{"id":7137,"date":"2004-12-22T15:29:20","date_gmt":"2004-12-22T20:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7137"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:13","slug":"another-mountain-to-climb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7137","title":{"rendered":"Another Mountain To Climb (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:<\/span>\u00a0 A WHN To Between Heaven And Earth.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (9,590 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another Mountain To Climb<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mitch?\u201d Joe Cartwright started to smile as he left the saloon and saw his friend coming towards him. But the smile died on his face as Mitch gave him a cold look and brushed through the other half of the saloon doors. Seconds later, the door swung back and hit Joe on the shoulder. The blow wasn\u2019t sore, but it signified what Mitch would like to do to him. Sadly, Joe glanced back over his shoulder and saw Mitch joining the group of young men that they had both previously hung out with.<\/p>\n

Feeling excluded, Joe took a few steps towards his horse and slowly mounted before riding off towards home.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you, Joe?\u201d Ben called as he heard the front door open and then close again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, but his tone was listless and Ben frowned. Putting down his pen, Ben abandoned the letter he had been writing and got to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked Joe, as the younger man headed wearily towards the stairs. \u201cAre you sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine, thank you, sir,\u201d Joe answered. He tried a smile, but it was far from convincing. \u201cI guess I\u2019m just tired. It\u2019s pretty hot out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was perfectly true, it was hot outside, but Joe looked as cool as a cucumber. For a moment, Ben pondered if he should probe further or wait and let the situation play out. Joe had had a hard couple of weeks, with the sudden nightmares and then confronting his fear of heights in a way that only Joe would. The falling out with his long-time friend, Mitch Devlin, hadn\u2019t helped either. Then Ben remembered that Joe had been in town that afternoon and he was suddenly sure that he knew what was wrong with Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see Mitch?\u201d he asked, his tone sympathetic. He rubbed a hand over Joe\u2019s forearm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied, stonily. He kept his gaze averted. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say anything and neither did I. I\u2019m going to my room now, Pa.\u201d He walked on without a backward glance and Ben allowed him to go. He knew what was wrong with Joe now.<\/p>\n

Up in his room, Joe looked around blankly before going over to fall on the bed. He wasn\u2019t sleepy but he was so tired. He had known how badly he had hurt Mitch that afternoon when he took him on at arm wrestling and beat him. He had tried to apologise, but Mitch hadn\u2019t wanted to know. Joe couldn\u2019t blame him. Mitch didn\u2019t have the advantages that Joe had. His parents scrubbed out a meagre living growing oats, barley and wheat. The only thing that Mitch had that was different was a lot of strength in his upper arms. He had been undisputed arm wrestling champ among the younger cowboys for quite some time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I spoiled it,\u201d Joe whispered, his hands clenched into fists. He glanced down, seeing his knuckles white and the cords and sinews standing out in proud relief. Joe was physically strong. It came from working each day with horses and cattle, from repairing fences and moving bales of hay. Joe had always suspected that he was stronger than Mitch, which was one of the reasons why he had never challenged his friend before. How he wished he could turn the clock back.<\/p>\n

The need to hit something was almost overwhelming. Joe rolled onto his side, eyes closed as he pictured once again Mitch\u2019s face as Joe forced his arm down onto the table. Groaning in despair and frustration, Joe swung blindly and caught his punch on the wall. Pain rocketed up through his hand and arm and he groaned again.<\/p>\n

But the physical pain didn\u2019t help his emotional pain. Joe sat up, cradling his injured hand, rocking back and forth. Joe held his breath for a long time, finally expelling it in a rush of air. He felt slightly better \u2013 less tense, but no less miserable. This was not the first storm Joe had weathered since he had fallen out with Mitch and he didn\u2019t suppose it would be the last.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Supper!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, Joe looked down at his hand in disgust. There was no way he could hide the split knuckles from his family. \u201cComing!\u201d Joe quickly swilled his hand under the water from his ewer and washed the worst of the blood away, but his knuckles were still oozing slightly and Joe knew he was in for some hard questions. \u201cIt\u2019s your own fault!\u201d he chided himself as he left his room.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Seeing the damage to Joe\u2019s hand, Ben knew that his son was still feeling down. Actually, Ben mused to himself, down was something of an understatement. However, he offered no comment and silenced any smart remarks that his other sons might make with a single glance. Joe was grateful that nobody spoke directly to him through the meal and in consequence, he managed to eat slightly more than the few bites that had been his lot since the argument.<\/p>\n

It was amazing how quickly Adam and Hoss made themselves scarce after supper, and all without Ben having to say a single word. Joe slumped dejectedly on the sofa and waited for the lecture. However, there was no lecture forthcoming. Ben simply brought warm water from the kitchen and proceeded to bathe Joe\u2019s bruised hand gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat am I going to do, Pa?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI hurt Mitch so badly. I can\u2019t blame him if he never wants to speak to me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you really need me to tell you what you should do, Joe,\u201d Ben chided him gently. \u201cBut only you can decide what you\u2019re going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking up into Ben\u2019s face, Joe blinked back tears when he saw the love and understanding there. \u201cI was so busy trying to prove I was a man,\u201d he murmured. \u201cAnd all the time I was proving the exact opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are a man, Joe,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cA very fine man. And like all men, you are flawed and human. You made a mistake. Yes, it was a big mistake and one that perhaps Mitch won\u2019t be able to forgive you for. I\u2019m afraid that can happen, for Mitch is a flawed human being like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe whispered. He winced as the warm cloth wiped across his knuckles once more. \u201cI\u2019m going to apologise to him, Pa. I\u2019ll go out to their place. That\u2019ll be easier than trying to talk to him in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Putting aside the cloth, Ben started to dry Joe\u2019s hand with a towel, wincing at the rawness of the knuckles. \u201cIs tomorrow soon enough?\u201d he asked and Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, yes it is,\u201d he replied. \u201cThank you for understanding, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, son,\u201d he answered gravely.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

That night, Joe slept better than he had done for weeks, his dreams untroubled. When he woke in the morning, he felt rested for the first time in ages and noticed as he rose that he had been allowed to sleep in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for letting me sleep late, Pa,\u201d Joe muttered around a mouthful of food. \u201cI appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know that you\u2019re going over to see Mitch today, and I decided, since you were sleeping so soundly, to leave you for a while.\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cHow are you feeling about going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m kind of dreading it,\u201d Joe replied, honestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt probably won\u2019t be as bad as you think its going to be,\u201d Ben consoled his son. \u201cBut I do understand how you feel. When do you think you\u2019ll be back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cProbably by supper, I would think.\u201d He shrugged, looking vaguely dissatisfied. \u201cIt depends on how things go, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, we\u2019ll see you at supper,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/p>\n

He was still smiling as Joe rode away, projecting an aura of unconcern and confidence. But once Joe was out of sight, the smile faded and Ben\u2019s shoulders slumped. He hoped Joe and Mitch would be able to patch up their friendship, but Ben wasn\u2019t at all sure that it would happen. And if the worst did come to the worst, how would Joe feel then?<\/p>\n

Turning away, Ben knew the answer; Joe would be devastated.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Several times on the ride over to Mitch\u2019s place, Joe felt the urge to turn back. Each time, he stopped for a moment, pulling in deep draughts of air, calming himself down. Cochise fidgeted uneasily; Joe was tense and the sensitive horse had picked up on that. Joe patted the silky neck soothingly and pulled an ear and rubbed between Cochise\u2019s eyes when the horse turned his head to nuzzle Joe\u2019s boot.<\/p>\n

Time seemed to have become elastic, for when Joe saw Mitch\u2019s home hove into view he felt as though he had just left home, yet in another way, that the ride had taken far too long. Shaking those confused thoughts out of his head, Joe rode up to the house and dismounted, hitching Cochise to the porch rail.<\/p>\n

The welcoming smile that sprang to Mrs Devlin\u2019s face was the best thing Joe thought he had ever seen. But the speed at which it faded told Joe much about Mitch\u2019s feelings towards him. It was an extremely awkward moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mrs Devlin,\u201d Joe offered quietly. \u201cIs Mitch here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s out,\u201d Mrs Devlin replied. She was a small faded woman, with the same fair colouring as her son. Life had not been kind to the Devlins and they struggled to make ends meet all the time. The hardness of the life out west showed in Mrs Devlin\u2019s face \u2013 she looked about 70, yet Joe knew she was barely in her mid-forties.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he is?\u201d Joe asked. He put out a pleading hand before she could shake her head and shut the door on the unwanted visitor. \u201cPlease, Mrs Devlin. I want to apologise to Mitch.\u201d He tried to smile, but it didn\u2019t come off. \u201cI promise I won\u2019t make trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Mrs Devlin sighed. \u201cHe\u2019s gone up Rim Rock Canyon to hunt down some strays belonging to old Mr Potter next door.\u201d Next door was a euphemism for the neighbouring ranch about 10 or 12 miles along the road. \u201cHe said he\u2019d be gone for a couple of nights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Joe replied. He didn\u2019t linger, instead turning at once and vaulting onto his horse. Joe set out for home at the gallop. He now knew exactly what he was going to do.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful!\u201d Ben admonished Joe as he swung the saddlebags onto Cochise\u2019s back and started to tie them on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Pa, I promise,\u201d Joe replied. He mentally ran through the list of things he was taking with him. Food, his rifle, a slicker, water and some basic first aid supplies that Hop Sing insisted that he couldn\u2019t leave behind. \u201cI should be back in a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Briefly drawing Joe into an embrace, Ben stepped back to watch his son mount and leave the yard for the second time that day. He was less downhearted about Joe\u2019s errand now. Whether it was the confidence that Joe was displaying, or whether it was the idea that this confrontation should take place on neutral ground, Ben didn\u2019t know. He was just glad to be feeling more optimistic.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

It was afternoon before Joe came within sight of Rim Rock Canyon. Pausing on the trail that led from the top of the canyon into the bottom, Joe looked around to see if he could see any sign of Mitch. The canyon was an excellent spot to graze cattle, for the grass and undergrowth was still quite lush and green, compared to the dried up grass around about. It had been a long, hot summer. Joe wasn\u2019t surprised that cattle had strayed from Potter\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n

To begin with, Joe saw nothing, then there was movement from further up the canyon and Joe smiled. That was surely Mitch. He urged Cochise down the trail, allowing the pinto to pick his own way down the stony path. As soon as they reached the bottom, Joe picked up the pace and headed for where he had seen the movement.<\/p>\n

There were advantages to knowing well the person you were looking for. Joe smiled as he saw Mitch come into view. Sadly, the other young man didn\u2019t share the same expression. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d he demanded rudely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to talk to you,\u201d Joe replied, his smile faltering and sliding off his face. He didn\u2019t know why he was so surprised by Mitch\u2019s reaction; he hadn\u2019t really expected to be welcomed with open arms. A pang of disappointment shot through Joe as he saw Mitch gather up his reins in preparation to move. \u201cMitch, please,\u201d he begged.<\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s head came up and he gave Joe a searing glance. \u201cYou humiliated me!\u201d he snarled. \u201cDo you really think I\u2019m going to forgive you just like that?\u201d He snorted. \u201cAnd you needn\u2019t flash those puppy dog eyes at me, Joe! I\u2019m immune!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t expect you just to forgive me,\u201d Joe objected. He flushed. \u201cI know I hurt you and all I can say is sorry and I know that sorry isn\u2019t nearly enough. But, Mitch, I don\u2019t know what else to say! Please, will you let me explain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain,\u201d Mitch scoffed, and without saying anything else, he turned his horse and rode away.<\/p>\n

This was the most important moment, Joe knew. He steeled himself and followed his friend. Mitch hadn\u2019t told him to go away. Joe clung to that slender hope and followed, ignoring the dark looks thrown in his direction. And still Mitch didn\u2019t tell him to leave. As the afternoon wore on, they fell into old, familiar habits, rounding up the strays they found, neither speaking to the other, but encouraging the cattle with whistles and calls. By dark, there was a strange feeling of camaraderie.<\/p>\n

It was as they set up camp that the hostile atmosphere reasserted itself. From long years of habit, they both divided up the chores without thinking. Joe took care of the horses, while Mitch got some firewood. Then, Joe started the fire while Mitch spread out the bedrolls and they shared the cooking. As they worked in silence, Joe wondered if Mitch found this whole scenario as surreal as he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you wanted to explain,\u201d Mitch commented as he set the frying pan on the fire. \u201cSo explain.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was hard to know where to start and yet imperative that he didn\u2019t hesitate. All the speeches that Joe had made up in his head vanished immediately. \u201cThat day we saw the big cat,\u201d Joe began, awkwardly. \u201cI climbed so far up Eagles Nest and threw my rifle up. And then I couldn\u2019t climb up to get it and I couldn\u2019t climb down and I just couldn\u2019t do hardly anything at all.\u201d He swallowed, the remembered fear and panic crowding into his mind once more. \u201cI was too ashamed to admit to you what was wrong,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThat was why I snapped at you once I was down again.\u201d The hardest admission was still to come. \u201cI was too ashamed to admit to myself that I was afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfraid of what?\u201d Mitch asked, his voice harsh. Old habits died hard and he was having to fight his instinctive sympathy for his old friend. It was also rather startling to hear the bold, brave Joe Cartwright admit to being afraid of anything, especially when there didn\u2019t seem to be anything around to be afraid of.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid of heights,\u201d Joe declared. He raised his eyes to meet Mitch\u2019s, expecting what the result might be.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?\u201d Mitch scoffed. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve seen you climb up huge trees. What are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did we ever go climbing up to the top of a mountain like that?\u201d Joe replied. \u201cWe never did.\u201d He drew in a deep breath. \u201cI can\u2019t help it, Mitch; I can\u2019t stop being afraid, although I know now why I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Mitch challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa says after Mama died, I disappeared. I\u2019d been told Mama was in heaven and that heaven was up in the sky and Pa thinks I must have decided to climb the tallest thing around to be nearer to Mama. I was missing for hours, but Pa found me at the top of Eagle\u2019s Nest.\u201d Joe hung his head. \u201cI behaved so badly, Mitch. I behaved like a child. I\u2019m so sorry. But I was feeling so ashamed of myself that I felt I had to do something to prove that I was a man. And all I managed to prove was that I was a child. I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thoughtfully, Mitch regarded Joe for a moment before dropping a couple of pieces of bacon onto the pan. Joe put the beans into a pot and edged it onto the flames as well. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you just tell me, Joe?\u201d Mitch asked, the hurt clear in his voice. \u201cDidn\u2019t you trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I did!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cBut I couldn\u2019t admit it. I thought I was less of a man because I was afraid. I was horrible to everyone. I accused Hoss of calling me a coward and I nearly hurt a horse Pa had bought for me because I was taking my anger out on it.\u201d Joe shuddered as he remembered the horse crashing to the ground with himself still in the saddle. For one long, long, moment, Joe had been trapped beneath it, and then the horse had regained his feet. Miraculously, both horse and rider were uninjured and Ben had forbidden Joe to do any more breaking that day. He had broken the horse successfully the previous week.<\/p>\n

\u201cI nearly caused an accident with the buckboard, galloping the horses around that big rock in the road out there at Eagle\u2019s Nest. Hoss wasn\u2019t too impressed and I don\u2019t blame him.\u201d Sighing, Joe closed his eyes for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy behaviour was inexcusable,\u201d Joe admitted, quietly. He poked aimlessly at the beans, oblivious to the fact they were starting to burn on the bottom. \u201cAnd finally I decided that the only thing to do was to leave the ranch until I had found my courage and manhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Mitch asked, sensing that this was the crux of the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa came after me. I don\u2019t know yet how he knew where to look. But I had got so far up the rock and I couldn\u2019t move. I was completely stuck.\u201d This was hard for Joe to admit. \u201cPa tried to talk me down, but it didn\u2019t work. I still couldn\u2019t move. And then Pa slipped. He was hanging over the edge.\u201d The remembered tension and terror was in Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cHe called to me. I wouldn\u2019t be able to reach him, he said. I would need a long stick. The rifle would do. And before I knew it, I had climbed up, got the rifle and was on my way down to rescue Pa. It was only once I was sitting there with him safely beside me on the ledge that I truly realised what I had done.\u201d Now wonder coloured Joe\u2019s voice. \u201cPa had tricked me into facing my fear.\u201d Joe\u2019s voice turned wry. \u201cThen we went home, where I started to eat an awful lot of humble pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now?\u201d Mitch asked. \u201cHow do you feel about heights?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still afraid,\u201d Joe admitted. He knew he had to be brutally honest with himself and Mitch to stand any chance of repairing their friendship. \u201cI think I always will be and that\u2019s something I\u2019ve got to face.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long silence as Mitch digested Joe\u2019s words. They both suddenly realised that the food was burning and for a few more minutes, they concentrated on saving the meal as best they could. They ate in silence and it was only when the camp chores were done \u2013 the strange, uneasy camaraderie back in force for a time \u2013 that they looked at one another again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I understand about you being afraid of heights,\u201d Mitch offered at last. \u201cBut what I don\u2019t understand is what that has to do with you taking me on at arm wrestling. Why did you do it, Joe?\u201d The remembered hurt was still in Mitch\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

This was the most difficult question of all for Joe and he still didn\u2019t have a satisfactory answer. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted at last. \u201cI \u2013 needed \u2013 something,\u201d he went on, unconsciously using the very words he had said to Mitch that fateful afternoon. \u201cSomething to prove to me that I wasn\u2019t weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why me, Joe?\u201d Mitch demanded. \u201cWhy did you pick me? I was supposed to be your friend!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d The words were torn from Joe in a plaintive cry. \u201cMitch, I just don\u2019t know and what\u2019s more, I know that isn\u2019t an answer, let alone a good enough answer. I\u2019m sorry, though, more sorry than I can say.\u201d Joe turned to face his friend. His contrition was plain to see, yet Mitch was unmoved.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hurt me!\u201d he accused. \u201cYou stole from me the one thing I was good at, Joe. You did it deliberately, not caring about how I was going to feel! You knew just how to hurt me, Joe and the worst thing is you didn\u2019t hesitate! And now you want me to forgive you?\u201d Mitch shook his head, over and over. \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch\u2026\u201d Joe didn\u2019t know what to say. He looked around, as though hoping inspiration would strike out of the darkness, but it didn\u2019t. He had no idea what to say and he really didn\u2019t blame Mitch for not wanting anything to do with him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he finally concluded, knowing the words were useless.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I, Joe,\u201d Mitch replied. He rolled himself into his bedroll and lay rigid, his back to Joe.<\/p>\n

After a time, Joe lay down on his bedroll, too, but it was a long time before either of them slept, both reflecting on the years of friendship that were now a part of the past. Life was never stagnant, it always moved on and sometimes the moving hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Morning found both young men tired and yawning. Joe stirred up the fire and put the coffee on. The smell of the pungent brew roused Mitch and they had breakfast in silence. The old habits had once more reasserted themselves and Joe went to saddle the horses after he had rolled up his bedroll. Mitch usually put out the fire and Joe, his heart lying like a stone in his chest, left him to it. He no longer knew what to say to the man who had been his friend from childhood.<\/p>\n

Mitch was rather surprised that his horse was saddled and he grunted his thanks. He mounted and glanced back at his former friend, who was standing motionless beside Cochise. \u201cGoodbye, Joe,\u201d he said. He regretted that it had come to this, but he could no longer trust Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye,\u201d Joe muttered. He continued to stand there until Mitch was out of sight and then he slowly dropped his head until it was resting against the pinto\u2019s neck. The horse was alive, warm, familiar and comforting. Joe knew that this break up with Mitch was his own fault, but that didn\u2019t make it any easier to bear.<\/p>\n

At length, Joe mounted Cochise and absently headed in the direction Mitch had taken. It wasn\u2019t a conscious decision. Joe wasn\u2019t really thinking about where he was going. He just felt the need to move, as he had felt the need to simply stand a short time before.<\/p>\n

The sudden scent of something unexpected on the hot, dry wind woke Joe from his reverie. He pulled on the reins and Cochise obediently stopped, although he moved uneasily. Joe patted his neck and sniffed the air. No, please say that wasn\u2019t what he smelt\u2026 Please.<\/p>\n

But the next gust of wind bore the unmistakable scent of smoke with it. Joe didn\u2019t know what had happened, or how the fire had got started, but he knew that he and Mitch both had to get out of the canyon \u2013 fast! The wind was blowing into the closed end of the canyon where Joe was and he knew the fire would be right at its back. He didn\u2019t know how long he had, but he knew his priority was to make sure \u2013 if he could \u2013 that Mitch was safe.<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch!\u201d he bellowed, and touched Cochise with his heel. \u201cMitch!\u201d<\/p>\n

The sun was suddenly shrouded by a huge plume of smoke and Joe coughed as he breathed it in. Time was suddenly his enemy, but he couldn\u2019t leave until he had looked for Mitch. \u201cMitch!\u201d he called again and coughed.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Adam stood in his stirrups and cupped his hands around his mouth. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Further down the field, Ben heard and turned. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFire!\u201d Adam pointed to the plume of smoke that was rising into the cloudless blue sky.<\/p>\n

Immediately, Ben turned and urged his horse back towards Adam and Hoss. Together, the three of them headed off to see if they could figure out where the smoke was coming from. A fire in such dry country could be utterly devastating.<\/p>\n

Topping the next big rise, they could see that the fire was further away than they first thought. As the horses stamped impatiently, Adam wiped the sweat from his brow. \u201cIt\u2019s not our land,\u201d he reported, relief in his voice. \u201cIt looks like\u2026\u201d He paused and glanced around, making sure of his location.<\/p>\n

\u201cRim Rock Canyon,\u201d Ben concluded tonelessly. His eyes were glued on the smoke, his face pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cRim Rock Canyon?\u201d Hoss echoed. \u201cAin\u2019t that where\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe is?\u201d Adam finished. He glanced at Ben again and saw that they were right. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Ben commanded, putting his hand out and catching Adam\u2019s rein. Sport whinnied indignantly and threw his head in the air, almost hitting Adam on the nose. None of them noticed. \u201cHoss, you go back towards home and send the first hand you see for a buckboard. Tell him to send for the doctor and get him to go to the Devlin\u2019s place. It\u2019s closer than our house. Tell him to bring the buckboard to Rim Rock Canyon. We might need it. Hurry, son. Then come on back and join us there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d Hoss replied, and turned Chubb in a twinkling.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe will be fine, Pa,\u201d Adam assured his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know he will,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

Neither of them sounded as though he believed what he said.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

Cochise pranced uneasily as the smoke billowed around them. Joe was finding it harder and harder to keep control of his horse. He knew that before long, Cochise\u2019s discipline would break and the horse would obey his instincts and take to his heels. \u201cMitch!\u201d he called again, but his voice was hoarse from the smoke and the amount of coughing he was doing.<\/p>\n

Looking back, Joe could actually see the fire now. His time had run out. He had to get out of there while he still could. Turning Cochise, he reluctantly abandoned his search, feeling as though he was letting Mitch down all over again.<\/p>\n

And suddenly, through the smoke, Joe saw him! Mitch\u2019s temperamental brown gelding was rearing, pawing the air as it resisted its master\u2019s commands. Joe instantly put his heel to his horse and it was a testament to the trust that Cochise had in Joe that he obeyed without a moment\u2019s hesitation.<\/p>\n

As Joe hurried towards Mitch, he saw his friend lose his seat and crash heavily to the ground. The gelding regained all four feet and galloped off, reins flapping. Joe ignored the horse. His priority was Mitch, who was lying ominously still on the ground. Hauling Cochise to a halt, Joe slid down from the horse and, keeping the rein tight in his hand, knelt by Mitch.<\/p>\n

The other man was pale and still and as Joe groped for a pulse, he feared that Mitch had died. But the heartbeat was there and Joe breathed a sigh of relief. However, they weren\u2019t safe yet. Mitch was unconscious and Joe had to get him out of there. The fire was drawing closer and Cochise sidled about at the end of the rein, snorting.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, fella,\u201d Joe soothed. \u201cEasy there.\u201d He knew they would be in big trouble if he lost Cochise now.<\/p>\n

Turning to Mitch, Joe shook his shoulder, but although Mitch groaned, his eyes stayed shut. Joe knew he had no more time; he had to get Mitch out of there and hope that he wasn\u2019t badly hurt from the fall. Bracing himself, Joe hauled Mitch over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

It was awkward to get the unconscious man onto the horse, especially as the nearness of the fire was seriously spooking Cochise. Joe didn\u2019t like to admit, even to himself, how much the fire was spooking him, too. The air was full of tiny sparks that stung when they hit Joe\u2019s exposed face and hands. Joe was coughing steadily from the smoke and he had been unable to find a bandanna to cover his nose and mouth. As he mounted behind Mitch, Joe felt a bit light-headed.<\/p>\n

There was no way that Joe was going to be able to hold Cochise now. The gelding took off, racing the fire, despite the double burden on his back. Joe, perched behind the saddle, had to rely solely on his balance to stay mounted, for he couldn\u2019t reach either the stirrups or the saddle horn and his hands were full of Mitch.<\/p>\n

With a groan, Mitch suddenly roused, pushing at the hands that were holding him so tightly. \u201cIt\u2019s just me!\u201d Joe bellowed over the roar of the flames. \u201cStay still!\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning his head to squint behind him, Mitch saw above them a flaming branch. With a startled cry, he broke free of Joe\u2019s protective grasp and dived for the ground. Joe, caught by surprise, had no way to stay mounted and slid abruptly over Cochise\u2019s rump, landing painfully on one hip. Cochise raced out of sight. The branch crashed down between them, showering both young men with flames. Joe beat frantically at the flames on his pants legs, scrabbling backwards out of harm\u2019s way until he saw that Mitch, stunned by the second fall, was in a dire situation.<\/p>\n

Without hesitation, Joe scrambled to his feet and ran towards Mitch, grabbing his friend by the jacket and hauling him forcibly backwards away from the branch. Mitch\u2019s pants were alight, too, and Joe beat at them, rolling Mitch over and over on the ground, stripping off his own green jacket to help douse the flames.<\/p>\n

At length, the flames were out, but they were by no means safe. Their only horse had gone, Mitch was quite badly injured and Joe knew that it was down to him to get them both out of there \u2013 if he could.<\/p>\n

Gathering his courage, Joe glanced at Mitch\u2019s legs and knew the other man wouldn\u2019t be walking. Joe\u2019s own legs and hip ached and he was as yet unaware of his burnt hands, but he was mobile and Mitch was not and it didn\u2019t even occur to Joe to simply give up. With familiar determination on his face, he once more hauled Mitch onto his shoulder.<\/p>\n

It was not the most comfortable position, but Mitch was in shock and really didn\u2019t care. Joe stumbled through the smoke, knowing that he didn\u2019t dare stop moving, even though he was coughing so hard that it seemed to him that he was trying to rid himself of his lungs. Joe was limping, stumbling, but putting one foot in front of the other; his sole mission in life at that moment was to somehow get to safety.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d The fire had built up quickly, fanned by the strong winds. Ben dragged his mesmerised gaze from the dancing flames to peer at where Adam was pointing. There, clear of the fire, stood two exhausted, lathered horses. One was an<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on!\u201d Ben urged, although Adam didn\u2019t need the verbal encouragement. They rode down to where the horses were, but there was no sign of the riders.<\/p>\n

Leaving their own horses there, Adam and Ben ventured closer to the fire on foot. The area in front of them was pretty much burnt out, black and smoking, the ruined vegetation cracking beneath their feet. It didn\u2019t look good and they exchanged a glance in which their bleak thoughts were easily read.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, from out of the smoke, there emerged a limping figure. Over its shoulder was slung another figure and as Adam and Ben gaped in astonishment, Joe stumbled, fell to his knees and then keeled right over onto his face.<\/p>\n

The fall woke the two older men from their trance and they ran towards the fallen figures, fear and hope warring within them.<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch is alive,\u201d Adam reported, rolling Mitch onto his back. \u201cBut he\u2019s hurt bad, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo is Joe,\u201d Ben replied grimly. He slid his hands under his son and picked him up, while Adam lifted Mitch. They were all covered in soot at this point, but none of them really noticed. Turning, they retraced their steps out into clearer air, away from the burnt landscape and the smoky air.<\/p>\n

There was a river no more than fifty feet away and Ben instinctively headed there. He laid Joe down on the bank where the air was much clearer and stripped off the bandanna at his throat. Soaking it, he wiped the soot from Joe\u2019s face, wincing as he saw the tiny pin-prick burn spots. He was thankful, though, that Joe\u2019s face had escaped worse injury.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s shirt was ripped and torn, covered in soot and fit only for the garbage. Ben pulled the buttons open and dragged the shirt off, relieved to see that there were no serious burns on Joe\u2019s arms or torso. His hands, however, were another matter. Ben quickly soaked the remnants of Joe\u2019s shirt and wrapped them around his son\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

The burns on Joe\u2019s legs were not as bad, but Ben ripped the sleeves out of his own shirt to create makeshift bandages. The soles of Joe\u2019s boots were charred, but his feet appeared to have escaped serious hurt.<\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe coughed and particles of soot were expelled. He gasped, barely able to breathe, and panicking slightly. Ben instantly reached out and gathered Joe into his arms, sitting him up to assist in his breathing. \u201cI\u2019m here, Joe, take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

For several minutes, all Joe could do was cough and gasp for air, but gradually, the coughing slowed and he opened bloodshot eyes to peer blearily at Ben. \u201cMitch.\u201d Joe voiced his top most concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts all right, Joe, Mitch is right here. Adam\u2019s looking after him.\u201d Ben glanced across at Adam, who had been performing similar ministrations on Mitch. Adam met his eyes and shrugged, a frown lingering between his eyes.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t much more the Cartwrights could do for the injured men until the buckboard arrived and they could be moved to the Devlin ranch. Ben was glad he\u2019d asked for the doctor to go there. It was clear that they both needed to be seen as soon as possible. Mitch had wakened and was in a great deal of pain. Joe seemed to drift, secure in his father\u2019s arms, but Ben knew that Joe was in pain, too. Ben kept the wrappings wet and offered Joe sips of water. Adam did the same for Mitch, but both of them still coughed continuously.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t too long before Hoss arrived, his jaw dropping in horror as he beheld his younger brother\u2019s condition. Fortunately, Joe had his eyes shut, the better to bear the pain and Hoss had time to school his features to a smile before he spoke to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Shortshanks.\u201d Hoss knelt by Joe, running his fingers through the singed curls. Joe\u2019s hat had been lost quite some time before.<\/p>\n

Cracking open his eyes, Joe squinted at Hoss. \u201cHi, Hoss,\u201d he wheezed and coughed violently.<\/p>\n

Worried, Hoss looked at Ben. \u201cThe buckboard should be here real soon, Pa,\u201d he assured Ben earnestly. \u201cI met Fred an\u2019 Charlie on the road. Charlie done gone fer the doc an\u2019 Fred was already drivin\u2019 the buckboard an\u2019 should be here any time.\u201d He glanced over his shoulder as though expecting Fred to materialise with the buckboard right at that moment, but it was another five minutes before it came into view.<\/p>\n

By then, Hoss was helping Adam with Mitch, for he could hardly bear to look at Joe. The pain was really hitting both young men now and the soft-hearted Hoss found it very hard to keep a neutral, calming countenance. The arrival of the buckboard gave Hoss something to do and he soon had both Joe and Mitch resting in the back. There wasn\u2019t room for anyone to ride with them, but Ben rode alongside, keeping a sharp eye on them both.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

The sudden procession startled the Devlins and Mrs Devlin flew around, drawing back covers on Mitch\u2019s bed and the spare bed. They had barely got the two young men into bed when Doctor Martin arrived. He quickly assessed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you keep those wrappings on Joe\u2019s hands wet while I deal with Mitch.\u201d Burns were the doctor\u2019s worst nightmare, for there was so little he could actually do for the patient. He could keep them comfortable, but the morphine he needed to use was a double-edged sword, for too much over a long period could result in addiction. Infection was the other great worry.<\/p>\n

Mitch\u2019s legs were badly burned over the shins, where the skin was thin. Paul bit back a groan of despair, for the shins were notoriously difficult to heal. But he set to, cleaning the injuries, making sure that Mitch didn\u2019t have a concussion or broken bones to complicate matters and then covered the sites, explaining to Mrs Devlin that they would have to be kept wet all the time for the first few days, to help take the heat out of the burn. Mrs Devlin nodded with such an air of distraction that Paul repeated the instructions to Mr Devlin, just to be on the safe side.<\/p>\n

He repeated the whole process with Joe, but this time concentrating on his hands. Joe had some burns on his legs, but they weren\u2019t too bad. He also had a huge bruise on his hip where he had fallen from Cochise and the area was quite swollen, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Mitch?\u201d Joe demanded. His cough had subsided slightly, as long as he didn\u2019t talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not too good,\u201d Paul replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe branch fell on him,\u201d Joe coughed. \u201cI wasn\u2019t quick enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did your best, son,\u201d Ben reminded him, having had the story of the fire from Joe. \u201cNo one expected you to look for Mitch in a canyon fire like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe, you aren\u2019t going to be using your hands much for a while,\u201d Paul told him, as he finished smearing on cream and bandaging Joe\u2019s hands. \u201cI\u2019ll give you something for the pain now. You\u2019ll sleep for a while and I hope you\u2019ll feel a bit better when you waken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll be home then,\u201d Joe murmured, his eyes sliding shut. His breathing was less laboured. Paul was glad of that, for he couldn\u2019t in all conscience have given Joe morphine if his breathing was still bad. Mitch\u2019s breathing had also improved, although it hadn\u2019t been as bad as Joe\u2019s in the first place, since Joe had had the added problem of exertion while breathing in the smoke.<\/p>\n

The hesitation after Joe\u2019s comment alerted the young man that there was something up and he opened his eyes to fix Paul Martin with a pleading stare. \u201cI can go home, can\u2019t I?\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t imagine anything worse than being stuck at the Devlins, given what had just happened between him and Mitch. \u201cPlease!\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s much easier for me if you are here,\u201d Paul explained, not sure why Joe was suddenly so distressed, but knowing that it was better for his patient to be calm. \u201cI know its not home, but surely you don\u2019t mind staying here just for a few days. After all, you and Mitch can keep each other company.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the expression that crossed Joe\u2019s face, Paul realised that he had managed to blunder most spectacularly, although he wasn\u2019t sure how. Helplessly, he glanced at Ben, hoping for a clue from him, but Ben looked equally blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cI just can\u2019t.\u201d He was growing visibly distressed and he shot a frantic look at Ben, wishing that his brothers were there to lend him moral support.<\/p>\n

Puzzled and concerned, Ben reached out a hand to stroke Joe\u2019s hair. It was a move that usually calmed him down and that gave Ben comfort a reassurance, too. This time, it didn\u2019t have the desired effect for either of them. Joe wanted more than anything to get out of that house, regardless of the cost to himself. Ben was shaken by the crisp feeling of Joe\u2019s singed curls, which were usually silky and luxuriant.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, his voice low and gentle. \u201cWe don\u2019t understand the problem. I\u2019m sure the Devlins won\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you!\u201d Joe cried. \u201cNot here!\u201d The strained emotions of the day were starting to catch up with him and the pain and exhaustion were taking their toll. \u201cPlease, Pa, take me home!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bewildered, Ben glanced at Paul who shrugged and nodded minutely. If the only way to keep Joe calm was to take him home, then that\u2019s what they\u2019d have to do. Paul could have sedated Joe, but that wouldn\u2019t solve the problem. After he had had a good rest and was calmer, they could find out what was wrong, but in the mean time, Joe needed rest and his well-being was of paramount importance. Paul could put up with the inconvenience of treating them at two different locations. It didn\u2019t really matter much in the long run.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Joe, we\u2019ll take you home,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n

An expression of unutterable relief crossed Joe\u2019s face. His body was still tense as Paul gave him the morphine, but as the drug filtered through his bloodstream, Joe gradually relaxed until he was sleeping. Paul and Ben looked at each other over the top of his sleeping form. \u201cWhat was that about, do you suppose?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Ben replied thoughtfully, but he was remembering now why his son was out there in the first place and he began to have an inkling of what had happened \u2013 or why Joe was reacting like he was. \u201cBut when I find out, you\u2019ll be the first to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow, I doubt that,\u201d Paul scoffed as he packed away his belongings into his Gladstone bag. \u201cI think you\u2019re far more likely to tell Adam and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of Adam and Hoss, I\u2019d better tell them we\u2019re taking Joe home and get things moving,\u201d Ben muttered. \u201cI\u2019d better speak to the Devlins, too. Are you sure Mitch is going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Paul considered for a moment. \u201cAs sure as I can be, Ben,\u201d he replied. \u201cAssuming infection doesn\u2019t set in, he\u2019ll be fine in time, the same as Joe. More than that I can\u2019t say. Unfortunately, medicine isn\u2019t an exact science.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been peculiar, taking their leave of the Devlins. Ben had never been particularly friendly with Mitch\u2019s parents; his only contact had been through their sons. Now, he felt the atmosphere distinctly strained and wondered if they thought his taking Joe home was a snub. He had tried to word their departure as tactfully as he could, but it boiled down to the same thing \u2013 he was taking Joe away at Joe\u2019s insistence and saying that Joe would feel better in his own room was only true up to a point. The Devlins also knew that Joe and Mitch had fallen out because of Joe\u2019s actions and that Joe had been trying to rectify things with Mitch when this unfortunate accident had happened. Did they, like Ben, suspect that things had not gone well?<\/p>\n

Outside, Hoss had turned the buckboard, ready to leave. Adam was mounted, waiting. Ben and Paul settled Joe in the back and Ben climbed in beside him. Fred had already left a short time before, riding Chubb and leading Cochise and Buck.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be out later, Ben,\u201d Paul told his friend. \u201cDon\u2019t worry if Joe starts to run a temperature \u2013 it\u2019s just the journey. Keep him cool and give him fluids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben replied. He glanced over his shoulder at Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s go, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wagon lurched into movement and Paul stood watching them leaving before he went back inside to once more repeat his instructions for Mitch\u2019s care.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what do you think happened?\u201d Adam asked in a low voice as they stood in Joe\u2019s room watching him sleep. Joe had been home for a short time, and was running the predicted temperature. It wasn\u2019t overly high, but high enough to worry Ben.<\/p>\n

Turning away, Ben drew Adam and Hoss from the bed. He knew Joe was still asleep, but how deeply asleep was another matter and he didn\u2019t want his son overhearing. \u201cI suspect that Joe apologised and Mitch told him it was too late,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor Joe,\u201d Hoss murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese things happen,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cJoe made a mistake and now he\u2019s paying for it.\u201d Adam\u2019s words weren\u2019t sympathetic, but his tone was. \u201cIts going to be tough for him, especially if Mitch\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t even think it!\u201d Ben commanded. \u201cNothing is going to happen to Mitch!\u201d He glanced over his shoulder at Joe. \u201cWe\u2019ll find out what happened later, once Joe is feeling a bit better. Until then, don\u2019t plague him with questions. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Both of his sons nodded. All three of them were consumed with curiosity, but knew it might be the next day before they found out what had happened.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything Mitch said was true,\u201d Joe confessed in a low voice. He looked and sounded exhausted by his story, but he kept on talking, determined not to spare himself. \u201cI did know that would hurt Mitch and I still did it. What kind of a person does that make me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same as everyone else, Joe,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIt\u2019s always easier to hurt the people you know, because you do know them. I\u2019m not excusing you, for you did do the wrong thing, but at the time, you weren\u2019t behaving very rationally, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not,\u201d Joe agreed. He risked a glance up and saw that he had his family\u2019s undivided attention. Hoss was looking at him with an unsettling mixture of pity and sympathy; Adam\u2019s expression was more difficult to read, but Joe was pretty sure he saw disgust there. Joe didn\u2019t in the least blame Adam for feeling disgusted with him. He felt disgusted with himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did the fire start?\u201d Adam asked, wanting to change the subject to allow Joe the chance to recover slightly. He was feeling rather disgusted, but more because he hadn\u2019t been around to try and help figure out what was wrong with Joe when all this happened. He had been up at the railhead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cAfter we\u2019d had breakfast, I went to saddle the horses. Mitch usually puts out the fire when we go camping and\u2026\u201d Joe stopped and looked at Ben. \u201cIt was my fault,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI didn\u2019t check that Mitch had put out the fire properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although it was true that Joe should have checked, Ben didn\u2019t want his son shouldering all the blame. He was having a hard enough time as it was. \u201cSon, when you\u2019ve always trusted someone else to do something, it\u2019s difficult to change that habit. And we don\u2019t know that the two of you were the only ones in that area. We didn\u2019t see anyone else, but that doesn\u2019t mean that there wasn\u2019t someone around who dropped something. We may never know, so stop blaming yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d Joe sighed, but he didn\u2019t sound convinced. \u201cHow\u2019s Mitch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t heard today,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cBut perhaps Paul will be able to tell us when he comes to see you.\u201d Privately, Ben hoped that would be soon, as the painkillers that Paul had left for Joe were not anywhere near as effective at dulling the pain as the morphine had been and that Joe was in pain was obvious from his pale face and involuntary winces. Ben knew that Joe was in for a long period of recuperation and his heart ached for Joe.<\/p>\n

Later, when Joe had been seen by the doctor and was asleep again, Adam drew Ben aside. \u201cPa, as soon as Joe is strong enough, I think we ought to take him over to see Mitch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since Joe and Mitch had that talk, things have changed again,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cThere was the fire. Mitch was hurt and Joe saved his life. Perhaps Mitch has had a re-think about his position.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Ben muttered, but he wasn\u2019t so sure. For Mitch to throw away what amounted to a life time of friendship, he had had to be pretty badly hurt. Ben didn\u2019t think that Mitch would be any more inclined to forgive Joe now than he had been, albeit that his life had been saved. It might be that he no longer hated Joe, but Ben was sure that the friendship wouldn\u2019t be rekindled that simply, if at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 think we ought ta, Adam,\u201d Hoss objected. \u201cWhat if Mitch ain\u2019t ready ta forgive Joe? How would Joe feel, if\u2019n we\u2019d taken all the ways out there an\u2019 Mitch turned him away? He\u2019d feel real bad an\u2019 so would we. I reckon we should jist leave well alone. Mitch\u2019ll come ta Joe, if\u2019n he wants ta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut nothing\u2019s really resolved if we wait for Mitch to come to Joe,\u201d Adam argued. \u201cJoe needs to know where he stands with Mitch now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does know where he stands,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cJoe knows that he killed his friendship with Mitch that day. He knows that it\u2019s over and he doesn\u2019t expect Mitch to fall on his neck because of a misplaced sense of gratitude. Hoss is right, Adam. We can\u2019t interfere in this. All we can do is be there for your brother as he mourns the loss of his friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMitch isn\u2019t dead!\u201d Adam responded impatiently. \u201cPaul said he was going to be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can mourn the loss of a person\u2019s friendship, just as you can mourn their death,\u201d Ben reminded his son. \u201cWe need to give Joe the time to do this. Joe might never hear from Mitch again and I don\u2019t think any of us should interfere if that\u2019s the case. If Joe feels the need to do something about this later, that will be his decision and his alone. None of us can make it for him. I know you want to help, Adam,\u201d Ben went on, his tone gentler. \u201cBut Joe is a man grown and only he can decide what is right for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to help, Pa,\u201d Adam replied, helplessly. \u201cI feel so frustrated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all do,\u201d Hoss replied, \u201cbut there ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 we c\u2019n do \u2018bout that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Accepting defeat \u2013 for the moment \u2013 Adam just nodded. But he still hoped that a chance would come for the situation to be resolved between Joe and Mitch in a more satisfactory manner.<\/p>\n

________________________________________<\/p>\n

It was several weeks before Joe was feeling more like himself. The burns on his hands had been painful and debilitating. He had been unable to do anything for himself and the resulting frustration and embarrassment had caused his temper to flare up more than once. Gradually, the amounts of painkillers he had been getting had been reduced until now, six weeks after the fire, Joe was only taking occasional pills and his hands were protected by lighter bandages, allowing him to do some things for himself.<\/p>\n

He was alone in the house one day when there was a knock on the door. Joe went to answer it, fumbling with the latch, wincing as the still-tender skin came in contact with the narrow metal strip. Joe found slightly bigger things easier to deal with. Opening the door, still more concerned with not hurting his hands than who would be on the other side, Joe was shocked to see Mr Devlin standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d he offered, at last.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Devlin nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ve just been in town seeing the doctor an\u2019 Mitch said he wanted to see you on the way home. He isn\u2019t walking much yet, so can you come over to the wagon?\u201d The requested was worded like a plea, but the tone was more like an order.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Joe replied, paling. He wished there was someone at home for moral support, but there wasn\u2019t. Squaring his shoulders, Joe followed Mr Devlin across to where his wagon stood in the yard.<\/p>\n

Reclining in the back, Mitch looked pale, but mostly unchanged, if one could avoid seeing the blankets that covered his legs. He met Joe\u2019s eyes, but the welcoming warmth that Joe was accustomed to seeing wasn\u2019t there. \u201cHello, Joe,\u201d he offered. \u201cI just wanted to thank you for saving me from the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t just leave you,\u201d Joe replied, unsure what to say. You\u2019re welcome hardly seemed like the right response! \u201cI had to see if you were all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring that, Mitch shifted his gaze so that he was looking over Joe\u2019s right shoulder. For an instant, Joe was tempted to turn his head and see what his friend was looking at, but as a blush rose to Mitch\u2019s cheeks, Joe knew that his friend \u2013 his ex friend \u2013 was embarrassed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to tell you that it was my fault that fire started,\u201d he stated in a gruff voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t put the fire out before we left. I didn\u2019t realise until later on. Your job was always to saddle the horses and my job was always to put out the fire. I guess old habits die hard for you, Joe. But I didn\u2019t do it and I\u2019m sorry. It was my fault we both almost died.\u201d His gaze came back from the distance and fastened on Joe\u2019s face. \u201cBut this doesn\u2019t change anything,\u201d he continued. \u201cI\u2019m grateful that you saved my life, but our lives have changed. Those camping trips we took are in the past and we can\u2019t go back to where we were. I\u2019m sorry, but that\u2019s the way it is. We can\u2019t be friends any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

There didn\u2019t seem to be anything to say to that, so Joe stayed silent as Mr Devlin climbed back onto the wagon seat, his face as red as his son\u2019s, and shook up the team. Joe and Mitch stared at one another as the wagon pulled out of the yard and Joe knew that there was no going back, ever. He and Mitch were no longer friends. Through one stupid move, Joe had destroyed something he held dear and he knew he deserved the sorrow and regret he felt now. With the wagon out of sight, Joe turned and trudged slowly across to the house.<\/p>\n

Mounting the stairs to his room like an old man, Joe lay down on his bed. He had had a long time to come to terms with what he had done, but he knew it would never be completely conquered. It would always lurk on the fringes of his conscience, prodding him at unexpected times. Joe closed his eyes against the burning of tears, but one escaped and slid down his cheek to be absorbed in his pillow. The only person he had to blame for this was himself and Joe knew he would have a mountain \u2013 another mountain, he thought wryly \u2013 to climb to regain his self-respect. He had learned a terrible lesson, hurting himself, his family and his old friend in the process. It was a lesson Joe would never forget; a lesson he would remember with sharp clarity whenever he saw Mitch in the street.<\/p>\n

He must have fallen asleep, for when he woke, his family were all in his room, looking at him worriedly. \u201cAre you all right, Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe responded. He sat up, slowly. \u201cMitch came by. Its over, Pa. Our friendship is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Ben started, but Joe didn\u2019t want pity.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t say anything,\u201d he interrupted. \u201cIt\u2019s my own fault. I know that. I have to learn to live with the consequences now.\u201d He gave a twisted smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine, don\u2019t worry. I just need\u2026\u201d His voice cracked and broke and Joe stopped to draw in a breath that ended on a sob.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t need to go on. The family knew what he needed. Recriminations were in the past. What Joe needed now \u2013 in addition to the time he had been going to ask for \u2013 was love and support.<\/p>\n

There was an abundance of those in the Cartwright family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A WHN To Between Heaven And Earth.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T (9,590 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,13],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-7137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-whn","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2247,"today_views":0},"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","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13823,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13823","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":0},"title":"Between Life and Death (by JennyD & HelenB)","author":"JennyD","date":"February 27, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for Between Heaven and Earth Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (15, 170 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13824,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13824","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":1},"title":"Between Life and Death (by HelenB & JennyD)","author":"HelenB","date":"February 27, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for Between Heaven and Earth Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0 (15, 170 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Promises-to-Keeep.png?fit=759%2C568&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13915,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13915","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":2},"title":"Between Heaven and Earth: The Aftermath (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 12, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for the episode, Between Heaven and Earth. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (5,480 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Between-Heaven-and-Earth.png?fit=689%2C465&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Between-Heaven-and-Earth.png?fit=689%2C465&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Between-Heaven-and-Earth.png?fit=689%2C465&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":63045,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63045","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":3},"title":"The Kissing Room (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 11, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An adolescent Joe tries to find out about the upstairs rooms in the saloon. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 14,300 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2288,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2288","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":4},"title":"A Good Time (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 7, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe has his hands full trying to manage four girls who are interested in him Rated:\u00a0K (18,275 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12285,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12285","url_meta":{"origin":7137,"position":5},"title":"Price of Friendship (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"September 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 My version of what happened next after Joe destroyed his lifelong friendship with Mitch Devlin in, Between Heaven and Earth. Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0\u00a0 (3,450 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/The-day.jpg?fit=400%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7137","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=7137"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7137\/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=7137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}