, creeping up on a gal like that,\u201d she protested, trying to push Clay away from her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMandy?\u201d Clay uttered in surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The girl looked at him for several seconds, before a smile widened across her face.\u00a0 \u201cClay\u2026..I don\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 Clay Stafford.\u00a0 Where have you been this past couple of years?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo time to explain,\u201d Clay cut her off.\u00a0 \u201cLook Mandy we\u2019re in trouble, we need to get away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy looked beyond Clay at this point and noticed Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHey ain\u2019t you the kid that was in the saloon with Jacque Martinique?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Clay,\u201d she cried.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want anything to do with Martinique.\u00a0 That guy is trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes we know,\u201d Clay acknowledged.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s him and the sheriff we are trying to get away from.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy looked around her uncomfortably, a touch of fear on her face.\u00a0 \u201cOkay,\u201d she said finally.\u00a0 \u201cFor old times sake.\u00a0 Come with me.\u201d\u00a0 With that she turned back the way she had come and led them through two more streets to her home.\u00a0 Unlocking the door she walked in and ushered them in behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake yourselves at home gents.\u00a0 No one will think of looking for you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Mandy,\u201d Clay whispered, pulling her into his arms and kissing her gently on the lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou always were a smooth talker,\u201d Mandy chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNow I have to go to work, otherwise it will look suspicious.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back here just after 3, so you fellas lay low and I\u2019ll see you then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With that she was out of the door and gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay looked at his brother and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWell Joseph,\u201d he asked \u201cwhat do you fancy for breakfast?\u00a0 And before you answer, just remember you\u2019ll be cooking it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d Joe replied, a smile on his own face.\u00a0 \u201cHow does coffee and toast grab you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no little brother, you don\u2019t get off that easily.\u00a0 I have found us salvation and that at least deserves bacon and eggs!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was lunchtime when the Cartwrights rode into town, dusty, tired, but most of all hungry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder where we\u2019ll get something to eat?\u201d Ben asked, surveying the street in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry about that none,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0 \u201cMy nose will find us the best eating house they got, I guarantee you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, why don\u2019t you and Will go and order steaks for us all, while Pa and I find out how to get to the Southern Belle?\u201d Adam instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a good idea to me,\u201d Hoss agreed.\u00a0 \u201cBut if you ain\u2019t arrived when I finished eating mine, I might just have to start on yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Will soon found somewhere to eat and ordered huge steaks with all the trimmings for them all.\u00a0 The plates had only just been put on the table when Ben and Adam joined them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow ain\u2019t that a sight for sore eyes?\u201d Hoss declared, looking not at his father and brother, but at the juicy steak in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you ever think of anything else?\u201d Adam asked, as he eased himself down into his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a man\u2019s hungry Adam, his belly don\u2019t let him think of anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son\u2019s banter. \u201cSeems there\u2019s a lot of excitement around here today,\u201d he informed Hoss and Will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Will asked.\u00a0 \u201cThe place looks pretty quiet to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe just came from the saloon,\u201d Ben continued. \u00a0\u201cApparently there\u2019s been a breakout from the jail this morning.\u00a0 Two men overpowered the deputy, tied him up, took his gun and hightailed it out of there.\u00a0 Just about the whole town are out looking for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just hope they catch them,\u201d Adam stated, before tucking into his steak; the way Hoss was making his disappear, he wouldn\u2019t have put it past him to start on his if he didn\u2019t hurry up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou find out where this Southern Belle is?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked between mouthfuls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe found out,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cApparently Francis De Val is well known in these parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoon as I have me another one of those steaks,\u201d Hoss declared, looking at his now empty plate.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll head out and see what Clay and Little Joe been up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just hope your little brother has been behaving himself,\u201d Ben added.\u00a0 \u201cFrancis De Val doesn\u2019t know what he has let himself in for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you might be wrong there Pa,\u201d Adam smiled<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is that?\u201d Ben queried; a look of puzzlement on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled before replying. \u201cWell if Little Joe is as much like his mother as you keep telling us, then I would think his grandfather will know just how to handle little brother, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was the middle of the afternoon when the Cartwrights\u2019 entered the perimeter of the Southern Belle.\u00a0 They had hardly gone more than a hundred yards when they were surrounded by a number of ranch hands, guns at the ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you and what do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked hard at the man asking the question before replying.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright,\u201d he said tersely, \u201cand I\u2019m here to see Francis De Val.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man turned and looked at the other men with him.\u00a0 \u201cDid Mr De Val say he was expecting visitors?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All the men shook their heads, and the spokesman turned back to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cSorry Mister, but my instructions are not to allow anyone on the ranch without an appointment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy sons are staying with Mr De Val,\u201d Ben explained.\u00a0 \u201cWe might not be expected but I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll be welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man spat on the ground in front of him and leaned over his horse.\u00a0 \u201cWe ain\u2019t got no visitors on the ranch.\u00a0 The two fella\u2019s that were staying here left yesterday.\u00a0 So I guess you don\u2019t have business with Mr De Val after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean they left here yesterday?\u201d Adam questioned.\u00a0 \u201cWere they heading home?\u00a0 How come we never passed them on the way here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not their keeper. Nothing to do me with me where they went, but it is my business what happens on this ranch and I\u2019m asking you to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and the boys had no alternative but to turn round and head back to town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t get it,\u201d Hoss complained.\u00a0 \u201cIf Clay and Joe set off yesterday, there\u2019s no way we wouldn\u2019t have met up with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe they didn\u2019t head straight home,\u201d Will interjected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think what Will means, is the boys might have decided to have some fun before going home Pa.\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cHow about we head back to town and ask some questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4:<\/p>\n

Clay\u2019s stomach didn\u2019t feel right and he was thinking that maybe it hadn\u2019t been a good idea to force Joe into the cooking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong Clay?\u201d Joe asked, feigning innocence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what\u2019s wrong,\u201d Clay groaned back.\u00a0 \u201cI think you do it on purpose so no one asks you to do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pretended to look upset.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you like my cooking?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn future, I think I\u2019d rather starve,\u201d Clay replied, rubbing his hand over his aching belly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Clay,\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat now?\u201d Clay asked, lying down on the sofa in the hope that the sick feeling would pass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come you know Mandy?\u00a0 I thought you hadn\u2019t been to Sacramento before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t meet her in Sacramento; I met her in San Francisco, oh it must be about three years ago,\u201d Clay reflected.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have made an impression on her,\u201d Joe conceded.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s certainly putting her neck on the line for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay smiled.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s just say we were more than good friends for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay sighed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat always happens?\u00a0 The sheriff didn\u2019t like my poker playing and he moved me on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you haven\u2019t seen her since?\u201d Joe asked, anxious to know all the details.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u201d Clay admitted.\u00a0 \u201cShe did want to come with me, but my type of life ain\u2019t fit for a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At 3pm, Mandy returned as promised and filled the boys in with what was happening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe sheriff has everyone riled up,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThe way he\u2019s talking you two are dangerous criminals and are to be shot on sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brother with fear filled eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWhat we gonna do Clay?\u201d\u00a0 We\u2019ve only got one gun, no horses and no way to get word to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay hadn\u2019t got a solution.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have an answer Joe.\u00a0 I just wish we could get word to Grandfather, I\u2019m sure he knows nothing of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandfather? Who\u2019s your grandfather?\u201d Mandy asked, looking from one to the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrancis De Val,\u201d both brothers answered in unison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Francis De Val is Jacque\u2019s uncle?\u00a0 I thought that was who you were running from.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Clay explained. \u201cJacque set us up to be framed for theft of a diamond necklace.\u00a0 I think he will stop at nothing to get us away from Grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, how about I get word to your Grandfather?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay shook his head. \u201cThat\u2019ll never work Mandy.\u00a0 They don\u2019t allow anyone on the Southern Belle unless they are expecting them.\u00a0 You\u2019ll never get past Jacque\u2019s men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I think I just might,\u201d Mandy smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou know Clay you might just be a chip off the old block, Francis is quite a ladies man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be,\u201d Clay chortled.\u00a0 \u201cThe old dog!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t quite so amused.\u00a0 \u201cY-y-you don\u2019t mean you and Grandfather\u2026..not like that\u2026..ugh\u2026..he\u2019s an old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy and Clay fell about laughing.\u00a0 \u201cOh you have a lot to learn about the ladies,\u201d Clay admonished.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s more to life than a pretty face Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Joe bristled, \u201cI don\u2019t just go for girls with pretty faces.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay laughed even harder.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t referring to the girls Joe!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The Cartwrights arrived back in town and booked into the Doubletree Hotel.\u00a0 After freshening up and a change of clothes they headed over to the Sheriff\u2019s office but it was all locked up.\u00a0 Their next port of call was the saloon in the hope of getting some answers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was still early and the saloon only had a couple of patrons, both of which were old and not very talkative.\u00a0 Ben tried to quiz the man behind the bar, but he wasn\u2019t any more helpful.\u00a0 \u201cLook mister,\u201d he stated.\u00a0 \u201cI get paid to serve drinks, not give out information.\u00a0 If you want to know anything, why don\u2019t you ask the Sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve already tried the Sheriff,\u201d Hoss informed him.\u00a0 \u201cBut the place is all locked up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s on account of two prisoners escaping,\u201d the bartender replied, now happy to give them the benefit of his knowledge.\u00a0 \u201cSheriff Denver and his men are out looking for them, they\u2019re a real dangerous pair by all accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what do we do Pa?\u201d Adam asked, now ignoring the bartender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and pushed his hat far back on his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot much we can do tonight boys, but tomorrow we see the sheriff.\u00a0 If we get no satisfaction with him there\u2019s no way I\u2019m leaving this town without seeing Francis De Val.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case bartender, we\u2019ll have 4 more beers and a deck of cards,\u201d Will demanded.\u00a0 Then looking at the others he shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a dry dusty couple of days; we might as well have some fun while we can.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed but the laughter never reached his eyes.\u00a0 He was worried about Joe and Clay, something wasn\u2019t right, he just couldn\u2019t put his finger on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys have fun, but I\u2019ll just have this beer and then head back to the hotel, my old bones need their rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It was Mandy\u2019s night off so she didn\u2019t return to the saloon that evening.\u00a0 Instead she set about cooking the boys a good hearty supper, which certainly made up for the breakfast that Joe had cooked that morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once they had eaten, Clay and Joe helped Mandy clear away, however Joe was oblivious to the veiled messages that were being passed between the other two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know it\u2019s been quite a day, I wouldn\u2019t mind an early night,\u201d Clay remarked as he put away the last of the dishes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy smirked at his comment and replied, \u201cYeh that would certainly suit me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll need to be up early in the morning if I\u2019m to ride out to the Southern Belle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked from one to the other in astonishment.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s only 7 o\u2019clock, you can\u2019t be tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay raised his eyes to the ceiling and Mandy started to giggle.\u00a0 Then as Clay and Mandy both headed towards Mandy\u2019s bedroom door, all Joe could utter was \u2018Oh\u2019 as he realised what was really going on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking at Joe\u2019s forlorn face Mandy took pity on him. \u00a0\u201cYou know Clay I have a friend; Josie.\u00a0 She\u2019s really cute and not much older than Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up immediately but Clay raised his hand and voice in objection.\u00a0 \u201cNo way.\u00a0 For one thing we can\u2019t risk someone else knowing we are here and for another, I think Joe will be in enough trouble with Pa without adding to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe raised his chin in indignation.\u00a0 \u201cPa doesn\u2019t need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNice try buddy, but even if I was willing to risk Pa finding out, we can\u2019t risk letting someone else know we are here.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t just for our safety but hers as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had to concede that Clay was probably right, but it still didn\u2019t stop him from slumping down onto the sofa in a sulk as the couple left him alone.\u00a0 It was going to be a long night for Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe eventually fell asleep with a cushion over his head in an attempt to blot out the sounds of lovemaking from the adjoining room, but his peace was short lived.\u00a0 By 3am he was wide awake and unable to settle.\u00a0 He paced the floor, made coffee and paced the floor again.\u00a0 The day and night had been too long for Joe; he didn\u2019t take well to being caged up for extended periods of time and he longed for fresh air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Donning his jacket, and only hesitating for a moment, Joe opened the door to Mandy\u2019s house and very quietly crept outside.\u00a0 It was the middle of the night and Joe reasoned that the streets would be quiet and empty.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t intend to go far; he just wanted to stretch his legs and clear his thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was right, everywhere was still and he never saw a soul as he wandered through the back streets aimlessly.\u00a0 After about thirty minutes he decided he had better return to the house in case his brother awoke and found him gone.\u00a0 But the deceptive calmness of the night made Joe careless and as he turned one corner he was taken unawares.\u00a0 The arm round his neck was strong and the gun that was pressed into the small of his back left him under no illusion that he could escape.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell well well look who I\u2019ve got Danny?\u201d the man gloated.\u00a0 \u201cWait till Denver claps eyes on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even in the half light Joe was able to make out two of the men from the posse that had arrested him and Clay in the first place.\u00a0 Removing his arm from around Joe\u2019s neck the man pushed him forward in front of him and ordered, \u201cMove.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I have to tell you where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Panic began to race through Joe\u2019s brain; this was bad, real bad.\u00a0 They would no doubt want to know where Clay was and he dreaded to think how they would try and extract that information.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask you one more time,\u201d Sheriff Denver began.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the man before him with pain filled eyes.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think he could take much more; on the other hand what choice did he have?\u00a0 Joe would never give his brother away, even if it cost him his life. \u00a0Only about thirty minutes had passed since Joe was captured but already it felt like a lifetime<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were five men in the small cell besides Joe and the tension mounted with each passing second.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver was fast losing patience and when Joe, once again, failed to give him the answer he wanted, he let his fists do the talking.\u00a0 Two men stood at either side of Joe, as much to hold him up as restrain him, but as Denver\u2019s blows reigned down on Joe\u2019s helpless body the two men gave up on the fight to keep him standing and allowed him to slump to the floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver was angry with himself because of the position he now found himself in; angry with his deputy for allowing the brothers to escape, but mostly angry with Joe for not telling him what he wanted to know.\u00a0 Giving vent to his frustration, Denver kicked out again and again at the boy at his feet and only stopped when one of his men stepped forward and put himself between the Sheriff and Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Bob\u201d the man cajoled.\u00a0 \u201cThe kid\u2019s out of it, he can\u2019t tell you anything now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The red mist cleared and Bob Denver looked down at Joe\u2019s blood stained face.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath and running his hand over his bald head he gestured to the men.\u00a0 \u201cGet him cleaned up, I\u2019m not finished with him yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver took time out to have a coffee and think about his next move.\u00a0 He just had to find the other prisoner and soon.\u00a0 The quicker both brothers were shipped off to prison and out of his town the better.\u00a0 Only then if their father came looking for them, could he say he had done his duty and as far as he was concerned the matter was closed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs he conscious?\u201d Denver asked as his deputy came to join him for a coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but only just,\u201d the man replied.\u00a0 \u201cA couple of punches and he\u2019ll just black out again.\u00a0 This isn\u2019t getting us anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver thought for a minute, before standing up and removing his belt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that for?\u201d the deputy asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just figured if I work on his hide instead of his face we might just get somewhere,\u201d Denver replied with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cHe ain\u2019t likely to pass out from having his ass whipped, but he\u2019ll feel it just the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deputy shrugged his shoulders and followed Denver back to the cell where Joe was waiting with the other three men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was sitting on the bed when the men entered.\u00a0 His face had been cleaned, but already the swelling round his eyes was beginning to discolour and his lips were swollen and red.\u00a0 Joe tried not to show it, but fear shone from his eyes and he visibly flinched as Denver approached with the belt in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver reached out and stroked Joe\u2019s cheek in a teasing way.\u00a0 \u201cNot such a pretty boy now are we?\u201d he mocked.\u00a0 \u201cNow son why don\u2019t we do this the easy way.\u00a0 You tell me where your brother is and we all get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe averted his eyes away from Denver\u2019s face and sucked his painful lips between his teeth; no matter what, he wasn\u2019t saying anything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay if that\u2019s the way you want it, but you know whatever happens, I\u2019ll find him and all of this will have been for nothing.\u00a0 Bend him over boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two of the men pulled Joe into a standing position and roughly turned him round and forced him face forward over the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Raising his hand high in the air Denver brought his belt down on Joe\u2019s hide over and over again.\u00a0 At first Joe gave no sign of how painful the beating was, but before long he couldn\u2019t help but yell out as the belt made contact with his inflamed and tender flesh.\u00a0 The yells turned to screams of agony but still Denver continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he was sure that Joe couldn\u2019t take anymore, Denver finally stopped and turned Joe over so he could look him in the face.\u00a0 The movement caused Joe to hold his breath in anguish; his flesh was on fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver bent forward so that his face was only inches away from Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAre you ready to talk?\u201d Denver growled menacingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With great effort Joe got his emotions under control and looking Denver squarely in the eye he muttered \u201cGo to hell\u201d before the blackness welcomed him once again into oblivion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Clay awoke early that morning and decided he would surprise Mandy by making breakfast.\u00a0 Sliding quietly from the bed, he pulled on his pants and crept silently from the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fumbling his way to the stove in the semi-darkness, it was several moments before Clay realised that his young brother was not asleep on the couch where he had left him.\u00a0 Cursing under his breath, Clay opened the door to the house and stepped outside.\u00a0 The street was empty and there was no sign of the bustle and noise that would permeate the area within the couple of hours.\u00a0\u00a0 Frantic with worry Clay ventured further afield than was probably safe, hoping to pick up a sign of where his brother had gone.\u00a0 His bare feet did not fair too well on the rough earth, but Clay was unaware of the pain as his thoughts raced ahead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sense of dread looming over him, Clay retraced his steps and went back inside the house and rushed into the bedroom to wake Mandy.\u00a0 All thoughts of breakfast were forgotten as Clay blurted out his worries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you suppose he went?\u201d Mandy asked sleepily, still not awake enough to register the seriousness of the situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe fool kid can\u2019t stay still for two minutes,\u201d Clay replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou can bet Denver and his men have got him by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that Clay,\u201d Mandy tried to reassure.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll probably walk back in the door any minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 He\u2019s not stupid enough to go out just before dawn, so my guess is he went out in the early hours thinking he was safe.\u00a0 The fact he isn\u2019t back tells me they\u2019ve got him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By now Clay was fully dressed and pulling on his boots, flinching as he became aware of the damage to the soles of his feet.\u00a0 Mandy worried as to his intentions. \u201cWhere are you going Clay?\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing you can do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you thought what they will do to him to find me?\u201d Clay retorted.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I know Joe; no matter what they do he\u2019ll never tell them.\u00a0 I can\u2019t leave him to face them on his own; he\u2019s just a kid after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy placed a restraining hand on Clay\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cGiving yourself up won\u2019t do any good Clay; in fact you\u2019ll probably make things worse.\u00a0 Just wait a couple of hours.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get dressed straight away and ride out to the Southern Belle.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring Francis back with me and we\u2019ll get this sorted out once and for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay hesitated.\u00a0 \u201cPlease Clay, let me do this first.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t see how giving yourself up is going to help matters.\u00a0 If this doesn\u2019t work, you need to be free to try and get help from the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Doing nothing didn\u2019t sit easy with Clay, but he understood the reasoning of her argument.\u00a0 If Mandy didn\u2019t return with his grandfather he would have to think of a way to pass word to the Ponderosa and get help and he couldn\u2019t do that from inside a cell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he conceded. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll wait here.\u00a0\u00a0 But if you\u2019re not back by lunchtime, I\u2019ll have no choice but to try and do something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy kissed him swiftly on the cheek, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, no matter what, I\u2019ll bring Francis De Val back to town with me,\u201d she promised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Less than one hour later Mandy had rented a buckboard and was approaching the Southern Belle.\u00a0 Several ranch hands rode out to meet her but, unlike when the Cartwrights had arrived, the men were friendly and courteous to their female visitor.\u00a0 Mandy\u2019s impromptu visits were the norm and they saw no reason to question the validity of her visit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBit early in the morning for you isn\u2019t it Mandy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy smiled sweetly at the man.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m working at the saloon this afternoon Mattie; I can\u2019t afford to lose a shift.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m sure Mr De Val would make it worth your while,\u201d Mattie replied with a cheeky wink and a tip of his hat before he left her to ride off in the other direction, the other men following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque Martinique was just leaving the yard on his horse when Mandy approached.\u00a0 His uncle had not said the girl was expected, but Martinique wasn\u2019t privy to all the old man\u2019s business and he didn\u2019t give it much thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy and Jacque had never been friends, she had always thought him arrogant and unapproachable and he thought of her as common and a gold digger.\u00a0 They gave each other nothing more than a cursory nod as they passed and Mandy breathed a sigh of relief when Jacque rode off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val was delighted to see her and ushered her into the house.\u00a0 Kissing her lightly on each cheek he noticed the anxious expression on her face and held her at arms length to look at her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMandy my dear what is wrong?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you have a smile for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With those words Mandy poured out the whole sorry story and didn\u2019t finish until Francis understood how serious the situation was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe he would do that?\u201d Francis said in almost a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cThey are his cousins, his own flesh and blood.\u00a0 I always thought I had taught him better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t suppose he sees them as cousins,\u201d Mandy surmised.\u00a0 \u201cThey are just strangers to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis looked at Mandy and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cClay and Joe were strangers until a few months ago, but when it boils down to it, blood is thicker than water.\u00a0 Something that Jacque fails to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe obviously doesn\u2019t think about Clay and Joe that way,\u201d Mandy argued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis became angry.\u00a0 \u201cIt is not something he should need to think about, he should feel it in his heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mandy didn\u2019t know what to say, she needed Francis to act and act quickly.\u00a0 Looking at her forlorn face Francis was contrite for his outburst.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry my dear,\u201d he apologised.\u00a0 \u201cMy temper has always been too quick.\u00a0 Let me dress and we will go to town and sort out this mess before it goes any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Breakfast in the hotel was a sombre affair and Ben was not amused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that all of you are hung over,\u201d he growled at the three young men sitting opposite him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t hung over Pa,\u201d Hoss contradicted, as he stuffed a fork full of pancakes into his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cIt weren\u2019t me that was drinking whisky.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at his younger sibling but didn\u2019t contradict him.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t intended to drink so much the night before, but the poker game had gone on a lot longer than he expected.\u00a0 \u00a0Why he had kept pace drink for drink with Will was a mystery to him, but somehow his cousin seemed to bring out a competitive streak in him that he didn\u2019t normally feel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was about to give them the benefit of his opinion when a dishevelled man wearing a deputy\u2019s badge walked over and sat at the table next to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it going Walter?\u201d the waiter asked.\u00a0 \u201cCan I get you a coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Bert,\u201d the deputy called back.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a long night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get those escaped prisoners?\u201d Bert queried.\u00a0 There hadn\u2019t been much excitement lately and the story of the escaped prisoners had been the talk of the town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFunny you should mention that,\u201d Walter shouted back, making sure everyone in the vicinity could hear.\u00a0 \u201cI caught one of them in the early hours of this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo kidding,\u201d Bert was now all ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeh it was the young\u2019un,\u201d Walter boasted getting into full swing.\u00a0 \u201cRight tough kid he is too.\u00a0 Still hasn\u2019t told us where his brother is, but it\u2019s only a matter of time, he can\u2019t hold out forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All conversation stopped at the Cartwright table and the four men looked at each other, not wanting to put into words what each of them was thinking.\u00a0 Finally Ben threw his napkin onto the table and standing he declared, \u201cI think it\u2019s time we paid a visit to the Sheriff\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean I can\u2019t see my son?\u201d Ben shouted, banging his fist down on the desk so hard that the Sheriff\u2019s coffee cup spilled its contents everywhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour son\u2019s a prisoner here Mr Cartwright, tried and convicted for theft,\u201d the sheriff shouted back at him.\u00a0 \u201cAdded to that he attacked one of my deputy\u2019s and escaped.\u00a0 Now as far as I\u2019m concerned he ain\u2019t seeing anyone until he tells me where his brother is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u201d Ben snapped at his eldest.\u00a0 \u201cI want a lawyer here as soon as you can get one, but I\u2019m not moving from this office until I see Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff wiped a hand over his sweating brow; this was the one thing he could do without, getting on the wrong side of Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 The Cartwrights\u2019 had the reputation of being tough and if he\u2019d known the kid in his cell was a Cartwright right off, he would never have got involved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Denver was just about to insist that Ben leave his jail, when the door opened and Francis De Val, Clay and Mandy stepped inside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two of the deputies stepped forward and grabbed hold of Clay\u2019s arms.\u00a0 Will and Hoss stepped forward to protect him and Ben and the Sheriff both started shouting at once.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val stood to one side and surveyed the scene in front of him.\u00a0 Raising his own voice just enough to get everyone\u2019s attention he called for some sort of order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone in the room turned to face him and once he had their interest he demanded of the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you will now explain why you arrested my grandsons?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Denver tried to defend his actions.\u00a0 \u201cIt was reported to me that a diamond necklace had been stolen.\u00a0 It was found in their possession and they were arrested, tried and convicted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay pushed his way forward.\u00a0 \u201cThat necklace was planted on us and you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff retaliated immediately.\u00a0 \u201cI know nothing of the sort.\u00a0 You were tried fair and square.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis again raised his voice and demanded silence.\u00a0 \u201cThis diamond necklace, where is it now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Licking his lips and considering his reply, the Sheriff could not look at De Val when he replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe necklace was returned to its owner.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who might that be?\u201d Francis asked, although he knew the answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJacque Martinique,\u201d Denver replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis De Val\u2019s voice took on a threatening tone when he stated, \u201cThe necklace did not belong to my nephew and it was never his to have.\u00a0 The necklace belonged to me and I say it was never stolen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cB-but we found it on the boy,\u201d the Sheriff insisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI gave it to him,\u201d Francis stated.\u00a0 It was an untruth but it was easier than trying to prove that Jacque had deliberately tried to frame his cousins.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Denver knew he was beaten but he wouldn\u2019t give up without a fight.\u00a0 \u201cThere is still the matter of attacking one of my men and escaping,\u201d he persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you really want me to pursue that?\u201d Francis questioned his voice so low it could hardly be heard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Denver remained quiet.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want his part in all of this to be known; otherwise it might be him behind bars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow take me to my grandson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With shaking hands the Sheriff picked up the keys and led the men through to the cells.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was curled up on a bunk moaning softly.\u00a0 His arms were wrapped round his head and his knees were tucked into his chest.\u00a0 He had heard the door opening and a sense of dread came over him.\u00a0 What were they going to do to him now?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Denver unlocked the cell door and stood back to allow the others to enter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was the first person to cross the short space between the door and the bunk and he reached out for his youngest son.\u00a0 The light pressure of a hand on Joe\u2019s back made him yelp in pain and he pushed himself further back into the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben said softly, kneeling down beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe could hardly believe his ears.\u00a0 Removing his hands from his head he slowly peaked out from behind hooded lids at the men assembled.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d he whispered, not sure if he could believe his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy God,\u201d Ben exclaimed, as he noted the bloodied and bruised face.\u00a0 \u201cHoss get a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cN-n-no, no please Pa, no doctor.\u00a0 At least not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right son,\u201d Ben appeased.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get you back to the hotel first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam went to help Joe stand, but again Joe flinched away from them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d he almost shouted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get up myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s back and buttocks were on fire, and it was with great pain that he pushed himself up from the bunk and into a standing position.\u00a0 Walking was almost too much for him, but the helping hands that came to his aid only added to his discomfort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d he begged.\u00a0 \u201cI would rather no one touched me; believe me it feels better that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With his family hovering around him, Joe slowly walked from the jailhouse and over to the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they were leaving, Francis grabbed the Sheriff by the arm and hissed, \u201cYou will pay for this, all of you, that I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

By the time Joe had slowly made his way painstakingly to the hotel and up the stairs to his father\u2019s room, the doctor had been sent for and arrived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to get Joe to lie on the bed but Joe insisted he wanted to stand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does it hurt most?\u201d the doctor asked, in an attempt to glean knowledge of his patient\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face flushed scarlet.\u00a0 \u201cMy butt,\u201d he replied with embarrassment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell the best thing is for you is to get out of those clothes,\u201d the doctor declared, looking at the blood stained, dirty clothes Joe was still wearing.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe then I can see what I have to work with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked round at his family and whined, \u201cI don\u2019t need an audience, I\u2019m sure the doctor and I will get on fine on our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his youngest\u2019s discomfort, but ushered everyone from the room. Joe was about to declare he didn\u2019t need his Pa either, but Ben chose to ignore his wishes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor hasn\u2019t got all day Joseph; things will be a lot easier if I help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t have the strength to put up an argument and, quite frankly, he doubted whether he could remove his clothes without help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With gentle hands borne of long experience, Ben removed Joe\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 He sucked in his breath at the sight of Joe\u2019s bruised torso and tried hard to stop his temper rising when he witnessed the red welts on his son\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Removing Joe\u2019s pants and boots took longer.\u00a0 Joe found it hard to balance on one leg and had to rest his hands on his Pa\u2019s back to stop himself falling over.\u00a0 His lower body was so inflamed he could hardly bend his knees and he found himself crying out in pain as his boots were pulled from his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once naked, Ben gently encouraged Joe to turn round so that the doctor could examine his back and buttocks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it would be easier if you lie face down on the bed,\u201d the doctor encouraged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stumbled over to the bed and with a low moan gratefully eased himself into a lying position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor didn\u2019t need to ask how Joe had sustained his injuries, it was obvious.\u00a0 His backside had taken the brunt of the punishment and the flesh was bruised and swollen, making it almost impossible for the doctor to touch him without inflicting more pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As best he could, under the circumstances, the doctor gave Joe a thorough examination from top to toe.\u00a0 The facial injuries were superficial and would heal the quickest.\u00a0 His ribs were sore but not broken and didn\u2019t need to be strapped.\u00a0 As for his bruised and inflamed back and buttocks, there wasn\u2019t really anything to be done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaking his head the doctor turned to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s not a lot I can do,\u201d he declared.\u00a0 \u201cI have some salve that will help to heal the flesh, but other than that, I suggest he stays in bed and allows nature to take its course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t plan on going anywhere soon,\u201d Joe stated with conviction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about something for the pain.\u201d Ben asked.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll get much rest otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d the doctor replied, taking several packets of powder from his bag.\u00a0 \u201cJust mix one of these in a glass of water and he\u2019ll sleep like a baby.\u00a0 I\u2019ll call back tomorrow to see how he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Doctor,\u201d Ben said as he showed the doctor out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the doctor left, the rest of the family piled into the room and walked over to the bed to inspect Joe\u2019s injuries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOoohweee, that looks mighty painful,\u201d Hoss winced, as he bent forward and lightly touched Joe\u2019s backside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOuch,\u201d Joe screamed, more with indignation than anything else.\u00a0 \u201cPa get them out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute little brother,\u201d Adam joined in.\u00a0 \u201cWe only want to help.\u201d\u00a0 Then picking up the jar of salve next to the bed he opened the lid and asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou want me to rub this on your hide for you.\u00a0 You know it will be like old times; I used to change your diapers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Joe shrieked once more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right boys, that\u2019s enough,\u201d Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cOut of here all of you, Joe needs his rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clay bent forward and ruffled Joe\u2019s hair, \u201cSee you later buddy,\u201d he promised.\u00a0 \u201cTry and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at his brothers and cousin\u2019s smiling faces.\u00a0 \u201cYeh see you lot later.\u00a0 Maybe you could bring me up a beer or something.\u00a0 Don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be up to coming downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once they were alone once more, Ben began the painful task of smoothing the cool salve all over Joe\u2019s inflamed flesh.\u00a0 Joe buried his head in the pillow until the task was done, but the sweat still dripped from his brow and he couldn\u2019t fail to hide the pain in his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll done,\u201d Ben declared thankfully.\u00a0 \u201cNow here drink this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben handed Joe one of the powders the doctor had left and then sat with him until it worked its magic.\u00a0 Once Joe was sleeping peacefully, Ben took the opportunity to ease down the bedclothes from under his son and then gently pull a sheet over his naked body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About an hour later there was a knock at the bedroom door.\u00a0 Ben was a little surprised to find Francis De Val stood before him; he had not had time to give the gent a second thought since finding Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I come in?\u201d Francis asked quietly.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to know how the boy is fairing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes of course,\u201d Ben replied, moving to one side to allow access.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis walked over to the bed and stood for a few moments gazing down on his grandson.\u00a0 Then he lifted the sheet slightly to inspect Joe\u2019s injuries, flinching as he witnessed for himself the beaten flesh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning back to Ben he declared, \u201cThey will pay for what they have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will make sure of it,\u201d Ben confirmed.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my grandson,\u201d Francis said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men looked hard at each other, neither willing to concede by dropping his eyes first.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally Francis coughed slightly and pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to make an enemy of you Mr Cartwright; I only have Joe\u2019s best interests at heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen maybe you had better explain to me what has been happening here?\u201d Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cBecause from what I have heard so far, you are mixed up in all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis nodded his head.\u00a0 \u201cYes I am, but I will tell you my story from the beginning and you must tell me yours.\u00a0 Then we will have a better understanding of each other.\u00a0 Agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d Ben said warmly, unable to keep up the hard countenance.\u00a0 This man was Marie\u2019s father after all; his father-in-law and Joe and Clay\u2019s grandfather.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Francis talked long into the night.\u00a0 Francis regaled stories to Ben of Marie\u2019s childhood and the idyllic existence they had had at that time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat changed?\u201d Ben asked, curious to know how Francis had ended up in prison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarie\u2019s mother died,\u201d Francis said simply.\u00a0 \u201cMarie was twelve years old at the time.\u00a0 When her mother died I was inconsolable, I loved Marie with all my heart, but the loss of her mother caused something to die in my heart and I felt as if I couldn\u2019t go on.\u00a0 I sent Marie to a convent school and I took to drinking, and\u2026..well other things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in understanding.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s how I felt when Marie died.\u00a0 I look back at that time and thank God I had Adam to hold things together, he wasn\u2019t much more than boy, about Joe\u2019s age now, but without him I doubt our family would have survived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a lucky man Ben Cartwright,\u201d Francis acknowledged.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t have a son like Adam and unfortunately my family didn\u2019t survive.\u00a0 The drinking and gambling got worse over the years and with my wife gone, I developed quite an eye for the ladies.\u00a0 Well one of the ladies I was involved with turned out to be married; her husband found out and challenged me to a duel.\u00a0 It would probably have been better if I had died at the time, but I didn\u2019t and he did.\u00a0 He had a very influential family and I was charged and convicted of murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarie knew nothing of this?\u201d Ben stated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo she didn\u2019t.\u00a0 And that is the way I wanted it.\u00a0 Can you imagine the shame for a young girl to know what her father had become?\u00a0 I thought it better if she believed me dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how did you get to be living in Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow that is a long story,\u201d Francis smiled.\u00a0 \u201cBut let\u2019s just say that I had some influential friends of my own.\u00a0 They eventually proved that it was not murder, but in fact a duel.\u00a0 I was released from prison and came to join my sister here on her ranch.\u00a0 Her husband had died; her boy was still not big enough to run things and she didn\u2019t have the money to keep things going.\u00a0 I had the money and nowhere else to go.\u00a0 I believed my Marie to be dead, what else was there for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that his story was finished, Francis was anxious to hear about Marie.\u00a0 How had she lived from leaving school and marrying Clay\u2019s father?\u00a0 When had she met and married Ben and sadly how she had died?\u00a0 He needed to hear it all, good and bad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben did his best to fill in the gaps but some things he found best left unsaid.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see the point of tarnishing Marie\u2019s good name by regaling how she managed to keep a roof over her head after Clay\u2019s father left.\u00a0 Ben loved and respected her memory too much for that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the end of a long night the two men had a mutual respect and fondness for each other.\u00a0 Their joint love for a beautiful young girl united them and a fierce protection for that same girl\u2019s sons would bind them together forever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Ben,\u201d Francis declared.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s time my old bones had some rest and I\u2019m thinking you could do with some yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked anxiously at the boy still sleeping soundly in the bed, \u201cYou go to bed Francis, but don\u2019t worry about me; I\u2019ll just nap here in the chair.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis smiled.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t about to argue with this lion protecting his cub; he knew better than that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight then Ben, I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe slept most of the next few days as his body concentrated on healing.\u00a0 When he was awake his family tried to get as much food into him as possible and then gave him another powder to help him rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the third morning Joe awoke to find the hotel room empty.\u00a0 Daylight was shining through the window and although his body still ached, it didn\u2019t feel on fire as it had done previously.\u00a0 Easing himself into a sitting position, Joe sucked in his breath and prepared to stand.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t as bad as he thought it was going to be and that made his mind up.\u00a0 He was going to dress and go for breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was painstakingly slow going, but Joe eventually managed to put on the clean clothes his father had left out in preparation for this day.\u00a0 Ben just hadn\u2019t imagined it coming this early.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Making his way downstairs wasn\u2019t quite so easy; Joe gritted his teeth together so tightly that his jaw ached, but there was no way he was going to spend another day lying prostrate on the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several of the patrons in the hotel stared unashamedly at the young man\u2019s battered and bruised face as he passed them by, but Joe ignored their rude stares. \u00a0\u00a0His stomach rumbled and he tried to use Hoss\u2019s usual method of finding out where the food was being served.\u00a0 He smelled the air.\u00a0 His nose wasn\u2019t quite so attuned as his brother\u2019s and eventually someone tapped him on the shoulder and pointed towards a door off to his right.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019ll find them serving breakfast in there,\u201d the stranger volunteered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh thanks,\u201d Joe replied gratefully and gingerly headed towards the now open door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe entered the room he smiled as he saw his whole family gathered round a large table tucking into breakfast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, any room there for a hungry man?\u201d he called as he walked towards them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone turned to face him but it was Hoss that was first on his feet.\u00a0 \u201cNo room for a man, but I\u2019m sure we could squeeze a little fella like you in,\u201d Hoss cajoled, pushing his own chair to one side and inserting a chair from another table into the gap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow you feeling?\u201d Adam asked; the concern showing in his eyes if not his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe replied not too convincingly, giving his eldest brother a knowing wink as he added.\u00a0 \u201cJust thought I better get down here and eat while there is still some food left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben suppressed his natural urge to fuss over his youngest and they all spent a pleasant hour eating.\u00a0 But then they needed to get down to business and discuss how they were going to transport Joe home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, I can ride,\u201d Joe declared, but they ignored the comment completely.\u00a0 It was obvious that Joe would not be sitting a horse for some weeks to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe could always rig up a buckboard,\u201d Will volunteered.\u00a0 \u201cLay a couple of mattresses in the back and take it easy.\u00a0 Can\u2019t say it will be the most comfortable, but I think it\u2019s our best alternative.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can ride,\u201d Joe chirped in, only to be ignored yet again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe may have to take a slightly different route,\u201d Ben added.\u00a0 \u201cIt may be longer, but it will probably be the easiest on Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can ride,\u201d Joe declared, this time more forcibly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All conversation stopped and they glared at Joe, making him go red in the face and squirm uncomfortably in his seat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d Ben said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cI suggest you sit there quietly and let us do the planning.\u00a0 Come to think about it, if I drive the buckboard, it will give you and I plenty of time to discuss your little disappearing act just over a week ago and also time to reinforce some basic rules of obedience that you seem to have forgotten lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe groaned audibly and Ben couldn\u2019t help adding.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t know whether three days will be long enough to get the message over, but it\u2019s a father\u2019s duty to try.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Much had happened in the few days that Joe had been convalescing.\u00a0 Ben had sent word to Sheriff Coffee, who in turn had contacted the necessary authorities, who then made arrangements for a US Marshall to go to Sacramento to take charge.\u00a0 The Sheriff had been relieved of his duties and faced charges with regards to perverting the course of justice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacque, when confronted by his uncle, had come clean about his involvement in the whole affair.\u00a0 He had admitted to the jealousy he felt towards his cousins and how he worried they would come between him and his uncle and lay claim to the fortune he\u00a0 believed to be rightly his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although Francis was angry with his nephew and insisted that he would still need to be made accountable for his actions, he didn\u2019t have it in his heart to disown him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When it came to say goodbye, Francis rode into town to meet with his grandsons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing outside the hotel he shook hands with Ben and his sons, but when it came to Joseph he clasped him to his breast as he would a small child.\u00a0\u00a0 With tears in his eyes he said huskily, \u201cMind your father Joseph.\u00a0 Come back and see me soon.\u201d\u00a0 Then looking over at Ben he added, \u201cBut ask your father\u2019s permission first, or you\u2019ll have me to answer to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Joe agreed, his own eyes swimming with tears as he said his goodbye to the old man he had come to love in such a short time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now, where is my other grandson?\u201d Francis asked, looking around for a sign of Clay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just saying his own goodbye to a young lady,\u201d Joe informed him mischievously.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what they say about being a chip off the old block.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis gave his grandson a stern look, \u201cI\u2019ll have none of your cheek young man, now do you need a swat to get into that buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d Joe exclaimed in horror at the idea of anything quite so hard making contact with his still tender hide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just then Clay came rushing round the corner and towards them, a satisfied grin on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry everyone,\u201d he apologised.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t realise I would be so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, you are here now,\u201d Francis chided, before drawing him to him in a hug similar to that of Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were just about to take their leave when Ben turned to Francis and asked, \u201cWhat of Jacque?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis shook his head sadly, \u201cHe will need to take the punishment for what he has done, but he knows he has done wrong and I\u2019m sure he has learned his lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou forgive him, after all that\u2019s happened?\u201d Adam asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Francis smiled at the young man before him.\u00a0 He could see why Ben spoke so highly of his eldest son; he was obviously a man of great principle and Jacque only wished that his nephew had turned out half the man he was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam I can understand how you feel; your natural urge is to protect your family and that I applaud.\u00a0 But you also have to remember that Jacque, for twenty years or more, has been like a son to me and as I\u2019m sure you know better than anyone, Blood is Thicker than Water.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: What if Clay and Will never left the Ponderosa.\u00a0 How will Ben cope with five rambunctious under his roof.\u00a0 Will rough housing, drinking, card playing, womanizing become the norm?? \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a024,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":1242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-whi","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-27-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/638","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\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=638"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/638\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}