{"id":7118,"date":"2002-09-11T12:46:36","date_gmt":"2002-09-11T16:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7118"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:43","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:43","slug":"a-sacrifice-of-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7118","title":{"rendered":"A Sacrifice of Love (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>When a man from Ben’s past returns, the Cartwrights are plagued by accidents. After Adam is badly injured, Ben decides to do something about it. But the worst is yet to come.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (9,840 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Sacrifice of Love<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Looking out over the swing door of the saloon, the young man pulled his hat down a little lower over his eyes. Not that it would make any difference if his father happened to glance in his direction. His father would recognise him anywhere, and he would be angry that the young man had disobeyed a direct order, and come into town. Still, the young man couldn\u2019t have stayed away. He knew that his father was going to the sheriff to report the harassment they had been suffering. He feared that something would happen to his father, and he had sneaked into town, so he was on hand should anything occur.<\/p>\n

A furtive movement from across the street attracted the young man\u2019s attention, and he looked that way. A man, tall and thin, stepped from another saloon\u2019s doorway, and strolled into the middle of the street. His gaze was fixed on Ben Cartwright\u2019s back as he walked down Main Street. He took up the stance, and with a gasp, Joe realised that Fleming was willing to gun his father down in broad daylight!<\/p>\n

There was no time to shout a warning. Joe dived out of the saloon, his gun drawn, and ran to the middle of the street. He fired at Fleming, even as the man shot at Ben. Fleming went down, clutching his leg. Joe stood there, looking at him, amazed that he couldn\u2019t feel any pain. It seemed Fleming had missed him.<\/p>\n

Fleming lifted the gun again, but by now, Ben had been alerted, and had turned, drawing his own weapon. \u201cJoe!\u201d he yelled, horrified by the scene which met his eyes. \u201cGet down!\u201d He sidestepped, so he had a clearer view of the downed man.<\/p>\n

Lifting his gun, Fleming fired again, but Ben was prepared, and the bullet went wide. Joe still stood there, and Fleming decided that Joe was a better target than Ben, and aimed at him. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried again, but still Joe didn\u2019t move. As Fleming cocked his gun, Ben shot him in the arm. The revolver fell to the ground with a thud.<\/p>\n

By now, Roy Coffee, the sheriff of Virginia City, had appeared on the scene and hurried up the street. Ben ignored him, heading towards his youngest son, who was standing as if frozen. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said, his concern evident in his voice.<\/p>\n

Turning his head slightly, Joe looked at Ben. \u201cPa, you\u2019re all right. Thank goodness!\u201d He coughed, and a streak of red appeared on his lips, and he fell silently into his father\u2019s arms. He looked up at the concerned face above him, and spoke once more. \u201cAs long as you\u2019re all right, it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d Then his green eyes closed, and he became a dead weight in Ben\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

Terrified, Ben raised his head and shouted, \u201cGet a doctor!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Limping slowly into the house, Joe Cartwright shut the door quietly behind him, and hung his tan hat onto a peg. He bent over, untying his holster from his leg, and then unbuckled the gun belt. He laid it on the credenza with unwarranted care, and slid carefully out of his jacket, taking the mail from an inner pocket. Reaching to hang the jacket up, he couldn\u2019t stifle a wince.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere have you been?\u201d asked a voice from behind him, and Joe turned carefully to see his father standing behind him, holding a cup of coffee.
\n\u201cI went to get the mail,\u201d Joe answered, a hint of impatience in his voice. \u201cYou sent me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting down the cup and saucer on the credenza, Ben watched closely as Joe turned around. \u201cThat was several hours ago, Joe,\u201d Ben said, looking at him intently. \u201cI didn\u2019t think it would take you this long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been in the saloon, if that\u2019s what you think,\u201d Joe retorted, angrily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t aware I had accused you, young man,\u201d Ben said, stiffly, and Joe had the grace to blush.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa, \u201c he said. \u201cHere\u2019s the mail.\u201d He handed the letters to his father, hoping they would distract Ben\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

Taking the letters, Ben immediately put them down. His gaze was still fixed on Joe\u2019s face, and the younger man stifled a sigh. \u201cIs there any supper left?\u201d he asked, hopefully. \u201cOr has Hoss eaten everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that,\u201d came a voice from the dining area. \u201cIf\u2019n you aren\u2019t home in time for supper, why should I leave you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks, big brother,\u201d Joe said, suddenly feeling tired.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo and sit down, son,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cThere should still be something left.\u201d Still, that unwavering gaze was focused on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, and drew a deep breath. He started to walk, hoping he could hide his limp, but as soon as his left foot touched the ground, his leg began to buckle under his weight, and he caught the edge of the credenza to prevent a fall. He caught his breath. Ben was there, his arm under Joe\u2019s, as a concerned frown furrowed his brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought there was something wrong with you,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe said, but the paleness of his face gave him away.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you\u2019re not,\u201d Ben contradicted. \u201cHere, lean on me.\u201d With Ben\u2019s help, Joe limped over to the settee, and sat down with relief.<\/p>\n

By now, both Joe\u2019s older brothers were on their feet, and watching. Hoss still had his fork in his hand, Joe noticed with amusement. \u201cWhat did happen?\u201d Adam asked, watching as Ben pulled Joe\u2019s left boot off.<\/p>\n

For a moment, the pain was too bad to allow Joe to speak, but it subsided, and he shook his head. \u201cI met a man on the road,\u201d he explained. \u201cHe was on the way to town with a wagon. He\u2019s been travelling a long time to get here. He\u2019d hit a stone, and the wheel had splintered a bit.\u201d Ben pushed up the leg of Joe\u2019s pants to reveal a large bruise and swelling about his ankle. \u201cI stopped to help him with the wheel, and as we were changing it, it slipped from his hands, and I wasn\u2019t quick enough to get out of the way. It hit my leg, and we had a bit of bother getting it off. But I\u2019m all right. Nothing\u2019s broken. Its just a little sore.\u201d Joe gave his leg a tentative tug, but his father didn\u2019t relinquish his grip on the injured limb.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Ben enquired, looking up at Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d Joe capitulated, \u201cwe got the wheel back on, Fleming thanked me and went off to town. I got back on Cochise and came home.\u201d Joe squirmed, trying to indicate to his father that he wanted his leg back. Ben, who was perfectly well aware of how Joe felt, ignored his unspoken signals.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould you get some water and bandages, Adam, please?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cFleming, did you say? He must be new around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKind of,\u201d Joe agreed, giving up his attempts to break free. \u201cHe said he had been here once before, long ago, and had liked it so much, he\u2019d decided to come back.\u201d He winced as Ben\u2019s grip tightened. \u201cPa, that hurts!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, son,\u201d Ben said, contritely, loosening his grip. \u201cThis Fleming. Was he tall and thin? Got a wife and 2 children?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe nodded. \u201cYes, he was tall and thin, but he was alone.\u201d He glanced at Hoss, who was also frowning, then looked back at his father. \u201cPa, do you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might,\u201d Ben said. \u201cDid you introduce yourself to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I did,\u201d Joe replied, wondering what was wrong with Ben. \u201cIt would\u2019ve been kind of rude not to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Ben looked relieved when Adam came back with the water and bandages. He busied himself bathing the injured limb and binding it up. Hoss went to the table and filled a plate for Joe, who picked at it, his appetite gone. He wondered what had got Ben so shaken up.<\/p>\n

With Joe\u2019s ankle bound up and resting comfortably along the settee, Ben rose to put away the things he\u2019d been using. Adam took the basin from his hands and set it on the table. \u201cPa, tell us what\u2019s on your mind,\u201d he invited. \u201cWe can all see you\u2019re troubled.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting down heavily, Ben looked at the floor for a moment while he composed his thoughts. \u201cWhen we first came out here,\u201d he started, \u201cwe bought what we could, and hoped for the best. The nearest neighbour we had was a man called Fleming. He and his wife and 2 children had been here for a few months longer than us, and we often helped each other out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I remember that,\u201d Adam said, thoughtfully. \u201cWasn\u2019t the oldest child a boy, about Hoss\u2019 age?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think so,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cAnyway, after that first winter, which was really hard, Fleming\u2019s wife decided that she couldn\u2019t take it out here. It was too much for her. They\u2019d lost a baby during the winter, and I think it was the memories as much as the weather that drove her away. Fleming agreed they would go back, and offered me first refusal on his land. I jumped at it, naturally, as it would double the land we already had. I raised the money, and paid it to him. They left.\u201d
\n\u201cThat was quite a winter,\u201d Adam remembered. \u201cI thought it would never be spring again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Ben said, \u201cI remember you saying that, son. A few months after Fleming left, I got a letter from him, saying they were settled back in New York, and he had been told he could have sold his ranch for much more money than I had paid him. He claimed he could have got double the amount, and demanded that I make up the difference. Well, there was no way I could afford to do that. I consulted with my lawyer, who said Fleming didn\u2019t have a case, so I wrote back to him, saying the deal had been done, and I wouldn\u2019t be paying him any more money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking round at his three boys, Ben\u2019s eyes were sad. \u201cI did get a reply. Fleming wrote me a letter, saying he would get his money, even if it took him the rest of his life, and that I\u2019d be sorry I ever crossed him.\u201d Ben shrugged. \u201cI never heard from him again, but I was sorry our friendship had to end that way. But now, it seems he might be back. Joe, I\u2019m certain that broken wheel was genuine, but as soon as he heard your name, and where you lived, I think he made the decision to drop the wheel on you. It was a warning to me, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you really think he\u2019d have held a grudge for all this time?\u201d Adam asked, incredulous. \u201cIts been over 20 years!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cBut if it is Fleming, we must be prepared. He\u2019ll be after the money he thinks is his by right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do about this, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, indicating Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing we can do,\u201d Ben returned. \u201cAfter all, we can\u2019t prove it wasn\u2019t an accident. It happened to Joe, and he thought it was an accident. We can\u2019t accuse a man with no proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, its funny,\u201d Joe said, thoughtfully. \u201cWhen he introduced himself, he said, \u2018my name\u2019s Fleming\u2019. Didn\u2019t offer me his first name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never knew his first name either,\u201d Ben said. \u201cEven his wife called him Fleming. Those letters I got \u2013 they were simply signed \u2018Fleming\u2019.\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cLet\u2019s get you up to bed, young man,\u201d he said. \u201cTomorrow, I\u2019ll go and talk to Hiram about this, make sure that everything is still watertight. And you can stop in past Doctor Martin, while I\u2019m there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The groan Joe let out made his family all laugh. Ben helped Joe to his feet, and Adam slung his arm round Joe\u2019s waist, and Joe put his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulders. Hoss moved in on the other side, and thus the youngest Cartwright was assisted up the stairs to bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was mid-morning before Ben and Joe arrived in Virginia City. Ben stopped the buckboard at the door of Doc Martin\u2019s office, and got down to help Joe from the back. Joe\u2019s ankle was still swollen and painful, and he had to lean heavily on Ben\u2019s arm as he crossed the boardwalk.<\/p>\n

Opening the door, Paul looked at them with amusement. \u201cWell, I was just thinking it was a while since I\u2019d seen you, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat is it this time? Run down by a wild horse? Fall off a bronco? Annoyed Hoss and Adam once to often?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha,\u201d Joe said, humourlessly. \u201cI had a wagon wheel dropped on my ankle, if you must know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben remonstrated.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, Ben,\u201d Paul said, laughing. \u201cCome along, young man, and let me see.\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Paul to examine Joe\u2019s ankle. \u201cNo, its not broken, but it\u2019ll be a week or two before you\u2019re walking normally on it again. Keep it strapped up, put ice on it, and keep it up. Stay off it as much as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul,\u201d Ben said, and helped Joe hobble back to the buckboard. He was just getting Joe settled when a voice spoke from behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning, Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to see Fleming. \u201cFleming,\u201d he returned. \u201cIts been a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNearly 30 years,\u201d agreed the man, pleasantly. \u201cI take it this is your lad? We met yesterday on the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe told me,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAre you going to settle round here again? How\u2019s the family?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe family?\u201d Fleming repeated. \u201cOh, my family? They died in the typhoid outbreak a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that,\u201d Ben said, sincerely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey died because I didn\u2019t have enough money for the doctor,\u201d Fleming went on. \u201cIf you\u2019d paid me my due, they might have lived.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unsure what to say, Ben said nothing. He looked at Joe. \u201cAll right, son?\u201d he asked, and collected a short nod.<\/p>\n

Looking at Joe, and smiling, Fleming said, \u201cYou must have married again then? Three sons. Well well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed, confused by the man\u2019s sudden changes of mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how does your wife like it out here?\u201d Fleming asked. \u201cOr did you meet her out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife died in a riding accident several years ago,\u201d Ben said, tightly. His glance strayed to Joe. \u201cShe liked it out here very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad,\u201d Fleming said, flatly. He, too, looked at Joe. Joe squirmed under the intensity of his gaze. \u201cSorry about your foot, Joe,\u201d he apologised. \u201cIt was just an accident. Too bad you didn\u2019t have your ma to fix it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flushing, Joe snapped, \u201cPa did it just fine.\u201d He flushed even deeper, knowing that he\u2019d given himself away in those defensive words. Joe could barely remember his mother, but he missed her. However, it was Pa he called for now when he was ill.<\/p>\n

Putting a hand on Joe\u2019s arm, Ben gave it a reassuring squeeze. He knew how Joe felt. He still missed Marie, too. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse us, Fleming,\u201d he said. \u201cI have an appointment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Fleming said, as Ben got into the buckboard. The pleasant tone was gone. \u201cI want my money. You can afford it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down at his former friend, Ben said, \u201cFleming, we had this out years ago. I paid you a fair price for your land. I\u2019m not giving you one red cent more. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, but this is not over. I\u2019ll get that money somehow. Be warned.\u201d Fleming turned on his heel and walked away.<\/p>\n

With a flick of the reins, Ben started the buckboard. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe said, as they jolted down the street. \u201cAre you going to tell Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said, pulling up once more, outside the offices of his lawyer. \u201cHe\u2019ll see he\u2019s not going to get anything, and he\u2019ll go away.\u201d Ben jumped down from the seat, and came round to Joe\u2019s side. \u201cWill you be all right here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Joe assured him, smiling. \u201cBut, Pa, what if Fleming doesn\u2019t go away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cI just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cSo the deal is watertight,\u201d Adam repeated. \u201cThat\u2019s good. Perhaps you should ask Hiram to talk to Fleming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Ben said, his tone implying that it would do no good. He and Adam sat by the desk in the main room. Joe was upstairs, sleeping after his trip to town. Hoss was in the barn, doing Joe\u2019s chores. \u201cAdam, at the moment, Fleming only knows Joe by sight. I think it would be best if you and Hoss stayed away from town. I don\u2019t want him to do anything to you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s what you think is best,\u201d Adam agreed, reluctantly. \u201cBut its going to be awkward. We\u2019ll have to send a hand in for the mail and supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and I could do it,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWhoever we sent couldn\u2019t go alone anyway. This way, Joe will get off the ranch while he\u2019s still laid up, and I get company into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think you should tell Roy,\u201d Adam said, looking away. He knew how Ben felt about dealing with his own problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no proof that he meant it, Adam, \u201c Ben protested. \u201cAnd anyway, what could Roy do? Ask him nicely not to bother us? I can\u2019t think of anything more likely to annoy him, and perhaps make him follow up on his threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked unconvinced by the argument, but he said no more. The front door opened to admit Hoss, and Ben beckoned him over to join them. Quickly, he outlined what he had said to Adam. By the end, Hoss was frowning. \u201cAll right, Pa, if that\u2019s what you want,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cBut ain\u2019t Shortshanks supposed to be restin\u2019 that foot? How can he do that bumpin\u2019 about in the buckboard?\u201d<\/p>\n

Glaring at his middle son for picking up on the weak point in his argument, Ben said, \u201cHoss, you know as well as I do that if Joe is cooped up for too long, he\u2019s liable to do anything. Surely its better for him to get about a bit, than to get all wound up sitting here all day?\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cAnyway, that\u2019s the way its going to be!\u201d Rising, Ben walked over to the stairs and mounted them.<\/p>\n

Watching him, Adam and Hoss stayed where they were. As soon as Ben was out of sight, Hoss looked at Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019s all that about Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa told you,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThis thing with Joe is so I didn\u2019t have to tell Pa not to go to town alone. But let\u2019s be truthful, Hoss, just between you and me. Which of the three of us is Fleming most likely to decide to pick on?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pursing his mouth up, Hoss looked unhappy. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said, finally. \u201cI see what you mean. Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, and looking back at the stairs where his father had just gone, Adam said, \u201cYou got it!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

And so it began. Adam and Hoss were confined to the ranch, and while this wasn\u2019t a terrible hardship for them, it was a nuisance. Ben and Joe made the trip to town whenever necessary, and this did indeed relieve Joe\u2019s frustrations at not being able to walk. However, nothing happened. Fleming was still in town, for they saw him each trip, but he didn\u2019t talk to them, and as far as they were aware, he made no moves against the ranch.<\/p>\n

After three weeks, Joe\u2019s foot was healed, and Ben couldn\u2019t prevent him going out on horseback again. Reluctant to expose anyone else to the possible danger, Ben continued to co-opt Joe for the trips to town. Completely well again, Joe found the trips irritating, as they were strictly business \u2013 no trips to the saloon when Ben wasn\u2019t watching. Joe found it impossible to get out from under his father’s watchful eye.<\/p>\n

Another three weeks passed, and still there was no sign of Fleming doing anything. Ben decided he\u2019d been unnecessarily paranoid, and allowed Adam and Hoss their full freedom again. His timing couldn\u2019t have been better, from the boys\u2019 point of view. There was a dance at the hotel on Saturday evening, and they had had dates for it for months. Come Saturday, the three boys mounted up, and headed into town.<\/p>\n

The room was full when the Cartwrights arrived. The women were clad in jewel coloured gowns, and the men wore their dress shirts and pants. There was chatter and laughter and the music was good. The brothers separated, and met up with their dates. It wasn\u2019t until well into the evening that Joe met Adam by the punch bowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Fleming, leaning on the wall over there,\u201d Joe said, tipping his head minutely in that direction.<\/p>\n

Taking a sip from his glass, Adam glanced over. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t changed much,\u201d he commented. \u201cI think I would\u2019ve recognised him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he sure knows who you are now,\u201d Joe commented. \u201cHe\u2019s coming over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh damn!\u201d Adam swore, and put his glass down. But he wasn\u2019t quick enough. Fleming eeled his way through the crowd, and appeared at Joe\u2019s side, clasping the young man\u2019s shoulder as though they were good friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Fleming smiled at him, and then looked at Adam, including him. \u201cSo this is your brother, is it? Adam, I\u2019m sure. I remember Hoss as being very fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Under Fleming\u2019s hand, Joe was as taut as a wire. He wanted to shrug off the hand, but decided against antagonising Fleming. Adam flicked a glance at Joe, conveying understanding of how his younger brother felt, then smiled back at Fleming. \u201cYes, I\u2019m Adam. I\u2019m sure you\u2019d already discovered that for yourself, Mr Fleming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you do remember me!\u201d Fleming exclaimed, heartily. \u201cYou were such an intense child, Adam, it doesn\u2019t surprise me. So, are you married? Lots of children?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, blandly. \u201cTo both questions. If you\u2019ll excuse us?\u201d He took Joe\u2019s arm and started to draw his brother away. Fleming tightened his grip on Joe\u2019s shoulder. Joe winced. Fleming\u2019s fingers were now digging into Joe\u2019s flesh, and they were as hard as iron.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy so quick to flee, boys?\u201d Fleming asked. His pleasant expression had gone. \u201cDon\u2019t you want to talk to your old friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must get back to our dates,\u201d Adam said, wondering how far Fleming would be willing to push the confrontation. \u201cIt would be rude to leave them alone any longer.\u201d Over Fleming\u2019s head, Adam could see Hoss coming towards them. Several people were now looking at them curiously. He pulled more firmly on Joe\u2019s arm. \u201cExcuse us, Mr Fleming.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, it looked as though Fleming meant to provoke some sort of response from Adam, but he glanced over his shoulder, and saw the people looking at them. He smiled, but it made Joe uncomfortable. \u201cWell, off you go then,\u201d he said, dismissively. \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll have the opportunity to catch up later.\u201d Giving Joe\u2019s shoulder one last squeeze, he turned and left.<\/p>\n

Pulling Joe into a corner, Adam jerked his head to get Hoss to join them. \u201cFleming?\u201d Hoss asked, as he drew close.<\/p>\n

\u201cFleming,\u201d Joe confirmed. He raised his hand to rub his shoulder. \u201cAnd he\u2019s got strong hands!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we still need to be wary of him,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll just go away. Meantime, let\u2019s get back to our dates before we provoke any more gossip.\u201d He led the way, with Hoss and Joe following on obediently.<\/p>\n

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

Despite Adam\u2019s prediction, Fleming still made no move against them, and gradually, the defensiveness that the Cartwrights had built up died away. Once more, they worked or rode into town alone, and nothing happened.<\/p>\n

It was then, as their guard was relaxed, that the incidents began. Riding back from town one afternoon, somebody shot at Joe and Hoss from the trees. Neither of them was hurt, and though they looked long and hard for the sniper, they found no one. The next week, the herd was stampeded when there was a landslip. One of the hands was hurt. There was no evidence that it was anything other than an act of God, but the Cartwrights were suspicious.<\/p>\n

Wary, the Cartwrights once more began to go around in pairs. Ben was still against going to Roy. After all, they had seen no one after either incident, and the landslip might have been an accident. The work of the ranch had to go on, and so they resigned themselves to it, but they all chafed under the restrictions, Joe especially.<\/p>\n

Round up time began, and with it the constant hard work, sleeping on the ground, and eating dust all day every day. The herd was huge that year, and they had gathered a lot of extra hands to help. Feeding them all was a constant job, and the supply wagon made the trip to town several times every week.<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s turn that afternoon, and he set off in reasonably good spirits. It made a pleasant change from searching for strays, and the sun was warm on his shoulders. Once in town, Adam gave his list to the storekeeper, and went across to the saloon for a quick beer while his order was made up. From the saloon, he collected the mail, before finally heading back to the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll loaded for you too, Adam,\u201d said Johnston, the storekeeper. \u201cBoy, you Cartwrights sure feed your hands good!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hands?\u201d Adam joked. \u201cNaw, this lot is just for Hoss!\u201d Leaving Johnston laughing, Adam shook up the horses and head for home.<\/p>\n

Singing quietly under his breath, Adam found himself working out just how many more days they would be on round up. Perhaps another week, he figured. It was going well. They had a good lot of hands this year, and he hoped one or two of them might be persuaded to stay on full time. Ranch hands were generally a nomadic lot, going from one place to another, and settling nowhere. It made good hands who stayed put all the more valuable.<\/p>\n

One of the wagon wheels hit a particularly deep rut, and there was an ominous crack from the chassis. Adam pulled the horses to a walk, but there were no more odd noises, so he put them back into a trot. He was keen to get this trip over with now.<\/p>\n

It was on the next downhill slope that trouble appeared. Adam applied the break to help the horses control the weight of the wagon, and the brake failed. One horse slipped slightly, and the other broke into an anxious trot. \u201cWhoa,\u201d Adam called, pulling on the reins. The wagon lurched to the left, and the horses both began to trot. \u201cWhoa,\u201d Adam repeated, not concerned yet, just irritated.<\/p>\n

With a crash, the back end of the wagon suddenly collapsed. Adam rocked backwards, caught completely by surprise. The reins slipped through his fingers, and he barely managed to catch hold of the end of them. The horses let out startled neighs, and began to panic in earnest. They broke into a canter. The wagon, deprived of its back wheels, was dragged along the ground, the supplies scattering as the wagon bed seesawed back and forth across the road.<\/p>\n

Desperately, Adam clung onto the reins, trying to calm his runaway team. He had no success. The team gathered speed, and they raced along the bumpy road. Adam wondered how on earth he would get out of this. The team crested a rise, the wagon bumped fiercely off the top, and up-ended, catapulting Adam from the seat, and sending him flying.<\/p>\n

The team raced on, but they didn\u2019t get very far. The remains of the wagon, now upside down, caught in some underbrush, and the horses were yanked to a halt. The wheels turned lazily in the air, slowing gradually until they came to a stop.<\/p>\n

Adam lay unmoving.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t Adam be back by now?\u201d Hoss asked, pulling Chubb to a halt beside Buck, and looking askance at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t he here?\u201d Ben replied, looking round as though he expected Adam to appear out of thin air. \u201cI expected him back ages ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and have a look for him, Pa,\u201d Hoss volunteered, turning Chubb.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake Joe with you,\u201d Ben directed. \u201cIts probably nothing. But just check.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soon, the brothers were galloping along the road. The sun was slowly sinking behind the mountains, and Adam was definitely overdue. They hadn\u2019t gone more than a couple of miles when they saw the team in the distance. \u201cThere!\u201d Joe said, and pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d they exclaimed in horrified unison, as they drew closer. Joe flung himself from his horse and was kneeling by his oldest brother in a heartbeat, feeling anxiously for a pulse.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alive?\u201d Hoss asked, leaning over Joe to gaze at the still features of his older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe answered, tersely. \u201cAdam, can you hear me?\u201d He patted his brother\u2019s cheek gently, but there was no response. \u201cWe need the doctor,\u201d Joe said. He glanced up at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t leave him alone,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cIt looks like he\u2019s broken his leg.\u201d Joe looked down at his brother\u2019s leg, which lay at an unnatural angle. \u201cI\u2019ll ride back to the round up and get Pa,\u201d Hoss went on. \u201cYou stay here. Pa can send a couple of hands for the doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cHoss,\u201d he added, putting his hand on his brother\u2019s arm, \u201cyou don\u2019t think Fleming was at the back of this, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss replied, his face grim. \u201cBut you keep your wits about you while I\u2019m gone!\u201d He mounted Chubb, and sent him galloping back the way they had come. Joe was left alone with Adam.<\/p>\n

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

How long Adam had been unconscious, none of them knew, but they were deeply concerned. Paul Martin had been with Adam for what seemed like hours, as he set the broken leg, and dealt with Adam\u2019s other injuries. Ben was helping him, and Joe and Hoss paced up and down in front of the fire. Neither of them had eaten, despite Hop Sing\u2019s best efforts, and Joe still had Adam\u2019s blood on his pants leg.<\/p>\n

Finally, footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Ben and Paul came wearily down. \u201cWell?\u201d Joe demanded, more keyed up than he could ever remember being before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s leg is badly broken, as you know,\u201d Paul said, sitting down, and hoping the family would copy him. Only Ben did. \u201cHe has a bad head wound, and several broken fingers on his left hand. Some broken ribs. He\u2019ll be all right, given time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bad head wound,\u201d Joe repeated. His hand strayed to the blood on his pants. He sat down abruptly on the fireside. \u201cHow bad, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad enough,\u201d Paul said. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t fractured his skull, and that\u2019s a plus. But he lost quite a lot of blood, and was unconscious for some considerable time. I did manage to bring him round, but he was very confused. Don\u2019t worry, Joe, he\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jumping to his feet again, Joe\u2019s fists were clenched. \u201cIf I get my hands on who did this to him,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Joseph,\u201d Ben said, sternly. \u201cWe\u2019ll have no talk like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa!\u201d Joe protested, swinging round to face his father, his green eyes snapping with anger. \u201cWe all know who was at the back of this!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo we don\u2019t,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe have no proof this wasn\u2019t just an accident. And at the moment, our main concern is for Adam. I don\u2019t want to hear any more of this from you! Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

The rebellious set to Joe\u2019s mouth was all the answer Ben needed, but he didn\u2019t want to let this go. Joe would go off half-cocked, and likely end up hurt, too. \u201cJoseph, I mean this! You heed me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe said, dropping his gaze, although his mouth was still pinched and tight.<\/p>\n

Listening interestedly, Paul said, \u201cDo you think you might know who is at the back of this? It seems to me that you\u2019ve had a run of bad luck lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know for sure,\u201d Ben said, and told Paul the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you need to be careful,\u201d Paul said. \u201cAnd, Ben, tell Roy. Maybe there isn\u2019t anything he can do, but Adam might have died out there today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed, reluctantly. \u201cThanks for coming, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny cause for concern, call me at once,\u201d Paul said, and took his leave.<\/p>\n

Closing the door behind his friend, Ben looked at his two sons. Hoss was sitting on the edge of the fire, his head in his hands. Joe still stood tautly by Adam\u2019s favourite chair. Ben sighed. Joe\u2019s tension filled the room, and Ben was too tired to want to deal with it tonight. But he knew he had to. \u201cJoe,\u201d he said, gently. \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Joe said, and there was hostility in his tone. He glared at his father, frustrated at being unable to do anything, and desperately needing to hit out at someone \u2013 anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand how you feel,\u201d Ben said, crossing to stand by him. He lifted his hand to massage the back of Joe\u2019s neck, but Joe sensed his intentions, and stepped away, not wanting to be soothed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou understand how I feel, yet you stopped me going looking for Fleming?\u201d Joe flung the words at Ben.
\n\u201cWhat good would it do?\u201d Ben said. \u201cThen I would have both you and Adam hurt. Fleming is bound to have an alibi for this afternoon. I don\u2019t want you rushing into anything. If you attacked him in the street, you could end up in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care!\u201d Joe cried, and Ben took a step closer and laid his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I care,\u201d Ben said, softly. \u201cJoe, please. There\u2019s enough to deal with here, without having to worry about you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a minute, the shoulder under Ben\u2019s hand remained taut, but then it slumped, and Joe turned to face Ben, tears in his eyes. \u201cI feel so helpless,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben said, and gathered Joe into a comforting embrace. After a moment, Hoss joined them, and the three stood hugging each other, drawing comfort from the embrace. \u201cLet\u2019s go and see how Adam is,\u201d Ben proposed, and they made their way upstairs. For Joe, the storm was over.<\/p>\n

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

For several days, Adam was very ill. He had been badly concussed, and had lain for nearly an hour before being found. He developed a high temperature, and his leg gave him quite a bit of pain for the first few days. Paul came several times to check the leg, and declared himself satisfied. Thanks to the nursing from brothers and father, Adam began to recover.<\/p>\n

Through it all, the round up continued, with none of the Cartwrights sleeping much, between supervising the men and nursing Adam. Finally, they were ready to drive the herd to market, and that required all of them. Reluctantly, for Adam was still a long way from being well, they left him to Hop Sing\u2019s tender mercies, and rode away.<\/p>\n

For the three weeks they were absent, they fretted about Adam\u2019s health and safety. Ben had not had a chance to go into town and speak to Roy, and he had forbidden Joe to go, much to Joe\u2019s annoyance. Every opportunity that arose, Ben telegraphed Virginia City, and received up dates on Adam\u2019s progress. All was well, which satisfied them all for a few more days.<\/p>\n

So it was with great relief that they rode into the yard three weeks later. They were dirty and tired, but the sale had gone well, and they had made a good profit on the herd. The money was banked, and they were home.<\/p>\n

Sliding from their weary horses, they heard the front door open, and Adam crutched himself out onto the porch. \u201cAdam!\u201d Joe cried, and ran across to embrace his brother, nearly knocking the older man off his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, careful, buddy,\u201d Adam warned, but he hugged Joe back. He had been lonely while they had been away. \u201cPhew, Joe, when did you last have a bath?\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Joe untangled himself. \u201cProbably the last time you saw me,\u201d he joked. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Adam slapped Hoss on the back, and hugged his father. \u201cYou all smell alike,\u201d he joked. \u201cEau de cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought that was your favourite scent,\u201d Hoss responded. \u201cYou mean you\u2019ve changed your mind?\u201d He screwed up his face into an unconvincing frown. \u201cDadburnit, Adam, and we bought lots of it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, they made their way indoors, relieved to see Adam looking so well. Ben, Hoss and Joe all bathed and changed their clothes before joining Adam at the table for supper. For a while, all was laughter and joking as they told tales of the cattle drive. Coffee was served, and they moved to sit in front of the fire. Adam was beginning to look tired to Ben\u2019s fatherly eye, but he said nothing. \u201cSo what\u2019s been happening here?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Adam said, and the laughter drained from his face. \u201cWell, we haven\u2019t been idle, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

The seriousness of his tone came as a shock to the others. \u201cSo all those wires telling us you were okay were all lies?\u201d Joe said, concern etching itself upon his tired face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, composedly. \u201cI have been okay, thank you. But there have been several incidents. There was a fire in the haystacks. Fortunately, we hadn\u2019t begun stacking the new hay yet, so it was only the old hay which burned, and we caught it in time to stop it spreading.\u201d Adam avoided his father\u2019s eyes, so he wouldn\u2019t see the question in them. For the answer was yes \u2013 he had been out there supervising the fire fighting. The smell of the burning hay had lingered for days in his hair and clothes, no matter how he had washed. In his dreams, he still heard the ominous crackling. \u201cThen we found a pile of stuff blocking the road, and it took half a day to get it clear again. Last week, someone shot at Fred as he collected supplies. And yesterday, we found the carcass of a heifer stuffed into the South 40 waterhole. It had been shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting his head and looking round the family, Adam saw what he expected. Joe\u2019s mouth was tight, and his green eyes sparked with anger. He looked like he wanted to hit somebody. Hoss was frowning, bewildered by the nastiness of all the acts of vandalism. Ben looked tired and sad. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you\u2019ve had to deal with all this, son,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cIn the morning, I\u2019ll go into town and speak to Roy. This has gone on for far too long. I should have done something long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go with you, Pa,\u201d Joe said, a dreadful eagerness in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph, you\u2019ll stay here,\u201d Ben directed. \u201cI\u2019m not going to stir up trouble, and the mood you\u2019re in, that\u2019s what will happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe began, trying out the \u2018puppy dog eyes\u2019 that were his most effective weapon. It was a pity he was still angry, because that spoiled the effect of his look totally.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, my mind is made up. You\u2019re all staying here.\u201d Ben rose. \u201cI suggest we get an early night. Its been a long few weeks.\u201d There was no arguing with his tone, so all three sons headed up to bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morning came, and Ben had barely slept. Still, the day had to be faced, and he began by going to see if Adam needed help getting dressed. However, the oldest son was managing perfectly well, so Ben went to rouse Joe. To his surprise, Joe was already awake, and even had his legs out of bed \u2013 an almost unheard of occurrence. Unfortunately, his morning greeting was marred by the sulky set to his mouth. Ben ignored his son\u2019s signs of displeasure. Hoss, as ever, was first at the breakfast table.<\/p>\n

Over breakfast, Ben outlined his plans for the day, and pretended he didn\u2019t see his sons\u2019 concern for his safety. He was determined to keep all of them, Joe especially, away from any potential trouble. So he gave them tasks that would keep them busy all day long. Shortly after breakfast, Ben saddled Buck and rode off.<\/p>\n

Furious that he had been excluded, Joe rode off, supposedly to his appointed task, but in reality, he was determined to get to town before his father. Joe was fiercely protective of Ben, as he was of his brothers, too. It frightened him that Ben was facing potential danger alone, and he was determined to be there to protect his father, should the need arise.<\/p>\n

When he arrived in Virginia City, Joe hid Cochise at the back of the saloon. His pinto was far too distinctive to leave in the livery stable. Ben would recognise him instantly, should he decide to leave Buck there. Joe made his way cautiously into the saloon, and positioned himself so he could see out the window. There was no sign of Fleming anywhere, and that alone concerned Joe. Suppose he was watching the road from the Ponderosa? He might decide to bushwhack Ben en-route. Frowning, Joe wondered if he ought to retrace his steps. But before he could decide, Ben rode into view.<\/p>\n

Watching, Joe thought it took an age for Ben to make his way to the sheriff\u2019s office. Everyone seemed to want to talk to him, and a good half hour passed before Ben finally dismounted in front of Roy\u2019s office. Roy wasn\u2019t there. Covertly, Joe watched Ben stop a few passers-by to ask if they had seen Roy. Finally, somebody pointed down the street, Ben nodded his thanks, and set off.<\/p>\n

Looking out over the swing door of the saloon, Joe pulled his hat down a little further. Not that it would make any difference if his father happened to glance in his direction. His father would recognise him anywhere and would be angry that he had come.<\/p>\n

A furtive movement from across the street attracted Joe\u2019s attention, and he looked that way. A man, tall and thin, stepped from another saloon\u2019s doorway, and strolled into the middle of the street. His gaze was fixed on Ben Cartwright\u2019s back as he walked down the street. Fleming took up a stance, and with a gasp, Joe realised that he meant to gun Ben down in broad daylight!<\/p>\n

There was no time to shout a warning. Joe dived out of the saloon, his gun drawn and threw his body between Fleming and his father. He fired at almost the same moment as Fleming, who went down clutching his leg. Joe stood there, looking at him, amazed that Fleming had seemed to miss. He felt no pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben shouted, turning. \u201cGet down!\u201d He saw Fleming raising his gun again, and sidestepped, so he had a clearer view of the downed man. Joe still stood there.<\/p>\n

Lifting his gun, Fleming fired at Ben again, and missed. He realised that Joe was still standing there, and aimed at him. Ben fired, and hit Fleming in the arm. \u201cJoe!\u201d Ben called again, rushing to his son\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

From further down the street, Roy Coffee appeared, but Ben ignored him. Joe turned his head, and looked at Ben. \u201cPa, you\u2019re all right. Thank goodness.\u201d Joe coughed, and a streak of red appeared on his lips, and he fell silently into his father\u2019s arms. \u201cAs long as you\u2019re all right, that\u2019s all that matters,\u201d he breathed. Then his green eyes closed, and he became a dead weight in his father\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

Terrified, Ben shouted, \u201cGet a doctor!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It seemed an age before Paul appeared, but in reality it was less than a minute. Joe lay motionless in Ben\u2019s arms, and Ben could feel the blood pumping out of his son\u2019s back. \u201cJoe,\u201d he whispered, stricken. \u201cHang on, son. Please, hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut of the way!\u201d Paul shouted, as he pushed through the crowd. \u201cBen? Oh Lord, Joe!\u201d He knelt down, and gently eased Joe from Ben\u2019s arms. He made a cursory examination. \u201cHelp me get him to my office! Gently!\u201d<\/p>\n

Stumbling to his feet, Ben followed numbly as Paul supervised the men carrying his wounded son. Someone was talking to him, but the words made no sense, and Ben shook his head. After a few more steps, Ben realised that the hand under his arm hadn\u2019t gone away, and he looked round into the concerned face of Roy Coffee. \u201cEasy, Ben,\u201d Roy said. \u201cJust let me help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once into the doctor\u2019s office, Ben sat numbly in a chair, as Paul prepared Joe for immediate surgery. Roy sat with Ben, leaving him only briefly to speak to Clem, his deputy. Fleming had been locked up in the jail. He would need Paul\u2019s attention, too, but at the moment, neither lawman cared if he died. Roy asked Clem to send someone to the Ponderosa, to tell Hoss and Adam what had happened. Satisfied that everything was under control for the moment, Roy returned to Ben\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Sitting with his eyes shut, Ben had been praying. Now, he opened them, and looked at Roy. In a low voice, full of pain, Ben told Roy the whole story, from Joe\u2019s meeting with Fleming, and the injury he sustained, to Adam\u2019s brush with death in the wagon accident. Roy listened gravely, knowing that Ben had to get it off his chest, but also knowing that he had to have the facts before he could deal with Fleming. \u201cI told Joe to stay at home,\u201d Ben concluded, his anguished eyes drawn to the closed door of the surgery. \u201cI didn\u2019t know he was there. Fleming was going to kill me, and my son took the bullet for me.\u201d Tears hovered on Ben\u2019s lashes before breaking free and cascading down his face. Rough sobs shook him. \u201cWhy?\u201d Ben sobbed. \u201cWhy did he do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe loves you,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cHe loves you very much, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost an hour passed before Paul appeared. He looked drawn and tired, and he was drying his hands on a towel. Ben was on his feet without being aware of it, his eyes fixed on his friend\u2019s face. \u201cPaul?\u201d he asked, tremulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still alive,\u201d Paul said, and winced as he saw the hope rampage across Ben\u2019s face. \u201cI won\u2019t lie to you, Ben. He lost a lot of blood, and there was a lot of internal damage. I don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to pull through this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamage?\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of his lungs was nicked by the bullet. It missed his heart by some miracle, but it bounced off a rib before exiting through his back. There was air in Joe\u2019s chest, and I had to put in a chest drain, to let it out and allow his lung to re-inflate. Combine that with the blood loss, and we\u2019re looking at a very sick boy. If infection sets in, I don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll have the resources to fight it off.\u201d Paul shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be all right,\u201d Ben said, and he pushed past Paul to go to Joe\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Paul and Roy looked after him, then their gazes met. \u201cJoe took that bullet for Ben,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cIf he dies, Ben will never get over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear God,\u201d Paul whispered, and it was both a prayer and an expression of despair.<\/p>\n

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

The buckboard rattled to a stop outside Paul\u2019s office, and Hoss jumped down from the seat to help Adam slither out of the back. Clem was in the waiting room, and he greeted the brothers soberly. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam asked. He was exhausted. Riding the back of the buckboard wasn\u2019t the most comfortable mode of transportation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn there,\u201d Clem said, inclining his head in the general direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Hoss said, and opened the door for Adam, who crutched slowly through.<\/p>\n

They found Joe and Ben in the downstairs room, with Paul listening to Joe\u2019s heart. Joe was unmoving, his chest barely seeming to rise and fall with each breath. They had never seen anyone so pale. \u201cPa?\u201d Adam said, and was horrified by the face Ben turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss demanded, and Ben haltingly told them the story. \u201cHe will be all right, won\u2019t he?\u201d asked Hoss, in a small voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHis temperature is beginning to rise. I don\u2019t know if he can fight the infection. Only time will tell.\u201d His voice told its own story though. Defeat was clear in his voice.<\/p>\n

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

Morning dragged into afternoon, and afternoon gave way to evening, and still Joe\u2019s temperature rose. Ben refused to move from Joe\u2019s side, and bathed his son\u2019s head with cool water constantly. Hoss did everything he could to help, and Adam suffered agonies of frustration that he couldn\u2019t get near enough to do anything. Paul came and went regularly, and dosed Joe with every concoction he could think of.<\/p>\n

As dusk fell, Joe\u2019s temperature spiked alarmingly, and Paul instructed them to place wet cloths on all Joe\u2019s pulse points. It concerned him greatly that the injured youth didn\u2019t once groan or cry out when he was moved. However, the wet cloths did their job, and his temperature came down a little. Hoss was sent to get some ice, so they would be prepared for the next battle. Paul listened to Joe\u2019s heart again, and was relieved that it sounded no worse than before. He was relieved to hear that Joe\u2019s damaged lung had fully re-inflated itself.<\/p>\n

So the pattern was set for the night. Paul went to get some sleep. Adam dozed in his chair. Hoss fetched and carried for Ben, who spoke to Joe almost non stop, telling him stories of his mother, or of when he was a child, reminding him of the daft and dangerous escapades he had got up to.<\/p>\n

The darkest hour is always before dawn. Hoss was asleep, worn out by the constant battle to keep Joe\u2019s temperature down. Ben, grainy eyed from lack of sleep, and hoarse from all the talking, was feeling more and more exhausted. \u201cJoe, why did you step in front of that bullet?\u201d he whispered. \u201cI wish you hadn\u2019t done it. It should be me lying there, not you. My life is coming to an end. Yours is just beginning. Please, Joe, don\u2019t die. I couldn\u2019t bear it if you died!\u201d Overcome, Ben dropped his head onto the bed, and wept.<\/p>\n

In his chair, Adam blinked back tears, and swallowed against the tightness in his throat. He wished there was something he could do, but all that was left was prayer, and Adam knew that sometimes the answer to a prayer is \u2018no\u2019. Easing round to try and comfort his father, Adam looked at Joe. He saw the tiniest twitch on the youth\u2019s face. Frozen in place, hoping against hope that he hadn\u2019t imagined it, Adam stared at Joe. He was rewarded with a sigh \u2013 the first deep breath Joe had taken since he was shot. \u201cPa,\u201d Adam said, softly. \u201cPa, I think he might be wakening up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifting his head, Ben wiped away the tears, and peered fiercely at Joe. \u201cJoe? Son? Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another sigh, and this time it had a petulant edge to it. Exchanging glances, Ben and Adam tried desperately to contain their hope. Adam lifted his crutch and poked Hoss, who woke instantly. \u201cGet Paul,\u201d Adam instructed. \u201cQuickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben persisted, gently. \u201cJoe? Can you open your eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n

It seemed to Joe that he was at the bottom of a warm, dark tunnel. Somebody was pushing him to leave, but he was comfortable, and didn\u2019t want to go. Far away, he could hear voices, and he tried to listen more carefully, to see if he could hear what they were saying. Straining, he caught his name. It sounded like Pa, and he sounded tired. It was so hard to listen, and he was so tired.<\/p>\n

For a while, he drifted again, but the voices wouldn\u2019t leave him alone, and he sighed, petulantly. It couldn\u2019t be time to get up already, surely? Go away, he thought. Leave me alone. But then he became frightened. Suppose they did leave him alone, and never came back? Suddenly terrified that they were going away without him, Joe fought his way to the surface. \u201cPa!\u201d he cried, but it came out as only a breathy whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe,\u201d Ben said, clutching Joe\u2019s hand and squeezing. \u201cCan you open your eyes for me, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Its so hard, Joe thought wearily. So hard. He took a deep breath and pain stabbed along his chest and back. Why do I hurt? he wondered, and as he took another breath, he remembered, and for a horrible moment, he thought both he and Ben must be dead. The panic this thought engendered spurred Joe to open his eyes.<\/p>\n

Faces swam into focus before his tired eyes. Ben, Adam, Hoss and Paul. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe breathed, single-mindedly intent on making sure his father wasn\u2019t dead. \u201cPa. All\u2026. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Ben soothed, tears standing in his eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be all right, son. Paul will take care of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHurt\u2026.bad?\u201d Joe asked. Pain was walloping him from all over. The effort of keeping his eyes open was too much, and he let them close again. Ben\u2019s hand tightened on his, and he returned the pressure as best he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe, you were hurt badly,\u201d Paul said. \u201cBut I think, given time, you will recover. I\u2019ll give you something for the pain, and you go back to sleep. There\u2019ll be someone with you all the time. All right?\u201d He gave Joe an injection of morphine.<\/p>\n

\u201cMm,\u201d Joe agreed, and licked his lips. Ben quickly soaked a cloth in cool water and wiped it over Joe\u2019s mouth a few times. Joe licked his lips again, and smiled slightly. His eyes stayed closed, and he fell asleep almost at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul?\u201d Ben said, and Paul looked at the three faces in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d he said. \u201cThis has to be the closest one yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The major battle might have been won, but the war was not quite over for Joe. For several days, he hovered in the black tunnel, resenting the times when he was wakened. He was in a great deal of pain, and Paul soon began to worry about the amount of morphine he needed every day. Gradually, he began to give less, and Joe began to stay awake longer. The black tunnel disappeared. Nearly a week after his brush with death, Joe managed his first mouthful of broth. His injured lung had caused fewer problems than Paul had expected, and after a few days, he carefully removed the chest drain. When the lung stayed inflated, Paul stitched up Joe\u2019s side, where the drain had been.<\/p>\n

It was a further week after that before the complaints began. By then, Joe was sitting up and eating more solid food, and he wanted to be at home, not stuck in Paul\u2019s office. Paul had finally taken the stitches out of his chest and back a few days before. Joe was still in pain, and Paul warned that it might be quite a while before it settled completely. However, he gave in to Joe\u2019s pleading and Ben was allowed to take him home.<\/p>\n

The buckboard was padded with every mattress and pillow Ben could find, and they drove very slowly home, avoiding the ruts wherever possible. Still, by the time they got there, Joe was worn out. Hoss carefully carried him up to his bed, and Joe feel into a deep sleep immediately.<\/p>\n

Later, after he woke, Ben went to sit with him. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, after a while. \u201cWhat happened to Fleming?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in jail, waiting for the circuit judge to come. I believe it\u2019ll be next month some time before the trial is. Roy found out that Fleming had had a break down after his family died. It was then that he began to go on about the money he thought I owed him.\u201d After a pause, Ben smiled at Joe. \u201cJoe, I never got the chance to thank you for what you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t let him shoot you, Pa,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI had to save you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you nearly sacrificed your life for mine,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJoe, I\u2026 I don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I couldn\u2019t let him hurt you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a sacrifice at all. I didn\u2019t know I\u2019d been hit until you appeared. I thought he\u2019d missed me. But it wouldn\u2019t have mattered if I\u2019d died, as long as you were safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blinking back tears, Ben stroked the chestnut curls. \u201cYour life is more important to me than mine,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat you did was – magnificent. A gift of the highest calibre. I don\u2019t know if I deserve such a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those green eyes were also drowning in tears. \u201cI love you, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI\u2019d do anything to keep you safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence fell, as both men had a lot to think about. Joe knew he would willingly sacrifice his life for Ben, as he knew Ben would give up his life for any one of his sons. Ben was shaken anew by the knowledge that his sons loved him immensely \u2013 enough to make a sacrifice of love. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken emotion.<\/p>\n

It was Joe who moved to dispel the tension. \u201cDoes this mean you forgive me for disobeying you?\u201d he asked, impishly, and Ben couldn\u2019t hide his smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it does not!\u201d he insisted, but there was laughter in his voice, not anger. \u201cI ought to tan your hide, young man!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, too, Joe said, \u201cI think you might have to wait a week or two, Pa.\u201d His meek tone set them both off again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this a private party or can anyone join in?\u201d asked Adam\u2019s cool tones from the doorway, and Ben and Joe looked over to see Adam and Hoss standing just into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better bring the food then,\u201d Joe said, and smiled at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cFood?\u201d Hoss said, brightening. He stuck his head out of the door. \u201cHop Sing!\u201d he bellowed, and the others laughed.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0When a man from Ben’s past returns, the Cartwrights are plagued by accidents. After Adam is badly injured, Ben decides to do something about it. But the worst is yet to come.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (9,840 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4707,"today_views":5},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-and-Adam-1.png?fit=629%2C435&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":39448,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=39448","url_meta":{"origin":7118,"position":0},"title":"Walls (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"August 17, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Clearing out a neglected corner of the barn leads to unexpected development for Adam and his family. 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Rating: G Words 1415 Written for the 2022 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/30wreath.jpg?fit=450%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4481,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4481","url_meta":{"origin":7118,"position":5},"title":"Legacy of Honor (by Wrangler)","author":"Wrangler","date":"April 28, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A frightened young woman's lie has devastating consequences for Joe when her father refuses to believe his legacy of honor.\u00a0 \u00a0Rating T, WC 35,000","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"Joe Pa","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/04\/Screenshot_20250528_230728_YouTube.jpg?fit=823%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/04\/Screenshot_20250528_230728_YouTube.jpg?fit=823%2C588&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/04\/Screenshot_20250528_230728_YouTube.jpg?fit=823%2C588&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2001\/04\/Screenshot_20250528_230728_YouTube.jpg?fit=823%2C588&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7118"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7118\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13015"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}