With thanks to God, everyone who has written a Bonanza story, and David
Dortort for creating the characters.
BLOOD BROTHERS VS. SONS OF THE SOUTH
by Iamandme
“Heck, Joe. You’ve got it made. I’d love to be in your shoes. Adam’s the smart one -- he solves all the problems. Hoss is the strong one – I’ve seen him lift a wagon off a man with his bare hands. And you’re the pretty one,” Stan said, blowing the foam off his mug of beer. “Your family built the Ponderosa. All you have to do is show up for meals.”
Joe clenched his fist, but before he could throw a punch, Mitch put a hand on Joe’s shoulder.
“Yeah, Joe. You must just be dreaming all those round ups, fence repairs, and branding. Not to mention the horse breaking you’re known for,” Mitch said, steering him and Joe toward the swinging saloon doors of the Bucket of Blood. “Now we’re heading out because Joe has an early appointment with a line of fence tomorrow morning. And Stan, you’re wrong about one more thing. Joe ain’t good looking. He’s the ugliest thing I’ve seen around these parts.”
They walked out the swinging doors to the sound of laughter.
“Thanks, Mitch,” Joe said, untying Cochise from the hitching post, “If I tore up the place, Pa would have had my hide.”
“No problem. Don’t let Stan get to you. You know he has it in for you because Adam fired him. And you beat him out a week’s wages tonight at cards.”
“Yeah, but what he said is true. Adam is smart. Hoss is strong. And Pa….well he’s Pa. But where do I fit in? What do they need me for?” Joe asked, swinging into Cochise’s saddle, “Sometimes I wonder if they’d even notice if I was gone. I mean Pa’s been pretty busy lately. Adam always wants a piece of my hide and Hoss is dang near perfect.”
Why was he telling Mitch all this? Maybe it was the beer. Or maybe it was because Mitch was the only one who could understand being the youngest Cartwright was a curse and a blessing.
“Joe,” Mitch said, getting on his horse, “You don’t have to prove anything,”
“Mitch, if I tell you something,” Joe said, prodding Cochise to a slow walk, “You promise not to tell anyone?”
“Sure.”
“I-I’m engaged,” Joe said, “I asked Felicity Bohanson today.”
“Well, that’s great! Congratulations, Joe!” Mitch said, he saw the troubled expression on Joe’s face, “Uh, it’s good news, right?”
“Yeah, I love her,” Joe said, “But she’s from the South and her family’s rich.”
“So,
your Ma was from
“Her family owns a plantation with slaves,” Joe said, looking troubled, “Felicity even has a slave named Jasmine that’s her personal maid. Adam’s going to hate me.”
“Give
Adam time, Joe,” Mitch said as they rode down
“No, he won’t. Pa’s forbidden us to mention the word slavery,” Joe said. “Last time Adam and I ‘talked’ about slavery, he ended up with split lip and I had a black eye.”
“Sounds to me,” Mitch said, “You’re both doing more than talking.”
“I know. Adam just doesn’t understand slavery,” Joe said. “That’s why I bought Jasmine from Felicity. Figured she could work at the Ponderosa like Hop Sing and we’d pay her a salary.
“Oh boy,” Mitch said, “Hop Sing’s not going to like that.”
“I know, Mitch,” Joe said, as they came to the fork in the road. “Seems like no matter what I do somebody gets hurt. I can’t choose between Adam and the woman I love.”
“Well,” Mitch said, “I’ll be thinking of you when you break the news to your family.”
“Thanks,” Joe said. “I’ll see you Saturday. We’ll meet here and the last one at the Bucket of Blood buys the beer.”
“You’ve got a deal,” Mitch said, riding off.
Joe rode Cochise in a somber mood. He’d never felt so out of place at the Ponderosa. Before going home, Joe stopped at his mother’s grave.
“I’m going to make you proud, Ma. I promise.”
Slowly Joe rode Cochise toward the main house, feeling vaguely uncomfortable.
At the Ponderosa, Adam felt strangely out of place too. He dropped the brush as he brushed Sport.
“Sorry boy,” Adam muttered, picking up the brush. “Guess tonight I’m just no good to anyone.”
Sitting down, Adam
pulled the letter from
Dear Adam,
This is the hardest letter I have ever had to write. I know how close you and your older cousin Nathan were. You seemed more like brothers than cousins. I know he treasured the letters you wrote him.
On May 15th, I received word Nathan died while serving in the Union Army. Although I miss Nathan greatly, I am proud he died for a cause he and I believe in.
God bless you,
Grandfather Stoddard
A tear slid down Adam’s cheek. How could Nathan be dead? Their birthdays were only two weeks apart. After reading the letter, Adam didn’t feel at home on the Ponderosa. Here the Civil War wasn’t allowed to exist. Ben refused to hear talk of the Civil War since Joe and Adam were opposite sides.
Adam tried to understand his father’s predicament. But he bristled at not being able to express himself. The Ponderosa felt like a prison that would claim Adam’s soul. If he kept his father happy, Adam couldn’t live with himself. Because since Nathan’s death, Adam was determined to join the Union Army.
With a heavy sigh, Joe rode Cochise to the Ponderosa barn. The ranch Pa and his brothers had built. After dismounting from Cochise, Joe walked his horse into the barn. He was surprised to see Adam. As Joe led Cochise in the barn, Adam quickly turned away.
Great, Adam’s in a bad mood and I’m here, Joe thought. Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any worse. Somehow Joe knew he would never measure up to Adam.
While his back was turned, Adam quickly wiped the tears from his eyes.
The anger inside Adam boiled over.
“Getting in late again on a week night, Little Joe?” Adam asked. “Remember you have a lot of fence to fix tomorrow. I wish you were as good on the ranch as you are in the saloon.”
For once Joe didn’t have anything to say. He just felt broken inside. Usually he’d get angry, but tonight everything Adam said felt true to Joe. Without a word, Joe settled Cochise and went in the house.
After Joe left, Adam stood dumbfounded. He had expected Joe to erupt in anger. There would be a fight, some punches traded and then Adam would feel better. Instead Joe had acted more mature than Adam. Wasn’t Adam always telling Joe to walk away from a fight?
Adam picked up Sport’s brush and threw it across the barn. He knew he’d hurt Joe. Looking up, he saw Joe’s bedroom light was out. Tomorrow Adam would try to make things up to Joe somehow.
The next morning, Hoss came downstairs to the smell of hot pancakes, sausages and bacon.
“Hop
Sing,” Hoss said, spearing a forkful of pancake, “I swear you’re the best cook
in the whole
“Wittle Joe no think so,” Hop Sing said clanking a plate on the table. “He awready gone to town. Say he have to get suppwies to fix fence.”
“Is this the same Little Joe that dragged in here late last night?” Adam asked.
“Adam….” Ben said, with a warning note.
“Sorry, Pa,” Adam muttered. “Just surprised to see Joe up so early.”
“Hoss, we’ll check on the cattle in the north,” Ben said. “Adam, I need you to ride into town and send a telegram about the lumber contract.”
“Will do, Pa,” Adam said.
In town, Joe was waiting when the general store opened. Sleep had only come in bits and pieces last night. All night, Adam’s words and Stan’s words had echoed in Joe’s head.
“Little Joe, that you?” John, the shopkeeper asked, rubbing his eyes. “I can’t believe you’re up this early. Maybe I’m seeing things.”
“Yeah, John,” Joe grumbled, “It’s me.”
“Did Adam shout you out of bed?” John said laughing. “No, let me guess. Hoss lifted your bed up and flipped you out.”
Joe quickly grabbed a new pair of gloves for fixing the fence and a few other supplies.
“Wait till I tell everybody!” John said, as he tallied the cost of the supplies, “Joe Cartwright was here waiting when I opened the store! They won’t believe it!”
“Yeah, John,” Joe said, grabbing his supplies and heading out. “Nobody will believe you.”
Joe put his supplies in Cochise’s saddlebag and mounted his horse. Maybe he’d never come into town again. How was he going to make anybody proud at this rate? A sign by the Bucket of Blood caught Joe’s eye.
“Sons of the South
Unite – Meeting
Joe couldn’t believe it. Here was a chance to prove himself. He would make his Ma proud by supporting the South she loved. Joe couldn’t figure out the mask part, but maybe they’d explain it at the meeting. Cochise galloped out of town. Joe had a lot of fence to fix before the meeting tonight.
Adam sent off the telegram and took care of a few other chores in town. Before he knew it, it was lunch time. Sweat poured down Adam’s forehead as he rode up to The Bucket of Blood. Inside he grabbed a beer, and sat alone at a corner table. Nobody bothered him. Everybody knew you didn’t sit with Adam Cartwright unless he asked you.
Adam was glad he wasn’t Joe today. Nothing worse than fixing fence when it was this hot out. Funny, Joe hadn’t stuck around this morning and put up a fuss about getting stuck with such a tedious chore. Joe was acting strange. No two ways about it. And that always meant trouble. Adam drained his beer. He planned on lending his little brother a hand with the fence. And apologizing. Groaning, Adam imagined working in the heat with an angry Joe. He ordered one more beer.
As Adam tossed a silver coin on the bar of the Bucket of Blood, he saw a group of men outside. Pushing open the swinging doors, Adam walked out. The crowd parted as Adam slowly walked to the front. He stopped in front of a poster for a group called “Sons of the South.”
“What do you think, Adam?” taunted Stan. He worked doing odd jobs ever since Adam had fired him from the Ponderosa.
“I think,” Adam said, tearing the poster off the wall, “this is trash.”
“You’re
wrong Cartwright!” someone in the crowd yelled. “This is the best thing to ever
happen to
“If prejudice and
vigilante groups are the best thing to happen to
Slowly, Adam rode Sport out of town. If anyone wanted to mess with Adam, his slow ride out of town said he’d oblige. But nobody was dumb enough to challenge Adam. He had a reputation and Sheriff Coffee was a close friend.
“What do you think Stan?” asked Billy, who worked in the saloon as a bouncer on Saturday nights.
Stan fingered the handle of his gun and said, “I think Adam Cartwright just signed his death warrant.”
Nobody noticed Mitch on the outskirts of the group. He kept his hat low and slowly walked to his horse. He had to find Joe quick. Together they would figure out what to do. He thought briefly about going to Sheriff Coffee’s office. But the sheriff was out of town on business. And the deputies had a hard time figuring out which end of their horses to feed. Mitch galloped out of town hoping Joe was somewhere nearby fixing fence. Adam’s life might depend on it.
Adam spent the afternoon riding in the woods on the Ponderosa. Surrounded by towering pines, he tried to clear his thoughts. How could he respect himself if he didn’t fight for what he believed in?
But joining the Union Army would destroy his family. And Adam had promised Marie he would look out for Joe. But would Marie want Adam to honor his promise, if he destroyed himself in the process? Sighing, Adam rode Sport back to the Ponderosa and tried to think of a way to tell his Pa the news.
Joe spent the rest of the day fixing fence. Beads of sweat ran down his face as he struggled to fix another piece of the endless fence. Joe figured if he died and went to Hell, it would be full of fence to fix on the hottest day of the year. Cochise was grazing under a tree in the only shade for miles around.
“You know, Coch. Days like today I wouldn’t mind being a horse,” Joe said, as he wiped the sweat off his brow. He got his canteen and took a long, refreshing swallow. When he heard a horse galloping, Joe looked up.
“Hey, Mitch. Slow down. We’re not racing to the Bucket of Blood till Saturday, remember?” Joe said with a chuckle.
“Adam’s got a bunch of men in town riled,” Mitch said.
“He seems to have a talent for doing that,” Joe said. “Adam can get people in a bad mood faster than…..”
“Joe, you don’t understand!” Mitch said. “Adam plans on breaking up the Sons of the South meeting tonight. They’re going to kill him!
“Take it easy, Mitch,” Joe said as he put on his gun belt, “We’ll handle it. You ride to the Ponderosa. Try to head Adam off there. If Adam’s already gone, get Pa, Hoss and the Ponderosa hands to ride out.”
“What about you?” Mitch asked.
“I’m riding to the
Sons of the South meeting,” Joe said, swinging himself up on Cochise’s saddle.
“You can’t ride in there alone!” Mitch
said. “They’ll kill you!”
“No, they won’t. Because after I knock some sense into Adam, I want to join the Sons of the South.”
Joe galloped off on Cochise.
“Joe!” Mitch shouted, “Watch yourself!”
At the Ponderosa, Hoss and Ben were exhausted. They had been in the saddle all day checking on the cattle in the north. Ben wondered if he was getting too old to be riding all day.
“Pa,” Hoss said, worried about Ben, “I’ll take care of the horses.”
“Thanks, son,” Ben said.
On aching legs, Ben walked into the house. He was unbuckling his gun belt, when he smelled roast beef. Thank God for Hop Sing.
Hoss was unsaddling Pal, when Adam lead Sport into the barn. Without a word, Adam unsaddled Sport and led him to his stall. Hoss sensed Adam was troubled about something.
“How’s it going Big Brother?” Hoss asked.
“I’ve got to talk to Pa,” Adam said.
“Right now, might not be a good time. We’ve been riding all day and Pa is plumb exhausted. Not that he’ll admit it,” Hoss said. “But I saw him limping a bit when he went in the house.”
“Hoss, I’m joining the Union Army,” Adam said.
“Adam, you can’t!” Hoss said, grabbing the front of Adam’s shirt, “It’ll kill Pa!”
“Don’t you think I know that!” Adam said, roughly shaking Hoss’s hands off him. “But staying here will kill me!”
“What if Joe joins the Confederate Army?” Hoss asked, as they walked to the house. “What if you shoot him? Or he shoots you? Could you live with that?”
“No,” Adam said. “But I can’t call myself a man if I don’t fight for what I believe in.”
Hoss swallowed as they unbuckled their gun belts and said, “Adam, could you wait a day or two on this?”
“Hoss, this can’t wait,” Adam said, “Sometimes I feel I’ve waited my whole life to do what I need to.”
Even the smell of Hop Sing’s roast beef, mashed potatoes and biscuits didn’t cheer Hoss up. Some nights, he wished he could stay out in the barn with the horses.
“Hop Sing cook all day and everybody late!” Hop Sing said. “Wittle Joe not home. How Hop Sing cook when nobody come home at same time?”
“Uh, sorry Hop Sing,” Hoss said. “It smells powerful good. I think this family’s just got a lot on its mind. But I know your cooking is going to be the best part of tonight. Fact is, it’s the only thing I’m looking forward to tonight.”
“Wittle Joe still upset?” Hop Sing asked.
“Yeah,”
Hoss said. “And Pa’s tired from riding all day and Adam has news that’s going
to make the Fourth of July fireworks in
“Yes. Hop Sing make appwe pie,” Hop Sing said.
“Good. Cuz Hop Sing, I’m going to need a powerful amount of apple pie to get through tonight.”
“Where’s Adam and Little Joe?” Ben asked, looking at the empty places at the supper table.
“Wittle Joe not home yet,” Hop Sing said, slamming a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. “Mistah Adam leawe before dinner. He say he not hungry.”
“Did Adam say where he was going?” Ben asked.
“No, Mistah Cartlight,” Hop Sing said. “And if nobody come to dinner, Hop Sing stop cooking.”
Hop Sing disappeared into the kitchen and clanged pots and pans.
“Hoss,” Ben asked over the sound of Hop Sing clanging pots and pans, “do you know where your brothers are?”
“
“I swear, keeping this family together gets harder every year,” Ben muttered.
Adam decided to skip dinner. He couldn’t face his father, so he grabbed some biscuits and jerky from Hop Sing’s kitchen.and rode out. Adam was headed to the Sons of the South meeting. What if Joe was there? Adam broke out in a cold sweat, but he kept riding.
If only
Riding quietly over Willow Ridge, Adam stopped behind a large willow tree. He saw a bonfire and a group of men wearing masks. Adam guessed some were old flour sacks with eye holes cut.
“I welcome you all to the first Virginia City Sons of the South meeting,” a tall man in a mask holding a rifle said. “Tonight we’re goin’ to teach two slaves what happens when they run away.”
Adam tensed and put his hand on his gun. Two terrified slaves were dragged to a large tree. Their hands were tied behind their backs and they had been beaten. Adam drew in his breath when he saw two hangmen’s nooses of rope hanging above the slaves.
“Hold it!” Adam shouted, firing a warning shot over the masked heads.
“What do you want Cartwright?” a stout masked figure asked. “This here’s a private meeting. Nobody invited you!”
“Let the slaves go,” Adam said in a slow, serious voice, “or I’ll start firing.”
“I wouldn’t do that Cartwright,” a thin masked figure said.
Out of the corner of his eye, Adam saw a flash of movement. Turning Adam saw, a masked figure with a gun aimed at him. Instinctively, Adam fired and hit the masked man. The man fell to the ground.
“Anyone else care to test my aim?” Adam asked.
The only sound was the wood cracking the in bonfire.
“Good,” Adam said, “Now untie the slaves and let them go.”
One of the masked men slowly stepped over to the slaves and untied their arms. As soon as the slaves were free, they ran into the woods. Adam gave a sigh of relief. Carefully, he got off Sport while keeping his gun trained on the masked figures around him. He bent down to check on the man he’d wounded earlier. Adam was relieved to see his shot had just grazed the man’s arm.
Suddenly someone shot Adam from behind. Fighting to remain conscious, Adam lost the battle and sank to the ground.
Mitch rode to the Ponderosa, breaking every speed record he and Joe had ever set. He galloped full speed up to the ranch house. Jumping off his horse, Mitch ran to the porch and flung open the door.
“Mitch!” Ben said, holding a forkful of roast beef in midair, “What’s wrong son? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”
“Adam!” Mitch shouted, “Is he here?”
“No,” Hoss said, “He went out for a ride. What’s wrong Mitch?”
“Adam,” Mitch panted. “H-he’s at the Sons of the South meeting. They’re going to kill him. I heard it this morning. Joe made me come here.”
“Where’s Joseph?” Ben roared.
“He rode to the meeting to help Adam,” Mitch said.
“Hoss, send Charlie into town for the Sheriff,” Ben said, going to buckle his gun belt. “How many hands are in the bunkhouse?”
“ ‘Bout fifteen I guess, Pa,” Hoss said, putting on his gun belt.
“Tell them to get ready to ride,” Ben said.
“Yes, sir,” Hoss said, heading out.
Joe rode Cochise to Willow Ridge as fast as he dared. He’d hoped to beat Adam to the meeting, but at Willow Ridge Joe saw a sight that made his blood run cold.
Adam was hanging from a rope tied to a large tree.
“No!” Joe shouted.
With a prayer on his lips, Joe drew his gun and fired a shot. The bullet tore threw the rope suspending Adam from the tree. Watching Adam fall, Joe jumped off Cochise and ran to his brother.
Joe’s shaking hands fumbled as he loosened the rope around Adam’s neck.
“Adam?” Joe whispered, holding Adam in his arms, “Please be OK.”
Joe saw the bloody lump on Adam’s head and a bullet hole in his shoulder.
Adam groaned. He was alive.
Joe smiled.
“Your brother made a big mistake coming here, Cartwright,” a masked figure said. “He broke up our meeting and stole our slaves.”
“Mister,” Joe said, “ If my brother was dead you would have made the biggest mistake of your life.”
Gently Joe packed Adam’s shoulder wound to stop the bleeding. Carefully lifting Adam over his shoulder, Joe walked toward Cochise.
“Where do you think you’re going?” the hooded figure asked.
“I’m getting Adam to a doctor,” Joe said. “I’ll settle my score with you later.”
“Not so fast, Cartwright,” a tall masked figure said. “Adam owes us for the two slaves he stole from us.”
“Look, I don’t know what your slaves cost, but I’ll give you all the money I’ve got,” Joe said, throwing his wallet on the ground, “Adam’s hurt. He’s lost a lot of blood I’m taking him to a doctor.”
“You’re not leaving here with him,” the tall hooded figure said.
“Wait a minute. We don’t want any trouble. Besides, Adam isn’t Joe’s real brother. They’re half brothers. Joe was born in the South, he’s one of us,” the stout hooded figure said.
“All right. We’ll make a deal,” the tall leader said, “Leave Adam and get on your horse Little Joe. You can ride out of here without any trouble.”
“I’m not leaving my brother,” Joe growled.
“Look around you son, there’s at least twenty of us. You don’t stand a chance against us. Leave Adam and save your own life.”
“No,” Joe said.
“He’s paying us in blood, Cartwright,” the tall leader said.
“I’ll cover whatever you think Adam owes you,” Joe said.
Carefully, he turned around and set Adam down leaning against the tree trunk to slow the flow of blood.
“OK, you can cover your brother’s debt. First off throw down your gun or we shoot Adam!” one of the masks demanded.
Joe heard a gun click and turned to find a masked figure aiming a gun at Adam’s head.
With sweaty hands, Joe unbuckled his gun belt and kicked it to the tallest masked man. Breathing a prayer for help, Joe looked at the group of masked men surrounding him. God, I know you’re busy, but I sure could use a little help down here.
As the men inched toward him, Joe stepped back. His boot hit Adam. There was no where to go, but forward. With a war cry, Joe jumped on a group of men. They were surprised and Joe tackled them before they realized what had happened.
The tall masked man swung a mean punch at Joe, but Joe ducked before it connected. Hitting the man’s knees, Joe knocked him to the ground and knocked the wind out of him.
As another masked man got ready to kick Joe, Joe grabbed the other man’s leg and pulled him down. Joe was on his feet before anyone knew what had happened. When the tall man drew his gun, Joe grabbed the man’s arm and forced him to drop the gun. Then Joe grabbed his mask and ripped it.
“He saw me!” the tall man cried, “He’s got to die.”
“That’s enough!” a short man said. Pulling out a gun, he shot Joe from behind. Then the short man took his pistol and hit Joe hard in the head.
The tall masked man was upset. These men had broken up his meeting, challenged his authority and stolen his respect. Someone had to pay. Going to his saddle bag, the tall man took a whip from his saddle bag. He unwound the whip standing over Joe who lay still on the ground.
“Boy, I’m going to teach you to never break up another of my meetings,” the tall man said, “Down South we know how to make a whip. Let me tell you how I made this one. First I found a piece of wood for my handle. Good hard wood.
The man paused to hit Joe on the head with the handle.
When the tall man brought the wooden handle back up, it was stained blood red.
“Then I use some other things to make sure when I whip a slave he never forgets it,” the man said, savagely whipping Joe’s back. “I’ve never whipped a white man before, but boy I’m going to teach you a lesson.”
Another whip lash laid Joe’s back open. The pain brought Joe back to his senses. Joe tried to crawl away, but someone’s boot flipped Joe over on his back. The whip landed on Joe’s stomach and tore open his skin.
Adam felt hands grab him under his armpits and haul him to his feet.
“Get up,” a whisper commanded him. “They’re killing Little Joe.”
Cold fear gripped Adam, forcing away his pain.
“Here’s your gun,” continued the whisper, shoving Adam’s gun in his hand. “I’m going to hide in the bushes and cover you,” the voice commanded. “Grab Joe and get out of here.”
Adam heard Joe scream. Squinting his blurry eyes, Adam fired into the air.
Everyone turned to look at Adam.
“Touch my brother again and I’ll kill you,” Adam said, “Get away from him. If he’s dead I’ll kill every one of you.”
The men stepped back like a pack of vultures robbed of a meal. Adam’s stomach fell when he saw Joe – so much blood. Was he still alive?
While Adam’s attention was on Joe, one of the hooded men drew his gun. Just as he was about to fire, a shot from the woods took down the hooded man.
Damn, Adam wanted to pack Joe’s wounds, but there wasn’t time. If Joe bleed to death on the way to the Ponderosa, Adam would never forgive himself, but right now they were both going to die unless they got out of here.
Using every ounce of strength he had left, Adam lifted Joe and put him on Sport. Then Adam unsteadily mounted himself.
“Don’t follow me or I’ll kill you” Adam said.
Adam spurred Sport up the hill toward the Ponderosa. Adam’s shirt felt wet. Looking down he realized Joe’s blood was everywhere.
“Hold on, little buddy,” Adam said. “Just hold on. We’re going home.”
A gunshot from behind Adam hit a branch inches from Adam’s head. Adam grabbed his gun and fired three shots in the air. It was the Ponderosa signal for help. He didn’t know if anyone was close enough to hear it, but was his only chance.
Turning around, Adam saw a group of masked men on horseback following him. As the men behind him fired, Adam struggled to hold onto Joe and Sport’s reins. Adam felt a burning pain in his arm. His gun dropped to the ground.
Ahead Adam saw the Ponderosa woods. They were close, but Adam didn’t know how they would make it. But he would die trying.
A bullet grazed his leg. Adam thought of a line from Psalm 91, “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble.”
Suddenly, the woods was alive with gunfire. Adam forced himself to stay conscious and spurred Sport to ride faster. With the last of his strength, Adam desperately held onto Joe. Adam stayed on Sport until the Ponderosa barn came into view. Then blackness took over.
Adam felt someone taking Joe from his arms.
“No…” Adam said, struggling to hold on to Joe.
“It’s OK, Adam. It’s me,” Hoss said. “Pa rode to get Doc Martin. I’ve got to get you inside. You’ve lost a lot of blood.”
“N-not me. Joe’s blood. ,” Adam gasped. “Help him.”
“Don’t worry Adam,” Hoss said. “I’ll take care of you and Joe.”
Gently, Hoss took Adam’s hands away from Joe. When he saw Joe, tears came to Hoss’s eyes. Was Joe still alive? Hoss reached a trembling hand to Joe’s neck and felt his pulse.
“Hang on little brother,” Hoss said, gently picking up Joe. “Everything’s going to be OK.”
While Hoss took Joe inside, Hop Sing helped Adam in the house. They got as far as the settee before Adam passed out.
While Hop Sing ran to get some water and cloths to stop the bleeding, Hoss gently carried Joe upstairs.
“H-hoss,” Joe said, struggling to open his right eye. The left eye was swollen shut.
“Right here, Joe,” Hoss said, gently laying Joe on the bed.
“Adam?” Joe whispered.
“He’s OK,” Hoss said.
“Scared, he was dead,” Joe whispered. “Saw him hanging from the tree.”
Then Joe passed out.
Hoss said a silent prayer. So far Hoss had found one bullet wound in Joe’s back. Luckily the bullet seemed to have gone through. The thought of someone shooting Joe in the back was enough to make Hoss’s blood boil. What had happened out there? And would either of his brothers live to tell him the story?
Looking around the room, Hoss realized he needed water and towels to clean Joe’s wounds and stop the bleeding.
At that moment, Mitch burst in Joe’s room.
“How is he?” Mitch asked.
But when he took a look at Joe, Mitch just swallowed hard.
“Why don’t you stay with Joe, while I git some stuff to fix him up?” Hoss said.
“Joe,” Mitch whispered. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I never should have let you go.”
“You didn’t have a choice,” Joe whispered faintly, “Mitch, I need your help. I’ve got to see Felicity one last time before…..
“I’ll get her Joe,” Mitch promised, holding Joe’s shoulder.
“I want to marry her,” Joe whispered.
“Then I’ll bring the minister too,” Mitch said.
As soon as Hoss came back, Mitch was gone. Hoss figured Mitch was just too upset to see Joe hurting so bad. Hoss thanked God Joe was unconscious again and wouldn’t feel any pain for a while. Hoss got busy cleaning Joe’s wounds and trying to stop the bleeding. And Hoss prayed a lot.
Doc Martin knew things were bad when Ben rode in to town. Ben was as white as a ghost. The ride to the Ponderosa was the fastest Doc Martin had ever made.
Racing in, Doc Martin saw Adam laying on the settee. He opened his black bag and pulled back the blanket covering Adam. Paul was worried when he saw Adam’s wounds – shoulder, leg, and arm. Adam had lost a lot of blood.
A shaky hand reached down and pulled up the blanket.
Paul Martin looked up and saw Adam.
“Help Joe,” Adam whispered.
“Adam, you’re hurt pretty bad,” Doc protested.
“I don’t think Joe’s going to make it,” Adam whispered.
“Hop Sing, I want you to get that bullet out of Adam’s arm and stop the bleeding,” Paul said, as he grabbed the bag and ran up the stairs to Joe’s bedroom.
Doc Martin was shocked when he saw Joe.
“What happened to him?” Paul asked Ben.
“I’m not sure. Adam’s in rough shape himself…drifting in and out of consciousness. They both went to the Sons of the South meeting. The next time I saw them, Adam was riding Sport and holding onto Joe for dear life. We gave Adam enough gun cover to get back here, but I don’t know what they did to Joseph. Can you help him, Paul?”
Paul took off his jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves.
“Hoss, it’s good you packed the bullet hole in Joe’s back and cleaned his wounds,” Paul said taking off his jacket and rolling up his shirt sleeves. “Looks like the bullet went clean through. That’s one good thing.”
“These marks on Joe’s back and stomach, he’s been whipped,” Hoss said.
“Whipped!” Ben said. “What kind of a whip tears a man’s skin open like this?”
“I’ve never seen one,” Paul said, while trying to stop Joe’s bleeding and clean his wounds, “But, I’ve heard down South they have special whips for beating slaves. That’s the only way I can explain this kind of damage.”
An hour later, Joe’s wounds were cleaned and bandaged.
“Well?” Ben asked.
“Now we wait and see,” Paul said.
Ben looked at the pale figure of Joe and remembered how Marie had looked before she died. No, he couldn’t lose Joseph….not now.
“Pa,” Joe whispered, “Adam OK?”
“He’s going to be fine,” Ben said, resting a hand on Joseph’s forehead.
“Pa, I don’t think I’m going to make it,” Joe mumbled so low Ben could hardly hear him.
“Joseph, don’t talk son, just rest,” Ben urged.
“Pa,” Joe mumbled closing his one good eye. “I want to get married.”
Ben was sure Joseph was delirious. But his son’s forehead wasn’t hot, just bruised and bloody.
“Joe! We’re here,” Mitch shouted, with his hand on Felicity’s arm. “I got Felicity and the minister’s on his way.”
Ben looked startled at the raven-haired beauty Mitch dragged into the room. He stared at the engagement ring on her finger – it was the same ring he’d given Marie.
“Pa?” Joe said weakly.
“I’m here son,” Ben said.
“W-will you be my best man?” Joe whispered so faintly Ben had to put his face inches from Joe’s mouth to hear him.
“I’d be honored, son.” Ben said, thinking his youngest son never ceased to amaze him.
“Felicity?” Joe muttered, forcing open his one unswollen eye.
Mitch pushed a pale Felicity to Joe’s side.
“How is he, Doctor?” Felicity asked, wringing her hands.
“He’s had a bad whipping and been shot,” Doc Martin said.
“A whipping!” Felicity asked, “Will there be scars?”
Ben wondered, why isn’t she talking to Joe? Telling him she loves him? That was what he remembered doing the last minutes of Marie’s life.
“Felicity?” Joe whispered.
“She’s
here Joe,” Mitch said. “I rode all the way to
Taking Felicity’s hand, Mitch put her hand in Joseph’s.
“Felicity?” Joe asked. “Will you marry me? I don’t know how long I have, but I’d die happy knowing you were my wife.”
Felicity looked at the bruised and battered face and body of Joseph. She’d loved him because he was the most handsome man in town – someone she could be proud of – now he would scarred for life - like the slaves that had been whipped on her father’s plantation.
Without another word, Felicity turned and ran down the stairs.
“Felicity?” Joe whispered, trying to get up. He started a wound bleeding again.
Joe’s eyelids fluttered shut as the black tide came in and claimed in.
Downstairs Adam saw Felicity come running down the stairs.
“I
need a ride back to
“Hop Sing take care of Mistah Adam,” Hop Sing said sponging off Adam’s wounds.
Mitch came downstairs, grabbed Felicity by the shoulders and spun her around to face him.
“How could you just leave Joe up there?” Mitch said. “He begged me to get you from town so he could marry you before…..”
“I can’t marry him! If he survives he’ll be scarred for life,” Felicity said, “Have you ever seen what a man looks like after he’s been whipped. His skin is ruined – the marks never go away. I can’t marry a monster.”
Adam pushed Hop Sing away.
“Sounds to me like the only monster around here is you,” Adam struggled to say. “Joe risked his life to save mine. I’m glad you backed out, Joe deserves better.”
“How dare you talk to me that way!” Felicity said. “Besides you’ve finally got what you wanted. Joe will always be here on your ranch working. If he lives, he’ll be too scarred to ever go into town! You can work him until he dies of old age or takes his own life!”
Adam tried to get up, but Hoss was holding him on the settee.
“Hop Sing, could you show Miss Felicity outside,” Hoss said, “I’ll take care of Adam.”
The last sound Adam heard before passing out was the sound of Felicity slamming the door as she stormed away from the Ponderosa.
“How is he?” Ben asked Doc Martin, as they stepped outside Joe’s room.
“Joe was fighting an uphill battle anyway,” Paul said. “Now with Felicity abandoning Joe, I’m worried, Ben. Since Felicity left, Joe’s hasn’t been fighting as hard.”
“I’d hoped Joseph didn’t remember Felicity leaving,” Ben said.
“He knows Ben,” Paul said, “And I’m worried that’s the one thing Joe can’t fight. I’m going to check on the McGregor’s. The wife is pregnant with twins and she’s due any time. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“What can I do?” Ben asked.
“Pray,” Paul said before leaving.
Joe drifted in and out of consciousness for the next few days. When he conscious, Joe cried out for Felicity and Adam. When he was delirious with a high fever, he cried out for his mother. Ben and Hoss were beside themselves. Joe wasn’t rallying and it had them both worried.
A few days later, Doc Martin examined Joe. He and Ben stepped out on the porch to discuss the case. As soon as they left, Adam opened one eye and looked at Hoss.
“How’s Joe?” Adam demanded in a shaky voice.
“He’s hanging on,” Hoss said.
He and Pa had decided it was best if Adam didn’t know how bad things were, right now Adam needed his strength to recover.
Hoss watched amazed as Adam slowly raised himself out of his bed.
“What’re you doin’?” Hoss asked.
“Going to see Joe,” Adam said.
“You can’t go nowhere,” Hoss said, “Doc Martin told you to stay in bed.”
“Hoss, I’m going to see Joe,” Adam said. “He wouldn’t be fighting for his life right now if it wasn’t for me.”
“OK, Adam,” Hoss said, “Take it easy. I’ll help ya see Joe. Jest lean on me and we’ll take it slow to Joe’s room.”
Slowly, Hoss practically carried Adam to Joe’s room. With Adam’s healthy arm, draped around Hoss, they slowly shuffled to Joe’s room.
“I hate her Adam,” Hoss said. “I know the Bible says it’s wrong ta hate, but dad gum it – she broke Joe’s heart and he’s stopped fighting. I’m not supposed to tell ya any of this, but Adam, I don’ know what ta do.”
Slowly and painfully, Adam limped down the hall to Joe’s room. Adam was shocked when he saw Joe. Everywhere he looked, Joe was bruised, cut or bandaged.
Hoss carefully helped Adam to the chair by Joe’s bed. For a moment, the lump in Adam’s throat wouldn’t let him speak.
“Hey, Joe. It’s me. Your bossy, older brother.”
“Adam?” Joe whispered out of a swollen, split lip.
“Yes,” Adam said, reaching for Joe’s hand. He stopped when he saw the bandaged covering it. Instead he placed a hand between the bruises on Joe’s arm.
“S-scared,” Joe said.
“Don’t worry Joe,” Adam said. “You’re going to be fine.”
“N-no,” Joe whispered. “Scared you were dead.”
For a moment Adam was too overcome to speak. Joe’s first thought had been of Adam. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Adam struggled to keep his voice calm and cool.
“You’ve got to fight Joe.”
“Can’t Adam…..Felicity’s gone,” Joe whispered.
Hoss and Adam looked at each other. Both knew Joe had given up and was dying minute by minute. They were losing him. Adam could think of only one way to save Joe. He hated to do it, but it was the only way.
“Joe,” Adam grit his teeth thinking of Felicity, “you can get Felicity back.”
Hoss stared at Adam like he’d lost his mind.
“Joe,” Adam said, “Maybe Felicity left because she was scared you were going to die. Maybe she couldn’t bear to see the man she loved die, because part of her would die too.”
Hoss was now openly glaring at Adam.
“Fight for Felicity, Joe,” Adam said, “Fight like her life is depending on it.”
“I will,” Joe whispered, before losing consciousness.
After Adam was back in his own room, Hoss turned on him.
“How could ya tell Joe that?” Hoss shouted. “You know Felicity don’t care fer him at all.”
“I know Hoss,” Adam said. “And I hate lying to Joe. But right now I’m trying to keep him alive.”
With that Adam closed his eyes. Hoss stared at Adam and realized he’d never understand Adam. Or the things he was willing to give up for his family.
The days passed
slowly for Adam, Hoss and
Sheriff Coffee noticed it when he came to question Joe a week later.
“Well Little Joe,”
Joe nodded.
“I was kinda
hoping,”
“I’m ashamed
“Not unless you’ve taken part in vigilante groups and lynchings before,” Adam said, “Which you haven’t.”
“It doesn’t matter Adam, I wanted to prove myself,” Joe muttered, “And like always I got in trouble and you had to save me.”
“Actually little brother,” Adam said, “I got in trouble and you saved me.”
“Yeah, right.
That’s why you dragged me out of there,” Joe said. “Look, I’m sorry
Joe closed his eyes and swallowed hard.
“Actually, I thought I was dead myself,” Adam said. “I’m still not sure how you got me out of there.”
“I said a prayer,” Joe said. “And shot at the rope.”
“You hit a rope from the edge of the ridge?” Hoss asked, clearly impressed.
“I don’t know where I made the shot from,” Joe said. “All I could see was Adam hanging from that tree. When Adam hit the ground, I was sure he was dead. But I guess you weren’t. That’s all I remember.”
“Did you recognize
any of the men? Their voices, anything. We don’t have a lot to go on,”
“No,” Joe said.
“I wish I did,
“Well, I’m hoping
we got everybody. I’ve got 10 dead men,”
“Adam, can you stay for a minute?” Joe asked.
“Sure, Joe,” Adam said.
After everyone else left, Adam waited for Joe to speak.
“When Inger died, Pa was by her side wasn’t he?” Joe asked.
“Yes,” Adam said.
“And when my mom died, Pa wouldn’t leave her side to eat for days, would he?” Joe asked.
“No,” Adam said, wishing he could protect Joe from Felicity.
Suddenly, Joe started to laugh – not his normal laugh – but a strained, high-pitched laugh.
“Joe!” Adam said, shaking Joe. “Stop it!”
“It’s funny isn’t it?” Joe said, looking away. “I judged slaves because of their skin, and now somebody is judging me because of my skin.”
Joe passed out before he could say anything else.
That day, Joe stopped eating and drinking.
Hoss and Adam had forced a cup of water down Joe, but that was all.
“Joseph,” Pa said, “Those scars don’t change who you are inside.”
“They do Pa,” Joe said getting out of bed, “Look at me!”
Slowly, Joe stood up and limped to the mirror. Taking off his shirt, Joe stared at the ugly scars crisscrossing his back and stomach.
Picking up the pitcher in his room, Joe threw it at the mirror and shattered it.
“I’m some kind of a monster,” Joe shouted.
Hoss ran to Joe and grabbed his brother’s arms, locking them behind him. He was worried Joe would hurt himself.
“Easy Joe,” Hoss said in the voice he used to calm hurting animals. “It’s all gone be alright.”
Exhausted from the outburst, Joe collapsed in Hoss’s arms.
When Joe regained consciousness, he saw Adam sitting by his bed.
“Morning, little brother,” Adam said.
Joe looked at Adam, too spent to say anything.
“Yesterday, I knew we had to get a few things straight,” Adam said. “You listen and I’ll talk. First, do you remember anything?”
“No,” Joe whispered.
“Then I’ll start from the beginning. I rode to the meeting to break it up. When I got there I found a bunch of men in masks getting ready to hang two slaves.”
Joe’s eyes widened.
“I convinced the men to let the slaves go,” Adam continued.
Joe smiled slightly imagining the persuasion his brother had used.
“When I was checking on a wounded man, I was hit from behind. The next thing I knew they were putting a rope around my neck, you can still see the red marks if you look. I fought, but I was too groggy to do much. I remember before passing out was thinking ‘I’m dead.’ I tried to breathe, but I couldn’t get any air. Then everything faded to black.”
Joe’s eyes had tears in them as he listened.
“The next thing I knew you were bending over me, telling me everything was going to be OK. Somehow you got me out of that tree and got that rope off my neck,” Adam said.
“How?” Joe asked.
“I was hoping you’d be able to tell me,” Adam said with a smile. “I blacked out again after that. The next thing I remember is knowing you were in trouble. I got to my feet and fired my gun. They let you alone and we came back here.”
“You saved my life,” Joe said.
“Likewise,” Adam said. “Joe, I’d do anything if I could trade places with you. If I could take your scars I would. All I know is you got them saving my life and to me every one of them is a badge of courage.”
For a moment, Joe was too stunned to speak.
He had lost the woman he loved, but he had gained Adam’s respect – something he never thought he would.
Adam, Hoss and Pa were still worried about Joe. Adam especially kept a close watch on him. Maybe because they were both still healing, Adam found an excuse to be around Joe more. After all, Pa and Hoss had to keep the ranch going. One afternoon, Adam and Joe were sitting on the front porch resting after lunch.
“You know, I’ve been meaning to talk to you,” Adam said.
“Uh oh,” Joe said.
“No,” Adam smiled. “You didn’t do anything wrong, I did. I wanted to ride out and see you the day you were working on the fence, but things got in the way.”
“Yeah,” Joe said.
“The night before, I said some things,” Adam said.
Joe cringed at the memory.
“The point is they weren’t true,” Adam said. “I was just trying to get you angry enough to get in a fight with me.”
Joe stared at Adam.
“I got a letter from my Grandfather Stoddard that day. My cousin Ned died in the Union Army. I was angry and feeling like….I don’t know,” Adam said.
“Like you didn’t belong here,” Joe said.
“How did you know?” Adam asked.
“I felt the same way that night. Stan said some things to me,” Joe said. “About how you were the smart one and Hoss was the strong one and Pa took care of things and me….well I guess he thought I just sort of fell into the family.”
“Stan’s a fool,” Adam said.
For a moment neither brother spoke.
“Is it as bad as the time you went to college?” Joe asked.
Adam stared at Joe.
“I mean, do you feel you have to get away that bad?” Joe asked.
“I don’t know,” Adam answered. “It’s all mixed up. I want to stay here, but I feel like I’m letting Ned down. And how can I respect myself if I don’t fight for what I believe is right?”
Joe didn’t have an answer. So the brothers just sat in silence the rest of the afternoon.
After supper that night, Joe asked Pa to take a look at Cochise in the barn.
“He looks fine to me son,” Ben said.
“I know, Pa,” Joe said. “I just needed to talk to you alone.”
“I see,” Ben said. “Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m good,
“A deal?” Ben asked smiling.
“Yes sir,” Joe said. “I promise I’ll do my best to get better, eat everything you and Hop Sing force down me, and do my best to be a working part of this ranch again.”
“Well, so far it sounds like a good deal,” Ben said.
Cochise whinnied as Joe brushed his mane.
“I was hoping you’d see it that way,” Joe said, with a smile.
“What’s the catch?” Ben asked.
“Pa, we’ve got to let Adam go,” Joe said. “I hate to have him leave, but his cousin Ned died in the Union Army. Adam feels he can’t respect himself unless he fights for what he believes in.”
Ben stood shocked. How could Joseph ask him to let Adam risk his life? Die in an unmarked grave? And then looking in Joe’s eyes, Ben realized Joe was asking because he realized Adam’s heart had already left the Ponderosa. And if Ben forced Adam to remain, the best part of Adam would die here – torn between his duty to his family and his duty to himself.
“Pa, this is my fault,” Joe said. “If I hadn’t been so thick headed about the South, and slavery none of this would have happened. But everything’s different since I saw Adam hanging from that tree. And since Felicity decided she didn’t love me based on my what my skin looked like.”
“No, son,” Ben said. “This isn’t your fault. You’re right. It’s time to set Adam free. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
The next morning, Ben was waiting when Adam came down to breakfast. As usual, Adam was the first one up.
“Pa?” Adam asked.
Ben looked at Adam, who had fully recuperated during the past months. He had much to be thankful for - if only this wasn’t so hard.
“Adam,” Ben said, handing Adam a box, “This is for you.”
Slowly, Adam opened the box and found Ben’s old compass from his sailing days.
“It’s for you son,” Ben said. “I understand you need to go up North. This will make sure you don’t lose your way.”
For a moment, Adam stared at the compass, speechless.
“Pa,” Adam said, “I don’t want to hurt you….I just….”
“I know son,” Ben said. “I felt the same way when I went to sea. Part of you wants to stay, but another part won’t let you rest until you leave. Just be careful.”
After breakfast, Adam saddled up and was ready to ride North.
“You stay out of trouble, Adam” Joe said.
“I will. And I’ll write,” Adam said, giving Joe a gentle hug. He still wasn’t sure how recovered Joe was.
“Watch your back, Adam,” Ben said.
“I will, Pa,” Adam promised, getting on his horse.
“You take care, Adam,” Hoss said, reaching up to shake Adam’s hand.
Adam rode out of
their lives as a gentle rain fell. But on the Ponderosa, one hand who had been
at
“I thought I told you never to come here,” John, the shopkeeper said.
“I know, but I got news. Adam Cartwright’s gone to join the Union Army,” the hand said.
John was so surprised he dropped the glass plate he’d been dusting. It shattered on the floor. Now was the perfect chance to get rid of Joseph Cartwright, in case he ever remembered the face of the man whose mask he had ripped off – John’s face.
“Put out the signal and we’ll meet tonight,” John said, “Good morning, Mrs. Smith, can I help you find something?”
Word traveled fast
around town. By
“I hear Adam’s gone,” Mitch said.
“Yeah,” Joe said, brushing Cochise listlessly. “It’s funny when Adam came back from college I couldn’t wait for him to go, and now that he’s gone again I hate it.”
“What are you doing here?” Joe asked. “I thought you had cows to round up.”
“I do,” Mitch said, “But when my Pa heard Adam was gone, he gave me the day off.”
“A day off, huh?” Joe said. “Maybe we could do some fishing?”
“Sounds good,” Mitch said.
That night, Adam made camp in a woods. After dinner, laying out his bedroll, and a final cup of coffee, Adam was ready for bed. He was almost asleep when a masked man holding a gun jumped out of the woods. Adam knew there was no way he could draw his gun in time to protect himself.
“What do you want?” Adam demanded.
“You have to get back to the Ponderosa,” the man whispered.
His voice sounded familiar to Adam, but he couldn’t place it.
“If you want to kill me, go ahead,” Adam said.
“I don’t want to kill you or I would have already,” the man said.
“Who are you?” Adam asked, standing up.
“A man who made a mistake and is trying to fix it,” the masked man said. “And if you move one more step I’ll leave and you’ll never save your brother.”
“What do you mean?” Adam asked.
“When Joe was fightin’ those men trying to save you, he ripped off somebody’s mask and saw their face. I know yer brother says he don’t remember it, but that not goin’ to save his life,” the masked man said.
“Why don’t you just turn yourself in and the others?” Adam asked. “I’ll put in a good word for you.”
“Because I don’t know who all the others are,” the masked man said. “All I know is staying in the group is the only way I can try to fix what I done. And watch yerself on the Ponderosa. At least one of your new hands is a member of the group, not to mention the Sheriff’s deputies.”
“What about Joe?” Adam asked.
“Keep a real close eye on him,” the masked man said. “Sounds like he’s going to have some kind of an ‘accident’ tomorrow. I’ve got to go, if anyone figures out I was here, it could go bad for my family,” the masked man said before disappearing into the woods.
Adam
rode Sport all night as fast as he dared. While he strained to keep on the
trail by the light of the moon, Adam wondered how could he have been so stupid
to leave Joe alone? What if he got there too late? Adam remembered Joe talking
about rounding up strays in the
Joe
went after breakfast to the
“Geez,
Cochise. You would have thought I was planning to build the whole Ponderosa
singlehanded,” Joe said. “Finally, Pa and Hoss let me out of the house and told
me to just search for strays till
Cochise whinnied as they rounded the bend.
Joe looked and saw a stray cow stuck in a pricker bush.
“It figures, Cochise,” Joe said, getting off his horse.
He put on his gloves as he went over trying to figure out the best way to free the cow. Joe was almost to the cow when a loud noise echoed above him. Looking up, Joe saw a pile of boulders rolling down a cliff toward him. Joe’s last thoughts were of darkness and not being able to breathe.
Adam heard the rock fall and forced an exhausted Sport to gallop. When he spotted Cochise by the rockslide, Adam jumped off his horse.
“Joe!” Adam shouted.
Adam looked at the pile of rocks praying for a sign where he should begin searching for Joe. If Joe was still alive under there, Adam only had minutes to find him.
“JOE!” Adam shouted again.
With a prayer on his lips, Adam looked up to find Cochise walking over to a bunch of boulders and whinnying.
Adam ran over and starting lifting rocks with all his strength. He was so intent on finding Joe, Adam didn’t notice the cuts on his hands. Finally, Adam found a crumpled white hat and a glimpse of a green jacket.
With the last of his strength, Adam pulled off more rocks, ignoring the pain in his arms. Adam pulled Joe out and collapsed next to him. With a prayer of thanks on his lips, Adam saw Joe was breathing.
Joe struggled to open his eyes. A blurry vision of Adam came into view.
“A-adam?” Joe whispered.
“Yes,” Adam said, “Everything’s OK.”
Looking around, Adam saw a man’s shadow for a moment on the cliff above them. Then the shadow disappeared.
Adam grabbed Joe and threw him on Sport.
“Come on, Cochise!” Adam shouted.
And they beat a retreat, back to the Ponderosa.
When they arrived, Hoss ran up to Adam, “What happened?”
“Joe got caught in a rock slide,” Adam said. “He’s banged up pretty good.”
“I’ll get Doc Martin,” Hoss said, running to the barn.
Adam looked around and saw ranch hands hanging around. Which one worked for the Sons of the South? Adam didn’t know, but he had to find out – Joe’s life depended on it.
Adam carried Joe inside, Hop Sing came bustling in.
“What happen Wittle Joe?” Hop Sing asked.
“He got caught in a rock slide,” Adam said.
As Hop Sing ran to get some water and Chinese herbs to help Joe, Joe regained consciousness.
“A-adam?” Joe whispered.
“Right here, Joe,” Adam said, holding a cloth to a bloody cut on Joe’s forehead.
“You OK?” Joe asked, “I was scared I couldn’t get you down from the tree.”
“I’m fine, Joe,” Adam said, with a lump in his throat. “Don’t worry about me. You’re the only one who got hurt this time. You got caught in a rock slide.”
“Everything hurts,” Joe grumbled.
“Some people will do anything to get out of fixing fence,” Adam said.
Joe managed a small grin.
“Why are you back?” Joe asked.
“I needed to be here,” Adam said.
“Owww, that stings,” Joe said. “Could you take that rag off my head?”
“No,” Adam said. “I’ve got to press it tight to stop the bleeding.”
“Same old stone-headed big brother,” Joe said.
“Your welcome,” Adam said.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Joe said.
“Me too,” Adam said, tying his bandanna around a deep cut on Joe’s arm.
“Adam, I’m glad I got caught in the rockslide,” Joe said. “I thought it was the Sons of the South again trying to get me, and I couldn’t get away and I couldn’t breathe and they wouldn’t stop…..”
“It’s OK, Joe,” Adam said. “Just rest...”
Adam knew then he couldn’t tell Joe about the Sons of the South. Joe wasn’t strong enough yet to hear the men who had disfigured him and almost killed him were still after him.
Somehow Adam had to protect Joe and stop the invisible enemy determined to kill Joe. Adam didn’t know how, but he knew with God’s help he would.