{"id":774,"date":"2004-08-28T23:55:08","date_gmt":"2004-08-29T03:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=774"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:28","slug":"testament-of-friendship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=774","title":{"rendered":"Testament of Friendship (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> \u00a0 A WHN for the episode False Witness. \u00a0For all those who felt deprived of a JPM.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> \u00a0K+ (7,375 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Testament of Friendship<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice was soft as he bent over his brother. \u201cJoe, she\u2019s gone.\u201d He gently pried the dead girl from his brother\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied, his voice hoarse. He let go and saw Hoss lay Valerie down in the dust of the street. He looked up at Hoss and the older brother saw tears standing in the younger man\u2019s eyes. \u201cShe saved my life,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Joe,\u201d Hoss replied, still gently. \u201cI saw.\u201d He reached down and helped his injured brother to his feet. Joe winced and his bad leg refused to hold his weight. \u201cEasy now,\u201d Hoss told him. \u201cLet me help ya.\u201d He glanced up and saw Candy standing there and jerked his head. Candy immediately got the message and picked up Joe\u2019s abandoned crutch and handed it to his young boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, the three of them walked back to the hotel. It was no real distance, but Joe faltered part of the way there and would have fallen if Hoss hadn\u2019t been there to catch him. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe protested automatically, but his struggles to get down lacked strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure ya are,\u201d Hoss agreed, lifting Joe into his arms. \u201cBut jist let me do the walkin\u2019.\u201d Silently, Candy slipped away to fetch the doctor.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u00a0\u201cI thought I told you no foot races, Joe,\u201d the doctor scolded, gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt weren\u2019t ezzactly his choice, doc,\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cThem yahoos didn\u2019 think \u2018bout Joe\u2019s bad leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBilly thought about it,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThat\u2019s why he took me.\u201d He winced as the doctor slid a pair of scissors under the blood-stained bandage and began to snip. His leg was extremely tender and when the bandages fell away, it was easy to see why. The sutures had all burst. \u201cHe wanted to make me pay for shooting him in the arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Troubled, Hoss didn\u2019t reply, as that was exactly what he had thought, too. Billy had been determined to get back at Joe and wasn\u2019t too fussy how he did it. Hoss was pretty sure that as soon as the Slader gang had reached the outskirts of the town, and were sure they weren\u2019t being followed, they would have killed Joe and Judge Wheeler. And Valerie would have gone with Billy to wherever they ended up next, still believing that he was stealing money so they could have a ranch together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to have to suture this leg again,\u201d the doctor said, grimly. \u201cAnd this time you really must stay off it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t worse, is it?\u201d Candy enquired from the other side of the room. He looked completely relaxed, but both Joe and Hoss knew that Candy was alert, ready to react should anything happen that might threaten Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it is,\u201d was the reply. \u201cThe sutures have burst, and the leg is swelling. I know I played down the seriousness of the injury to Miss Townsend, but, Joe, this leg is in a mess. I meant it when I said you shouldn\u2019t walk on it. Walking down the street to the courthouse wasn\u2019t good for it and your fight in the street didn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grimacing, for Joe knew that his leg was worse \u2013 it\u00a0felt<\/em>\u00a0worse \u2013 he asked, \u201cWill this stop us going home tomorrow like we planned?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When they had first been told they would have to stay in town to be witnesses, Sheriff Donkel had sent a deputy out to the trail camp to tell the other drovers. He had also sent a wire to Ben Cartwright, the boys\u2019 father, to tell him what was going on. Since then, Joe had not thought about the herd they had planned to sell to the murdered Mr. Haskell, but they had planned to return home the day after the trial was over. Now, the trial was over, but Joe knew he wouldn\u2019t be riding anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really think you should give it another day,\u201d the doctor replied. \u201cAnd you won\u2019t be on a horse, so you\u2019ll have to rent a buckboard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to that,\u201d Candy interjected. He turned at once and went out of the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe wanted to whine like a child. He desperately wanted to get home and recuperate in his own home and sleep in his own bed and see his father. This last was actually the most pressing reason of them all. Hoss was a great nurse, gentle and thoughtful and patient, but Joe longed for his father when he was hurt. But his pride wouldn\u2019t let him behave like the child he no longer was and he just sighed, instead. \u201cThen I guess we\u2019ll have to wait,\u201d he agreed, but he didn\u2019t fool Hoss one bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give you something to make you sleep,\u201d the doctor told Joe. \u201cSo quite likely you wouldn\u2019t feel like traveling tomorrow anyway. Just be sure not to walk on it more than is absolutely necessary and you should have full use of it back within a couple of months.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the doctor reached into his bag for the chloroform, Joe looked despairingly at Hoss.\u00a0A couple of months!<\/em>\u00a0he thought and winced. Hoss was looking at Joe and frowning, too, knowing how Joe hated to be laid up. \u201cJoe\u2026\u201dhe began, then didn\u2019t know what to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Hoss,\u201d Joe replied. He summoned a ragged smile. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and get something to eat while the doctor sorts my leg?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna wait here till I know yer all right,\u201d Hoss reproved him, gently. He twinkled gently at Joe. \u201cAn\u2019 then I\u2019ll git somethin\u2019 ta eat,\u201d he concluded and was relieved and pleased when his brother laughed at his joke. Actually, he thought, as he watched Joe slide into a drugged sleep, that wasn\u2019t such a bad idea. He was a mite hungry\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe spent the majority of the next day in bed with his leg elevated. The doctor came in to check on him at night and proclaimed himself happier. \u201cBut I\u2019m not thrilled with the idea of you traveling,\u201d he admitted. \u201cHowever, I know you\u2019ve been here in Sand Dust longer than you ever expected, so just let me give you a little advice.\u201d He glanced at Hoss and Candy, too, to make sure that they were listening. \u201cDon\u2019t walk anywhere you don\u2019t have to. Elevate the leg as much as possible and don\u2019t travel too far each day. See your own doctor when you get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Doc Martin will be thrilled by that,\u201d Joe commented, wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, the doctor patted Joe on the shoulder. \u201cGoodbye, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye, doc, and thanks,\u201d Joe called after him. Hoss followed the doctor out to the living room of their suite and accepted extra bandages, so he could keep the bandage as clean as possible.\u00a0 Once the man was gone, Hoss returned to the room, where Candy once more had out his pack of cards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess we\u2019ll be on our way tomorra,\u201d he mentioned, as he tucked the bandages away into a saddlebag. \u201cThat is, if\u2019n Candy\u2019s got us a buckboard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I have!\u201d Candy retorted. \u201cI told you I\u2019d get one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much is it costing us?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cRemember, we didn\u2019t get paid for the herd, either.\u201d He frowned, wondering what on earth they were going to do with the cattle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually, we did,\u201d Candy responded and stood up to dig deep into his pants\u2019 pocket. He drew out a large roll of notes and handed them over to Hoss. \u201cSome fella, I\u2019ve forgotten his name, has taken over Haskell\u2019s business. He offered us the same price as Haskell, so I accepted. And the buckboard ain\u2019t costin\u2019 us anythin\u2019. Sheriff Donkel is lending it to us.\u201d He watched Hoss count it. \u201cHaskell\u2019s nephew!\u201d he exclaimed. \u201cThat\u2019s who\u2019s taken on the business. I still can\u2019t remember his name, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care what his name was,\u201d Joe replied, taking the money from Hoss. \u201cAs long as he paid us, I don\u2019t care who he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I did pretty good, too,\u201d Candy replied, modestly. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to thank me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Exchanging a look, Hoss said to Joe, \u201cGive him his money, Joe. I think we should jist let him git on the train to Chicago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s all right,\u201d Candy averred. \u201cI\u2019ll come along home with you \u2013 just to make sure you get there of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery magnanimous of you,\u201d Joe commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGee, that\u2019s a big word, Joe,\u201d Candy gasped, looking wide-eyed. \u201cDid you read a dictionary today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He ducked as Joe lobbed a pillow in his direction. \u201cJust for that,\u201d Joe told him, \u201cI aim to relieve you of all your money playing poker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can try,\u201d Candy sniggered. \u201cYou can try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was still early as Sheriff Donkel helped Joe hop awkwardly down the last of the hotel stairs and outside to where the buckboard was waiting. Chubb and Cochise were tethered to the back of the buckboard and their saddles and other supplies were lying in the back. Hoss turned around and took Joe from the sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can get into the buckboard myself,\u201d Joe told him, slightly embarrassed to have been receiving help from a stranger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure ya can,\u201d Hoss agreed, catching hold of Joe around the waist, \u201cbut I ain\u2019t got nuthin\u2019 else ta do.\u201d He watched to make sure Joe was settled, seeing him put his foot on the floor of the buckboard, then wince and move it to the front running plate. He turned. \u201cThanks again, Sheriff,\u201d he added. \u201cAn\u2019 thanks fer the buckboard. I\u2019ll see ya git it back safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo hurry,\u201d Donkel replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa ready?\u201d Hoss asked, picking up the reins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candy, who was mounted on his own horse, replied, \u201cI been ready since we got here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a long way home,\u201d Hoss nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd some people never get there,\u201d Joe added quietly and the others said nothing, knowing that Joe was thinking of Valerie. Hoss slapped the reins on the team\u2019s backs and the buckboard rattled quietly down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey was good people,\u201d Jenson, the deputy, ventured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure were,\u201d Donkel agreed. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for them, the Slader gang would still be roaming around free.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI never thought of Valerie Townsend being a member of the gang. No wonder we couldn\u2019t catch them! She was telling them our every move.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe done right in the end, though,\u201d Jenson mused, as they walked back down to the jail house. \u201cI never thought she had it in her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought she had it in her to go out with an outlaw!\u201d Donkel snorted. He opened the door to the jail and went in, smiling briefly at Judge Wheeler. The two men shared an abiding respect for each other that had survived the Sladers\u2019 attempt to escape. \u201cIs that you ready to go, Judge?\u201d Donkel asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m leaving on the noon stage,\u201d agreed the judge. \u201cDid the Cartwrights leave?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a few minutes ago,\u201d Donkel confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a family I\u2019ve got a lot of time for,\u201d Wheeler commented. \u201cI\u2019d heard of the Ponderosa, of course, but I\u2019d never come across any of the Cartwrights before. Brave men, both of them. And Mr. Canaday, too. Joe handled himself very well.\u201d He rose. \u201cI\u2019m going to get some breakfast before I leave. I\u2019ll see you in a few weeks, sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodbye, Judge,\u201d Donkel replied and sat down at his desk. It seemed to him that paperwork multiplied vastly whenever he was busy. Before long, he was hard at work and thought no more about either Judge Wheeler or the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cSheriff! Sheriff!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Donkel looked up from his paperwork, surprised to discover that it was late afternoon. His stomach growled, as it had done a few times throughout the day and now he realized why. Breakfast was but a distant memory and he\u2019d missed lunch completely. \u201cWhat is it, Jenson?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis wire jist came in,\u201d Jenson panted. He looked shaken and Donkel gave him a sharp look before reading the wire he was handed. He looked up, knowing his expression mirrored Jenson\u2019s. \u201cOh lord!\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his hand, the wire read;<\/span><\/p>\n

STAGE LATE STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

RIDERS SENT OUT STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

ALL DEAD INCLUDING JUDGE WHEELER STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

PRISON WAGON OVERTURNED STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

SLADER GANG FREE<\/span><\/p>\n

ALL STOP<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights,\u201d Donkel murmured, when his tongue began to work again. \u201cWe have to warn the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Jenson demanded. \u201cThey weren\u2019t plannin\u2019 on stoppin\u2019 in any towns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll just have to track them!\u201d Donkel snapped. \u201cGo and get the other men. You\u2019ll come with me and we\u2019ll leave the others here.\u201d As Jenson hurried from the office, Donkel ran a hand through his thinning hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Slader gang \u2013 or what was left of them \u2013 was free and Donkel knew only too well that Joe Cartwright was going to pay for what happened to Billy and Doug Slader. Judge Horace Wheeler had already paid the ultimate price for sending them to prison. Donkel meant to see to it that they didn\u2019t get the chance to kill Joe Cartwright, if it was the last thing he did. He picked up his gun and began to load it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cTired?\u201d Hoss asked Joe as he helped his brother down from the buckboard. Joe winced as his sore leg touched the ground harder than he had intended. \u201cEasy now, I gotcha.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m tired,\u201d Joe acknowledged as he was eased to the ground by the fire. Hoss tucked a saddle behind his brother\u2019s back for Joe to lean against and fetched a blanket, for the wind was chilly and the fire hadn\u2019t quite taken hold. Joe sighed and smiled at Hoss. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t no need ta thank me,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah yeah,\u201d Joe laughed. \u201cI know; you ain\u2019t got anything better to do!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I ain\u2019t,\u201d Hoss replied in a reasonable tone. \u201cCandy\u2019s takin\u2019 care o\u2019 the horses, an\u2019 the fire ain\u2019t big enough fer me ta cook over yet.\u201d He sighed. \u201cWish Hop Sing had stayed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe sighed. \u201cBut we couldn\u2019t deprive Pa any longer, could we? But your food will do for the few days it\u2019ll take to get home.\u201d Joe looked wistful. \u201cHow long do you think it\u2019ll take?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwo-three days,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cDepends on how ya hold out, Joe. We ain\u2019t gonna push that leg. If\u2019n ya need ta rest, that\u2019s what we\u2019re gonna do.\u201d He wagged a massive finger at the younger man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, mother,\u201d Joe jibed. \u201cBut I\u2019m all right, Hoss, honest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know ya want ta git home, Joe,\u201d Hoss replied, seriously. \u201cBut I want ya to git there in no worse shape than ya are now. Pa\u2019s gonna have a fit as it is when he sees that leg!\u201d Although not usually squeamish, Hoss found looking at Joe\u2019s leg quite difficult. The injury itself was not as bad as some Hoss had seen, but he wondered if the circumstances surrounding how Joe got it were affecting his thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to get home,\u201d Joe commented plaintively and Hoss knew that his little brother was more tired than he was letting on, for usually, he wouldn\u2019t admit to anything that might be interpreted as weakness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss murmured. \u201cMe, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s supper?\u201d Candy demanded, coming over from the horse line. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you two have been jawing and my supper ain\u2019t made? I\u2019ve been the only one working!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s comin\u2019,\u201d Hoss grumbled, rising. \u201cDadburnit, some folks ain\u2019t got no patience!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From the corner of his eye, he saw Joe and Candy exchanging a grin and hid a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Morning saw a late start for the men from the Ponderosa. Joe had slept through the mild bustle of Hoss preparing breakfast and Candy hitching the team. By unspoken consent, the other two had let Joe sleep until the last possible minute, then Hoss gently roused him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo \u2018way!\u201d Joe muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe, breakfast\u2019s up,\u201d Hoss coaxed. \u201cCoffee\u2019s ready.\u201d He waved a cup close to Joe\u2019s nose, which finally got his brother\u2019s head out from under the blankets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be morning already,\u201d Joe muttered, running a hand through his wildly tousled curls. He pushed himself into a sitting position, wincing as he did so and accepted the cup of coffee from Hoss. \u201cMorning,\u201d he grunted, glancing over at Candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019,\u201d Candy replied. He was nursing a cup of coffee, too. \u201cDecided to wake up and join us after the work is done, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grunting, Joe took a cautious sip and discovered that the coffee was very hot. \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to do any of it anyway,\u201d he retorted and closed his eyes again for a minute. He opened them to find both Hoss and Candy looking at him with concern. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa feelin\u2019 all right, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, keeping his tone as bland as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019m fine, big brother,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019m just not quite awake, that\u2019s all. I was letting the coffee work.\u201d He reached out and squeezed the big man\u2019s arm. \u201cI\u2019m fine, honest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Hoss responded, emphatically and handed Joe a plate with some bacon and grits on it. He watched in satisfaction as Joe ate with relish and by the time the campsite was cleared up, Joe was feeling more human and was raring to go.<\/span>
\n****************************<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we might have caught up with them by now,\u201d Jenson commented, as he and Donkel made camp on the first night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hoped we would,\u201d Donkel replied. \u201cBut knowing Joe Cartwright, I\u2019m not surprised that we didn\u2019t. If ever there was a man determined to get home, it was Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jenson looked uneasily over his shoulder and moved closer to the fire. \u201cYou reckon they\u2019re out there?\u201d he asked and it was clear he didn\u2019t mean the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, somewhere,\u201d Donkel sighed. \u201cI wish I knew more about when the prison wagon crashed and where. That would give us a better idea of how far they might have got by now, but the details were sketchy. Of course, they might not go anywhere near the Cartwrights, but we\u2019ve got to warn them.\u201d He sighed again. \u201cLet\u2019s get some sleep. We\u2019ve got an early start in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYa all right, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, as another sigh escaped his brother\u2019s lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m okay,\u201d Joe grumbled. \u201cI\u2019m just tired, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing sideways, Hoss took in Joe\u2019s too pale face and the way he tried not to wince as he moved his injured leg against the front of the buckboard. The speed they were traveling at was boring for them all, but it was as fast as Hoss thought Joe ought to travel. Although Joe hadn\u2019t complained at all, Hoss knew that his leg must still be very sore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stop an\u2019 have lunch,\u201d he proposed, although it was still a bit early for lunch. \u201cYa can rest fer a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe protested, as Hoss had known he would.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cBut I\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s new?\u201d Joe teased and ducked as Hoss made a lunge for him. \u201cOuch!\u201d Joe winced, as his leg slipped off the front of the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cServes ya right,\u201d Hoss sniffed. \u201cYa all right?\u201d He felt a bit guilty that he had caused Joe to move so much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe assured his brother. However, Joe was relieved when they stopped a few minutes later and Hoss helped him out of the buckboard. He leant back against the tree behind his back and fought down yet another sigh \u2013 this one of relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Candy said, quietly, a few minutes later, nudging Hoss. \u201cLook at sleeping beauty over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head, Hoss saw that Joe had fallen asleep. \u201cI thought he was needin\u2019 ta rest,\u201d Hoss chuckled. \u201cBut ya know Joe \u2013 he won\u2019t never admit ta feelin\u2019 less than fine. We\u2019ll let him sleep fer a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere!\u201d Donkel cried and pointed to the slow-moving buckboard they could see about a mile away across the grassland. \u201cCome on!\u201d he urged and they both put their heels to their horses and began to gallop.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Joe who spotted them. He heard the hooves and twisted carefully in his seat. \u201cHoss, wait! That looks like Sheriff Donkel!\u201d Joe was quite embarrassed that he had been allowed to sleep for over an hour at their lunch stop and was keeping an eagle eye on everything around him to keep himself awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss pulled the team to a stop and turned to look. \u201cSure does. I wonder what he\u2019s doin\u2019 out here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad we found you fellows,\u201d Donkel panted, as he pulled up his lathered horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d Joe asked. Donkel\u2019s tension communicated itself to Joe at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Donkel apprised them of the situation. Joe shot a look at Hoss, only to find his brother looking back at him grimly. \u201cYa reckon they\u2019s gonna come after us?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but it\u2019s entirely possible,\u201d Donkel admitted. \u201cJudge Wheeler is dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt could have been an accident,\u201d Candy suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Donkel replied, patiently. \u201cBut it might not have been.\u201d He glanced round the three faces and saw acceptance on them all. They, too, were convinced that the remains of the Slader gang were going to come after them. \u201cI\u2019d like you to come back to Sand Dust with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Joe\u2019s reaction was instinctive. He looked rather startled by his own vehemence, but he didn\u2019t want to go back. Traveling was hard enough without having to retrace their steps and face it all again. \u201cNo,\u201d he repeated, more quietly. \u201cI want to keep going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Donkel began, but it was Candy who interrupted him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right,\u201d Candy stated. \u201cThose fellas aren\u2019t likely to catch up with us yet. And in another day or so, if we push a bit harder, we\u2019ll be safe on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know when the prison wagon crashed,\u201d Donkel pointed out. \u201cThey could be watching us right now.\u201d He was mildly amused when Jenson looked nervously over his shoulder. \u201cAnd we can\u2019t come with you all the way to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t expect you to,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cWe can take pretty good care of ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That was true, as Donkel knew from experience. He made a frustrated gesture. \u201cSo you\u2019re going to go on, then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon that\u2019s best,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201c\u2018Sides, it\u2019s a long way back fer Joe, and a shorter way ta go on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I guess I can\u2019t force you to come back with us\u201d Donkel capitulated. \u201cGood luck. I think you\u2019ll need it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go rushing off,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cStay an\u2019 have something\u2019 ta eat. We were jist gonna make camp anyways.\u201d He glanced at the sky. \u201cYa ain\u2019t gonna git far afore it\u2019s dark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Donkel smiled. He hoped that he would be able to persuade them to change their minds if he stayed with them. He led his horse over to the sheltered spot that Candy had found and began to take care of it automatically, watching Hoss helping Joe and Candy seeing to the horses. He didn\u2019t want anything happening to these people.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThere they are!\u201d The man, grimy from his days on the run, crouched in the bushes and peered out at the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

His companion crept forward and squinted through the foliage. He was as filthy as his friend and smelt just as bad. \u201cGood,\u201d he grunted. \u201cI\u2019ve got a score to settle with Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith both Cartwrights,\u201d corrected the other man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but it\u2019s personal with the younger one,\u201d retorted the other. He felt his jaw tenderly, although the ache in it was long gone. This was the man Joe had fought with, and knocked unconscious in the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, you get him, an\u2019 I\u2019ll hold off the others.\u201d He made to rise, but the other man put out his hand. \u201cWait,\u201d he counseled. \u201cThe sheriff\u2019s leaving!\u201d They settled back to watch developments.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI wish I could persuade you to come back with me,\u201d Donkel tried once more, as he mounted his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, but no thanks,\u201d Joe replied. He was still seated by the embers of the fire, waiting obediently for Hoss to help him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck,\u201d Donkel offered and nodded to Jenson. They wheeled their horses and rode off. Jenson looked back once and waved.<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as they were out of sight, Donkel reined in his horse. \u201cWe\u2019re going to follow them for a spell,\u201d he told his confused deputy. \u201cJust until I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Jenson replied, grinning. They moved so that they could see the camp without being seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome on, Candy, what\u2019s taking so long?\u201d Joe complained, glancing over to where Candy was looking at his horse\u2019s hoof.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Candy responded. \u201cDusk seems to be lame, but I can\u2019t see anything in his hoof. Hoss, take a look, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Hoss replied, and walked over. He bent over the hoof in question, too and Joe had to just sit there and wait for the verdict. He hoped it wouldn\u2019t take long to fix, whatever it was, because he was already feeling a familiar soreness creep over his muscles. Riding the buckboard wasn\u2019t all it was cracked up to be. \u201cLook!\u201d Hoss exclaimed and Joe twisted around as though he would be able to see from where he was. \u201cIt\u2019s a little stone, caught just inside his shoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The mystery solved, Joe turned round and started to settle himself again. A movement, seen only in his peripheral vision, caused Joe to glance up and he saw, to his astonishment, one of the Slader gang running towards him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Joe cried, scrabbling frantically for his gun. He wasn\u2019t in a good position to draw, since he had been balanced on one hand while he used the other to settle his bad leg. And then his time ran out and the other man had Joe\u2019s gun in his hand, and was holding it against Joe\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe meet again, Cartwright,\u201d the man sneered. Joe didn\u2019t try to say anything. The large hand around his throat tended to deter him from making smart repartee. He swallowed gingerly, feeling the hand scraping over his Adam\u2019s apple. His eyes didn\u2019t leave the other man\u2019s. The last time they had met, Joe had knocked him unconscious. He knew he was about to pay for that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over by the horses, Hoss and Candy saw the man holding the gun to Joe\u2019s head and stood absolutely still as their guns were lifted from their holsters. \u201cNow what?\u201d Hoss growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

It seemed that that was a good question, and one which the men didn\u2019t have an immediate answer to. Hoss shot a quick glance at Candy and saw that the other man was tensed and ready for action when the chance presented itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a noticeable pause, the man with Joe, who was called Tyler, made a decision. \u201cWe\u2019re takin\u2019 Cartwright with us,\u201d he told Hoss. \u201cAn\u2019 we\u2019re going to make him pay for what happened to Billy an\u2019 Doug.\u201d Slowly, Tyler let go of Joe\u2019s throat and reached into his pocket. Joe swallowed and watched warily, not sure what was going to happen. He was in no way prepared for the heavy prison shackles that Tyler pulled from his pocket. The key, obviously taken from a dead prison guard, was stuck into the lock. \u201cPut yer hands together, Cartwright, and don\u2019t do anything stupid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe did as he was told, feeling sweat popping into being on his forehead as the cruel iron cuff closed around his wrist. He resisted looking round at Hoss, not wanting to see his brother\u2019s reaction to this. The second cuff closed firmly round his other wrist and Joe looked at the shackles expressionlessly. He was helpless now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Bob,\u201d Tyler called, shoving Joe back on the seat as he stepped over the injured man. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do I do about them?\u201d Bob whined. He turned his head to look at Tyler and Hoss and Candy both reacted instantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a single blow of his arm, Hoss knocked Bob and his gun to the ground. Candy jumped on him, and punched him twice as Hoss began to run towards the buggy. He was terrified that Tyler would shoot Joe before he got there, but Tyler reacted more quickly \u2013 and differently – than Hoss expected. Snatching up the reins, Tyler put the team into a run.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skidding to a halt, Hoss turned back to get his horse, and vaguely noticed two riders appearing from the trees. It was only as Jenson pulled up by Candy that Hoss realized who they were. He left Jenson with Candy, mounted Candy\u2019s horse, which was the only one saddled, and set off after the buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAre you ready to die, Cartwright?\u201d Tyler yelled as the horses galloped over the uneven ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you with me, if I go,\u201d Joe shouted back. He was struggling to keep his balance, and pain was shooting through his bad leg at every bounce. He leaned over and grabbed at the reins, but Tyler was ready for him and pushed Joe hard. Joe lost his balance and almost fell from the speeding vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n

A shot whined overhead, making both occupants of the buckboard duck, although the bullet was long past and came nowhere near them. Tyler turned to look back, as did Joe, who squinted against the wind and saw two horses coming after them. He recognized the first as Sheriff Donkel and the second looked like Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

With renewed hope, Joe again made a dive for the reins. The heavy shackles got in his way, but he persevered with the stubborn doggedness that his family frequently cursed. A blow from his clenched fists caused Tyler to drop his gun, which skittered away to become lost amongst their feet. Tyler punched back and suddenly they were engrossed in a fight. The reins dropped, but the team ran on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither man noticed particularly. Joe was muscular, but hampered by injury and the shackles. Tyler was desperate and he had no compunction about killing Joe. He risked a glance up and saw the lead rider was closing on them fast. He threw a fast, dirty punch and the air\u00a0whooshed<\/em>\u00a0out of Joe\u2019s lungs. Joe crumpled forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Tyler reached for the reins again, another shot sang past, nearer this time, and bit into the ground a few scant feet in front of the team. The off side horse shied and turned into its mate, forcing the other horse to make a sharp turn, and suddenly, the buckboard was running on two wheels.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a cry, Joe and Tyler crashed to the ground as the buckboard overturned.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss drove Candy\u2019s horse even faster as he raced to reach his brother\u2019s side. Joe had been flung clear of the buckboard and lay ominously still on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching his goal, Hoss leapt down from the horse and dropped to his knees by his unconscious brother. \u201cJoe? Can ya hear me, Joe?\u201d He ran his hand through Joe\u2019s hair and found, as he expected, a bump on Joe\u2019s head. \u201cJoe?\u201d There was no response. Hoss gently ran his hands over Joe\u2019s limbs, but none of them seemed to be broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Flinching, for he hadn\u2019t heard Donkel approach, Hoss glanced briefly over his shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019s out cold, but I don\u2019t reckon he were hurt much. Jist bruises an\u2019 the like, I think. What about the other one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Donkel replied, soberly. \u201cThe buckboard fell on top of him. He might have lived for a few seconds, but that would have been about it.\u201d Donkel didn\u2019t sound in the least regretful, Hoss thought. He didn\u2019t blame the other man; he felt the same way.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe moaned and began to stir. Donkel disappeared again for a moment or two and came back with the key for the shackles. He swiftly removed them and Hoss set about gently chafing Joe\u2019s wrists. \u201cJoe?\u201d he coaxed. \u201cYa gonna wake up fer me, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A groan was his only reply for a moment, then Joe\u2019s green eyes cracked open and he regarded Hoss with disfavor. \u201cLemme sleep,\u201d he begged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t do that, Joe,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cYa jist were knocked cold agin, an\u2019 ya cain\u2019t go back ta sleep yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At that, Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide and he turned his head to look around without trying to sit up. \u201cThat man\u2026\u201d he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDead,\u201d Donkel reported, briefly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked, frowning in puzzlement. That was a question that it hadn\u2019t occurred to Hoss to ask, but now that Joe had, he was curious, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what are ya doin\u2019 here?\u201d he echoed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeeping an eye on you,\u201d Donkel replied, with the hint of a smile. \u201cGood thing, too, by the looks of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Candy\u2019s arrival, along with Jenson, a few minutes later made the party complete. Joe was still flat on his back, but making movements towards sitting up. \u201cYou all right, Joe?\u201d Candy asked, leaning over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied, although he had a headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay here with him,\u201d Hoss suggested to Candy. \u201cAn\u2019 we\u2019ll move that buckboard.\u201d Candy glanced over, saw the grisly remains and nodded. He was in no hurry to volunteer his services for that chore! \u201cDon\u2019 let Joe go back ta sleep,\u201d he told Candy, as he got to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, boss,\u201d Candy replied, jokingly. Joe rolled his eyes expressively. Candy stepped between Joe and the buckboard and sat down so that he screened the other man from the sight. A certain set to Joe\u2019s mouth told Candy that Joe knew what he was doing and why and wasn\u2019t too happy about being babied. It didn\u2019t persuade Candy to move.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time the buckboard was righted, the horses checked over and the remains quickly buried, Joe was sitting up and feeling a bit better. His body ached all over from the hard landing he had had, but given the alternative, he wasn\u2019t complaining. He allowed Hoss and Candy to help him to his feet, wincing as he put some weight on his bad leg. \u201cAn\u2019 I\u2019m checkin\u2019 that afore we go any further,\u201d Hoss warned him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFuss, fuss,\u201d Joe complained, but he didn\u2019t really mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJist wait till Pa gits hold o\u2019 ya,\u201d Hoss replied, complacently. \u201cThen ya\u2019ll know what fussin\u2019 is!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that the truth,\u201d Joe laughed. He caught his breath again as he was settled into the buckboard and Hoss decided that they were going no further that day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Later that morning, Donkel and Jenson set off back to Sand Dust with their prisoner. Hoss had tried to persuade them to stay until after they\u2019d eaten, but Donkel wanted to push on. Joe had wanted to push on, too, but Hoss had vetoed the idea and Candy had backed him up. Knowing that he was in no fit state to saddle his horse, never mind ride it, Joe had to content himself. And as Candy said, the buckboard horses had had a hard morning, and could use the rest. By the time Hoss had checked Joe\u2019s leg and re-bandaged it, Joe\u2019s desire to move on was subsumed by his desire to sleep. So they had a lazy day, lounging around the camp, which was very boring for Hoss and Candy, who ended up playing yet another game of cards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next morning, they packed up their gear and got ready to go. Joe looked better for the day of rest and Hoss vowed to force another rest day on Joe if need be before they got home. But they made good time that day and were much closer to home than Hoss had anticipated they would be and he guessed that they would reach the ranch by dark the next day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYer tired,\u201d Hoss told Joe bluntly, as they settled around the fire. \u201cI reckon we should rest agin tomorra.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cI\u2019m no more tired than you are! Admit it, big brother, we\u2019re all tired. We\u2019re tired of being away from home and we\u2019re tired of sleeping on the ground and eating your cooking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot that there\u2019s anything wrong with your cooking,\u201d Candy hastened to assure Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s just not up to Hop Sing\u2019s standards.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon you\u2019re right,\u201d Hoss grumbled. \u201cI sure have a hankerin\u2019 ta sleep in ma own bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Joe commented to Candy, \u201che\u2019s not in the least interested in Hop Sing\u2019s cooking. That\u2019s just gluttons like you and me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew that,\u201d Candy teased. \u201cBet Hoss wishes he ain\u2019t cuttin\u2019 down, or he could enjoy Hop Sing\u2019s cookin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadburnit, I ain\u2019t cuttin\u2019 down no more!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cIt were jist them portions they gave us back in Sand Dust weren\u2019t big enough ta fill a flea.\u201d He glanced down at himself. \u201cWith all this liftin\u2019 Joe, I\u2019m gittin\u2019 plumb puny,\u201d he complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can sure see that!\u201d Joe agreed and they all laughed, buoyed up by the thought that home was just around the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hearing wheels coming into the yard next evening just before supper, Ben Cartwright rose from his chair in front of the fire and went across to open the door. The buckboard and the team pulling it were unfamiliar, but he immediately recognized the passengers and the horses tethered to the back. He hurried out. \u201cHoss! Joe! Candy! Welcome home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Pa,\u201d Joe replied, trying valiantly to sound like his usual self, but he was desperately tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diagnosing this at once, Ben shot a glance at Hoss, who shrugged. \u201cI think he\u2019s all right, Pa,\u201d he assured Ben. \u201cJist plumb tuckered out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you to bed, then,\u201d Ben proposed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about supper?\u201d Joe protested. \u201cPa, I\u2019m starving! I\u2019ve had to eat Hoss\u2019 cooking\u2026\u201d He ducked as Hoss pretended to swing for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, after supper,\u201d Ben agreed, and helped Joe down from the buckboard. He looped an arm around his son\u2019s slender waist and Joe put his arm around Ben\u2019s shoulders and slowly limped across the yard. Joe was quickly settled on the sofa and Hop Sing came out to welcome them home, chattering disapprovingly when he saw how pale and tired Joe looked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over supper, they told Ben their story, taking it in turns. They all had seconds, for the simple, home-cooked meal seemed to them to be the most delicious thing they\u2019d ever had. Ben listened, sometimes asking questions to clarify events, but the account was clear enough to let him understand the danger his sons had been in.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was not a night when any of them wanted to sit by the fire. By the time the last pieces of peach pie were gone, Hoss, Joe and Candy were yawning. Joe looked over at the stairs with resignation, knowing how difficult it would be for him to get up them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss offered. \u201cLet me help ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quietly, Ben put a hand on Hoss\u2019 arm. \u201cYou\u2019ve helped him up until now,\u201d Ben said, gently. \u201cAnd I thank you for that. But now you\u2019re home, it\u2019s my turn, and my privilege, to look after my own son. You go and get some much needed and well deserved rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for everything, Hoss,\u201d Joe called, as Hoss smiled and mounted the stairs. \u201cYou, too, Candy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t expect that kind of treatment every day,\u201d Candy joked, for he had been unexpectedly touched by Ben\u2019s statement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to Joe, Ben reached down and took his arm. \u201cReady?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReady, Pa,\u201d Joe replied and leant on his father\u2019s strong arm to get to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stairs were every bit as difficult as Joe had anticipated, but Ben was the soul of patience, taking more and more of Joe\u2019s weight as his youngest son\u2019s strength waned. He half-carried Joe into his bedroom and helped him carefully balance while Ben assisted him to remove his pants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll put a fresh bandage on your leg for tonight, and I\u2019ll ask Paul Martin to look out in the morning,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cHoss said the doctor in Sand Dust gave you painkillers. Do you want one?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s all right, Pa,\u201d Joe replied. In truth, his leg hurt quite a bit, but Joe had everything he needed at that moment. He was home and his pa was with him. He watched with interest as Ben took off the bandage and gasped, just as Joe had known he would.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that doesn\u2019t hurt,\u201d Ben stated flatly, looking up at Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt does,\u201d Joe replied, honestly, \u201cbut the painkillers make me sleep and I\u2019m not ready to sleep yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Ben asked, curiously, for Joe looked tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe replied and looked around his room. \u201cI just want to savor being home and being with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears sprang into Ben\u2019s eyes unbidden at this declaration of love. He blinked them away and drank in the sight of his son. \u201cI was worried about you,\u201d he told Joe. \u201cI was worried when Hop Sing came back and told me what had happened and I was even more worried about you when I got word that you\u2019d been injured.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right eventually,\u201d Joe assured him. \u201cBut the injury wasn\u2019t the hardest part, Pa,\u201d he confided. \u201cI think it hurt more to learn that Val had been helping the Sladers out. That she had been part of the cause of Mr. Haskell\u2019s death, and yet she pretended to be distraught.\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cAnd then there she was, fawning all over Billy Slader!\u201d He sighed heavily. \u201cI should have known there was something up when she told the prosecutor that she couldn\u2019t remember what had happened, yet seemed to have perfect recall when we spoke that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody can really see into another\u2019s heart,\u201d Ben reminded Joe gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe reminded me of someone I once knew,\u201d Joe confided in a low voice. \u201cShe reminded me slightly of Louise.\u201d He glanced at Ben and then away and Ben didn\u2019t say anything. He knew that Joe didn\u2019t tell lies, yet the town of Martinville had been a ghost town for many years when Joe wandered into it, delirious from lack of water and with a head wound. Ben knew that Joe still clung to the idea that he helped save the town from the curse that had been laid upon it and Ben really didn\u2019t know what to say. He couldn\u2019t disprove Joe\u2019s story, but nor could Joe prove it. It was one of the few things that they couldn\u2019t talk about.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Sheriff Donkel?\u201d Ben asked after a time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was great,\u201d Joe enthused. \u201cThe best sheriff I think I\u2019ve ever met. You knew exactly where you stood with him. And it was nice of him to come after us and even nicer that he didn\u2019t go away, even though we told him we\u2019d be fine.\u201d Joe sighed ruefully. \u201cGood thing he didn\u2019t, as it turned out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a true testament of friendship,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019m more than grateful to him.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s arm, for his son\u2019s eyelids were becoming heavier and heavier. \u201cJoe, I think you should take a painkiller and I\u2019ll sit with you until you\u2019re asleep, how about that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cAnd you could read me a bedtime story, too, if you\u2019d like,\u201d he added, cheekily.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grinning broadly at the sheer effrontery of the young man, Ben swatted his arm gently. \u201cBedtime story indeed!\u201d he sniffed, but he couldn\u2019t pull off his pretend disapproval.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Later that night, Ben knelt by his bed to pray. He gave thanks, first and foremost, that his sons had been returned to him safely, even if Joe was the almost-walking wounded. And then he gave thanks for the friendship of a sheriff he had never met, but for whom Ben prayed for the rest of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0 A WHN for the episode False Witness. \u00a0For all those who felt deprived of a JPM.<\/p>\n

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