{"id":65789,"date":"2003-07-02T19:01:19","date_gmt":"2003-07-02T23:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=65789"},"modified":"2026-07-24T09:56:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T13:56:46","slug":"achilles-heel-by-joans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=65789","title":{"rendered":"Achilles Heel (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Based on the events in the episode \u201cBetween Heaven and Earth\u201d.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 10,440 words<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Achilles Heel<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Achilles Heel: a weakness or vulnerability<\/p>\n

the present<\/i><\/b> \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was climbing \u2026 ever upwards. He looked up and saw clear blue sky through the cleft in the rock above him, and he face took on a determined look as he began to inch his way upward again. Suddenly he stopped to catch his breath, his face resting against the rough rock underneath him as his hand reached for another grip on the rock face. A small rock fell in front of him and rattled its way down the cliff to his side. He looked over his shoulder at the clear wall of rock down below him, cringing in fear as his mind began to whirl. He hid his face with his arm and cried out his fear, then in a determined fashion began to inch his way upwards again. He closed his eyes and bit his lip, willing himself to make it, then his foot slipped and he held on desperately as he felt his body began to slide downwards. He cried aloud as he felt his grip loosening and he fell downwards \u2026 ever downwards.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe cried aloud as he opened his eyes and sat up in bed, clutching at the bedclothes in his fear.\u00a0 His breathing was shallow and his eyes were wide as he looked into the darkness, expecting to see the earth falling away from him, but all he saw was … nothing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the door opened and a dim light appeared, moving towards him. Joe took his face away form his face and looked up into the concerned eyes of his father. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, I\u2019m alright,\u201d replied Joe, trying to smile. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I woke you. I just \u2026 just had a little nightmare.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou <\/span>did<\/span><\/i> have yourself a little nightmare,\u201d said Ben, setting the lamp on the dresser beside the bed and sitting down next to his son. \u201cYou\u2019ve been having quite a few of these lately Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell me Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to come downstairs and get something to eat? Talk about it?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about. I can\u2019t remember anything,\u201d replied Joe, rubbing his face again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t remember anything that you dreamt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo \u2026 nothing. All I know is that I have a bad dream and next thing I wake up scared,\u201d said Joe, biting his lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s forehead, feeling for any sign of fever. He sighed as he realised that the youngster\u2019s forehead was cool. \u201cSure you\u2019re alright?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah I\u2019m alright. I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d said Joe, trying to smile at his father. \u201cGoodnight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight,\u201d said Ben, standing up and picking up the lamp again. He reached out and caressed the back of Joe\u2019s neck as he\u2019d done when he\u2019d been a child to comfort him. \u201cPleasant dreams,\u201d he said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and waited until his father had left the room before turning back the bedclothes to get back inside the bed. He hesitated for a moment, knowing that to go back to sleep would only be leaving himself open to one of the horrible dreams that had plagued him so often for so many nights now. With a sigh he got up and walked across to a chair, sitting down with his hand clasped between his knees. With bowed head, Joe waited for the dawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

the past<\/i><\/b> \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Get down from there!\u201d Marie pulled her small son down from the chair onto which he\u2019d climbed and put him onto her hip as she waggled a finger at him. The little boy merely giggled and clapped his hands before wriggling to get down. \u201cYou mustn\u2019t climb up onto the furniture little one,\u201d she said, trying to sound stern before setting him on his feet again. Little Joe grinned up at her. \u201cNow go and play with your toys over there,\u201d Marie said, pointing to the box of playthings near the sofa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe trotted obediently over to the box and studied it for a moment before trotting back to the chair on his little sturdy legs and beginning to climb up onto it again. \u201cNo Joseph!\u201d said Marie, grabbing him again. \u201cNaughty boy! Mama just told you not to climb on the furniture!\u201d The little boy frowned at her this time as he wriggled to get down, but his mother held onto him firmly and sat down on the sofa while she placed him on her knee. She turned him to face her and gave him a stern look. \u201cNo climbing on the furniture \u2026. do you understand?\u201d she said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe put one finger in his mouth and sucked on it as he studied his mother for a moment. His little face was suddenly wreathed in a smile, which showed off the two small dimples in his cheeks, and he nodded his head eagerly. \u201cJoe no climb,\u201d he said earnestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy,\u201d said Marie. Her little boy cuddled into her momentarily, looking up at her with his big sparkling green eyes as he gave her one of the smiles that she just found impossible to resist. As she hugged him to her, she pondered yet again just how much of her heart this one small person had taken. There were times when she loved him so much that she wondered how she had ever lived before he had come into her life two short years ago. She kissed him on the top of his head and placed him on his feet again, smiling at his sturdiness and his beauty. \u201cYou\u2019re mama\u2019s beautiful little man, aren\u2019t you sweetheart?\u201d she said adoringly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe giggled at her once more and then promptly ran over to the chair and began to climb up on it again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s look of adoration turned instantly to one of frustration. \u201cJoseph!\u201d she shouted. \u201cThat\u2019s naughty!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he doing now?\u201d called Ben from the study where he was working at his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s climbing on the chairs again,\u201d said Marie, pulling the little boy down yet again and smacking him on his leg. \u201cMama told you not to do that Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe gave his mother an angry look and smacked her back on her arm. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare smack mama!\u201d said Marie.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo mack Joe!\u201d said her young son, pouting at her angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFor heavens sake Marie, what is all that shouting about?\u201d asked Ben, standing up and coming around to the other side of his desk so that he could see his wife and son in the dining room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s climbing up on the furniture again,\u201d said Marie. \u201cNaughty boy Joseph!\u201d Little Joe folded his arms and glared at his mother even more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell does it matter?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cHe\u2019s not harming it, is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not really the point,\u201d said Marie firmly. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t be climbing on furniture in the first place \u2026. and besides that, if he climbs on the furniture now, who knows what will be next?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa!\u201d shouted Little Joe, noticing his father standing there and figuring that it was a more attractive proposition to be with him than with his obviously cranky mother at that moment. He wriggled in Marie\u2019s grasp and reached out his small arms beseechingly to his father, putting on his best puppy dog expression as he did so.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked over and took the small child from his mother. \u201cYou\u2019re too worried about things that don\u2019t really matter,\u201d he said, tickling his little son as he giggled in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot matter!\u201d replied Marie indignantly. \u201cWell I\u2019ll have you know Ben Cartwright, that it certainly does matter!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just have to be firm with him,\u201d said Ben, placing Joe down on his feet again. \u201cLook \u2026. I\u2019ll show you.\u201d He bent down and looked closely at the little boy who stared back at him. \u201cNow you are not to go near that chair again \u2026. Do you hear me Joe?\u201d he said sternly. \u201cNo more climbing on the chair!\u201d He waggled his finger at the child. \u201cPapa and mama will get angry if you do. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded at his father, his face very serious. \u201cYes Papa,\u201d he said and turned and trotted over to his toy-box.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d said Ben, straightening up again. \u201cYou just have to make sure that he understands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s really got me worried Ben,\u201d said Marie. \u201cRight now it\u2019s chairs, but soon it might be something really dangerous that he climbs. He hasn\u2019t got any perception on height yet and he might soon be able to climb up very high and hurt himself.\u201d Her eyes darted around Ben. \u201cJoseph!\u201d she shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned quickly and caught his little boy as he was about to launch himself from the coffee table on which he had climbed and land in the fireplace. \u201cPapa told you not to climb!\u201d he said sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head as he looked at his father. \u201cNot on table,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes narrowed and for a moment he didn\u2019t know what to say. How on earth could a two year old be so logical? \u201cPapa meant on anything!\u201d he said finally, giving him a smart smack on his leg. \u201cDo you hear me Joseph? You are not to climb on anything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe scowled at his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d said Marie. \u201cNot so easy after all is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Marie cuddled into Ben and looked up at him as she rested her head on his shoulder. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d she said, fiddling with the small hairs that were sticking out from above the top button of his shirt. \u201cI was just thinking about how nice it is tonight \u2026. Just the two of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave her a special smile. \u201cIt\u2019s not often the house is so quiet,\u201d he said. \u201cI think this is the best time of day \u2026. The boys all in bed and the two of us \u2026 all alone.\u201d He bent down and kissed the top of her hair. \u201cHave I told you lately how beautiful you are?\u201d he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but tell me again,\u201d she said, returning the kiss. \u201cI like to \u2026. Joseph!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned quickly to see their small son standing on the stairs behind them, giggling and clapping his hands. \u201cHow did he get out of his crib?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d said Marie with a sigh as she began to get up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo \u2026 I\u2019ll do it,\u201d said Ben. He walked over and picked up the small boy, carrying him back to his bedroom. He lit the lamp on the dresser and looked around for any sign that someone had taken him out of his crib, but could find nothing. \u201cHere you go,\u201d he said, putting the little boy back into bed and checking that the sides of the crib were securely in place. \u201cGo to sleep now. Goodnight baby.\u201d\u00a0 He bent down and kissed his son on the top of his head, smiling as Joe waved at him. Ben turned off the lamp and walked back downstairs again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d he said, sitting down on the sofa again and pulling Marie towards him. \u201cWhere were we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were telling me how beautiful I am,\u201d she reminded him with a coy smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d he said, returning the smile and then kissing the tip of her nose. \u201cWell I was thinking \u2026. How about you and I go upstairs and \u2026.\u201d He frowned. \u201cLittle Joe! I put you back into your bed young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe clapped his hands and bounced up and down a couple of times on his heels before trotting down the remaining stairs. \u201cRide horsies now?\u201d he asked his father as he reached the bottom step.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo we are not going riding now,\u201d said Ben sternly, getting up again. \u201cYou are going to bed young man and that\u2019s where you\u2019re going to stay!\u201d\u00a0 He picked him up again and headed upstairs with him, followed by Marie. \u201cHow on earth is he getting out of his crib?\u201d he asked her over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps one of the boys is letting him out?\u201d she said. She opened the door to Hoss\u2019 room as they passed it, but the boy was lying on his back fast asleep, small snoring noises emanating from him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben said softly as they passed his eldest son\u2019s room and saw him lying in bed reading. \u201cDid you get Little Joe out of bed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Adam, putting down his book. \u201cHe must have got out himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cImpossible,\u201d said Marie. \u201cThe sides are far too high.\u201d She followed Ben as her husband went into Joe\u2019s room and turning up the lamp again. \u201cSee?\u201d she said. \u201cThe sides are still up and they\u2019re higher than his head. He couldn\u2019t possibly even reach the top.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I don\u2019t know,\u201d said Ben, putting the child into bed again. \u201cIt sure beats me.\u201d He tucked Little Joe into bed again and waggled his finger at him. \u201cNow you stay there!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cNo more coming out \u2026 do you hear me Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned at his father and began to suck on one of his fingers as he stared at both his parents. \u201cGood night little one,\u201d said Marie, kissing him softly on the top of his head. \u201cSleep well.\u201d\u00a0 She beckoned to Ben to follow her after turning down the lamp again. \u201cLet\u2019s watch,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both stood in the hallway and watched through the crack in the half-opened door. Little Joe wriggled under his bedclothes for a moment and then sat up and took his finger out of his mouth. He crawled out from under the bedclothes and stood up, looking up at the top of the bars far above his head. Deftly he kicked the bedclothes until they had formed a pile in the corner of his crib, placed his pillow top of them and climbed up on the top of the pile, reaching the bars with ease. He then swung himself over the top of them and hung by his small hands until his feet reached the mattress that stuck through the bars on the other side. He then merely let go and fell to the floor on his bottom with a small thud. He picked himself up immediately and trotted over to the doorway where he saw his parents. With a grin, he looked up at them. \u201cHello,\u201d he said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhere did he learn to do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d said Marie, picking him up. \u201cBut now you might believe me when I tell you that he climbs up on everything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he get out?\u201d asked Adam, from behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo back to bed,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe climbed out by himself, that\u2019s all.\u201d He followed Marie into the bedroom. \u201cHe won\u2019t stay there now that he\u2019s found a way out,\u201d he mused. \u201cI wonder how I can fix this crib so that he can\u2019t climb over the top of it?\u201d He fingered the bars at the side of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Pa,\u201d said Adam, coming into the room as well. \u201cYou could put another set of bars over the top of it, couldn\u2019t you? Sort of like a cage?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie eyeballed her stepson angrily. \u201cYou are not putting my son in a cage every night,\u201d she said sternly. \u201cGo to bed Adam. Your father has already told you to once already!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a face and took a couple of step backwards. \u201cNight,\u201d he mumbled and fled the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps the boy is right?\u201d said Ben, trying not to laugh at the expression on his wife\u2019s face. \u201cI can\u2019t think of any other way to keep him in there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just sit with him until he falls asleep,\u201d said Marie, tucking the little boy into bed yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave her an appalled look. \u201cBut … but what about our \u2026 time together?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt will just have to wait,\u201d she said briskly, sitting down by the side of the crib. \u201cPlease turn down the lamp Ben, or he\u2019ll never go to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned down the lamp and left the room quietly, thinking about his lost opportunity for a wonderful night together with his beloved wife. He really was going to have to do something about his youngest son\u2019s penchant for climbing now.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow sit there,\u201d said Marie, putting her little son on his chair at the breakfast table. \u201cMama will be back in a moment and bring your breakfast little one.\u201d Little Joe smiled up at his mother and picked up a spoon to bang on the table happily while he waited for her. Marie went into the kitchen and smiled at Hop Sing who was standing at the stove stirring something. \u201cGood morning Hop Sing,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Missy Cartwright,\u201d said Hop Sing. \u201cEggs all ready.\u201d\u00a0 He motioned to a platter of steaming eggs on the counter. \u201cI bring flapjacks in soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Marie, picking up the platter and walking back to the dining room with it. \u201cMama has brought you some eggs darling,\u201d she said and then stopped as she saw that the chair on which she had placed the little boy was empty. \u201cJoseph!\u201d she called as she saw her son climbing up the staircase on the outside of the banister.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie quickly put the platter on the table, intending to run towards him, but at that moment Joe slipped and fell, catching the banisters with his two small hands and holding on so that he was hanging from the top landing. Marie put her hand over her mouth in horror, her heart missing a beat as she watched her precious baby hanging from the top of the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment Ben appeared at the top of the stairs. \u201cGood morning,\u201d he called down to her. \u201cWhat \u2026.\u201d He noticed the horrified look on his wife\u2019s face immediately and followed her gaze. Swiftly, he leant over the banister and scooped up his youngest son. \u201cI\u2019ve got him,\u201d he said and Marie sank down onto a chair gratefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat on earth was he doing up there?\u201d asked Ben, carrying the boy downstairs. \u201cThat was a dangerous place to let him climb.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie turned on the man. \u201cI <\/span>let<\/span><\/i> him climb?\u201d she shouted. \u201cDon\u2019t be so stupid Ben! As if I\u2019d let him climb up there! I can\u2019t watch him every minute of the day for heavens sake!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d said Ben soothingly. \u201cAll right. Calm down. He\u2019s all right, so there\u2019s no harm done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo harm done?\u201d she said angrily. \u201cDon\u2019t you see how serious this is now? He was about to fall and could have seriously hurt himself! Look at him \u2026 he\u2019s not even afraid!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the little boy in his arms. It was true. Joe grinned back at his father, seemingly no worse for wear at all after his escapade. \u201cThe problem is that he doesn\u2019t know any fear,\u201d he admitted. \u201cSince the day this child found his feet he hasn\u2019t realised that climbing up on things could be a worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d agreed Marie. \u201cWhich is why he has to learn not to do it. Don\u2019t you see that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cAlright,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll discipline him.\u201d He looked sternly at Little Joe. \u201cYou are a naughty boy to climb up there,\u201d he said, trying to look stern. \u201cPapa is very cross with you Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled at his father, not seeming to care. Ben frowned, then smacked the child twice on the leg. \u201cNaughty boy,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s smile instantly turned into a frown and he reached over and smacked his father on the arm. \u201cNo mack Joe!\u201d he said crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben instantly upended his son and gave him three sharp swats to the backside before turning him up the right way again. \u201cNaughty boy!\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy instantly began to howl indignantly. \u201cNo mack Joe!\u201d he shouted at his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want another smack?\u201d asked Ben angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hands over his small bottom. \u201cNo!\u201d he shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen be quiet,\u201d said his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere \u2026. Give him to me,\u201d said Marie, reaching out for her son. She cuddled him in towards her and made soothing noises to him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019re letting him think that he can get away with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d asked Hoss as he and Adam came down the stairs together.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother climbed up on the outside of the banisters and nearly fell,\u201d said Ben, taking Joe back from his mother again, much to the little boy\u2019s displeasure. \u201cBe quiet Joseph!\u201d he said sternly to the sobbing child in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t hurt himself,\u201d said Adam as he sat down at the table. \u201cHe can\u2019t hurt himself \u2026 Joe always bounces.\u201d Hoss began to giggle at his brother\u2019s remark, but stopped as he saw the look that his step-mother gave him to show that she wasn\u2019t amused.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell he has to learn,\u201d said Ben firmly, putting his youngest son back onto his chair. \u201cNow you stay where you\u2019re put young man!\u201d he said, sitting down at his place at the table. \u201cIf you move again then you\u2019ll get another smack!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo mack Joe!\u201d the little boy said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Charlie reached up and pulled the little boy down from the top railing of the corral fence. \u201cHold on there young fellar,\u201d he said, laughing. \u201cThat\u2019s no place for you!\u201d He strode over to the house with the child in his arms and knocked on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs this yours?\u201d he asked, when Ben opened it. \u201cI found it on the corral fence,\u201d he added, laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen\u2019s eyes widened as he reached out and grabbed his wriggling son from his foreman. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said. \u201cHow on earth did he get out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got no idea boss,\u201d said Charlie, still chuckling. \u201cBut it sure seems like that boy can\u2019t hardly wait to start working them horses!\u201d\u00a0 He walked away, chuckling to himself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Charlie,\u201d Ben called after him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you thanking Charlie for?\u201d asked Marie, coming up behind her husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that our son escaped the house,\u201d said Ben, turning towards her. \u201cCharlie found him on the corral fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Marie, hand went straight to her mouth and her eyes widened. \u201cHow did he get out there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve no idea,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019ve been here in the study the whole time. Where were you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI went upstairs to get my sewing basket,\u201d she said. \u201cI was only gone for a couple of minutes and Joe was playing happily on the floor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have gone out of the kitchen door then,\u201d said Ben, opening the front door again and peering outside. \u201cIt\u2019s open.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured to Hop Sing who was in the henhouse. \u201cHop Sing must have left it open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen this is getting serious,\u201d said Marie. \u201cHe could have been trampled by one of the horses!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHorsies!\u201d said Joe happily, clapping his small hands together. \u201cGo ride horsies Papa!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben firmly, shutting the door again. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Hop Sing,\u201d he said to Marie. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure that he knows to keep all the doors shut.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo ride horsies Papa!\u201d said Joe again, holding onto his father\u2019s face and turning it towards his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said no,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cWe\u2019d better tell the boys as well when they get home from school,\u201d he added to Marie. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to remember from now on.\u201d He put Joe down on the floor and the little boy immediately trotted around through the dining room on his way to the kitchen again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrab him Ben!\u201d said Marie. \u201cHe\u2019s going outside again to climb on that fence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raced after the child, catching up with him just as he reached the open kitchen door. He scooped him up in his arms and shut the door firmly. Joe immediately pouted. \u201cGo ride horsies Papa,\u201d he said crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said no Joseph and I meant it!\u201d said Ben, putting him on the floor again. Joe ran over to the closed door and tried to reach the handle to open it. When he realised that he couldn\u2019t, he turned and glared at his father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOut!\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said no!\u201d said Ben. \u201cDo you want a smack?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hands over his small bottom. \u201cNo mack Joe,\u201d he said indignantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo from now on boys, it\u2019s important that we always remember to close all the doors when we come in or out of the house,\u201d said Maire at the supper table that night. \u201cOtherwise your little brother might get it into his head to run outside again and there are all sorts of things out there that he could get hurt with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you\u2019d better include the barn door in that,\u201d said Adam with his mouth full. \u201cI found him in there the other day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said Marie. \u201cYou didn\u2019t say anything about that before!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cHe wasn\u2019t hurting nothing,\u201d he said. \u201cHe just climbed up on the railing in one of the stalls. There was no horse in it though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut there could have been!\u201d said Marie anxiously. \u201cHe could have been trampled if he\u2019d fallen!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut he wasn\u2019t,\u201d said Ben soothingly, putting his hand over hers where it lay on the table. \u201cDon\u2019t go borrowing trouble where there isn\u2019t any Marie. \u201cAs long as we keep all the doors shut, then he can\u2019t get into trouble climbing things outside can he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNah!\u201d agree Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s got plenty ta climb in here iffen he wants to!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately that\u2019s true,\u201d said Marie miserably. \u201cMaybe I should just tie him to me?\u201d she joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe clapped his hands and looked around at all of them with a huge smile on his face. \u201cJoe mack!\u201d he announced, and beat his spoon against the wooden table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get my bonnet,\u201d said Marie, putting Little Joe down on a hay-bale. \u201cWatch your little brother please, Adam.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up. \u201cSure,\u201d he said and then bent over to look at his horse\u2019s leg again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come ya got ta do that Adam?\u201d asked Hoss, bending over and looking at the hoof in Adam\u2019s hand intently.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHorsie!\u201d shouted Joe, clapping his hands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes \u2026. Horse,\u201d said Hoss, giving his little brother a grin. \u201cHow come Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scraping it clean,\u201d said Adam. \u201cSee? You put this in here and just run it along.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHorsie!\u201d shouted Joe again. \u201cHorsie!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan I try?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, but be careful,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHere \u2026. I\u2019ll hold it for you. That\u2019s right \u2026. Just around the edge like that. Now the other side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you two up to?\u201d asked Ben, coming around the side of the barn with two horses for the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m showing Hoss how to clean a hoof,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Marie?\u201d asked Ben, turning the horses around and manoeuvring them back in towards the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe went inside to get her bonnet,\u201d said Adam absently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d asked his father. \u201cDid she take him inside with her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo \u2026 he\u2019s over \u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed away as he realised that his little brother wasn\u2019t sitting on the hay-bale any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOver where?\u201d asked Ben with a frown. \u201cWere you supposed to be watching him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe was there a minute ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready now Ben,\u201d said Marie, coming out of the house adjusting her bonnet. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d she asked looking around.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMama!\u201d called a little voice from up above and they all looked up to see the little boy standing in the open doorway of the loft. \u201cPapa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s heart lurched. \u201cOh!\u201d she cried, her hand springing to her mouth. She watched in horror as her precious son toppled slightly to one side as he grinned at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph keep still!\u201d called Ben, his anxiety obvious from his tone of voice. \u201cKeep still while Papa comes to get you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get him,\u201d said Adam and ran into the barn before anyone else could move.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe held his arms out from his sides and giggled. \u201cCatch Papa!\u201d he shouted happily and launched himself off the edge of the loft. Marie closed her eyes in her terror as her small son fell to the ground and landed on the very same bale of hay on which he\u2019d been sitting moments before. As he hit the bale, Adam appeared in the doorway to the loft looking down in dismay.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ran forward and picked up his small son who had begun to scream as he hit the bale. \u201cShh!\u201d he said soothingly, checking him all over for breaks. \u201cShh! Little one \u2026. It\u2019s alright now \u2026. Papa\u2019s got you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie knelt down beside him. \u201cIs he alright?\u201d she asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s fine,\u201d said Ben over the noise over their sobbing son. \u201cJust winded himself.\u201d He handed the little boy over to his mother who put him on her lap and began to rock him backwards and forwards. \u201cMama\u2019s got you now darling. It\u2019s all right,\u201d she whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came out of the barn. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said. \u201cI was watching him. I only took my eyes off him for a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all it takes Adam,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou should know by now how quick he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d mumbled Adam, hanging his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell no harm done,\u201d said Ben, putting his hand on the youngster\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYour brother is all right thank God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe sat up in his mother\u2019s lap, the tears still sitting on his cheeks and glared at his father. \u201cNo catch Joe!\u201d he said accusingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bent down and looked at his small son sternly. \u201cYou are not to go up in that loft again! Do you hear me Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded his head vigorously. \u201cBad!\u201d he said emphatically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d said Ben. \u201cVery bad.\u201d He pointed his finger at the small boy. \u201cJoe is not to go up there again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded his head again. \u201cBad!\u201d he said and then cuddled into his mother\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben leant against the rough fence and watched as Adam put the horse through his paces. \u201cGood boy!\u201d he shouted to his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing good ain\u2019t he Pa?\u201d said Hoss who was sitting on the top rung of the fence beside his father and watching his brother proudly. \u201cThat new horse sure is a beauty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is son,\u201d said Ben, proudly watching how his eldest son was handling the horse. The boy was a great rider considering that he\u2019d never had much to do with horses until they settled here in Nevada a few years ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it going?\u201d asked Marie, coming to stand beside her husband and stepson.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing fine,\u201d said Ben, reaching over to tickle Little Joe who was perched on his mother\u2019s hip. \u201cJust fine.\u201d He reached over and picked up the little boy, flinging him into the air above his head as he\u2019d done so many times before. To his surprise, however, Little Joe squealed \u2026. Not with delight as he usually did, but with fright. \u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d said Ben as he took hold of the child again. \u201cYou\u2019re OK Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at his father, his eyes wide with fright. \u201cBad!\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s got into him?\u201d asked Ben, puzzled. \u201cHe usually loves that.\u201d He placed the little boy on the top rung of the fence and held onto him. \u201cSee Adam?\u201d he said. \u201cSee Adam on the horse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe wriggled in his father\u2019s grasp. \u201cDown!\u201d he said firmly. \u201cDown Papa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee the horse Joe?\u201d said Hoss, beside him. \u201cAdam is riding the horse!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBad!\u201d shouted the little boy, starting to cry. \u201cDown Papa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben picked him off the fence and put him on the ground, where he happily looked through the bottom rung of the fence at his brother. \u201cHorsie!\u201d he said, smiling up at his father.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell what is this all about?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cHe always likes to sit up here with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have a suspicion that our little son\u2019s flight from the loft yesterday may have given more of a fright then we thought,\u201d said Marie, patting the little boy on the head. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s made him scared of heights?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d said Ben thoughtfully. \u201cWell if it has, then it\u2019s the first thing this child has ever been frightened of in his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

the present<\/i><\/b> \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe clung to the side of the rock face desperately, head down and breathing shallowly as he lay there willing himself to move. He put his head up again and closed his eyes as he saw the sheer rock in front of and above him. It was no use! He should have known that this would happen \u2026 should have known that he\u2019d never be able to get to the top of this place that had haunted his sleeping moments for weeks now. Eagle\u2019s Nest! Why did the very name of it send a shiver down his spine? He just couldn\u2019t understand why it affected him so much! He\u2019d come so far, and now here he was stuck up here \u2026. unable to go up and unable to go down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned his head quickly at the sound of his name. Could it possibly be? Was it really his father down there below him? The thought that the one man he trusted implicitly was here just when he needed him was almost too much to bear and he allowed a couple of tears to run down his cheeks as his emotions took hold of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe listen to me!\u201d the voice came again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa leave me alone!\u201d Joe cried out, willing his father to help him, yet desperate to show that he wasn\u2019t scared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, listen to me,\u201d he called. \u201cListen to me good. Back down real slow and easy. I\u2019m right here below you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe struggled to catch his breath and answer his father. \u201cI can\u2019t!\u201d he called back down to Ben.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ve gotta try,\u201d shouted his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa please \u2026. I can\u2019t!\u201d Joe bit his lip and a rush of fear shot through him as he thought about moving even a little bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he tried to understand what was causing his son\u2019s anxiety. \u201cWhy Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Pa!\u201d shouted Joe. \u201cI\u2019m a grown man and I\u2019m afraid and I don\u2019t know why!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be afraid of,\u201d shouted back Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that!\u201d shouted Joe, beginning to sob quietly to himself. \u201cI\u2019m not a kid any more P, but why am I acting like one? Do you know how many times I\u2019ve come back to this mountain just to get my rifle? How many times I\u2019ve stood in front of it because I\u2019m afraid? \u2026.. and I just don\u2019t know why!\u201d He lowered his head and felt the rough rock against his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, a memory came to Ben \u2026. a memory of a time long past and a small frightened boy. \u201cJoe \u2026 Joe listen to me!\u201d he shouted. \u201cWhen you were five years old \u2026. just a little kid \u2026 you ran off one day and had a whole bunch of people looking for you. And we combed this whole area and I came up upon you late that night, right up here at Eagle\u2019s Nest. And I carried you down in my arms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m not five years old anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe \u2026. the human mind is a funny thing. You know, man has his little fears. They get stored up in his mind and there\u2019s no point in being afraid of anything. Especially now Joe, when I think maybe now you know why you might be afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that makes sense to you Pa, but it doesn\u2019t make any sense to me!\u201d said Joe. \u201cI know what I have to do and I\u2019m going to do it! I\u2019m going to do it by myself! Now please go home! I\u2019m going to do it by myself Pa!\u201d Joe tried to pull himself forward, but found that he still couldn\u2019t move. \u201cWhy!\u201d he said half to himself. \u201cOh, why can\u2019t I do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched his son, a great rush of compassion welling up in his heart for the youngster. He wanted more than anything at that moment to take Joe in his arms and comfort him as the little boy he\u2019d once been. \u201cJoe \u2026 I\u2019m coming up to the top of Eagle\u2019s Nest along side you,\u201d he shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa I know you want to help me, but you\u2019re only making it worse!\u201d Joe called back down to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming up alongside you Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben started to inch his way forward, the movement causing Joe to look back at him over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease go home Pa!\u201d Joe shouted. \u201cI know I can do it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly, an idea came to Ben as to how to help his son. He slid back down the rock-face towards the edge. \u201cJoe \u2026 help me! Help me Joe!\u201d he cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned quickly and saw to his horror that his father sliding down the rock. \u201cHelp me Joe!\u201d Ben cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Pa \u2026 hold on I\u2019m coming!\u201d Joe called down to his father in a panic, beginning to slide down towards him \u2026 his fear forgotten in his anxiety for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be able to reach me here,\u201d called back Ben. \u201cYou need to get a long stick! The rifle Joe \u2026 that\u2019ll do it! Get the rifle Joe!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold on Pa!\u201d Joe climbed up to the top of the cliff and grabbed the rifle without thinking about it. He slid back down the cliff, inching his way towards his father \u2026 the only thought running through his brain that he had to get him back to safety. \u201cHold on Pa, I\u2019m coming!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up and saw that his son had moved and that he was coming down towards him with the rifle in his hands. \u201cGood boy Joe,\u201d he muttered under his breath. \u201cGood boy.\u201d\u00a0 He looked over his shoulder and realised that he\u2019d actually slid further than he thought and his legs were in fact hanging over the edge of the rock. Ben hung on grimly as he watched his son bring the rifle down towards him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa I\u2019m coming!\u201d Joe called as he slid down the rock. \u201cI\u2019m coming Pa!\u201d As he reached his father, he held one end of the rifle down to him, grasping onto the other end firmly. \u201cPa hold on! I\u2019ll try to reach you Pa. Pa \u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled himself up with a bit of difficulty while Joe clung desperately to the other end. As they both sat and caught their breath, Ben coughed a little. \u201cThanks Joe,\u201d he muttered. \u201c Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looks up at the top of Eagle\u2019s Nest, then at the rifle in his hand and then finally at his father. He was silent as he tried to digest what had just happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing this rifle was up there,\u201d said Ben with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father lovingly. \u201cYou really didn\u2019t need me to help you, did you?\u201d he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t answer his son\u2019s question, but leant towards him instead and said, \u201cYou ready to go home now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am ready to go home,\u201d Joe replied, the relief evident in his tone and together they slid down the rock towards their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked into the living room and stopped as he watched his youngest son staring into the fireplace. \u201cAre you alright Joe?\u201d he asked after a few moments.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned to face his father and smiled. \u201cYeah Pa, I\u2019m fine.\u201d There was silence for quite a while until Joe spoke again. \u201cPa? What you told me up there \u2026. you know \u2026 about that night when you found me up there when I was a kid \u2026. Do you really think that it had something to do with how I\u2019ve been feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Ben said thoughtfully. \u201cWho knows how our minds work? Little fears that are stored up for years can affect what we do and how we feel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember that night at all,\u201d Joe said. \u201cWhy was I up there in the first place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019d run away,\u201d he said. \u201cYou were in trouble for something or other.\u201d He looked at his son fondly. \u201cYou were usually in trouble for one thing or another over the years.\u201d Joe acknowledged his father\u2019s remark with a wry smile and Ben put his hand up to his neck again to rub it while he recounted the events of that night \u2026.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

the past<\/i><\/b> \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI beg your pardon!\u201d Ben said sternly. \u201cYou will do as you\u2019re told young man! Now go and apologize to Hop Sing immediately!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe crossed his small arms over his chest and pouted at his father. \u201cAin\u2019t gonna!\u201d he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben strode over to him, picked him up and swatted his backside three times before depositing him on his feet again. \u201cNow you either go into that kitchen and apologise or you can go up to your room until you\u2019re ready to!\u201d he said, pointing his finger at the little boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s pout became ever more pronounced. \u201cAin\u2019t gonna pologize!\u201d he said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a small push towards the stairs. \u201cThen upstairs with you until you are ready to!\u201d he said sternly. \u201cGo on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy took a tentative step towards the stairs, then stopped and looked over his shoulder at his father. \u201cAin\u2019t gonna ever pologize!\u201d he shouted. \u201cI\u2019m gonna stay in my room forever and ever!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d said Ben calmly. \u201cGo!\u201d\u00a0 He watched as his small son climbed the stairs slowly, dragging each foot with as exaggerated slowness until he finally disappeared around the top of the staircase. Ben shook his head slowly and turned to walk into the kitchen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As soon as he\u2019d disappeared, a small face appeared again at the top of the stairs, followed by a little body. Little Joe quickly ran down the stairs and out the front door, across the front yard and into the barn. He went straight over to his pony and picked up his small saddle, climbing up on the rungs of one of the stalls so that he could reach to put it on the pony\u2019s back. \u201cWe\u2019re running away fella,\u201d he said in a soft voice to the animal. \u201cAin\u2019t gonna stay here ever again and pologize for nuthin!\u201d Within minutes he had the animal ready and was on his back, trotting out of the yard without looking back. \u201cCome on fella,\u201d he said, patting the pony gently as they rode around the back of the barn. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna find Mama in heaven and live with her now. We ain\u2019t gonna ever live with that mean old Pa ever again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy and the pony disappeared around the back of the barn, headed towards the distant mountains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his face in his hands for a moment, trying to still the fear that was creeping into his heart. He put his head up and looked at the moon above, noting that the sky was getting darker by the minute. He couldn\u2019t believe that they hadn\u2019t found him yet. Couldn\u2019t believe that his little boy was out here \u2026. somewhere. He could still feel the fear in the pit of his stomach that he\u2019d first felt when he\u2019d opened the child\u2019s bedroom door earlier this afternoon and discovered that he wasn\u2019t there. That boy \u2026. When he found him \u2026. But a nagging feeling kept springing into his mind\u2026. What is they didn\u2019t find him? What if his precious son that was the only thing he had left of Marie was lost to him forever? He didn\u2019t know if he could live with himself if any harm came to his precious son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Adam staring at him anxiously. \u201cYes son?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you wanted me to come with you or Charlie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me son. Charlie has enough men with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cBert went back to the house to check if he\u2019s made it back there yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded without saying a word. Father and son trotted alongside each other in silence for a few moments until Adam spoke again. \u201cMaybe we should light the lanterns now?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded again and they stopped to light both lanterns that they were carrying. \u201cHe\u2019ll be OK Pa,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile, but didn\u2019t quite make it. \u201cYes,\u201d he said simply, his heart hoping fiercely that this would be the case. \u201cOf course we will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The little boy huddled against the rock, put his finger in his mouth and began to suck on it. The air around him was becoming chilly and he shivered slightly as he pulled his coat tighter to his body in a vain attempt to keep warm. His eyes darted up to the sky again and he noted with a growing sense of apprehension that it was even darker than before. \u201cI\u2019m ready ta go home now .. \u201c he whispered aloud, but there was no one to hear his plaintive words. \u201cI\u2019m gonna pologise now I reckon,\u201d he whispered and his words caught on a sob as he pictured his family at home probably having supper right about now. He began to sob quietly to himself, wishing that someone would come for him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He moved his legs slightly and sent a few small stones scuttling down the steep slope below him. He looked down and wished that he had the strength to follow them right down to the bottom of this rock, but he knew that he couldn\u2019t. Earlier this afternoon it had seemed the right thing to do \u2026 the brave and adventurous thing to do \u2026 to climb this big rock so that he\u2019d be able to see a longways away \u2026. Maybe forever \u2026. And then he\u2019d know which way to go to find heaven. He looked up at the sky again \u2026 and thought about how high up it had seemed from down there. Now it still seemed a long way up and he knew in his small heart that he hadn\u2019t reached heaven and his mother as he thought he would. His sniffles became fully-fledged sobs as the tears began to fall down his cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe wiped the tears away with his free hand, still sucking on the finger on his other hand furiously. He wished that there were someone here with him \u2026 someone who could tell him what to do. He couldn\u2019t go up any more \u2026 for there was nowhere to go and he couldn\u2019t go down because he was too scared. He looked to the side and shuddered as he saw the deep cliff face that had so terrified him before. He hadn\u2019t known that he had climbed so high until he\u2019d looked down that way and seen the rocks and the trees way below him and when he had, he\u2019d stopped right where he was \u2026. Unable to go higher and unable to move lower. He lowered his head and sobbed into his knees \u2026 a pitiful sound in the stillness of the increasing darkness around him. \u201cPa!\u201d he sobbed. \u201cI\u2019m ready to pologize now Pa! Please come and get me now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam stoped and grabbed his father\u2019s arm. \u201cPa look! Over there!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew his horse to a halt and peered into the darkness, holding his lantern up to see better. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t see anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw a dark shape over there,\u201d said Adam. \u201cListen \u2026 can you hear something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both sat as still as they could and Ben\u2019s heart lurched as he heard a faint whinny. \u201cIt\u2019s coming from over there,\u201d he said, spurring his horse forward. His heart lifted as a small form came into view. \u201cIt\u2019s Joe\u2019s pony,\u201d he said over his shoulder to his son. \u201cWe\u2019ve found him!\u201d They pulled their horses to a halt and dismounted quickly, Ben checking the pony over at once. \u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d he said, looking around. \u201cJoe? Little Joe? It\u2019s Pa! Where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no reply, so Ben tried again. \u201cLittle Joe? Where are you son? It\u2019s Pa and Adam come go get you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was still no response and a cold hand of fear clutched Ben\u2019s heart once more. \u201cI\u2019ll scout around and see if I can see him,\u201d said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll go this way,\u201d he said. \u201cYou go on over there and we\u2019ll meet back right here.\u201d For the next fifteen minutes, both of them scoured behind the rocks and the bushes that surround the tall rock, but found nothing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s here Pa,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe must have wandered off somewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have left his pony here and gone off walking,\u201d he said. \u201cUnless \u2026.\u201d He lifted his head and stared up at the dark form of the rock above them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think he climbed up there do you?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have got far \u2026. He\u2019s too little.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s possible,\u201d said Ben thoughtfully. \u201cYou know your little brother when he gets an idea into his head. He looked back at Joe\u2019s pony. \u201cI think he just might have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why? Why on earth would a little kid like him climb way up there?\u201d persisted Adam. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone of this makes sense,\u201d said his father. \u201cWe\u2019re dealing with a five year old son. Children think differently \u2026 who knows what is in his mind?\u201d He handed the reins of his horse to Adam. \u201cI\u2019m going up there to check,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019m coming with you,\u201d said Adam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo son. There\u2019s no point two of us going. It\u2019s a long climb and it will be tricky in the dark. You go back and get Charlie and the others. If I come back down without Joe then we\u2019ll get everyone to fan out around this area. He can\u2019t have got far on foot.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded at Adam reassuringly. \u201cGo on son. I\u2019ll be back down again by the time you get back with the men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded reluctantly. \u201cAlright,\u201d he said. \u201cBut if you\u2019re not back down here then I\u2019m coming up after you.\u201d\u00a0 He got on his horse and trotted away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lifted his lantern and looked around, before climbing up on the first rock and slowly making his way towards the far-distant summit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The little boy\u2019s tears were falling faster now and he wasn\u2019t even bothering to wipe them away. \u201cPa! Pa!\u201d he called out to no one in particular. \u201cPa!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly he lifted his head as he heard and answering cry. \u201cJoe! Little Joe! Can you hear me! Are you there Little Joe? It\u2019s Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wiped his tears away and a smile appeared instantly on his face. \u201cPa! Pa!\u201d He cried. \u201cI\u2019m up here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay still Little Joe!\u201d called his father. \u201cKeep very still son! I\u2019m coming to get you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded in the darkness as if his father could see him. He sat as still as he could and listened to the faint noise of someone scrambling up the rock face below him and his little heart started thumping with excitement. He knew that if he wished it hard enough that his Pa would come and get him! His Pa could do anything! He hugged his knees in his excitement and then wiped his tears away. \u201cI\u2019m here Pa!\u201d he called again. \u201cI\u2019m up here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming son!\u201d called his father again. \u201cJust keep still and don\u2019t move!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded again obediently and kept as still as he could, still hugging his knees towards him. Suddenly in the darkness below him he made out a dark shadowy form and he gasped. \u201cPa!\u201d he cried. \u201cI see you Pa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold on a few more minutes and I\u2019ll be there Little Joe,\u201d Ben called out. \u201cI\u2019m coming son.\u201d\u00a0 He breathed heavily as he scrambled up the remaining few feet towards his little boy, for the climb had been taxing and he had done it as quickly as he could since he\u2019d heard that first faint cry that told him that the child was up here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally he reached his son, and drew the trembling child into his arms quickly, hugging him to his chest. \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he breathed. \u201cOh Joseph!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little boy sobbed into his father\u2019s chest for several minutes, overcome with the relief that he was once more safe in the arms of the man he loved so much. Finally he raised his head. \u201cI knew you\u2019d come to get me Pa,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked his son\u2019s dirty curly hair and smiled down at him. \u201cOf course I did,\u201d he said soothingly. \u201cDid you really think that your Pa would leave you up here all by yourself?\u201d\u00a0 He kissed him tenderly, his heart so full of emotion now that he had his precious child back safe again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll polozie now Pa,\u201d said Little Joe earnestly. \u201cI promise I will!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him and smoothed his unruly locks. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about that when we get home son,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have a lot of thing to discuss later. For now, the main thing is to get you home. Come on, down we go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe drew away from his father. \u201cNo,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna go down there. \u201cI\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be scared of Joseph,\u201d said Ben tenderly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I might fall,\u201d said the child. \u201cIt\u2019s very high up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t fall,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cSee? Pa is going to hold you the whole way.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up the child and held him tightly to his chest. \u201cYou just close your eyes and we\u2019ll be down there as soon as you know it,\u201d he said encouragingly. \u201cHere we go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe closed his eyes tightly and sucked on one of his fingers as he felt his father\u2019s body slide down the rock face. He sobbed quietly to himself as they made their way downwards \u2026. ever downwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

the present<\/i><\/b> \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe walked into the saloon and looked around, smiling warily when he saw Mitch sitting at a corner table staring at a glass of beer in his hand. He turned to make his way over to him, but was stoped by someone grabbing him by the sleeve. \u201cHere\u2019s the champ!\u201d said Bert Cummings affably. \u201cReady to take me on champ? I\u2019ve been waiting for you ta come \u2026. I feel like a winner tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook the other\u2019s man hand away. \u201cNot now Bert,\u201d he muttered. \u201cMaybe later.\u201d\u00a0 He walked over to Mitch and stood in front of him. \u201cHi,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked up. \u201cHi,\u201d he said after a moment\u2019s hesitation. \u201cCome in to defend your title huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cActually I came to talk to you,\u201d said Joe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell whatever it is you gotta say, I don\u2019t wanna hear it,\u201d said Mitch, taking a swallow of his beer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan we talk outside?\u201d asked Joe, ignoring his friend\u2019s remark.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked at him with narrowed eyes. \u201cI told you Joe \u2026 I don\u2019t wanna hear it,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to apologize,\u201d said Joe. \u201cPlease come outside Mitch. What I gotta say \u2026.\u201d He looked around at the packed saloon. \u201c\u2026I don\u2019t want anyone else to hear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch hesitated and then shrugged his shoulders. \u201cAlright,\u201d he said. \u201cBut make it quick.\u201d\u00a0 He followed Joe outside and round the corner of the building into the alleyway. \u201cWell?\u201d he said. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to apologise to you for before,\u201d said Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch shrugged. \u201cSo now you\u2019ve apologised,\u201d he said. \u201cThanks.\u201d\u00a0 He made to walk away, but Joe grabbed him by the sleeve to stop him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait Mitch,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s more.\u201d Mitch shrugged, but made no attempt to move away further. \u201cI wanted to explain why I beat you at arm-wrestling like that,\u201d began Joe. \u201cI was trying to prove something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d snarled Mitch. \u201cThat you were better than me. Well you proved it Joe. I hope that makes you happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cIt makes me ashamed. I should never have taken out my insecurities on you Mitch. I\u2019m sorry that I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A frown flitted across Mitch\u2019s face and for the first time he looked Joe directly in the eyes. \u201cInsecurities?\u201d he said, obviously puzzled. \u201cWhat insecurities? What are you talking about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath before continuing. \u201cI was scared Mitch,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve been scared for days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cScared of arm-wrestling?\u201d asked Mitch, none the wiser to what Joe was getting at.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not arm-wrestling,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cEagle\u2019s Nest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEver since I left my rifle up there I\u2019ve been scared to go back up and get it,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI was worried that you could tell I was scared and I was ashamed of it. I guess that I arm-wrestled you to prove to myself that I wasn\u2019t the coward that I was feeling.\u201d He looked miserably at Mitch who simply stared back at him. \u201cI needed to beat someone at something and because I felt that you \u2026 that you knew I was a coward \u2026 I picked you. I never meant to shame you in front of everyone Mitch. Honest I didn\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did,\u201d replied Mitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI know \u2026 I was only thinking of myself … not you. I\u2019m so sorry Mitch. If I could turn back the clock and never have had it happen, then I would. Please believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cYou really scared of Eagle\u2019s Nest?\u201d he asked after a moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah \u2026 I guess so. I guess that I don\u2019t like heights much at all and Eagle\u2019s Nest \u2026 well, it just terrifies me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch nodded slowly. \u201cWell I guess I can\u2019t stay mad at you Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all \u2026 who else are you gonna get to put up with you as a best friend?\u201d\u00a0 He grinned at the other young man and held out his hand. \u201cFriends,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed with relief as shook Mitch\u2019s hand. \u201cFriends,\u201d he said, grinning at him. \u201cHow about you let me buy you a beer now friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t say no,\u201d said Mitch, putting his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLead on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two young men entered the saloon together, and went straight to the bar. \u201cTwo beers thanks Charlie,\u201d said Joe, leaning on the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHold on there Cartwright,\u201d said Bert behind them. \u201cI want a chance at that championship!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned slowly and looked at Bert without saying a word. Finally he shook his head slowly. \u201cSorry Bert,\u201d he said. \u201cI already promised the first bout to Mitch here.\u201d He pulled the surprised Mitch over to the nearest table and pushed him into chair before sitting down opposite him. \u201cCome on Mitch,\u201d he said. \u201cGive it your best.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch looked at Joe, his eyes suddenly narrowed. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you do,\u201d said Joe in a loud voice. \u201cCome on Mitch \u2026 I said to give it your best.\u201d He stared at his friend in silence until Mitch reluctantly took his hand and began to tense his muscles. There was silence in the saloon and everyone watched the two young men fighting it out, then finally the crowd broke into cheers as Joe\u2019s arm hit the table.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a new champ again!\u201d shouted Bert. \u201cOK Mitch! I\u2019m your first challenger.\u201d\u00a0 He pushed Joe out of his chair and sat down, putting his arm up on the table ready. Mitch looked up at Joe and smiled as Joe gave him a slight nod and went over to the bar to get their beers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat and stared into the fire flickering in front of him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how do things stand between you and Mitch now?\u201d asked his father, coming to sit beside him on the sofa. \u201cDid you make your peace with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re OK now. Once I talked to him again he was OK with it all.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes flickered over to the fire again. \u201cI told him about \u2026. You know \u2026 being \u2026 scared and all up there at Eagle\u2019s Nest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would have been hard for you,\u201d Ben said, bending his head so that he could see his son\u2019s lowered face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d Joe acknowledged. \u201cBut I had to do it.\u201d He continued to stare into the fire. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think it\u2019s strange that I don\u2019t remember that time when I climbed Eagles\u2019 Nest before \u2026 when I was a kid? I honestly don\u2019t remember any of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s probably just as well, don\u2019t you think?\u201d said Ben. \u201cWe do tend to block unpleasant things in our lives and to you \u2026 well at five \u2026 it was probably more than you could handle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a wry face. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I was so much trouble to you,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed. \u201cOh I coped,\u201d he said. \u201cYou did a lot worse than that over the years.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled at his son tenderly. \u201cYou certainly kept me on my toes, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled. \u201cSo you really think that might be why I froze up there today?\u201d he said. \u201cWhy I\u2019ve been so \u2026 well \u2026 scared of that place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure of it,\u201d said his father. \u201cI\u2019m proud of you son. You overcame your fear when you had to though and that\u2019s what counts. Everyone is scared of something Joe. It\u2019s nothing to be embarrassed about. It just your Achilles\u2019 Heel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a puzzled look. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAchilles\u2019 Heel. Haven\u2019t you ever heard that expression before?\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cAchilles was an ancient Greek warrior,\u201d explained his father. \u201cThe best fighter of his time \u2026. Some even said he was invincible. Yet he was eventually killed in battle with an arrow through his heel \u2026 his one weak spot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded thoughtfully. \u201cSo this fear of heights is my weak spot?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo it would seem,\u201d said his father. \u201cYour Achilles Heel\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cHmm,\u201d he said thoughtfully and then thought for a moment. \u201cCome to think of it, I\u2019ve never really liked heights that much. Remember the time I got stuck up on the top of that hay-baling hook in the barn. Now that was scary!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you weren\u2019t always like that,\u201d said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a questioning look. \u201cNo?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI remember one time when you were about two. You\u2019d been getting into trouble for climbing up on things \u2026. furniture and the like \u2026 you always loved to climb on things and heights never seemed to worry you then. Well anyway \u2026 this one particular day we were getting ready to go to town and you disappeared. The next thing, I saw you standing at the entrance to the loft with your arms flung out from your side \u2026..<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/b><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Based on the events in the episode \u201cBetween Heaven and Earth\u201d.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 10,440 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1015,23,61],"tags":[1292],"class_list":["post-65789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-joe-pa","category-drama","category-missing-scene","tag-between-heaven-and-earth","wpcat-1015-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-61-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=65789"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65789\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}