{"id":63955,"date":"2005-07-25T18:19:20","date_gmt":"2005-07-25T22:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63955"},"modified":"2026-03-25T18:21:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T22:21:27","slug":"what-were-made-of-by-joans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63955","title":{"rendered":"What We’re Made of (by JoanS.)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Ben take ten-year-old joe on a hunting trip which has dire consequences.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a010,640 words<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

What We\u2019re Made Of<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hurry up and finish please Joseph,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We have an early start ahead of us tomorrow and I want you in bed early.\u2019 Little Joe put another forkful of food into his mouth and chewed noisily. \u2018And close your mouth while you\u2019re eating please,\u2019 added his father. \u2018We don\u2019t all need to see what\u2019s in it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry Pa,\u2019 said Joe through his mouthful and then giggled as he realised that he was doing exactly what his father had just asked him not to do.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him sternly and then turned towards Adam. \u2018Son you\u2019ll need to make sure that you pick up the payroll from the bank on Thursday as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018But won\u2019t you be back by then?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019d like to spend the full week up there if I can.\u2019\u00a0 Ben replied as he shot a meaningful glance at Joe. \u2018It depends on how someone copes though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u2018Hmm.\u00a0 Well if enthusiasm is anything to go by\u2026\u2026\u2019\u00a0 He left the sentence unfinished, knowing that he didn\u2019t need to elaborate on his thoughts as they would be well understood by his father and Hoss.\u00a0 They all knew just how much Joe was looking forward to his first hunting trip with his father, as he had done nothing but regale them all with stories of what he would be doing for the past two weeks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s cope mean?\u2019 asked Joe through his mouthful, oblivious to the amused glances that were being exchanged between his father and brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It means getting things done,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Now finish your supper.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed his mouthful. \u2018We\u2019re gonna get lots of things done on our trip ain\u2019t we Pa?\u2019 he persisted. \u2018I\u2019m gonna shoot me a bear if we find one.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss choked on his mouthful. \u2018There ain\u2019t gonna be any bears up there!\u2019 he said in an amused tone. \u2018Sides, you won\u2019t be going anywhere near that rifle.\u00a0 Pa wouldn\u2019t let ya.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him. \u2018What do you know about it anyway?\u2019 he countered. \u2018I am so gonna shoot me a bear and if we don\u2019t find one then I\u2019ll get a big cat.\u00a0 Won\u2019t I Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried not to smile at his youngest son\u2019s misguided enthusiasm. \u2018We\u2019ll just have to see what we find Joseph.\u00a0 But one thing\u2019s certain young man.\u00a0 If there is any shooting to be done I\u2019ll be the one doing it.\u00a0 We\u2019ve discussed this before haven\u2019t we?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah Pa, but\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben put up his hand. \u2018No buts Joseph.\u00a0 I\u2019ve told you you\u2019re not to go near any rifle and I meant it.\u00a0 You are coming on this hunting trip with me only if you\u2019re willing to obey my instructions to the letter.\u00a0 Remember?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. He scowled for a moment and then his face brightened. \u2018But I get to help ya skin em don\u2019t I?\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Now finish your milk and go on up to bed.\u2019\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dutifully drained his glass and stood up.\u00a0 He turned towards his father again as a thought struck him. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u2018Yes Joseph?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018When can I use a rifle?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018When you\u2019re older.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but when?\u00a0 How old do I have ta be?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That depends.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018On what?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph, go to bed!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scampered off to the stairs as his father shook his head. \u2018Are you sure you\u2019ll be able to cope with him for a week Pa?\u2019 asked Adam. \u2018I\u2019m glad it\u2019s you and not me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u2018It\u2019s time your little brother spent some time with me alone,\u2019 he said. \u2018He has important things to learn at his age. I seem to remember you being just as excited when I took you on your first hunting trip.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Yes I remember,\u2019 he acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So do I,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I was so angry that I couldn\u2019t go with you both.\u00a0 I hated being left with the Pearsons for that week.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You had your turn,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And I seem to remember Joseph complaining just as loudly when you came with me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s kind of become a tradition in a way hasn\u2019t it?\u2019 mused Adam. \u2018Sort of like a rite of passage.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss screwed up his face with a puzzled expression. \u2018A right what?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Rite of passage,\u2019 repeated Adam. \u2018Test of manhood.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Manhood?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Little Joe\u2019s only ten!\u00a0 He ain\u2019t no man yet!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Every boy has to start somewhere,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Joseph has a lot to learn about this country and it\u2019s time I started to show him a thing or two.\u00a0 Besides, I aim to get in some good hunting while I go about it.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up. \u2018I\u2019m off to bed as well boys.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be an early start in the morning. Good night.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Night Pa,\u2019 they chorused as he left the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ya know Adam, I think Joe honestly believes that he could bring down a bear if he tried to,\u2019 mused Hoss as their father mounted the staircase. \u2018He\u2019s got a real good opinion of what he can do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. \u2018I think you\u2019re right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m just glad I don\u2019t have to put up with him for the week.\u2019 He stood up. \u2018Well brother, you and I are going to have our work cut out for us in the next few days without Pa around.\u00a0 Maybe we\u2019d better have an early night ourselves.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss. \u2018This place is sure gonna be quiet without Pa and Little Joe around for a week dontcha think?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hmm.\u00a0 Especially without Joe,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I might actually be able to finish a few books in peace without that kid interrupting me all the time.\u2019\u00a0 He put his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulders. \u2018Come on brother,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve got to up early as well to get them on their way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph your lamp should be turned off by now,\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018Get under those covers please and stop that bouncing.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled the boy back onto the bed and began to tuck the blankets around him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just too excited to sleep Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe, his green eyes shining. \u2018Ain\u2019t it exciting?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I suppose it is,\u2019 said Ben stroking the curls from the boy\u2019s forehead as he sat down on the edge of the bed. \u2018But if you\u2019re going to enjoy it properly you have to be well-rested Joseph and I expect you to get some sleep tonight.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK Pa I\u2019ll try,\u2019 said Joe and closed his eyes dutifully.\u00a0 As Ben got up from the bed he opened them again. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joseph,\u2019 said his father sitting down again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Tell me again where we\u2019re going.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the boy\u2019s enthusiasm. \u2018Well, we\u2019ll start out from Indian Falls tomorrow when Adam leaves us there.\u00a0 We\u2019ll go straight up to Bluff Peak and from there we\u2019ll make our way south.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How far will we go?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That depends.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018On what?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018On you,\u2019 said his father. \u2018It\u2019s tricky country up there and you may get tired.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not me!\u2019 said Little Joe confidently. \u2018I ain\u2019t gonna get tired!\u00a0 I\u2019ll be too busy shooting that bear I\u2019m gonna find\u2026\u2026or,\u2019 he added hastily, \u2018or helping you when you shoot it Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his son\u2019s hair. \u2018We\u2019ll be lucky if we find a buck or two,\u2019 he said. \u2018And there\u2019s plenty of other things we\u2019ll be doing besides looking for bears young man.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up. \u2018Yeah?\u00a0 Like what?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pushed him down again. \u2018Like checking the timberline up there.\u00a0 That\u2019s one of the reasons I\u2019m going.\u00a0 And setting up camp and teaching you how to track animals.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes shone even brighter and he gave a huge yawn. \u2018We\u2019re gonna have real fun ain\u2019t we Pa?\u00a0 Just the two of us?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as his son\u2019s eyes began to close in spite of his attempts to keep them open. \u2018Yes we will,\u2019 he said with another smile. \u2018Just the two of us.\u2019\u00a0 He bent over and blew out the lamp, then kissed the boy on the forehead before leaving the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Turn around so I can fasten your bedroll.\u2019\u00a0 He reached out and turned his younger brother around by the shoulders. \u2018Now keep still while I do it Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried to stand patiently while his brother helped him, but only managed to be half successful. He hopped from one foot to the other in his impatience until Adam said crossly, \u2018I can\u2019t do it if you\u2019re going to keep moving like that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph keep still for your brother,\u2019 said Ben as he took both rifles from the back of the buckboard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood still for a minute and then began to fidget again. \u2018Ain\u2019t we ready to go yet?\u2019 he said impatiently. \u2018Daylight\u2019s wasting.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smothered a grin as he turned to Adam. \u2018Look after yourself son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You and Hoss shouldn\u2019t have too busy a week.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure thing Pa,\u2019 replied Adam as he submitted himself to one of his father\u2019s hugs. \u2018You have a great time.\u2019 He leant down to embrace his brother. \u2018Behave yourself Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a face at him and squirmed out of his grasp. \u2018Course I will!\u2019 he said. \u2018And me and Pa\u2019ll look after each other, don\u2019t worry.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not,\u2019 said Adam sarcastically. \u2018I know that Pa knows what he\u2019s doing at least.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave him a withering look and turned to walk away. \u2018Come on Pa!\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put up his hands in a futile gesture and headed off after his son after a backward glance at Adam. \u2018We\u2019ll see you here on Saturday,\u2019 he called. Bye!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as the two figures disappeared from view, then turned and began the trip home with the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, mindful of his son, had chosen a trail that was relatively easy and matched his steps to those of the youngster.\u00a0 Their progress was much slower than he would usually have made, but as most of the reason for this trip in the first place was to bond with Joe he didn\u2019t mind for one moment.\u00a0 He kept an eye on the boy as he trudged beside him anxious to make sure that he didn\u2019t tire him too easily at the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tiredness was the last thing on Joe\u2019s mind however, as he walked beside his father drinking in the scenery around them.\u00a0 His mind ran in ten directions at once and his mouth tried to keep up with it until Ben\u2019s head was spinning with his chatter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018See that mountain over there? Do ya reckon the snows are still covering it on the top?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I\u2019m sure they are.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Where will we get to for our camp tonight?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure yet.\u00a0 We\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Will we find any animals today?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Probably not, we\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My pack isn\u2019t too heavy yet.\u00a0 Adam said I should stand up like this to balance it. Is that what you do Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Iffen we get a bear Pa, how are we gonna carry it back with us?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you before we probably won\u2019t get a bear.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but we might.\u00a0 Guess we just take the skin back with us don\u2019t we?\u00a0 There\u2019s a creek up there.\u00a0 Are we gonna cross it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, we walk along this side for a \u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you know the name of that creek Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, I don\u2019t think it has a name.\u00a0 It\u2019s not big enough.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How far do ya reckon we\u2019ve come so far?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure. Joseph?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How about we listen to the sounds around us for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK Pa\u2026\u2026\u2026 Hey Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I thought you were going to listen for a while?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah I am.\u00a0 But Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How old do I have to be before I get a proper gun like Adam and Hoss?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph be quiet for a while please.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure Pa\u2026\u2026 Cause if I got \u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father. \u2018Yeah Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018One thing you have to learn son is that part of being outdoors is enjoying the sounds around you.\u00a0 Let\u2019s be quiet for a while and see what we can hear.\u00a0 Alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK Pa\u2026\u2026 I can\u2019t hear much except for\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and surrendered himself to his son\u2019s commentary.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time they had made camp that night Joe was visibly quieter.\u00a0 Whether it was from tiredness or because he had talked himself out during the day, Ben wasn\u2019t sure.\u00a0 But he certainly enjoyed the quiet as they ate their supper together while sitting next to the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So did you enjoy the day?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him and grinned. \u2018Sure did!\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just about the best day I ever had!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned back at him. \u2018I\u2019m glad,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now eat your supper up. You must be tired after all that walking we did today.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I ain\u2019t tired,\u2019 declared Joe, trying to stifle his yawns. \u2018I coulda walked lots more couldn\u2019t you Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No I couldn\u2019t,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018I\u2019m tuckered out and ready for bed. Come on over here next to the fire and we can lay down together.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe snuggled in next to his father and grinned up at him. \u2018Tell me about the stars again Pa,\u2019 he said. For as long as he could remember his father had always had stories to tell him about the stars and one of his favourite things was to gaze up at them at night and listen to his father\u2019s deep voice as he fell asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Alright,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018See that one over there?\u00a0 What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s the North Star,\u2019 said Joe. \u2018It helps the sailors find their way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because they always know that if they head towards it then they\u2019re going north.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s right.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is the ranch to the north Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No it\u2019s to the east.\u00a0 So if you wanted to go home from here then you\u2019d have to always make sure that the North Star was over your left shoulder,\u2019 his father replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So is that how you find your way out here Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018One of them.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But what about when it\u2019s daytime?\u00a0 You can\u2019t see the stars then, so what do you do to make sure you don\u2019t get lost?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I look for landmarks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What kind of landmarks?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well\u2026 think about today.\u00a0 What did you see that would help you on the way back?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Umm\u2026\u2026there was that creek.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 What else?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The mountains were over that way.\u2019\u00a0 Joe pointed to the west. \u2018They was over my \u2026.\u2019 He thought for a moment. \u2018My left shoulder I guess.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son and ruffled his hair. \u2018That\u2019s very good,\u2019 he said. \u2018So on the way home?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019ll be over my right shoulder!\u2019 said Joe. \u2018That\u2019s right ain\u2019t it Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure is,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You\u2019re doing very well Joseph. Tomorrow we\u2019ll look for some more landmarks.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe yawned loudly and snuggled against his father. \u2018Pa this is great ain\u2019t it?\u2019 he asked sleepily. \u2018Ain\u2019t ya having the best time ever?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I sure am,\u2019 replied Ben, giving his son a hug. \u2018See that star over there?\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at his son\u2019s face when he didn\u2019t answer and smiled to see the boy was fast asleep in his arms.\u00a0 He planted a kiss on his forehead. \u2018Goodnight Joseph,\u2019 he said softly and tucked the blanket around his sleeping son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day they headed south and made quite good progress considering Joe\u2019s tendency to keep stopping and asking questions about the things they came across. Not that Ben minded, for teaching his son about the countryside was one of the main reasons for the trip and he took great pains to explain everything he could and to answer the boy\u2019s questions carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time they made camp again Joe was quite convinced that the trip was the best experience of his life and even the fact that they hadn\u2019t shot anything didn\u2019t dampen his spirits. He looked across the fire at his father as they ate their supper. \u2018Hey Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Joe?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wish we could do this forever don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned at him. \u2018Well I think you\u2019d get sick of it if we were out here for too long.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not me!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018I\u2019d be happy staying here with you for as long as I could.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t you think you\u2019d miss your brothers after a while?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe thought for a moment \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said. \u2018But it\u2019s nice being by ourselves ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes it is,\u2019 replied Ben. Now that he thought about it, it was probably the longest they had ever spent together \u2026\u2026. just the two of them alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around anxiously as he heard a coyote howl and edged a bit closer to his father. \u2018That was only a coyote wasn\u2019t it Pa?\u2019\u00a0 he said with a touch of trepidation in his voice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018They\u2019re nothing to be scared of, are they?\u2019 he said, trying to sound confident.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not as long as we have the fire here,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Animals are frightened of fire.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe edged closer to the fire. \u2018Yeah, that\u2019s what I thought,\u2019 he said and then thought for a moment. \u2018Are all wild animals scared of fire?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just about,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Why don\u2019t you come and sit over here with me? We can put our bedrolls side by side.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved quickly around next to his father and got in under his blanket. \u00a0 \u2018I learned those tracks real quick today, didn\u2019t I Pa?\u2019 he asked sleepily. \u2018I recognised the coyote ones didn\u2019t I?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You sure did,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You\u2019re getting very good at recognising all sorts of things.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Am I?\u2019 said Joe, pleased. \u2018What sort of things?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well you were good with the directions today and you could tell me all the landmarks we passed.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I reckon I could find my way home from here no trouble,\u2019 bragged Joe. \u2018I\u2019m real good at lots of things out here now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his hair. \u2018Well don\u2019t be too keen to try that theory out,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is still rough country.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I could do it,\u2019 said Joe sleepily. \u2018Hey Pa you won\u2019t let that fire go out will ya?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018The fire is set to last until dawn, don\u2019t you worry about that Joseph.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh\u2026..I\u2019m not worried,\u2019 said Joe with a yawn. \u2018I\u2019m just thinking about you getting cold is all.\u2019\u00a0 He closed his eyes and fell asleep abruptly.\u00a0 Ben grinned to himself and got under his blanket as well.\u00a0 As he gazed up at the stars he felt at peace with the world and his last thought as he drifted off into unconsciousness was how lucky he was to have three such wonderful boys to fill his life with such meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time the coyote howled again, neither Cartwright heard it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed the rifle carefully against the tree after loading it and bent to pick up his bedroll. He turned as he heard his son\u2019s footsteps coming towards him. \u2018Did you wash as I told you to?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held out his hands \u2018Yep,\u2019 he said. \u2018My face too, see?\u2019\u00a0 He held his face up for his father\u2019s inspection. \u2018It\u2019s great not having to have baths ain\u2019t it Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows. \u2018Maybe,\u2019 he said. Privately he thought he could do with a long, hot bath right about now. He began to pack his shaving equipment away. \u2018Why don\u2019t you grow your beard while you\u2019re out here Pa?\u2019 asked Joe staring at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Because I don\u2019t like the feel of it,\u2019 said his father. \u2018It makes me feel cleaner when I shave.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his own chin. \u2018I\u2019m gonna grow a long beard down to my waist when I grow up,\u2019 he said. \u2018Then I\u2019ll never have to bother shaving.\u2019\u00a0 He rubbed his chin again. \u2018When will my beard start to grow?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In a few years when you\u2019re a man.\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Now hurry up and pack your things.\u00a0 I want to get started.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent to pack as instructed.\u00a0 When he had finished he stood and watched as his father put out the fire carefully and made sure that the area they had used was as they had found it. He spied the rifle leaning against the tree and edged towards it, eager to touch it. \u2018Hey Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you want me to get the rifle for ya?\u2019\u00a0 He reached towards it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Leave it there,\u2019 instructed Ben as he continued to kick dirt onto the fire. \u2018I\u2019ll get it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can do it,\u2019 said Joe as he reached for it. Ben turned sharply and said \u2018I told you to leave it Joseph!\u00a0 Put it down.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reluctantly put the gun down again and watched as his father turned back towards the fire. So intent was he in watching the man\u2019s movements that he failed to notice the rifle slipping sideways and it was only when the loud noise beside him alerted him to the fact that it had fallen to the ground did he realise that something was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the instant that it took him to glance that way again and then back to his father, he realised that it was too late to do anything more than open his mouth before the gun discharged. He watched horrified as his father spun backwards away from him with the force of the bullet\u2019s impact, as it sent him spinning towards the ground.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 he yelled and sprang towards the man on the ground. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lay still, not responding to the boy\u2019s touch. Joe bent over him and shook him. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he repeated. \u2018Wake up!\u2019\u00a0 The silence around him was deafening and the only sound he could hear was that of his own breathing as he struggled to get it under control.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and put his head on his father\u2019s chest sobbing aloud in his despair. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 Wake up!\u00a0 Please Pa!\u2019 But the man beneath him was still.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and stared up at the sky above him. He turned his head slightly, but immediately felt everything spinning around him so turned it back again and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Beside him he heard a small snuffling sound and opened his eyes again wondering what it was.\u00a0 Carefully he turned his head again until he could see the small boy huddled in beside him. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, not daring to believe what he had just heard. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa! You\u2019re not dead! Oh Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile at him, but didn\u2019t succeed. \u2018No, I\u2019m not dead,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The rifle went off and shot you Pa,\u2019 said Joe, the tears running down his cheeks. He flung himself onto his father\u2019s chest. \u2018I did it Pa!\u00a0 I\u2019m so sorry\u2026.I\u2026I didn\u2019t mean to shoot you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he tried to remember. \u2018You shot me?\u2019 he said. \u2018How?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I picked up the rifle,\u2019 sobbed Joe. \u2018And \u2026. and when I put it down it\u2026\u2026it went off.\u00a0 I shot you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You didn\u2019t shoot me Joe.\u00a0 It was an accident.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t mean to do it son.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clung to his father. \u2018I thought I\u2019d killed you Pa!\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018I thought you was dead!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand up and stroked the boy\u2019s curly hair. \u2018You didn\u2019t kill me Joseph.\u00a0 I want you to get that thought out of your head son.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t your fault, do you hear me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at his father again, but didn\u2019t reply. After a few moments Ben tried to sit up, but as he did so he felt a sharp pain in his side.\u00a0 He looked down and noticed the bloodstain on his shirt. \u2018Joe listen to me,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want you to get my bag.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up. \u2018Why?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Just get it for me,\u2019 replied his father. Joe moved over to where his father\u2019s bag lay and brought it back. \u2018Now get out my spare shirt and give it to me,\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0 Joe did as he was bid. Ben took it and pressed it hard up against his side to try and stop the flow of blood that he could feel trickling under his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa! You\u2019ve been wounded bad!\u2019 said Joe, his eyes wide with terror.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s only a flesh wound,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018It\u2019s nothing.\u2019 He pressed against the wound even harder, feeling the bullet that was lodged there pressing into him and grimaced with the discomfort. He lay back and closed his eyes while he considered the options available to him.\u00a0 The bullet had to come out, but he wouldn\u2019t be able to do it alone.\u00a0 He opened his eyes again and looked straight into the worried green eyes of his young son before closing them again.\u00a0 And Joseph wasn\u2019t capable of helping him in that way.\u00a0 Ben knew if he was going to survive this then he would have to get back to help as quickly as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened his eyes again. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018We\u2019re going to have to get back for some help.\u00a0 I want you to pack everything we\u2019re going to need into your pack quickly. I won\u2019t be able to carry anything, so anything that\u2019s not essential will have to be left behind.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed. \u2018But Pa\u2026..\u2019 he began.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do what I say please Joseph,\u2019 said Ben in a sharper tone than he meant to use. The pain was beginning to make him light-headed and he was anxious to get started as soon as possible.\u00a0 He knew it was going to be difficult enough without expending any of his energy on arguing with his son.\u00a0 Joe moved to do as his father bid him, watching the man anxiously as he organised things.\u00a0 After a few minutes he was back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I done it Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Do you want a drink of water now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and gratefully took the canteen from the boy. \u2018Fill them both up from the creek,\u2019 he instructed.\u00a0 Joe nodded and went straight off to obey.\u00a0 When he returned his father was lying very still with his eyes closed again, so Joe shook him gently. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa, are you alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes again. \u2018Yes son, I\u2019m alright.\u00a0 Help me to sit up now.\u2019\u00a0 He clutched at Joe and pulled himself to a sitting position while looking around.\u00a0 \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Now get the rifle for me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll need to use it as a crutch.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up the rifle, frowning as he remembered that the gun had caused the accident in the first place. \u2018Will we take the bullets out first Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018In case it goes off again?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said and then closed his eyes again. \u2018You do it.\u2019\u00a0 He leant heavily against the boy and Joe looked startled. \u2018But Pa, I\u2019m not supposed to touch it remember?\u2019 he said.\u00a0 He looked at his father, but Ben\u2019s eyes were closed and he didn\u2019t respond. Carefully, Joe took the bullets out of the gun and put them into his pocket in case they might need them later. \u2018Are ya ready now Pa?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0 Ben nodded and struggled to his feet, supported by his son on one side and the rifle on the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly the two began their progress back the way they had come.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several times that morning Ben fell and each time he thought he\u2019d never get up again.\u00a0 Slowly the energy was being sapped from him and each time it became harder and harder for him to summon up the strength and the will to keep going.\u00a0 The third time it happened it was only the pleading eyes of his terrified son that got him started again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa please get up!\u2019 Joe pleaded. \u2018You gotta keep going Pa, or you might die!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and looked up at his boy. \u2018Help me up Joe,\u2019 he said and reached up towards him. \u2018Help me to balance.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe willingly allowed his father to lean on him one more time. \u2018Come on Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll help you.\u2019\u00a0 He nearly fell as his father\u2019s full weight came upon him, but managed to stand firm.\u00a0 Slowly they started forward again. After a few steps though, Ben fell once more and this time didn\u2019t open his eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe knelt beside his father and bent close to him. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 There was no response from the man and so Joe pushed him over until he was lying on his back.\u00a0 He pulled the shirt away from the wound and gasped as he saw the red bloodstain that seemed to be much bigger than it had been earlier.\u00a0 He looked up at the sky and noticed that the sun was right above them, which he supposed meant that it was around noon and they had walked most of the morning.\u00a0 He wondered how far they had come.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking down at his father\u2019s face again, he noticed that he looked very pale.\u00a0 Joe looked around and saw a group of trees a short distance away and so he stood and tried to pull his father towards them by grasping him under the arms.\u00a0 It was a slow process, but he gradually managed to get him part of the way there.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard a groan and his father opened his eyes. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his son\u2019s face that swam in front of his. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Is that you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa, it\u2019s me,\u2019 said Joe, his voice trembling. \u2018You have to get into the shade now.\u00a0 Can you help me get you there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his head up. \u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 he said and turned to crawl in the direction of the trees.\u00a0 Slowly, with Joe\u2019s help he inched towards them and finally collapsed in the shade with a sigh.\u00a0 Joe held the canteen out to him. Here Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Have a drink.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the canteen gratefully and drank, then lowered his head and surrendered to unconsciousness again. Joe sat beside him and watched him carefully, brushing the flies off his face and praying that his father would soon wake up and have the energy to get on their way again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a couple of hours Ben opened his eyes again. \u2018Joseph?\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m here Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Do you want some more water?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018We have to get going,\u2019 he said looking up at the sun. \u2018It\u2019ll be dark in a few hours.\u2019\u00a0 He started to get up, but fell back as an involuntary cry escaped from his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019 said Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the worried face of his son. \u2018Looks like we\u2019ll have to stay here for the night,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to rest some more before we go again.\u2019\u00a0 He closed his eyes and once more slipped into unconsciousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his head down on his knees and indulged himself in a few tears. \u2018Please help my Pa,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018God please help him not to die.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the sleeping man beside him and then turned his eyes towards the sky. \u2018I don\u2019t know what to do,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018God please tell me what to do.\u2019\u00a0 The only sound around them was the whisper of the wind in the pines far above them and the haunting cry of a bird as it winged its way westward.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and stared at the flickering flame in front of him. For a few moments he didn\u2019t know where he was and then the burning pain in his side brought him back to reality with a jolt.\u00a0 He was in the wilderness with Joseph, at least two days away from help and he was wounded.\u00a0 He looked around him and noticed the roaring fire and it registered that it was night.\u00a0 He turned as he heard a movement beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joseph son, is that you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa it\u2019s me. Are you feeling better now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Yes a bit,\u2019 he lied. \u2018Did you start the fire?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I cooked some supper for us just like you taught me.\u00a0 It\u2019s beans.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve done well.\u2019\u00a0 He noticed that he was covered by a blanket and the canteen was next to him.\u00a0 The boy had thought of everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here Pa, you gotta eat this to keep your strength up.\u2019 Joe held the plate out to his father. Ben reached for it and managed to eat a couple of mouthfuls before putting the plate down. \u2018You gotta eat more than that,\u2019 Joe admonished. \u2018Here.\u2019\u00a0 He put a spoonful in front of Ben\u2019s mouth and his father dutifully opened it and allowed himself to be fed until the plate was empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Do you want some water?\u2019 asked Joe. Ben shook his head reluctantly. \u2018There\u2019s plenty,\u2019 prompted Joe. \u2018We\u2019re not far from another creek and I filled them both.\u2019\u00a0 Ben nodded gratefully and drank thirstily from the canteen as Joe held it for him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve thought of everything.\u2019 He shut his eyes again and Joe watched as he fell asleep once more.\u00a0 He pulled the blanket around his father and settled down next to him, pulling his own blanket tighter around himself against the cold.\u00a0 Presently he heard the sound of a coyote in the distance and sat up again, his eyes wide with fright.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shivered, although he wasn\u2019t sure if it was with fright or cold.\u00a0 He thought for a moment and then reached out for some more wood, which he had placed nearby and heaped it onto the fire until it was blazing.\u00a0 Satisfied, he snuggled down again and was soon fast asleep, cuddled into his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sun had climbed well up into the sky before Ben opened his eyes again and when he did he wished he hadn\u2019t.\u00a0 The pain in his side was nearly more than he could bear and an involuntary cry escaped from his lips. By concentrating hard he managed to get it under control slightly and he looked around for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 he called weakly. \u2018Are you there son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah Pa I\u2019m here,\u2019 said Joe, immediately at his side. \u2018You ain\u2019t feeling good are you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head slightly. \u2018No Joe I\u2019m not,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we\u2019ll have to stay here a while longer.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his face close to his father\u2019s. \u2018You can\u2019t go any further Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna go and get help for you now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared back at his small son. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t know your way back. I\u2019ll be alright after a bit.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u2018No Pa you won\u2019t be.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna have to go and get help for you now.\u00a0 I can do it!\u00a0 Remember you taught me all the landmarks?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thought for a moment. One thing was clear to him\u2026..he sure wasn\u2019t capable of going any further and the alternative was\u2026.. well the truth was there was no alternative.\u00a0 The way he was feeling made him sure that if this bullet didn\u2019t come out soon he would be a goner.\u00a0 He could already feel the beginnings of a fever and the infection was no doubt already in his bloodstream.\u00a0 There was no choice but for Joe to get back for help, for if they both waited here it would be days before Adam and Hoss realised they were in trouble and tracked them down.\u00a0 Ben was sure that it was probably already too late for himself to be saved and his one thought now was to save his son.\u00a0 If they stayed here not only would Joe have to witness his father\u2019s death, but he would be forced to stay with his body until help came and might not even survive himself that long. No\u2026.there was no alternative but to send the boy back and pray that he would find his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Alright,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Pack what you\u2019ll need in your bag and get one of the canteens for yourself.\u00a0 Then come back here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and left his father\u2019s side.\u00a0 Within moments he was back. \u2018I\u2019ve put lots of wood by the fire for you Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018That way you can keep it going until we come back.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. He wasn\u2019t concerned about his own safety or comfort now.\u00a0 His whole being was concentrating on the welfare of the small boy in front of him and how he could ensure that he made it to safety.\u00a0 \u2018I want you to listen to me carefully Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Concentrate on what I\u2019m going to tell you son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and studied his father\u2019s face intently as Ben told him exactly the way to retrace his steps. \u2018When you get to Indian Falls Adam may not have arrived yet, so you\u2019re going to have to go even further.\u00a0 Follow the trail until you get to the road to the ranch, then head for the Devlin\u2019s ranch.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be closer than The Ponderosa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But I should get Adam first, don\u2019tcha think Pa?\u2019 asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018Do as I tell you son.\u00a0 The Devlin\u2019s are closer.\u00a0 Get there first.\u2019 He thought that by the time the boy reached help he would probably be dead anyway, so it didn\u2019t really matter how long they took to get back to him. The main thing was that Joseph would be safe.\u00a0 He prayed to God that the boy would be able to do it. \u2018Listen to me Joe,\u2019 he continued. \u2018As you go, I want you to leave a trail. Make sure you break off branches and leave things disturbed behind you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So that if you get lost the others will be able to track you easily,\u2019 said his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I won\u2019t get lost,\u2019 said Joe confidently. \u2018I know my way real well Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna get there quickly.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted his son on the arm. \u2018I know you will,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re a smart boy. Now get the rifle.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up the rifle. \u2018Here it is Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Load it,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018But Pa\u2026..\u2019 he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Load it,\u2019 repeated Ben.\u00a0 Joe did as his father told him. \u2018Now I want you to take it with you,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You might need it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened even further. \u2018But Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018You might need it here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No son, I won\u2019t need it here.\u00a0 But you might.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa! What if an animal comes around.\u00a0 You can\u2019t move fast.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter to him about defending himself.\u00a0 All that mattered now was keeping Joseph safe. \u2018I\u2019ve got the fire, remember?\u2019 he said. \u2018The animals won\u2019t come near me as long as that is burning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018OK Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be real careful with it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good boy,\u2019 whispered Ben, his strength beginning to give out on him. \u2018You need to leave now Joseph.\u00a0 Remember what I\u2019ve told you son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, tears forming in his eyes. \u2018I will Pa,\u2019 he said, trying desperately to be brave. \u2018I\u2019ll get help for you soon, I promise.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and looked intently at his son\u2019s face, trying to imprint it on his mind.\u00a0 He knew that there was a very strong chance it would be the last time he ever laid eyes on him and he wanted to remember him just like this.\u00a0 There was so much he wanted to say to the boy\u2026.so much he wanted to tell him\u2026\u2026..messages for both himself and his brothers to remember their father by.\u00a0 But he knew that talk like that would only scare the child even more and so he simply said. \u2018Be careful now Joseph.\u00a0 I love you son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe bent and kissed his father. \u2018I love you too Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be quick I promise.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up and with a last long look at his father he turned and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched him go with a forced smile on his face.\u00a0 When at last he was alone he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to desperate tears for his boy.\u00a0 \u2018God keep him safe,\u2019 he said out loud. \u2018Please keep my Joseph safe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe trudged through most of that day without incident.\u00a0 He was careful to keep track of the landmarks his father had shown him on the way and filled his canteen every time he crossed a creek.\u00a0 By the time it was mid-afternoon though, the toll of walking at a fast pace was beginning to exhaust him and he was forced to sit down and rest for a short while. He was rather proud of himself to have made it this far in such good time although his father was constantly at the forefront of his mind and he hated stopping for even this short while, so after a few minutes he stood up again and picked up the rifle.\u00a0 It was at that moment that he heard a slight sound in the bushes and turned quickly. Again he heard the bushes behind him rustle and he peered intently into them to see if he could make out what was causing it. The rustling became louder as he listened and Joe took a step back.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and ran through the trees quickly as fast as legs would carry him and didn\u2019t stop until he was completely out of breath.\u00a0 Panting for air, he stood still listening for any further sound, but to his relief could hear nothing.\u00a0 Maybe it had been his imagination? Or maybe whatever it was had gone in the other direction?\u00a0 Whatever it was, it hadn\u2019t seemed to have followed him that was for sure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the sky.\u00a0 He was determined to cover as much ground as he could before nightfall and then keep going into the night for as long as he could see.\u00a0 His father had told him not to travel during the night when it got too dark and he was scared of the thought of doing so as well, but Joe was determined to cover as much ground as he could.\u00a0 His legs were beginning to ache, but he brushed the thought of that aside and set off again making sure that he had the mountains over his right shoulder as his father had instructed him to.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that afternoon Joe began to feel very weary and longed to stop for a rest, but his father\u2019s face in front of him kept him moving until he felt his legs begin to get wobbly and he thought they might give way beneath him.\u00a0 Reluctantly he sat down next to a small creek and began to fill his canteen as he rested.\u00a0 Suddenly he heard the sound in the bushes again.\u00a0 This time there was no mistaking it and he called out loudly. \u2018Who\u2019s there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no response and he fearfully thought of all the animals that might be lurking there right at this moment checking him out. He picked up the rifle and swallowed. \u2018You get lost!\u2019 he yelled, hoping to scare whatever it was away. \u2018Scat!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rustling became louder and Joe stood up fearfully, clutching the rifle to him. He backed away a few steps and then gasped as he caught a glimpse of something moving in the bushes across the clearing.\u00a0 Without hesitating he turned and ran again across the creek, clutching the canteen and the rifle firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After running for several minutes he stopped and listened.\u00a0 The rustling noise was following him and he swallowed again with fear. \u2018Go away!\u2019 he called. \u2018Get out of here you!\u2019\u00a0 He found a large rock and balanced the rifle on it as he aimed it in the direction of the rustling. \u2018Get out of here!\u2019 he yelled and pulled the trigger.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The jolt of the rifle slammed him backwards and he ended up sitting rather abruptly in the dirt beneath him. Joe lay trembling with fear, listening for any sounds to indicate what was happening.\u00a0 He heard a great threshing sound from the bushes and a loud growl.\u00a0 Immediately he stood up, clutched the rifle to him again and continued to run.\u00a0 Behind him he could hear the sounds of whatever it was following and he ran as he had never run before. He remembered Adam telling him that animals could smell fear and he sure was scared right at this moment, so he aimed to get as far away from whatever it was as quickly as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In front of him he could hear the sound of splashing water and headed towards it.\u00a0 Maybe whatever it was wouldn\u2019t be so fond of following him across another creek.\u00a0 As he burst into a clearing expecting to see a stream of water he spied instead a steep embankment.\u00a0 As he tried to stop from propelling himself into the water that was cascading downwards he lost his balance and landed on his backside with the rifle on top of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared up at the sky for a moment, noticing the blueness that he had looked at earlier was now fading to a dull grey and he realised that night was approaching.\u00a0 He sat up and looked over his shoulder fearfully, then faced the water that fell away in front of him. The sound of the rushing water began to overpower him, but even more overpowering was the feeling of panic that reached down into his very soul.\u00a0 He realised that he had never been here before! His father hadn\u2019t brought him past any waterfalls on their way and Joe realised with a start that he was lost! He put his head on his knees and wept.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments he remembered the possibility that whatever it was chasing him would probably still be around, so he hurried to his feet and began to climb down the slippery rocks with the rifle clutched in his right hand to leave his left free to grab hold of tree-roots, rocks and anything else he could see to make his slippery descent easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time Joe had reached the bottom his arms and legs had a few more scrapes on them than before he started and he was breathing heavily.\u00a0 He put his head back to look at the top of the waterfall and immediately received a spray of water in his face as a reward.\u00a0 Stepping back he shook his head and watched the drops of water splatter on the rocks around him. He surveyed his surroundings quickly and saw what looked like an indentation in the rock face on the other side of the water, so he splashed across the water to investigate it further.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was no more than a slight hollow in the rock face, but Joe felt it was enough to give him a bit of cover.\u00a0 That and the fact that he would have the cliff behind him to shield him as well.\u00a0 He huddled in with his back towards the rock and balanced the rifle against a large log that had fallen by the side of the water, intent on listening for whatever it was that had been stalking him.\u00a0 Through the increasing gloom he strained to make out the outline of the bushes across from him and became even more anxious as dusk gave way to the night with the death of another day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After what seemed like quite a long time with nothing to indicate that the animal was in the vicinity Joe decided that he had better spend the night here.\u00a0 After all, he wouldn\u2019t get anything better and he certainly didn\u2019t relish walking through the dark any further. Trying not to take his eyes off the outline of the bushes opposite for too long, he gathered up as much dry wood as he could get his hands on and lit a fire.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Immediately he felt better and huddled against the rock face as he watched the flames rise and flicker in front of him.\u00a0 He hoped that whatever it was out there was scared of the fire, but in case it wasn\u2019t he gathered up a small pile of rocks and began to throw them into the bushes in the hopes of scaring it off.\u00a0 He heard a snuffling noise with the third rock that he threw and put his hands on the rifle again warily.\u00a0 Whatever it was had followed him downwards and was probably watching him even now.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body tensed with fright and he began to breathe heavily as his pulse quickened.\u00a0 He gathered more stones and checked the rifle, realising that he had to save the bullets until he absolutely needed them.\u00a0 He longed to let another one off again, but in the dark he would only be wasting it as he couldn\u2019t possibly know where to aim.\u00a0 Instead he would have to rely on the fire and the stones to get him through the night.\u00a0 He brushed the tears away that threatened to fall and bit his lip in fright.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How he wished that someone could be here to tell him what to do or even just to talk to!\u00a0 He had never felt so alone and miserable and as the world around him darkened he realised how cold he was as well, but there would be no thick blanket to keep him warm tonight. He had to stay awake and keep watch or else\u2026\u2026.. Joe didn\u2019t like to dwell what the \u2018or else\u2019 might be, but prayed that he\u2019d just be able to make it through the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the early hours of the morning Joe lifted his weary head and shook it, trying to make out just what it was that he was hearing.\u00a0 The night had been so incredibly long and he didn\u2019t know if he was concentrating on reality or an illusion brought about by his tiredness.\u00a0 He had never felt so tired and cold in his short life and many times through the night he had cried with sheer pity for himself.\u00a0 It had taken all his will power to stay awake and many times it was only the action of reaching for the stones at his side to throw or the sticks to feed the fire that he felt was the only thing between himself and unconsciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The snuffling noise became louder and Joe realised with horror that whatever it was had moved closer to him.\u00a0 He peered into the bushes and realised that it was a bit easier to see now with the approaching dawn.\u00a0 In spite of his wish to look away and pretend it was nothing, he willed himself to keep watching intently and his finger moved onto the trigger of the rifle as he did so.\u00a0 \u2018Go away,\u2019 he whispered softly as he screwed his face up. \u2018Please go away!\u2019 he begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Joe drew back and gasped involuntarily as he noticed two bright yellow eyes peering back at him from across the water.\u00a0 He closed his own eyes momentarily and then with a prayer to God slowly pulled the trigger back as he had seen his father and brothers do so many times.\u00a0 With one last prayer his finger let go and he was immediately flung backwards against the wall with the force of the blast once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This time he couldn\u2019t afford the luxury of laying there for more than a split second, so he quickly got up, reached for the rifle again and put it back into position, hoping that he wouldn\u2019t have to repeat the action.\u00a0 His finger tingled and his head was thumping with the sound of the blast that still reverberated in his ears, but he narrowed his eyes and continued to stare at the same spot in which he had seen those yellow eyes moments before.\u00a0 Only this time\u2026he couldn\u2019t see them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe searched the area quickly and then stood up, the rifle still clutched in his hands tightly.\u00a0 After a few moments when he couldn\u2019t hear anything he kicked the fire out, then turned and began to climb the rocks that surrounded the waterfall. As he reached the top he glanced back down over the edge and gasped to see in the increasing light a black bear come staggering out of the bushes almost at the spot where he had lit the fire and fall face down into the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a cry of fright and anguish Joe turned and crashed through the surrounding undergrowth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When finally he could run no more, Joe stopped and leant against a tree trunk as he caught his breath.\u00a0 He took a swallow of water from his canteen and closed his eyes, listening intently for any sound behind him, but he could hear nothing.\u00a0 With a huge sigh of relief Joe opened his eyes again and sank to his knees, trying to stop the wobbling in his legs from growing worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that he sensed that the immediate danger was gone he turned his mind to his next problem\u2026\u2026\u2026.where was he?\u00a0 Joe looked around, but all he could see were the trees that blocked him from seeing in any direction beyond a few feet.\u00a0 He stood up again and spoke to himself. \u2018Ya gotta keep going Joe.\u00a0 Pa needs help remember?\u00a0 Ya gotta find your way again.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a determination that came from the thought of his father, Joe walked steadily forward.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure if it was the right direction, but he had to move somewhere and needed to find a familiar landmark\u2026.so rather than stand still and let his fear overwhelm him he went steadily forward.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Presently he realised that the ground below him was becoming steeper and he looked up to see a ridge in front of him.\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 Pa always said to climb upwards to get a clear view of the land around you, so with renewed vigour he worked his way to the top.\u00a0 Panting with the exertion he sat down to catch his breath and was pleased to see that his view wasn\u2019t obstructed now on three sides.\u00a0 Over to this right he could see the mountains and he breathed a sigh of relief.\u00a0 Now he knew which way to go!\u00a0 He remembered the conversation he had had with his father a couple of nights ago\u2026\u2026\u2026. the mountains would be over his right shoulder on the way home. Joe smiled as he stood up.\u00a0 The sun was climbing and the sky around him was turning a vivid blue.\u00a0 He turned and checked that the mountain range over his right shoulder as he set off once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his eyes for the tenth time that hour as he struggled to keep them open.\u00a0 Just as he thought he would have to sit down and rest he forced the vision of his father\u2019s face into the forefront of his mind again to focus on. \u2018I\u2019ll get ya help Pa,\u2019 he said out loud. \u2018I won\u2019t let ya down.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He struggled on once more, ignoring the aching in his legs and shoulders and the lightness in his head.\u00a0 One thought kept racing through his brain\u2026. Get help for Pa\u2026\u2026.Get help for Pa. He began to say it out loud, to make it easier to focus on but also to keep himself company.\u00a0 He felt very alone at this moment and longed for someone to step out from behind a tree and take away the burden that had been placed upon him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So intent was he on saying the words and matching them with his steps that he had crossed half the field before he realised that he was in open country and not surrounded by trees anymore.\u00a0 He looked around and realised that he was not far from the road that led to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 With joy in his heart he started to turn towards the ranch, but his father\u2019s words rang in his ears even as he did so and he turned swiftly towards the Devlin ranch instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t believe his luck when within moments he could see a small patch of dust in the distance that signalled a rider was coming and he stood still as he raised his hand to signal who ever it might be.\u00a0 As he did so he felt dizzy and the ground swayed around him, so he leant on the rifle to support himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe narrowed his eyes to try and make out who the rider was, but couldn\u2019t see that far.\u00a0 Once again the ground tilted up towards him and he sank to his knees as the pounding of hoof beats sounded in his ears.\u00a0 He opened his mouth as he looked up to see a horse in front of him and the last things he heard was his brother Adam\u2019s voice before he surrendered to the darkness that engulfed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, trying to remember why he couldn\u2019t see the trees above him.\u00a0 Then he remembered!\u00a0 He had made it back and his Pa was\u2026.. he looked around him frantically, realising that he was in his bedroom at home and the sun was streaming in through the open window. He was at home again!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sat up in bed and looked around.\u00a0 The room was empty, but the door was ajar.\u00a0 Quickly he got out of bed and padded across the room in his bare feet and then down the hallway towards his father\u2019s room.\u00a0 He could hear muffled voices from behind the closed doorway and his heart was beating fast as he quietly opened it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss were standing with their backs to him next to Pa\u2019s bed.\u00a0 He took a step forward. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned sharply. \u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 he said and reached out for his brother. \u2018Get back in there straight\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa!\u2019 yelled Little Joe and flung himself on the man in the bed. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018I thought you was dead!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and stroked the child\u2019s curly hair. \u2018No, I\u2019m not dead son.\u00a0 Thanks to you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up at him and grinned. \u2018I told you I\u2019d get help, didn\u2019t I Pa?\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to stroke his hair. \u2018Yes you did,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I\u2019m very proud of you Little Joe. Very proud.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat up and looked at his father. \u2018You look real pale Pa.\u00a0 Are you OK now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The doctor says I will be,\u2019 his father replied. \u2018He got the bullet out after your brothers got me home.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled fondly at Adam and Hoss who were still standing next to his bed. \u2018I\u2019m proud of both of you for the way you handled things as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well if it hadn\u2019t been for this little guy here we wouldn\u2019t have had a chance to do what we did,\u2019 said Hoss, ruffling Joe\u2019s hair while Joe grinned up at him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa you need to rest now,\u2019 said Adam and pulled Joe off the bed. \u2018Come on little buddy, give Pa some time to sleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a long look. \u2018Pa I have to tell you something. I did get a bit lost on the way though,\u2019 he said. \u2018I wasn\u2019t as good at finding my way as I thought.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That doesn\u2019t matter Joe,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You made it in the end son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but if it wasn\u2019t for that bear I woulda made it sooner,\u2019 replied Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other three stopped. \u2018Bear?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018What bear?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The one that was chasing me,\u2019 explained Joe. \u2018I had ta shoot it in the end.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Hoss. \u2018Yeah sure,\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s true!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018It chased me for a whole day.\u00a0 I had ta throw rocks at it all night too!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on little buddy back into bed now,\u2019 said Adam propelling his brother out of the room. \u2018You need more sleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But its true Adam!\u00a0 I did shoot me a bear!\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s voice echoed down the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss laughed. \u2018That kid is bound and determined to make out that he\u2019s old enough ta hunt ain\u2019t he?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d\uf02d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat on the porch and took a deep breath.\u00a0 The scent of the pines above were intoxicating to him and he thanked God once again as he had many times in the past week that he had been given the chance once more to smell them.\u00a0 He was feeling stronger every day and apart from the enforced rest was very content to have the chance to gather his thoughts about his recent experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coming so close to death in that way made him realise just how important things were to him and he smiled as he watched Hoss chopping wood near the kitchen.\u00a0 He sure was one lucky man to have such wonderful sons!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned and waved as Adam rode into the yard. \u2018Hi Pa!\u2019 his oldest son shouted as he dismounted. \u2018How are you feeling?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Fine.\u00a0 Just fine thank you,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018What\u2019s that you\u2019ve got there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam held out the backpack. \u2018It\u2019s your things,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sheriff Coffee arranged for someone to get them for you. There were right where you\u2019d left them at the campsite, just as you\u2019d described.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s nice of him,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But there really wasn\u2019t anything of importance left there. \u2018Joseph had packed everything he could into his bag.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, well I\u2019m glad he did it,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why?\u2019 asked Hoss, joining them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down next to his father. \u2018Because he found out something,\u2019 he said. \u2018Seems like Joe was telling the truth after all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u2018What do you mean son?\u00a0 Telling the truth about what?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018About the bear he shot.\u00a0 Roy found an adult female near Tower Falls with a bullet through the head.\u00a0 She\u2019d been shot at close range and the bullet matches your rifle.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s blood went cold. \u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three Cartwrights sat in silence, stunned for several minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019ll be!\u2019 said Hoss, eventually breaking the silence. \u2018The little guy was telling the truth after all.\u00a0 He did shoot a bear!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I just don\u2019t understand how he could have done it,\u2019 mused Adam. \u2018A kid his size with a rifle that big?\u00a0 It \u2026. Well I just don\u2019t understand it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018None of us know what we\u2019re really capable of until we\u2019re faced with a situation that we have no choice but to deal with,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m sure Joseph wouldn\u2019t normally have been able to do what he did.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He sure thought he could,\u2019 said Hoss with a perplexed look on his face. \u2018I\u2019m not so sure about that Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well all I know is that the boy did what he had to do to save himself,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018And in doing so he saved me as well. I\u2019m eternally grateful to him that he was able to show us what he was made of. He had an inner strength that came though when he needed it and that\u2019s all we need to concentrate on.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Joe rode into the yard and waved at them. \u2018Hi he said as he slid down from his pony and ran to embrace his father. \u2018Ya feeling better now Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at him, the shock still registering on his face as he reached out to stroke his son\u2019s curls. \u2018Yes I am,\u2019 he said. \u2018Much better.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned up at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Ben take ten-year-old joe on a hunting trip which has dire consequences.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a010,640 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1015,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-63955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":100,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10102,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10102","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":0},"title":"Always With Me (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"November 8, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Little Joe wants a solo hunting trip, but he won't be as alone as he thinks he is when he gets his grand adventure. \u00a0Story features Joe but Ben and Adam have prominent roles too. rating = T \u00a0WC = 1346","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2063,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2063","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":1},"title":"Journey Worth Remembering (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"October 11, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A trip for Ben and ten year old Little Joe takes an unexpected turn Rated:\u00a0K (21,260 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22994,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=22994","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":2},"title":"Jeremiah (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"June 26, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Hoss has an unusual gift for Little Joe. A prequel challenge piece. Rating: K WC: 510","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1092"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/bullfrog-2.jpg?fit=694%2C451&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46463,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46463","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":3},"title":"Lost In a Storm Grizzly Tale (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"October 9, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Returning home from a camping\/hunting trip in this prequel, the brothers bond by teaching Little Joe how to manage the truth without making false statements to their father. Rating: T\u00a0 Word count: 1,339","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grizzly.jpg?fit=600%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grizzly.jpg?fit=600%2C435&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/grizzly.jpg?fit=600%2C435&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48174,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48174","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":4},"title":"Reborn On a Birthday (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"February 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Heading out on a hunting trip that Adam had requested for his birthday, the family runs into a lot more trouble than expected when they find signs of rustlers working on the Ponderosa. Rating: T\u00a0 Word count: 2,919","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/The-Bride.jpg?fit=590%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/The-Bride.jpg?fit=590%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/The-Bride.jpg?fit=590%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14401,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14401","url_meta":{"origin":63955,"position":5},"title":"Surprise! (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"June 18, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Young Hoss and Joe have decided that Ben deserves a day off so they plan a special day with him, but Ben soon discovers it's more special than anyone anticipated. Rating K \u00a0Word Count 678","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63955","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\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=63955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=63955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=63955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}