Girls, Guns, And Getting Grown

  Story 2

by DJK

Little Joe Cartwright saw the horse standing in the road and scanned the area for its rider. Seeing no one, he rode over and dismounted. Then he noticed the sidesaddle. The horse's rider was a woman. He looked for a brand on the horse's rump, but found none. Holding the reigns of both horses in his right hand, he held his left above the pistol on his hip and slowly searched the open area between the road and the forest. Suddenly a figure emerged from the trees. She came toward him at a dead run.  

"Joe!"

He recognized Helen McNally just as he saw a second figure step from the cover of the pines. 

"Helen! Get down!” Joe shouted as he drew and aimed. Helen continued to run; Joe caught the girl with his right hand, slinging her behind him as he distinguished the flash of a gun in the hand of the man who had followed Helen from the woods. He fired, but the shot went wild as he was grabbed from behind. He glanced down at the frightened girl who clung to him, and when he looked up again, the man was gone.

In all his sixteen years, Joe had never felt so at a loss as to what to do next. His eyes scanned the area for any further sign of danger. His left hand kept his pistol ready while his right arm cradled the weeping girl who clung to him. When he managed to distinguished Helen's garbled, "Take me home", he decided that was exactly what he needed to do. Holstering his pistol, he attempted to free himself from Helen's grasp. Suddenly he felt her go limp against him. He lowered her gently to the ground. For the first time, he realized that Helen was bleeding. Blood soaked the front of her pink blouse from a rent low on her right shoulder. He fought the panic that filled him. Then her eyes fluttered open as Helen regained consciousness. 

"Helen? What happened? I… everything will be fine, Helen. You'll be just fine."

Helen's voice was weak as she pleaded, "Take me home, Joe. I want my papa. Take me home."

"Sure, Helen, sure. Everything will be fine," Joe assured her. Needing something to help stop the bleeding, he removed his shirt, and folding it into a pad, placed it against the tear in her blouse. "Can you hold it there, Helen? You need to hold it there and press down. You have to, Helen.” Lifting the girl to her feet, he continued to support her with his arm around her waist. Whistling for Cochise, he continued, "I think you better ride with me. Cooch will get us there in a jiffy. Everything will be fine, just fine.” Joe managed to get Helen and himself mounted on Cochise. He raced Cochise as swiftly as he safely could with Helen cradled in front of him. Riding into the McNally yard, he searched for some member of her family. During the ride Helen had stopped crying and seemed to regain some of her normal composure. He and Helen dismounted awkwardly and stood for a moment.

Paul McNally had heard a horse entering the yard and walked out of the barn to greet whoever had arrived. Seeing a shirtless Joe Cartwright with his arms wrapped around his sister, he crossed the distance between them in a bound. Grabbing Joe's shoulder, he spun the boy around and delivered a solid uppercut to Joe's jaw.

Helen screamed and flung herself at her brother, "Paul! No!" 

Joe sat in the dirt where he had landed without the energy to even become angry. 

Paul turned catching his sister by the arms. Then he noticed her blood-soaked clothes. "My God! Helen, my God, what happened?"

Joe scrambled to his feet. "She's been hurt. Someone hurt her. She needs a doctor."

Paul caught his sister in his arms. "I want Papa!" he heard her mutter. He was in total agreement with her desire.

"I'll go for the doc," Joe began.

Paul interrupted, "My papa and brothers are just over in Collin's meadow. It's on the way. Go to them, Joe."

The idea of Ephraim McNally taking over appealed to Joe almost as much as the thought of his own father being in charge. He remounted Cochise and galloped off.

Reaching the meadow, he spotted the McNallys and raced to them shouting, "MR. MCNALLY! MR. MCNALLY!"

"Joe, boy, what's wrong?" Ephraim McNally reached out one hand to gentle Cochise as the horse came up beside him, and the other he placed on Joe's leg.

Alex McNally was the first to notice the blood smeared on Joe's hands and chest, "Joe, what happened?” His voice was more demanding.

"Who’s hurt, Joe?" Jeff McNally asked softly fearing the answer.

Struggling to gain enough breath, Joe stared down into the faces of Helen's family and managed to speak. "Helen. Helen's hurt. She needs a doctor. Paul's with her, but she needs a doctor.'' He paused and then looked into Ephraim McNally's eyes, "She needs you, Mr. McNally."

"Where?"

"At your house. I'll go…"

"NO.” Ephraim took charge. "No, boy, Cochise is spent." "So are you," he thought. "Alex, go for the doctor." Alex McNally was mounted before his father finished speaking. Ephraim turned to Jeff. "See the boy gets back to the house; I'm going to your sister.” Ephraim McNally was on Thor and galloping toward home in seconds. 

Jeff mounted, and he and Joe took off at only a slightly slower pace.

**********

Joe sat at the McNally dining table with his hand around a cup of cold coffee, trying not to think about the girl upstairs. Alex had arrived with the doctor in less time than Joe would have thought possible, but it had still seemed like forever. When he and Jeff had first arrived, Jeff had made Joe sit down and had put the then hot coffee into his hand. Paul had come downstairs still wearing a shirt stained with Helen's blood, and sat down beside Joe. Paul had mumbled an apology for punching him. Realizing that he had forgotten Paul's reaction, Joe had shrugged and accepted the apology. Jeff had brought a clean shirt for Joe, and the boy had automatically put it on. Then the three off them had waited in silence until the doctor arrived. With the doctor and Ephraim McNally caring for Helen, Joe and the McNally brothers continued to wait.

A knock on the door startled them all, and a full minute passed before Alex rose and went to open it. Standing in the doorway was Adam Cartwright with an irritated frown on his face. The frown deepened as he caught sight of his brother sitting at the McNally table. "I've been hunting for my little brother, and it seems that I've found him." Joe winced at the tone in his brother's voice. 

Alex McNally shook his head and reached out to place his hand on Adam's forearm. "Adam, there's an explanation."

Adam's gazed shifted from his brother to Alex's face. He became aware of the tension in the room, and asked, "What's happened?"

Alex drew Adam into the room as he started to explain. "Someone accosted Helen. Joe saved her and brought her home. The doctor's upstairs with her now."

Adam cursed himself silently for not recognizing the buggy he had seen in the McNally's yard as belonging to Paul Martin. Striding quickly across the room, he hovered over Little Joe demanding," Are you all right, Joe?"

"Nothing happened to me, Adam. Really, I'm fine," Joe declared quickly, "I'm sorry you had to come looking for me, but I just couldn't leave."

Adam's arm went around his brother's shoulders in a gesture that was half reassurance and half assessment of Joe's true condition. Satisfied that Joe was unhurt, he sat down in the chair that Alex had vacated. "Of course not, Joe."

Just then, everyone's attention went to the stairs as footsteps could be heard moving down them. Paul Martin appeared. Every man in the room sprang to his feet.

"Boys, she'll be just fine. Just fine. I've cleaned and stitched the wound, and I don't think there will be any infection. She lost a good bit of blood, but rest and fluids should take care of that.” The doctor watched the tension flow out of the faces before him. "Now, it'll be your job to keep her in bed and pamper her for a few days."

Alex McNally let out a deep sigh and then said with a rueful grin, "We have had lots of practice in pampering Helen, Doctor, so I expect we can handle that just fine."

Paul Martin grinned back at the young man. "And no complaining about your own cooking in front of the girl. I don't want her thinking she has to race back to the kitchen."

Paul McNally gave his elder brother a cheeky grin. "If she has to eat Alex's cooking, she'll be running down to the kitchen tomorrow."

Alex glared at his youngest brother and retorted, "Then we'll just put you on kitchen duty, baby brother."

Jeff McNally rolled his eyes and muttered, "From bad to worse. From bad to worse."

Adam laughed. "Seems we'll have to have Hop Sing send something over for Helen to eat if there's to be any hope of a full recovery.  Don't you think, Joe?"

Joe's eyes twinkled, "I guess we better send supper for everyone, or Helen's won't make it up the stairs."

Paul Martin thanked God that this time he could leave his patient's family with smiles on their faces. "Joe, Helen wanted to speak to you. I've given her something for the pain that will make her sleepy, so you best go up now."

Suddenly nervous, Joe looked at Adam. "Go on, Joe," Adam encouraged, "Then we'll head home before Pa can fret up a full head of steam."

Joe headed for the stairs and stopped as he realized he had no idea which room would be Helen's. Recognizing the reason for Joe's slightly puzzled expression, Jeff McNally stepped to his side and said, "I'll show you to Helen's room, Joe."

Joe followed Jeff up the stairs to Helen's door. Jeff knocked softly and then pushed open the door, motioning Joe forward. Joe entered the room and glanced around. Girlie was the word that entered his mind. The white and pink room was much more feminine than Joe had thought Helen's room would be, but then Helen is a gal, he thought. His eyes rested on the girl in the bed. Helen looked very pale and very young. Her father sat beside her, holding her hand.

Joe walked over and stood across from Ephraim. "Helen, the doctor said you're going to be just fine."

"Thanks to you.” Helen reached her free hand out to Joe. He placed his hand around hers and felt her fingers cling to his. "Are you okay?"

Joe smiled down at her. "Of course I am.” Joe could see the outline of the bandages beneath the bodice of Helen's nightgown, and a shudder ran through his body.

Ephraim saw Joe tremble and knew that the boy was starting to react to the events of the afternoon. "Helen will be just fine thanks to you, Joe.” His deep bass carried a reassuring tone.

"I'm going to be the envy of all the girls in town, you know," Helen said smiling at the boy.

"What?” The puzzled look on Joe's face drew a weak giggle from Helen.

"Well, Sugar, I got to have that handsome Joe Cartwright for my hero, now didn't I?"

Joe's blush brought a smile to Ephraim and Jeff's faces. Hearing the soft, slurry sound in Helen's voice and watching her eyes start to flutter, Ephraim decided it was time for her to sleep and saved Joe the trouble of an answer. "Helen needs to rest."

Joe nodded as he watched Helen's eyes close. Ephraim stood and escorted Joe to the hallway. Turning to Jeff, he said, "You will see Joe home."

"But, Mr. McNally..."

"No, buts, boy. You'll not be going home alone." Ephraim's tone was firm.

"Papa," Jeff interceded, "Adam came looking for Joe. He's downstairs now."

"Good. Go down and see to Joe's horse.” Ephraim put a gently restraining hand on Joe's arm. "Joe, there's no way I can thank you for what you did, son."

"No need, Mr. McNally, really," Joe quickly declared.

Ephraim McNally's voice softened and deepened, "Joseph, you acted as a man grown when my daughter needed you today. I thank the Lord for that, but you're not full grown, son. Let your Pa and brothers be there for you. Promise me."

"I promise," Joe replied softly.

Ephraim's eyes focused on the bruise darkening Joe's jaw, and the muscles of his own jaw tightened. Placing his hand gently under Joe's chin, he studied the mark. "Is this courtesy of my youngest son?"

"Yes.” Joe saw Ephraim's eyes darken. "It's fine, Mr. McNally. Paul's already apologized, and I've no hard feelings."

"Glad to hear that, but my son should know better."

"He thought… well, anyone might have made the same mistake," Joe offered.

Ephraim gave Joe a slight smile. "Paul seems to keep making it where you Cartwrights are concerned."

"Well, Helen was in Adam's nightshirt when Paul hit him," Joe grinned.

"So I've been told," Ephraim replied. "I do feel, Joe, that it's my duty as a father to convince Paul, if the occasion arises, to ask what's going on before he tries hitting the remaining Cartwright brother."

"True. Paul might catch pneumonia if Hoss dumped him in the water trough."

Ephraim chuckled, and Joe hoped his anger at Paul was gone. "Adam's waiting for me, Mr. McNally. Do you mind if I come by tomorrow to see how Helen's doing?"

"You're always welcome here, Joe. Take care now, and remember your promise."

"Yes, sir.” Joe turned and made his way down the stairs. 

**********

On the ride home, Adam kept Sport beside Cochise and a watch on his brother. He wanted to know the details of what had happened, but did not question the boy. If Joe was ready to talk, he would speak up; if not, then his own questions could wait until they reached home.

"Adam"

"What, Joe?"

"I didn't wash her blood off. Before I put on this shirt, I forgot to wash her blood off."

Adam wanted to grab Joe and hold him, but he simply said softly, "You can have a good, hot bath when we get to the house." Adam heard Joe's sigh and continued, "Helen is going to be fine, Joe. Paul was as confident of that as I've ever heard him be."

"Why would someone hurt her, Adam?"

"I can't answer that, Joe. I don't even know what exactly happened."

Adam waited to see if Joe would supply some answers of his own, but Joe said in a plaintive tone Adam had not heard in years, "Is Pa home, Adam? I want Pa."

**********

Adam had taken his little brother home to their father. Joe had told his family simply and briefly about coming upon Helen's horse and what had followed. By the end of the account, Joe had seemed so drained and exhausted that his father and brothers had not pressed him with questions. Hop Sing had seen that Joe was fed, and then Ben had hustled him off to bed.

When Ben came back to the great room, his eldest handed him a brandy. 

"He'll be fine, Pa, and Paul said Helen would be fine too," Adam said hoping to ease the concern in his father's eyes.

"Ephraim must be beside himself. When I think what could have happened, well, I just thank God that the two of them are safe.” Ben sank into his favorite chair.

"So do I, Pa. Those young'ns sure keep their guardian angels right busy," Hoss stated, trying to bring a smile to his father's face.

"Those two keep a whole battalion of guardian angels busy," Adam interjected.

"Now, son, your brother wasn't courting trouble this time.” Ben sighed. "At least he didn't go charging after the man."

"I reckon Roy will be going after the man who done it, " Hoss observed.

"With the McNally brothers at his side, I am sure.” After a pause, Adam added, "They'll need Joe to show them where it all happened."

"That is all he will do!" Ben declared firmly. "The boy will not take part in the search."

Adam and Hoss exchanged glances. "They'll be needing me to help with the tracking, Pa," Hoss said softly.

Ben looked at his middle son and silently cursed the boy's uncanny ability to track anything animal or human. He really did not want any of his sons pursuing criminals, but he knew that both Hoss and Adam would insist on riding with the McNally's. Well, they were both adults, and he would not forbid them as it was a job that needed to be done, but Little Joe was still a boy. He did not care if there were a dozen men against one, Joe would not be with them.

**********

The knock on the door sounded just as Joe came to the breakfast table. Hoss stood quickly. Going to the door, he answered it and then led Sheriff Roy Coffee to the dining table. After he was settled at the table with a cup of Hop Sing's coffee and a plate of sweet rolls, Roy stated the purpose of his visit. "Had word about the doings yesterday. Figured I'd come out and get Joe's story, and then he can show me where it all happened on my way to the McNally's."

"I really don't know much," Little Joe mumbled.

Roy exchanged a look with Ben and then continued, "Just tell me what happened, Joe."

Little Joe's story was brief and rendered in a flat voice. "I didn't go after him. I took Helen home. She wanted to go home," he finished.

"You did right, son," Roy stated firmly, "Going after that man is my job. You have no idea who he was?"

Joe shook his head, "He was too far away and in the shadows. He was a pretty big man, I think. That's all I can tell you about him."

"And you don’t know why Helen McNally was there or what exactly happened to her?"

Joe shook his head again. "I didn't ask. I just, well, I was thinking about getting her home and getting a doctor, and she was bleeding, and later, well, the doctor gave her something to make her sleep."

"That's fine, Joe. Like I said, you did the right thing getting the girl home and getting her a doctor. I'll be talking to Helen, and she can tell me about it first-hand. Well, after you eat up, we'll head out, and you can show me where it happened," Roy said and then took a swig of his coffee.

"I'm finished," Joe stated placing his napkin over his untouched plate.

Ben Cartwright reached over and removed the napkin. "You will eat some breakfast, Joe, while the rest of us finish. Then we will all head out."

Roy turned to look at Hoss. "You'll be helping with the tracking then?"

"I'll do what I can, Roy," Hoss said simply.

Adam added, "Hoss and I will be riding with you, Roy. I imagine the McNally brothers plan to do the same."

A look of concern crossed Roy Coffee's face as he answered, "Suppose so. Well, they got the right, but things are going to be done lawful."

"The McNally's are very law-abiding folk, Roy," Ben assured.

Ben's eyes settled on his youngest son. Joe had taken one bite of the bacon on his plate and then began pushing the remaining food around aimlessly. "Joseph, you need to eat," he admonished softly. 

Roy looked closely at the boy and then asked, "That bruise on your jaw, Joe, does it have anything to do with what happened yesterday?"

Joe squirmed and dropped his chin. "Paul misunderstood when he saw me holding Helen."

Roy shook his head and pondered the McNally temper as he sipped his coffee.

Ben looked at his youngest son and sighed. Little Joe had hardly eaten breakfast, despite his orders, and Ben knew there would be a fight ahead when Joe heard his decision about Joe not going with the posse. Ben sighed again. It was going to be a long day. 

**********

Hop Sing had made a few decisions of his own. As the Cartwrights and Sheriff Coffee mounted their horses, Hop Sing handed them several baskets and a few pronouncements. They were to take the food in the baskets to the McNally home for the immediate sustenance of the McNally clan, especially Missy Helen. He would tend to a few necessities here at the ranch, and then he would be going to the McNallys himself to set things in order and prepare dinner. Any Cartwrights not riding posse at dinnertime should be prepared to eat at the McNallys as he could not be expected to be in two places at once. By tomorrow, Hop Sing was certain the good women of Virginia City would have heard the story and started arriving at the McNally ranch bearing enough food to keep the McNally men fed decently until Helen was fully recovered.

With the care and feeding of their neighbors settled in Hop Sing's capable hands, Joe led his family and the sheriff to where he had found Helen's horse. Hoss went to work with the others trailing behind. They investigated the entire area from the road to a small clearing in the woods. The signs pointed to it being the place where Helen and the man had fought and she had been wounded. Hoss found tracks leading away from the site, and a fiery discussion began. Ben exerted his authority, and the group separated. Hoss and Adam would follow the tracks for a ways and then meet Roy and the McNally brothers at noon in Frenchman's Hollow. Ben, Roy, and Joe would proceed to the McNally ranch where Roy could talk to Helen and inform her family of the measures being taken to apprehend the man who had accosted her. Joe had argued heatedly that he was not needed at the McNally's and should go with his brothers. Ben had been adamant that Joe was coming with him. Adam and Hoss had wisely kept their opinions on the subject to themselves. The look in their father's eyes told them unequivocally that this was a battle that Joe had already lost. When Ben had grabbed Joe by the upper arm and reminded him of the consequences of disrespect and disobedience, Adam and Hoss had quietly mounted and slipped away. Joe had then mounted Cochise and followed his father and the sheriff to the McNally house radiating his displeasure the entire time.

**********

Alex McNally opened the door and invited the three visitors to step inside. Roy asked to speak with Ephraim McNally and stated his desire to question Helen. Alex led Ben and Roy upstairs while Joe carried the food baskets into the kitchen. Paul McNally was washing dishes. Joe sniffed. The air held the scent of charred food.

"What burned?” Joe asked setting the baskets on the table.

Paul turned wiping his hands on a towel he had tucked into the waistband of his pants. "What didn't?" he shrugged.

"Well, Hop Sing sent these," Joe stated gesturing to the baskets, "and he will be here in time to fix dinner." 

Paul grinned and walked to the table. Taking off the checked cloth covering the contents, he exclaimed, "The answer to our prayers.” He picked up a fluffy biscuit and took a huge bite.

"You're under orders to take a good share of that to Helen. How is Helen?" Joe asked as he rummaged in the other basket for a sugar cookie.

"Sleeping mostly," Paul mumbled around the remains of the biscuit as he reached for a cookie of his own.

"Has she told you anything?"

Paul shook his head. "If she told Papa anything, he hasn't said."

Jeff McNally walked into the kitchen. Spying the baskets, he made a beeline for them. "Stand aside, young'ns, this man needs some decent food."

"Sheriff's upstairs with Papa and Helen," Paul informed his brother as they both pulled Hop Sing's cooking from the baskets. 

"Good. Everything's ready for us to go with him when he's finished upstairs.” He had placed a slice of cold ham between two halves of a biscuit, and he ate with one hand while he continued to place dishes on the table.

Joe pointed to a covered crock. "The soup's for Helen, and she best get it if you want Hop Sing in a good mood while he's cooking dinner."

"Hop Sing's cooking dinner!’ Alex McNally exclaimed as he entered the room and proceeded to join his brothers in their impromptu meal. Relief brightened his features. "That's the best news I've heard this morning.” Alex lifted the lid off of the crock and sniffed.

"That's for Helen!" exclaimed both Joe and Paul.

"Okay! Set it on the stove to heat up, and I'll take it up before we leave.” Alex said picking up a biscuit instead.

"How is Helen?" Joe inquired softly. Alex ran his hand through his hair and exchanged looks with his brothers.

"She's been real quiet. Papa stayed with her all night. She's talking to the sheriff now.” Alex bit his lip and frowned. "She asked me to leave.” Joe could hear the hurt in his voice.

"It's probably, well, I ain't got any sisters, mind ya, but, well, I suppose there's some things that gals might not want to talk about around their brothers, well, just because they ain't girls," Joe offered.

"Your father is up there," Alex snapped.

"Yeah, well, Pa is a pa, and that's different.

"Joe's right, Alexander.” Jeff patted his brother on the shoulder. "You know there's times when you want a pa and not a brother."

Alex grunted. "Jeff, we best saddle our horses. Shouldn't be long before the sheriff's ready."

Paul took the towel from his waist and moved toward the door. 

"Where you think you're going?” Jeff stopped his younger brother by grabbing his arm.

"To saddle my horse."

"No reason to. Papa already said you're not going," Alex McNally intoned in his big brother voice.

"I'm going!” Paul twisted out of his brother's grasp and started toward the door. Jeff's long arm caught him around the waist. 

"Paul Conwell!” Everyone in the room stiffened at the sound; no one had noticed Ephraim McNally's entrance into the room.

Everyone in the room turned to face the two fathers standing just inside the doorway.

"I should go too, Papa.” Paul's eyes were locked on his father's face.

"It's settled. You will not be riding with the posse." 

Joe wondered how a voice could sound so much like granite.

Paul lifted his chin in defiance. "Why can't I go?"

Joe expected a statement about obedience or a remark about Paul's age and was startled when Ephraim walked over and placed his hand under Joe's chin. Turning the bruise on Joe's jaw to the light, Ephraim stated flatly, "That Paul Conwell McNally is why.” Then turning to the full power of his glare on his youngest son, he inquired, "Must I give you another reason?"

Paul dropped his eyes to the floor. "No, sir."

Joe looked at his own father. Ben gave him a glower that sent a clear message to his son. The matter of his going with the posse was settled, and Joe had better not forget that. Joe realized that if Paul, who was almost two years older than Joe, would be staying he had no hope of going either and wisely remained silent. 

"There are chores to do then. Get to them," Ephraim ordered.

"Joseph," Ben spoke for the first time. "You will be giving Paul a hand today."

"Yes, sir." Joe followed his friend out of the house. 

The two boys worked silently, even though their anger was at their families not each other. They had heard Paul's brothers leave with the sheriff, and Ben had come by to tell them he was going to tend to things at the ranch and return for supper.

Joe stopped working and looked at Paul. "We could saddle up and go."

"We could fight a tribe of Shoshone barehanded. The result would be the same," Paul answered slumping against the rails of the corral

Joe sighed. "My pa uses my full name when he's serious too," he stated mostly just for something to say.

"Papa only uses our middle names when he's angry.” Paul gave Joe a wry smile. "Actually, he doesn't like them."

"Your middle names?" Joe asked puzzled.

"Papa doesn't like any of our middle names."

"Then why?"

Paul grinned. "They were Mama's idea. It's a long story that has something to do with my brother Daniel's middle name being Constantine."

"Like the emperor?"

"Well, yeah, but it was my mama's maiden name too."

"Oh, that's why Adam's middle name is Stoddard.” Then a thought struck him. "What's Helen's middle name?"

Paul began furiously shaking his head. "No, I can't tell you. Helen would kill me. Even Papa doesn't use Helen's middle name. If he did, well, we'd send for the undertaker. Honestly, we would."

Joe laughed, but decided that as soon as Helen was well enough to be fair game, he would find out that middle name.

**********

"Mistel Joe!'

"Yes, Hop Sing," Joe called out.

"You and Mistel Paul come eat sandwiches. Come now. Hop Sing have much to do. Not wait on late boys.” The small Chinese man turned and went back into the McNally kitchen.

Joe rolled his eyes at Paul. "We better get in there quick."

"Fine by me," Paul answered. The two boys swiftly washed up and made there way into the kitchen. Ephraim McNally was already sitting at the table eating a large sandwich.

"Papa, how's Helen?" Paul inquired immediately.

"Your sister is doing just fine. Sit down, boys."

Paul and Joe took their seats and filled their plates. Then Paul cleared his throat softly and dropped his eyes to his plate. "Papa, I'm…I'm sorry about this morning."

Ephraim turned a stern face to his youngest son. "Then there will be no repeat of such behavior?"

"No, sir, there won't.” Paul raised his eyes to his father's.

"Then your apology is accepted, and no more will be said about it."

Joe squirmed and then gave Paul a slight I've-been-there smile. Paul cleared his throat again. "Papa, just what did Helen say happened?"

Ephraim paused and studied the two intent, young faces. "Helen was riding that little bay she's been schooling to the sidesaddle. She said she saw someone on the side of the rode and stopped to see if there was a problem. The man told her his horse had shied and thrown him and his ankle was hurt. He said he thought he could get back on his horse and head into town with a little help. Your sister went to help him, and he put a knife to her throat. He walked her into the woods. When she heard a horse on the road, she fought him. That's how she got hurt, but she got away. She saw Joe and ran to him. You know the rest.” Ephraim's posture had grown more rigid with each word of his tale. Joe knew that the only thing that had kept Ephraim McNally from the posse was the depth of Helen's need for his presence.

"Did she have any idea of who he might be?” Paul's stomach had started churning at the thought of what might have happened to his sister. He set his sandwich on his plate and fought the bile in his throat.

"No, but he knew who she was. Asked her if she wasn't the McNally gal from the ranch over near the river."

"Then he wasn't just a passing stranger," interjected Joe.

"Apparently not.” Ephraim finished his last bite of food and stood. "You boys have everything taken care of?"

"Everything's getting done, Papa. Joe's been a big help."

"One more thing to thank you for, son."

Joe quickly exclaimed, "No need, Mr. McNally! I'm glad to help. Neighbors should help neighbors."

"Well, you Cartwrights are mighty fine neighbors and very good friends," Ephraim said as he left the room.

"Do you think they'll find him?" Paul asked Joe.

"Hoss is the best tracker ever. If there's a trail to find, he can follow it."

"I don't think Papa told Alex and Jeff what Helen said happened," Paul muttered.

"Why not?" Joe sounded puzzled.

"If Alex thought what I just thought, he'd kill him."

**********

As Hop Sing had predicated, the preacher's wife sent word that Helen was in the thoughts of all the church ladies and should stay out of the kitchen as dinner would be arriving each evening for the next week.

They had waited as long as possible to serve Hop Sing's supper, but with Hop Sing, Ben, and Joe needing to return to the Ponderosa, it was decided that they could wait no longer. The meal had been a quiet one. No one mentioned the one thing that was on everyone's mind.

"Paul will see to the kitchen, Hop Sing. You just get your things together for the trip home," Ephraim announced as Hop Sing poured him a third cup of coffee. "You've done far too much already."

"You think Hop Sing leave dilty kitchen to boy. Hop Sing never left dilty kitchen in life not stalt now.” The small man shook his head fiercely and exited the room.

Joe watched amazed that the diminutive Oriental was not the least bit intimidated by the granite-hewn Ephraim McNally.

"It's no use, Ephraim. Hop Sing is never deterred. Is he, Joe?” Ben Cartwright chuckled.

"No, Mr. McNally. Nobody wins an argument with Hop Sing."

"But, Joe," Ben continued, "You and Paul can give Hop Sing a hand."

Joe knew his father was giving an order not making a suggestion. He and Paul were headed toward the kitchen when the sound of riders grabbed everyone's attention.

Ephraim was out the door in seconds followed by Ben, Joe, and Paul.

Alex and Jeff McNally rode into the yard. Ephraim was at his son's side before Alex dismounted. 

"Everyone's fine," Alex reassured before a word left his father's lips.

Everyone listening relaxed slightly. Alex continued, "We caught him. Sheriff Coffee is taking the bas…taking him into jail.” He turned toward Ben. "Adam and Hoss are helping the sheriff. They insisted we come and tell you all."

Jeff McNally spoke when his brother paused for breath. "Adam and Hoss plan to get a room at the hotel for the night. They said to tell you not to worry, and they'll see you in the morning."

"That's fine, boys, just fine."

Ephraim spoke for the first time. "Who?'

"Said his name was Jasper Pruitt. Didn't say much else.” Alex's tone was tense and flat.

Ephraim stared into his son's eyes. "What condition is he in?"

Alex stared back without answering. Jeff interjected, "He has a few bruises is all. He'll be fit for trial soon as the circuit judge gets here. Sheriff Coffee says that'll take a few days."

"Better get these boys to the table before Hop Sing throws the rest of that roast away," Ben urged.

Everyone moved inside to discover that Hop Sing had already set out two dinners.

Ben and Joe stayed long enough to hear a brief account of the posse's tracking and capture of Jasper Pruitt. Ephraim did not press for details. He planned to questions each of his sons privately. Ben held his tongue and gave Little Joe a look that had him holding his also. Ben planned on getting a detailed accounting from his own sons. When Hop Sing announced the kitchen was in shape and biscuits with ham waiting for breakfast, Ben and Joe said their goodbyes, and the three returned to the Ponderosa.

**********

Ben looked up from his ledgers when he heard the door open. Adam walked in, stopped to undo his gun belt, and then took a seat opposite his father's desk.

"Good morning, Pa."

"Good morning Adam. Where's your brother?"

"Hoss is in the barn. He intends to go straight to work. I'm here to make our report.” Adam's tone was slightly impudent.

Ben raised his eyebrow. "Then do a good job of it," he snapped reverting to the same tone he had used long ago with cocky seamen.

"Aye, aye, sir!" Adam replied and saluted.

"Adam!"

"Sorry, Pa.” Ben's face remained irritated, so Adam decided to quickly tell him what had happened. "Hoss tracked the man fairly easily. We caught up with him; he pulled his gun but apparently he gave having a gunfight with five opponents a second thought and never even fired. Hoss managed to keep Alex from breaking anything but his nose. We thought it best to get Alex and Jeff away from him, though. After we sent them home, Hoss and I helped Roy get him back to the jail. Really, he's the type who picks on those weaker than he and cowers when a real man comes along. Why, when Alex came after him, he actually, well, he lost all control if you know what I mean. I think the sight of him that way kept Jeff from beating him to a pulp."

"His name is Pruitt?" Ben relaxed against the back of his chair.

"Jasper Pruitt. Roy found paper on him. He's wanted for accosting a girl over near Carson City."

"Roy has sent for the circuit judge."

"Sent a wire last night. Answer came this morning. Judge will be here in seven days, so the trial will be a week from Monday. I told Roy we'd get word to the McNallys that Hiram will be out to talk to Helen on Tuesday. Paul said that she should be up to it by then and fine for the trial barring complications. I can ride over later this afternoon."

"I need you here, Adam. We'll send Joe after lunch."

There was a curt undertone still in his father's voice, so Adam simply said, "Whatever you say, Pa.” Then he asked, "How is the boy?"

"Joe's doing fine. We've talked several times.” Ben rubbed his hand over his face. "Thank the Lord that Pruitt is the coward you say his is. If he had fired at Joe…"

"Pa, Joe fine. Truth is, if Helen hadn't spoiled his aim, Joe would probably have put a stop to him then."

"Do you want your brother, who's barely sixteen, dealing with the fact that he killed a man?" Ben growled.

"No, Pa, I … Pa, it's the way things are; it's why you let Little Joe wear that gun. We may not like it, but, well, one has to accept the bad as well as the good about your home."

Ben gave Adam a wry look. "At least I had four years when I didn't have to worry about you and guns. Perhaps I should send Joe to college."

Several episodes from his college years, all of which his father knew nothing about, flashed through Adam's mind. He cleared his throat and said, "The East has its own hazards, Pa. Grandfather was there to keep me in hand. God rest his soul. Would you really want Joe on his own thousands of miles from us?"

Ben shook his head sadly and muttered, "If only Abel could have held on for a little longer."

"Grandfather and Joe. Now that would have been something." Adam grinned at the mental picture of his fiery little brother trying to convince his formidable grandfather that he was man enough to do as he chose.

Ben started to laugh, and Adam joined him. They laughed until they had to wipe the tears from their eyes. Then they went to work.

***********

Joe rode into the McNally yard and spotted Ephraim McNally near the barn. He rode over and dismounted.

"Hello, Mr. McNally," Joe greeted the older man.

""Hello, Joe."

"How's Helen?" Joe asked quickly.

"Doing fine, according to the doc. He was by this morning. Sleeping now."

"Oh, I didn't come to bother her. Pa sent me with a message. Here, he wrote it all out," Joe quickly explained and handed a note to Ephraim. “Hop Sing sent something too.” Joe drew a jar from his saddlebags. "He says it will build Helen up, ya know, after losing so much blood."

Ephraim took the jar and eyed the contents warily. 

"Hop Sing's had lots of experience building up folks, what with me and my brothers and Pa even," Joe reassured. "Doc Martin says Hop Sing's brews are better than lots of medicines. Hop Sing says put a big spoonful in some milk and heat it up, and make Helen sip it. It don't taste bad, so she shouldn't mind."

"Fine, son, we'll do that.” Ephraim smiled at the boy.

"Hop Sing said to ask if ya'll need him to do any cooking for ya." 

"Church ladies plan on sending so much for supper we'll have plenty for breakfast and lunch the next day, so tell him thank you for asking but no. In fact, I'm feared all my sons are gonna end up the size of Hoss.” Ephraim winked at Joe, and the boy laughed. "Paul's in the barn. Go say howdy while I read this and write your papa an answer."

"Yes, sir.” Joe quickly walked into the barn. He liked Mr. McNally, but the man still made Joe slightly nervous at times.

"Hey, Paul," Joe called out as he walked into the barn. Paul stopped working and greeted his friend. "Your pa told me to talk to you while he was writing my pa a note."

"You playing messenger for your papa?"

"Beats fixing fence with Hoss," Little Joe grinned. 

"Well, if Papa wants me to entertain company instead of doing chores, that's fine with me.” Paul grinned back at his friend, and they both settled themselves comfortably on some hay.

"Your brothers tell you about catching that Jason Pruitt?" Paul began.

"Not much. I ain't had a chance to talk to them alone and ask no questions," Joe replied. “Just know that he didn't put up much of a fight. Don't know why we couldn't have been there."

"Papa talked to Jeff privately and then to Alex. Neither of them said much to me. I do know Alex went after the guy and broke his nose. Hoss stopped him."

"Hoss would," Joe stated the obvious. Seeing the look that passed over Paul's face, he added, "Hoss wouldn't want Alex in trouble, Paul." 

"I know. Just wish I could have been there to get in a lick or two. She's my sister, Joe."

Little Joe was about to say he knew, but it occurred to him that since he did not have any sisters, he might not.

"He hurt some girl over to Carson. He was wanted there, but the circuit judge is trying the case here. Adam said I'll probably have to testify.” Joe fiddled with a piece of hay. “You ever had to testify?"

Paul shook his head. "Saw lots of people do it, though. I used to go watch Daniel in court."

Joe had not thought about the fact that Helen's oldest brother was a lawyer in Virginia. Maybe testifying wouldn't make Helen that nervous if she had been to court and watched trials. "Pa says to just tell the truth and not worry about it."

"Your papa's right, Joe," Paul replied in a cheerful tone that sounded forced.

"Don't do me that way, Paul."

Paul looked at Joe. Joe was his friend, but sometimes the fact that Joe was just his little sister's age made Paul feel protective. "It's just… it's nothing."

"Paul!'

Paul bit his lip. "It's just that lawyers, good ones anyways, can, well, they can twist things and ask questions that are hard to answer and kind of make a person wish they was somewhere else is all."

"Can your brother do that?"

Paul gave Joe a wide grin. "Daniel has a tongue you wouldn't believe. He can get the truth out of a liar and make the truth sound like a lie. Papa said he knew Daniel better be a lawyer by the time he was three."

Joe chewed his lip nervously.

"Don't worry, Joe. It's what Helen has to say that's going to count."

"Yeah, I really didn't see the guy."

"Your testimony just makes it so that some lawyer can't try to make out Helen's some crazy who cut herself and made up a story."

Joe jerked up indignantly. "Nobody would try to do that, Paul. Would they?"

"Naw," Paul shrugged.

"Boys.” Ephraim's voice carried throughout the barn. 

"Just keeping Joe company, Papa." Paul jumped to his feet as it occurred to him that his father might have expected him to talk and work at the same time. Joe scrambled to his feet also for it occurred to him his pa would have wanted him to at least offer to help Paul with what he was doing.

Ephraim sent his youngest son a stern look, but simply said, "Here's a note for your father, Joe. You boys have a good talk then?"

Joe took the note and placed it in his pocket. "Yes, sir, Mr. McNally. Does this need to go straight to Pa?"

Ephraim answered with a question, "If it doesn't?"

"I'll be heading out to help Hoss with some fencing."

"I'm sure Hoss will be glad for the help. The note can wait until you return for supper." 

Joe realized he had been dismissed. "I'll see he gets it, sir. Good to talk with you, Paul. Would you both give Helen my best?"

"Certainly, Joseph. Thank Hop Sing and your family for us."

"Sure thing, Mr. McNally.” Joe exited the barn and vaulted onto Cochise. Paul and Mr. McNally had followed Joe. He watched Helen's father enter the house and rode over to Paul.

"Don't think Papa's been away from Helen for more than thirty minutes at a time," Paul observed as much to himself as to Joe.

"Well, she is his baby girl," Joe said nonchalantly, but he bit his lip and wondered just how Helen was doing. "I best get to that fencing."

"Why ever did you ask Papa about the note? You should have just assumed you needed to ride home and deliver it right away. Your father might have decided it wasn't even worth you going out that late to help Hoss."

Joe gave a wry grin. "I should have thought of that. I guess your pa just muddles my thinking sometimes."

Paul laughed. "Papa always has had an effect on people. Mama said he could intimidate most people by the time he was ten.” Paul reached out and put a hand on Joe's arm. "Don't worry about testifying, Joe. You're not bad with your mouth yourself, you know."

"Can't argue with that," Joe declared as he tipped his hat and touched his heels to Cochise's flanks.

**********

Adam and Hoss saw Alex and Jeff McNally approaching and waited outside the doors to the Silver Dollar for the brothers to join them. When the four entered, Adam went to the bar for the drinks. If it had been only Alex and himself, he would have ordered a bottle, but since Hoss and Jeff were there, he told Sam to send over four beers. The men exchanged pleasantries while waiting for their drinks. By the time Adam had taken his first long sip, he had decided to have a serious conversation.

Adam fixed his eyes on Alex. "So how is Helen really?"

Alex set down his beer and studied Hoss and Adam's faces. "Physically, the doctor says she's doing better than could be expected. Papa says Hop Sing's tonic must be as good as Joe said.” Adam raised an eyebrow, and Alex continued, "She doesn't want papa out of her sight, doesn't really want to see anyone else, and answers with a word or two."

"The little gal's not talking." Hoss shook his head and exchanged a worried glance with Adam.

Jeff added softly, "Papa's worried about her and worried that one of us, " he shot a look at his older brother, " is going to come into town and beat that fellow to death or tangle with the sheriff trying. Papa gets kind of irritable when he's worried."

"Papa's afraid he'll kill the man when he actually sees him," Alex declared with a look at his brother.

"We could take bets on who actually starts a brawl in the courtroom," Adam drawled sardonically. “Of course, there might not be anyone willing to fight you about it. Joe's having nightmares, so Hoss and I wouldn't mind taking a piece out of Pruitt's hide."

"I heard the girl's family over in Carson don't want her testifying in no trial, but her brothers plan to be here for this one," Hoss stated.

"Where…" Adam started to ask.

"Talked to Roy when I was picking up the mail."

Adam looked at Alex. "How does your father feel about Helen testifying?"

"Doesn't like that she has to. My older brother's a lawyer, Adam. Helen will testify."

Adam leaned his chair back on two legs. "All Hiram needs to do is ask Helen what happened and then get out of her way. That girl can …"

"That's one of the problems, Adam. Right now you have to ask Helen three questions to get enough words out of her to make a sentence."

"The little gal ain't had much time to get over it yet," Hoss ventured. "Maybe after the trial and all, she'll feel better about it."

"I'm not so sure." Alex looked across the table at Adam. "Helen, well, now she knows we can't protect her from everything.” Alex reached for his beer and downed half of it in one swig; Jeff followed suit.

Adam heard himself warning Joe that Helen had three very protective brothers. She had grown up knowing she had four big brothers and a father few people would choose to cross. Adam reached for his own drink and sipped it slowly. He knew some of Little Joe's impetuosity resulted from the knowledge that people thought twice before taking on the Cartwrights.

"No one can be protected from everything, Alex," Adam commented to his friend

Alex gave Adam an ironic smile. "Guess what Papa has instructed me to do as soon as Helen's up and about?"

Adam raised an eyebrow but did not guess.

Alex continued anyway, "I'm to teach Helen to shoot. Seems I've gotten my way on that one."

Adam's rueful smile matched the one Alex had given him, "Make sure your pa doesn't notice how quickly Helen's learning.

Hoss suddenly had the feeling everyone else at the table knew something he did not. "What do ya mean by that, Adam?"

Adam looked at both of the McNally brothers and registered their almost imperceptible nods.

"Well, it's a secret, Hoss, but Joe already taught Helen to shoot. Her pa had forbidden it, but Joe didn't know."

"Little gal snookered him, did she?"

"Slick as a whistle," Adam replied with a grin. Hoss shuffled a few things in his mind and knew exactly when this had all occurred.

"None of ya told me.” Hoss sounded hurt.

Alex spoke up quickly. "I made them promise, Hoss. Our papa can't know. Not ever."

"Won't hear nothing from me," declared Hoss. He sighed. "This next couple of weeks is gonna be hard on them young'ns. We just got to be there for 'em and give 'em some time to heal."

"Hoss is right," Jeff declared softly, "Takes time to put some things to rights. Those two just worry things to death especially about the babies."

Alex glared at his brother and then sighed. "It would be easier if they had remained babies. If they still hadn't learned to walk, we might stand a chance when it comes to keeping them out of trouble."

Adam shook his head wearily and laughed. The rest of the table joined him.

**********

Little Joe tugged at his string tie and looked over at the girl waiting with him. Helen wore her Sunday dress and hat and a nervous expression. They had been told they could not be in the courtroom until they testified, so they had been placed together in a small room in the courthouse. Both Ben and Ephraim had tried to stay with them but had been sent out by the deputy. This was the first time Little Joe had seen Helen since the night of her being attacked. He had tried several times to start a conversation, but Helen had been uncharacteristically monosyllabic in her responses. Joe himself did not want to talk about their upcoming testimony or the events that had brought about the trial. He searched his mind for something to distract them both.

"Helen, how come ya never told me?"

"What?" Helen responded without looking at Joe.

"About your pa and Thor. Lord, girl, you're always going on about how Paul can ride, but if your pa had raced Thor on Founder's Day, we would have been eating his dust the whole time. I've never seen anybody ride a horse that way."

Helen looked straight at Little Joe for the first time that day. "Papa doesn't race."

"Not ever?"

Helen shook her head. "He only rides that way when there's a need. He just won't race."

"How come?” Joe asked sure there must be a story behind Ephraim's decision.

"Papa won't say. If you ask, you get a look that tells you it's not your business. Mama always said that he had his reasons and to leave it be." 

"But Lordy, Helen, he was like, well, like them Greek things Adam read about to me that are half man and half horse," Joe declared in sincere appreciation of Ephraim McNally's riding ability. He had never seen a man and horse move so impressively as when Ephraim was riding to Helen's side.

Helen smiled. "Papa is something when he and Thor go full out. Of course, Thor's has something to do with that."

"I should of told you we'd ride Thor when we raced instead of Sport," declared Joe. The desire to ride Ephraim's stallion had been growing in Little Joe since watching that ride. He figured he felt about it the way Helen had felt about riding Sport before she had tricked him into borrowing his brother's horse for a private race.

Helen shook her head. "Even if you'd said Thor, we couldn't have ridden him. Nobody rides Thor but Papa. I just wanted you to think riding Sport was your choice."

"I know the whole purpose of that racing was for you to ride Sport, but, Helen, riding Thor would really have been something. It would have been worth whatever your pa did to us."

"Joe, you aren't listening to me. Nobody rides Thor but Papa. That's not Papa's decision; it's Thor's.” Helen's flat demeanor was gone. Both she and Joe had forgotten to be nervous.

"Thor's? Are you telling me you haven't even tried to ride that horse?"

"Joe, Thor doesn't let anyone but Papa ride him. All the boys have tried, and all it's got them is bruises from Thor and a thrashing from Papa."

"Bet I could ride him," Little Joe declared with confidence.

"You don't mean that do you, Sugar? I thought your papa didn't let you bet.” A certain sparkle had entered Helen's eyes.

Joe saw it and grinned. "Your pa won't race, but he doesn’t mind if you and your brothers do?"

"He minds. We're not allowed until we're of age, actually." 

"Helen! You race all the time.” Joe had thought Helen had gotten in trouble on Founder's Day only because she had disguised herself as a boy and raced without telling her father.

"And I pay the consequences when I get caught.” Helen bit her lip and looked at Joe through her lashes. "So does Paul, and that's why Jeff never races."

Little Joe silently digested what Helen had told him. 

"Sugar, I said I wouldn't get you in trouble anymore," Helen said softly.

Joe chewed his lower lip and then said, "You never said you wouldn't help me if I decided to get myself in trouble.” Joe gave Helen a wry grin, "If you get in trouble too, well, I wouldn't have to feel too bad 'cause we'd just be even."

"I don't know, Joe. You could get hurt." A worried look had come over Helen's face.

"Did your brothers?"

"Not really. Alex sprained an ankle, Paul broke his wrist, and Jeff cracked a rib.” Helen frowned as she realized the extent of the list she had recited.

"See, nothing that ain't happened to me before."

"You haven't been caught disobeying my papa before. He'd see that you answered to him as well as your pa.” Helen's tone was serious. "Better think about that, Joe."

"I think this dance would be worth paying two pipers,” Joe replied his eyes glowing.

Before either one could say anymore, they were startled by the deputy's entrance. It was time for Little Joe to testify.

**********

Little Joe kept his eyes on Hiram Woods, whom he had known for years. He answered the prosecutor's questions truthfully and clearly. Then Hiram sat down and was replaced by the round, balding fellow with a moustache who Pruitt had hired as his lawyer. 

"Well, boy, let's just go over a few things," the defense lawyer began.

Little Joe bristled at the word boy and leaned forwarded in his seat.

"You saw a horse beside the road, is that right?"

"Yes.” Joe left off the sir he had used when answering Hiram Woods.

"You did not recognize that horse?"

"No."

"But you stopped. Weren't you afraid, boy, out there alone?” The lawyer emphasized the words boy and afraid.

"No! I wasn't afraid," Joe declared adamantly.

"I see; you were not afraid because you did not think there was anything to fear. Now, you saw a girl come out of the woods and run toward you, correct?"

"Helen ran to me, yes," Joe answered.

"Helen? Miss McNally is a friend of yours, is she?"

"Yeah, we're friends."

"Are just you and Miss McNally friends, boy?"

Hiram's voice rang out in objection. He had watched Joe's reaction each time Hugh Banton had addressed Joe as boy and wanted it to stop. "The defense counsel should address the witness with more respect."