The Long Journey by Mary Stone


CHAPTER 1


The sound of the axe cutting into the firewood was one that seemed
fitting to young Joe Cartwright. He was angry and taking it out on the
pile of firewood in front of him seemed to help. He'd earned this job in
what his father called the fair way, he'd drawn the long match.
His hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat as he swung the axe,
dwelling on the unfairness of being the youngest son of Benjamin
Cartwright. His older brother Hoss had recently returned from a cattle
buying trip to Kansas City and now his oldest brother Adam was preparing to
leave for San Francisco to charter a ship for their timber deliveries. He
was not considered or even asked to go along on either trip, and he found
that whole idea very irritating.
He was furious with his whole family because he felt they refused to
accept the fact that he was grown now. They still treated him like and
child, or worse a hired hand, and he was tired of it.
He looked up to see his brothers ride up, their faces wearing smug
smiles as they pulled up their horses.
" Will you take a look at him working hard" Hoss said
" Ah but he isn't really, he's hardly working" Adam corrected him.
Joe felt his temper beginning to flare, " Why don't you two shut up"
Adam and Hoss looked at each other with false shock
" Are we feeling a bit testy today little brother?" Adam asked him.
" Leave me alone" Joe said and swung the axe aggresively.
" You know Adam, I think the heat might be getting to him" Hoss said
and winked at him. Adam squinted up at the sun, " You may be right Hoss"
They slowly climbed down from the horses and tied them to the hitching
rail then leaned against it and folded their arms to watch their young
brother.
" You know Hoss, I think it's up to us to help him out" Adam said
brightly.
" Yeah how's that?" Hoss asked sounding sincerely interested
Joe dropped the axe midswing.
" Well maybe we could cool him off a little" Adam said smiling and they
quickly started moving toward him. By the time he realized what they were
up to it was too late for Joe to get away. Hoss grabbed his arms and Adam
took ahold of his legs and they carried him to the horse trough. Joe tried
to kick free of them but it was useless and soon the water washed over him.
He came up ready for revenge but unfortunately found his father now
standing between them.
" What the devil is going on here?" Ben demanded
Joe wiped himself off and wrung the water from his shirt
" Why don't you ask the two village idiots" Joe retorted
Ben frowned and regarded them all and barked


" Joseph you get back to work, Hoss tend these horses, and Adam you
come with me so we can go over those figures again"
" Is that it? You're not going to say anything to them?" Joe shouted.
Ben turned in surprise " What did you say?"
" I said, you never say anything to them"
" Joseph you better watch your tone, don't raise your voice to me or....."
" Or what Pa? You gonna send me to my room?" Joe snapped and stomped
off toward the barn.
" What's with him?" Hoss said dumbfounded
Ben was still looking in the direction he'd gone. He'd seen this
coming for several weeks. He turned to the his older sons
" Boys I think you need to lay off of him for awhile"
" Pa we was just fooling around" Hoss said defensively
" I know that Hoss, but he obviously isn't in the mood so lay off" Ben
said his voice rising slightly " Adam come with me"
Adam looked at Hoss and shrugged then followed his father inside. Hoss
shrugged too then decided to look for Joe. He found him in the barn,
shirtless, sitting on a bale of hay pulling off his boots and socks. He
looked up as Hoss came in and gave him an angry stare.
" Joe look, me and Adam was just playing, we didn't mean to make you
mad" Hoss said trying to apologize
" Yeah well you did" Joe said matter of factly as he held his boots
upside down and shook the water from them.
" What's eatin' you Little Joe? You been acting like a trapped varmint
for weeks now"
" Nothing. Maybe I'm sick of feeling like I don't matter"
" Aw Joe don't be silly that's......"
" Childish right, I'm just a silly child"
" No, that's not what I was gonna say" Hoss insisted
Joe grabbed up his boots and clothes and turned his back on his brother
and said " Save it" as he left the barn.
He went inside and up the stairs to hang up his wet clothes and change.
Once in dry clothes he hunted up an old pair of boots and pulled them on
grimacing at the irritating tightness. He stood up and stomped a couple of
times to get them on the rest of the way. Then he took his wallet from the
wet clothes and pulled out the money. Thankfully it wasn't too wet so he
stuffed the bills in his pocket and left the wallet to dry.
He clamored down the stairs addressing his father as he walked to the door.
" I'm going to town" he announced and walked out slamming the door.
As he expected Ben came out after him and stood on the porch with his
hands on his hips
" Just what do you think you're doing young man?"
Joe was busy tightening his cinch and without looking up said,
" I told you Pa, I'm going to town"
Before Ben could protest further he vaulted onto his horse and galloped
off. Adam joined him on the porch and watched the dust settle back down to
the ground. He glanced at his father's grim face " You want me to go after
him" he asked
Ben faced him angrily, " Now you know why I told you to leave him
alone?" he shouted
Adam made a wounded face, " Sorry " After Ben looked away Adam put a
hand on his shoulder, " Look he'll be back, you know how he is. Why don't
we finish up our paperwork and I'm sure he'll be back by then"
Ben didn't move but continued to stare in the direction Joe had gone.
He sighed and shook his head and looked at Adam again.
" I suppose your right Adam. I'm sorry I yelled at you"
" That's okay Pa, we know how it is with him"
Ben raised an eyebrow and regarded him suspiciously
" What's that supposed to mean?"
Adam smiled, " Pa we know perfectly well that you love Joe best"
Ben frowned and waved him out of the way and went back inside. Adam
fell in behind him smirking and covering his mouth lest his father should
turn around.

*********************************


CHAPTER 2


Joe sat at the poker table studying his cards, trying to decide whether
to ask for one card or two. He'd been playing for several hours and needed
to win a hand or he'd be out of cash. He'd drunk enough to feel a little
lightheaded and decided that was enough. Ben would be mad enough when he
got home, he didn't need to complicate things.
He wasn't really angry anymore, just glad to be out on his own with no
one looking over his shoulder. He'd expected one of them to come after him
but to his relief no one did.
He was sitting next to his best friend Frank, and eyeing the other
players trying to read their faces. The saloon was packed with people and
full of the smell of smoke, sweat, and dust that never seemed to settle all
the way back to the floor. So many people were talking it would've been
difficult for someone to try to pick out one single conversation.
The noise was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of Virginia City
Sheriff, Roy Coffee.
" What'd you do now Frank?" Joe said nudging him with an elbow.
Frank hushed him, watching to see what the sheriff was going to do.
Roy turned with his back against the bar and raised his hands.
" Gentlemen, could you give me your attention for just a moment
please?" he said without the necessity of having to raise his voice. All
eyes turned on him and an uncharacteristic quiet fell on the saloon. Roy
took in all the faces and then began,
" As you all know we have Willie Wilson over to the jail. I've just
received word that he will need to be transported back to Arizona and
returned to Yuma Territorial prison. The reason I'm here is that my deputy
will need a few good men to go along with him to make sure he gets there
alright. We'll need three volunteers to be deputized. As deputy's you'll
be expected to assume all the responsibility that goes with it. If you
want to voluteer you come on over to my office. That's all, thank you for
your time, good evening"
The sheriff left the saloon as unassuming as he'd entered, and people
returned to their conversations and activities.
Frank nudged Joe in the ribs, "That'd be some trip wouldn't it?"
Joe looked at him with interest, " You thinking of going along?"
" Nah, I can't, gotta work. But if I didn't I'd sure be considering it"
They finished the game and Joe won his hand. Deciding to quit while he
was ahead he collected his money and left the table. Frank joined him at
the bar a few minutes later.
" You wanna drink Joe?" he asked motioning the bar tender over.
" No I've had enough, I better get on home"



Frank ordered another beer and took a few swigs, swishing it around in
his mouth and savoring the taste.
" Why don't you go Joe? It sounds like a vacation to me"
Joe frowned and rubbed his hands together, " I can't go Frank, we got
the fall gathering coming up. Besides Pa wouldn't let me go"
" Pa wouldn't let me go, listen to yourself. I wouldn't even ask him.
When you gonna break loose Joe and just do what you want?"
" I didn't mean it like that, it's just that Adam's leaving tomorrow
and he's gonna need me there. Besides look who's talking"
" Hey I don't ask my parents for permission for nothing anymore, I
come and go as I please"
Joe turned to look outside and sighing stood up straight
" Well it's gonna be dark soon, I better get on home, see ya Frank"
" Yeah see ya Joe. Boy the stories you could'a told"
Joe waved at him as he pushed through the swinging doors and stepped
outside. The sun was just starting to to set and the air seemed a little
cooler for once. He walked to the hitching rail to untie his horse and
found his eyes looking in the direction of the sheriff's offie. Maybe
Frank was right, it would be a chance to do something on his own. There
would be no outside influence from his family at all, he's be truly on his
own. He absently scratched his horse's chin as he contemplated what to do.
At that moment the thought of going home did not particularly appeal
to him. But neither did the idea of going off without his family knowing
about it. But it wasn't really running off was it? He was making a
decision to take a job that didn't happen to have anything to do with the
ranch. It was just what he'd been looking for and in less than five
minutes he was walking toward the sheriff's office.

His father in the meantime was growing impatient waiting for his
return. Adam sat in his favorite chair with his feet up, reading a book.
He peeked over the top to watch his father pace back and forth.
Hoss came in from the barn and seeing his father's expression, moved to
the sofa. He gave Adam a knowing look as he helped himself to an apple.
Dinner had been a silent, uncomfortable affair, and the atmosphere hadn't
improved much since then.
" Where is he?" Ben suddenly shouted " He knows I'd expect him home by
now. We have a full day of work ahead of us tomorrow, I've got half a mind
to go and get him"
Hoss cringed as Adam dropped the book to his lap
" Pa you can't do that" Adam said quietly
Ben turned on him angrily, " I can and I will"

" Pa you can't, because if you do it will only serve to embarass and
humiliate him. And if you do that it will only make matters worse" Adam
spoke calmly and evenly, making his father think about what he was planning
to do.
" Oh it will will it? Well what do you suggest I do?"
Adam ignored the tone he used and stood up, he was growing a little
irritated himself but refused to let it show.
" Look Pa he is of age after all, maybe it's time you let him think
for himself"
" I do not do his thinking for him, and I resent your saying it"
Hoss was wishing he'd gone straight to bed, he saw the look in Adam's
eyes, the war had begun. Adam raised his voice to match his father's and
pointed at the door shouting,
"Do you realize that today he said I'm going to town instead of may I
go to town for the first time?"
" And just what is that supposed to mean?"
" That maybe he is trying to establish himself in this family and it's
high time we let him"
Ben put his hands to his hips and faced his eldest son shouting even
louder, " Maybe now you'd like to tell me how to raise my own son"
Adam relizing they were getting out of control tryed to bring things to
soothe things down and lowered his voice.
" Oh Pa please, I wouldn't dare presume, after all you raised me and
look how well I turned out"
Hoss nearly laughed out loud and quickly bit into his apple to cover it
up. It didn't go unnoticed though and Ben turned on him
" And I suppose you have something to say too" he shouted
Hoss turned to him embarassed at being caught, " Oh no sir Pa, but it
does seem kind've silly fretting over him like this. He just went to town
or something, he'll be back"
" Pa all we're trying to say is he isn't a kid anymore and we have to
respect that" Adam tried, taking advantage of the quiet.
Both sons were relieved to see him relax a little as he walked to his
desk to look out the window behind it. He came back to them and stood
before them, the fury was gone from his eyes.
" I suppose you're right, it's just that it's different with him, and
not because I love him more" Ben retorted looking at Adam " He isn't like
you two were at that age, he seems more vulnerable somehow"
" But Pa he still has all the same frustrations and needs the we had"
Adam offered,
Ben absorbed that as he studied their faces. He wanted so much to
appear unconcerned but with Joe that wasn't easy.
" Yeah I guess you're right" Ben admitted " Alright, I'm sure he'll be
along before long"
He went to his desk and looked for something to do to distract himself
for awhile. The boy

Transfer interrupted!
to make his own
decisions.




CHAPTER 3


By the time Joe reached the Sheriff's office there was already a few
men there offering to volunteer for the job. One of the men Joe knew from
town, Al Mahan. The other two men Joe didn't recognize, and they didn't
pay him any particular notice when he approached Roy's desk.
" Roy, I'd like to go along with Clem to deliver Wilson to Arizona
territory"
Roy looked up and regarded Joe with a look of surprise.
" Why Little Joe, you're a little late, I already got me the three
volunteers I'll need right here"
Joe frowned, " Roy what would be the harm in my going along?"
" He just told you we don't need you" one of the strangers commented.
Joe turned to glance at the man, decided to ignore him and turned back
to the sherrif.
" Roy the more help Clem can get the better wouldn't you say?"
Roy turned to his deputy, " Well Clem what d'ya say?"
" It's fine with me Sheriff" Clem stated
" Well alright then Little Joe, I'll swear you in with these fellas"
After doing so, Roy informed the men they would be leaving at first
light, so they'd need to be ready at dawn. After the others had left Joe
leaned over the sherrif's desk
" Roy I need you to do me a favor tomorrow. I need you to go out and
tell my father where I went"
" Now see here Little Joe Cartwright, if you want to tell yer Pa you do
it yourself"
" Roy be reasonable, I don't have time to ride home and back and still
get a decent night's sleep tonight. And I would like to be rested when we
leave in the morning"
Roy sat studying Joe for a moment and then sat back
" Yer Pa'll have my hide when he finds out what you done"
Joe smiled innocently, " He'd be more upset if you knew where I was and
didn't bother to tell him"
" Alright Little Joe, I'll give him the message. And I'd be mighty
obliged if you do everything you can to get back here in one piece. I
don't wanna be delivering any other messages to him if you know what I mean"
" Roy I had no idea how much you cared. Don't worry about a thing"
" Alright then you get out'a here and get some sleep tonight"
" Thanks Roy, you're a good friend" Joe said and left the office.

He walked to his horse and brought her to the livery stable stripping
the tack off of her and stripping his gear off the saddle. He paid the
livery boy and headed out into the night. He went to find himself a room
for the night, walking through the doors of the International Hotel. He
registered at the desk and as he did, the two strangers from the sherrif's
office came in and went up the stairs.
" Tom, do you know anything about those two?" Joe asked the man behind
the counter.
" Not as much as I'd like to Little Joe" Tom answered " They came here
a couple weeks ago, brothers named Parker. I'm not sure, but a got a
sneaking suspicion that they're tied up with that Wilson somehow. If
you're going along with Clem tomorrow you best watch your back"
" Thanks Tom, I will, take care" Joe said, taking his key and heading up
the stairs.
Once in his room he stashed his gear by a chair and lay down on the bed
to relax. He was thinking about the trip ahead of him and starting to
worry about the Parker brothers. He had the feeling too that their
intentions were less than honorable, but he had no idea what their
motivation might be.
He knew Roy had arrested Willie Wilson when he tried to hold up the
Virginia City bank, but he had acted alone. Sometime later Roy discovered
that Wilson had escaped from Yuma Territorial prison. He was once a member
of a notirious band of outlaws led by his older brother. He'd been
captured in a shootout in Arizona that had cost his brother his life. It
was possible that the Parker brothers were former members of the band and
looking to get Wilson free once they were out in the open but Joe had no
way of proving that. He intended to question Clem in the morning about
those two before they left. The only thing he knew for sure was that he
didn't trust the men and would rather not be making the trip with them
along. But it was too late to back out now, he'd made the committment and
now must stick with it.
He rolled over and tried to think about something else when his thoughts
turned to his father. He thought about how Ben was going to react to his
departure and he groaned out loud. He was ging to be furious and Joe would
have an awful lot of explaining to do when he got back. And poor Hoss
would be the one left with all the extra work, with him going to Arizona
and Adam in San Francisco, he'd have some making up to do there too. And
then the awful thought occured to him, what if something were to happen to
him on this trip, he'd never even said goodbye to any of them. It would be
his father left to live with the guilt. That thought was too much for him
so he rolled on his stomach, pulled a pillow over his head and commanded
himself, think about something else.

He envisioned himself as a kid on the trips to the lake with his
family. Picnic lunches, swimming in the cool water when it was so hot your
clothes stuck to you. And fishing with his brothers in the best spot on
the lake, always catching more than them. And then later, the three of
them cleaning the fish together talking about nothing in particular.
One pleasant thought led to another and he drifted off to sleep without
even realizing it.

************************
CHAPTER 4


Ben stood waving as the stagecoach carrying his eldest son rolled out
of town. He watched it disappear around the corner, then turned to Hoss
" Well let's see if we can find that other brother of yours"
" Where we gonna look first?" Hoss asked, secretly hoping he'd be the
one to find Joe so he could at least prepare him for what was coming.
" He probably got a room last night so you go over to...."
Hoss interupted him by pointing down the street " Pa there's Roy
Coffee, he's headed this way"
Ben watched him approach and felt fear grip his stomach. If Roy was
looking for him it could not be good.
" Howdy Ben, glad you came to town, I need to talk to you" Roy said as
he joined them on the sidewalk.
" Look Roy, it's gonna have to wait, I gotta find Little Joe" Ben said
impatiently
" Well Ben I reckon I can help you there. Why don't you fellas come
on over to my office so we can talk" Roy said taking Ben's arm.
Ben didn't budge, instead he folded his arms across his chest and gave
Roy a steady look, " Are you telling me you have him over to your jail?"
Roy knew he was not going to take the news well and desperately wanted
to get him to his office.
" Look Ben I'm sure you'd rather not discuss this in the street here.
I'd be obliged if you'd come on over to my office"
Ben didn't look as though he was giving in, but he finally dropped his
arms and relented. " Alright Roy, let's get this over with so I can get him
home where he belongs"
The Sheriff didn't bother to comment on that, better to wait until
they were behind closed doors.
They entered his office and Hoss made himself comfortable as Roy sat
at his desk. Ben stood before the desk and started reaching for his money.
" What's the bail and what's he done?" he said, pulling out his wallet.
" Now Ben hold on a minute, Little Joe ain't done nothing and he ain't
here"
" What the devil did you drag me over here for then?" Ben demanded
Hoss sat forward curious now and just a little concerned.
Roy had concerns of his own, he knew his old friend well enough to
know this was not going to go over easy
" Ben I had to go over to the saloon last night looking for volunteers
to escort Willie Wilson back to Arizona territory this morning. They left
this morning at first light, Little Joe wanted me to tell you so you
wouldn't worry about him"
It took Ben a moment to realize what Roy was telling him, once he did
he exploded, " He voluteered to escort a dangerous man across the country
and you let him?"
" Now look here Ben, my only qualifications for the job was that they
know how to handle a gun and that they be of age. Now as far as I know
Little Joe qualified in both areas and I had no call to refuse him. And he
ain't going across the country you know that"
Hoss covered his face with his hands, this was not good.
" Roy I thought you were my friend, you know I wouldn't have let him go"
" Ben that ain't fair, I am your friend. But you gotta realize I still
got a job to do and I didn't want Clem going alone. You know how hard it
is to get the men around here to volunteer for anything, they weren't
exactly standing in line you understand. When I need men for a posse I
usually ask one or all of you, this was no different, to tell you the truth
I was relieved to see Little Joe, him I know I can trust"
" Now what does that mean?" Ben said
" Well sir it means two of those fellas that volunteered gave a bad
feeling. With Little Joe going it made the odds of Wilson getting there a
little better"
" Roy if you didn't like the look of these fellers then why did you let
them go along" Hoss asked now getting worried
" I done told you, I didn't have them knocking the door down to go. I
needed the men, there's five of them now, besides the prisoner. And I told
Clem to watch those Parker boys at all times" Roy looked at Ben whose face
was now drawn with concern, " Ben don't worry about Little Joe, he knows
how to handle himself"
Ben sat on the sheriff's desk with his back to him. Hoss still sat
with his face in his hands. Roy became acutely aware of the noise from the
street. He tried to think of something to say to relieve some of the tension,
" Where's Adam?" he asked to spoil the silence
" He just left on the stage, he's going to San Francisco for me to
charter a ship for our timber deliveries. He won't be back for a couple
weeks. And Little Joe knew that, I can't believe he'd go off and leave me
shorthanded like this"
Hoss sat up straighter than and quietly said, " Pa he wasn't exactly in
a good mood when he left last night"
" That's beside the point Hoss" Ben said angrily " It's not like him to
shirk his responsibility to the ranch and me"
" I got a hunch the ranch was the last thing on his mind" Hoss said
seriously, rubbing his hands together and avoiding his father's angry glance
Ben frowned at him and turned to the sheriff " When do you expect them
back Roy?"
" I can't tell you that Ben, Clem is supposed to wire me as soon as he
can, and again when they reach Yuma. I can let you know when I hear from
him and keep you posted but that's about all I can do" Roy offered

" Well I guess that's going to have to be enough then, there's nothing
I can do about it is there? Come on Hoss we might as well get back to the
ranch" Ben said standing to leave, Hoss brushed past him and went outside
eager to escape the office. Ben held the door open after him and turned
back to Roy
" As soon as you hear anything let me know Roy"
" I'll do that Ben " Roy promised, glad the worst was over
" Thank you I appreciate that. By the way Roy I'm sorry I shouted at
you like that"
" Aw don't fret about it Ben, I know how it is with Little Joe"
Ben suddenly looked exasperated, " If one more person says that to me
I'll........" he left without finishing the statement, and slammed the
door. Leaving Roy wondering what he meant by that.

**********************
CHAPTER 5


Clem and the men made camp as soon as darkness started to fall. Clem
settled Wislon by a tree and secured his hands behind his back. Joe ran a
picket line between two trees and tied the horses to it, then went about
pulling the saddles and bridles off. He was quite surprised to straighten
up and find one of the Parker brothers watching him
" You're one of them Cartwrights, ain't ya?" he asked narrowing his eyes.
" Yeah what of it?" Joe answered
" Oh nothing, just wondered why you wanted to come along so bad"
Joe dropped the saddle he was holding to look him over. He looked to
be about Joe's age and seemed to be nothing more than curious. Joe decided
he just wanted to talk,
" I could ask you the same thing. By the way my name's Joe"
He took Joe's extended hand and shook, " Name's Bobby Parker. How come
that sheriff back there called you Little Joe?"
Joe went back to pulling the tack off the horses before answering, " Oh
that's just a nickname my family gave me a long time ago. I guess
nicknames die hard"
Without being asked Bobby joined him in his work and they had the
horses stripped in no time.
" You wanna give me a hand taking them down for water?" Joe asked him
" Sure " Bobby replied, and went about untying them, Joe did the same.
They walked them down to a creek they had passed earlier and turned them
loose to drink. Then climbed up on the bank and sat down to watch them.
" Where you from Bobby?" Joe asked him, wanting to know more about him.
" No place in particular, me and Deke kind'a go where the road takes
us" Bobby said quietly.
" Don't you have a family?"
" Just each other if that counts. Our Ma and Pa got killed a few years
back. We lived in Texas then, grew up there. With our folks gone there
weren't no reason to hang around. Deke hated the farm so when he took to
the road I just followed."
" I'm sorry about your folks " Joe said empathetically, silently
grateful he still had his father.
" You got some brothers too right?" Bobby asked him, as eager to know
more about Joe as he was about him.
" Yeah two older brothers and my Pa. They're kind've the reason I came
along"
" What d'ya mean?"
Joe absently threw a rock into the water and said " Oh it's just that
they never seem to think I'm capable of doing anything worthwhile"
Bobby lay back against the bank and put his hands behind his head, "
Yeah, I know how that is, the only time Deke says anything to me is to tell
me what to do"

They felt a sudden kinship, sharing the pitfalls of being born the
youngest. Despite his first impression Joe liked Bobby.
" We best get the horses they're starting to wander" Joe said and they
scrambled to their feet and caught them up and headed back.
The rest of the men had a fire going and food cooking when they
returned. They sat around the fire waiting for it to heat up enough and
then went about filling plates. Joe did the same but got up and passing
Clem said, " I'm taking this over to Wilson"
Al Mahan was sitting across from the prisoner with a rifle across his
lap. When Joe came over he picked up the rifle and pointed it at Wilson.
Joe released him from the tree then retied his hands in front of him.
" Sorry I can't untie your hands " Joe said handing him the plate and
utensils. Wilson ate without taking his eyes off of Joe. When he finished
he dropped the plate on the ground forcing Joe to bend down in front of him
to retrieve it. Joe didn't look at Wilson as he did so, he simply picked
up the plate and fork, put them aside and retied his hands behind his back.
He walked back toward the fire and breathed a sigh of relief
" I thought he was gonna try something there Little Joe" Al stated as
Joe passed him. Joe stopped walking and looked back at Wilson.
" I'm not so sure he's the one we gotta worry about Al" he said and
returned to the others.
The men were sitting around the fire as Clem stood and delagated who
would take watch of the prisoner
" Joe would you mind taking first watch?" Clem asked him
Joe kneeled down before the fire and filled himself a plate scraping
the bottom. " No I don't mind, how long, and who do I wake to relieve me?"
he said.
Clem sat on the log next to him as Bobby handed Joe a cup of coffee.
" Four hours and then Bobby here will take over from there" Clem said "
Tomorrow night Deke and I will take watch, how's that sound to everyone?"
They all nodded their consent and with that Clem stood up again. " Okay
now that we got that cleared up let's settle our prisoner for the night and
then get us some sleep" he announced and he and the others walked off to
take care of Wilson.
Joe finished his dinner slowly, hating the taste of it but knowing he
had to take what he could get. He wished he'd brought some beef jerky
along with him. When he finished he walked over to Al and took over the post.
Wilson now lay prone and closer to the fire, his hands tyed in front of
him and a blanket placed over him. Joe made himself comfortable against a
tree across from Wilson and layed the rifle over his lap as Al had done.
Wilson picked up his head and turned to look at him.
" Scared of the dark Cartwright?" he said

Joe knew he was trying to unnerve him " Nope, are you?"
" No I ain't but then I know what's out there, can't say the same for you"
Joe smiled though Wilson couldn't see it, " I know there's nothing out
there that can't be stopped with a bullet" he said with confidence.
" Yeah well that's if ya see it coming Cartwright" Wilson sneered and
rolled over onto his side with his back to Joe and said no more.

***************
CHAPTER 6


When Joe's four hours were up, he went to wake Bobby for the next
watch. Once he was sure Bobby was awake he returned to his post until
Bobby took over.
The night had been quiet and Wilson appeared to be asleep. BBobby
joined Joe bleary eyed, with his boots in his hands. Joe wwatched him as
he held his boots upside down and shook them vigoursly.
" No critters!" he announced smiling at Joe
" There's a better way to avoid them" Joe told him
" How?" Bobby asked him looking a bit skeptical
" You put on boot inside the other, nothing can get in that way" Joe
said nonchalently
Bobby studied the boots and looked up with amazement " Where'd you
ever learn that?" he said brightly
" My brother Adam, he's pretty smart like that"
" Yeah I'll say, what other tricks you got?"
" That's all for tonight" Joe answered " The prisoner's just sleeping
so he hasn't been any trouble. Just keep your ears and eyes open and your
just about set"
" Thanks Joe, I'll do that" Bobby said and took over Joe's seat as he
stood. Joe watched him settle in, and debated whether or not he should ask
the question that had been playing in his mind.
" Hey Bobby you mind if I ask you something?"
" No I reckon I don't, what is it?" Bobby said looking up at him
" Was your being in Virginia City an accident?"
Bobby was still looking at him but even in the darkness Joe wsaw a
subtle change in his face. Bobby looked at the ground and spoke softly, "
All I can say is we got an interest in Wilson"
Joe knelt down and lowered his voice, " Did you and your brother ride
with him? Are you planning to cut him loose?"
Bobby looked over at Wilson and still whispering said, " Look Joe I
can't tell you no more'n that, so don't ask me. We got a job to do so
let's do it. You better get some sleep while you got the chance"
Joe hesitated, he wanted to ask him more, to find out the turth but
could tell Bobby wouldn't give out any information. Not because he didn't
want to , but more because he was afraid. But what the source of that fear
was, Joe didn't know.
He left Bobby to his post and went to settle down for some sleep. But
even when he was comfortable on his bedroll, sleep wouldn't come. He
turned so that he could catch a glimpse of Bobby without much effort. Joe
put his gun within easy reach just in case he needed it. He didn't dare
close his eyes but instead lay awake and kept his eye on Wilson and the
others.
Despite his efforts he dropped off just before dawn, only to be awoken
less than an hour later. The clank of the coffee pot and breakfast being
prepared pulled him from the heaviness of sleep. He threw the blanket off
and joined the others around the campfire. Clem gave Wilson his breakfast
and some coffee while Deke held a gun on him. Al handed Joe a cup of
coffee with a smile.
" Thanks " Joe mumbled feeling like he had a mouth full of cotten.
" Didn't you get any sleep Joe?" Al asked him
" Not nearly enough, that's for sure" Joe answered. His arm hurt
where he he'd lain on it, and his feet were killing him due to the
discomfort of his old boots. He needed his sleep like Hoss needed his
meals, and going without usually made him dull and short tempered. He
glanced at Bobby who was obviously trying to avoid his glance.
Joe knew that something unpleasant was ahead of them, but wasn't sure
how to handle it. He wanted to talk to Bobby some more but really didn't
want to pressure him. He had asked Joe to lay off and since Joe wanted to
count him as a friend, he had to respect his wishes. But he was sure he
didn't like not knowing what lay ahead of him.
Before long they broke up camp and were back on the trail. By midday
the rain began and came down hard. Clem told them a way station was ahead
and so they pushed on.
It was beginning to get dark as they rode up to the way station. By
then each of them were soaked through. The station manager stood on the
porch as the men dismounted. Clem approached the man, identified himself
and the others and after exchanging a few words, turned back to his
companions.
" Deke, why don't you and your brother tend the hroses and then come
inside for something to eat."
The brothers gathered up the reins and turned toward the barn, as the
others followed Clem inside.
By the time they got in, it was a little cramped. The station manager
bustled about the stove, trying to make them up something to eat. Joe
watched him slap some lard into a pan and he turned away. He missed Hop
Sing's cooking more than ever.
The men moved about stripping off as much of the wet clothing as was
comfortable. Clem tended to Wilson while the others sat at the table.
Clem joined them within moments sitting where he could plainly keep an eye
on Wilson.
As soon as Joe felt himself getting warm he started drifting off, the
lack of sleep catching up with him. He didn't want to fall asleep there at
the table so announced that he needed something from his saddlebags and
escaped outside.
The rain had subsided and walked around puddles to reach the barn. He
stopped outside the door when he heard Deke shouting.
" This ain't got nothing to do with anyone but us"
" I know that, I told you he don't know anything. I didn't tell him
anything." Joe heard Bobby say in a much calmer, quieter tone.
Joe moved away from the door, just far enough so he could still hear.
" I want you to keep your mouth shut from now on, you don't talk to
anyone but me, ya hear?" Deke said continuing his tirade



" Yeah, yeah, I hear you" Bobby mumbled. He was tired of the journey
and tired of his brother constantly yelling at him. Since his parents'
death his brother had changed to a cold, driven man. Bobby didn't feel
like he knew him anymore and silently vowed to get away from him as soon as
he could, once they fulfilled their cause.
" You just remember on thing boy, Wilson is ours, and we gotta make
our move soon. I wanna do it before we get into Arizona territory. So be
ready and keep quiet about it, I don't wanna see you yakking it up with
Cartwright no more" Deke warned
Joe waited for Bobby to respond but didn't hear anything. It was Deke
who spoke up again, " Let's get on in there and get something to eat" he said
Joe quickly moved to the door as if he were just entering and boldly
walked in.
" There you are boys, you better get inside if you want something to
eat" he announced as he moved toward the saddles with purpose. The
brothers were startled and Deke moved out with Bobbby close behind. Joe
turned in time to see Bobby looking at him searchingly. He quickly turned
and left when Joe looked back at him. When they had gone Joe let out a
long sigh, he didn't know any more than he had before.
He picked up a stiff brush and went to Cochise figuring the activity
might perk him up some. He was almost sure now that Deke was against
Wilson which meant that he wasn't likely to free him. But that left Joe
more in the dark about what his intentions were. He knew one thing for
sure, there was definate danger ahead and until they reached their
destination, he would have to keep his eye on Deke at all times, no matter
what.

********************************
CHAPTER 7


They were in California territory by the time they made camp that
night. They would reach Yuma within the next couple days which was
information that had Joe on edge. That meant Deke was going to do
something soon. Joe had managed to get some sleep at the way station but
only because the station manager was scared of Wilson and stayed awake to
watch him. Joe knew that Deke was less likely to try something with
someone watching him.
It had rained off and on all day with the sun drying the clothes on
their backs each time it came out. And it was slow going because of the
poor footing for the horses. Joe spent most of the ride daydreaming about
home, a hot bath, a decent meal, the sound of his father and brother's
voices around him, and most of all his own bed. He wondered what they were
doing, if Adam was home yet and if not how Hoss was holding up without him.
He thought about his father and hoped he wasn't worrying about him, but he
knew better.
When they made camp that night Joe took charge of the horses again
preferring that job over all the other necessary chores. After securing
the picket line he prepared to take them down for a drink. He was almost
pleased to see Bobby join him a few minutes later.
They silently turned the horses loose at the water and then found
themselves a dry place to sit and watch. Joe wanted to say something but
decided to leave any conversation up to Bobby. It took several minutes for
him to finally speak up.
" Joe, you mind if I ask you something?"
" I guess not, what is it?" Joe said curious about the subject.
" Do you like your brothers?" Bobby asked watching him closely.
Joe smiled, he wanted to say something humorous but thought better of
it seeing Bobby's mood.
" Sure I do Bobby, I love my brothers" Joe said still smiling, " I mean
it ain't like we don't have our share of fights, as a matter of fact we've
had some real good ones. But deep down I know they'd do anything for me.
I can't imagine what my life would be like without either one of them. Why
do you ask?"
Bobby frowned and looked back toward the horses
" Cause I hate mine, just wondered if you ever felt the same way" he said
" I'm sure you don't hate him, you're just mad at him. But if you feel
that way why don't you just light out of here?"
Bobby set his jaw and spoke almost in a monotone, " Cause we gotta
finish what we came to do, after that I'll be on my own"
" Bobby you don't have to go along just cause he wants you to" Joe said
trying to be supportive
Bobby turned to look at him again, " I ain't going along for him, I got
my own reasons for being here. Don't you think I have my own mind?, I
don't need him"


Joe grew frustrated, he wanted to ask him what those reasons were but
was afraid of spooking him.
" You know me and Deke used to be real close but my folks gettin'
killed changed him, he ain't laughed or smiled since then. He just broods
and gets angrier all the time and then takes it out on me. Not for much
longer though, I've taken all I can from him. Soon I'll be shed of him and
on my own and then I can be happy"
Joe stayed silent, he understood Bobby's anger, he'd felt it himself
before. It was that anger that had brought him to this ver place.
Bobby suddenly stood up and gathered up the horses ropes and led them
back to the camp. Joe fell in behind him, wishing they could've kept
talking, he wanted to know what was going to happen but couldn't seem to
get close enough to the truth.
Later Joe bedded down with the rest, Deke had first watch. Joe was
exhausted but still felt compelled to keep on eye on him. Joe had
positioned himself so that by just lifting his head a little he could see
Wilson and Deke clearly. He purposely left his blanket off figuring a
little chill might keep him awake, but in the end sleep won and he nodded off.
Something snapped him awake a few hours later and it took him a minute
to orient himself. His eyes sought Deke but he wasn't at his post, turning
toward Wilson he found him. Deke was bent over Wilson though Joe couldn't
see what he was doing. He pulled himself to a sitting position when he
spotted Bobby off to the left of the prisoner with a rifle in his hand.
Suddenly Wilson bolted up and ran, Joe heard Deke shout, " Shoot him
Bobby, he's getting away" Bobby didn't move and Deke shoved him out of the
way and grabbed the rifle from him and aimed it at Wilson's back.
" Deke" Joe called distracting him long enough for Wilson to get away.
By now the others were awakened by the noise and Clem was soon standing
beside Joe.
" What's going on?" he demanded
" The prisoner escaped, I was trying to stop him and Cartwright here
let him get away" Deke shouted pointing at Joe
" That ain't true Clem, Deke turned him loose, I saw him. He tried to
shoot him in the back, he set him up" Joe said evenly
Clem started walking toward Deke " Alright Parker, give me the rifle
until we get to the bottom of this" Clem said with his hand out.
A shot seemed to ring out from nowhere and Clem fell to the ground.
Joe and Al dived out of the line of fire as Deke ran for his horse, already
saddled and waiting alongside Bobby's.
" Come on Bobby, he's getting away" Deke called and galloped off. Joe
rushed forward and grabbed Bobby's arm as he tried to get on his horse
" Bobby don't go with him, you're gonna get yourself killed"
Bobby flung his hand off and looked at him with hurt and anger, " Don't
you get it, I have to go, he killed our parents"
He quickly mounted his horse and galloped after his brother.


Joe stood stunned momentarily and then rushed back to where Clem had
fallen. He was conscious and Al was bent over him
" It's in his shoulder Joe, I don't know how bad, I gotta get him to a
sawbones" Al said his voice shaking
Joe looked around them trying to think " Look Al, I'll help you get him
fixed up and on a horse. You start heading east, when you get to the next
town wire the sheriff about what's happened. I'm going after Wilson"
" Are you crazy, let the Parkers have him, he ain't worth anything
anyway" Al said with disgust
" I can't do that Al, I was hired to bring him into Yuma, that's what I
intend to do"
The two of them managed to tend to Clem's shoulder as best they could.
He insisted that Joe go with them but Joe was adamant and helped Al get
him on a horse.
Once he saw them off, he saddled Cochise and packed himself enough
supplies to ride as light as possible. He had his rifle and enough food to
last awhile. He filled two canteens and secured them to the saddle while
letting Cochise drink her fill.
From there he walked her back to where Clem had been shot and tried to
pick up Wilson's trail. He was thankful his family had given him tracking
knowledge, which hopefully the Parker brothers didn't have, it was Wilson's
only chance now. He was on foot with nothing but the clothes on his back,
he wouldn't last long in the mountains without help. And Joe knew whatever
help he got would have to come from him. He whispered a silent prayer as
he reined Cochise to the north.

*****************************
CHAPTER 8


Roy read the message from Clem again and cursed softly. It was not
good news and worse, it was news he would have to pass on to Ben. And the
one person he had the least information about was the one Ben had the most
interest in. He folded the telegram up and shoved it in his vest pocket.
He'd seen Ben and Hoss ride into town earlier and decided to look them up.
He found them waiting for the afternoon stage from San Francisco.
This was one part of the job Roy hated, delivering bad news to a friend.
As expected Ben smiled and waved at his approach.
" Hi Roy, how are you? Any news yet from Clem?"
Roy shook his and Hoss' hands trying to appear cheerful
" Howdy Ben, Hoss. As a matter of fact I got this telegram today from
Clem in Yuma" Roy said holding it up for them to see
" Well they made it to Yuma then, that's wonderful news Roy,
wonderful" Ben declared
" Now hold on a minute Ben, only Clem and the Mahan boy made it to Yuma"
Ben's face went white and he sank down on a nearby bench
" What d'ya mean Roy?" Hoss asked not sure he wanted to hear.
Well it seems the Parker brothers wanted Wilson for killing their
parents. They set him loose planning to say he was trying to escape but
Little Joe caught them in the act. Little Joe stopped them from killing
Wilson but in the process Clem got shot. The Parker brothers went after
Wilson who's on foot and Joe went after them. That was a week ago and Clem
doesn't know which way they headed"
At that moment the jingle of harness and heavy wheels signaled the
arrival of the stage, in moments it pulled up in front of them.
Ben stood as Adam exited the stage and helped the female passengers
down. Ben's comfort at seeing him safe and sound was over shadowed by his
concern for his youngest son.
Adam turned to his family smiling warmly and shook their hands with
enthusiasm. But the fear in his father's eyes didn't go undetected.
" Well this isn't the homecoming I'd hoped for, what's wrong, where's
Joe?" Adam asked sensing the dread around him and hoping he was wrong.
" Look why don't we go over to my office and discuss this" Roy
suggested wanting to give them some privacy in the matter
" Don't tell me Joe got himself in trouble with the law again?" Adam
said hoping to lighten the mood
Ben took his arm as they followed Roy " I'm afraid it's more serious
than that son. Joe left the same day you did, he went with Clem to take
Wilson back to Yuma and I'm afraid they ran into some trouble"
Adam didn't ask anymore until they settled themselves in Roy's office.
" Alright fill me in, what's this all about?"
Roy gave them what little information he had and sat back to give them
all time to absorb it. After a time he spoke up again,
" Before you all rush out of here you should know they have a posse
from Yuma looking for Wilson and the rest of them. The best thing might be
to just wait for some word from the authorities down there"
Ben shook his head " No Roy, I can't sit here and twiddle my thumbs
while Little Joe is God knows where and in trouble. I've gotta at least
try to find him"
" Ben you don't even know which way they went, the law is already doing
all they can down there" Roy said
" Well no offense Roy, but it isn't enough, I've gotta look for him"
" We're going with you" Adam said standing up alongside his father.
" No someone has to stay and make sure those deliveries are made on
time" Ben said impatiently
" Pa I don't mean to be disrespectful but I really don't give a damn
about that right now. And besides I'm sure Mick can handle everything
until we get back"
" Adam I said no, I need you two here. You just got back from a long
trip you don't need to go along"
Hoss stood and joined Adam, he had no intention of staying behind and
wanted Adam to know he supported him.
" Give me one good reason why not and I'll accept that" Adam said firmly.
Ben started to argue further but finally relented, there was no way to
win once Adam made up his mind. Adam saw the fight go out of him and relaxed.
" Alright, we'll leave first thing in the morning. Hoss, ride back to
the ranch, tell Mick and Hop Sing what's happened. Get us a pack horse and
some supplies and meet us at the International Hotel"
" Yeah and get my horse and gear for me, and take care of this" Adam
said throwing his carpet bag to Hoss.
" Alright I'll see you fellas later" Hoss said and he left the office.
Roy stood and moved to the front of the desk, " Ben I feel just awful
about all this" he said
" Nonsense Roy, it was Little Joe that made the decision to
go along. And you were right you were just doing your job, I didn't mean
to make you feel responsible Roy, I don't blame you at all. I just can't
wait around to find out what's happening I have to go there, I hope you
understand"
" I do Ben, I'm just sorry I can't join you fellas" Roy said
" That' okay Roy, we know you can't, you'll be kept posted don't worry" Ben
promised
He and Adam left Roy's office and went to the International Hotel to
get a room for the night.





Waiting for Hoss to return, Ben paced. Adam tried to think of
something to say to calm him, while trying to stay awake. He was tired
from his trip home, having been unable to sleep on the stage, and being up
late the night before with friends.
" Pa if Joe went after them he must've had some idea which way they
headed. He knows how to handle himself, don't worry"
Ben was looking out the window for the twentieth time. He realized
his anxiety was obvious at that point and decided to sit down. Adam was
sitting on the bed with his legs stretched out in front of him so Ben sat
in the overstuffed chair across from him.
" I guess I owe you an apology Adam, you were right about Little Joe,
I should've payed more attention"
Adam waved the apology away " Pa we were all guilty of not treating
him fairly. Maybe I was the worst one, I was just so used to him being the
kid, I just kept treating him like one"
" Well then we all will have to change our ways when he gets home,
won't we?" Ben said saying the last part almost hestitantly.
Adam was just drifting off when Hoss came in the room slamming the
door behind him. Ben was too preoccupied with worry to reprimand him for
the offense.
" I got everything we need Pa" he said as he sat next to Adam with his
feet resting on the floor.
" Good we can leave at first light, Roy gave me a rough idea where
they were when Clem got shot, so we'll start our search from there" Ben said
" Pa we might better go to Yuma and first see if they have any news
and work our way back from there" Hoss suggested
Ben paused to consider that " Well we can go to Yuma the same way they
did, who knows maybe we'll find something the others missed. Did you make
sure you packed extra supplies?"
" Yes sir I don't reckon I left anything out, we got more than enough"
" Good" Ben said and stood up " Let's go down and see if we an get
ourselves some dinner"
When Hoss stood up they found Adam had fallen asleep while they were
talking.
" Will you look at that, maybe we should leave now while he's out"
Hoss said grinning
" Leave him be it's the best thing for him, we've got a long trip
ahead of us" Ben said and pulled a blanket over him.
" Shouldn't we take him to dinner with us?
, he'll be mighty hungry"
" No because unlike you, he can go without a meal occasionally, better
than he can go without sleep. And besides he'll make up for it at
breakfast, he may even put you to shame" Ben warned, then looked Hoss over
and shook his head, " What am I saying?" he chided as he pushed Hoss out
the door.

*******************************
CHAPTER 9


Joe rode northwest for nearly four days following the trail of the
three men he was after. He half expected to find Wilson hanging from a
tree somewhere along the way. He was at least thankful there was no rain,
even though there was intense heat.
As he traveled he rode deeper into the mountain ranges and the going
got rougher. He wondered how Wilson could survive without food or means
to obtain food, not to mention the Parkers hot on his trail.
Several times he considered turning back and going home but his
conscience wouldn't let him. He had to find Wilson if he could and get him
to Yuma.
Early on the fifth day as he was leading Cochise up a steep trail, he
heard gunshots. He stopped moving to be sure and he heard it again.
Moving quickly he pulled his rifle from the scabbard, and scrambled up the
hill following the sound. When he reached the top he caught sight of the
Parker brothers. When he looked up the hill he saw Wilson frantically
trying to get up the mountain and get away. Deke was positioned by a tree
firing, Bobby had his rifle out but wasn't using it.
Joe went back down the way he'd come and started cutting across in the
direction he'd seen Wilson. He moved quickly silently praying he'd get to
him before the Parkers did.
Deke stopped firing and Joe climbed back up to see what they were
doing. He found they had mounted their horses and were heading in Wilson's
direction. Making a quick decision Joe got on his belly and fired his
rifle, careful to shoot over their heads. As expected the brothers got off
their horses and took cover, giving Joe the time he needed. He started
moving toward Wilson again when he heard Deke shouting something. He moved
back up to hear what he was saying,
" Listen Mister, I don't know who you are, but you best back off, we
been deputized to bring this man in dead or alive, this ain't your affair"
Joe hesitated, unsure whether he should answer back. He looked down
where they were hoping to catch a glimpse of Bobby, maybe he could reason
with him. Doubting that would work, he moved on. He stopped to catch his
breath and to check the Parker's location. They hadn't moved mostly
because they weren't sure what they were up against.
Joe went another hundred yards and suddenly stumbled upon Wilson
hunkered behind a boulder, looking like death. The two men stared at each
other briefly then Joe found his voice, " You hit?"
Wilson shook his head which seemed to take great effort. Joe held the
rifle toward him and with it motioned for him to start moving.
" Cartwright, you might as well kill me here and now, I ain't got the
strength to run anymore" Wilson said his voice hoarse and weak.



" Well you better find the strength cause I'm taking you to Yuma,
let's go"
Wilson wearily got to his feet and staggered ahead of Joe. After
traveling a short distance Joe stopped him. " Hold it " he said and moved
back up where he could see the Parkers again, they still hadn't moved. He
went back down to Wilson and motioned for him to move on again.
They reached Joe's horse and Joe got himself some rope to tie him
with. Once he was secured he handed Wilson the canteen and went back up
the hill. The Parkers were just getting up when Joe fired over their heads
again and hollered out to them.
" Deke, it's over, I got Wilson and I'm taking him to Yuma. You and
Bobby might as well clear on out"
For several minutes there was no response and Joe took another look.
There was no movement and no sound, Joe held his breath. He wished there
was some way he could talk to Bobby but he knew it was too late for that.
" Cartwright, you might as well turn him loose, we ain't leaving
without him, one way or another. We'll kill you too if we have to" Deke
warned.
" Forget it Deke, you can't have him, turn around and go back" Joe
hollered back at him.
Deke answered by firing several shots at him so Joe went back down to
Wilson.
" You ain't got a chance Cartwright, there's two of them" Wilson said
clutching the canteen tightly.
" Come on Wilson, you survived this long, don't quit on me now" Joe
said taking the canteen from him. He walked him over to Cochise and helped
him get on. In his weakened condition there was no way he'd be able to
walk out. Joe secured his hands to the saddle horn and then led her back
up the hill. He got down on his stomach to find the Parkers heading his
way again. He fired a couple more shots and turned to look down at Wilson.
" They ain't gonna quit until they get what they came for" Joe
commented breathing heavily.
" Yeah I know and what's worse is there's hate driving them" Wilson
said dryly
" Well you blame them? You killed their parents"
" I didn't kill anybody" Wilson shouted angrily " It was Otis that
done the killing, trigger happy fool. I told my brother not to let him
take up with us but he wouldn't listen. Otis did all the killing and gave
us a reputation we didn't deserve. Now he's hung and I'm still paying for
what he did"
" You and your brother weren't exactly upholding citizens either" Joe
said frowning at him.
" I know that, I didn't say we were, I just said we didn't kill no
one, that's all"
" Well I don't think they're gonna believe you anyway so we better get
moving so we can keep them a safe distance behind us" Joe said as he took
hold of the reins and moved on down the mountain.



Every few minutes he stopped to get a look at the Parker brothers
before moving on. They were following but far enough away to be of little
concern for the moment.
Joe figured to just keep moving and maintain the distance between
them. He had enough ammunition to keep them at bay for some time, but he
was worried about what he'd do when nightfall came. Wilson was too weak to
be uncooperative so that was one less worry for him. As he thought of that
Joe pulled his horse up and pulled something to eat from the saddlebags for
Wilson. Wilson ate hungrily as Joe went to check the Parker's location
again, they were still coming.
After firing a couple rounds he looked back at Wilson
" You think you can hold up if we keep moving?" Joe asked him, trying
to come to a decision. He couldn't count on help coming if they stayed
put, his only hope was to travel day and night to keep them from getting
too close.
" I can make it, I got this far didn't I?" Wilson retorted
" Okay, we're gonna head out and we ain't gonna look back. If we stop
it can only be for a few minutes at a time or they're gonna get too close,
you got it?"
Wilson nodded solemnly at him and Joe sighed deeply. He took up the
reins again and said mostly to himself, " I sure wish we had another horse"
" I got no complaints" Wilson said attempting humor.
" Yeah well you will before we're through " Joe said laughing half
heartedly as he moved on down the mountain.

**************************
CHAPTER 10


Joe stumbled once again in the darkness, cursing it and the predicament
he found himself in. He didn't know how far back the Parkers were or even
if they were still following. He relied totally on instinct now and just
kept moving forward trying to keep alert for any unusual sounds.
He was more tired than he could ever remember and his feet were causing
him agonizing pain from the old boots, the left one ripping a little more
with each step. Still he kept moving because he knew stopping would spell
disaster. Wilson managed to sleep in the saddle for which Joe envied him.
He wouldn't dream of making Cochise carry them both though, it would be too
much for her.
He stopped to rest, sitting on a fallen tree, listening to the night
sounds, waiting for the one that was out of place and would signal company.
He thought about closing his eyes for just a moment but knew it was too
risky, he had to go on.
As he walked along he found himself thinking of his family again. How
he wished they were with him now. He'd taken on this job because he wanted
to prove to himself and them that he was capable, now he wondered if it was
all worth it.
He walked for over an hour before he stopped to rest again. He prayed
for dawn, despising having to avoid danger he couldn't see. A part of him
wished the Parkers would just make their move to get it over with and be
done with it.
By the time morning came Joe was beyond exhaustion and his legs felt
like lead. But the rising sun gave him new hope and a false sense of
strength renewed. He allowed himself the luxury to stop for food and a
short rest.
While he and Wilson ate quickly Joe tried to stay alert but could tell
that his senses were severely dulled from the lack of sleep.
" You can't go on like this forever Cartwright" Wilson warned
" You'd be surprised, I can as long as I have to, and you just better
hope I do" Joe said his temper shorter than usual
" I just don't understand you Cartwright" Wilson said smiling
" Yeah well I'm not asking you to, just shut up and eat we gotta push
on" Joe said sipping his coffee feeling the heat of it warm his chilled
insides. There was a sound behind him and turned to face a rifle held by Deke.
" We waited all night for this Cartwright, now hand over your guns" he
sneered
Joe dropped the rifle and took off his gunbelt, standing to move in
front of Wilson. He threw him a quick glance and saw fear in his eyes for
the first time. Joe then looked at Bobby but Bobby would not look back at
him.
" Now move out of the way Joe, we're taking him off your hands" Deke said
" I can't do that Deke, you're gonna have to kill me first" Joe said
and stood firm.
" You think I won't?" Deke shouted at him growing impatient

Joe didnt' answer,he simply folded his arms across his chest and
stared at Deke.
" Get out of the way or I'll shoot you both" Deke warned again.
" No you won't because he didn't kill your parents, it was a member of
their gang yes, but it wasn't him" Joe told them
Bobby looked at Joe for the first time, trying to read his expression.
He liked Joe and knew he had to make a decision.
" Regardless of who did it Deke, you can't resort to this, you can't
kill him. I know he's gotta be punished for whatever he's done but it
ain't up to us to make him pay, it's up to the law and you know it" Joe said
" It was my parents that got killed, I gotta make him pay you know
that" Deke shouted again.
" We were hired to take him to Yuma and that's what I aim to do Deke.
That's what you wore this badge for " Joe said tapping the tin star on his
chest, " Now you and Bobby want to accompany me to Yuma that's fine, but
that's the only place he's going"
Deke pointed the rifle at Joe's chest and through gritted teeth said,
" I ain't foolin' with you anymore Cartwright, get out'a my way"
" Deke" Bobby said suddenly and all eyes turned to him. He now had
his rifle up and pointed at his brother.
" Bobby what the hell are you doing?" Deke cried
" We gotta let them go Deke, we got no business being here, we gotta
let them go"
" What's the matter with you, have you forgotten what he did?" Deke
shouted at his brother " You gonna just forget all about the pain and anger
we've had to live with all these years?"
" Yeah we've had to live with the pain, but the anger was yours Deke
not mine. And I wasn't likely to forget cause you reminded me everyday.
You're gonna let that anger destroy you Deke, it's already changed you to
the point that I don't know you anymore, and if you kill Wilson I won't
wanna know you Deke, you'll die with him as far as I'm concerned"
Deke stared at his brother, Bobby had never in his life questioned
anything Deke had ever asked of him, he was at a loss now. Joe waited
thankful Bobby was speaking his mind, even Wilson breathed a sigh of
relief. Bobby dropped his voice as he went on, " And if that happens Deke,
there won't be any worse pain I can think of, I don't want to lose you too"
Deke put his head down as he let the rifle drop and Bobby moved toward
him. Joe took the opportunity to take Wilson by the arm and move him a
safe distance away and also to give the brothers a chance to talk. He sat
Wilson down and settled himself next to him wishing he could just put his
head back against the tree and sleep for two or three days. When Bobby
finally joined them he was alone, Deke was gone. Joe watched him as he sat
down with them, the pain plain in his eyes.
" Deke's gone back, he ain't gonna bother us again" Bobby said softly,
glancing at Wilson, silently wondering if the man was worth his loss.

" I'm sorry" Joe said, wishing he could say more, but thankful it had
ended peacefully.
" Yeah I know you are, maybe he'll be okay, but even if I never see
him again, at least I know he didn't resort to killing anyone. I don't
think I could've lived with that"
Joe nodded his understanding, " Where d'ya think he'll go now?" he asked
" Back to Texas more'n likely. Joe if you don't mind I'd like to go
along to Yuma with you" Bobby offered " I figure you might need the help,
and from the look of you I reckon you do"
Joe smiled and Bobby returned it, " Boy do you know it, I don't think
I've slept in three or four days"
" Yeah and those boots of yours have seen better days too"
" I can't wait to get shed of them either" Joe said looking over the
damage.
" Hey how about we rest up here for awhile, then when we're rested up
we can light out. We can share riding my horse, at least until Wilson gets
his strength back. I know me and Deke kind'a ran him ragged"
Joe looked over at Wilson now resting against a tree with his eyes
closed.
" That sounds like a great plan to me, I sure would appreciate a bit
of rest" Joe said already feeling the sleep hanging over him.
" Alright then you got it, you go get yourself some rest and I'll
take the first watch, although I'm sure we won't have any more problems"
Joe stood and brushed himself off, " Well it's all yours then I'm
gonna get me some long overdue shut eye. Just wake me when you're ready to
move on" he said and started walking off
" Hey Joe" Bobby called, Joe turned to look at him " Thanks" Bobby said.
" Don't thank me yet" Joe said with a wink and went to find a good
place to pass out.

******************************

CHAPTER 11

Ben Cartwright rode slowly through the gates of the Yuma terrritorial
prison, his two sons close behind. They were returning from a search that
had turned up no sign of his youngest son or the prisoner. The posse had
returned earlier without them, because Ben had been unwilling to quit. And
it was with great difficulty that he returned now, Hoss and Adam had had to
plead with him to get him to turn back.
They dismounted their horses by the corral and loosened and pulled off
the saddles, flinging them onto the fence. Adam was watching his father,
the exhaustion and strain clearly evident. He and Hoss hadn't wanted to
give up either but couldn't let their father go on like he was.
" Pa after we've rested up a bit, we'll go back out" Adam offered, not
wanting to see him give up hope completely
Ben looked at his eldest son as if looking through him, then slowly
nodded.
" That's right Pa, you go on inside and me and Adam'll tend the horses"
Hoss said, sharing Adam's concern
Ben nodded again and walked away, his steps heavy with fatigue and
perhaps defeat. Adam and Hoss looked at each other knowingly and then led
the horses to the gate of the corral. Hoss nearly collided with Adam's
back when he stopped suddenly.
" Hoss look!" he exclaimed pointing in to the corral. It took only
moments for Hoss to see what he was pointing at
" Ain't that Little Joe's horse?" Hoss said with disbelief
They turned their own horses loose and went to examine the paint mare
closely to be sure.
" Adam I ain't for sure this is good news or not" Hoss warned " What if
this is all them fellers found?"
" Well there's only one way to find out " Adam said and quickly climbed
over the fence in search of his father. Hoss followed close behind,
praying that they'd find their brother next.
They found Ben already coming toward them
" Pa we just saw........" Adam began but Ben cut him off with a hand on
his shoulder
" I know son, I know" Ben said a look of amazement on his face " I just
got done talking to the Warden, he was here, he and one of the Parker
brothers delivered Wilson, and from what I understand collected a sizable
reward too. They borrowed a couple fresh horses and went into town, to
celebrate I imagine"
" Well I reckon that reward'll be gone by the time we catch up with
him" Hoss said smiling broadly
" Well what are we waiting for, let's go find him" Ben said happily,
all the fears floating away from him
After obtaining the loan of fresh horse themselves, they also went to
town. Joe was just leaving the mercantile with Bobby when he spotted them
riding up the street
" Pa, Adam, Hoss, over here" Joe shouted, thinking they never looked
better to him. " Bobby that's my family " he exclaimed happliy as he moved
toward them.

Ben reached him first and hugged him close, then remembering the
reason his youngest son had taken on the job, he quickly released him and
shook his hand
" It's wonderful to see you safe and sound son, Warden Baker told us
what you boys did, I'm mighty proud of you son"
Joe was more than a little surprised at his father's reaction, and his
brothers taking their cue from him, also reservedly shook his hand. Joe
felt a little strange but recovered and grabbed Bobby's arm
" This here's Bobby Parker" Joe said pulling him in front of him.
They all shook hands, the mood was happy and relieved.
" Well little brother, I reckon you got that reward money all spent by
now" Hoss teased
" Not quite Hoss, the only thing I bought was a new pair of boots I
been needin' real bad" Joe said showing them off
" Looks like we got here just in time" Adam said winking at his father
" You know you're right Adam, just in time for me to buy my family
dinner" Joe announced throwing his arms around his brothers' shoulders and
heading them up the street.
Bobby watched them go, unsure if he should follow, it was a family
reunion after all.
" Bobby come on " Joe called over his shoulder and Bobby happily obliged.
Dinner was a lighthearted, lively affair with Bobby watching them with
amusement. He found himself thinking of Deke, wondering what would become
of him, then shook the thought from his head and returned his attention to
the Cartwrights. He was a little surprised to find them all looking at him
" Did you ask me something?" he said growing embarrased
" I asked you how you'd like to come work for us?" Joe repeated
Bobby looked at each of them incredulous, he hadn't really made any
plans for the future, and this sounded as good or better than any he
might've come up with.
" Why I'd like that just fine" Bobby declared.
" Good, it's settled then we'll leave first thing in the morning" Ben
stated. Bobby was about to nod his agreement when he suddenly stood up his
face registering nothing short of shock,
" Deke" he gasped and the Cartwrights turned in the direction of his
attention.
Deke approached the table with his hat in his hands, looking rather
sheepish.
" Bobby you mind if I have a word with you outside?" he said
Bobby recovered from his initial shock " Yeah sure, excuse me fellas "
he said and followed his brother out the door.
All eyes turned on Joe,
" That's his brother, they sort'a had a falling out on the trail, big
misunderstanding I guess you could say" Joe said
" You know you never did tell us what happened out there" Adam said
watching his expression




" Yeah little brother, just exactly what did you fellas get yourselves
into" Hoss added
Ben watched them an amused smile playing on his lips. He saw a teasing
glint come into Joe's eyes
" You fellas weren't worried about me were you?" Joe asked them. The
brothers looked at each other and back at Joe,
Oh we weren't worried a bit, although Pa was a little concerned" Adam
teased him
Joe looked at his father and felt a wonderful sense of warmth and
security. Even if they didn't understand him sometimes, he knew without a
doubt that they loved him unconditionally, and he realized how lucky he was.
Bobby came back inside alone and walked up to the table
" I just wanted to tell you fellas how much I appreciate you offering
me a job and all" he said, then looked directly at Joe, " But me and Deke
talked it over and we figure to go back to Texas and reclaim our old place
if we can. So we'll be leaving right along"
" Well Bobby, we want you to know we appreciate your helping Little
Joe, we all wish you the best" Ben said shaking his hand
Adam and Hoss did the same, their eyes expressing the same gratitude.
Then Bobby shook Joe's hand almost sadly, " Well Joe, we had us an
adventure didn't we?"
Joe nodded and smiled back at him, " Yeah we did, but it was worth
every minute cause I made me a new friend "
" Me too, and you were right about my brother, I don't hate him, I was
just angry. But like you said they can sure bring out he worst in you"
Bobby remarked with a wink " Well I gotta get going you fellas take care on
your way home, I hope I'll see you all again soon, bye now"
They finished their goodbyes and Bobby left Joe to deal with the
stares of his brothers
Adam clasped his hands together to rest his chin on them and Hoss
spoke for both of them
" Let me get this straight, we bring out the worst in you??"
Joe took a healthy sip of his drink, and raised his glass as if in
salute and smiling deviantly said, " Always have and always will"

THE END


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