BETRAYAL
By Helen B
Joe Cartwright rode up to the Circle J ranch house, his friend Aaron Jacobs came out of the barn and waved when he saw him. “Hey Joe. What brings you out here?”
Joe dismounted and said, “Came over to see if you want to go into town.”
Aaron smiled. “Sounds good to me. David’s inside, I’ll just tell him where I’m going.” Joe followed his friend into the house.
Aaron’s parents were dead and he and his older brother David now ran the family ranch, which was near the Ponderosa. Joe and Aaron had been friends since childhood.
As the two young men were about to leave, David said, “You two make sure you stay out of trouble, you hear.”
Joe grinned to himself with the thought that he could never get away from Adam, David sounded just like him. It seemed that older brothers were all the same whether they were his own or someone else’s.
“Us,” Joe said, trying to keep a straight face, “in trouble. Never. We’ll be good.”
David laughed, “I’ve heard that before. I might head into town myself later. I’ll find you if I do and have a couple of beers with you.”
“Sounds good,” Joe said.
**********
Joe and Aaron rode into town and headed for the Silver Dollar saloon. It was late Saturday afternoon and things were already pretty rowdy with the ranch hands in town to spend their wages. Joe and Aaron got a beer and leant against the bar. They watched a few card games that were going on and when a couple of seats became available in a poker game, one of the men at the table called across to them. “Do you want in?”
Aaron looked at Joe and when Joe nodded, Aaron called “We’re in.” They walked over and took seats at the table.
Neither Joe nor Aaron won the first two hands. Seeing a couple of friends enter the saloon, Joe decided to pull out of the game. When Joe stood up, Aaron smiled up at him and said, “I’m stayin’ in. I can feel my lucks about to turn.”
“Good luck then,” Joe said, as he got up and went to join his friends who had taken seats at a vacant table.
Two hours later, Joe frowned as he watched the poker game still in progress. He didn’t know how much Aaron had lost but he suspected it was a lot. Earlier he’d tried to get his friend to leave the game but Aaron had just shaken his head. Now, as he stared across at his friend, he saw a piece of paper pushed across the table. A couple of people standing behind Aaron started to whisper to each other when he started to write something on the paper. Joe got up and walked over to find out what was going on.
Looking down at the paper, Joe saw that Aaron had just signed a marker for five thousand dollars.
“Are you mad? You don’t have five thousand dollars!” Joe leant down and hissed in Aaron’s ear. “Pull out now!”
“I’m the one playin’ Joe. Not you. What I do is my business.”
“Aaron, don’t be stupid.”
Aaron pushed the marker across the table. Joe shook his head angrily and went to sit down at his table again.
The hand was played out and Joe saw one of the men, Tom Perkins, smile and rake the pot towards him. Aaron’s shoulders slumped and he got up from the table, he started to walk towards the door. Joe got up, reaching out his hand to stop him. “Aaron.”
“I don’t need a lecture right now Joe. Just leave me alone.” He pushed past Joe and walked outside. As soon as he walked out the door, word started to spread around town about how much he had lost.
Joe went after Aaron. When he looked down the street, he saw that his friend was already a good distance down the street, oblivious to where he was going, just walking. Joe ran to catch up with him.
Aaron glanced over when his friend caught up to him and Joe said, “No lectures. Just thought you could use the company.”
“What am I going to do, Joe?” Aaron was close to tears. “How could I have been so stupid? David’s going to kill me.”
Joe knew that was an exaggeration. The Jacob’s brothers were close. David having looked after Aaron since their parents had died of influenza five years ago when Aaron had been fourteen. Joe also knew the Jacob’s didn’t have five thousand dollars.
“It’ll be all right,” Joe said, “we’ll work
something out. I’ll talk to
“Joe,” Aaron said quietly while keeping his eyes focused on the ground, “he wanted collateral.”
Joe’s eyes narrowed as he thought of the only thing Aaron had that was of any value, he shook his head. “Please tell me that you didn’t.”
Aaron nodded. “If I don’t pay Perkins five thousand dollars by the end of the week, my share of the Circle J is his.”
Joe couldn’t believe that Aaron had done something so foolish but he knew there was no point in going on about it now. It was done. Now they just had to try and fix it. “Try not to worry. I’ll talk to Pa in the morning. I’m sure he’ll help you.” Aaron didn’t reply, he just continued to walk and look at the ground.
Joe looked back at the saloon and realised they had walked quiet a distance. Pulling Aaron to a stop, he said, “Wait here. I’ll go back for our horses.” Joe turned and started to walk back towards the saloon. He hadn’t gone far when he passed Tom Perkins. As Tom walked past him, Joe considered asking Tom about the marker but he knew there was no point. Tom worked for the Bar S and spent most Saturday nights at the gambling tables. Five thousand dollars was a big windfall for him. Joe knew there was no way that Tom would give it up, so he continued on towards the horses.
Joe unhitched the horses, while he was there a few men came out of the saloon and stopped to talk to him about Aaron before they headed in the other direction and Joe started back towards his friend, he heard a shot from further down the street. Jerking his head up, he looked around for Aaron.
Suddenly a man ran out from an alley up ahead, Joe’s hand went to his gun, he then realized it was Aaron.
Aaron ran to Joe and grabbed his arm, pulling him around a corner before anyone saw them. Joe jerked his arm free and asked, “What’s going on?”
“Nothing. Lets go.” He swung onto his horse. When Joe continued to stand there, Aaron said urgently, “Come on. I’ll explain on the way.”
When they were a good distance from
“Tom Perkins is dead,” Aaron almost whispered the words.
“What!” Joe shouted, “I told you that I’d
talk to
Aaron shook his head. “I didn’t……….” he stopped and then said, “Joe, it happened so fast. One minute he was standing there and the next he was dead. I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“We have to go back and talk to Sheriff Coffee.”
“No,” Aaron shook his head. “Please Joe, I can’t. All’s you have to say is that we were together.” When Joe didn’t reply, Aaron reached out and grabbed his arm. “Please Joe. I thought we were friends.”
“We are, but I can’t….”
“Please Joe,” Aaron interrupted, almost begging.
Joe knew he should ride straight back to town and tell Sheriff Coffee what had happened. He knew in his mind that it was the right thing to do but his heart told him something different and the pull of his friendship with Aaron was stronger.
“All right,” Joe agreed quietly, trying to push away his feelings of guilt at the deception he’d allowed himself to be drawn into.
**********
The next morning at breakfast, Adam looked across the table at his youngest brother and said, “You’re very quiet this morning, Joe.”
“Just tired I guess,” Joe replied, not looking up. There was a knock on the door and Joe jumped. Ben and Adam silently looked at each other, as Hoss who had just finished eating, got up to answer the door.
Opening the door and seeing Roy Coffee
standing there, Hoss said, “
Ben stood up, “Sit down
Hop Sing brought a cup out for the sheriff
and everyone waited while
“Came out to see Joe,”
With his fork halfway to his mouth, Joe paused and then put it down before he asked, “What about?”
“I’m told you were involved in a poker game in the Silver Dollar last night with Tom Perkins.”
Joe nodded. “Yes, What about it?”
“Perkins is dead,”
“What’s that got to do with me?” Joe asked. Ben noticed his youngest son was avoiding eye contact with everyone at the table.
“Did you loose much, Joe?” Adam asked.
Joe shook his head, “No. I only played two hands. I only lost a few dollars.”
“Aaron Jacobs lost much more though, didn’t
he Joe?”
Joe continued to stare down at his plate in silence. Ben reached out and put his hand on his sons arm. “Joseph, look at me please.” When Joe looked up, Ben said, “What do you know about this? Did Aaron loose a lot last night.”
Joe knew the other men at the table last
night would have told
“What!” Adam was stunned, “He lost five thousand dollars?” when Joe nodded, Adam continued, “Where did he get five thousand dollars?”
Roy Coffee already knew the answer to that question but like everyone else he waited for Joe to answer.
“He signed a marker,” Joe said quietly. “He used his share of the Circle J as collateral.”
“What on earth was the boy thinking?” Ben said.
“I don’t know,
Ben turned to
“He was found dead in an alley. It must
have happened not long after he left the saloon. He’d been robbed. He had no
money on him,”
“That doesn’t mean Aaron did it,” Ben said.
“I don’t know who did it yet, but I aim to find out. I just want Joe to tell me what he knows. Looking directly at Joe the sheriff said, “I’ve been told that Aaron left the Silver Dollar before you. Is that right?”
Joe nodded. “But I pretty much left straight after him.”
“And did you see Aaron straight away when you got outside?”
“Yes. He was part way down the road when I caught up with him.”
“And Tom Penkins
was still in the saloon when you left?” When Joe nodded,
“After he came out I saw him head for the livery. I didn’t see him again after that.”
“And you had nothing to do with the
shooting?”
Ben slammed his hand down on the table and snapped, “How dare you.”
“Ben, calm down,”
Joe shook his head. “No, we left together. We split off at the road to Aaron’s place.”
“So Aaron’s cleared?” Ben asked.
“I have to talk to him yet. See if his versions the same as Joe’s.”
“Are you accusing Little Joe of lying?” Hoss snapped at the sheriff, he was always ready to defend Joe.
“I just have to talk to everyone involved,”
Once
Ben could see the hesitation in his son’s
eyes and he knew Joe was holding something back but Joe said, “Aaron and I left
town together,
As Joe headed for the door, Adam frowned in thought. His mind going over the questions that Roy Coffee had asked, he realized the lawman had made a mistake. He hadn’t actually asked Joe if he knew who had shot Tom Perkins. Looking at the retreating back of his brother and his slumped shoulders, Adam suspected that Joe knew who had.
**********
Adam had been planning to go and check on how the men at the sawmill were going but he decided that could wait. He caught up with Joe about half way to the south pasture.
At the sound of someone riding up behind him, Joe turned. When he saw who it was, he pulled Cochise to a stop and waited, watching Adam warily.
When Adam came up alongside him, Joe motioned Cochise into a walk, looking across at Adam, he asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Thought you might want to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“You know who shot Tom Perkins.” When Joe said nothing, Adam reached over and pulled Cochise to a stop. “It was Aaron, wasn’t it.”
Joe turned away. “You heard what I told
Adam shook his head in frustration. “You’ve always been good at avoiding the truth while not telling an outright lie, Joe, but I’m asking you now. Did Aaron shoot Perkins?”
Joe’s silence was all the answer Adam
needed, he turned his horse around. “Come on, Joe. Let’s go back and talk to
Joe shook his head. “I can’t.”
“Joe, you know you have no choice in this,” Adam replied and waited as his young brother reluctantly turned his horse around. They rode home in silence.
**********
Ben looked up from his desk when he heard the door open, one look at the faces of his son’s told him something was wrong. He waited as Joe came over and sat on the edge of the desk.
Ben and Adam locked eyes for a moment and then Ben got up, going to stand behind Joe, he put his hand on his sons shoulder and gently squeezed it. “What’s wrong?”
Joe kept his eyes locked on the floor. “I’m
sorry,
“Talk to me, Joe. I can see there’s something troubling you and I want to help you but I can’t do that if you won’t tell me what it is.”
“I know who killed Tom Perkins,” Joe said the words so quietly that Ben barely heard him.
Ben waited for Joe to continue but when he remained silent, Ben squeezed his shoulder again and asked, “Who?”
Joe looked up at his father. “I wanted to
tell
“Joseph,” Ben said, as he ran his hand down his sons back, “I’m not angry. I am disappointed that you felt that you couldn’t talk to me about it,” when Joe looked down, Ben said gently, “but I understand how hard it is sometimes to do the right thing, especially when it involves a friend.”
Looking up into the eyes of his father, Joe
knew the man had guessed the truth but taking a deep breath, he finally said
the words, “It was Aaron.” Once Joe spoke those words, the rest of the story
came out in a rush and he told his father and brother everything he knew about
what had happened. Once he had finished, they rode into
**********
That night as the Cartwright family sat eating their evening meal, there was very little talking. Joe moved his food from one side of the plate to the other, very little of it actually made it’s way to his mouth, he had wanted to stay in town to talk to Aaron, after Roy had brought him in but Ben had thought it best that Joe wait until the next day.
There was a knock on the door and Joe put his fork down. “I’ll get it.”
When Joe opened the door, the rest of the Cartwrights were startled when he suddenly fell backwards. David Jacob’s had struck him and now stood over him, reigning blows into a stunned Joe.
Despite his size, Hoss was the first one to reach the scene, he hauled David off Joe and immediately started punching into him. Adam fought to stop Hoss while Ben knelt on the floor beside Joe.
Joe struggled to sit up and when he saw what was happening, he called out, “Hoss, stop!” Hoss turned at the voice. That gave Adam a chance to step between the two and shove David out of reach of Hoss.
Hoss went over to his little brother and as they helped him up, settling him on the settee, he asked, “Are you all right?”
Joe nodded and Ben stroked the hair back from Joe’s forehead. Joe had a split lip and his right eye was swelling. “We’ll get you cleaned up.”
Adam reached out for David and shook him. “What’s this about?”
“As if you don’t know. He turned my brother in,” David said, as he threw a glare at Joe.
“You can’t blame Joe. He only told the
truth.
“He wouldn’t have been able to prove anything, if he’d just kept his mouth shut,” David made a move towards Joe and Hoss immediately stepped towards the man.
“Get out!” Adam shoved David out the door, shutting it firmly behind him.
**********
Two weeks later, as the sun was just beginning to rise, Joe lay on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He turned his head as he heard the door being quietly opened and his father came into the room.
Seeing Joe looking at him, Ben said, “Sorry Joe. I thought you might still be asleep.”
Tears came to Joe’s eyes and he quickly
looked away. “I couldn’t sleep.” Joe wiped the tears away, pushed back the
blankets and swung his legs over the side of the bed, sitting on the edge. “I
have to go,
“No, Joseph. We’ve been through this. It’s not something you want to see.”
“Please,
Ben sat on the side of the bed, next to his son and put a hand on his back. “For two weeks, he’s refused to see you. Why do you think he’d change his mind today?”
“Because it’ll be his last chance,” Joe almost choked on the words.
Ben nodded. “All right, Joseph. We’ll go in together.”
“Thanks
“You get dressed and I’ll saddle the horses,” Ben said.
Adam looked up from the breakfast table as Ben descended the stairs. “Joe awake?” he asked.
Ben nodded. “Yes,” He knew his two oldest sons would disagree with the decision he’d made, “I’m going into town with Joe.”
“Pa,” Hoss said, “Why? Surely you ain’t gonna let the boy see it.”
“No, I don’t intend to but Joe’s bound and determined to try and see Aaron one last time. I can’t stop him and if he’s so determined to go, I’d rather go with him then have him go alone.”
“We’ll go with you,” Adam said quickly. Ben nodded his acceptance.
When Joe came downstairs, only Ben was at the table. Adam and Hoss had gone out to the barn to saddle the horses.
“Do you want something to eat?” Ben asked. He knew what Joe’s answer would be. Joe had hardly eaten anything in two weeks and Ben knew he certainly wouldn’t feel like eating on this day. Joe shook his head.
Adam and Hoss came back inside and Hoss went to stand at Joe’s side.
“Horses are saddled,” Adam said.
Ben stood up and looked at Joe. “You’re brothers want to come with us. Is that all right with you?”
Joe nodded, not trusting his voice to answer.
**********
When the Cartwrights arrived in town, they headed straight for Roy Coffee’s office. As they reached the newly constructed scaffolding, Joe stopped Cochise and stared silently at it.
“Come on,” Ben said quietly as he grabbed Cochise’s bridle and pulled the horse away.
People were starting to gather on the street and everyone’s eyes were drawn to the Cartwrights as they tied their horses to the hitching rail and went inside the sheriff’s office.
“
“Can you tell him I’m here?” When
“All right, Joe. David’s in there with him right now so you wait here.” He was only gone a couple of minutes and when he returned, it was with news Joe didn’t want. “I’m sorry, Little Joe.”
Joe leant against the desk and looked down at the floor. Ben, who was standing beside him, touched his arm. “Let’s go, son. There’s nothing more you can do here.”
“That’s right. Go home, Joe!” Everyone in the room spun around at the sound of the words, spoken so bitterly. David Jacobs stood in the doorway leading to the cells. He walked out and closed the door behind him so that Aaron couldn’t hear what he said. “My brother is going to hang because of you. If you’d given him an alibi, this wouldn’t be happening. I thought you were his friend,” David spat the words at Joe.
“We’ve been through this,” Adam said, trying to remain calm, “Joe did nothing wrong, he just told the truth.”
“He doesn’t know the truth,” David said angrily.
“What do you mean by that?”
David took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He shook his head and said, “Nothing.”
“I’m sorry David,”
David glared at Joe. “Alls you had to do was say he was with you the whole time.”
Sheriff Coffee’s deputy walked in and
nodded to
Ben reached for Joe’s arm. “Let’s go.” Joe shook his head and refused to move. “Joseph, let’s go,” Ben said firmly.
“No.” Joe shook his head and Ben blew out his breath in frustration.
When the three men emerged from the back room, Joe took a step forward, as he did so, he looked into the eyes of his friend. “Aaron please, I ………” Joe fell silent as Aaron looked away and kept walking. The door clicked shut behind the four men as they left the Sheriff’s office, leaving the Cartwrights alone in the room. Joe slumped against the desk.
**********
Tension filled the room as the Cartwrights waited. Then came the sound they had been waiting for with dread – the sound of the trapdoor and the murmur of the crowd.
Ben, who had seated Joe in a chair and then stood next to him, with his hand resting on Joe’s shoulder, felt his son shudder and then noticed that Joe’s hands were shaking.
When Roy Coffee, his deputy and Paul Martin
walked back into the room,
Paul looked at Ben and said, “
Ben nodded gratefully. Joe looked up and Paul Martin saw how terrible the young man looked. “I’m all right,” Joe mumbled.
“Can you get me a glass of water please,” Paul asked Hoss. When Paul was handed the glass, he tipped a powder into it and gave it a stir, handing it to the young man who sat before him. “Drink this, Joe.”
Joe shook his head in refusal. Ben took the glass from Paul and held it to Joe’s mouth. “Come on, Joseph. It will make you feel better.” When Joe’s sad eyes met his fathers, Ben realized that nothing was going to make Joe feel better.
Paul nodded approvingly when the empty glass was handed back to him. “That won’t knock him out, just settle him down a bit.” He handed Ben some small packets and said, “Sleeping powders. Use them if he needs them.”
“Thank you Paul,” Ben said, as he helped Joe to his feet and they started to leave the office.
“Joe,”
Joe starred at he envelope and then slipped it into his pocket as they walked from the office.
David was just coming out of the undertakers when the Cartwrights approached their horses, he started to walk angrily over to them. When Adam saw him, he mumbled, “Not again,” and stepped in front of Joe.
Walking up to the family, David shouted, “My brothers being buried tomorrow and I don’t want none of ya there. Do you hear me? You stay away!” Looking over Adam’s shoulder at Joe, he yelled, “Aaron’s death is on your hands. You as good as tied the rope around his neck. He thought you were his friend and you betrayed him.”
Adam angrily shoved David away. “That’s enough. I know how you must be feeling but you say another word and I’ll shut your mouth for you.”
Roy Coffee, having heard the commotion, came outside. “Is everything all right?” he asked.
David Jacobs turned away without another
word. Ben looked over at
**********
That night, the elder members of the Cartwright family were woken by the screams of the youngest. Not bothering to even take the time to throw on a robe, Ben ran to Joe’s room, meeting Adam and Hoss in the hallway. Ben reached to comfort Joe as Adam lit the lamp.
When Joe was awake, Ben held him as he struggled to get his breathing under control. When he felt calmer, he pulled back from his father and learnt against the pillows, saying, “I’m all right now. Sorry I woke you.”
“Don’t worry about that, it doesn’t matter. Do you want to talk about it?” Joe shook his head and Ben said, “It might help. Do you remember what you were dreaming about?”
Joe nodded slowly. “Aaron was being hung. I couldn’t see the hangman because he was facing the other way. The trap door opened, Aaron fell and,” Joe trembled as he stopped and shook his head.
“Go on,” Ben prompted gently.
Joe took a shuddering breath and continued. “The hangman turned around and I saw his face. It was me.”
“Oh Joseph,” Ben said, rubbing his hand up and down Joe’s arm soothingly, “Joe you have to stop blaming yourself. It was not your fault.” Ben wished he could make the guilt go away for his son but he knew he had no magic words to do that.
Joe got up and walked over to a small table in his room, he picked up a piece of paper and with his back still to his family, said, “I read Aaron’s letter.” Turning around he walked back to the bed and sat down on the edge, handing the paper to his father.
Ben opened the paper and read the words aloud:
Joe
I don’t blame you for what’s going to happen to me in the
morning. I hope you can believe that because it’s the truth. I’ve asked Sheriff
Coffee not to let you in to see me, not out of any feelings of anger towards
you but because I’m afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn’t be able to go through
with this. I know I will take your friendship to my grave and I hope that in
the years to come when you think of me, that you remember the good times we
shared and don’t dwell on the way my life is going to end.
Your friend,
Aaron
Looking up from the letter into the eyes of his son, Ben said, “He must have written this last night. At least now you know how Aaron felt. He didn’t blame you, Joe. You must stop blaming yourself.” Joe just stared down at the floor.
Seeing how exhausted his brother was, Adam went downstairs and returned with a cloudy glass of water. It wasn’t long before Joe was asleep. Ben quietly put the letter back on the desk before leaving the room.
**********
None of the Cartwrights went to Aaron’s funeral. They had all wanted to go but didn’t want to cause a scene, as they knew that they would not be welcome.
For the next two weeks, life on the Ponderosa was very quiet. Joe rarely smiled and he never laughed, his family found themselves caught up in his mood. They had tried to pull Joe from it but he would not be drawn into conversations with them. With three weeks to go until Christmas, Ben was beginning to think that no one would feel much like celebrating it.
Ben looked around the table at his three sons as they quietly ate breakfast. He couldn’t help but think about how much he missed the boys usual joking and friendly teasing of each other. The silence was so unlike them.
When breakfast was finished, Adam stood up and said, “Well I better go and see how the men are progressing with that new fencing.” He looked at his father, seeing the worry on his face, turning to Joe, he said, “Joe, I have to go into town later today. Feel like coming with me? We can stop at the saloon and have a couple of beers. I’m sure Pa wouldn’t mind.”
“No,” Ben replied quickly, “Sounds like a good idea to me. Why don’t the three of you go? Take the afternoon off.”
Joe shook his head as he stood up. “No. I have to break that horse for Mr Carson.”
“That won’t take all day, Little Joe. Come on,” Hoss said.
“I said no!” Joe snapped, he felt awful for the way he was treating his family, he knew they were only trying to cheer him up, but he just couldn’t seem to stop doing it. He flung down his napkin and walked out.
“Sorry Pa,” Adam said, “I tried.”
Ben nodded. “I know and I appreciate it, son. That afternoon off still goes if you want it. Why don’t the two of you go into town.”
Hoss shook his head. “Wouldn’t be the same without Little Joe,” and Adam nodded in agreement.
**********
Joe decided that he would go for a ride before going to the horse breaking corral. He was so wound up, he knew he was in no mood to break a horse. After galloping for a while, he pulled Cochise back to a walk and then looked around, he had an uncomfortable feeling like someone was watching him.
Suddenly from the trees there was a shot and the force of a bullet slamming into his left shoulder, knocked Joe from his saddle.
With his breath knocked out of him, Joe struggled to pull his gun from its holster but that movement was halted as his gun was pulled away from him and he saw a pair of boots in his line of sight. Before Joe could look up to see the face that towered over him, he was roughly pushed over onto his stomach with a boot kicked heavily into his side.
Squatting down beside Joe, the man reached down and grabbed a handful of Joe’s hair, pulling it as he lifted Joe’s head up and then slammed it against the ground, the force of the blow sending Joe spiralling into darkness.
Joe started to regain consciousness as he heard the fading hoof beats, everything was spinning but as he slowly lifted his head, in the distance, he could just make out Cochise being led away.
**********
Ben, Adam and Hoss were just sitting down
to their
There was a knock on the door and Ben got up to answer it. “Pete,” he said, seeing the ranch hand standing there, “Is something wrong? Is it Joe?” Ben knew Pete was supposed to be working at the corral that morning with Joe.
“Joe never showed up Mr Cartwright. I thought I better let you know.”
Ben nodded distractedly. “Thank you, Pete,” he closed the door and stood there for a moment, deep in thought.
“He’s probably just gone for a ride and lost track of time,” Adam said.
“Maybe,” Ben replied, reaching for his gunbelt and hat, “but I’d feel better if we check.” Adam and Hoss nodded and stood to their feet.
**********
It was late when they finally found Joe. Ben gave a shout and rushed to the figure lying so still on the ground, jumping from Buck before the horse had stopped moving.
With shaking hands, Ben turned Joe over, feeling the faint heartbeat, relief flooded through him. Brushing the hair back from Joe’s forehead, he felt the fever that was burning in his young sons body.
Hoss quickly took his shirt off and started ripping it into strips. “He’s been bleedin’ a lot,” Hoss said, dismayed at the amount of blood that covered both his younger brother and the grass around him. Adam handed a canteen to their father and helped Ben try to get some water into Joe.
Joe slowly opened his eyes and blinked as he saw his family bending over him. “Pa,” he whispered faintly.
“Shh, it’s all right. Just lie still. We’re here now.”
Adam and Hoss worked to clean and bandage Joe’s shoulder and when he cried out, Adam gently said, “Sorry Joe. We’re nearly finished.”
Joe’s head lay in his fathers lap and Ben looked down into Joe’s eyes and asked, “Who was it, son?”
“I don’t know,” Joe said slowly, “I didn’t see his face.”
“It had to be David Jacobs,” Hoss said angrily, “When I get my hands on him, he’s dead.”
Joe groaned and Ben said, “Hoss let it go for now. We have to get Joe home.” Ben looked up at the darkening sky. The day had almost given way to the night and Ben thanked God that they’d found Joe when they did.
Adam looked around. “Where’s Cochise?” he hadn’t realized until now that the horse was missing, he was sure it wouldn’t have wandered far from Joe’s side.
Joe mumbled something that Ben couldn’t understand and he bent down and brushed his sons cheek, asking, “I’m sorry Joe. I didn’t hear you. What did you say?”
“Took him,” Joe fought to get the words out, “he took him.”
Hoss felt his anger swell again. “Don’t worry short shanks. We’ll get him back for ya.”
“That’s a promise Joe,” Adam said softly.
As carefully as possible, Joe was lifted onto Ben’s horse. Ben sent Adam into town to get Doctor Martin to come out to the ranch and inform Roy Coffee about what had happened. Ben thought it best not to send Hoss because he knew the way the big man was feeling, he’d carry out his threat against David Jacobs.
**********
Paul Martin walked slowly down the stairs after operating on Joe to remove the bullet. Ben immediately jumped to his feet, asking, “How is he?”
Paul sat down and said, “I won’t lie to you, Ben. It’ll be touch and go tonight. His shoulder was heavily infected.”
Ben blinked tears back and said, “He must have lain out there for hours, hurt and alone.”
Adam squeezed his father’s arm. “He’s not
alone now,
**********
It was a long night for all concerned. Many times Joe cried out and fought against the men who were trying to help him. Early the next morning, Paul had to go back to town but promised he would return in the afternoon.
A few hours later Hop Sing entered the room and told the family that Roy Coffee was downstairs. “I’ll go and talk to him,” Adam said, knowing that Ben wouldn’t want to leave Joe.
Descending the stairs and seeing the sheriff, Adam said, “Well, have you got him locked up?”
“Did you find Joe’s horse?”
“He’s a liar,” Adam blew out his breath, trying to calm down.
“How’s Joe?”
“Not good,” Adam shook his head, “Paul said we should know by later today if………” he stopped unable to finish the sentence. “I’ll be in later this afternoon to talk to Jacobs.”
“Adam, there’s no need for that.”
“Yes, there is,” Adam replied, grimly.
**********
Ben had stayed with Joe all night, as the sun had risen that morning, Ben prayed that the new day would bring a change for the better but by early that afternoon, Ben’s fear that he would loose his youngest son, grew. The young man had tossed and turned, delirious for hours but now he lay absolutely still. They had packed ice around him but it didn’t seem to be helping to bring down his temperature.
As Ben once more soaked the cloth in cold water and began to wipe it over Joe, the young man stirred and mumbled.
Stroking the hair back from Joe’s forehead, Ben felt that he was cooler, whispering a silent prayer of thanks, he gently tried to wake Joe. “Joseph, come on, son. It’s time to wake up.” After repeating the words a few times, Ben smiled with relief when Joe’s eyes flickered open.
“Pa,” Joe croaked.
Ben quickly poured a glass of water and lifted Joe’s head so he could drink.
“What happened?” Joe asked weakly, then, moving uncomfortably in the bed, he said, “Cold.”
“Shh, I know Joe,” Ben said soothingly, “We’ll talk about what happened soon, all right. Right now, I’ll see what I can do about making you more comfortable.” Hearing a noise behind him, Ben turned and saw Adam entering the room.
Adam’s face lit up at seeing his younger brother awake. Going over to the bed, he ruffled Joe’s hair. “It’s good to see you awake, kid.”
Ben smiled and said, “Adam, can you get Hoss. I want to change Joe’s sheets and get him into something warm.” Adam was back in a few minutes with Hoss and working quickly the men soon had Joe comfortably back in bed.
Joe was becoming more aware of where he was and remembered what had happened. Looking up at his father, he asked, “Cochise?”
“I’m sorry Joe. We haven’t found him yet,” Ben replied.
When Joe attempted to rise, Hoss learnt over the bed and held his uninjured shoulder down. “Don’t you even think about trying to get up, Little Joe,” Looking over at Adam and then back at Joe, Hoss said, “We made ya a promise and we intend to keep it. We’ll get Cochise back for ya. Try not to worry, Joe. Just concentrate on getting well.”
“How are you feeling, son?” Ben asked.
“My shoulders sore and my head aches.”
“Do you remember what happened?” Adam asked.
“It’s all sort of fuzzy.”
“Try and tell us what you remember,” Ben said.
“I was just riding. I had a strange feeling, like when you know you’re being followed,” Ben nodded and Joe continued, “Then I felt the bullet hit me and I fell off Cochise.”
“Did you see who it was?” Adam asked, knowing Joe had already told them he hadn’t but hoping he might be able to think more clearly now.
Joe slowly shook his head. “No. I was trying to pull my gun but he was suddenly there, alls I saw was his boots. Before I could look up at his face, he kicked me over onto my stomach.”
Hoss angrily clenched his hands into fists at the rough treatment of his little brother. Ben gently stroked the hair back from the bruise on Joe’s forehead and asked, “Did you hit your head when you fell off Cochise?”
“No,” Joe replied softly, “While I was on my stomach, he pulled my head back by my hair and then hit it against the ground. I must have blacked out, when I came around, all’s I saw was someone in the distance leading Cochise. I couldn’t see who it was.”
“David Jacobs,” Hoss spat the name out, like it tasted foul in his mouth. When I get my hands on him….”
“We don’t know it was him,” Ben cut in.
“Who else would have done something like this, Pa,” Hoss replied, “If Roy can’t get the truth, I’ll go to that jail and get it out of him myself.”
“Pa,” Joe frowned as he spoke, “Is David in jail?”
Ben nodded, “Yes Joe.”
“But why, if we don’t know it was him?”
“
“I can’t blame him for hating me, not after what I did to Aaron,” Joe said quietly, looking down at the covers on the bed.
“Joseph,” Ben said firmly, he tilted Joe’s head up so he could look directly into his sons eyes, “You did nothing to Aaron. Nothing! Do you hear me.”
Joe nodded but everyone in the room could see, Joe didn’t believe that. They were at a loss about how to convince him of it though.
“I’m going into town,” Adam said, “I’ll
tell Paul that Joe’s awake and then I’m going to go and see
“Adam,” Ben said, “I don’t want you going
against
Adam nodded. “I’m just going in there to
talk,
As Adam started for the door, Hoss said, “I’m going with you.”
“Hoss,” Ben said, “I’d rather you didn’t.” Ben was worried that Hoss wouldn’t be able to control his temper if he came face to face with the man he believed had hurt his brother. Ben knew only one thing would stop him from going, “I might need your help with Joe.”
Looking down at his little brother, Hoss saw that Joe was asleep, he felt torn in two directions but nodded his acceptance.
**********
Adam tied his horse to the hitching rail and went inside to talk to Roy Coffee.
“Adam,”
“He’s feeling a bit better.”
“Did he say anymore about who shot him?”
“No, Joe didn’t see him clearly.”
“I was just about to let David Jacobs go,”
at Adam’s look of anger,
“Oh
“Look Adam, I agree with you but it could just as easily have been a horse thief. And that really is the way it’s pointing. David has an alibi. He was in the saloon yesterday, all day. A lot of people saw him in there. Bartender and saloon girls say they’re sure he didn’t leave. Just sat there all day. They remember because it seemed a bit strange to them.”
“I don’t care if he does have an alibi. I want to search his place,” Adam said.
“I told you, I’ve already done that.”
“I don’t care,” Adam shouted, “I want that horse found.”
“Adam,”
“It’s Joe’s horse,” Adam snapped angrily, “I don’t want to replace it. I want it found!”
“All right, look, we’ll all ride out to the Circle J and you can look around.”
“Let’s go then,” Adam said.
**********
When the door opened and Adam walked in, David looked across the room and said, “Are you happy now? You can’t pin anything on me, Adam. I have an alibi. It’s lucky I don’t have to rely on Joe to give me one though, huh?”
Adam stared at David in anger. “Just because I didn’t find it, doesn’t mean you didn’t take it. Just means you’ve got it hidden somewhere but I’ll find it, you can count on that.” Adam turned and walked out of the house.
**********
Hoss looked out Joe’s bedroom window when he heard someone riding in and saw Adam leading his horse into the barn. Turning to his father, he said, “It’s Adam.”
Seeing that Joe was asleep, Ben said, “Ask Hop Sing to come up please Hoss.”
With Hop Sing sitting with Joe, Ben and Hoss went down stairs to hear what Adam had found out.
As soon as Adam walked into the house and saw his father and brother, he asked, “How’s Joe?”
“About the same. He’s asleep, Hop Sing’s with him. Did you
see
“I did,” Adam replied, as he sat down, “For all the good it did.”
“What happened?” Ben asked.
“
“He what!” Hoss yelled angrily, “And you let him?”
“Hoss,” Ben said, putting his hand on the big mans arm, “Let’s just listen to what Adam has to say.”
“I know how you feel Hoss,” Adam said, “I
feel the same way but there’s nothing we can do about it. David just keeps
denying it and
“No sign of him?” Ben asked.
Adam shook his head. “Nothing.
“Humph,” Hoss grunted, “I can do better than that.”
“Hoss,” Ben said, “I know you’re angry. We’re all feeling like that but I don’t want you breaking the law.”
“Pa, I…..”
“No,” Ben said angrily, “listen to me. I’ve
lost count of the number of times, I’ve tried to convince Joe that what
happened to Aaron isn’t his fault but I can’t get through to the boy. If you do
something to David and
Hoss couldn’t answer, knowing his father was right. Finally he turned to Adam and said, “I’m sorry, Adam. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I know you did everything you could. I’m just……..”
Adam cut in, “It’s all right, Hoss. We’re all worried.”
Hoss nodded slowly and said, “I’m going up to sit with Joe.”
**********
Two weeks later, Cochise was still missing. Adam and Hoss had searched for him everyday, even riding to surrounding towns to look and ask around but they had found nothing. Joe had withdrawn further from his family. Ben felt it was as though Joe believed he deserved to have had Cochise taken from him.
The
two elder Cartwright brothers were talking in the barn while they saddled their
horses to ride into
“Pa, we have to,” Hoss said. “We promised Little Joe.”
“Hoss,” Ben replied, “Joe knows you’ve done your best. There’s just nowhere left to look. For all we know the horse could be dead,” Both Adam and Hoss flinched at that, neither were ready to accept that they might not be able to keep the promise they’d made to Joe, “You know that horse Carl Reed has for sale?”
Adam nodded, “That’s a good horse. Are you thinking of buying it for Joe?”
“Yes,” Ben said, “For Christmas. What do you think?”
“I don’t know, Pa,” Hoss said, “I don’t think Joe’d be too keen on a new horse right now.”
“I agree with Hoss,” Adam said, “It’s a nice thought Pa and I know you only want to do something to cheer Joe up but I don’t think that would do it. If it comes to Joe needing another horse, I think it would be better to let him pick one out when he’s ready.”
Ben nodded. “I guess you’re right. I just hate to see him so sad. He feels such guilt over Aaron,” Ben shook his head, “Well, I better let you get into town.”
“Don’t worry,
Ben patted Hoss’ leg. “Good luck.”
Adam mounted, saying. “We shouldn’t be
long,
Ben watched his two eldest sons ride away and then walked back inside the house.
**********
“Have you got some news?” Hoss asked excitedly.
“This just came in,”
sheriff coffee stop black and white pinto with pine tree brand ridden into sharpsville stop rider locked up stop horse confiscated stop sheriff astor full stop
“That’s it. Let’s go,” Hoss said, grabbing Adam’s arm.
“Wait a minute,” Adam said, smiling at his
brother’s enthusiasm, “We have to make some plans,” turning to
Sheriff Coffee shook his head. “With my deputy out of action with that arm he broke last week, I can’t. I’ll wire Frank Astor and let him know you’re coming.”
Adam nodded. “Will you send word out to Pa about this? Let him know where we’ve gone. It’ll probably take us about a week to get there and back.”
“I’ll tell him,”
“Sure will,” Hoss grinned happily, “Come on, Adam,” he pulled his older brother out the door, “Times a wastin.’” After buying some supplies, the Cartwright brother’s were quickly on their way.
**********
Arriving in Sharpsville, Adam and Hoss immediately went to the sheriff’s office. After introductions were made, Adam asked, “Can we see the horse?”
Sheriff Astor took the brothers to the livery where the horse was stabled, their faces lighting up upon seeing it. They carefully went over the horse with their hands, checking thoroughly for injuries. They noticed there were some marks on it that showed he’d been treated roughly.
“I take it this is the horse you’ve been looking for?” Sheriff Astor said.
“Yes,” Adam nodded, “What about the man who was riding him? Who’s he and have you still got him locked up?”
“Yes, he’s still locked up” Sheriff Astor
replied, “ Says his names Jake Matthews. He seems to
be just a cowboy, passing though town. Says he bought the horse off someone
near
“We want to talk to him,” Adam said.
**********
“I’ll ask you one more time,” Adam said, frustrated at the answers he was getting, “Where did you get the horse?”
“I told you,” Matthews replied, “I bought it off someone who said he was selling it cheap because he needed the money.”
“And it never occurred to you that the horse might be stolen?” Hoss snapped, “You know what the penalty for horse stealing is, don’t you? Hanging!”
Matthews realized he was in deep trouble and sought to find a way out of it by putting the blame on someone else. “It wasn’t my idea, I swear. If I tell you who paid me to do it will you let me go?”
Adam shook his head. “Tell us first and then we’ll talk about a deal.”
Knowing that was the best offer he was going to get, Matthews nodded his head in agreement and said, “All right.”
“Start talking,” Adam said.
Matthews licked his lips nervously and
said, “I don’t actually know his name,” at the look of anger on Adam’s face, he
hurriedly continued, “I swear it’s the truth. I was passing through
“And that was?” Hoss asked.
Matthews took a step back from the bars, thinking it best to distance himself from the men when he told of his part in what had happened to their brother. “He told me to go out to a place called the Ponderosa and look around for someone riding a black and white pinto and kill the horse.”
Hoss lunged for the bars, shouting, “You’re filth. How could you take money to do something like that to someone you don’t even know!”
Adam reached out and put a hand on his brothers back, trying to control his own anger, he glared at Matthews and asked, “Well, if that was the plan, how did Joe get shot and you ended up with the horse?”
“I…” Matthews paused for a moment to think about his next words, “I took a shot at the horse. I missed, hit the rider,” he took a further step back at the look of fury on the faces of both Cartwright brothers, “I swear it’s the truth. It was an accident but then the opportunity was there to take the horse, so I did. It was better than the one I’d bought and the saddle and gear were better than what I had. That horse just fell into my lap. It was good timing.”
“Or bad timing,” Adam replied, “Depends on how you look at it. You can still be hung for horse stealing.”
“Darn horse. I wish I’d never laid eyes on it, it’s been nothin’ but trouble since I got it, nearly threw me a couple of times.”
“You just don’t know how to ride him,” Adam said, “This mysterious man who you say hired you, what did he look like?”
At the description that was given, Adam and Hoss traded looks, knowing it fit David Jacobs.
“What brand is your horse carrying?” Hoss asked.
“The Bar W,” Matthews replied, “a W with a line over the top of it.”
Adam and Hoss turned and left the room, Sheriff Astor followed them out.
“Hey. What about me?” Matthews called out. Sheriff Astor shut the door to the cell area behind him, blocking out the shouting.
“We need to find that horse with the Bar W brand,” Hoss said.
Adam nodded. “Jacobs could still have it.
We have to get back to
“What do you want me to do with that fella?” Sheriff Astor nodded in the direction of the man in the cell.
“We’re certainly not going to let him get away with his part in this. I don’t think he accidentally shot Joe. I think it was deliberate. He saw an opportunity to steal the horse and he took it. Joe could have died if we hadn’t found him when we did. Can you hold him until we talk to Sheriff Coffee?”
Sheriff Astor nodded. “No problem. You have
Adam held out his hand, “Thanks for all your help. We really appreciate it.”
“Glad I could help,” the sheriff said as he shook the hands of Adam and Hoss.
“We’ll take the pinto and Joe’s gear back with us,” Adam said, and Sheriff Astor nodded.
**********
At the livery, Adam at Hoss saddled Cochise. The horse rubbed his head against Adam’s arm and as Adam stroked his nose, he said, “You know we’re taking you home, don’t you boy.”
Hoss gently stroked his hands near some wounds that showed where the horse had spurs used on him. “Guess we know how he got these now. Puttin’ up a fight because someone other than Little Joe was riding him.”
Adam nodded and clapped Hoss on the back, as he said, “Well come on brother, lets get this horse home, back where he belongs.”
**********
A couple of days later at the Ponderosa, Ben went upstairs to talk to Joe who had said he was tired and going to bed early.
Ben quietly knocked on the door and pushed it open. Joe turned from where he was looking out the window and Ben noticed the piece of paper in his hand. Reaching for the paper, Ben saw that it was the note Aaron had written. Ben didn’t know for sure, how many times Joe had read it, but he knew it was a lot.
Ben put the paper on the desk and said, “Joe, I thought you and I might take the buckboard tomorrow and go and pick out a tree. There’s only two days until Christmas.”
Joe shook his head. “I don’t feel like it.”
“Come on, Joe. Adam and Hoss should be home Christmas Eve and it will be a nice surprise for them.” Joe thought his brothers were away on business, Ben hadn’t told him that they had gone to Sharpsville, in the hope that the horse there was Cochise, incase it had turned out that it wasn’t.
When Ben had received the wire that Adam
and Hoss were bringing the horse home, he had decided to keep it a surprise, he
wondered now, if he had made the right decision, Joe was so depressed. As he
thought about telling him, Joe said, “All right,
The following day, Ben and Joe took a ride in the buckboard up to a stand of trees and selected one. Ben marked it, he intended to get a couple of hands to come and cut it down. Joe was still far from well, he was still very sore and very weak. When they got back to the wagon, Ben realized he had left his axe at the tree. Helping Joe up onto the seat, Ben said, “Wait here, Joe. I’ll be right back.”
Ben reached for the axe that was leaning against the tree, hearing a noise behind him, he started to turn, as he did, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head and fell to the ground.
Joe had his eyes closed and was dozing when he suddenly felt someone grab his arm and pull him from the seat. For a moment he gasped for the breath that had been knocked from him. Looking up he saw David Jacobs staring down at him.
Struggling to sit up, Joe was unprepared for the brutal kick that was delivered to his side, sending pain shooting through his body.
David reached down and roughly yanked Joe to his feet, dragging him into some trees where he’d tied two horses. “Pa,” Joe called loudly, “Pa, help me.”
“Get on,” David said as he pushed Joe towards a horse. “Where’s my father?” Joe asked anxiously.
“He can’t help you.”
“What have you done to him?” Joe started to turn to go back to the wagon to find his father. David knocked Joe to the ground, pulling his arms cruelly behind him, causing Joe to cry out at the pain in his shoulder. Within a few minutes, Joe was roughly slung over the back of one of the horses and tied on, his stomach across the saddle, he called again for his father but received no answer.
**********
Ben slowly opened his eyes and looked around. It took him a moment to remember what had happened. Suddenly he thought of Joe.
Pushing himself quickly to his feet, Ben fought against the pain in his head and started to run back towards the wagon. As he ran, he called, “Joe, Joseph….” Coming to the wagon, Ben stopped, panting, “Joe,” he slowly turned in a circle, “Joe, where are you?”
Ben searched, his fear rising when he could find no sign of his son. Realizing he had no choice, he headed back to the Ponderosa. He couldn’t search using the buckboard, he needed his horse and he had to get more men to help him.
When Ben pulled the buckboard into the ranch yard, he felt both surprise and relief when he saw three horses tied to the hitching rail.
Adam and Hoss had made good time and had arrived home a day early. Hearing the buckboard pull up, they walked outside. Hop Sing had told them where their father and brother had gone and they were looking forward to seeing the look on their little brother’s face when he saw his horse. When they saw Ben, they were shocked at the look of fear on their fathers face and realized with dismay that Joe wasn’t with him.
Hurrying over to the buckboard as Ben climbed down, Adam asked, “Pa, what’s wrong? Where’s Joe?”
“I don’t know,” Ben almost shouted, “We need to get the men together and look for him,” he told his sons what had happened.
Hoss went inside to tell Hop Sing where they were going and to get some supplies while Adam saddled fresh horses. Adam turned to his father and said, “Pa, why don’t you stay here. You can’t be feeling well with that knock to your head.”
“No,” Ben replied firmly.
**********
David Jacobs rode for hours, finally pulling a groaning Joe from the horses back. He reached down, cutting the rope binding Joe’s ankles, pulling the young man to his feet, David made him walk a few steps before Joe collapsed to the ground, he felt no remorse for what he was about to do to the man who had been his brothers best friend. In his mind, Joe was responsible for Aaron’s death.
Joe shuddered at the pain that was shooting though him, the pain in his stomach from laying across the saddle for so long was almost unbearable but there was one thought running through his head and he asked, “Is my father all right?”
“He’s dead,” David said cruelly, “I killed him.”
“Why!” Joe cried, as he struggled against the ropes that held him.
“I wanted to kill your horse so you would know what it was like to loose something you love. Losing a horse ain’t the same as loosing as a brother but I thought it would give you a taste. I hired someone to kill it while I waited in the saloon because I knew I’d need an alibi. You know all about alibi’s, don’t you Joe,” David frowned as he thought about how he’d been double crossed over that horse, but he wasn’t really concerned, as long as the horse was gone that was fine with him, “That wasn’t enough though, not by a long shot. But to know your fathers dead, now you can feel a bit of how I felt. Aaron was all the family I had left and you took him from me.”
“I didn’t,” Joe said, fighting back tears, “I only told the truth.”
“Shut up about the truth,” David yelled as he kicked Joe in the stomach, again and again. Joe curled onto his side, vomiting onto the ground.
For a moment, David felt a prick to his conscience but it quickly vanished and he said, “Aaron wouldn’t have even been in town that night, if it hadn’t been for you. When I rode into town and he told me what he’d done, I was so angry. I couldn’t believe he could gamble away what our father left us but he wouldn’t have been there if it hadn’t been for you. The least you owed him was an alibi but you wouldn’t give it to him.” Joe tried to avoid the kick he knew was coming and took a glancing blow to his side.
As he’d been riding, David had seen that a storm was building and a plan had formed in his mind. He bent down so he was only inches from Joe’s face and said, “I’m not going to kill you but by the looks of the storm that’s coming, by this time tomorrow, you’ll be as dead as Aaron is. No one will find you up here and if by chance they do, after the animals get to you, there probably won’t be much of you left.” He walked away, leaving Joe lying on the ground.
Joe forced himself to sit up and called out, “You can’t just leave me here. At least untie my hands.” David just kept walking, mounted his horse and rode away.
Joe looked around himself in despair. The grief he felt for his father was overwhelming. It would be so easy for him just to give up, to let death claim him. But it wasn’t in Joe’s nature to give up.
Joe forced himself to his knees, he waited a moment until he was able to steady himself against the pain and then got to his feet. He looked around him, if he didn’t find shelter before the storm hit, he’d die. But first, he had to get his hands untied. Joe searched until he found a sharp, jagged rock, kneeling down he was able to pick it up.
While working to get the rope free, many times Joe felt the rock cut into his wrists and hands and by the wetness he could feel, he knew they were bleeding. Joe was beyond feelings of pain, he concentrated only on getting his hands free. Finally he felt the rope give and pulling his wrists against it, it snapped.
Joe’s hands were numb but once the blood started to flow back into them, they felt like they were burning with pain. He slowly flexed his fingers until the pain passed. His wrists were a mess and he ripped some material from his shirt to wrap around them. He looked around him and realized that he knew where he was. He’d camped in the area with his father and brothers. At the thought of his father, the tears came unbidden to Joe’s eyes.
Joe’s head spun with images of his father
and he could almost hear his voice urging him on as he had when Joe was a
child, attempting something new for the first time and Ben would urge the young
boy not to give up, to keep trying. Joe struggled to his feet and whispered,
“I’m trying,
**********
Joe knew the storm wasn’t far off now. He forced himself to run. He knew where he was heading, he just had to get there in time. The snow had just started to fall when he found what he was looking for.
There was an outcropping of rocks with a small space under them. Joe knew it would be a tight fit but he could squeeze in, he just hoped no animal had found it first. Cautiously, he crept forward and found it empty. Squeezing in, there was just enough room for Joe to sit down and he wrapped his arms around his legs and huddled against the side of the wall.
**********
Ben stood at the window, looking out at the night. He felt a hand on his shoulder and knew without turning that it was Adam. Hoss came to stand next to him on the other side.
“Looks like none of us got much sleep,” Ben said.
“No,” Adam answered, “It’ll be light in a
couple of hours and it doesn’t look like we’re in for more snow. We’ll find him
today,
“What if he was out in the storm, Adam? I can’t bear the thought of him being out there alone and cold. We should have kept looking.”
“We couldn’t,
When they realized the storm was on it’s way, Ben had sent the hands back to the bunkhouse. The Cartwrights continued searching for as long as they could and then headed to the Millers cabin.
Dawn was just beginning to break in the sky when the Cartwrights rode out. It was slow going, due to the snow and the fact that they had to search so carefully, they didn’t want to miss Joe or any sign of him.
**********
Later that afternoon, as the family searched and made repeated calls for Joe, they heard a shout behind them. They stopped and waited for the small group of four men to ride up, as they drew nearer the Cartwrights saw that it was two of their hands, Roy Coffee and at the realization of who the fourth man was, anger burnt in them all.
**********
Joe’s clothes were soaked through and he was freezing. He’d stumbled and fallen many times but each time he had forced himself to get up and keep going.
Once more, Joe fell. This time, he lay there wondering if he had the strength to get to his feet again. “Oh Pa,” he whispered, “I wish I hadn’t gone to town that night. You’d still be alive.” Town! The word pounded in Joe’s head, and then he knew why, something David had said, ‘When I rode into town and he told me what he’d done, I was so angry.’ Joe’s mind reeled at the implications of that one line. David had said he was in town that night but he hadn’t told Roy Coffee that. Why hadn’t he told anyone? Joe once more pushed himself to his feet and walked on.
It was becoming harder and harder for Joe to think, he was exhausted and the cold had seeped into his bones, he could barely put one foot in front of the other but as he stumbled along, his mind tried to fit all the pieces together and Joe started to think about the note Aaron had left. He’d read it so often, the words came to him easily.
Joe
I don’t blame you for what’s going to happen to me in the
morning. I hope you can believe that because it’s the truth. I’ve asked Sheriff
Coffee not to let you in to see me, not out of any feelings of anger towards
you but because I’m afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn’t be able to go through
with this. I know I will take your friendship to my grave and I hope that in
the years to come when you think of me, that you remember the good times we
shared and don’t dwell on the way my life is going to end.
Your friend,
Aaron
Joe frowned as he wondered about the words, ‘I’m afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn’t be able to go through with this.’ What could Aaron have meant? He couldn’t go through with what? The hanging? How could he have had a choice? When I rode into town and he told me what he’d done, I was so angry…. I’m afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn’t be able to go through with this… .When I rode into town and he told me what’d done, I was so angry…. I’m afraid that if I saw you, I wouldn’t be able to go through with this…. The words kept spinning around in Joe’s head, suddenly he stopped in his tracks as he finally realized what the words all meant. “David!” Joe said to himself, “David was in town that night. He killed Tom Perkins and Aaron took the blame.” Joe forced his weary legs to move. He had to get home!
**********
As soon as the horses drew to a stop, Hoss was off his horse and pulling David Jacobs from his, with each punch he landed, he screamed, “Where is he?”
The other men fought to pull Hoss away. “Let me go,” Hoss yelled, “I’m going to find out what he did to Joe, if I have to pull him limb from limb to do it.” There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Hoss meant it.
“Just calm down a minute, Hoss,”
Sam, one of the hands, said, “Wanted to find out what you want us to do, Mr Cartwright? All the men are out searching but we haven’t found any sign of him yet.”
Adam turned furious eyes on David, “He knows where Joe is!”
“He says he doesn’t,”
“Humph,” Adam grunted, “I say we let Hoss at him. Let him beat it out of him.”
“Adam,”
“You don’t know how we feel,” Adam said angrily, “If you did, you’d know we have to do whatever it takes to find Joe. Whatever! You don’t have to watch. Just walk away.”
Ben had always taught his sons to obey the law but before him stood the only man who knew the whereabouts of his youngest child and Ben knew that he would do anything he had to, to get that information.
Adam looked at Ben, waiting for a decision on what they should do.
Roy Coffee’s hand went to his gun. “I’m sorry Ben but the law says I can’t allow you to do this. This isn’t the way, Ben.”
“Pa,” the call was weak and Ben wondered if
he was imagining things, then he heard it again, “
Turning to face the voice, the Cartwright’s were shocked to see Joe. Forgetting both Roy Coffee and David Jacobs, they ran to him.
Joe stopped and waited for his family to reach him, his legs were shaking and he knew he was beyond taking one more step. When he’d seen the men in the distance, his heart had leapt at the sight of his father.
Adam reached Joe first and was just in time to catch him as he fell.
“Joseph,” Ben said, as he stroked his sons cold cheek, taking him into his arms, Ben carried him to the horses. Adam and Hoss grabbed their saddle blankets and wrapped them around their trembling brother as Ben held him in his arms. David stared in shock at the young man who was surrounded by his family. It seemed impossible to him, that Joe was alive.
Joe opened his eyes and stared up into the face he had thought he would never see in life again and the tears in his eyes slowly trickled down his cheeks.
Ben pulled his son tighter to him and said, “Shhh, Joseph. It’s all right now. You’re safe.”
“He told me you were dead,” Joe choked out the words, “He said he’d killed you. Oh Pa…”
Ben looked over at David Jacobs and the flames of anger danced in his eyes. “What kind of man are you? I know Aaron’s death has been hard on you but I’m truly shocked that you can hold Joe responsible for it.”
“He has to blame me,” Joe said quietly, “Because he doesn’t want to blame himself.”
Ben laid his hand on Joe’s cheek and asked, “What do you mean, Joe?”
“It was David who killed Tom Perkins. Not Aaron,” Joe replied.
“What!” Ben said, “Are you sure? How do you know?”
Joe was so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open. “Just know,” he whispered before sleep claimed him.
As Ben held Joe securely in his arms, he looked over at David and said, “Joe’s right, isn’t he. I can see it in your eyes.”
David looked down at the ground as he replied, “No, I….” He broke off, unable to go on.
Hoss shook his head with disgust and said, “The day Aaron died, you accused Joe of betraying him but Joe didn’t,” Hoss almost shook with anger as he spat the words out, “You are the one who betrayed him. He was your little brother and you let him take the blame for something you did. You watched him go to the gallows and you said nothing. You let him die for you. How could you have done that?”
“You don’t understand,” David cried, I didn’t mean to kill Perkins that night. I’d just gotten into town and I saw Aaron in the street, he was upset and told me what he’d done, while we were arguing, Perkins came along. I only meant to get the marker from him. The gun just went off. It was so quick, in a matter of minutes it was over. I didn’t mean to do it. I thought everyone would believe Joe if he said Aaron had been with him but when he wouldn’t and Aaron took the blame, well it was too late to say anything then,” David was babbling, the words coming out in a rush.
“Too late,” Adam said incredulously, “It wasn’t too late until they put that noose around your brothers neck and released the trapdoor.”
The blood brained from David’s face and Ben said, “Adam, that’s enough.”
Adam shook his head, “
David stood in shocked silence, the truth of the words hitting him hard. Ben felt Joe tremble in his arms and said, “We have to get him warmed up.”
“It’s too far to the house in the condition he’s in. Let’s take him to the Miller’s,” Adam said.
Ben nodded in agreement as Hoss carefully took Joe from his father’s arms while Ben mounted Buck, and then together they got Joe onto the horse, Ben pulled Joe back to rest against him and wrapped the blankets tightly around him.
Arrangements were quickly made.
At the old Miller’s cabin, the fire was lit and stoked up. Joe’s wet clothes were removed and he was quickly dried and placed in a bed that had been pulled close to the fire where he now lay sleeping.
Ben pulled the blankets away a little so he could once more check Joe’s hands and feet. Adam and Hoss watched and Ben looked up and smiled with relief. “It’s amazing that there’s no sign of frostbite considering the length of time he was out in that snow,” The smile faded as he said, “He’s got some terrible bruises on his stomach and sides though. I’m worried about that.”
“Try not to worry, Pa,” Adam said, “Paul will be here soon.” Joe tried to turn to a new position but the pain of the movement woke him and he cried out.
Ben slipped his hand beneath the blankets and grabbed Joe’s hand. “Don’t try to move. Just lie still.”
Joe’s eyes opened and he looked up at his father, despite the pain, Joe’s face lit up and he smiled, squeezing the hand that held his. “Pa,” Joe said, swallowing the lump in his throat, “I thought….”
The tears began to flow and Ben carefully lifted Joe up, wrapping his arms around him and holding him gently. “I know, Joe. But I’m here and I’m fine. Shh, son, come on now. It’s all right.” Ben rubbed his hand down Joe’s back, worried that getting so upset would make Joe sick.
Finally when Ben laid Joe back down, Adam and Hoss squatted down beside the bed. “It’s good to have you back, buddy,” Adam said.
“Sure is,” Hoss added as he reached out to touch his young brother. Joe was so tired, it wasn’t long before he was sleeping again. A knock on the door startled them and Adam went to open it. They’d been so concerned with Joe, they hadn’t heard the arrival of horses.
“Paul, come in,” Adam said, when he saw the doctor standing there. Night had fallen and Paul had been escorted to the Miller place by Sam.
Sam looked at Adam and said, “Thought I’d come out with the doc. Didn’t want him getting lost.”
“Thanks Sam,” Adam said, “We appreciate it. I’m sure Paul does too.”
“I certainly do,” Paul said, “I’m not sure I could have found my way here in the dark and I wouldn’t want to get lost, especially on Christmas Eve.”
“Christmas Eve,” Ben said, surprised, “I’d forgotten what day it was. I’m sorry we had to call you out, Paul.”
“Don’t worry about it, Ben,” Paul said as he bent over Joe and pulled the blankets back, “Now lets have a look and I’ll see what I can do to make Joe feel a little better.” Joe, who had been sleeping, woke as Paul started to examine him.
After carefully examining Joe, Paul pulled the blankets back up and gave him something to help him go back to sleep. After Joe was asleep, Paul turned to the worried father. “I think he’ll be fine, Ben.”
Ben let out the breath he’d been holding. “I was worried about the bruises on his stomach.”
Paul nodded. “I know they look bad but I’m fairly confident there’s no severe damage inside.”
“Fairly confident?” Ben asked, warily.
“He’s covered in cuts and bruises, he’s extremely stiff and sore. He hasn’t recovered from the shooting yet, he’s still weak from that. We’re very lucky that we don’t also have to deal with frostbite. The only real cause for concern are the bruises on his stomach. There may be some damage inside,” At Ben’s look of fear, Paul held up his hand, “Now Ben, I don’t want to alarm you. I’ve checked him over thoroughly. There’s no sign he’s bleeding inside. I think his insides are probably bruised though.”
“And that’s not serious?” Adam asked, doubtfully.
“Not as series as it sounds,” Paul said, “I know you’re worried and I can certainly understand your fears. We need to keep a close eye on him. I want him to stay in bed for at least a week.”
“When can we take him home?” Hoss asked.
“I know he’d be more comfortable at home but I think it would be best if you stayed here with him for a couple of days. I’ll come out day after tomorrow to check on him but if you need me before that, don’t hesitate to send for me.”
“Thank you, Paul,” Ben said, as he shook his old friends hand and saw him to the door. As Sam got up from where he’d been sitting, out of the way, Adam said, “Sam, can you tell Hop Sing that I’ll come back to the ranch to pick up some supplies tomorrow.”
“I’ll let him know. I’m glad Joe’s going to be all right,” Sam said. Adam nodded his thanks as the ranch hand left.
**********
The following day, Ben was standing at the
stove, heating up some beans, when he heard Joe call. “
Turning, Ben smiled, removing the food from the heat, he quickly crossed the room to where Joe lay. “How do you feel this morning?” he asked, reaching down to check Joe’s temperature.
“Still pretty sore,” Joe admitted.
Ben helped Joe to sit up slightly and propped a pillow behind him. “Paul says you’re going to be feeling like that for a while,” Getting Joe as comfortable as he could, he then asked, “Do you think you can eat something?”
“I am hungry,” Joe said.
Ben soon had some food dished up and handed the plate and fork to Joe. “Can you manage?” Joe nodded and started to eat.
“I’m sorry it’s not much of a Christmas meal.”
Joe stopped with the fork half way to his mouth. “Christmas? Is it?”
Ben smiled, “Sure is. With everything that’s happened, I didn’t think of it myself until Paul mentioned it last night. Merry Christmas, Joseph,” Ben said as he learnt forward from the chair he was sitting in and brushed the hair back from Joe’s forehead.
“Merry Christmas, Pa,” Joe smiled as he replied, looking around he realized his brothers were missing and asked, “Where are Adam and Hoss?”
“They’ll be back soon. They went home to get some supplies. Paul wants us to stay here for a couple of days. Until you’re feeling a bit better.”
“I feel fine. We can go home now,
“You don’t feel fine, Little Joe. I’m not going to argue with you about it. We’re staying here.”
Joe passed his plate to his father, the food only half eaten. “I thought you were hungry,” Ben said. Seeing the downcast look on his sons face, he said, “It’ll only be for a couple of days and then we’ll go home. I know it won’t be much of a Christmas for you here today but we’ll celebrate it when we go home.”
“I ruined it for everyone.”
“What do you mean? You haven’t ruined anything.” Ben moved to sit on the edge of the bed.
“It’s not fair that you all have to stay here just because of me.”
“Joseph, Christmas isn’t about a tree, or presents or fancy food. It’s a time to be with people we love and as long as we have that, it doesn’t matter where we celebrate it.” Seeing Joe still looked doubtful, Ben started again to try and convince him that it didn’t matter where they were. “Joseph….” Ben stopped as he heard a wagon pull up and the door was flung open.
Adam and Hoss came charging inside, laughing, closing the door behind them, they stopped suddenly at the serious look on the faces of their father and young brother. “What’s wrong?” Adam asked, concerned.
“Joe’s upset because he thinks he’s ruined Christmas for us because we have to stay here.”
“Aw Joe. That’s plain silly,” Hoss said, “Twern’t your fault you got hurt and you certainly haven’t ruined Christmas.”
Suddenly the door banged open and Hop Sing stomped in, going to the table he put down some packages he was carrying and then started yelling at Adam and Hoss. “Stand there, waste time, yak, yak. Get supplies from wagon, chop, chop.”
Joe’s eyes sparkled with laughter. “Hop Sing, what are you doing here?”
“You think Hop Sing stay away when family need him? I come make Christmas meal for family. Help look after number three son,” Hop Sing looked at Joe with concern.
“Thank you, Hop Sing,” Ben smiled.
While Hop Sing bustled around, Adam and Hoss brought everything in from the wagon. Ben shook his head in amazement at the number of trips needed to bring it all in. “Did you bring everything?” Ben asked.
“Yep, reckon we got everything we need,” Hoss said, as he and Adam carried the last of the wrapped Christmas gifts over to a bench.
Hoss walked over and squatted down beside Joe’s bed. “Now, what were you saying about ruining Christmas, short shanks.”
“Seems like a lot of effort to bring everything here when we’re only going to have to take it home again,” Joe said, trying to hide his happiness.
“You let us worry about that,” Adam said, “We wanted to do this for you.”
“Got one more surprise for you, Little Joe. Wait until you see what we’ve brung you,” Hoss said, excitedly, “You gotta close your eyes.”
“Okay,” Joe replied as he did as he’d been told. Ben looked questioningly at Hoss but the big man only grinned and went to the door, he was gone for a few minutes and Ben’s eyes widened in shock at the surprise Hoss brought inside with him.
“Keep ‘em closed,” Hoss called to Joe and Adam put his hand over Joe’s eyes so he couldn’t peek.
Joe heard the noise on the floor and he thought he recognised the sound. His heart filled with hope. Adam removed his hand and Joe opened his eyes, staring in wonder at what stood beside him. “Cochise,” he said with delight.
The horse seemed as delighted as his young master and lowered his head, pushing his nose into Joe’s chest as Joe reached up to stroke him.
“You’re cleaning up after him if he makes a mess,” Ben said, trying to sound stern but not succeeding. Joe’s eyes were bright as he looked at his brothers. “Thank you so much. I….” Joe broke off, unable to go on.
Hoss patted Joe’s hand. “We promised we’d get him back for ya.”
Ben watched Joe carefully and after a while, he could see Joe was tiring and he said, “I think it’s time you put Cochise into the barn, boys. Joe needs a rest.”
“Pa….” Joe started.
“That horse is not staying in here, Joseph,” Ben laughed, “So get those thought’s out of your head right now.”
Hoss reached for the horses bridle and Joe grabbed his hand. “How did you find him? Where was he?”
Hoss reached over with his other arm and patted Joe’s hand. “We’ll tell you all about it later. Pa’s right, you’re tired.” Joe watched as Hoss led Cochise outside, closing his eyes, he was soon asleep, the smile still on his face.
That night, after all the presents had been opened and Hop Sing’s wonderful meal eaten, the family talked about all that had happened recently.
Joe told his family how he had come to realize it had been David who had killed Tom Perkins. “I just wish I’d realized sooner,” he said.
Ben, who was sitting beside Joe’s bed, reached over and squeezed his hand. “You had no way of knowing, son.”
Joe nodded. “I know,
“We all do,” Ben said, “I know it seems impossible for you now but one day, you’ll be able to do as Aaron wanted you to. To remember the good times you shared with him, instead of feeling sad all the time when you think about him.”
Joe nodded and smiled at his family. “Thanks for today. I’ve had a great day,” he looked at Hoss, “It’s lucky you brought Hop Sing back with you or it wouldn’t have been much of a Christmas for you with only beans to eat.”
Hoss knew Joe was joking with him but feeling a need to make sure his younger brother knew how much he mattered to him, Hoss said, “I wouldn’t a cared, Joe. Christmas would have meant nothing to us without you.”
Joe smiled. “Pa said it didn’t matter where we celebrated it, as long as we were together.”
“Well there you go then,” Hoss said, “When’s Pa ever been wrong.” Joe laughed and Hoss gently pulled him into a hug and said, “Merry Christmas.” Adam laid his hand on Joe’s back. Ben wiped his eyes and sniffed, revelling in the sight of his three sons together.
**********
Later that night, unable to sleep, Ben quietly got up. Bending over Joe, he adjusted his blankets. Watching Joe sleep, Ben felt an overwhelming sense of joy that his third son had been returned to him. He was amazed at Joe’s strength of both mind and body, he hadn’t given up against all odds, instead, he’d kept going until he’d reached help.
It made Bens blood run cold though, to think about what would have happened if they hadn’t been searching for Joe in that spot. What if they had been looking somewhere else? How had they all come to be at that same place at that same moment in time?
Turning to look out the window at the stars in the sky, Ben looked at the brightest one shining this Christmas night and whispered, “Thank you.”
The End
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
December 2003