{"id":7257,"date":"2007-04-13T21:23:26","date_gmt":"2007-04-14T01:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7257"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:31","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:31","slug":"the-sjs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7257","title":{"rendered":"The SJS (by lminzer)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/span>Joe keeps getting kidnapped! But soon, scheming Joe finds a way to turn the situation to his own advantage. Until the unthinkable happens….<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a018,600<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The SJS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

My first fanfic! Thanks to all who encouraged and supported me – you know who you are! Dodo, your input was amazing. And to Terri, a special thanks for telling me to go for it!!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Ben put down his pen and leaned back in his chair to peruse what he had written.<\/strong> Nodding slightly in satisfaction, he set the document aside to dry, then slid open the top drawer to search for an envelope. The front door opened and he looked up to see Adam coming in from his morning chores.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you working on there, Pa?\u201d Adam tossed his hat onto the sideboard and strode over to the desk.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cOh, just something I\u2019m going to have printed up at Wade Morgan\u2019s shop in town. I\u2019m just about done. Now I have to decide if I want to use the vellum or card stock; I think he\u2019s running a special on both this week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I remember\u2026..you were just talking about those things the other day. But I thought you were going to look for some preprinted ones to save money?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben scowled. \u201cWell, yes, I asked about them at the Mercantile just yesterday. They threatened to call the sheriff. That is, after they stopped laughing. I\u2019m telling you, Adam, I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll ever buy anything from that place again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam picked up the document from Ben\u2019s desk and studied it. \u201cLooks good to me. But I\u2019m not sure if you should leave a blank line after the word\u00a0amount<\/em>. Seems to me it would make more sense, and probably save more money, if you just put in some actual dollar figures that someone could just circle. Makes it easier for the person filling it out, too, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, taking the paper from his son. Adam was always the practical one when it came to financial matters. \u201cGood idea—let me work on it some more and then I can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head snapped up, startled by a yelp and a loud thump on the stairwell. He and Adam looked over to see Joe lying in a heap on the landing. Adam sighed. \u201cGreat. Joe\u2019s fallen down the stairs again. Third time this week. I told you Hop Sing shouldn\u2019t have used that new varnish on the steps in this house–it\u2019s slick as ice.\u201d<\/p>\n

He and Ben hurried over to Joe, who was whimpering and trying to pull himself up to a sitting position. Ben reached him first. \u201cEasy now, son\u2026..are you hurt?\u201d He knelt beside his youngest son, searching for broken bones or other obvious injuries with a practiced eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa\u2026.just slipped, I guess.\u201d Joe tried to stand, but was stopped by his father\u2019s restraining hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold on there a minute, Joe. I have to check for a head injury\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grunted his impatience. \u201cOh, come on, Pa\u2026..I\u2019m fine. Just help me up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Ben replied, reluctantly. He and Adam lifted Joe to his feet. \u201cBut at least come over to the settee and rest a minute\u2026.for my sake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes, but allowed himself to be assisted down the remaining steps towards the settee. He was used to his father\u2019s excessive concern when it came to his youngest son\u2019s safety. Heck, it was probably even justified, Joe admitted to himself, considering how many times that safety had been compromised by his own reckless behavior. But it was sometimes a bit overbearing, considering that Joe was now nearly eighteen and no longer a child. Try telling that to his father though!<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl before sitting down, and plunked his booted feet on the table. A sneaking glance at his father confirmed he would not chide him for it; not so soon after an accident, though Ben glowered at him. As his father returned to sit at his desk, Adam propped himself on the edge of it, and the two of them returned their attention to the document they had been discussing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, only mildly curious. He casually studied his apple for worm holes before taking a bite. Probably some dumb bookkeeping stuff that he and Adam were always so danged excited about, he thought to himself. He sure hoped he didn\u2019t get like that when he was old.<\/p>\n

Ben looked up and smiled. \u201cWell, Joe, I\u2019m glad you asked, because I\u2019m just about finished here. Do you remember our conversation last week? You know, about the repeated kidnappings?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe came to his feet. \u201cOh, you\u2018re kidding! No, Pa, you can\u2019t possibly be serious about this.\u201d He groaned. \u201cI can\u2019t believe you\u2019re actually considering preprinted ransom notes. I mean, think about it. It would be just like handing out an invitation saying \u2018Hey, come and kidnap Joe Cartwright. Everybody\u2019s doing it!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed in exasperation. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve been kidnapped eight, no,\u00a0nine\u00a0<\/em>times in the last six months. Now, you know we\u2019re glad to pay the ransom and have you back in one piece and all\u2026.we\u2019ve been through all of this. But the point is, the Cartwrights are nothing if not hospitable and civilized. Most of these kidnappers can barely write and their spelling is atrocious. I just think that this would make things easier for everyone involved. It helps avoid any misunderstandings, and you have to admit, it\u2019s much more efficient for us. We\u2019ve been having a devil of a time reading some of these notes in the past. Why, just last month–remember? We couldn\u2019t tell if the kidnappers wanted 25 cents or 25 dollars. Do you know how embarrassing that was when Adam and I came to make the exchange?\u201d He looked over towards his eldest as he recalled\u00a0that\u00a0<\/em>debacle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Adam and I decided that we should have these notes printed up in advance and then load several into your saddlebags. A few dozen should do it. We should toss in a few pencils too, now that I think of it. You\u2019ll also have to make sure you carry a couple in your wallet, Joe–at all times, mind you–if you happen to be grabbed when Cochise isn\u2019t around. So the next time this happens, you can point these notes out to the kidnappers–even give helpful information on how to fill them out. I think you\u2019ll find they\u2018ll be pleased with your thoughtfulness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smirked. Joe was convinced his older brother was secretly enjoying this.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe. Pa and I talked it over, and we\u2019ve decided to let you pick the ink color. They have some nice shades to choose from, and\u2026.\u201d Adam grinned as Joe scowled and flopped back down on the settee, then he turned back to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess now is not the time to tell him about the coordinating thank you notes you plan to enclose with the ransom money. Weren\u2019t you thinking about getting them scented?\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Joe shot to his feet again, stomping over to the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026..can we at least discuss this some more? I mean, what would my friends think, for crying out loud? What will they do? I\u2019ll tell you what they\u2019ll do–they\u2019ll just lock me up somewhere and fill out one of your little preprinted notes when they need some poker money–that\u2018s what they\u2019ll do! Aren\u2019t things bad enough as it is? You know how many dates I\u2019ve been forced to miss because I was trussed up and tossed in some barn somewhere? Sometimes the girls just ain\u2019t all that understanding afterwards, let me tell you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was clearly amused at this outburst and Joe glared angrily at him. He flung his half-eaten apple at his brother, but it missed, landing with a thunk on the desk.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. This was not going as well as he had anticipated. He had hoped Joe would be grateful for the effort he was making; after all, when it came down to it, it was all for Joe\u2019s benefit and well being. Sometimes he felt as if his sons didn\u2019t appreciate him as much as they should.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, could you at least look at this draft first, and then decide? I\u2019m not trying to put a crimp in your social life, you know that. It\u2019s just, well, for some unknown reason–especially recently–you seem to be the easiest means for these unsavory types to get their hands on some Cartwright cash. Adam\u2019s too intimidating to most of them, Hoss is too big, and so that just naturally leaves you. I don\u2019t know—maybe you\u2018re doing something to attract these characters.\u201d He turned silent and looked at Joe pointedly.<\/p>\n

That got Joe\u2019s attention. \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean? It\u2019s not like I walk around wearing some big sign that says, \u2018Come get me, I\u2019m completely defenseless and my Pa\u2019s loaded\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know, I\u2019m not blaming you, Joe.\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cHowever, this is the situation in which we find ourselves for now. We can\u2019t leave you locked in your room indefinitely, so we feel this is a good compromise. Since it seems to be inevitable that the kidnappings are going to take place, we need to make the best of the situation. It\u2019s the Cartwright way.\u201d Ben looked up expectantly at Joe, pleased with how convincing his little speech sounded. Surely, common sense would get through to his youngest son if nothing else.<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. It was clear that he had lost this battle. He could already tell his Pa had made the decision for him, and unless he wanted his future freedom severely restricted, he had no choice but to relent. \u201cLet me take a look at it,\u201d he said, resigned to his fate, however humiliating.<\/p>\n

Ben picked up the sheet from the desk and handed it to his son. \u201cI think you\u2019ll see it\u2019s pretty straightforward here, Joe. Adam\u2019s made a few changes, and I\u2019ve just worked them into the final draft. There\u2019s a line for the date at the top–that\u2019s a big help, you know–and then, well, you can read it yourself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe squinted at his father\u2019s handwriting and began to read. \u201cWe, the kidnappers of one Joseph Francis Cartwright, hereby demand ransom-<\/em>-Oh, Pa, do you really have to put in my middle name?–in the amount of (circle one)–;\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Joe paused. \u201cCircle one?\u00a0Circle<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0one? You\u2019re really making it easy on these crooks, aren\u2018t you? What denominations are you going to start with? Two bits?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat last part was Adam\u2019s suggestion,\u201d Ben acknowledged as he glanced up and smiled gently at his oldest son, who was trying hard not to look disgustingly proud of himself. Pompous ass. Joe gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wanting to throttle his big brother and smack that stupid grin off his face.<\/p>\n

Joe handed the paper back to his father. \u201cI think I get the general idea. I still don\u2019t agree with it, though,\u201d he said, his unhappiness clear in his voice.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up, and walked around the desk. He regarded the pouting young man in front of him, and lightly grasped his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Little Joe. I\u2019m only doing what I think is best for you, like any father would. Can you believe that?\u201d He met his son\u2019s eyes and smiled warmly.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up into his father\u2019s loving gaze and found himself blinking back tears. It never failed to affect him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, I\u2026.\u201d The corners of his mouth twitched, and soon a reluctant smile broke through. \u201cAlright, Pa. When does this have to go to the printer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re seeing some sense, now, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was relieved. He had been forced to use his most cherished secret weapon –the old \u2018loving gaze\u2019<\/em>. Joe had fallen victim to it yet again. Pity he had never caught on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking it into Virginia City this morning. I\u2019d like you to come along and help me make the proper ink and paper selections. It is for you, after all.\u201d He carefully folded the paper and placed it in an envelope. \u201cWe can leave now, if you\u2019re ready. Isn\u2019t it your day to pick up the mail, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe thought briefly about the breakfast he had missed, but didn\u2019t want to get into another confrontation with his father, so he decided to grab a snack later if he got too hungry. He and his father put on their jackets and hats and headed towards the barn to prepare their horses for the ride into Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Discordant whistling greeted them before they even entered the door. They stepped into the shade of the barn to see Hoss spreading fresh straw in one of the horse stalls. \u201cHey, Little Joe,\u201d he called out with a grin. \u201cJust finished up with yer pony here. He\u2018s sure twitchin\u2018 to go for a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss patted Cochise affectionately before moving on to Buck\u2019s stall, and started whistling again. It never ceased to amaze Joe how cheerfully Hoss took on the most dreadful of chores. Maybe there was something to that loco weed rumor Adam had mentioned after all.<\/p>\n

Hoss paused as they approached Cooch\u2019s stall, leaning a sweaty arm on the hayfork. \u201cAin\u2019t seen ya all morning, Joe. Was startin\u2019 to wonder if mebbe you\u2019d gone and gotten yerself kidnapped agin, and\u2026\u201d he stopped short at the stricken look on Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d I say?\u201d Hoss looked at his father, puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, Hoss. We\u2019ll\u2026.uh\u2026.we\u2019ll just talk about it later,\u201d Ben reassured him. \u201cJoe and I are on our way in to Virginia City; mind giving us hand?\u201d Ben reached for Buck\u2019s silver-studded bridle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed as he tossed down the hayfork. Whistling again, he made quick work of saddling up Buck and Cochise, and handed over the reins to Ben and Joe. As they lead their horses out into the yard and mounted up, they could hear Hoss had stopped whistling and was now singing rather loudly and off key; so pushing their hats down firmly on their heads and keen to escape the racket, they set off toward Virginia City at a brisk gallop.<\/p>\n

The ride was uneventful, and few words passed between the two riders. The acquiescence that Ben had managed to obtain from his son through the \u2018loving gaze\u2019 trick had long since dissipated and unfortunately, had only about a fifteen minute staying power. Ben had to be sparing, however, with his use of the \u2018loving gaze\u2019 as too much of it tended to put Joe into a hypnotic state–the last time he damn near passed out.<\/p>\n

So, Joe fell into a pout. After a few miles, though, Ben became frustrated by the awkward silence, and tried to amuse himself by singing a melodious falsetto version of\u00a0Early One Morning<\/em>. However, he was forced to stop when he observed his twitchy and thoroughly annoyed son reaching for his gun.<\/p>\n

Morgan\u2019s Print Shop was their first stop in Virginia City, and as they entered the tidy little establishment, Ben warmly greeted Mr. Morgan, the proprietor and family friend. Joe emerged from his sulky mood long enough to smile at and nod at Mr. Morgan, but then sank back into irritated silence.<\/p>\n

He remembered as a child he had always adored visiting this shop with his father, loving all its interesting smells, sounds, and shiny equipment. Mr. Morgan would sometimes sneak him handfuls of rubber bands so he could take them home to shoot at Hoss and Adam. Too bad he didn\u2019t have a few on hand to snap at his arrogant older brother earlier, he mused, frowning. He looked over his shoulder and could see his father and Mr. Morgan bent over the counter, studying the draft Ben had brought in.<\/p>\n

Mr. Morgan glanced over at Joe, and then looked away guiltily. Joe felt his cheeks redden. It was obvious that his father had already discussed the matter with the printer. Could this situation get any more mortifying? Maybe his Pa should just have an announcement printed in the Territorial Enterprise:\u00a0Useful Tips for Cartwright Ransom Notes.<\/em>Joe made his way to the counter where the infamous printing project was being discussed as Mr. Morgan was scribbling notations onto the draft that Ben had presented.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben, business is a bit slow right now, so it turns out I can have this done for you by tomorrow morning, first thing. Let\u2018s see, it looks like you\u2019re going to want this printed in a lot of 350?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c350<\/em>?\u201d Joe was incensed. \u201cGeez, Pa, are you getting a lifetime supply? Just how many times do you expect me to be kidnapped?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, son,\u201d Ben replied, trying to be patient, \u201cIt\u2019s just better to have too many than not enough; don\u2019t you think? And, Mr. Morgan here made an excellent suggestion. For just a little extra money, we can actually\u00a0double\u00a0<\/em>our order to 700, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the last straw. With an angry glance at his father, Joe slammed on his hat and stomped out of the shop.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. He considered going after his son, but decided against it. He knew from past experience that it was nearly impossible to deal with Joe when he was in a snit like this. Better to leave him alone and give him time to cool off. He watched from the window and saw Joe turn left and head toward the post office. Good. Maybe he\u2019ll remember to pick up the mail this time.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back toward Mr. Morgan. \u201cI guess I\u2019ll be making the selections, after all, Wade.\u201d He sighed. \u201cDo you have any samples for me to look at?\u201d He blinked at the vast array of colorful pieces of card stock Mr. Morgan spread in front of him. This was going to take longer than he thought.<\/p>\n

***Joe meandered down the boardwalk, in no particular hurry to reach the post office. He took deep breaths in and out, in an attempt to suppress the bitter resentment he was feeling. He supposed his father only had his best interests at heart, but the whole ransom note issue continued to annoy him. He supposed he should have told Pa where he was going, but he was afraid of losing his temper in front of Mr. Morgan.<\/p>\n

Then, all thoughts of ransom notes flew from his head as he paused at the window of the Mercantile. Yep, even after two months, it was still there. Nearly every recent trip to Virginia City had found Joe at the window drooling over it.<\/p>\n

The Heiser saddle–direct from Denver, and the only one he knew of in the whole territory. Black, sleek, and shiny hand-tooled leather, with shimmering mother-of-pearl accents.<\/p>\n

His saddle.<\/p>\n

Might as well have the name\u00a0Joe Cartwright\u00a0<\/em>emblazoned across the sway. How handsome it would look on his pony. He had considered sweet-talking Pa into buying it for him for his next birthday, but he knew his father would balk at the $300 price tag, especially with all the ransoms they had been forced to shell out lately. And because of Pa\u2019s newly-enacted policy of refusing to pay anyone being held for ransom, Joe\u2019s own savings were virtually depleted.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe left his dream saddle behind and continued on toward the post office down the street. He was stopped short by the feel of a gun pressing into his back. Oh, goody. Here we go again. He felt a tug on his hip as his own weapon was lifted from its holster. Someone with severe halitosis breathed into Joe\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, Cartwright. We\u2019re going to take a nice, quiet little walk toward that alley. Make any sudden moves and I\u2019ll shoot you where you stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was in no mood to go anywhere with ol\u2019 \u2018Stinky Breath\u2019, but even with his usual tendency toward recklessness, he was smart enough not to argue with the business end of a gun. Joe\u2019s only hope at this point was that someone would notice what was going on and alert the sheriff or his father. But there appeared to be no witnesses in the immediate vicinity; the street remarkably deserted for that time of morning.<\/p>\n

Great. Just great. Where was everybody? Was the entire town in the\u00a0saloon\u00a0<\/em>or something? He sighed loudly, and turned toward the alley, Stinky Breath pushing him onward.<\/p>\n

As his eyes adjusted to the sudden shade of the alleyway, Joe noticed two other men waiting for them, guns drawn, triumphant grins on unshaven faces. \u201cHaw, haw, it was easy, Jack, it was easy, just like you said,\u201d Stinky Breath proclaimed. \u201cHe might as well have been wearing a big sign that said \u2018Come get me, I\u2019m completely defenseless and my Pa\u2019s loaded\u2019!\u201d He missed the scowl that crossed Joe\u2019s features at that statement.<\/p>\n

Joe noticed then that despite their disheveled appearances, the would-be kidnappers were nevertheless prepared, noting the wagon and horses waiting near the dark opposite end of the alley. Damn. They always ended up being smarter than they looked. How did they even know he was in town? The timing of it all was almost absurd, considering that his father was even now selecting the paper stock for ransom notes.<\/p>\n

The taller of the two men, a blonde, gap-toothed dude Joe assumed was \u201cJack\u201d approached him and pushed his pistol under Joe\u2019s chin, forcing his head back. Joe stared up unblinkingly at the individual before him. He sure was ugly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going for a little ride, Cartwright, and that rich daddy of yours is going to have to cough up some cash if he wants to see you alive again. Now, you cooperate, and nobody\u2018ll get hurt and you\u2018ll get home in one piece. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. He knew the routine well by now. Almost verbatim, in fact. But he also knew that he was no match against three big dudes with guns. More quickly than he could have thought possible, he was tightly bound and gagged, and tossed roughly into the back of the waiting wagon.<\/p>\n

***Ben stepped out of Morgan\u2019s shop, his head swimming with the stress of selecting a final design for the print job. Who knew it would be such a complicated process? He\u2019d had no idea there were so many different typefaces to choose from and so many dozens of varieties of paper stock. In the end he had settled for a simple 12-point Edwardian Script on a soft green linen, although the rainbow-striped paper had been awfully pretty as well. As he approached his horse he was nearly run down by a speeding wagon carrying three men. He frowned at them as they flew past. Why was every one in this town in such a fired up hurry?<\/p>\n

Ben was relieved to see Cochise still waiting outside. At least Joe hadn\u2019t decided to go home by himself. Sure was taking a long time for him to get the mail, though, Ben noted. He smiled to himself. His son had most likely run into one of the throngs of females that somehow materialized whenever he came to town. His smile faded, though, as a vague feeling of unease settled over him. He shook his head. All this ransom talk was just getting to him. Joe was fine, and tonight Hop Sing was preparing a special dinner to celebrate three straight weeks without a Cartwright kidnapping. At least, that\u2019s what Ben hoped. Otherwise, it would be a damned waste of a perfectly good turkey.<\/p>\n

His reverie was suddenly interrupted by a voice calling from just inside the post office. \u201cMr. Cartwright! Mr. Cartwright!\u201d It was Charles hollering and waving frantically from the door of the building, gesturing for Ben to come over. Ben approached, warily, as the strange little postal clerk had always creeped him out a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI seen them, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d Charles said, excitedly. \u201cI seen them. Three ugly lookin\u2019 fellas; they tied up Joe and took him away in a wagon. I seen them. See, I\u2019d been having the stomach cramps, doncha know, and I had to keep on goin\u2019 to the privy down in the alleyway, and that\u2018s where I seen them. Woulda told ya before, but then, I had to go to the privy again, and then\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, that was it, Ben thought grimly to himself. Joe was missing again. Kidnapped. He sighed and turned in the direction of the sheriff\u2018s office, leaving the postal clerk still stammering in his wake.
\nAfter all that planning. Couldn\u2019t they have at least waited until the ransom notes were printed?<\/p>\n

***Joe squinted against the bright afternoon sunlight, wishing he had his hat. He had managed to pull himself up into a sitting position within the confines of the moving wagon and was slightly more comfortable, save for the awkward position of his bound hands. Once they had reached the outskirts of town, one of the kidnappers had removed the gag, and for that Joe was grateful. He hated being gagged.<\/p>\n

He had been mostly ignored by the trio, though they occasionally threw an evil sneer his way, clearly trying to intimidate him, but only proving how unattractive they were. Joe regarded his captors curiously. Cowpokes, the lot of them; Joe would have bet his life on it. He had been around such types all his life on the Ponderosa and was quite familiar with their mannerisms, dress, even that distinct cowhide odor that could never really be washed away. When they washed, that is.<\/p>\n

He glanced around at the passing landscape and wondered idly where they were taking him this time. Since he was now up to nine, no,\u00a0ten\u00a0<\/em>kidnappings, he knew the locations of the more common hideouts in the area. There were any one of several abandoned mines, line shacks, and caves around where they could choose to hole up until the ransom was paid. Joe grimaced at the direction of his thoughts. He had been around crooks like this so much lately that he almost knew what they were thinking.<\/p>\n

After nearly an hour of traveling at a steady pace, the wagon finally slowed and turned left toward a pass. Joe knew then where they were taking him. The only possible hideout nearby was a cave situated at the base of the canyon at Indian\u2019s Leap; a cave whose entrance had been almost completely concealed by boulders from a ancient landslide.<\/p>\n

It had served as a useful lair for many disreputable individuals over the years, and Joe remembered it from a previous abduction. Point was, he also knew that with recent heavy rains a large part of the cave was flooded, and would be completely unsuitable as a shelter. Joe nearly grinned. Maybe they were as dumb as they looked after all. Should he say something? At first he hesitated, but then he cleared his throat, and addressed his captors for the first time.<\/p>\n

\u201cUmmm, I don\u2019t know if you know this, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

***Sheriff Roy Coffee\u2019s head popped up as Ben came through the door, and he stood up and came around his desk to greet his friend. \u201cWell, howdy, there, Ben. What brings you to town? Don\u2019t tell me Joe\u2019s been snatched again, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

He chuckled, but stopped when he saw that Ben was not amused. \u201cYou\u2019re kidding, Ben. Don\u2019t tell me Joe\u2018s missing\u00a0again<\/em>? You\u2019re going to have to put a leash on that one, I tell ya. What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sat on the edge of Roy\u2019s desk and rubbed his eyes. \u201cYes, Roy, it looks like he\u2019s been kidnapped again. Charles at the post office saw the whole thing. And it\u2019s a shame, Roy, a damned shame. Just one more day, and the ransom notes would have been printed and ready to go. They\u2019re going to be real spiffy, too. Just wait till you see \u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder, and tried to sound encouraging. \u201cBen, we\u2019ll get him back. You know we will. Have you received any word yet? Were you able to read their demands this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing yet. It\u2019s probably too soon.\u201d He sighed. \u201cWe\u2019ll just have to wait to hear from them, I guess.\u201d He came to his feet and turned to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get back to the ranch, Roy. Adam and Hoss will have to be told, and I want to be there when the ransom note arrives. Besides, Hop Sing\u2019s cooking turkey for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheriff saw his friend to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Ben. We\u2019ll get Joe back. I\u2019ll go down and talk to Charles and see if anyone else saw anything, and then I\u2019ll be out to the Ponderosa first thing tomorrow. We\u2019ll see if the ransom note has arrived by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy watched as Ben walked down the street, then unhitched and mounted Buck and headed in the direction of the Ponderosa, leading his son\u2019s pinto pony behind him. Roy frowned and heaved a tired sigh as he thought of the paperwork ahead. Joseph Cartwright\u2019s kidnapping reports were taking up an entire drawer in his file cabinet.<\/p>\n

***After what seemed like hours, Ben rode wearily into the yard of the Ponderosa. At the sound of his approach, Adam and Hoss trotted out to greet him. Simultaneous looks of confusion crossed their features as they noted the rider less Cochise, and then understanding dawned as they realized Joe had probably just been kidnapped again. Adam looked irritated as it would be his turn this time around to do Joe\u2019s chores; Hoss had been stuck with that unhappy duty the last time Joe went missing.<\/p>\n

Ben dismounted. His sons\u2019 expressions had not gone unnoticed. \u201cWell, I guess you figured out what happened. Have we received any word yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa.\u201d Adam paused before continuing. \u201cHow did this happen, Pa? How could someone just waltz right up and snatch him off the street? Weren\u2018t you with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had the grace to look embarrassed. \u201cWell, we were at Morgan\u2019s shop and he got mad again about the ransom notes and he walked out. I thought he was just heading over to pick up the mail. I guess that\u2019s when it happened. Charles saw three men grab Joe and take off in a wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lightly grasped his father\u2019s arm to lead him towards the house as Hoss tended to the horses. \u201cPa, you couldn\u2019t have known. Too bad about Joe, though. He\u2019s going to miss a great dinner. Hop Sing went all out.\u201d
\n***The sun was setting as the wagon came to a stop in front of the dilapidated line shack. Joe\u2019s captors had been skeptical of his claim that their original choice of a hideout was largely underwater, and they actually drove the wagon all the way to the cave to find out for themselves. Seeing that Joe had told them the truth, they sheepishly asked if he could recommend another location.<\/p>\n

Joe was surprised at this, but he was starting to realize that the three men were obviously not locals and truly did not know where to go next. He shrugged and then gave them directions to a secluded and mostly deserted line shack on the abandoned Wilson property, west of Virginia City. He had been taken there for kidnapping number two and remembered that it was fairly warm and dry and had a working fireplace.<\/p>\n

Once they arrived at the new hideout, Stinky Breath hopped down and pulled Joe from the wagon. Joe felt a bit unsteady after the prolonged ride, and nearly fell when assisted to his feet, but was caught quickly by Jack, who was standing nearby. The third kidnapper–Joe had dubbed him \u2018Big Ears\u2019–went to work concealing the wagon and horses in the thick woods behind the tiny dwelling.<\/p>\n

Joe was escorted into the line shack and pushed into one of the dusty chairs within. Jack set about lighting the kerosene lamps throughout, then sat down at the table, facing his captive. \u201cLooks like we\u2019re gonna be here a little while, Cartwright. Might as well try to get comfortable if I was you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at him. \u201cI\u2019d be a lot more comfortable if my hands were untied.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack seemed to consider this, and then shook his head. \u201cSorry, can\u2019t do that right now, Cartwright. Ya may just try to run off on us and we can\u2019t be having that now, can we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Stinky Breath entered the dwelling. \u201cJack, where\u2019s that ransom note? We gotta get it over to old man Cartwright so we can git our money and git outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack looked up blankly, and then came to his feet. \u201cI thought\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>was takin\u2019 care of that! I told ya, I don\u2019t write good! You tellin\u2019 me you didn\u2018t bring one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Stinky Breath looked exasperated, and then embarrassed. \u201cJack, I can\u2019t write at all!\u201d he admitted. \u201cYer the only one who knows how to write. Yer just gonna have to write one now, and I\u2019ll take it on over to Cartwright\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smirked as he observed this exchange, and was even more amused when it became apparent that his captors had neither paper nor pencil among them. Obviously not the brainiest crooks in the territory. He admitted reluctantly to himself that those preprinted ransom notes sure would have come in handy about now. His eyes flickered up as the door opened, admitting Big Ears. Before long he too was equally perplexed at their disastrous predicament.<\/p>\n

After several minutes of listening to them bicker amongst themselves, Joe decided to speak up. For a seed of an idea was starting to take root in his mind. Perhaps there was a way out of this situation that would work out for everyone, himself included, he thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, hey, maybe I can help\u2026\u201d Joe began, cautiously.<\/p>\n

Three heads snapped up, and his trio of captors suddenly fell silent as they regarded Joe with suspicion. Stinky Breath narrowed his eyes and glared at him warily. \u201cWhy? What would you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe continued. \u201cJust how much were you planning on asking for a ransom for me? Did you have a specific amount in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

The kidnappers looked at each other, clearly hesitant to share this information. Jack finally shrugged. \u201cUm, a hundred dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head and suppressed a grin. Another woefully small ransom. Were they just that dumb or did they really not have any clue how wealthy his father was?<\/p>\n

It had been the common element of the last nine kidnappings. Every ransom note, the ones they could read anyway, always demanded pitifully small sums of cash. They were all amounts much less than would be expected for a son of Ben Cartwright, though Adam had gleefully announced that the kidnappers had successfully figured out how much Joe was really worth.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntie my hands, and perhaps we can make a deal, gentlemen. I think we could discuss an arrangement that\u2019s mutually beneficial.\u201d Joe said. The three looked at him blankly. Apparently polysyllabic words were beyond their comprehension. He reworded it. \u201cThere can be something in it for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack eyed Joe cautiously. \u201cWhy should we trust you? We kidnapped ya, boy. Wouldn\u2019t ya just try to escape, first thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe responded, \u201cWell, I did tell you where this cabin was, didn\u2019t I? I suppose I could have just given you directions to the sheriff\u2019s house instead, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

His captors looked at each other and nodded, conceding Joe\u2019s point. Stinky Breath sighed, and rising up, came around the table towards him. Joe shrank back as Stinky pulled out his knife, then exhaled in relief when he felt the rope binding his hands being cut away. Stinky returned to his seat, and the trio looked back at Joe expectantly.<\/p>\n

Rubbing his chafed wrists, Joe leaned forward in his chair and began, \u201cOkay, here\u2019s what I have in mind\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

***As they neared the cave near Indian\u2019s Leap, Ben and Adam reined in their horses and dismounted. They continued on foot over the rocky terrain, looking for the designated black stone under which they had been instructed to place the ransom money. They had received the note late in the night; it had been tucked under the door as the three Cartwrights slept, full and bloated from Hop Sing\u2019s excellent dinner.<\/p>\n

Ben observed that the note had been written by Joe himself, on Ponderosa letterhead, no less. His poor, helpless son must have been terrified at being forced to do such a thing. The kidnappers were asking for $160 this time around; an unusual figure, to be sure, but easily accessible in the petty cash box. At least these ransom amounts hadn\u2019t harmed the ranch\u2019s finances, Ben thought cynically. Hoss remained behind at the Ponderosa, in case Joe showed up or they received another note from his captors.<\/p>\n

Finding the large obsidian stone just outside the entrance to the cave, Ben pulled the envelope out of his pocket, and placed it underneath. He squinted and scanned the horizon, hoping for some sign of his son, but saw no movement anywhere in the tawny-colored landscape. Nodding to Adam, they made their way back to Buck and Sport, and hoped that the kidnappers would keep their promise to release Joe after the cash had been collected. If not, this would have been an entirely wasted trip.<\/p>\n

***Joe Cartwright was feeling pretty good about himself. Everything had worked out exactly as planned. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cut of the ransom. He riffled through the new bills in his hand and grinned.\u00a0Fifty bucks!\u00a0<\/em>Almost as much as he made in a month working on the Ponderosa. A few more kidnappings and he would have that saddle in no time at all.<\/p>\n

He never did find out the real names of his captors, except for Jack. They collected the ransom money without incident and happily forked over Joe\u2019s share, and promised that ten dollars would be donated to charity. That was to assuage Joe\u2019s guilt over helping himself to some of his father\u2019s money. As for Joe\u2019s part of the deal, he agreed to remain willingly with the kidnappers until the cash was collected, and would not pursue criminal charges against the three men if they were caught. And, of course, he had also provided the pencil, paper, and writing ability for the ransom note.<\/p>\n

Joe had been dropped off, as agreed, on the Virginia City road outside of the Ponderosa, where he would have about a twenty minute walk home. He shook his captors\u2019 hands and waved goodbye as the wagon faded into the distance. Joe had told his new friends about the lovely dream saddle in the Mercantile window, and they had listened with interest. They promised Joe that they would tell their friends about him, and arrange for future kidnappings so Joe could earn enough money to buy it. All in all, not a bad way to make a few bucks, Joe thought to himself. Good thing those ransom notes would be ready soon–he was certainly going to need them.<\/p>\n

As he approached the house, Joe stopped for a minute and made an effort to force the grin from his face. He reached down and grabbed a small handful of dirt, patting it against his cheeks. Next, he ripped his shirt. Then, taking a deep breath, he bit his lip and successfully managed to work up a couple of tears. He continued into the yard of the Ponderosa, trying hard to look weak and upset.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Pa!\u201d he called out. As his father and brothers came tearing out the door, Joe rolled his eyes back and feigned a perfect faint.<\/p>\n

***Nearly a month had passed since the kidnapping, and life on the Ponderosa had returned to its normal, busy pace. Sheriff Coffee had tried without success to obtain a description of the kidnappers from Joe, but apparently Joe had been so traumatized by the entire experience that he didn\u2019t remember any of it. Ben eventually shrugged off the incident, feeling that it was hardly worth throwing a posse together over a measly $160. Joe had come back to them, safe and sound, and had made a remarkably speedy recovery after passing out in the yard.<\/p>\n

Joe thought about his kidnappers from time to time, and wondered if they would keep their promise to tell their friends about his willing assistance in his own kidnapping. To tell the truth, he hoped they had forgotten about it. Once he reflected on the events, he began to regret his hasty impulse to turn the idea into some quick money-making scheme. He cringed to think what would happen if his father caught him taking part in something like\u00a0that<\/em>. Pa would probably work himself into a stroke just\u00a0planning<\/em>\u00a0Joe\u2019s punishment.<\/p>\n

At the time Joe agreed to the kidnapping plot, though, he had still been smarting over the ransom note issue, as well as freshly lusting over the shiny Heiser saddle. The ransom notes had been delivered as scheduled, and Joe had to admit that they were quite tasteful and attractive, though they remained untouched in his saddlebags.<\/p>\n

It was Tuesday, Joe\u2019s regular day to pick up the mail in Virginia City. Adam had accompanied him to town this time, having the need to stop in and see Hiram Wood to sign papers regarding an upcoming timber contract. The brothers separated at Mr. Wood\u2019s office and Joe headed first toward the Mercantile, as always, to moon over his saddle. The possibility of actually purchasing it at this point seemed bleak. He sighed and continued on to the post office to collect the mail. Stepping inside, he was once again goggled at by that creepy little Charles. The little dude was always winking at him. What the heck was his problem, anyway?<\/p>\n

Joe tucked the small stack of mail into his jacket pocket, and made his way to the Bucket of Blood, where he was to meet Adam. Well, he was actually supposed to meet him on the bench\u00a0outside<\/em>the saloon, but Joe could never pass up an opportunity for something cold and bubbly on a warm day. He knew he would probably catch it from his older sibling, knowing how much Adam and his father disapproved of drinking on a work day, but what the heck was wrong with just one drink?<\/p>\n

Joe found a table near a window and ordered a beer, settling in to wait for his brother. Adam always took longer than expected when he came to see the family\u2019s faithful lawyer. Only his dull older brother would find something exciting to chat to Hiram about.<\/p>\n

Joe had barely taken two sips when an unfamiliar looking cowboy approached and sat down opposite him. \u201cIs that your pinto pony outside?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up, confused, but nodded. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The cowboy looked around nervously, and leaned in closer to Joe. \u201cI\u2019m a friend of Jack\u2019s.\u201d he whispered. \u201cAre you Cartwright? Joe Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded again, starting to comprehend the stranger\u2019s objective.<\/p>\n

The cowboy continued in a low voice. \u201cThen, ya know why I\u2019m here. I got something fer ya\u2026.from Jack.\u201d He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of parchment, handing it to Joe. \u201cThis here\u2019s the schedule. We need ya to be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe unfolded the paper and stared at it in surprise. It appeared to be some type of hand-drawn calendar. Different locations and times were scribbled on designated dates. Though roughly presented, it was quite clear to Joe what was expected of him. He was to make himself available for kidnapping when and where it was indicated. Scrawled across the top, in red letters, was the phrase\u00a0SJS Skedul<\/em>. Joe looked confused. \u201cSJS? What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, uh, just ignore that part, kid. Now, ya understand what yer supposed to do?\u201d The cowboy pushed his hat farther down on his head and looked around again, obviously in a hurry to leave.
\nJoe carefully refolded the parchment and handed it back, shaking his head. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir, but I\u2019ve reconsidered this arrangement. It\u2019s not going to work out after all. Give my regards to Jack, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The cowboy shot up so quickly he nearly upended his chair. The table rocked, upending Joe\u2019s beer and splattering the contents onto his shirt. Joe stood up then, preparing to leave, but the cowboy roughly grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, stopping him. \u201cYa can\u2019t do that, kid. Everything\u2019s all planned. Ya need to keep yer end of the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe jerked his arm from the stranger\u2019s grasp. \u201cThis conversation is over, sir.\u201d He walked out of the saloon and paused near the hitching rail, scanning the street for his overdue brother. Hearing footsteps behind him, he started to turn, and felt something hard slam down back of his head. He sank to the ground, a whimper escaping his lips as he descended into darkness\u2026..<\/p>\n

***A short time later, Joe slowly opened his eyes to bright, blinding light. He tried painfully to remember where he was or what had happened. As he attempted to focus his blurry vision, a figure in black appeared in his line of sight.<\/p>\n

The Grim Reaper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe hollered and unsuccessfully tried to scoot away from the ominous specter. Then, his vision cleared, and the image materialized into his brother Adam, who was crouched next to him, one black eyebrow raised sardonically. Joe blew out his breath in relief, determined anew to speak to his sibling about that stupid, slimming all-black look he insisted on wearing every single day. He could give a guy a heart attack.<\/p>\n

Adam checked his brother for obvious injuries, finding only a small bloodied area on the back of his head. The little runt must have whacked himself on the hitching rail as he passed out. He helped Joe sit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, how much have you had to drink, younger brother?\u201d he asked, his voice tight with disapproval.<\/p>\n

Joe tried to protest. \u201cNo, Adam, I was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, frowning. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it, Joe. I can smell the beer on you. Pa\u2019s not going to be happy with this. You know how he feels about drinking in the middle of a work day.\u201d<\/p>\n

And leave it to older brother to march right in and tattle on him, Joe thought to himself grimly. He reached up and grabbed the hitching rail and started to pull himself up. Adam came around behind to assist his brother, who was swaying on his feet. Joe steadied himself and once more attempted to explain the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I didn\u2019t pass out. Someone came up and\u2026\u201d Joe suddenly fell silent as he noticed the piece of folded up parchment peeking from his vest pocket, and realized then what had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, distracted. He was guiding his brother around toward Cochise. \u201cDo you think you\u2019ll be able to ride, Joe, or do you want to rest a bit more?\u201d It was clear in Adam\u2019s voice that he was eager to be on his way.<\/p>\n

Joe paused to get his bearings for a moment, and then grabbed his pony\u2019s reins and carefully hoisted himself up into the saddle, foregoing his customary swing mount.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be okay, Adam. We can go back,\u201d he said, preoccupied with the piece of parchment resting in his pocket, and its obvious implications. What the heck was he going to do now?<\/p>\n

***At the sound of his sons\u2019 horses loping into the yard of the Ponderosa, Ben put aside his pipe and threw down the newspaper he was reading, stalking out to confront the two. How dare they spend so much time in town when there was plenty of work to be done here at home?<\/p>\n

His angry accusations died on his lips, however, when he saw Joe\u2019s pale face. Joe was gingerly trying to dismount, and Ben sprang over to assist.<\/p>\n

He was stopped by a disgusted-looking Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t feel sorry for him, Pa. Your youngest son here decided to stop at the Bucket of Blood while I was at Hiram\u2019s office. I found him passed out on the boardwalk in front. I could smell the alcohol on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glared accusingly at his brother. Leave it to ol\u2019 Adam to start blabbing to Pa before he was barely off his horse. Joe rubbed his eyes and stumbled unsteadily towards the house, intent only on finding his bed.<\/p>\n

The trip back from Virginia City had been slow and agonizing, the brothers being forced to keep the horses to a walk, as anything faster brought on such waves of dizziness that Joe almost slipped from the saddle. He had puked, twice, and Adam had used up the remaining water in the canteens to rinse down Cochise\u2019s neck, all the while glowering angrily at his younger brother.<\/p>\n

Joe had barely reached the bottom step when he heard the bellow of his enraged father. \u201cJOSEPH FRANCIS CARTWRIGHT!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe winced. Uh oh, the\u00a0you\u2019re in big trouble now\u00a0<\/em>voice. Joe didn\u2019t even have to be asked to turn around and sit himself down on the settee and wait for his father\u2019s lecture. He had been in this exact position more times than he could count.<\/p>\n

Ben paced in front of the fireplace for a few moments, before stopping to stare furiously at his son. \u201cJoseph, is it true that you\u2019ve been\u00a0drinking<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head. \u201cWell, yes, Pa, but I\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben continued. \u201cAnd is it true that your poor brother here found you passed out in front of the saloon and had to help you home?\u201d Ben looked sympathetically over at Adam, who was pulling up a chair to get a good seat for the lecture.<\/p>\n

Joe raised his head and narrowed his eyes at his older brother, who had instantly donned a long-suffering, martyred look for his father\u2019s benefit. What a great actor. Joe knew how Adam always enjoyed a good Joe-punishing.<\/p>\n

Joe tried once more to defend himself. \u201cBut, Pa, I didn\u2019t pass out. I was\u2026.\u201d He stopped. How on earth could he explain the disastrous situation he now found himself in without getting into even more trouble? Heck, Adam would probably sell tickets to\u00a0that\u00a0<\/em>lecture. He put his head in his hands, resigned. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam interjected. \u201cPa, I really don\u2019t want to interfere here, but\u2026\u201d Joe nearly rolled his eyes at that. Oh, please. He knew his brother was just\u00a0dying\u00a0<\/em>to interfere. \u201cI think you should consider a much more harsh punishment than your standard lecture\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what do you have in mind, son?\u201d Ben asked, noticeably interested in the pearls of wisdom that were about to come spewing forth from the sanctimonious mouth of his perfect oldest son. Oh,\u00a0boy<\/em>, am I in for it now, Joe thought.<\/p>\n

Adam looked pointedly at Joe. \u201cWell, it\u2019s obvious that you need to send a message that will stick this time. Sort of a \u201chit him where it hurts\u201d type of scenario, if you will.\u201d He paused theatrically at that point, nearly preening at the rapt attention he was receiving from his father. Joe felt like throwing up\u2026again. Adam continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should dock his wages, Pa. He\u2019s obviously in no shape to continue working for the rest of the day, and maybe even tomorrow. And perhaps you should even consider that I\u2019ve fallen behind in my own work because I had to help him home, and deduct even more. I mean, it was completely his own doing, as you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I can\u2019t believe you\u2019d actually listen to him!!\u201d Joe was livid. He shot suddenly to his feet, and instantly regretted it, catching the back of the settee to steady himself. He paused for a moment, hung his head in a dejected manner, and continued on in his poor, sad, remorseful Little Joe voice. It usually worked like a charm on his Pa.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m really sorry, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean to disappoint you. It won\u2019t happen again, honest.\u201d Joe tried to sneak a peek at his father to see if it was working. It was quite evident it wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Ben was nodding. He stepped over to pat Adam on the back. \u201cAdam, I believe that\u2019s a fine idea. I\u2019m sorry that you had to put up with all this nonsense.\u201d Ben then turned his attention to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, son, will go directly to your room right now to sleep it off. You\u2019re obviously intoxicated. And your wages will, indeed, be docked significantly due to your drinking on the job. Now, get upstairs!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe scowled, and turned toward the stairs, but not before sticking his tongue out at his brother. Adam noticed, and smiled innocently at him. Joe slowly made his way up to his room, and immediately fell across his bed. As he drifted off to sleep, his mind was bubbling over with plots of deadly revenge against the jerk sibling he had been cursed with.<\/p>\n

***Night had fallen by the time Joe finally woke up, and he sat up to light the lantern on his nightstand. His nausea had dissipated, and the headache was mostly gone. What was still there, though, bright as ever, was the anger.<\/p>\n

So, his Pa thought it was a\u00a0fine idea\u00a0<\/em>to cut his wages, was it? By odd coincidence, it was only then that he remembered the folded up piece of paper in his pocket. Yep, it was still there. He pulled it out, intending to tear it to pieces, but something, he wasn\u2019t sure what it was, made him pause and unfold it. It looked the same as when the stranger had handed it to him in the Bucket of Blood, save for one more sentence that had been scrawled on the opposite side.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo choice, Cartrite– Co-oprate, or risk the rath of the SJS.\u201d<\/em>There it was, that mysterious \u201cSJS\u201d again. Was it somebody\u2019s initials, maybe? Joe shrugged, and studied the paper more closely. Maybe he shouldn\u2019t have been so quick to dismiss the idea. It certainly would have been less painful, he figured, grimacing, as he lightly fingered the bump on the back of his head.<\/p>\n

The next kidnapping had been scheduled for the following morning. Nothing like giving him plenty of notice, he thought. Joe\u2019s job was apparently to meet up with the kidnappers at sunrise immediately outside of the ranch\u2019s boundaries, on the old mill trail, just off the road to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed, considering. He folded the paper and returned it to his pocket as he headed downstairs, where the remaining Cartwrights were eating dinner. Conversation ceased, suddenly, as they looked up and noticed Joe enter the dining room. It was obvious to Joe what, or rather, who, they had been discussing.<\/p>\n

Hoss broke the silence, grinning up at his younger brother. \u201cHey there, Joe, guess ya ain\u2019t feelin\u2019 so well today, huh?\u201d He started chuckling, and Adam joined in, cackling along with him. Joe glared silently at his two brothers, who were nearly falling out of their seats laughing by now, and considered stalking back up to his room. His empty belly won the battle over his injured pride, however, and he glumly sat down to eat.<\/p>\n

Adam started in on him right away. \u201cWell, younger brother, I hope you\u2019ve learned a valuable lesson today.\u201d He had paused between bites and was pointing his fork at Joe. \u201cWhen you refuse to obey the rules, you have to suffer the consequences. Perhaps next time you\u2019ll remember that when you feel an urge to get drunk when you\u2019re supposed to be working.\u201d For emphasis, he stabbed at a piece of beefsteak and popped it into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe wordlessly turned his attention to his father. Was he really going to allow that condescending jackass to talk to him like that? Joe was shocked to see his father gazing proudly at Adam. \u201cTook the words right out of my mouth, son. Of course, Joseph here may not be able to afford to drink for a while, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Hoss and Adam resumed their snickering.<\/p>\n

Joe stood up, his appetite quite suddenly gone. His decision was made then and there. All trepidation and reluctance evaporated as if they had never been. Joe headed for the door, stopping only for his hat and jacket. Turning to glance once more at his family, he left, not sure particularly where he was going, but knowing that sunrise would find him on the old mill trail, just off the road to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Just wait till their precious little brother got himself kidnapped again. His brothers wouldn\u2019t be so amused when they were doing his chores tomorrow\u2026<\/p>\n

***Silvery rays of early sunlight were beginning to filter through the towering Ponderosa pines as Joe arrived at the designated meeting place. He was saddle-sore and sleepy, having ridden around aimlessly a good part of the night. His anger and hurt still simmered, and he remained confident in his decision, though he found himself feeling somewhat uneasy as the darkness began to fade.<\/p>\n

He guided his pony into the open from the shadows of the trees, and saw two men waiting on horseback. Joe regarded the pair warily, recognizing the cowboy from the day before at the saloon. As he came closer, they hailed him and dismounted.<\/p>\n

Joe dismounted himself and approached them. He shook their hands and introduced himself, though he felt such social niceties felt somewhat strange under the circumstances. They in turn introduced themselves as Sam and Bill.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, gentlemen, let\u2019s discuss this arrangement,\u201d he said. \u201cI agree to go with you willingly, and in return I\u2019ll receive a portion of the ransom, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam nodded. \u201cYep, just like Jack said. Oh, and kid, sorry \u2018bout bashin\u2019 ya on the head yesterday. It\u2019s just, well, we dun already had this planned out and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe held up his hand. \u201cNo, please. No offense taken.\u201d He sighed. \u201cLet\u2019s just get this over with, okay?\u201d He returned to mount his pony, and the other two followed suit. The three riders turned their horses toward the main road. After several minutes, Joe turned to his \u201ccaptors\u201d, suddenly curious. \u201cWhere are we going\u2026..ummm, I mean, where are you taking me?\u201d he asked, winking.<\/p>\n

Sam grinned at Joe and answered. \u201cOh, just up the road to Virginia City a piece, then due south a few miles toward the old Miller place. It\u2019s out of the way,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty run down, but the barn\u2019s still standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe remembered. It was where he had been taken for kidnapping number six. Not the coziest hideout in the area, but it was mostly secluded and dry. Certainly the journey to the location this time around was much more comfortable. He fell silent for a while as they continued on, keeping the horses to an easy lope. Vague doubts were beginning to surface, and he wondered for the first time if he was making a big mistake in involving himself in this crazy plot.<\/p>\n

The three riders continued on in relative silence for nearly an hour until they reached the boundaries of the Miller homestead. The overgrown and rough trail leading to the property was difficult to traverse, but eventually the abandoned dwelling came into view. The original house was uninhabitable, due to the ravages of the elements and scavengers, but the barn, surprisingly, was almost completely intact.<\/p>\n

As they approached the structure, something scurried from beneath the door and disappeared into a thatch of overgrown weeds. Joe shuddered. He had forgotten about the rats.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

\u201cWhat do you\u00a0mean\u00a0<\/em>you can\u2019t find him?\u201d<\/strong> Ben Cartwright fought to keep his voice to a reasonable level as he faced his two sons. Adam and Hoss had just returned home after an unsuccessful attempt to locate their missing brother. They had all assumed that Joe would return home safely after taking an hour or two to cool off, but the waiting had turned into an all night vigil. The previous evening, Ben had ignored his impulse to go after his son immediately after he had so abruptly stormed out, and now he regretted it.<\/p>\n

Hoss laid a large hand on his father\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHey, Pa, just calm down, now. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s just fine. We followed Cooch\u2019s tracks for a while all the way up to the old mill trail there, but then we dun lost them on the road to Virginia City. There are just too many tracks to pick up the trail. Little Joe probably just met up with some friends at the saloon or something. I\u2019ll bet he\u2019s just off somewheres sleeping it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam piped in then. \u201cOr, you never know, Pa. Maybe he\u2019s just been kidnapped again. Wouldn\u2019t be the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben blew out his breath indignantly. \u201cWell, he better hope that\u2019s what happened. He\u2019ll get more than a lecture if I discover he\u2019s been out drinking again.\u201d<\/p>\n

***Upon arrival at their hideout, Joe presented his kidnappers with one of the printed ransom notes, and they were quite impressed. He even helped fill it out for them, gleefully deciding on a ransom of $200 this time. Wait till Adam sees this, he thought.<\/p>\n

Sam and Bill looked over the completed note, and they nodded their approval. They agreed that Joe would have a standard cut of $50, with the obligatory $10 for charity. Now, all that was needed was for the note to be delivered. Joe suggested tucking the note inside his pony\u2019s saddlebags, and sending him on back towards the ranch. Cooch would find his way home, no problem, he assured his companions.<\/p>\n

Bill remounted his horse and grabbed Cochise\u2019s reins, intending to lead the pony back down the overgrown trail to the main Virginia City road, and then send him on his way toward the Ponderosa. Joe and Sam made themselves as comfortable as possible on the earthen floor of the barn, and the two settled in to wait for Bill\u2019s return. They soon fell into an easy conversation.<\/p>\n

Joe took the opportunity to ask a question that had been burning in the back of his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam\u2026there\u2019s something I\u2019ve been curious about.\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat exactly is the SJS?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam looked embarrassed. \u201cWell, I guess someone might as well tell ya, since ya been so helpful and all. It all started a while back, ya know, maybe about eight, nine months ago. See, we all work as hands at the Bar-M ranch, just outside Mormon Flats. We had all just come back from a pretty long cattle drive, and a bunch of us came to town to have a few drinks and maybe play some cards. And then who should come in but you and yer Pa. Don\u2019t know what you was there for, and you only stayed for a few minutes, but our pal Lester sure enough noticed yer Pa right off. Lester was kinda new then, but he told us how he used to work for the Ponderosa a while back, and how yer Pa just up and fired him one day for no reason, and that you Cartwrights were so high and mighty that someone should teach y\u2018all a lesson. Well, we had all had a few drinks by then, so we thought it was a fine idea. Before long, Lester came up with this idea of snatching one of Cartwright\u2019s sons; just for the hell of it. He pretty much decided on you, what with your pinto pony and green jacket, you were the easiest one to recognize. We could just take turns doing it, he said, not to really hurt ya or nothin\u2019; just scare ya some, and scare yer Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was speechless. All the kidnappings, every last one of them for the past eight months, were related? Eleven kidnappings and counting; all part of some crazy plot designed by a bunch of drunken cowpokes. The puzzle pieces were starting to trickle into place–the frequency and similarity of the kidnappings, and the men involved in them. He found his voice then.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the ransoms? What about them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam continued. \u201cWe always kept the ransom amounts small – maybe about a hundred bucks or so–more or less. Usually enough to buy drinks for everyone. We figured that once yer Pa got ya back safe and sound, he probably wouldn\u2019t set the law on us for a measly hundred bucks. I mean, it was all just a joke. No one wanted to go to jail for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. Sam was right. His father never worried about the paltry sums of money, only about his son\u2018s safety, and once Joe was returned unharmed each time, Pa almost always dropped the matter legally and soon forgot about the incident. \u201cYou still haven\u2019t told me about the SJS. What\u2019s that all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam grinned. \u201cWell, after a few kidnappings, Lester thought it would be fun to start some kind of secret club or something for everyone who got away with snatching the Cartwright kid. Before long, all the hands at the Bar-M wanted in on it. It\u2019s pretty popular–even hands from other ranches are hankering to join up now. We\u2019re even thinking of getting matching tattoos. Joe, SJS stands for the\u00a0Seize Joe Society<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shifted uneasily, not sure how to take that news. He was the focus of some secret\u00a0club<\/em>? That\u2019s what this was all about? He didn\u2018t know if he should feel flattered or insulted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSam, I didn\u2019t know about\u2026\u201d he stammered, not sure exactly what he wanted to say. He bit his lip, considering. \u201cYou said people are still trying to get into the club, I mean, the SJS?\u201d How many more kidnappings were being planned, for crying out loud?<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you betcha. The SJS is getting real well known round about Mormon Flats, you know.\u201d Sam chuckled. \u201cSure makes things a lot easier, now that you decided to cooperate. Jack told us about that saddle you wanted, by the way. Sounds like a real beauty. Shouldn\u2019t be too long afore you can get it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled slightly at the mention of the saddle. It was true. Just a few more kidnappings and he would have more than enough cash to purchase it; maybe even a little extra for a matching bridle. Of course, he would have some tall explaining to do about where he obtained the cash for such an expensive item, but he would worry about that later.<\/p>\n

***Adam tightened the cinch on Sport\u2019s saddle. He had just finished up his own morning chores, as well as Joe\u2018s, and he was preparing to launch a second search for his missing brother. His annoyance made his movements rougher than usual, and Sport nickered in protest. The sound of hoof beats made him pause as a lathered and exhausted Cochise came flying into the yard.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped out to intercept his brother\u2019s pony, and was assisted by Hoss and Ben, who had also been alerted by the sound. As Hoss stroked and soothed the terrified animal, Adam made quick work of examining the saddle and searching the saddlebags for any clue to his brother\u2019s whereabouts. He found the ransom note almost immediately.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026.,\u201d he said, handing the green card to his father. \u201cI guess we know what happened to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took the card and scanned it carefully. He sighed. \u201cWell, it looks like they want $200 this time around. We\u2019re supposed to leave it under the black rock at the cave at Indian\u2019s Leap before sunset today. Hmmm. Just like last time; isn\u2019t that odd? If we follow the directions exactly, then Joe will be released shortly afterward.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tucked the card into his vest pocket and regarded his two sons. \u201cWell, I guess we have no choice, then. Adam, do we have enough to cover that amount in our petty cash box?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cMore than enough, Pa. Good thing these ransom amounts haven\u2019t been all that high. It sure would be a big hassle to have to go to the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

***Dusk was falling over the ranch house as Joe made his way into the yard. He had earned his fifty dollars, as well as a ten dollar tip from his grateful captors, and he was quite pleased. The next kidnapping was scheduled in three weeks, and he would make sure he was ready for it. Sure was an easy way to make a few bucks, he thought, patting the bulge of crisp bills in his pocket.<\/p>\n

Joe had decided that his reunion with his family would not be as dramatic as last time. Didn\u2019t want to arouse any suspicions, after all, so he dispensed with the fake fainting spell this time around. He did, however, manage an expression of extreme relief as he stumbled his way through the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa! Pa!\u201d he called out, looking for his father. Spying him standing near the settee, Joe ran to embrace him. \u201cI\u2019m so glad I\u2019m home, Pa. It was terrible! Just terrible! Thank God they let me go, Pa. They were dangerous criminals!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben held his son at arm\u2019s length, assessing him for injuries. Satisfied that Joe was physically unharmed, he guided him toward the settee and they sat down together.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, son, it\u2019s over now. I\u2019m just glad you\u2019ve come home safely. Are you okay? Are you hungry? Is there anything I can get for you?\u201d he said, searching his son for any signs of distress.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019m okay, really. I think I\u2019ll just go upstairs and lie down for a while if that\u2019s okay?\u201d He stood up and turned toward the stairs. He hesitated, though before heading up, turning once more to face his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa?\u201d he said, \u201cThanks for paying the ransom, Pa. I was afraid, Pa. I was afraid that they were going to kill me.\u201d Joe was pleased that he was able to manage a slight tremor in his voice at this remark.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled warmly at his youngest. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, son. You\u2019re worth it. Now, just go on up and rest and I\u2019ll have Hop Sing come up with some dinner in a little while, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGreat, Pa!\u201d Joe grinned and darted up the stairs, quite forgetting that he was supposed to act sad and frightened. Ben wondered briefly about his son\u2019s sudden change in mood, but dismissed the thought immediately. The poor boy had been through enough already. He was entitled to act a little weird, Ben supposed.<\/p>\n

***The pleasant spring soon turned into blazing summer, and everyone\u2019s tempers were short during the busiest time of year at the Ponderosa. It hadn\u2019t helped that Joe had been kidnapped four additional times in three months, leaving the ranch shorthanded, and the petty cash box running quite low. It was the same story each time; the ransoms were paid as required and Joe was released a short time later. He was never physically harmed during each occurrence, but he was well and truly terrified afterward–so much so that Hoss and Adam were forced to take on Joe\u2019s chores for several days after he was returned safely to his family.<\/p>\n

Joe drove the buckboard toward Virginia City to collect the mail and other supplies one humid Tuesday morning; glad to be free from the glowering stares of his overworked brothers and the hovering, worried gaze of his father. He had just been released from his last kidnapping only two days earlier, and it had taken quite a bit of pleading on his part to be allowed to get away on his own. As he left the boundaries of the Ponderosa, he couldn\u2019t help but smile to himself.<\/p>\n

For today was the day. After so many months of waiting and wanting, today that saddle would be his. It was fate, he decided, that no one had seen fit to purchase it yet. Destiny had decided that the saddle was for no one but Mr. Joseph Cartwright, and this morning, destiny would be fulfilled. He could hardly wait.<\/p>\n

He had struggled over what he would tell his family when they asked how he could afford such a costly item–and they were sure to ask, no doubt about it. He decided at long last to tell them that he had won the money in a poker game, as flimsy as that explanation was. He couldn\u2019t seem to think of any other, though, and telling them the truth would be unthinkable, of course.<\/p>\n

The kidnappings had become routine, but to tell the truth, they were getting a bit tiresome. He was starting to wonder if his Pa and brothers were becoming suspicious at this point. Adam, especially, had been wondering aloud at the similarity of the kidnappings lately, and Joe knew it wouldn\u2019t be long before his analytical brother would start putting two and two together. Now that Joe was going to have his saddle, at long last, he had no further need for the additional cash at this point. And then there was that worried look he was starting to see in his father\u2019s eyes after each incident. Joe was beginning to feel increasingly guilty over his part in the abductions as the summer wore on. But how could he stop now? From everything his captors had telling him recently, the SJS was more popular than ever, and cowpokes from all over the territory were wanting in.<\/p>\n

Just one more time, he decided to himself. He would agree to participate in just one last kidnapping; scheduled for two weeks from today. Then, no more. The SJS would just have to find itself another willing victim.<\/p>\n

***Late in the afternoon some two weeks later, the Cartwright brothers found themselves on the road to Virginia City. Moods had lightened considerably in the previous two weeks and the three joked around and chatted amiably among themselves on the journey. Hoss and Adam took the buckboard, but Joe preferred to ride alongside on Cochise, still breaking in his shiny new saddle.<\/p>\n

The saddle turned out to be everything he had hoped for; it fit as if it had been custom made. His family had all admired Joe\u2019s expensive purchase when he first brought it home, and they had initially seemed a bit skeptical at Joe\u2019s explanation of a winning poker game, but they didn\u2019t question him about it, especially since Joe had also showered his family with thoughtful gifts–a book of Longfellow poetry for Adam, an hand-carved ivory pipe for Pa, and a silver-embossed whittling knife for Hoss. Since that day, Joe had also worked diligently from sunup to sundown; no one had to nag him to get on with his chores. In fact, his family had rarely seen him so dedicated to his work.<\/p>\n

As they neared town, however, Joe became increasingly subdued and quiet, to the puzzlement of his brothers. Once they arrived at their destination, the brothers went their separate ways to complete their individually assigned tasks–Hoss to the Mercantile to procure and load supplies for Hop Sing, Adam to the lawyer\u2019s office to discuss a pending timber contract, and Joe to collect the mail and make a bank deposit. The three decided to meet up at the Bucket of Blood once their errands were completed before heading home together.<\/p>\n

Joe felt the weight of depression on him as he completed his tasks. Tonight he was scheduled to meet up with two more kidnappers just before sunset, where he would be whisked away to some place unknown, and be separated once again from his family for one night; maybe two. He had tried to come to town alone to make it easier to accomplish, but his father had insisted that the brothers make the trip together. Pa was still uneasy from Joe\u2019s previous kidnapping only two weeks ago.<\/p>\n

Now Joe would have to think of some lame excuse to separate himself from his brothers so he could meet up with his captors without Adam and Hoss being aware of it. He\u2019d probably have to start an argument or something, and he hated the idea, since they had all been getting on so well lately. Joe was eager for this crazy plot to be over with once and for all, so life on the Ponderosa, and with his family, could return to normal.<\/p>\n

His mission accomplished more quickly than he anticipated, Joe made his way to the saloon to wait for his brothers to arrive. As he looked around to locate an available seat, he was hailed by a blonde, gap-toothed individual standing near the bar. It was Jack.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe Cartwright!\u201d Jack waved him over and gestured clumsily to a nearby stool. Jack\u2019s voice was loud and slurred; he had obviously had more than a few drinks already. \u201cFancy seein\u2019 you here! Come on over, kid. I\u2019ll buy ya a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced around a bit nervously. The saloon was mostly deserted, save for a lone cowboy sitting in the shadows at the far end of the establishment, and a couple of mean-looking dudes sharing a table near the door. He sat down next to Jack.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack, I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s a good idea to be seen with you,\u201d he said in a low voice. \u201cSomeone might figure out what\u2019s going on, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack chuckled, and slapped Joe on the shoulder. \u201cHa! Don\u2019t worry about it, kid. So, ya\u2019ll ready fer tonight? You\u2019ll like the two new guys that yer gonna meet up with; real nice fellas. They said they\u2019d even give ya a big tip. They sure were happy to get the job, I\u2019ll tell ya that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stood up, extremely uncomfortable by now. \u201cSorry, Jack, but I gotta go. I don\u2019t think I should be here right now.\u201d He got up and headed toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, there, kid,\u201d Jack yelled after him, grinning. \u201cBut don\u2019t ya forget about tonight.\u201d Jack turned back to his whisky then, and didn\u2019t notice the dark cowboy that came to his feet in the darkened corner of the saloon.<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright had heard most of the conversation, and was quickly putting two and two together.<\/p>\n

***Slim and Red Slade huddled at their table near the front door of the Bucket of Blood. The fortunes of the two brothers had not been good lately; though they had done well in the past through a variety of nefarious activities such as cattle rustling and petty theft, pickings were slim recently, and the two found themselves on the run from the law once again.<\/p>\n

They needed cash, and quick, so they could make an escape into Mexico until things blew over. And then, a solution presented itself in the form of a handsome young man walking into the saloon. Someone hollered a greeting to the kid from the bar. Well, whaddya know? He was a\u00a0Cartwright\u00a0<\/em>– one of them rich Cartwrights. Yep, things were beginning to look up, for darn sure. When the young man suddenly up and left a few minutes later, the brothers stood up to follow.<\/p>\n

***The sky was a blazing kaleidoscope of red and orange as sunset lit the Nevada sky, but Joe was too preoccupied to notice. He had been waiting for his kidnappers to arrive for nearly a half hour now, at the assigned meeting place near a grove of poplar trees just outside of Virginia City. The meeting place was easily visible from the main road, so he watched anxiously in case his brothers should happen by on the buckboard. He hoped that they would just assume that he left town early and went home on his own.<\/p>\n

At the sound of approaching horses, Joe\u2019s head popped up, and he tried to focus on the two riders in the dimming light. He noted with dismay that the kidnappers were none other than the two mean-looking dudes he had first noticed in the saloon. They seemed somewhat different than his other kidnappers – harder and meaner, somehow. Why did Jack say he would like these two?<\/p>\n

They dismounted and pulled out their guns simultaneously. \u201cAre you Cartwright? One of them rich Cartwrights?\u201d Slim asked as he approached.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded, and regarded the two quizzically. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for the weapons, gentlemen. I\u2019m here willingly, remember?\u201d Joe had been in this situation before, though for some reason this time he was starting to feel uneasy.<\/p>\n

Slim ignored Joe\u2018s protestations. \u201cJust drop yer gun, kid. We\u2019re gonna take a little ride, now. Yer Pa\u2019s got a lot of money, don\u2019t he? So how much do ya think yer worth to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe dropped his gun as directed, quite nervous by now. \u201cListen, you two\u00a0are\u00a0<\/em>with the SJS, right?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Slim and Red exchanged glances. \u201cWhat the hell is the SJS?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alarmed, Joe looked around frantically for a means to escape, and tried to make a break for it into the woods, but the Slade brothers were on him instantly. Within minutes, Joe was unconscious.<\/p>\n

***Adam approached the stranger at the bar. He grabbed Jack\u2019s arm and yanked him towards an empty table, pushing him down forcefully into a chair. Jack gaped at the black-garbed cowboy, and cringed at the furious look on his face. About that time, Hoss strolled into the saloon. Adam gestured him over, and then turned to his guest. \u201cI think we have a few things to talk about, friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack sank back into the chair, nervous, and nearly panicked when the other massive cowboy came in and sat down across from him. \u201cUmmm, can I help you, gentlemen?\u201d he asked, his voice slurring.<\/p>\n

***Joe awoke to a pounding headache, centered on the back of his head where he had been hit. He moaned softly as his memory returned. His hands and feet were bound, and a gag had been shoved into his mouth. He tried to turn his head to see where he was, but even that small movement brought on throbbing pain. Though it was mostly dark, he figured he had been taken to a line shack somewhere, and the condition of the dwelling indicated that it had likely been abandoned for some time.<\/p>\n

His captors had seated themselves at the tiny table and were struggling to write a ransom note in the light of the single kerosene lamp. Slim finished writing, and handed the completed note to his brother. \u201cNow, get this on over to their ranch. Then, we can collect our cash and get on outta here.\u201d He looked over at his captive. \u201cOh, so yer awake, eh, Cartwright? Sure hope yer Pa\u2019s willing to pay up, or we might have to hurt ya some.\u201d He cackled at that, and walked over to Joe, giving him a kick for good measure.<\/p>\n

***Adam regarded Jack intently. \u201cSo, you\u2019re telling me that there is another kidnapping planned for\u00a0tonight<\/em>? When and where is this supposed to take place?\u201d he demanded, his voice tight with anger.<\/p>\n

By now, Jack was truly terrified. It was bad enough when Adam had threatened to march him right over to the sheriff\u2019s office, but when his rather large companion fiercely threatened to tear off both his arms; it was all Jack needed to tell them everything he knew. Jack nodded, and his voice was nearly hoarse with fear as he answered. \u201cYeah, tonight. Just out by the poplar grove \u2019bout a mile outside of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack gasped as his collar was suddenly seized by Hoss and he was yanked roughly out of his chair. Hoss pulled him forward until they were nearly nose to nose. \u201cYou better be telling the truth, mister. You know what I\u2019ll do to ya if I find out yer lying?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack gulped, speechless. Adam interjected, then, grasping Hoss by the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hoss, we gotta find Joe before he does something stupid.\u201d Adam turned his attention to Jack again. \u201cBut we\u2019re not finished with you, friend.\u201d he grimly warned Jack. \u201cWe\u2019ll be in touch.\u201d At that, Adam and Hoss hurried out of the saloon and jumped onto the buckboard.<\/p>\n

Although sunset was rapidly fading into dusky evening by this time, Adam and Hoss located the poplar grove easily shortly after leaving the boundaries of Virginia City. To their disappointment, though, all they discovered was an anxious Cochise, nervously pawing the ground where he had been tethered, and Joe\u2019s hat, lying alongside. Joe, however, was nowhere to be found.<\/p>\n

***Ben Cartwright unfolded the parchment again, and tried for the tenth time to try and make sense of the strange scribblings on it.<\/p>\n

SJS Skedul<\/em>?\u00a0Risk the rath of the SJS?\u00a0<\/em>What the hell did that mean? What was SJS? Someone\u2019s initials, maybe? And what were all these dates and locations?<\/p>\n

Hop Sing had discovered the strange document when cleaning some items out of Joe\u2019s closet just that afternoon. It had likely fallen out of one of Joe\u2019s pockets. Though hesitant to invade the boy\u2019s privacy, the little Chinese servant was alarmed enough about the paper that he turned it over to Ben.<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. He had no choice but to confront Joseph with it when he returned from town and demand an explanation, but he had an uneasy feeling that the existence of the paper had ominous implications.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s examination of the parchment was interrupted by the sounds of the buckboard rumbling its arrival into the yard. He walked outside to greet his sons, and was stopped short at the sight of the rider less Cochise. Adam and Hoss jumped out of the wagon and met up with their father on the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys?\u201d Suddenly concerned, Ben addressed his sons. \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

***Shaking with emotion, Ben gingerly lowered himself into his chair. He couldn\u2019t believe it. Even when Adam described the whole notorious plot that Jack had admitted to him. Even when confronted with the truth of it–Joe riding off mysteriously on his own just prior to each kidnapping, the similar ransom requests, Joe\u2019s possession of a significant amount of cash recently, and the\u00a0SJS Skedul<\/em>\u00a0that had been discovered in Joe\u2018s room. Ben just couldn\u2019t believe it!<\/p>\n

He shook his head and looked up at his sons. \u201cHow could Joseph have gotten involved in something like this? How?\u201d he cried, utterly bewildered.<\/p>\n

Adam paused in his pacing. \u201cPa, I think there may be a way to end this whole thing, and maybe teach Joe a lesson in the process.\u201d he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. \u201cWe should be getting a ransom note shortly, right? Maybe we can turn the tables on these alleged kidnappers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost as if on queue, there was a slight noise outside. The Cartwrights looked at each other, and ran to open the door. Ben bent over to pick up the envelope that had been tossed on the porch, and scanned the darkness for the person who delivered it. Seeing nothing, he returned inside, and quickly opened the note. He read it aloud to his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you value your son\u2019s life, leave $5000 in cash inside the poplar grove by noon tomorrow. No law or your son will die, Cartwright.\u201d<\/em>Adam took the note from his father\u2019s hands. \u201cWell, Pa, it looks like the kidnappers are going to be surprised at noon tomorrow.\u201d He smiled then. His little brother was going to be very surprised indeed.<\/p>\n

***The door to the line shack burst open and Red stomped in, obviously quite angry. He confronted Joe. \u201cWhat the hell is this all about? What\u2019s going on, Cartwright?\u201d He had a note of some type in his hand, and he was shaking it in the face of his bound and gagged prisoner.<\/p>\n

Slim came groggily to his feet, disturbed from his catnap. \u201cWhat is it, Red?\u201d he asked, rubbing his eyes. \u201cDid ya get the money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I did\u00a0not\u00a0<\/em>get the money!\u201d Red hollered, flinging the handwritten note on the table in front of his brother. \u201cAll I got was\u00a0this<\/em>! Just read it!\u00a0Read\u00a0<\/em>it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Slim picked up the note and read it aloud.\u00a0\u201cBefore we agree to pay any cash, we must be certain that you actually have Joe in your possession. Please send us a finger or toe as proof, and then we will be happy to negotiate an appropriate ransom. Best wishes, The Cartwright Family\u201d
\n<\/em>
\nSlim frowned, and dropped the note back on the table. \u201cIs this for real?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe, meanwhile, from his position on the floor, was wide-eyed in disbelief. There had to be some misunderstanding. Surely his family wouldn\u2019t demand proof of his abduction in the form of an amputated body part, would they?<\/p>\n

Slim glared at his prisoner, then. \u201cWell, kid, yer lucky I ain\u2019t one for chopping off fingers. If they want proof, though, we\u2019ll give it to \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

***The next note arrived at the Ponderosa two hours later. Adam picked it up from the porch decking and opened it as he came inside. \u201cPa!\u201d he called out. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard back from the kidnappers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pa and Hoss came into the great room as Adam started to read the note aloud.\u00a0\u201cFor proof that we have your son, please come to the cave entrance at Indian\u2019s Leap at sunset today. Ransom amount to be determined at that time. No law or your son will die.\u201d<\/em>Adam folded the note carefully and placed it in his shirt pocket. \u201cPa, Hoss and I will go.\u201d he said. \u201cTo get there before sunset, we\u2018d better leave within the hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sensed his father was about to protest, and he held up his hand to stop him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa, it\u2019s best if you stay here. We need to teach these characters a lesson. You just get too emotional when it comes to your youngest son, and you may well agree to anything they ask, even though you already know this whole thing is set up. Anyway, there\u2019s a chance they may just give up and drop Joe off here before Hoss and I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. He knew Adam was right. All that was left to do now was to wait for his sons to return. Hopefully, all three of them.<\/p>\n

***Once they\u2019d arrived at Indian\u2019s Leap, Slim and Red dragged their bound captive to higher ground so they could easily see the arrival of any riders from every direction, and settled in to wait. Shortly before sunset, they spied two riders on the horizon. Joe lifted his head and knew immediately that they were his brothers. He nearly went slack with relief. Finally!<\/p>\n

As his brothers approached their location, Slim and Red stopped them with cocked pistols.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s far enough, you two. Now, hand over yer weapons, nice and slow-like.\u201d Slim instructed.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam hesitated at first, but complied. Slim continued. \u201cI assume you two are Cartwrights? Where\u2019s the old man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam answered. \u201cOur Pa was too busy to come. Now, we want to see our brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Red dragged Joe into view and dumped him at the feet of his brothers, still keeping his gun trained on the pair. Adam glanced down briefly, and looked bored. \u201cYeah, it\u2019s him all right. Mind if I talk to him for a minute?\u201d<\/p>\n

Slim shrugged. \u201cSuit yerself. But don\u2019t ya touch that gag. That kid\u2019s got a smart mouth on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled at that. \u201cDon\u2019t I know it! Can\u2019t tell ya how many times I\u2019ve wanted to gag him myself at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam crouched down in front of Joe. He had to admit, Joe was putting on a good performance. He even looked scared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, little brother, what\u2019s your cut going to be this time?\u201d he asked, quietly. \u201cHoss and I had a little chat with your friend Jack yesterday. We know about everything, Joe. The kidnappings, the SJS, the whole thing. Do you know what this crazy scheme of yours has been doing to Pa? Maybe you all should just quit while you\u2019re ahead, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

He patted Joe on the head and stood up.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes went wide at Adam\u2019s words. He shook his head frantically and struggled to make as much noise as he could; practically screaming through the gag, but the sound came out as a muffled moaning. When that failed to get his brother\u2019s attention, he started to bang his bound feet on the ground.<\/p>\n

Hoss then knelt down and started to fumble with the ropes binding Joe\u2019s hands. Joe turned still as he felt the tug on his wrists, convinced that at least one of his brothers was going to help him. That is, until he felt the ropes become suddenly tighter.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like he was startin\u2019 to get loose on ya, there,\u201d Hoss explained to Slim. \u201cI just tightened the ropes up a bit fer you fellers.\u201d He stood back up, and patted Joe on the head. \u201cGuess yer not feelin\u2019 all that comfortable right now, huh, Short Shanks?\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Joe resumed his protests louder than before. Slim became irritated.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet him outta here, Red,\u201d he said, and Joe was dragged away from his brothers\u2019 sight, still making noise and banging his feet.<\/p>\n

Slim turned his attention back to Hoss and Adam. \u201cOkay, now ya seen him. Let\u2019s talk about what it\u2019s going to cost you to get him back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged a brief glance before Adam addressed the kidnappers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the thing is, Joe\u2019s been kinda slacking off on his chores and all lately, and to tell the truth, we\u2019re not sure if want him back yet. Would you mind giving us some time to think about it? Oh, and by the way, I think you made a mistake on your ransom note. I\u2019m sure you must have just forgotten the decimal on the amount. You were asking for fifty dollars, and not $5,000, right? Cause we all thought that was pretty funny back at the ranch.\u201d He paused for a moment. \u201cOkay, tell you what. We\u2019ll consider a hundred dollars, tops. It\u2019s just, well, the kid ain\u2019t worth all that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slim and Red looked so stunned that Adam almost laughed. The negotiations were obviously not going as planned. Slim found his voice eventually. \u201cNow, wait a second. You do realize that we\u2019ll kill the kid if you don\u2019t pay up, right? We\u2019re serious, here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cGive us 24 hours to think it over, and we\u2019ll let you know. We\u2019ll leave a note right here tomorrow giving you our answer.\u201d He nodded at Hoss, and they turned to leave. \u201cCan we have our guns back, though?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Red reluctantly handed back the weapons, though he kept his own gun pointed at them. Adam looked annoyed. He pushed Red\u2019s gun to the side. \u201cAnd for God\u2019s sake, would you mind not pointing that thing at us? You could hurt somebody.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss remounted their horses, and turned back toward the Ponderosa, leaving two thoroughly confused criminals and a very nervous younger brother in their wake.<\/p>\n

Joe heard his brothers\u2019 departure, and he closed his eyes in misery. He knew what was going on, of course. His family had apparently learned about Joe\u2019s involvement with the SJS and his willing participation in his own kidnappings, and they assumed that this was just another such incident.<\/p>\n

Talk about reaping what you sow, he thought ironically. He imagined his father was quite upset with him over the whole thing, but Joe had more important concerns at the moment. He supposed that all of this was somehow his own fault, but then, how was he to know that he would fall into the hands of two real criminals?<\/p>\n

Boy, oh boy, Joe. You\u2019ve sure gotten yourself into a real fix now, he thought.<\/p>\n

***The Cartwright brothers were still snickering as their horses trotted into the yard of the ranch house a while later. Hoss chuckled as he dismounted, \u201cAnd did ya see his face when I tightened up them ropes? His eyes got wide as saucers, I tell ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and nodded. \u201cJoe sure looked surprised, didn\u2019t he? I\u2019ll bet he had no idea that we would refuse to pay up right then and there.\u201d Their horses secured, the two walked up to the house. \u201cJust wait till Pa hears, and\u2026\u201d He opened the door, and his words died on his lips as he saw the stricken look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Ben was standing near the sideboard, his face pale with shock. He was clutching a note in his hand. He silently handed it to his oldest son, before finding his voice. \u201cIt just came by messenger a few minutes ago, son, addressed to Joe. It\u2019s\u2026.Adam, we were wrong\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snatched up the note and read.\u00a0\u201cNow, Joe, ya know I don\u2019t rite good. Sory that no one met ya yesterday. Somthin came up. I tryed to find ya, but ya musta gon home allreddy. Thar wont be no more \u201capointmints\u201d anymore. The SJS has bin desbanded. Thanks, Jack\u201d<\/em>Adam reread the note, and looked at his father and brother. \u201cThen, this means..\u201d he swallowed. \u201cThis means that those two were\u00a0real\u00a0<\/em>kidnappers. And God, Hoss, Joe was trying to let us know, and we just ignored him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Adam\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat about Little Joe? Did you see him? Has he been hurt?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

Adam reassured his father. \u201cPa, he seems okay, just scared is all. They had him gagged, so he couldn\u2019t talk to us, but we were able to talk to him.\u201d Adam flinched then, remembering the things he said to his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bet Joe\u2019s none too pleased with us right now,\u201d Hoss added softly, his voice laden with guilt.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cUnfortunately, that\u2019s the least of our worries for now, Hoss. We need to figure out how to get our brother back.\u201d<\/p>\n

***Joe spent a sleepless night after being dragged back to the line shack the previous evening. Although his captors had briefly untied him to attend to his personal needs, and removed the gag to give him a sip of water, he was back to being bound hand and foot. Not the most comfortable position for sleeping, especially on a hard floor. Through the lone, filthy window, he could just make out the rosy hues of dawn. Thankfully, they had not gagged him again. Joe didn\u2019t think he could have tolerated another night with that nasty rag stuffed into his mouth.<\/p>\n

He sighed as he regarded the loudly snoring brothers stretched out on the two rickety cots, hoping they would awaken soon and offer him some water and maybe some food this time. He sure was getting hungry.<\/p>\n

The two woke a short time later, and the snoring soon gave way to shouting. There they go again, Joe observed, somewhat amused in spite of the circumstances. He gingerly scooted himself up to a sitting position so he could get a better view of the yelling match. The disagreement had started the night before, shortly after they had returned to the line shack with their captive. Unsettled by the unsuccessful ransom negotiations with his family, the brothers turned on each other as they argued over what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I says we just kill him now and get outta here!\u201d Slim was pacing the floor and hollering loudly. \u201cThem Cartwrights ain\u2019t gonna pay up. It\u2019s like they hate that kid or somethin\u2018!\u201d<\/p>\n

He stomped over to Joe then and roughly yanked him up by the collar. He clearly blamed the youth for the entire fiasco. \u201cJust what the hell is wrong with your family, kid? Don\u2019t they know that we\u2019ll kill ya?\u201d he barked angrily.<\/p>\n

Joe glared up at him but said nothing, only blinking at the spittle flying in his face. Slim snarled in disgust, and flung Joe back on the floor.<\/p>\n

Red was arguing back. \u201cAnd I says we wait. Cartwright\u2019ll pay up. Everyone in the territory knows how that old man is soft on those sons of his. I think that older boy was just bluffin\u2019. I sure would like to pound that arrogant son of a\u2026\u201d He slammed his fist on the table for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Joe scowled at the mention of his older brother. He would sure like to pound Adam himself! Although he knew that Adam thought the entire abduction was a scam, Joe had clearly heard all the comments his brother made about him yesterday. Ol\u2019 Adam sure knew how to play it to the hilt, didn\u2019t he?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2018ve wanted to gag him at home myself\u2026.we\u2019re not sure if we want him back\u2026.Joe\u2019s been slacking off on his chores\u2026.the kid just ain\u2019t worth all that much\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/em>And that charming little note requesting a finger or toe? That was Adam\u2018s idea–Joe would have bet money on it.<\/p>\n

And\u00a0Hoss!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss with his clever\u00a0\u201cI tightened the ropes up a bit fer you fellers\u201d<\/em>–ropes that Joe had been diligently loosening up for hours. No doubt about it. If he managed to get out of here alive he and his two brothers were going to have some words.<\/p>\n

***Sunrise found the remaining Cartwrights preparing to start a search for the kidnappers and the missing Joe. All agreed that it would be impossible to pick up a trail in the treacherous terrain around Indian\u2019s Leap at night, though that hadn\u2019t made the waiting any easier. It had been a long night for all three of them.<\/p>\n

It was decided that Adam would fetch the sheriff and meet up with his father and Hoss at Indian\u2019s Leap, where they would begin the search. When Adam arrived at Roy Coffee\u2019s office, he was dismayed to discover him tacking up a new wanted poster with sketches of the Slade Brothers–the very two individuals who had abducted Little Joe. It seemed the Slades had quite an infamous reputation and a long line of crimes including assault, theft, and cattle rustling, and were wanted throughout the territory. After grimly explaining to the sheriff what had happened, the two left immediately to meet up with the other Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

The trail had been quite easy to pick up; the Slades had obviously been too distracted by the events the evening before to cover their tracks. Within an hour the four came upon the dilapidated line shack where they were convinced Joe was being held. Even from their location several yards away they could hear the shouting from within, though they couldn\u2019t make out the words.<\/p>\n

***Slim was still yelling, and Joe was amazed that the dude hadn\u2019t gone hoarse by now. It had been going on and on for about two hours, by Joe\u2019s estimate, and Joe was still hungry and thirsty. He\u2019d been largely ignored by the two during the loud disagreement, save for the occasional evil-looking glare thrown in his direction. Joe wisely kept quiet, afraid that he would be gagged again if he said anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I say we can\u2019t just let the kid go! He\u2019s seen us – he knows our names fer cryin\u2018 out loud!\u201d Slim yelled. \u201cWe don\u2019t need another charge hangin\u2019 over our heads! Don\u2019t ya know what they do to kidnappers in this territory? I\u2019ll tell ya what they do, they\u2026\u201d he stopped short at the sound of the horses nickering outside, and rushed over to the window. His voice dropped to a loud whisper. \u201cWait! Ya hear that, Red? I think someone\u2019s out there\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head came up at that. \u201cPa!\u201d he exclaimed softly, before he could stop himself. He found himself suddenly yanked to his feet and pushed up against the wall by Slim, a grimy hand covering his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just keep quiet, kid!\u201d Slim spat into his ear. He then addressed Red. \u201cI\u2019ll stay in here with Cartwright – you go on out there and look around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Red looked like he was about to argue, but he grabbed his gun and slowly opened the door. Looking around and seeing nothing, he stepped out into the sunshine to peer around the tiny structure. Nothing. He walked around to the back. Nothing there either, except the horses. Damn nags–probably frettin\u2019 at flies or something.<\/p>\n

He sighed in relief, and holstering his weapon, turned around, and walked straight into the cocked, shiny Colt revolver of Hoss Cartwright. Startled, Red looked up and gaped in terror; less frightened of the weapon than the enraged expression on the big man\u2019s face. Hoss slammed him into the side of the dwelling, and clamped a large hand around Red\u2019s throat. Quietly and deliberately, Hoss hissed into the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s\u2026mah\u2026.brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Red choked and struggled, wild-eyed in fear, and suddenly went limp as he slipped into a dead faint at Hoss\u2019s feet. Hoss carelessly nudged him aside with his boot, and gestured for the sheriff to come and collect the unconscious man.<\/p>\n

Adam and his father, meanwhile, had made their way around the opposite side of the line shack, and so were in clear view of the front door when Slim came out with his young hostage. It hadn\u2019t taken Slim long to figure out that something was up, so he quickly sliced through the ropes binding Joe\u2019s feet and pulled the boy up in a choke hold towards the open door, his gun barrel pressed tightly to Joe\u2019s temple.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on out!\u201d Slim yelled. \u201cI know yer out there. Now come on out here and drop yer weapons, or I\u2018ll shoot the kid, I swear!\u201d His eyes were darting around frantically, looking for the intruders.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben revealed themselves then, and threw their guns down as they were told. Joe\u2019s eyes locked with his father\u2019s and he could read the worry and fear there. He wished that he could somehow let his father know that he was okay, but it was a bit hard to do considering the hairy arm that was currently choking the breath out of him.<\/p>\n

He saw a whisper of movement out of the corner of his eye, and noticed Hoss sneaking stealthily from the side of the shack. He caught his brother\u2019s eye, and nodded ever so slightly at him. Hoss winked at him in understanding.<\/p>\n

For a big man, Hoss was exceptionally light on his feet. When Joe suddenly lifted his feet and fell forward, Hoss darted out and slammed the butt of his gun into Slim\u2019s skull. Slim\u2019s gun discharged harmlessly into the air, and the man was unconscious even before he dropped to the ground on top of Joe.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam ran over then, and together they pushed Slim aside to get to the still bound Joe, who had fainted from the impact of a 200 pound body landing on him. Ben gathered his son up and patted his face gently, attempting to arouse him. \u201cJoe\u2026.it\u2019s Pa. Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

After a few moments, Joe\u2019s eyelids flickered and focused on his father\u2019s face, inches from his own. He turned his own face away, suddenly ashamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa. I\u2026. ,\u201d Joe whispered hoarsely, swallowing at the dryness in his throat. \u201cI guess you\u2019re pretty mad at me, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grasped his son\u2019s chin, and turned his face so he could look into his eyes. \u201cYes. But the important thing is, you\u2019re okay now. We\u2019ll talk about everything else later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam crouched down and pulled out his knife, slicing through the ropes still binding Joe\u2019s hands together. He looked his brother over, and finding no obvious injury, he and Hoss eased Joe from their father\u2019s grasp and gently lifted him to his feet. Once he was standing, Joe angrily pushed away from them, and his hands tightened into fists as the memory of the things his brothers said and did came rushing back. His chest was heaving with hurt and anger as he glared at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I ain\u2019t\u00a0worth\u00a0<\/em>all that much, huh? You\u2019re not sure if you want me back, huh? Why\u2019d you even come here, then?\u201d He charged at them, punching and shoving wildly, though in his weakened state his blows were feeble and glancing.<\/p>\n

Adam held his brother at arm\u2019s length and tried to diffuse the situation, \u201cJoe, we\u2019re sorry\u2026..Hoss and I\u2026it\u2019s just that we\u2026.\u201d He fell silent, not quite sure how to make up for the things he had said.<\/p>\n

Nearly trembling with anger, Joe paused for an instant and glanced up at his two brothers. Something in the sad way they were looking at him caught at his heart, and he felt the anger and hurt leave him as suddenly as they had appeared.<\/p>\n

Damn. When had his brothers learned about the \u2018loving gaze\u2019?<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s fists unclenched, and heaving a big sigh, he stumbled forward into the arms of his family.<\/p>\n

***Joe was awakened suddenly from his nap by the sound of Hop Sing calling him down to eat. He rubbed the sleepy feeling from his eyes and sat up. Better wash up a bit before supper, or Hop Sing would throw a fit, he thought.<\/p>\n

He had been home for two days now. His father had insisted that Joe be seen by the doctor after returning home, despite Joe\u2019s heated protests. Doc Martin proclaimed him dehydrated, bruised, sore, hungry, thirsty, fatigued, and generally weak, but otherwise perfectly healthy. After a day or so of taking things easy at home and eating a couple of Hop Sing\u2019s hearty meals, Joe was back to feeling normal again.<\/p>\n

Yesterday, Adam and Hoss had made the trip to the Bar-M Ranch near Mormon Flats. After a lengthy discussion with the owner and several of the hands, as well as a conversation with the local sheriff, they were assured that there would be no more kidnappings. The SJS no longer existed.<\/p>\n

The lecture Joe had received last night seemed to last for hours, but Joe had expected as much. He noticed that Hoss and Adam had front row seats to the event, but the two blessedly made few comments as Pa ranted on and on about Joe\u2019s irresponsibility and recklessness and dishonesty. Joe\u2019s wages would be docked until the end of the year to replace the money that had been paid out in ransoms.<\/p>\n

Adam had thoughtfully figured out the exact dollar amount, down to the penny, along with calculations of simple interest added in. To top off the situation, Joe\u2019s beloved saddle had been sold. The only bright spot of the entire evening was when Joe was allowed to toss every remaining ransom note into the fire and watch the wretched things burn to ashes.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed heavily, thinking wistfully of the beautiful saddle that was no longer his. Hmmm. If he could just earn a little money somehow, he could buy that saddle back. Or maybe even a nicer saddle; a prettier saddle!<\/p>\n

Maybe he could raise rabbits or something. He had heard once that there was a lot of money to be made from rabbit pelts. Or maybe he could become a detective and catch bad guys and collect the reward money. Maybe\u2026.just maybe.<\/p>\n

And with a grin on his face, and a fresh spring in his step, Joe ran down to join his family for supper.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
Disclaimer:<\/span>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0Joe keeps getting kidnapped! But soon, scheming Joe finds a way to turn the situation to his own advantage. Until the unthinkable happens….<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a018,600<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":173,"featured_media":4873,"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":[23,4],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-7257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-humor","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-4-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1904,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Calamity-over-the-Comstock-8.jpg?fit=634%2C563&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3828,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3828","url_meta":{"origin":7257,"position":0},"title":"Who Kidnapped Joseph Cartwright? (by lolo1999)","author":"lolo1999","date":"April 26, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Annie, Sarah, and Katie kidnap Little Joe while he's on business. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (875 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4918,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4918","url_meta":{"origin":7257,"position":1},"title":"The Artist’s Touch (by pjb)","author":"pjb","date":"March 29, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0A tongue-in-cheek kickoff for SJS Month 2011. The smallest crumb can become a masterpiece in the hands of an artist. . . . Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC 3000","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam-joe.jpg?fit=246%2C318&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":40802,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=40802","url_meta":{"origin":7257,"position":2},"title":"Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch (A Bonanza Really Short Story) by JC","author":"JC","date":"December 24, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The Cartwright brothers \u2013 you know them, you love them, but let\u2019s face it \u2013 after all these years things have gotten pretty predictable around the Ponderosa. It\u2019s the same old story in a nutshell... 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