Boy to Man to Boy<\/a>.\u00a0 Although it is not compulsory to read the first story it is recommended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
“You’re drunk,” snapped Adam, looking down at his youngest brother slouched back in the chair.<\/p>\n
“I just had a couple of beers,” slurred a rather inebriated Joe.<\/p>\n
Adam stood back and crossed his arms, raising one eyebrow in a way that would have sent warning bells in Joe’s mind under different circumstances, but on this occasion he merely looked up at his big brother with a glazed expression on his face.<\/p>\n
“Okay Joe, it’s been a long day, I’m tired, and my patience has ended.\u00a0 On your feet and back to the hotel.\u00a0 Now!”<\/p>\n
Joe was in the middle of yet another losing hand at poker and had no qualms about placing his cards face down on the table as he made an attempt to rise.\u00a0 Before he could get to his feet, one of hte five other men around the table, pushed him roughly back down and growled, “No one’s leaving this game.\u00a0 Now kid don’t even think of running out on me, you ain’t going anywhere until you pay up.”<\/p>\n
Adam looked first at the man and then back at Joe, doing nothing to hide his contempt for the situation his brother had got himself into once more.\u00a0 Joe slumped further into his chair and attempted to pull his hat down over his face.\u00a0 With a resigned sigh Adam took a deep breath, there just didn\u2019t seem any point in getting in a fight over this, and so begrudgingly he reached into his jacket and removed his wallet.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeing how quickly the older fellow was willing to pay up the card shark replied, \u201cWell with that last game, uh I make it $500.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss let out a low whistle and if looks could kill, Joe would be six feet under from the seething glare Adam fixed on him.<\/p>\n
Gritting his teeth together, Adam removed $500 from his wallet and placed it down on the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou, up now,\u201d he snapped, grabbing Joe by the arm and yanking him to his feet.<\/p>\n
In his present state Joe only managed to take two steps forward when his knees started to buckle and his co-ordination went completely.\u00a0 As he fell to the ground Hoss grabbed him under the arms and with ease threw him over his shoulder and walking out of the saloon, his long strides quickly fell into step next to Adam.<\/p>\n
They had not gone far before Adam gave vent to his anger, \u201cSo help me Hoss, I\u2019m going to blister his hide so bad he won\u2019t sit for a week.\u00a0 $500!\u00a0 How could he manage to lose $500 in a couple of hours?\u00a0 I now own him body and soul and he\u2019ll be working until he retires to pay me back.\u00a0 Why can\u2019t he do as he\u2019s told just for once?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still here, don\u2019t talk about me like I ain\u2019t there,\u201d slurred Joe lifting his head up from his position hanging down over Hoss\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
Hoss reached up and slapped Joe hard on his rump; \u201cYou best keep quiet young\u2019un, if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOw, that hurt,\u201d yelped Joe, whereupon Hoss gave him another one for good measure.<\/p>\n
Upon reaching the hotel Hoss stomped up the stairs with his burden and on entering the room he unceremoniously tossed Joe onto the bed.\u00a0 Joe made one attempt to rise before he surrendered to the spinning room and fell back onto the pillows.\u00a0 In less than a minute he was fast asleep.<\/p>\n
Adam looked down at him, his anger still seething inside, \u201cWhat is it with him Hoss?\u00a0 Is it too much to ask?\u00a0 All he had to do was wait here for a couple of hours until the meeting was ended.\u00a0 We could of all gone out, had a meal and a drink as arranged.\u00a0 But not Joe, no, he has to go out and get drunk and lose $500 into the bargain.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had it with him Hoss, if fact I\u2019ve a good mind to put him on the first stage home and let Pa deal with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss sat down in the chair next to the bed and let out a deep breath as he let Adam rant on.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t blame him, after all it had been a long cattle drive and they had spent their first night of freedom scouring the bars for Little Joe.<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s ranting finally came to an end and with a resigned look at Hoss he quietly said, \u201cI suppose we better get him into bed.\u201d\u00a0 The big brother in him was taking over once more.<\/p>\n
Hoss loosened Joe\u2019s gun belt and pulled it out from under him.\u00a0 He then reached down and undid the buttons on Joe\u2019s pants while Adam grabbed hold of his boots.\u00a0 With a couple of pulls Adam had the boots off and Hoss swiftly followed by tugging Joe\u2019s pants down over his hips.\u00a0 It only took another couple of minutes for them to have Joe stripped and into his nightshirt.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t stir as his brothers lifted him and placed him under the covers.<\/p>\n
Hoss couldn\u2019t help smiling \u201cHe still looks so young and kinda cute when he\u2019s asleep, don\u2019t he Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam snorted but didn\u2019t reply; Joe and kinda cute just didn\u2019t go together for him at the moment.\u00a0 It was times like this he wished his Pa was around then he wouldn\u2019t have to take responsibility for the troublesome youngster before him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell it\u2019s late and I for one am tired.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go to bed Hoss, I\u2019ll deal with him in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the brothers made to leave the room a retching sound came from the bed and Hoss grabbed the basin from the table just in time to place it under Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 The results of too much alcohol were beginning to have an effect and a low groan emanated from Joe\u2019s lips as a bout of sickness once more came over him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess one of us is going to have to stay with him and make sure he\u2019s OK,\u201d sighed Hoss.<\/p>\n
A disgusted look came over Adam\u2019s face as he screwed up his nose at the terrible smell coming from the bowl in Hoss\u2019s hands.\u00a0 \u201cWell Hoss, since you\u2019re the one who thinks he\u2019s \u2018kinda cute\u2019, I think you should be the one,\u201d said Adam and with not a backward glance he swept out of the room.<\/p>\n
The following morning Adam and Hoss sat at the breakfast table tucking into a large plate of pancakes, eggs and bacon.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want me to get Little Joe, or do you plan to leave him in bed.\u00a0 He\u2019ll not be fit for much today after all,\u201d remarked Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave him in bed, you must be joking, he would just love that.\u00a0 Oh no, little brother is getting up now and believe me Hoss he\u2019ll wish he\u2019d never been born before this day is out.\u00a0 He\u2019ll certainly think twice before he sneaks off again and gets drunk.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for the morning after the night before and I for one am going to enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Minutes later Adam and Hoss made there way into Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 Even though Hoss had cleaned the bowl from the night before Adam still wrinkled his nose at the lingering smell.\u00a0 Walking over to the dresser Adam took delight in pouring out a glass of water and sauntering over to the bed he pulled back the covers and poured the icy liquid over the still sleeping Joe.<\/p>\n
Joe sat up immediately spluttering out his protest and letting out a low groan as the full effect of his hangover came over him.<\/p>\n
\u201cO-o-oh Adam please, have mercy, my head\u2019s killing me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell there\u2019s a very good reason for that Little Joe but we won\u2019t go into that just now, I\u2019ll wait until you\u2019re fully awake before we have that little discussion.\u00a0 Now you have 10 minutes to get up, washed and downstairs.\u00a0 And don\u2019t dawdle, I\u2019m in no mood to be kept waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Joe bit back a retort that almost jumped from his mouth.\u00a0 He knew better than to rile Adam when he was in this mood, at times he could be worse than Pa and this was definitely one of them.<\/p>\n
A very green Joe joined his brothers at the front of the hotel in just over the allotted ten minutes.\u00a0 Adam made a show of checking the time before looking exasperatedly at the boy in front of him.\u00a0 His unruly curls didn\u2019t look as if they had been brushed, his clothes were unkempt and he had dark circles under his eyes.\u00a0 Joe made to speak but was quickly silenced.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t time for your excuses Joe as I have a meeting at 9am, but rest assured you and I will be having a little discussion before this day is out.\u201d Adam threatened.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow look here Adam, I\u2019m too big for any little discussions,\u201d stuttered a worried Little Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said later Joe.\u201d\u00a0 A malicious smile crossed Adam\u2019s face \u201ca tanning wasn\u2019t what I had in mind, but overstep the mark just once today and I might decide you aren\u2019t too big after all.\u00a0 Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes sir\u201d said Joe standing up straight with his hands behind him in the protective stance he had taken since a child.\u00a0 Joe knew from past experience it was best not to give Adam any reason to carry out his threat.<\/p>\n
Promptly at 9am Adam presented himself at the office of Jonas Morgan, a very prominent businessman in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on in Adam\u201d said Jonas as he showed Adam into his office \u201cso nice to see you again after all this time.\u00a0 Is that Hoss with you?\u00a0 Good to see you Hoss.\u00a0 My you seem to get bigger every time we meet.\u00a0 And who is this?\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe we have met young man,\u201d he said, extending his right hand to Joe.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s natural reaction was to reach out with his left hand but this was quickly replaced with his right and he shook hands with the jovial man in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell gentlemen, have a seat and let\u2019s get down to business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Joe found himself almost nodding off as Jonas, Adam and Hoss droned on and on about mining rights and land investments.\u00a0 His stomach was still doing somersaults and at one point he found himself taking deep breaths in order to keep himself from retching.\u00a0 The voices had stopped and Joe opened his eyes to find the three men looking at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you all right there young fellow, you don\u2019t look very well\u201d asked a concerned Jonas.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh he\u2019ll be fine, Jonas,\u201d said Adam caustically, but then he relented and added,\u00a0 \u201cI think maybe he just needs some fresh air and a bite to eat.\u00a0 Perhaps we should adjourn for lunch and resume about 2pm.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that the four men made their way to a nearby restaurant and ordered lunch.\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t realised how hungry he was until that point and he began to perk up at the thought of food.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow gentlemen, I know it\u2019s early but how about a brandy, and maybe a sarsaparilla for the boy here,\u201d said Jonas slapping Joe on the back.\u00a0 Joe bristled at the \u2018boy\u2019 mention but one look from Adam kept him quiet.<\/p>\n
As lunch progressed the conversation deviated from business and Jonas brought them up to date with local news in San Francisco.\u00a0 Jonas sat on the governing board for a number of the schools in the town and he was particularly concerned that one of them was having problems with the older children.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what to do about it.\u00a0 Some of the older boys are definitely involved with illegal practices but no one seems to know what.\u00a0 The other children are too frightened to tell on them and the poor teacher, well let\u2019s just say she is out of her depth.\u00a0 What we need is to have someone on the inside, who could maybe get in with the troublemakers and find out what\u2019s going on, before these boys get into something they can\u2019t get out of.\u00a0 I have spoken to the parents of a number of the boys I think maybe involved, but without proof their parents are unwilling to do anything.\u201d\u00a0 Jonas shook his head in exasperation.<\/p>\n
An idea began to formulate in Adam\u2019s head and he could hardly stop himself from chuckling as the idea began to take shape.\u00a0 Raising his eyebrows he glanced at Hoss then inclined his head towards Joe.\u00a0 Hoss realising what Adam was up to began to smirk but quickly dropped his head when his little brother looked in his direction, he didn\u2019t want Joe to cotton on to what they were up to straight away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I might have the answer to your problem Jonas,\u201d said Adam \u201cwhy doesn\u2019t Joe here enrol in the school for a few weeks, I\u2019m sure he would have no problem ingratiating himself with the other children and finding out what is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
The mouthful of sarsaparilla that Joe had just taken went down the wrong way and he almost choked.\u00a0 Hoss thumped his back making him splutter even more and it was several minutes before Joe had breath enough to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got to be joking, Adam,\u201d he squeaked \u201cthere\u2019s no way, and I mean NO WAY, that I am going back to school, and what do you mean \u2018other children\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonas butted in \u201cWell thanks for the offer Adam, but I wouldn\u2019t want the boy involved in this.\u00a0 Anyway won\u2019t you be going back to Virginia City shortly?\u00a0 Surely Joe needs to get back to his own school.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was too much for Joe, his voice rose another octave as he responded \u201cSchool, me go back to school.\u00a0 Mr Morgan I\u2019m 18, I DON\u2019T go to school.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re 17 Joe not 18,\u201d corrected Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be 18 in two months time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOk, ok, so you\u2019re nearly 18, but at the moment you\u2019re 17.\u00a0 And before you make a definite decision on this Little Joe, perhaps you might like to think on that $500 dollars you owe me.\u00a0 Seems like a very quick way to earn $500 dollars if you ask me.\u00a0 But if you\u2019re really sure you\u2019re don\u2019t want to do this maybe you should return to the Ponderosa and discuss your behaviour with Pa.\u00a0 On the other hand Pa said we could have an extended holiday when all the business was finished and if you play the game he really doesn\u2019t have to know anything about your little escapade last night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe slumped back in his seat he knew he was beaten and Adam smiled triumphantly, things were working out better than he could have imagined.\u00a0 Joe would be safe in school helping out his friend Jonas and that would leave him and Hoss time to enjoy the delights of what San Francisco had to offer without worrying about his pesky little brother all the time.<\/p>\n
As the men continued their discussion Joe\u2019s eyes fell on a couple of men at a table near the door.\u00a0 One of the men had straggly long hair and a full beard that took up half his face.\u00a0 Joe didn\u2019t think he recognised the man but there was something about him that made Joe feel uneasy, he couldn\u2019t put his finger on it but he knew this man was trouble and a cold shiver went down his spine giving him the feeling that someone had just walked over his grave.\u00a0 The man finished his lunch first and made to leave the restaurant before Joe.\u00a0 As he stood and Joe became aware of him once more the sense of dread came over him again.<\/p>\n
That very same evening Jonas introduced Adam, Hoss and Joe to Mr Cuthbertson, who was one of the governors for the school in question.\u00a0 It was decided that no one but Jonas Morgan would be aware of Joe\u2019s true reason for being at the school, as Jonas was of the opinion that Mr Cuthbertson\u2019s own son Carl maybe one of the ringleaders involved.<\/p>\n
It was arranged that Joe would start school the following Monday.\u00a0 Mr Cuthbertson made it obvious he did not take to Joe on first sight and completely ignoring him he addressed himself to Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell how old is the boy and what level is he up to?\u201d<\/p>\n
Before Joe could respond, Adam put a warning hand on his shoulder and squeezing it slightly he said, \u201cHe\u2019s 14 going on 15 and from what his own teacher tells me he\u2019s quite a bright boy.\u00a0 He can be a bit of a dreamer and a little disruptive so he needs a firm hand.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s face burned bright red with embarrassment and indignation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmm\u201d said Mr Cuthbertson \u201che\u2019s a big lad for his age, but big or not I\u2019ll have no nonsense or he\u2019ll feel the end of my strap.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss tried hard to contain their amusement.\u00a0 To have Joe described as \u2018big for his age\u2019 was a first, but somehow they didn\u2019t think Joe was appreciating the irony of the situation.<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s first few days at school were traumatic to say the least.\u00a0 He was miserable; he found that after working on the ranch with grown men for almost two years he no longer could relate to the children.\u00a0 Joe found their childish banter irritating and the 13 and 14 year old girls that had immediately started fawning over him was almost too much to bear.\u00a0 The only saving grace was the teacher.\u00a0 Miss Green was about 22 years old and extremely pretty and Joe, like all the other boys in the class, was immediately smitten.<\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t take Joe long to suss out which of the boys were causing problems.\u00a0 Carl was definitely the ringleader but there was at least another 5 or 6 boys following his lead.\u00a0 At first they wanted nothing to do with Joe and spent their days trying to rile him; which under normal circumstances wouldn\u2019t be hard for Joe, but since he was in fact dealing with \u2018children\u2019 he tried his utmost to keep his temper.<\/p>\n
It was the third day and Joe was bored silly, he had never enjoyed school when he was there and was certainly not enjoying it now.\u00a0 When Miss Green had to reprimand him for the fourth time that day about his daydreaming, she asked him to stay and do lines after school.\u00a0 At 3pm that day as Joe sat at his desk writing \u2018I must not daydream in class\u2019 over and over again he thought things couldn\u2019t get any worse.\u00a0 As soon as the last word was written he made his way to the teacher\u2019s desk and handed the finished work over to Miss Green.\u00a0 As she looked up her eyes locked with Joe\u2019s and for some inexplicable reason she found she just couldn\u2019t look away; they were both mesmerised; time stood still and before either of them had time to collect their thoughts their heads came together and they kissed.\u00a0 The kiss was chaste at first but as the heat began to smoulder through them Joe found his arms around her and his kisses became more passionate.<\/p>\n
The situation did not have time to progress when, without warning, Joe felt himself lifted off his feet, yanked backwards and thrown to the floor.\u00a0 Mr Cuthbertson stood over him, face as red as beetroot, and in an absolute fury.\u00a0 Between gritted teeth he shouted,<\/p>\n
\u201cBoy, I ought to thrash the living daylights out of you, now get outside and wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Cuthbertson then turned on a now weeping Miss Green and said,\u00a0 \u201cAs for you young lady, I suggest you collect your things and leave.\u00a0 The school board will not tolerate this type of behaviour.\u201d\u00a0 With that he turned and walked out of the schoolroom, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n
Miss Green was appalled at her own behaviour, after all Joe was not quite 15, in fact a child.\u00a0 How could she have allowed this to happen; she was his teacher after all.\u00a0 She tried to analyse her emotions but when she thought about it she told herself his kisses had been anything but childlike, he was not naive in that department, of that she was certain.<\/p>\n
Little Joe stood outside trying to collect his thoughts.\u00a0 What happened in there?\u00a0 He certainly never meant to end up in a clinch with the school ma\u2019am.\u00a0 Oh Lord, Adam was going to be so mad.<\/p>\n
As that thought was just passing through his head, Joe almost jumped out of his skin as his arm was grabbed in a vice like grip, while the person\u2019s other hand landed heavily on his rear end.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow young man, I suggest you come along with me and we\u2019ll have a word with your older brother about your disgraceful behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thirty minutes later a shamefaced Joe sat on the settee in the hotel suite waiting for Adam to return from his discussion with Mr Cuthbertson.\u00a0 Hoss was trying to make light of the situation but without much success.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you do it boy?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve never known a kid to get in as many scrapes as you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just then the door opened and Adam returned.\u00a0 \u201cWell Joe, are you going to explain to me what happened?\u00a0 From what Mr Cuthbertson is saying you have forced yourself on a poor defenceless school teacher, who being a lady was unable to protect herself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s voice came out as a high-pitched squeal, \u201cForced, I never forced myself on anyone.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got to believe me Adam, it just happened.\u00a0 One minute I was standing at her desk and the next minute we were kissing.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t meant to happen, I never wanted it to happen, but I just looked in her eyes and well we just couldn\u2019t help it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked at his brother\u2019s stricken face and he knew Joe was telling the truth.\u00a0 What was it with this kid; women of all ages just couldn\u2019t resist him.\u00a0 His charm was legendary in Virginia City; he had been charming women from the moment he could walk, if not before, so why should the school ma\u2019am be any different.<\/p>\n
\u201cOk Little Joe, I believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to Miss Green, I feel really bad about getting her into trouble as well?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell Mr Cuthbertson was all for sacking her, but I think I\u2019ve persuaded him to transfer her to looking after the smaller children; somehow I think she\u2019ll be safer there.\u00a0 In the meantime one of the governors on the board will be drafted in to look after the older kids.\u00a0 Got to hand it to you little brother, you\u2019ve certainly made an impression in the three days you\u2019ve been there.\u00a0 Just one other thing, I had to promise Mr Cuthbertson that I would give you a thorough thrashing for your part in all this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s eyes almost popped out of his head \u201cAdam you wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam had to laugh, \u201cNo Joe, I wouldn\u2019t, but just be sure to groan a little when you sit down tomorrow.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you won\u2019t have difficulty making it look convincing, after all, you\u2019ve had plenty practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
The following day at school Joe found himself the centre of attention.\u00a0 Carl had heard his parents discussing what had happened at the school, and in the eyes of Carl and his cronies, Joe had suddenly become a bit of a hero and a real ladies man.<\/p>\n
\u201cGot to hand it to you kid,\u201d smirked Carl, \u201cyou certainly had me fooled.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t think you had it in you.\u00a0 Well come on what was she like?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe wanted to punch his lights out, but seeing this as an opportunity to become one of the gang he shrugged his shoulders and said, \u201cShe was real nice, you know what I mean,\u201d and with that he winked at the boys around him.\u00a0 He felt a read cad and hoped that Miss Green never became aware of this conversation.<\/p>\n
The one consolation in all of this was the reaction of the girls in class.\u00a0 They were so shocked at his behaviour that they had decided to give him the cold shoulder and wanted nothing more to do with him.\u00a0 Little Joe sent a prayer to heaven for small mercies; the unwanted attentions of these 14 year olds had been the thing that bugged him the most.<\/p>\n
That night Carl and his buddies invited Joe to join them after school and it was on that first night that Joe began to get a glimpse of what was going on.\u00a0 The boys seemed to have an awful lot of money for schoolboys, which was unexplainable.\u00a0 They were also very interested in what he and his brothers were doing in San Francisco and quizzed him about the money his brothers had and if they had anything of any real value with them.\u00a0 Joe was careful not to divulge anything to them but he was curious about their interest.\u00a0 Carl laughed and said all would be revealed when, and if, they thought they could trust him.<\/p>\n
One of the bigger boys, Ged, was rather jealous of Joe tagging along with them and he was determined to goad him into a fight if possible.\u00a0 Joe would not be drawn by the boy\u2019s juvenile attempts to make him lose his temper and in the end it was Ged that snapped and finally lunged at Joe in fury.\u00a0 The other boy was considerably bigger than him but Joe\u2019s extra couple of years and the muscles he had built working on the ranch, together with the coaching he had received from Adam and Hoss, made the boy no match for him.\u00a0 Joe toyed with him, quickly sidestepping his clumsy attempts to land a punch on his body.\u00a0 As the other boys laughed, Ged was determined not to lose face and he pulled a knife from under his trouser leg.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m gonna get you Cartwright,\u201d he said \u201cand when I\u2019m finished with you, that pretty face of yours is gonna scare all the girls away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe stepped back and took the opportunity to quickly remove his jacket and wrap it round his left arm.\u00a0 The other boys formed a circle around them enjoying the spectacle, jeering and cheering them on.\u00a0 As Ged struck out Joe tried to deflect the knife but only succeeded in receiving a slash to his right arm.\u00a0 The blood seeped through his shirt but Joe didn\u2019t have time to think about it before Ged lunged at him again.\u00a0 This time the knife cut harmlessly into his jacket, but Joe decided he would have to do something quickly before someone got really hurt.\u00a0 When Ged attacked him for the third time, Joe ducked down causing Ged to fall forward hitting mid air.\u00a0 Joe then jabbed out with his right fist hitting Ged hard in the stomach; this was followed by a punch with his left fist to Ged\u2019s chin.\u00a0 Seconds later Ged was laid out cold and the other boys were clapping Joe on the back in admiration.<\/p>\n
After making sure that Ged would be all right Joe went off with Carl.\u00a0 As they walked along Carl opened up a little more to Joe about what was going on.\u00a0 Joe gleaned that Carl and the others were supplying a \u2018friend\u2019 with information about the people in the town.\u00a0 Most of the boys in the gang had influential parents that played a prominent part in San Francisco\u2019s business.\u00a0 The boys made a point of finding out what business deals were being transacted and where money and valuables were being kept.\u00a0 This information was then passed to the \u2018friend\u2019.\u00a0 The friend and his men were then responsible for most of the crime that was happening within the city, but the boys themselves were not implicated.\u00a0 They were given a kick back for their trouble and so as Carl put it \u201ceveryone\u2019s happy\u201d.<\/p>\n
Carl then explained how his own father was head of one of the banks in San Francisco and that there was going to be a small fortune arriving there in a couple of days time.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you imagine it Joe?\u00a0 All I have to do is find out how and when the money is arriving and pass on the information.\u00a0 I just leave the rest up to them, but my cut will make me a rich man.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to leave this place and head out to Mexico; a couple of the guys are coming with me.\u00a0 Play your cards right and you can join us.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have the time of our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe just nodded in return, a sick feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.\u00a0 How could they contemplate doing this to their own families?\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t right and Joe was determined they would be stopped.<\/p>\n
That night Joe tried hard to disguise from Adam and Hoss his injury, he felt as if he was finally getting somewhere and the last thing he wanted was for his brothers to start worrying.\u00a0 As soon as he entered their hotel suite he made his way to his room and changed his clothes.\u00a0 The blood had finally clotted and his arm was no longer bleeding but Joe was worried that it maybe needed a couple of stitches.\u00a0 He took one of his bandanas and wrapped it round the wound as best he could with one hand, before joining his brothers.\u00a0 It was almost bedtime and Joe thought he had got away with it.\u00a0 As he made to retire Hoss was walking across the room and slapping Joe on the right arm said \u201cGoodnight little brother.\u201d\u00a0 Joe yelped out in pain and Adam quickly rushed to his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was Joe\u2019s standard answer to the family when they enquired about his health, so Adam ignored him.\u00a0 Joe made to leave the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold it right there, little brother,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cNow you can take your shirt off by yourself, or do you want me to do it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe knew when he was beat and with a resigned sigh he began to undo the buttons on his shirt.\u00a0 Hoss helped his out of it and then removed the bandana from his arm.\u00a0 Adam inspected the wound and decided that he would be able to tend to it without the need for a doctor.\u00a0 Joe winced when Adam cleaned and dressed his arm but it wasn\u2019t until Joe was doctored and in his nightshirt sitting in bed that Adam asked for an explanation.\u00a0 Joe relayed the events of the evening and as he suspected Adam over reacted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s it Joe.\u00a0 This is getting out of hand.\u00a0 I think maybe I made a mistake getting you involved in all this.\u00a0 Tomorrow we tell Jonas what is going on and from then you can quit school and leave him to sort it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow hang on a second Adam, you got me involved in all of this and I want to follow it through.\u00a0 Carl trusts me now and if I don\u2019t continue to be one of them, we\u2019ll never know who this other person is.\u00a0 At the end of the day Carl and the others are kids but this other person needs to be stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stood with his hands on his hips and with an edge to his voice said, \u201cThis is not open for debate Joe, from tomorrow this is not your affair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe couldn\u2019t sleep that night.\u00a0 He was angry with Adam for putting him in this situation and then treating him like a kid when the going got rough.\u00a0 In the early hours Joe still couldn\u2019t sleep and he decided he needed something or someone to help him unwind and so he quickly dressed and sneaking out of the hotel made his way to one of the many saloons in the area.<\/p>\n
Less than an hour later Joe was beginning to relax, he had had several beers and was now sitting with a pretty saloon girl in his lap.\u00a0 Julie, as he had found out she was called, whispered something in his ear about going upstairs and Joe smiled in acknowledgement.\u00a0 This was more like it, maybe Adam was right he should just quit this school business, then he would have more time to enjoy the delights of the city.<\/p>\n
Julie kissed Joe passionately and then standing she took hold of his hand and led him towards the stairs.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe went willingly a knowing smile on his face but just as he placed his foot on the first stair he felt a strong hand on his collar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going little brother,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 Joe closed his eyes in frustration.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t they have arrived five minutes later, by then he would have been safely upstairs and they would have passed on to the next saloon.<\/p>\n
Julie looked angrily at Hoss \u201cHey what\u2019s going on Mister.\u201d\u00a0 She could see her prospective customer slipping away and it wasn\u2019t just the money, he was so cute that she had been looking forward to their encounter.<\/p>\n
Adam stepped forward and tipping his hat to Julie he said, \u201cThis here\u2019s my little brother ma\u2019am and he\u2019s only 14.\u201d<\/p>\n
Julie jumped away from Joe as if she\u2019d been scalded, \u201c14\u201d she screeched \u201cwhy you little vermin, you ought to be horsewhipped\u201d and with that she slapped Joe hard across the face.\u00a0 Everyone was looking at them and Joe\u2019s other cheek turned as red as the one that had been slapped.<\/p>\n
When they arrived back at the hotel room Joe exploded.\u00a0 \u201cHow dare you embarrass me like that?\u00a0 I\u2019ve had it with you two, I can\u2019t believe you told that girl I was 14.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow hang on a second Joe, what were you doing sneaking out like that and what do you think you were doing with that girl?\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think I was doing Hoss?\u201d replied Joe in a voice that sounded anything but sorry.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t really mean to tell me that you were going to, well, you know\u201d floundered Hoss.<\/p>\n
Joe threw his arms in the air in exasperation and with an exaggerated flounce went to his room, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n
Hoss turned back to Adam, \u201cI always thought that Little Joe was, well you know, innocent like.\u00a0 I never imagined for one minute; well he\u2019s just a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stroked his chin and smiled, \u201cI guess our little brother is a lot more grown up than we imagined Hoss.\u00a0 Yep he\u2019s just full of surprises.\u201d<\/p>\n
The following morning Joe left for school as usual, but Adam was still sticking to his guns and insisting that Joe make it his last day.<\/p>\n
Carl met him at the school gates, \u201cListen Cartwright, you have to do something for me.\u00a0 My Pa intends to come into school today so I can\u2019t slip out.\u00a0 But you know that guy I was telling you about; well he is expecting me to meet him at the place we were yesterday.\u00a0 I have this note for him. It gives him the information he needs about the money coming into town.\u00a0 Now if you were to go missing for the day, no one would bother, so do you think you could meet him for me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Joe was excited at the prospect.\u00a0 Adam said to make this his last day, well if he could find out who Carl\u2019s contact was, that would certainly help tie up a few loose ends and hopefully get the kids back in line.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure Carl, give me the note, I\u2019ll meet him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carl handed the note to Joe and went into school.<\/p>\n
Joe rode out to the place they had been the day before and dismounting from Cochise he sat down under a tree and prepared to wait.\u00a0 Less than 5 minutes later a man Joe had never seen before rode up and approached him.\u00a0 The man came over to Joe and indicated for him to stand up.\u00a0 He then patted down Joe\u2019s body looking for any weapons.<\/p>\n
\u2018OK kid you\u2019re clean.\u00a0 You can get up on your horse.\u2019<\/p>\n
Joe began to feel uneasy, as he had been attending school it was not possible to wear his gun, but now he felt exposed and vulnerable\u00a0\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know anything about this man and once again he had gone off half-cocked without giving any thought to the consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boss is sure looking forward to meeting you,\u201d cackled the man as he led Joe away.<\/p>\n
Joe was puzzled.\u00a0 Why would the boss be interested in Joe Cartwright?\u00a0 Once again Joe admonished himself for his foolishness.\u00a0 How did he get himself into these messes?\u00a0 Adam was going to kill him this time that was for sure.<\/p>\n
Joe tried to take in as much about the landscape as possible as he went along, he wanted to be able to lead Adam and Hoss back there if necessary and the terrain he was going over was unfamiliar territory to him.\u00a0 It was just over 30 minutes later when the man indicated for Joe to go ahead of him into a small ravine before them.<\/p>\n
There was a makeshift camp set out with about seven or eight men sat round talking.\u00a0 As Joe approached he was surprised to see the bearded man from the restaurant amongst them.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s early instinct about the man resurfaced and he began to feel very uncomfortable; he looked around him for a means of escape and saw none.\u00a0 As Joe tried to collect his thoughts and quell the panic that was threatening to rise in him the man rose and turned to face him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell well if it isn\u2019t Little Joe Cartwright, I could not believe my good fortune when Carl said you had joined him in school.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked hard at him but still felt no real recognition; he delved deep inside himself to try and find what it was about this man that made him seem so familiar?<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I know you mister?\u201d<\/p>\n
At this the man let out a cruel laugh.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh you know me all right Little Joe, we go back a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe still didn\u2019t know the face of the man in front of him but he did remember the laugh and a cold shiver went down his spine.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrank Carter\u201d he whispered almost too afraid to speak.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Joe, Frank Carter.\u00a0 Who would ever have thought we would meet again in San Francisco and to think I didn\u2019t even have to seek you out.\u00a0 You came to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe had no time to respond before he was pulled roughly from his horse and flung to the ground.\u00a0 He tried not to show his fear but memories of his torment at the hands of Frank Carter came back to him and he felt himself tremble involuntary.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you going to do with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell believe it or not Little Joe, you are not the reason I\u2019m here.\u00a0 I\u2019m here first and foremost for the money, but I guess you\u2019ve gathered that already.\u00a0 And you, well you\u2019re just the icing on the cake.\u00a0 You have no idea how much I have dreamt of meeting you again.\u00a0 You and that sanctimonious brother of yours.\u00a0 Yes, I\u2019m looking forward to meeting him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe had risen to his feet and watched with trepidation as Frank made his way towards him.\u00a0 Standing just feet away Frank looked him up and down.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy, my you\u2019ve certainly grown some since we last met; you\u2019re not so scrawny.\u00a0 Even got a few muscles I see.\u201d\u00a0 Frank stepped forward and made a show of pressing on Joe\u2019s biceps.\u00a0 Joe tried to shrug him off but Frank just laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill got that spunk about you Kid, but I knocked it out of you before and I\u2019ll do the same again.\u00a0 And oh boy I\u2019m gonna enjoy it even more this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked him straight in the eye and tried not to flinch.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I remember rightly you got your comeuppance as well Frank.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t me they carried off to jail with a bullet hole in him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe didn\u2019t finish speaking before Frank backhanded him hard across the face.\u00a0 He reeled backwards and only just prevented himself from falling over.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I said kid, I\u2019m really gonna enjoy bringing you in line once more.\u00a0 Tie him up boys, good and tight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two men manhandled Joe over to a tree, where they tied his hands behind his back and his legs together.\u00a0 This definitely gave Joe a felling of dejevou.<\/strong><\/p>\nOnce seated Joe took stock of his surroundings.\u00a0 They were not far from the river and Joe could make out a small bridge only slightly visible through the trees.\u00a0\u00a0 As Joe mentally noted all these landmarks he smiled ruefully to himself; would all of his efforts help him in making an escape?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know, but thinking about it took his mind off what might be going to happen to him in the hours ahead.\u00a0 Joe tried not to think about the last time he was in the hands of Frank Carter.\u00a0 Frank was right; he had broken Joe\u2019s spirit. \u00a0Joe had started off being very cocky and brave but over the days he was held captive, the beatings and abuse that Frank and his men had dealt out to Joe had finally broken him and he had given in to despair.\u00a0 \u201cWell Joe\u201d he said to himself \u201cJust remember you were a kid then.\u00a0 You were only 16, but you\u2019re a man now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe swallowed hard; he didn\u2019t feel like a man at this moment in time, he felt very much like a kid, the kid of two years ago.<\/p>\n
Joe thought back to how Frank had humiliated him by giving him a thrashing with his belt until Joe had screamed out for mercy.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s rock during that period had been Ron Shepherd, Ron had intervened on more than one occasion to prevent Joe from suffering even more, but he wasn\u2019t there now and looking at the men that were with Frank this time, Joe would not be able to count on any help from them of that he was very sure.<\/p>\n
For the next couple of hours Joe was left alone as Frank and the others were occupied with the arrangements on how they were going to intercept the money before it reached San Francisco.\u00a0 From the information that Carl had sent to them they were able to work out which route the wagon carrying the cash would be taking, roughly what time and how many men would be guarding it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a piece of cake,\u201d said Frank \u201cthis is going to be like taking candy from a baby.\u00a0 Very soon now we are going to be rich men and there\u2019s going to be no one around to stop us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat about the kid, what you got planned for him?\u201d<\/p>\n
Frank\u2019s attention was drawn back to Joe and he smiled secretly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, I have big plans for Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou planning on taking him with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frank laughed \u201cNo way, but I will tell you this, he\u2019ll wish we had when he finds out what I\u2019ve got in mind for him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe once again tried not to show fear when he looked Frank straight in the eye.\u00a0 He knew what Frank was capable of and he really didn\u2019t want to be on the receiving end of it.<\/p>\n
Back in town Adam and Hoss had spent a very pleasant day visiting a few acquaintances and were now relaxing in their hotel suite waiting for Joe to return from school.\u00a0 When it got to 6pm and Little Joe failed to materialise Adam became impatient.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had it with him this time Hoss.\u00a0 I told him that this was to be his last day at school.\u00a0 God, when you think about it I\u2019m letting him off lightly considering he owes me $500.\u00a0 But no Little Joe has filled his head with that many dime novels he now thinks he is some kind of detective.\u00a0 Well if he has disobeyed me again and gone off with those boys I swear it Hoss, 17 or not he will feel my belt before this day is out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss knew that Adam was just sounding off and that Joe\u2019s hide was safe, but just the same he wished the youngest member of the family would hurry up and get back before Adam exploded or worse still decided to go and look for him.<\/p>\n
Time passed slowly and by 8pm Adam\u2019s temper had cooled and was replaced by a terrible feeling of foreboding.\u00a0 Joe could be irresponsible but Adam was sure that this was not the case on this occasion.\u00a0 He just hoped that his little brother had not become involved once again in something that he couldn\u2019t get out of.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t long before Adam and Hoss made their way to the Cuthbertson house with the sole purpose of finding news of their brother.\u00a0 Hoss tried to be optimistic and came up with various scenarios for Little Joe\u2019s absence, but when he received no response from Adam, he too dissolved into silence.<\/p>\n
Mr Cuthbertson opened the door and was genuinely surprised to find the Cartwright\u2019s standing on his doorstep.\u00a0 He invited them into his home and then summoned Carl into the front room to join them.<\/p>\n
When questioned Carl was quick to answer,<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr Cartwright, but Joe didn\u2019t come to school today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam could see the mocking insolence on the boy\u2019s face but there was nothing he could do.\u00a0 He was quite sure that Carl knew more than he was letting on, but when he tried to put pressure on the boy his father intervened on his behalf.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarl has given you his answer Mr Cartwright.\u00a0 I suggest you try one of the many saloons around town; from what I gather your brother has been known to frequent such places.\u00a0 Good night Gentlemen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss and Adam had no choice but to leave.\u00a0 Their next port of call was the home of Jonas Morgan.\u00a0 Jonas\u2019s delight at seeing the brothers quickly turned to one of concern for Little Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam, I should never have got you or your brother involved in any of this.\u00a0 From what you have told me there is something far more serious going on with the boys than some childish pranks.\u00a0 I will never forgive myself if Little Joe has come to any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss returned to their hotel briefly on the off chance that Joe had turned up and then set about scouring the saloons as they had done on their first night.\u00a0 Two hours later and Hoss was becoming despondent,<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we gonna do Adam?\u00a0 You don\u2019t think for one minute we gonna find Joe in one of these saloons do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stopped in his tracks and looked at Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Hoss.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to find Joe, but I don\u2019t know what else to do.\u00a0 This is all my fault.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t bear to think what Pa is going to say.\u00a0 Why did I ever suggest that Joe go to that school?\u00a0 How could I have been so stupid?<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on Adam, we don\u2019t know what\u2019s happened to Joe.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not go jumping to the wrong conclusion.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had no conviction in what he was saying but he could not voice his fears, that would be tempting fate, and Hoss tried never to do that.<\/p>\n
By midnight the boys decided to call it a day and reluctantly headed back to the hotel.\u00a0 Neither of them slept much that night, each one trying not to imagine what could have happened to their little brother.<\/p>\n
Back at the camp Little Joe had spent a very uncomfortable day.\u00a0 Frank had insisted on leaving him trussed up like a chicken on the hard ground and he took great pleasure in making sure that Joe was shown no consideration whatsoever.<\/p>\n
On Joe\u2019s previous encounter with Frank Carter he had being intimidated into calling Frank \u2018Sir\u2019 and saying \u2018please\u2019 before he was given any allowances.\u00a0 Frank smiled as he thought about how much he had enjoyed breaking the boy\u2019s spirit and how he was going to do the same thing again.<\/p>\n
Joe had been tied for almost six hours before he was able to attract the attention of one of the men and make him aware of his pressing need.\u00a0 Upon hearing Joe\u2019s request, Frank sauntered over to his side and said,<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember your manners boy, there\u2019s a right way and a wrong way to ask for something.\u00a0 Now what\u2019s it gonna be?\u201d<\/p>\n
Before Joe could stop himself his mouth was in gear and he retorted \u201cI\u2019m not a kid anymore Frank I\u2019m not frightened of your threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe lived to regret those words.\u00a0 Frank didn\u2019t argue with Joe or even put him under any pressure he just turned round and walked away saying,<\/p>\n
\u201cSuit yourself kid, it\u2019s you that will have to sit in soiled pants not me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two hours later Joe was no longer able to hold out and he had no alternative but to plead with Frank to be allowed to relieve himself.\u00a0 All to no avail.\u00a0 The inevitable happened and Joe could hardly hide his shame and embarrassment as the men in the camp witnessed the ultimate indignity imposed upon him.<\/p>\n
Joe laid head down trying desperately to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill the same snivelling little boy aren\u2019t you Joe.\u00a0 Well let that be a lesson to you, don\u2019t mess with me kid cause you can\u2019t win.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Joe lay there in his wet pants, the men\u2019s laughter rang in his ears; how much worse could things get.\u00a0 Little did Joe know but his nightmare was just beginning.<\/p>\n
After a restless night Jonas and the sheriff joined Adam and Hoss as they set out to try and find any trace of Joe.\u00a0 Knowing where to start was the problem; they were in a strange territory with no leads to go on.\u00a0 They spoke to the school children and teachers but no one appeared to have seen Joe the previous morning.\u00a0 Hoss prided himself on his tracking abilities but he just didn\u2019t know where to start.\u00a0 The morning finished as it started and both brothers came to a decision; their father must be informed of Little Joe\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n
Later that day back at the Ponderosa, Ben was surprised when a messenger arrived at the ranch with a telegram.\u00a0 From past experience Ben\u2019s heartbeat quickened as he opened the envelope; somehow he knew it was not going to be good news.\u00a0 With a trembling hand Ben scanned the page.<\/p>\n
\u2018Come at once.\u00a0 Joe is missing.\u00a0 Adam\u2019<\/p>\n
No more words were needed; Ben packed a bag with essentials and saddled his horse to ride into town.\u00a0 He would catch the stagecoach the following morning.\u00a0 There was no time to dwell on what might have happened to his youngest son, the long coach journey to San Francisco would be time enough for that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Top of Form<\/p>\n
Bottom of Form<\/p>\n
Chapter 2:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe had spent a cold night as his wet clothes dried on him.\u00a0 By morning his limbs were stiff and aching and once again his needs were pressing.\u00a0 This time Joe decided to play the game the way that Frank decreed and he asked,\u201cPlease sir may I be released to relieve myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was just what Frank wanted, reducing one of the Cartwright\u2019s down to size and making him beg was all part of Frank\u2019s plan for revenge.<\/p>\n
Joe was not that easily beaten and by evening his fighting spirit was beginning to return.\u00a0 He admonished himself for giving in so easily; so he had wet his pants, big deal, what did it matter in the scheme of things?\u00a0 So he had to swallow his pride and ask Frank for small favours.\u00a0 Don\u2019t allow him to win, thought Joe, Adam and Hoss would never give in to intimidation and Joe always tried to live up to his brothers.\u00a0 Joe began to build himself up mentally and try and plan a means of escape.<\/p>\n
He had no doubt that his brothers would be looking for him and he was confident that Frank would not leave without the money, so there was still a chance he would be rescued.\u00a0 Joe had to hang on to these thoughts; he could not let Frank get the better of him.\u00a0 After all he was a Cartwright, his Pa and brothers had taught him better than that.<\/p>\n
By evening the men were becoming bored.\u00a0 They had rehearsed their plan over and over again as to how they would apprehend the wagon carrying the cash.\u00a0 Each of them had his part to play and Frank was anxious that nothing would go wrong, there was too much at stake.\u00a0 As the night wore on the men\u2019s attention was drawn to Joe; maybe there was fun to be had after all.<\/p>\n
Frank sat smiling as the men released Joe\u2019s bound arms and legs.\u00a0 Joe did not know what their motives were, he just knew it would not be good for him, but nevertheless he took the opportunity to straighten his aching limbs and try to get the blood flowing through his veins once more.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve heard you think you\u2019re a pretty tough kid,\u201d said the man straight in front of him and Joe knew from that one comment that he was in trouble.<\/p>\n
\u201cOK kid, I\u2019ll take you first\u201d said the wiry looking man and the others were quick to place their bets on the outcome and circulated Joe like a pack of wolves.<\/p>\n
Joe hardly had time to take stock before the man lunged at him knocking him to the ground.\u00a0 Joe was winded but his reflexes were good and he quickly jumped to his feet.\u00a0 The man snarled as he advanced on Joe a second time and struck out with his right fist.\u00a0 Joe moved to the side and the man hit mid air, falling forward as he did so.\u00a0 As the man tried to regain his balance Joe bounded forward and hit him hard in the midriff with his head.\u00a0 As the man floundered Joe straightened up and let go with his left fist and hit the man smack in the chin.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t believe his luck the guy went down hard and he had hardly even made contact with Joe.<\/p>\n
The men standing around laughed out loud and whooped mockingly at the wiry man\u2019s feeble attempts to better the kid.\u00a0 Regaining his feet and red in the face with the exertion the man was about to strike out at Joe once more when one of the other men grabbed him and said \u2018Hold it Jim you\u2019ve had your turn now it\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Joe quickly tried to collect his thoughts the man\u2019s fist jabbed forward and landed a heavy blow to Joe\u2019s stomach before he had time to react.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s breath exhaled from him and he sank to his knees.\u00a0 The next blow was to his face and even though Joe leaned backwards slightly to prevent the full impact, his nose still exploded sending blood splattering in all directions.<\/p>\n
As the man looked round at his comrades to gloat over his prowess, Joe rolled away from him and sprang to his feet once again.\u00a0 Blood was streaming from his nose and mouth but he wasn\u2019t beaten yet.\u00a0 Taking a running jump Joe leaped into the air and with both feet off the ground he landed squarely onto the man\u2019s chest.\u00a0 The guy fell backwards and Joe was quick to take advantage.\u00a0 He straddled the prone figure and let go with his fists one after the other.\u00a0 Joe was beyond control and it was only when he felt someone yank him from behind and lift him off the prostrate figure below him that he realised that the other man was almost unconscious.<\/p>\n
The third man to face Joe was considerably larger than the others, he was a man mountain that would give Hoss a run for his money and under other circumstances Joe may have been worried, but Joe was beyond reason.\u00a0 As the man dropped Joe back on his feet Joe swung out at him and landed a blow just below the belt.\u00a0 That was almost the last thing that he remembered.\u00a0 The rock in front of him just laughed at Joe\u2019s effort and the fist that he brought into contact with Joe\u2019s chin rendered him unconscious before he hit the ground.\u00a0 As the man turned to the others to collect his winnings the two men that Joe had previously beaten took the opportunity to use their feet to get their own back on the helpless boy in front of them.<\/p>\n
Joe was oblivious to the kicks his body received, but hours later when he awoke he would feel every punch and kick that had been rendered on his torso.<\/p>\n
It was a very quiet and despairing Hoss and Adam that returned to the hotel that evening to sleep.\u00a0 They had had another fruitless day looking for signs of Joe and were at a loss as to what to do next.\u00a0 Their father should be arriving the following afternoon and Adam didn\u2019t want to face him with the news that they must impart.\u00a0 He felt responsible for Joe\u2019s disappearance and he knew that even if his father tried to say different, Adam felt he too would also hold him responsible.\u00a0 Hoss as ever tried to be optimistic but even he was feeling the strain of not being able to do anything productive in finding Joe.<\/p>\n
As it happens it was kinder that the brothers were unaware of Joe\u2019s present predicament because less than two hour\u2019s ride away Joe was lying unconscious, dirty and bloody with his arms and legs tied once more.\u00a0 He had been given very little to eat or drink that day and the beating he had just taken drained the last of his strength and it would be long into the night before he would waken and begin to feel the pain of the blows that had been rendered on his body.<\/p>\n
That night the rain started.\u00a0 It was just a drizzle at first but as the hours passed it built up in momentum and dropped to the earth in a never-ending sheet of water.\u00a0 As the dark clouds continued to gather it was obvious to all who had knowledge of such things that the rain would not be stopping for a very long time.\u00a0 As Frank sat under his shelter looking out at the changing landscape a smile spread across his face as a cruel and sadistic thought began to grow and take shape.\u00a0 He now knew how he would deal with young Cartwright and get back at his brother at the same time.<\/p>\n
The following morning Joe was lying with his swollen eyes closed.\u00a0 The dried blood covered half of his face and mattered in his hair.\u00a0 His ribs hurt him the most and he moaned softly, but he was unaware of the sounds that were coming from his own lips.\u00a0 Breathing was an effort and he wished that the all-encompassing pain would stop for a short while and allow him to surrender to sleep once more, but it was not to be. Throughout the night the rain had fallen mercilessly adding to Joe\u2019s misery.\u00a0 He had not been provided with any shelter and his clothes were soaked through to the skin, chilling him to the bone, and the earth around him had been turned into a muddy swamp.<\/p>\n
The men began to move around the camp, packing up and getting ready to disperse.\u00a0 Joe became aware of the activity around him and he tried to open his eyes without much success.\u00a0 Some minutes later Joe yelled out as he was roughly pulled to his feet and dragged through the trees, supported on either side by two of the men. Several minutes later Joe felt the unmistakable chill of cold water around his lower body.\u00a0 As the men lowered him to the ground he also heard the sound of chains clanking together.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Joe forced his eyes to open and he peered out with unfocused vision and saw that he was under the bridge he had seen through the trees a couple of days before.\u00a0 The chains were been wrapped round his body and the men were securing him to the post supporting the underside of the bridge.\u00a0 Joe tried to speak but his lips were dry and swollen and the words that came out were unintelligible.\u00a0 The water that had trickled under the bridge the day before was now a gushing stream and if it hadn\u2019t been that Joe was securely tethered he was sure he would have been swept away in the current.<\/p>\n
Just then Frank appeared in his line of vision. \u201cWell Joe this is the ultimate revenge.\u00a0 Not only do I get you but I get that smart alec brother of yours at the same time.\u00a0 The high and mighty Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked at him with a confused expression on his face.\u00a0 What did Adam have to do with this?\u00a0 What was Frank planning?<\/p>\n
\u201cWell you see Joe by the end of the morning the guys and I will have apprehended that wagon carrying our fortune and later today I have arranged for those dumb brothers of yours to get a message telling them where you are.\u00a0 But don\u2019t get your hopes up because by the time they get here we will be long gone with no chance of anyone catching us.\u00a0 You know much as I\u2019m looking forward to spending all that money I would really love to stay here and see those brothers of yours arrive to watch you drown.\u00a0 Even if they are real quick it won\u2019t make any difference to the outcome cause they\u2019ll have no way of releasing these chains in time before the water has risen above your head and then it will be bye bye Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam will have to sit there and watch you die knowing that he cannot save you, and that my little friend will be my ultimate revenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that Frank began to laugh uncontrollably and he patted the side of Joe\u2019s face before stepping back out of the water and shouting, \u201cGoodbye Little Joe, I\u2019m afraid this really is the end of the line.\u00a0 Can\u2019t say it\u2019s been nice knowing you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frank had it all worked out.\u00a0 From the information supplied to him by Carl and the other boys from school he knew exactly what was going to happen with the money shipment.\u00a0 Frank even had the foresight to pay someone to telegraph the San Francisco office to inform them that the shipment had had problems and would be leaving a little later than planned.\u00a0 This allowed Frank and his men time to intercept the wagon, dispose of the four men involved in the transportation of the shipment, and be on their way before anyone was even aware that the money was missing.<\/p>\n
The cold water that Joe was sitting in had revived his senses and he struggled to come to terms with what Frank had told him.\u00a0 Joe took stock of his situation; he was chained to the bridge and as the rain fell relentlessly the water slowly continued to rise.\u00a0 Looking at the water markings on the riverbank above his head left him in no doubt that if help was not forthcoming he would indeed drown as Frank had predicted.\u00a0 Joe struggled against his chains but he knew it was pointless and a nagging fear at the back of his mind told him that even if someone did arrive they would never have the tools that would be needed to release the chains from his body.\u00a0 Once more he began to shiver, but this time he was not sure how much was due to the cold water seeping through his clothes and how much was from realising what fate had in store for him.<\/p>\n
That afternoon Adam and Hoss were just leaving the sheriff\u2019s office when one of the school children ran up to them and handed them a note.\u00a0 Adam looked in horror at the words written,<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to see your little brother alive again come alone, but hurry, you don\u2019t have much time.\u201d\u00a0 Below this was a rough map giving them directions.\u00a0 The brothers wasted no time on discussion but went quickly to the livery stable, saddled their horses and left town without saying a word to anyone.\u00a0 The going was rough as the rain made the trail in front of them treacherous underfoot for the horses, but there was no going back, their brother\u2019s life depended on it.<\/p>\n
As his brothers were riding out to find him Joe sat listening to the continuous pounding of the rain hitting the bridge above him.\u00a0 Even though the bridge protected his head from the onslaught the noise only emphasised the continuing danger as the water slowly rose around him.<\/p>\n
The directions were not clear and it was almost two hours before the brothers arrived at the bridge.\u00a0 Dismounting from their horses they looked around in dismay, there was no sign of Little Joe and they wondered if the note had been a childish joke by some of the children at the school.\u00a0 Hoss wasn\u2019t willing to give up and he began to shout Joe\u2019s name at the top of his lungs over and over again.<\/p>\n
Joe had been dozing and Hoss\u2019s voice broke into his dreams and dragged him back to consciousness.\u00a0 His mouth was dry and he could hardly summon up enough saliva to find his voice and reply.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere, Hoss here, under the bridge\u201d he called.<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss had wandered away from the bridge but on hearing Joe\u2019s croaky voice calling to them they quickly rushed back and slid down the embankment and into the water.\u00a0 Their relief at finding their little brother alive was short lived as they tried to lift him and came across the many chains that held his body to the supporting post.<\/p>\n
The brothers exchanged a concerned glance as they took in Little Joe\u2019s beaten and bloody face, but for the moment they had to swallow their anger at the abuse he had obviously suffered and try to think of a way to get him out of the perilous predicament he was now in.\u00a0 They examined the chains around his body but could find no easy way to release him.\u00a0 The chains weren\u2019t tight there was some leeway but they were wrapped around him again and again and locked into place.<\/p>\n
All Joe could think of was how thirsty he was and even the relief at being found was overridden by his need.\u00a0 \u201cWater, please I need water,\u201d rasped Joe.<\/p>\n
Hoss scrambled back up the embankment to his horse for his canteen.\u00a0 Seconds later he was holding Joe\u2019s head to allow the boy to drink.<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy now Joe, don\u2019t take too much,\u201d admonished Adam \u201cyou don\u2019t want to be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss took the canteen away before speaking. \u00a0\u201cWho did this to you boy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe looked at each of his brothers before replying in almost a whisper \u201cIt was Frank Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss and Adam were stunned.\u00a0 How could it be?\u00a0 Where had he come from?\u00a0 How had he tracked Joe down?\u00a0 Joe wanted to tell them what had happened but Adam silenced him for the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime for that latter Joe, first thing we have to do is think of a way to get you out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss tried to find a weak link in the chains but to no avail, they held fast and it was obvious they were going to need help.\u00a0 Adam motioned to Hoss and they stood up and walked a short way from Joe so he was no longer in earshot.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to go back to town for help Hoss, we\u2019ll need men and tools.\u00a0 I\u2019ll wait here with Joe and do what I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Adam it\u2019s a long ride back to town.\u00a0 By the time I get back the water\u2019s going to be well risen.\u00a0 A-a-a-dam it may be too late.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice trailed off, he couldn\u2019t bear to put into words what he was thinking.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve no time to discuss it Hoss, just get going and pray to God you\u2019re in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss couldn\u2019t leave without saying goodbye to Joe.\u00a0 He knelt down in the water and best he could he hugged his little brother to him and said in almost a whisper,<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry Little Joe, I\u2019ll be back with help and we\u2019ll have you out of there in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe choked back his tears, he couldn\u2019t hug Hoss in return, and as he looked at his brother\u2019s retreating back he said very quietly,<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodbye Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019s step faltered, he knew by that simple statement that Joe didn\u2019t think it was possible to save him and he knew his brother was saying his last goodbye.\u00a0 Hoss couldn\u2019t turn round; he couldn\u2019t let his baby brother see the tears that were beginning to fall.\u00a0 What if he never saw Joe alive again?<\/p>\n
As they heard Hoss ride away Adam turned back to Joe.\u00a0 What could he do to try and make him more comfortable?\u00a0 Joe was obviously chilled to the bone and Adam made to go back to his horse to get his bedroll.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t leave me Adam\u201d Joe\u2019s frightened voice cried out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be right back buddy, I\u2019m just going to get a blanket to wrap round you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam returned within a minute and wrapped the blanket round Joe\u2019s shoulders, it would not offer much warmth, but it was all he had.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s teeth were chattering uncontrollably and Adam worried how long it would be before hypothermia set in.\u00a0 They were in for a long wait and Adam could do nothing but sit down in the water next to his brother and put a comforting arm around him.<\/p>\n
\u201cTel me what happened Joe?\u201d\u00a0 Adam thought it best to keep Joe talking the last thing he wanted was for him to go to sleep.<\/p>\n
Joe started at the beginning and didn\u2019t leave out any of the details.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t look at Adam when he recalled the embarrassment of wetting his pants but he felt Adam\u2019s arm squeeze his shoulder in reassurance as Adam listened in silence.\u00a0 When Joe recalled the beating he had taken from the men Adam could feel the anger in him build up.\u00a0 How could these men treat a mere boy in this way?\u00a0 Adam made a silent promise to himself, every last one of them would pay for the way they had treated his brother and he wouldn\u2019t rest until they were either behind bars or at the end of a hangman\u2019s noose.<\/p>\n
Joe was still talking and Adam thoughts were brought back to the present once more,<\/p>\n
\u201cand Adam he has stolen the money that was meant for the bank, he has to be stopped.\u00a0 Frank will be well away now, you have to catch them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that Little Joe, we\u2019ll catch them have no fear, but first we have got to get you out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe became quiet for a second and then when he did speak his voice was raw with emotion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Joe, what\u2019ve you got to be sorry for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor being a real pain in the ass and spoiling things for you and Hoss.\u00a0 I guess I messed up pretty bad huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam felt humbled, \u201cIt\u2019s not you who should be sorry Joe, it\u2019s me.\u00a0 I got you into this mess, me and my great ideas.\u00a0 You are right; sometimes I can be a real killjoy.\u00a0 Maybe if I didn\u2019t come down on you so hard in the first place.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice trailed off as he was overcome with emotion at the predicament his brother was now in and he could not continue.<\/p>\n
The heavy silence between the brothers hung in the air and Joe was anxious to get things on an even keel once more.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what I regret Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI never got the chance to get to know that girl better, you know the one in the saloon that you and Hoss dragged me away from.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam chuckled \u201cTell you what Little Joe, when we get you out of this I promise to take you to see that little girl personally and believe me I won\u2019t be dragging you away this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smirking at Little Joe, Adam couldn\u2019t resist adding \u201cI take it Pa finally had that talk with you, you know, the one about how to be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Little Joe had the good grace to blush, \u201cOh yeh, he had the talk all right.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry Adam he made sure I got the message.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both brothers laughed together, until Adam became aware once more of the water slowly rising and now reaching Joe\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n
Joe sobered as he too was brought back to reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, Hoss can\u2019t make it back in time and even if he does, there\u2019s no way that he\u2019ll be able to get these chains off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam couldn\u2019t let his thoughts go that way; this was Joe, his baby brother, there just had to be an answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen Joe I promised your Ma the day you were born that I would always look after you and you wouldn\u2019t want me to break my promise, so believe me when I say, you are going to get out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe so wanted to believe his big brother just as he always had.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be long before the sun went down and as a chill ran through his body, Joe said<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you still look at the stars Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe stars in what way?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was puzzled at the change in conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell can you remember when Mama died, Pa used to take us outside on a clear evening and point to the brightest star in the sky and say that that was Mama looking down on us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled \u201cYes I remember Little Joe, but you were so little I didn\u2019t think you would still remember.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u201d whispered Joe softly \u201cI sill look at the stars and think of Mama.\u00a0 Pa always said that wherever you are in the world everyone looks up at the sky and sees the same stars.\u00a0 When you went to college I used to look at the sky and imagine that you would be looking up at the same time and seeing the same stars.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam was taken aback; Joe never really talked with Adam about the time he was at college.\u00a0 When Adam had returned he had found that the baby boy he had left behind had turned into a very independent stubborn little boy and it had taken quite a while for them to re-establish their relationship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBack then I really hated you for going away and leaving me and then I resented you even more for coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want to leave Joe, but it was something I really needed to do.\u00a0 Can you understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe snapped out of his reminiscing.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to make you feel guilty.\u00a0 I know you had to go, it\u2019s just at the time I was being a selfish little kid and I didn\u2019t think of you and your needs.\u00a0 I just thought of me and the fact that you had left me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled, \u201cWell you certainly got your own back.\u00a0 You were a real brat when I came back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeh, well you deserved it, you were such a smart ass, you thought you knew everything.\u00a0 Still do sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because I do little brother and don\u2019t you forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe was glad they were back to their normal banter.\u00a0 The trip down memory lane was not something he could face at the moment.\u00a0 There was something about baring your soul that made the situation sound final and Joe tried hard not to let his imagination wander in that direction.<\/p>\n
Hoss rode back to the town at a speed he would never normally consider.\u00a0 For once concern for his mount was not on his agenda and he paid no heed to Chubb\u2019s laboured breathing under him.\u00a0 How was he going to get his little brother out from under the bridge?\u00a0 To cut through the chains would take too long, that he was sure of.\u00a0 The chains were thicker than most and even if he were able to weaken them, it would still be too late.\u00a0 What was he to do?\u00a0 At last an idea came to him; it might just work \u2013 no it had to work, his brother\u2019s life depended on it.<\/p>\n
As soon as he entered the town Hoss rode to the logging company at the far end.\u00a0 Even before he had pulled his horse to a stop he was shouting to the men who worked there.\u00a0 In less than 15 minutes Hoss had organised a wagon, saws, a large post and most importantly men to help him.\u00a0 They were just about to ride out of town once more when one of the men\u2019s wives ran over and placed blankets, bandages and supplies into the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cGood luck to you son, I hope you are in time to save your brother,\u201d she said, before Hoss shouted at the horses, tugged on the reins and rode out of town.<\/p>\n
As they rode along Hoss explained to the men the predicament his brother was in.\u00a0 The way he saw it the only way to rescue Joe would be to saw through the post that was holding him, above and below the chains, and then remove him, the chains and the post from the water.\u00a0 This would present them with many dangers.\u00a0 Firstly they would be sawing under water, secondly there was a serious risk that Joe would be injured and thirdly, once the original post was removed the bridge would in all likelihood collapse on top of them.<\/p>\n
Hoss considered all points.\u00a0 Sawing under water would not be an option, the ever-rising water level would see to that.\u00a0 As for Joe being hurt, again they did not have an option, better Joe was hurt than dead.\u00a0 It was only the third option that Hoss felt he might have any control over.\u00a0 Before they removed Joe he hoped to replace the existing post with a temporary post they had brought with them.\u00a0 While some of the men were rescuing Joe a couple of others could cut and fit the post to size.\u00a0 Hopefully it would hold long enough for them to all get out safely.<\/p>\n
Adam looked at his little brother and seeing the pained expression on his face Adam asked, \u201cHow you doing little buddy, does it hurt much?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe smiled and opened his eyes.\u00a0 Adam had not called him \u2018little buddy\u2019 for years and it sounded strange.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s injuries were not hurting as much as they had.\u00a0 The cold water was acting like an anaesthetic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine Adam,\u201d Joe replied, and Adam sighed, even now Joe was guaranteed to give his standard answer.<\/p>\n
As the time went by, Adam tried not to show it, but his anxiety was beginning to surface.\u00a0 The water was now reaching up to Joe\u2019s chin and rising.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s teeth had stopped chattering long ago and hypothermia was beginning to set in.\u00a0 Adam himself was frozen to the bone and his attempts to keep Joe talking were failing.\u00a0 Joe no longer had the willpower to carry on and he hardly responded to Adam\u2019s questions and sleep was threatening to take him.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on buddy, don\u2019t you go to sleep on me,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0 He reached over to pat Joe on the face but stopped when he was inches away, how could he even think of inflicting any more pain to his brother\u2019s battered face?\u00a0 Taking him by the shoulders he shook him gently instead.\u00a0 Joe reluctantly opened his eyes, but Adam was losing the battle.<\/p>\n
The water had risen to Joe\u2019s mouth when Adam heard the unmistakable sound of a wagon above him.\u00a0 Seconds later Hoss ran down the embankment to join his brothers.\u00a0 Adam looked at him and then back at Joe.\u00a0 Utter despair reflected in Adam\u2019s eyes as he sat there trying to support Joe\u2019s head. He felt completely helpless sitting there acting as a sentinel waiting for his brother to drown.<\/p>\n
Hoss moved forward \u201cI\u2019m here Joe, I brought help boy.\u00a0 We\u2019re gonna have you out of here in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Joe did not respond but looked at him with dull eyes, Hoss reprimanded \u201cDon\u2019t you go giving up on me Little Joe.\u00a0 You just keep fighting or so help me I\u2019ll pound yer good and proper.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was just what Joe needed and he even managed a slight smile.<\/p>\n
The men made their way down the embankment and into the water, carrying the large post and saws with them.\u00a0 Adam looked quizzically at Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere just ain\u2019t time to explain Adam, just you look after Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded acceptance.\u00a0 The men set to work at once and taking their places in the water they began to saw on the post above and below the chains that held Little Joe.\u00a0 It was difficult work as in the main they were working blind and there was always a risk that they would cut the boy they were trying to rescue.<\/p>\n
The men\u2019s task was almost completed but as Adam looked at Joe he knew he had to do something quick, it would only be minutes before the water would rise above Joe\u2019s nose and cut off his air supply.\u00a0 He needed to get air to his brother for a few minutes more and he looked round frantically for an idea.\u00a0 Rushing to the embankment Adam grabbed a large reed and was back at Joe\u2019s side within moments.\u00a0 Why hadn\u2019t he thought of this before?<\/p>\n
\u201cListen Joe, listen to me.\u00a0 Do you remember when we were kids and we used to swim in the lake?\u00a0 Can you recall how we played tricks on Pa by staying underwater and breathing through reeds?\u00a0 Well I want you to do that again Little Joe.\u00a0 Are you listening to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s voice was so touched with panic that it penetrated into Joe\u2019s subconscious and he opened his eyes and nodded.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s body was beginning to shut down and he was beginning to care less and less what happened to him.\u00a0 He wished his brother would leave him alone but even in his desperate plight he knew better than to disobey Adam.<\/p>\n
Adam placed the reed into Joe\u2019s mouth as the water rose above his nose.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemember to breath through the reed Joe, just breath.\u00a0 Come on Joe, don\u2019t give up, we\u2019re nearly there.\u00a0 Joe.\u201d\u00a0 The last word was said in utter anguish.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t breathing he was drowning.<\/p>\n
Joe could feel the panic in him rising.\u00a0 He was no longer passive, but struggling to draw breath.\u00a0 His air supply had been cut off and he had tried to breath through the reed as instructed, but Adam had forgotten that when they played this game as children, Joe had held the reed in place with one hand and the other hand had nipped his nose in order to make it easier to breath through his mouth.\u00a0 With both Joe\u2019s hands tied to his sides Adam had tried to hold the reed in place but that did not stop the water from going up Joe\u2019s nose and when he tried to draw breath his throat constricted and his breathing reflex locked.\u00a0 Joe gagged and the water caught in his throat.\u00a0 Joe struggled helplessly for as long as he could but as he felt the last breath leaving his body he no longer seemed to care.\u00a0 He wanted to shout to Adam and tell him not to worry, he didn\u2019t want to fight anymore, he just needed to sleep.\u00a0 As the darkness claimed him his last thought was of his beloved Pa; he had never got to say goodbye.\u00a0 Adam watched in horror as Joe drowned in front of him.\u00a0 In just over a minute Little Joe\u2019s body went limp and he struggled no more.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u201d shouted Adam as he dived his head under the water.\u00a0 He ripped the reed from his brother\u2019s mouth and replaced it with his own. \u00a0Adam held Joe\u2019s nose and breathed air into his brother\u2019s body.\u00a0 Lifting his head from the water for only a couple of seconds he took a deep breath and then ducked under the water again to breath air into Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam did this out of instinct, he had no way of knowing if he could help his brother, he just wasn\u2019t prepared to stand there and watch him die.<\/p>\n
Hoss had no time to react to his brother\u2019s dilemma, together with the other men he concentrated on cutting through the last inch of the post.\u00a0 Seconds later the post was severed in two places and the men fought to hold it in place while they put in the replacement support.\u00a0 The water around them turned red with blood and it became obvious that the saw had cut into Joe\u2019s flesh, but that was the least of their worries.\u00a0 As soon as the support was in place Hoss used his almighty strength to pull the original post, Little Joe and his chains bodily out of the water and to safety.\u00a0 Two of the other men grabbed hold of Adam and dragged the exhausted man to the embankment.\u00a0 Seconds later the temporary post keeled over and the bridge collapsed into the water.<\/p>\n
As Adam lay on the muddy embankment trying to regain his breath, Hoss concentrated on Joe.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes were closed, his face was ashen and his lips and eyelids were tinged blue.\u00a0 Hoss turned him over and began to pound his back in an effort to get the water from his lungs.\u00a0 As time passed and Little Joe failed to breath the men were ready to pull Hoss away from his brother\u2019s lifeless body, when a gurgling sound emitted from Joe\u2019s throat.\u00a0 Joe began to vomit and a stream of dark, dirty water came from his mouth.\u00a0 Joe was sick several times before losing consciousness once more.\u00a0 Hoss cried with relief; his brother was alive, but barely.\u00a0 Now the race was on to keep him breathing and get him back to town.<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s body was frozen beyond belief and his back was bleeding from where the saw had cut into him.\u00a0 Hoss knew that he had to get him warm as soon as possible to prevent him from dying of hypothermia.\u00a0 By this time Adam was beginning to revive and he instructed Hoss to put Joe\u2019s body next to his own so that the heat from Hoss\u2019s massive bulk would penetrate into Joe.<\/p>\n
Hoss picked up Little Joe and climbing into the wagon, he unbuttoned his own clothing and gathering his small brother to him; he placed him next to his warm skin.\u00a0 Joe was frozen and Hoss could feel the heat from his own body been sucked out of him and into Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 Adam climbed up with his brothers and draped blankets around Hoss shoulders and then he too huddled against them trying to pass on what little warmth he could from his own body.\u00a0 During the journey they applied some of the dressings to Joe\u2019s back in order to stem the flow of blood but there was no time to examine the wound.\u00a0 Several times during the journey back to town Joe seemed to stop breathing and each time Adam and Hoss screamed at him and shook him until he started breathing again.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you dare die on me little brother, so help me I\u2019ll blister your hide good and proper if you don\u2019t start breathing.\u00a0 Pa will never forgive me if I don\u2019t take you home Little Joe, so I\u2019m telling you boy, you\u2019d better keep breathing,\u201d said Adam over and over again.<\/p>\n
They never knew if their screaming and shaking helped Joe to breath again but they didn\u2019t care, just as long as it worked.\u00a0 As for Joe, every time he thought he could drop off to sleep his brothers\u2019 shouted in his ear and woke him.\u00a0 He\u2019d tell Pa on them, why couldn\u2019t they leave him alone.\u00a0 Days from now Joe would thank them, but in the next few hours it was a battle of wills and so far his older brothers were winning.<\/p>\n
As Adam and Hoss transported Little Joe back to town Ben was getting off the stage.\u00a0 He had expected the boys to meet him and was surprised to find they weren\u2019t waiting for him.\u00a0 If Joe was missing then Ben decided his first port of call would be the sheriff\u2019s office, maybe he could throw some light on what was going on.<\/p>\n
As Ben crossed the street he heard someone calling his name and turned to find Jonas Morgan walking towards him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen old friend, so good to see you.\u00a0 Just wish it was under different circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonas led Ben over to the hotel and sat him down and told him everything that had happened up to the time that Joe had gone missing.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have any knowledge of the developments that had taken place that day and so was not able to shed any light on where Ben\u2019s older sons were at that point in time.<\/p>\n
Ben could not settle to wait for information and he made his way to the sheriff\u2019s office.\u00a0 The sheriff was of no help, he had bigger problems to deal with than the whereabouts of Ben\u2019s sons; a substantial amount of cash had been intercepted and stolen while being transported to one of the largest banks in the town.\u00a0 Four men had been killed defending it and the sheriff was organising a posse to go after the men responsible.<\/p>\n
As Ben left the sheriff\u2019s office he saw a wagon pull up outside the doctor\u2019s office across the street.\u00a0 Ben gave the wagon no more than a cursory glance, but as he turned to walk towards the hotel, Adam called out to him.<\/p>\n
Ben hurried over to the wagon as Adam jumped down into the street.\u00a0 His eldest son looked done it, his hair and clothes were filthy and his face was white and drawn.\u00a0 Adam reached back into the wagon and Ben watched in horror as Hoss unfolded his coat and handed the body of his youngest son into Adam\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
Without a word Adam rushed into the doctor\u2019s office followed by his father and sibling.\u00a0 Luckily the doctor was still on duty and he was quick to come to Adam\u2019s aid.\u00a0 The doctor quickly got to work on Little Joe and the Cartwright\u2019s could do nothing but stand and watch as Joe\u2019s life hung in the balance.<\/p>\n
The following morning the three elder Cartwright\u2019s were still sitting in the doctor\u2019s waiting room anxious for news on Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss had explained all that had happened in the previous couple of days to Ben and sat shamefaced in front of their father at the way they had cared for their little brother.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really sorry Pa.\u00a0 This is my entire fault.\u00a0 I should never have suggested that Joe go to that school in the first place,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo you shouldn\u2019t,\u201d retorted Ben angrily\u00a0 \u201cWhat you should have done was sent him on the first stage home and let me deal with him.\u201d\u00a0 Looking at his eldest son\u2019s face Ben\u2019s temper cooled and his voice softened, \u201cBut what\u2019s done is done.\u00a0 Thinking about it, I might have been tempted to do the same, if I was in your position.\u00a0 That scallywag needs a lesson now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just then the door to the doctor\u2019s surgery opened and the doctor walked out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell he\u2019s not out of the woods yet\u201d informed the doctor \u201cbut he\u2019s certainly a fighter.\u00a0 I\u2019ve treated the wound to his back and hopefully there won\u2019t be any infection.\u00a0 He needed a lot of stitches and he\u2019s going to have quite a scar, but I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t worry about that, just so long as that handsome face of his heals all right.\u00a0 As for the rest of his symptoms, we\u2019ll just have to wait and see.\u00a0 The hypothermia and the dirty water he drank could still cause problems, but so far so good.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three of them made their way into the room to see Joe lying sleeping.\u00a0 He was turned on his side so as not to put pressure on his injured back.\u00a0 Ben sat down and looked at his youngest son.\u00a0 His face was badly bruised and he looked impossibly young, his normal golden tan had been replaced with a deathly pallor and his beautiful curls were still matted and bloody from his experience.\u00a0 Stroking the side of his cheek Ben whispered,<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle Joe, wake up son, Pa\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe struggled to find his way back to consciousness, his father was talking to him and he so wanted to see his Pa.\u00a0 Slowly awakening from the horrible dreams he was having, Joe\u2019s eyes flickered for a moment before they were able to focus on the loving chocolate orbs gazing back at him.\u00a0 \u201cHi Pa\u201d he said sleepily.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi yourself\u201d replied a very emotional Ben.\u00a0 At this moment in time he wanted nothing more than to hug Joe to him, but in his present condition it was not possible and Ben had to be content with stroking the side of Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s nightmares came back to him and he tried to grab his Pa\u2019s hand, \u201cPa, Frank Carter, he\u2019s here Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHush Joe, Carter\u2019s not here.\u00a0 You\u2019re safe and no one\u2019s gonna hurt you.\u00a0 Your Pa\u2019s here, just go back to sleep son, everything\u2019s gonna be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s eyes closed and he fell back asleep; the bad dreams were gone, his Pa had come and chased the bogeyman away just as he did when Joe was small.<\/p>\n
In the days that followed, Joe\u2019s recovery was remarkable and it was only the bruising to his face that hinted at the experience he had been through.\u00a0 It never ceased to amaze Ben at how resilient the youngest member of the family was.<\/p>\n
The boys from the school who were involved with the Carter gang were brought to justice.\u00a0 All of the parents were shocked about their sons\u2019 involvement and worked with the sheriff to find out just how much information the boys had passed to the gang.\u00a0 Carl was the ringleader and it was a very contrite Mr Cuthbertson who visited Joe at the hotel to apologise for the way he had treated him.<\/p>\n
Towards the end of the week Joe had another visitor.\u00a0 He was sitting in his room looking out of the window when the door opened and Ron Shepherd walked in.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Joe, long time no see.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe was speechless and genuinely surprised to see the man before him.\u00a0 He stood and embraced the friend he had not seen for almost two years.\u00a0 If it had not been for Ron, Joe was sure that his first encounter with Frank Carter two years ago would have turned out very differently.\u00a0 Ron had not only prevented Carter from beating Joe even more than he did but was ultimately responsible for saving Joe\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
Two years ago Carter was in jail and should have been hanged, but friends had broken him out and he was never heard of again until now.\u00a0 Ron Shepherd hadn\u2019t given up hope of finding Carter and when the Sheriff had wired him to inform him of his involvement with stealing the money shipment and killing the guards, Ron had immediately travelled to San Francisco.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until he arrived that he learned of the abuse that Joe had suffered at his hands once more.<\/p>\n
Long into the night Joe and Ron talked over the events of the past week.\u00a0 It was good for Joe to unburden himself with someone who could truly understand what he had been through.\u00a0 Ron had witnessed first hand how cruel and sadistic Carter could be and he was able to empathise with Joe and help him come to terms with his nightmares.<\/p>\n
Ron had several leads to go on and he was determined to keep tracking Carter and his men and bring them to justice.\u00a0 Joe declared to his family that he wanted to go with him, but his father wouldn\u2019t hear of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Joe, I know how you feel,\u201d said Ben \u201cbut you are returning to the Ponderosa with me if I have to hog-tie you to your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe began to protest, but his father took on his most stubborn stance and Joe decided to argue would be pointless.\u00a0 There were times when his father might be swayed but this was not one of them.<\/p>\n
The evening before they were due to leave for home the four of them were having dinner when Adam declared,<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, Joe and I have something to do this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that son?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just I promised Joe I would take him to see someone before we left and since this is our last night it needs to be now.\u201d<\/p>\n
As realisation of what Adam had in mind dawned on Joe a broad smile spread across his face.\u00a0 Ben noted his youngest son\u2019s delight and added,<\/p>\n
\u201cWell don\u2019t go exerting yourself Joe, remember you\u2019re still convalescing.\u201d<\/p>\n
A blush spread across Joe\u2019s face; could his father have any idea of where they were going.\u00a0 Adam put a hand in front of his mouth to suppress the chuckle that threatened to emit.\u00a0 Joe grabbed his jacket and hurriedly stood up from the table.<\/p>\n
Ben stared long and hard at Joe, taking in the obvious embarrassment.\u00a0 Turning to Adam he said,<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long are you likely to be Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh just an hour or so Pa,\u201d said Adam before he noted his brother\u2019s grimace, \u201cor maybe you better make that two.\u201d\u00a0 The smile returned to Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n
Ben then gave Joe his attention once more.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Joseph, no poker games.\u00a0 You and I still have to have that little discussion when we return home.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Joe walked out of the hotel he couldn\u2019t help but bemoan his lot.\u00a0 After all he had been through to hide the poker game from his Pa, he had still been found out.\u00a0 Although his father may have refrained from the lecture while Joe was ill, he knew that that was one homecoming discussion he would not be looking forward to.<\/p>\n
The following morning Joe and Ben were waiting for the stage to arrive.\u00a0 It had been decided that Joe would travel home in relative comfort with his Pa and Hoss and Adam would follow later with the horses.<\/p>\n
Joe was settled in the coach hanging out the window talking to Hoss when Adam took his father to one side for a quiet word.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want Joe to know just yet, but I won\u2019t be coming home Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be joining Ron Shepherd to track down Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat could take months son.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Pa, but it\u2019s something I just have to do.\u00a0 When Joe was chained under that bridge and I thought he was going to die, I made a promise to myself that I would bring Carter and his men to justice, and you know me Pa, I hate to break a promise especially one I make to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSeems to me you\u2019ve been making quite a few promises lately Adam\u201d said Ben, but what could he say, Adam was a grown man and had to make his own decisions.\u00a0 He hugged Adam to him in a rare embrace and said,<\/p>\n
\u201cGod be with you son and come back safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Minutes later the stagecoach pulled away and hopefully took Ben and Joe back to the safety of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The older brothers watched until it disappeared from sight then Hoss turned to Adam and said,\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re really gonna do it Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re going after Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes Hoss.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t take the chance that Carter finds out Joe is still alive and comes after him.\u00a0 Joe will never be safe while that man is free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ron Shepherd joined the brothers and Adam made to mount his horse.\u00a0 Hoss clasped Adam to him in another rare show of emotion, \u201cHurry home big brother, it\u2019s not fair of you to leave that scamp for me to look after.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a smile Adam replied, \u201cJust don\u2019t let him talk you into any of his schemes Hoss\u201d and with that Adam climbed on his horse and with a grim determination set off after the retreating back of Ron Shepherd.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Next Story in the Boy to Man Series:<\/strong><\/p>\nTo Become a Man<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: Follow up to Boy to Man to Boy – Two years have passed but Little Joe encounters Frank Carter once more. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Rated: T \u00a0WC \u00a017,000<\/p>\n
Boy to Man Series, links to all stories of this series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":4766,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2523,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/War-Comes-to-Washoe11.jpg?fit=568%2C379&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1714,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1714","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":0},"title":"The Return Series – 2 – Abide (by DBird)","author":"DBird","date":"July 20, 2008","format":false,"excerpt":"Abide. \u00a0Summary:\u00a0Sequel to \"The Return\" How does a man abide in a world he never knew? How does he make the choice to remain? How does a family show him the way? Rated:\u00a0K+ (12,420 words) The Return Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/New-Orleans.jpg?fit=1159%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/New-Orleans.jpg?fit=1159%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/New-Orleans.jpg?fit=1159%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/New-Orleans.jpg?fit=1159%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/New-Orleans.jpg?fit=1159%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12173,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12173","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":1},"title":"Your Name is Joe (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"September 1, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe has been missing for days.\u00a0 When he's found badly beaten, and with no memory of his former life, Joe is forced into learning to trust this blue eyed, gentle giant who claims to be his brother. Rated G \u00a0WC - 9800","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":18056,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=18056","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":2},"title":"The Power of Words (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"July 15, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 While sitting in jail, Adam Cartwright ponders the potency of words. Rating: K+ Word Count:\u00a0 1,203","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8420,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=8420","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":3},"title":"My Little Boy Who Never Was (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"July 14, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben reflects on the son he should have had. \u00a0 Rating: K \u00a0 WC 768","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\/06\/Ben-Draw.jpg?fit=278%2C354&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6791,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6791","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":4},"title":"Memories Within (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Joe decides to play a trick on Adam out on a cattle drive. Little does he realize his actions will trigger a horrendous memory for Adam from his youth. Rating:\u00a0 K+ \u00a0WC 4200","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/cattle-drive.jpg?fit=357%2C267&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12896,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12896","url_meta":{"origin":643,"position":5},"title":"The Artist – A Missing Scene (by Jenny G)","author":"Gwynne & JennyG","date":"October 10, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Just how much trouble can Adam get into while killing time in a sleepy town. 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