Buried Alive!!!
It had rained most of the day. The ground was very wet and most of the work done on the Ponderosa had taken more energy than usual just to keep ahead of the problems the water caused. However, the night had a nice cool breeze and because of this, the windows had been left open to allow the fresh air to enter.
As the house slept, no one heard the slight sounds of someone slipping through a window. No one heard this person give hand signals to others to do likewise in different places. No one heard as these unwelcome guests went silently up the stairs to where the bedrooms were of the sleeping Cartwrights. But these men were not new to the Ponderosa; they even knew which steps made creaking noises and avoided them so that no one would be awakened prematurely.
Again hand signals were given as the men inside the house moved along the corridor and stood outside Joe’s bedroom door. They had decided that this was the weakest link in the Cartwright chain and so he became the prime target. They ever so quietly opened his door. Joe was asleep, peacefully dreaming, resting after a long day. The men surrounded his bed. The leader grabbed a strong handful of Joe’s hair and sat him up abruptly. Joe was dazed yet he was ready to fight. Having been raised with brothers, he was always prepared for pranks. But this was no prank; Joe soon knew it as his right arm was brought roughly back and held high up on his back. The pain shot through him and he arose from the bed without any fight. He was really shocked; he couldn’t see who these men were but he knew that there were several in the room. The one who had a tight grip on his arm growled a warning to Joe, “If you make so much as a loud groan, I will knock you stupid.”
Joe figured he would have to wait for his opportunity. Weakly, he asked, “Who are you?”
“You don’t need names; just know we mean business,” the brute answered. His mouth so close to Joe’s face he could smell the foul breath that only rotten teeth gave.“ You listen and you might just survive this…you will accompany us into the hallway and summon your family. When they come out, you best tell them that if they resist, you will be the one to suffer. If you do this correctly, then we shall move on. Now, move!”
Joe was pushed forward, but the grip on his arm was never lessened; in fact, it was even more raised than before and the pain was grueling. He could hardly get his breath! Who were these men, and what did the want? The door to his room was opened and he was suddenly in the hallway, shivering and trying to stay upright and withstand this torture. "Pa! Hoss! Come out here in the hallway! I have something to show you!”
Ben was mad that Joe was calling him into the hallway at this time of night. He was so tired and he figured that he had either had a bad dream or was cutting up with Hoss. He quickly opened the door. “What in the world are you up to Joe?” Ben was shocked to see his hallway full of people and his son Joe in such an arm lock that he could hardly breathe. "What is going on here? At this time, Hoss had joined his father and was feeling hurt that he could not help his brother. Someone was hurting his brother and he was helpless.
Joe shut his eyes, willing the tears that were in them to stop. But the pain was searing and he couldn’t seem to get a good grip on his feelings. Ben stood outside his door dressed in a nightshirt and stared at the men; he was trying to remember where he had seen them before but the hall was dark and they were in the shadows. The only one he clearly saw was Joe withering in pain. “Let him go!” Ben yelled. I’ll talk to you without you hurting someone. What do you want? Money? It’s downstairs; I will not stop you from taking it!”
“Mr. Benjamin Cartwright, we want more than money. We want to see you humbled, worried and downright scared for your life and that of your boys. You sit here in this nice house, never wanting for anything and you don’t care that others have nothing. So we are here to wake you up to the reality that your nice clothes, big house, large land are easily lost. We will just see how you feel after you are broke, homeless, and without perhaps one or two of your boys. Therefore, Mr. Ben Cartwright, we are going downstairs to negotiate just what that prize package would be. Don’t try anything funny, do not attempt to attack one of us, and for heavens sake, do not cause us to do more than originally planned to do. Now, nice and easy.”
While all this was being said, Joe was trying desperately to stay conscious as the pain was working on his brain. It was making the darkness of unconsciousness fade in and out. As the man holding him stepped ahead, he pushed Joe and Joe lost his footing and stumbled. The man roughly grabbed him up and in doing so, there was a loud snap!Joe cried out and the darkness moved in. The pain had won.
However, with this new circumstance, the man holding Joe was now left with a lifeless person in his grip and this really made him angrier. He cursed, and, with a swift movement, he picked Joe up and threw him over the banister to the hard wood floor below.
Ben cried out, “Joe!” Ben could see that Joe was hurt bad; blood was pooling around his head and his arm was at a funny angle.
The man who had been holding Joe spat at Ben and said, “Would you like someone else to go over the banister…it can be arranged…in fact that way we can get this over with swift and easy. You tell me. Or show me you have learned from this, and decide to play smart and realize that we mean business and go downstairs, NOW!
Ben and Hoss quietly went down the steps, both looking at the deathly still body of Joe as they went, willing the boy to fight and not die. How bad was he hurt? What were these men after? Would this please end soon so that they could get medical help for Joe and summon the sheriff to start tracking them down?
The man motioned for Ben and Hoss to sit on the davenport. He was pacing the floor and seemed to be thinking. He gave new hand signals to two of the men. They approached Joe and roughly picked him up and carried him out the front door. Ben began to ask where they were taking him but realized that they wouldn’t tell him. It would just get them riled up again and he wanted this over with as quickly as possible. These men were acting like wounded animals and this made them even more frightening and twice as dangerous. Ben had not seen where they had taken Joe and he was concerned that perhaps he was no longer breathing.
Hoss began to yell at the men. “Hey, I want to know where you have taken my brother. You’re not scaring me into submission. I will get you for this.”
The leader turned around suddenly and locked eyes with Hoss. He heavily walked over to where Hoss was sitting on the couch and growled, “Don’t worry, Horse; you may not be scared now but I assure you that before the sun rises, you will be praying to God that he just ends your life mercifully because you will be in terrible pain. But for now, I want you to crawl on your hands and knees over to the table and bring me one of the chairs; don’t try any tricks because four guns are trained on you at this moment and they will all fire if you zig the wrong way. Bring the chair to me!”
Hoss went on his knees and crawled to the table. The chairs that they had enjoyed many meals on were heavy and of such good quality that Hoss had real difficulty bringing it across the floor to the man. But finally he had accomplished his deed and the man signaled for him to get back to the table and get one more chair. Hoss was breathing hard when he had both chairs in front of this man and was permitted to sit back up on the settee.
"Take this rope, Daddy, and tie those chairs together, TIGHTLY! Then both of you take a seat on these chairs. We will make sure that you are both quite comfortable. But first, Ben, I want the vault combination! Frank, get over to the vault and do as he tells you. Slowly, Ben; we would not want to hurt you for giving us bad directions.”
The large safe was hidden behind a beautiful picture above his desk. It had been put there three years ago; it was a gift from Adam. Ben was very proud of the modern devise and enjoyed the added safety it allowed. Few knew it existed but apparently these men knew. Frank moved the picture easily and was waiting for Ben’s directions. Ben was really not as concerned about being robbed as he was in finding his son and making sure he was alive.He freely gave them the combination.
The safe opened with ease and the man called Frank whistled as he saw what all was in the safe. "Hey Boss, we sure hit a jackpot with this. I bet there is 7 or 8 thousand dollars here. Bonds, and they're worth a lot, plus the deed to this property! Jewelry! A beautiful watch! Several rings, including two big diamond rings.” He whistled again.Mr. Cartwright I hope you put no sentimental value on these things because you have seen them for the last time….no one man should have this much while others are poor. But it’s over now…you will have lost a lot tonight and no one will care. No one except you!”
Ben, in the meantime, was not even tuned into this nut; he was deep in thought, trying to figure out who these men were. He was wracking his brain and trying to review people who he had dealt with…he felt it had to have been recent. If he could just remember who they were he might be able to figure out the why.
**********
Joe felt wet. He was nauseous and he could not see anything. Blackness surrounded him. It was so quiet but chilly.He tried to remember where he was but he was so lost. He was so confused and his head hurt so bad he was dry heaving and tried not to move any more than he had to. Perhaps then the night would end, he thought, and I will be able to get a grip on where I am.
Just then, he heard voices, and again, he couldn’t make out what they were saying.<As he moved his head to listen, he felt a great stab of pain; it ran down his collarbone to and through his arm. This pain brought back how he had been hurt. He was certain that his right arm was broken; it throbbed, and was very swollen. It hurt like hell! His head felt like lead. The cold was getting into his bone and he tried to rub his hand over his sore arm. But his movement was vastly restricted and his hand hit something hard. Joe placed his hand on the surface of where he was and realized it was wood. Then he continued to feel the sides and suddenly realized that he was in a coffin, buried ALIVE!
Panic was the first emotion that Joe had to deal with. He was buried in a box and he had no idea where, or how far down the grave had been dug. The damp earth was moving in on him and he was confused as to how he had gotten here. Fear is the worst enemy that a person can have and Joe had fear in his heart.The tears welt up in his eyes and ran down the sides of his face. Who would do such a horrible thing to someone? Who could take someone out of their home, and bury them alive? Joe had no real enemies…sure there were boys that were jealous of him; he liked the women and often stole girls away from budding love but they wouldn’t go to such lengths to get even. As he thought, he began to shake, every nerve seemed to be exposed and the fear in his heart grew to monumental proportions. He was really on the edge of shear panic…his heart was pounding so hard and fast that he was sure it would come out of his chest.
Joe screamed. He screamed and screamed. Then he began to claw at the wood. Perhaps they hadn’t sealed the coffin! Perhaps they were just kidding and if they heard him screaming, they would open it up so he could escape. Joe lay there screaming, yelling, “help” and clawing at the wood. Splinters broke off under his nails and he was so frightened that he didn’t realize that he had his broken arm up clawing at the wood as well. "Oh, God”, he prayed, “please have mercy! Lord, I promise that I will be a better person…just let me please survive this and …….”
All of a sudden, Joe remembered that the men were probably still at his home and maybe they were hurting or perhaps had killed his family. This filled him with renewed rage. He was so angry, and in such pain. He screamed again hoping that someone would hear him. But soon he lost the fight and again the darkness over took him and he was quiet. Death was approaching but Joe was defenseless; he just couldn’t beat the pain.
*********
Hop Sing stayed in the shadows. He could hear the terrible things that were going on.The commotion that surrounded his boss and son was very frightening. He had seen Little Joe thrown from the balcony and he was afraid he was possibly dead. But rather than make himself seen, he decided to stay hidden. He would wait and see if he could either go for help or try to help them himself. Whatever his boss wanted him to. The men had been in his kitchen several times and had taken some of the knives and utensils that were new. This really irritated the little man and it was all he could do not to shout some obscene Chinese slang to them. But he controlled his anger. His family was in trouble and he knew he was about the only one who could help.
**********
Joe wasn’t sure what had awakened him, either the pain in his arm, which was overwhelming, or something
outside. But he lay real still, and the fears that he had began to rise in his throat again. He said to himself, “Okay, so you’re six feet under, you are getting colder with each passing minute, and your arm is so swollen you can no longer move it in this cramped space. What should I do?” With this said, Joe again turned to prayer. ”Please, Father, let me survive this! Give me the strength I need to endure this punishment and please let my pa and brother be okay.” If we only knew why? If we only knew who? Perhaps we could make some sense of this…..but Joe was lost. His mind raced and he found himself remembering things….good and bad. It seemed that God was with him, and Joe calmed down and reviewed some of the wonderful times in his life. The faces of the many sweet women he had known, his friends who he had grown up with. Then it hit him! He knew the voice he had heard in his room that night. knew who was the leader of this gang. He remembered this individual with hatred. Billy Clay!
Billy was two years older than Joe. He had quit school earlier than Joe simply because they had no more to teach him…..he said he knew it all. Joe at the time was so frustrated with school that it all made sense to him. He asked his father also if he could pull out of school early. Ben, at first, would not even consider discussing it with his young son, but after Joe had been relentless in asking and giving good reasons why it would be better for all that he quit, Ben finally agreed. However, Ben had a long serious talk with his son. He told Joe that if he really wanted to quit school and not heed his or his brother Adam’s advice to stay in school and graduate, then there would be very strict rules developed. Joe would be expected to do a man’s job and there would be little time for playing around. His trips to town would be limited and only be for work. Joe had been very relieved that he no longer would have to sit in school and it had been very easy for him to agree to his father’s terms. But Joe soon learned that whether you are sitting in classroom or catching strays, you are constantly learning and being tested.
As he laid in this “grave”, Billy Clay’s face was vivid in Joe’s eye. He tried hard to remember exactly what he didn’t like about Billy. Joe remembered that Billy seemed always bigger than life and Joe just knew that he meant trouble. It seemed that Joe had been avoiding “Billy’s kind” all his life and yet they always seemed to find him.
Again, Joe could feel the panic rising in his throat; would anyone find him or would this really be the end?
*********
Ben and Hoss were both lost in thought. Both imagining the worst. But in all honesty, they needed to worry about themselves a little. They were tied very securely together and the chairs were tilted in such a way that, with the slightest amount of movement, the chairs would fall over and the string holding the chairs would trigger a rigged fire -- oil soaked rags and explosives that would truly involve the ranch house in only moments…. most likely taking Hoss and Ben with it. But try as he might, Ben couldn’t think straight; he was so overwhelmed with sadness because he felt like he had no control and could not help his sons.
Hoss was getting more frustrated than he could control, and he started to threaten these animals that just seemed hell bent on destroying his world. ”If I catch you, I will show you why you shouldn’t tie people up and hurt others. This will not be over until I see you either locked up for life or hanging from a rope. If my brother is hurt or dead…….” He never got a chance to finish this sentence as the world around him went black. He was hit on the back of the head by the butt of Billy’s gun.
“Shut up” Billy growled.
This greatly affected Ben as Hoss went limp and now he had to hold both their chairs upright. He cursed under his breath and watched the men as they prepared to call it quits and leave. After the front door closed, he heard the horses whinnying and the pounding of hooves as he knew that the horses were let< go from the barn; he also heard the whoosh of fire, as the barn was set alight. Ben felt like crying. God, please help me! Don’t let these men get away with this and if there please help me! is any way that you can help Little Joe please do. HE needs you, Lord.
*********
Joe, trying to figure out how to help himself, must have fallen asleep. He awoke to something cold. It was so dark inside this box he couldn’t see his hand in front of his face but again he felt something wet hit him on the face. He wiped his face with his fingers and tasted them. Water! It was water! Where could it be coming from? Perhaps he wasn’t 6 feet under. Perhaps he was just in this box! With this thought, Joe began to kick the lid of the box with his shoe. Each kick hit with a thud…..dashing his hopes that something wasn’t holding the lid down. As Joe kicked, he began to realize that more was wrong with him than just his arm. His chest hurt and the exertion of kicking was quickly taking its toll. However, he continued to try to figure out where the water was coming from. Joe ran his hand around the lid, inching his way from one end to the other and realized that the wood used for this “coffin” was extremely thin and that the water was simply sifting through the pores of the wood. But if the wood was thin, then it couldn’t be holding up too much dirt. It would cave in. This is all the stimulus Joe needed….he immediately began to claw, scream, and yell for help once again while trying to break through the wood. Kicking, clawing and butting. Tears were streaming down his face; the pain was so terrible but the survival will was greater. He lifted his two legs up as far as he could as he tried to use them as leverage in lifting the lid. Once or twice he heard loud cracks but there had not been any real movement.
Joe was thirsty and tired, and yet he was not ready to give up. He kept hearing his father saying to him, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again!” I’m trying, Pa! Please be okay! I’m trying to get out of this; it’s<just taking more time than I figured. He began to sob. Pain taking over his feelings! He didn’t want to die this way! He wanted to grow old with the love of his life, with at least 4 or 5 children. But instead, he was<in an “early grave” and not even strong enough to dig his way out.
**********
Silence had been predominant for the last 15 minutes or so. Ben was pretty sure that their “guests” were gone. He was still supporting both of their chairs and was watching the door expecting either one of the men to come back or a gun to go off.
Instead, he saw Hop Sing. He was crawling on the floor and quietly trying to approach Ben without being seen. Ben whispered, “Hop Sing, are you alright?”
“Yes, Missa Cartlite, I am fine! Bad men gone! Where they take Joe?”
“I don’t know but wherever it is he is in bad shape and we must find him. Go and get a good knife and try to untie us. Hoss is really out.” Ben was beside himself with anger.
Hop Sing got a good knife and returned to the living room. He cut away the oil soaked rags and tied the end of the string on the banister of the staircase. He went to Ben and carefully cut the ropes holding his wrists and ankles. The ropes had cut deep into his skin and Ben could feel the blood rush in to his hands. Any longer and he may have lost some fingers or perhaps his whole hand. Hoss was laid down on his side and his bonds also released. Ben got a cold compress and held it onto Hoss’ head and got the smelling salts to bring him around. It took three or four passes of the salts to finally bring this large boy back into the world. He was extremely groggy and could hardly keep his eyes open. Ben was really afraid that he had suffered a bad concussion. He decided that Hoss would not be on a horse today. He would have to rely on himself and Hop Sing to get the doctor out there and notify the sheriff.
Ben called Hop Sing and sat down with his friend, asking him if he felt that he could leave the Ponderosa quietly, as those men may be watching the house and may come back.They had to get on the way to finding Joe and couldn’t miss anymore time.
Hop Sing readily agreed and went out back and started to go the back way to the town.He usually went by horseback but now that most of the horses had been shooed away. He could only hope that he would find one on his way. As he went around one of the corners, he was surprised to see Cochise. He quickly threw his body over the horse and they flew the entire way into town.
Hop Sing was holding on for dear life and the horse seemed to know it. He tried not to take too many jumps and no sharp turns, and soon was at the railing outside Sheriff Coffee’s office, none worse for wear. Hop sing jumped down and ran into the office.
Clem was sweeping the office and looked up to see Hop Sing. He knew almost immediately that there was a problem. Hop sing was breathing hard and rattling in Chinese so loudly that Clem couldn’t even get a word in edgewise. “Hop Sing, Hop Sing! What is the problem? Sit down, and take a deep breath.” He handed the cook a cup of water.
Hop Sing grabbed his arm. "Please, please you must find the Sheriff and let me talk to him."
Sheriff Coffee is not here. He is in Placerville. He had to testify at a trial and he won’t be back until tomorrow evening.”
“No good! No good!” said Hop Sing. “Missa Cartlite need help now! Men, bad men, broke in to house, stole much money and hurt Little Joe and Missa Hoss. Missa Ben needs to find Little Joe!”
“Whoa, Hop Sing. You are telling me that man broke into the Ponderosa and hurt Joe and Hoss and stole money? But they took Little Joe with them?”
“Yes! Yes!” screamed Hop Sing. “Missa Cartlite ask Hop Sing to get Sheriff and posse and come quietly….men may not be gone!! But we must find Little Joe!”
Clem by this time had his gunbelt on, and helped Hop Sing up. He told Hop Sing to sit on the porch; he would go round up some men. He walked across the road to the saloon and went inside. Soon he >emerged with five men, all walking quickly toward Hop Sing. Clem, deputized them all, and then they were given instructions to leave town at five minute intervals, to approach the Ponderosa from the back and knock at the door three times and stop, and then knock two more times again. If they had any sightings of things out of the ordinary, they were to still go to the house, making a mental note where it was and report it to the men at the ranch. They would investigate it together.
Doc Martin, also, had been talked to. He said he would also go to the Ponderosa but it would be only after all the men had gone.
Cochise was pawing the ground again as Hop Sing remounted in his unconventional way and they were off again like the wind. Hop Sing could feel why Joe had such a feeling for this horse he was swift, gentle, and responsive. Hop Sing had no concerns he felt safe and rode the steed well. Cochise was on a mission.
As they approached the Ponderosa, the smoke of the barn was strong and the area around the Ponderosa seemed totally destroyed. Hop Sing quickly jumped off Cochise and ran into the house. Ben was very glad to see him. He asked him if he had been successful in getting the sheriff and Hop Sing told him about Sheriff Coffee being gone….but that Clem was on his way with a five-man posse.
Ben seemed to be satisfied with this and returned to Hoss. Hoss was lying on the couch and was asleep. Ben was worried about him, as Hoss didn’t seem to be able to stay awake. Ben had been fighting with him for the last hour to stay awake. But to no avail.
Clem knocked on the back door and Ben quickly opened it and helped him in. Clem could see the extreme exhaustion on Bens' face and he was concerned with his wellbeing. “Ben, you okay?”
“Yeah! I’m fine! Just frustrated that they hurt Joe very badly, and threw him over the banister. Then to top this all off, they took him out and we haven’t seen him since. Hoss was hit on the head, as he became so angry with their attitude. But Clem, I’m afraid that Joe is in real danger and they will not stop until he is dead.”
Clem, hearing the knocking at the door, went quickly and let in the first of the posse.They said that their coming had been uneventful but that they had seen Cochise pawing the ground. They wanted to know if they should go and tether him down. Ben said yes. He returned to Clem and proceeded to describe who the hoodlums had been.
“Ben! Ben! You need to come here! I don’t know what I’m hearing!” cried the man from the posse. Both Ben and Clem ran to the back door and saw the posse member shaking his head. "I have tried to bring that horse back here twice and each time he breaks free and runs right back to the same place. He then stands and paws the ground.I wonder if he’s sick!”
Ben and Clem followed the man to the clearing where the horse stood. The ground was muddy and was quite messy. It was always the last to dry when the spring brought many hard rains and this month was the worst for the rains. It had been raining on and off for the last two weeks. The horse was pawing the mud. And when he saw Ben, Cochise whinnied and jumped around and pawed the ground.
Ben went over to Cochise. Talking soothingly to the horse, he rubbed his nose and tried to calm the horse .However, as he was doing this, he heard a noise. It was muffled. It sounded like a voice in great distress. He couldn’t seem to figure out where it was coming from…he walked around the parameter of the clearing and listened. Cochise continued to paw the ground. Ben returned to the horse and leaned down to the ground. Yes, the sound was coming from the ground.
"Clem, grab a shovel and come over here.” Clem brought the shovel and Ben quickly began to shovel the mud and dug almost relentlessly, breathing hard and sweating. Clem joined him and Hoss, having awakened and finding the situation. began to dig on his hands and knees. "Joe! Joe! Are you in there?” called Hoss. "Joe! If that is you, don’t worry! We’re coming. Keep pounding and making noise! We will get you out.”
**********
Joe was screaming. Fear had once again taken over his mind and he was really in a panic. It was so hard to breathe. He was suffocating and he just was so scared. It was so ridiculous. Him being buried and no one knew where. “Help! Help! Lord God Almighty, please help me.”
Joe heard a noise! He stopped and listened. Yes, he could hear something. All of a sudden he heard a scrapping sound. Again. Again! They have found me! Hurry! I need to breathe!
**********
Ben heard his son. His heart was soaring! He was only minutes away from finding his son and he was so happy.
The box was uncovered quickly and then the lid was lifted. As the lid was removed, the men gasped at what they saw. Joe was laying there, blood covering his body; he was filthy and his eyes were solarge and the fear was so real.
Joe cried out and took a deep breath. He couldn’t move! But he screamed and screamed! He was free! Exhaustion won out and he let the blackness engulf him. The reality was just too much.<O:P>
*********
Doc Martin arrived shortly after Joe had been carefully removed from the pine box in which he had been buried. Hoss had carried him upstairs and laid him on his bed. It didn’t matter that he was a mess…they just wanted to get him comfortable. Ben undressed him. Joe had been barefooted and wearing only his nightshirt, which was all that needed to be removed. Ben quickly wiped him down with a warm washrag and soap. He wanted to see just where the blood was coming from. Head wounds always bled a lot and could make it difficult.
But Ben just wanted to get by this terrible night and get his life back. Doc Martin entered the room and put his hand on Ben. "Please go and lay down for a while.I will check the boy out, fix what I can and let you know what has to happen….but Ben, you need to rest.Take this.” He gave Ben a small pill. "That will help you rest. I will be here, don’t worry.”
Ben really didn’t want to leave Joe but he took the medicine and went to his room. Joe was in good hands.
As Doc Martin looked at Joe, he simply shook his head. “This poor kid has been through hell. Give me the wisdom to help him, Lord.”
**********
When Ben opened his eyes, it was dark outside. The window to his room was closed and the curtains were drawn. He sat up and rubbed his face. He was trying to figure out whether what he remembered was a dream or had actually taken place. He walked over to his dresser and saw the reflection of a man who was drawn and ashen. Ben was bone tired and he knew that he had to get control over his nerves or this event could end with him not in command and Adam would have to come back and take over. He really didn’t want that; it would destroy his son. He ran his hands through his hair and pulled on his shirt then reached to open his door.
Ben opened the door just as he heard a blood-curdling scream, and he joined Doc Martin and Hoss as they headed for Joe’s room.When they opened the door, Ben was horrified to see his youngest son. He was covered with sweat, he had several bandages on his head & shoulders and his arm was heavily bound close to his body. His eyes were so wide. The fear that he could see on Joe’s face reached into Ben and gripped his heart.
"Pa! Pa!” Joe continued to scream.He looked right through Ben.
Ben didn’t even seem to be in the room. He just stood there, frozen in time. Ben knew they were going to have a long and time-consuming job getting the old Joe back….but thank God they would be able to try.
Hoss and Ben quickly approached the bed and gently sat down on opposite sides of the bed. Ben spoke soothingly to Joe telling him that it was all over, that he was safe and that the hell he had been subjected to was finished.
Joe slowly began to relax, and collapsed back on the bed, closing his eyes. He grabbed his father's hand and then Hoss’. He was so glad to be here but he just couldn’t forget the horror that he had been in .He closed his eyes and let darkness over take his brain. He figured that if he couldn’t see he wouldn’t think.
>Ben and Hoss sat there until they realized that Joe was asleep. Ben asked Hoss to stay with Joe as he talked to the Doctor. Together they went down the stairs and the Doctor told Ben that, surprisingly, Joe had not faired too badly having been thrown from the balcony. He attributed this to the fact that Joe had been unconscious and had not tried to stop his fall. He had a slight concussion, several lacerations on his head and face. His arm was broken in two places and he had had to remove three of Joes’ fingernails as they were encrusted with splinters of wood that would become infection prone and could spell trouble. He felt that the nails would regenerate. He gave Ben some pain medicine, looked at him, and gave him a bottle of elixir that he felt would give Ben a good boost to his system. Hoss was fine. He had not suffered with a concussion but was not to ride for two days just the same.
"Sheriff Coffee will want to talk to you all,” added the doctor. Clem and the posse have been out ever since I arrived on the scene. He has been checking in often and had so far had no luck tracing the gang. The bank has wired ahead to all other banks and they were told not to cash any of the bank notes that they had you sign. They are just hoping this would be the way they would slip up and make themselves available for being caught.”
Doc Martin added that he was most impressed with how Joe’s horse had been able to feel Joe’s presence and helped in saving his life. "Wow! That is one for the record books. We could have been hunting for that kid for months and he would have never been found but good old Cochise saved his master’s life. That horse deserves a double ration of oats for that!!!"
Ben accompanied the doctor to the door and, as he opened it, he was reminded of the terrible events of the day. He saw the smoldering remains of their barn. It had burned very hard and the smoke was thick in the air. He walked across the front of the house and kicked at the ashes. He looked at the doctor.
The doctor just looked at Ben and said "I’m sorry, Ben. But at least you all are safe. We will all help you rebuild your barn and you will get past this. Just be grateful for small things.Your boys are safe, your home was spared, your cook is brilliant and Joe’s horse is special. You definitely have a lot to be thankful for.”
Ben smiled. He knew the doctor was right…but he just failed to understand “why” he had to experience this to make it known to him. Perhaps he would never know. Ben returned to the house and slowly climbed the stairs. He returned to Joe’s room and sat down in the chair by the window. He would remain here until Joe awoke again.
The cool air came in and the night was cool. Silence was bliss and sleep was escape. They would face tomorrow…tomorrow!
**********
“Pa! Pa! PA! HELP ME…. I CAN’T BREATHE! “
Ben, who was still sitting in the chair near Joe’s window, was awakened abruptly as Joe was trying to come back from the terrible darkness that surrounded him. Moving quickly around the bed, he took Joe’s hand and whispered to Joe. “It’s okay, son! You are in your room, in your own bed! Safe! Can you open your eyes, Joe? Come on, it is okay. The sun is rising and the breeze is sweet and if you listen carefully the birds are singing. Joe, open your eyes.”
Joe was so afraid to open his eyes. He had done it several times only to be faced with total darkness and despair. What if what he was hearing was just “wishful thinking”; he wasn’t sure he would stay sane. Slowly he opened his eyes and he saw his father. “Pa! Thank God. I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been you! My head hurts and my arm throbs.” Joe tried to keep his eyes open but the darkness and peace of sleep was stronger and he passed out again.
Ben was afraid that Joe was permanently scarred with this happening. He sat and held Joe’s hand for a long time. As Joe slept, every once in a while, tears would roll down his cheek. Ben couldn’t understand why his son was crying but he was sure Joe had been traumatized and would probably need medical help for a long time. Ben thought that his own heart would break. He felt he had failed to keep his son safe and this thought alone frightened him beyond words. Sitting and starring at Joe, Ben didn’t hear Hoss walk into the room.
“PA!” Hoss called, “are you okay? You need to go and rest! I will stay here for a while. How is he? I’m sorry I slept so long. I do believe that Doctor Martin knocked me out. PA! Are you listening to me? PA! Hoss became alarmed. He walked to the front of his father and looked into his eyes. His Pa was crying! He was doubled over and crying!
Ben pitched forward and fell on the floor. Hoss tried to catch him but he was too slow. Hoss laid his father out on the floor and called to him repeatedly. “Oh, Pa, please be okay!!” Hoss went over to the door and screamed for Hop Sing.
Hop Sing ran upstairs as Hoss was yelling about helping his father. “Hop Sing! What is wrong with him? He is not breathing right and I don’t know what to do!!”
Hop Sing, reached around Hoss and literally pushed Hoss away, then listened to Ben’s heart. “He is having a heart attack, Missa Hoss; go for doctor!!!!! Hurry!”’
Blindly, Hoss ran down the stairs, out the door, and picked up the reins from Chub and quickly climbed into the saddle. He took off just hoping to find the doctor and fast. As he went around the corner of the former barn, he nearly collided with Dr. Martin’s wagon.
“Whoa! Whoa! Hoss, are you trying to kill us?”
“Doc, Doc Pa is sick….he is having a heart problem….Hop Sing is with him but he is down on the floor. Hurry, Doc!”
Doc Martin looked at Hoss in disbelief and quickly got down off the wagon, leaving his young nurse alone. He was so sorry that all this was happening; he loved Ben Cartwright like a brother and respected this man more than he did almost anyone else in Virginia City. He was decent, hard working, and a great father. He had taken his share of hard knocks and always seemed to rise above like rich cream. But perhaps the events of yesterday had been just too much for him. As he took the stairs two at a time, he prayed that he could help his friend.
Hop Sing was sitting on the floor and holding Ben. He was wiping Ben’s face with a cool cloth and talking to his boss. Doc Martin quickly checked Ben’s pulse and was quick in giving the two men in the room orders. “We need to get him in to a bed and I need to get his legs elevated. “
Hoss walked between the doctor and Hop Sing and put his two mighty arms under his dad and lifted him and carried him into his room. “Pa," Hoss spoke to his father. “Please Pa, I can’t do this alone….I need you… we need you! Fight for us! We will help, but we need you. The story is not over yet! The Ponderosa must be strong again.” Tears were streaming down Hoss’ face and he was not ashamed that the doctor saw them. He loved his father! This man who had always been there for him, this man who had always helped him when he was in trouble, this man who never doubted his sons. Ben was just too heartsick. Hoss turned to the doc and said, “I will stay with Joe, while you help Pa. When and if we get them stabilized, I will be leaving to find the animals that have done this to my family.”
Hoss walked out of the room and leaned against the wall. He was really upset and knew that he would have to keep Joe calm or he would have two in jeopardy. He slowly opened Joe’s door and, as his eyes rested on Joe, he went over to the bed. Prayer was not new to Hoss. However, getting on his knee’s he hadn’t done too often….but at this time he felt that this was the only way he could ask God to spare these two people that he loved the most. Hoss was praying and sobbing at the same time. All of a sudden he felt something pat his head.
“Hoss? Is that you? Look big brother, I am going to be fine! You mustn’t cry. I am fine! Please, Hoss, get off your knees and sit on the chair. I hope Pa is sleeping peacefully! He was so tired. Hoss, please!!!”
“Joe,” Hoss said, “I’m fine. Joe, Pa is with the doctor. We think that he had a heart attack!”
Joe just looked at his brother and tried to breathe; his mind was so filled with confusion and pain, he wasn’t sure what did or didn’t happen. “Hoss?” he asked with tears in his eyes, “is he alive? Is he dying? I guess I am to blame for this as I couldn’t get away from those animals.” The tears were freely flowing now and it was making it hard to breathe. “Hoss”, he gasped, “take me to him! Please, Hoss!!”
Hoss stood up and sat on the bed, and he and his brother embraced. Hoss needed Joe and Joe needed his brother. Life was so precious, and no one knew when the candle would be snuffed out. Hoss told his brother that he certainly was not to blame for Pa’s sickness…he was just so upset with everything and the fear of losing those he loved. Hoss picked Joe up, and carried him into his father’s bedroom.
Doc Martin was talking to Ben when Hoss entered carrying Joe. Looking up with surprise on his face, the Doctor stood up, shaking his head out of disbelief. “I swear,” said Doc Martin, “you guys are determined to break every law to being well. Hoss, Joe should not be out of bed. I am watching him for internal bleeding! Ben has been threatening to get up to look in on you, Joe. I don’t know why I try to talk sense to you all.”
Hoss carried Joe to the opposite side of Ben’s bed and laid Joe carefully beside his father. Ben smiled, and the two just held each other’s hand. Before too long, both were asleep. Hop Sing offered to stay with the two for a while so Hoss and Doc Martin walked down the stairs.
As they came down the stairs, Hoss noticed motion in the dining room. A young woman quickly stood up from the settee and worriedly asked, “Doctor Martin? Were you able to help Mr. Cartwright?”
Both men stared at the beautiful young lady as Doctor Martin introduced Melanie Cross to Hoss. “She wrote to me and I liked the way she made sense of helping out here. I’m getting too old to be everywhere and an extra pair of hands will come in handy.”
As Melly was serving them hot cups of coffee, both men enjoyed the vision of grace and concern she wore like a cloak. “Oh, Melanie, I am so sorry for having left you before. But I was so concerned with Mr. Cartwright that I was not thinking.”
“Is he going to be all right?”
“Yes, yes, I believe Ben had a mild heart seizure, but he does not seem to be mentally affected and his motor skills are unharmed. He just needs good rest. Because of that I am going to ask you, Melly, if you will stay here tonight to give Hoss here a chance to get some much needed rest also. We have put both men in one bed, as they both insisted on seeing each other. I don’t think this will be a problem, but if it is, Hoss can help you put young Joe in his own bed again. With the medicine I have given them, both they should sleep the night. I will be back in the morning. Would you be willing to do this?”
Melly looked at Doc Martin, and smiled. “Sure, I would be honored to help; I only hope to be as thorough as you.”
Doc Martin picked up his hat off the couch and started toward the door. ”Hoss, I’ll be back around eleven tomorrow. If your father wants to get up, please tell him he must wait for me. Joe is not to even consider getting up….no time in the near future. I’m still concerned about internal bleeding. But please, son, get some rest!! Okay?”
Hoss agreed, and shut the big heavy door behind the doctor. Slowly he mounted the stairs and turned toward his fathers’ room. Upon entering, he found a chair and pulled it up beside his father. He was so angry…it seemed to be bubbling inside of him. He only hoped that he could control these emotions and be of sincere help.
Melly went into Mr. Cartwrights’ room and gently told Hoss to go to bed. He rose and thanked her, but before he got to the door he turned around and said, “Miss Melanie, please call me if you or they need me!”
Wow! thought Melly; this family is so close knit. She was in awe as to how each cared for the other. She herself had only one brother and, she had no clue where he was and didn’t care. He had never had time for her and had been into trouble as soon as he got out of school. Last time she had heard from him, he was in jail for armed robbery. She, however, had gone to school in the East and worked very hard to become a nurse. She had always wanted more out of life and hoped she would find it in the West. She would not stop looking for her “paradise” until she reached a point that she was sure it was not to be found. Her parents had been good to them when they were children but soon became bored with the life style that they lived in Boston and their marriage fell apart. She could hardly remember what her father looked like. She carried a picture of her mom and wrote often; her mother was her best friend and Melly could tell her anything and they had shared a common bond. That is until she had gone to school. The hours away from home and the constant work schedule didn’t allow much time for family. So, they lost track of each other and only hoped to see each other some other time. Until then, Melly just wanted to be a good nurse and to help her fellow man, and if she could do this, she would be happy in her heart.
She had been standing and looking out of the window for a long time. The moon was full and the sky was clear. She had opened the window and the breeze was gently flowing into the room. As she turned around, she saw Little Joe sitting up in the bed. He was staring at her and suddenly began to scream, "Go Away!!! Leave Us Alone! Why? Why? Oh, Please Go Awayyyyy!”
Hoss came running into the room and grabbed Joe’s shoulders. He was so stiff and Hoss could feel the shudder of fear that was consuming his brother. “Shhhhhh! Joe! You’re fine, now! Lie back and you will be fine. You mustn’t be moving so much!!!! Shhhhh! It’s okay, short shanks! See, Pa’s right beside you! You don’t want to wake him, Right?” Hoss let Joe rest his head on his shoulder and rubbed his back. Soon he felt the tension lessen and was able to lay Joe back in bed without much effort. Joe, had his eyes closed, but as before the tears were on his cheeks. Joe grabbed his brother’s arm and asked him if he would ever be able to sleep again. “Sure Joe,” Hoss replied. “This was really a nightmare but you must put it behind you and be strong because our father needs us to be strong for him. He was lucky this time…but if he should have a relapse, he will not be as good.”
“Is he going to be okay?” Joe asked.
“Yeah, the doctor seems to think this was just a mild heart seizure but Pa will have to be careful now and not overdo and we will have to help even more than before. But we’re up for that anyway, right, little brother? As soon as we get you well, we will start on that barn! Can you believe it’s gone? I’m so glad we could save the house. They sure were stupid, Joe, and I’m sure that Roy, Clem and the guys will catch up to those animals quickly. You must be strong and get well so that we can give them a good run at the courts. They should hang for this.”
“Who is the lady?” Joe whispered. His eyes rested on Melly.
“Oh, Melly, this is Little Joe. He was trying to say hello before but he got too excited. Joe, Melly works for Doc Martin. And she is staying with us tonight so we can rest. So lets rest. You will be fine. Go to sleep now.” As Hoss stood up, Melly sat down in the chair, and wiped Joe’s face with a wet cloth. Joe was soon asleep. Ben had never moved.
*********
Morning came and Hoss was awakened by noise outside his window. He stretched and walked over to the window and saw about 50 men in their yard. They had already cleared out the burned wood and were preparing the structures that would serve as the sides of the barn. Hoss was shocked and quickly ran out of his room and down the stairs. He emerged into the yard and yelled at Gus, their foreman of many years. “Hey Gus!” Hoss stammered, “what, who did all of this? Why, it’s like the whole dang town is here.”
“That’s the idea Hoss,” answered Gus. “They all are here. Your family has helped many families so often in the past and it’s our turn to help you. We hope to have this barn up and functional in a few days. Your father deserves this and we intend to show our gratitude for what he has done.”
“Clem and Sheriff Coffee are still tracing that bunch of hoodlums that did this, but it won’t be long before they have them behind bars,” added one of the workers. “How is your pa doing? And Joe? I can’t even imagine the idea of being buried alive. That had to have just about finished him!”
“Joe’s going to have to have some time,” said Hoss. “He’s pretty spooked; however, I’m sure Joe will be better soon. It’s Pa that really worries me.
“Why?” asked Gus.
“Oh, yeah,” Hoss recalled, “you don’t know about the events of last night, do you?” Walking with Gus toward the other men. Hoss, explained. “Pa had a minor heart attack last night and he is heavily sedated at this time. I’m hoping that he will improve quickly but at this time we just have to wait and see. Doc Martin has him bedridden and will be back today to check of both of them. Pa is weak but he is resting well. Just pray for him, okay?”’
“Gentlemen,” Hoss addressed the men that were working on the barn. “please gather here so that I can talk to you.”
“Boy, you ‘all just don’t know how wonderful it is to see you all here and doing all this here barn raising for my Pa. I‘m sure this will lift his spirits. He will never forget! Pa and Joe are heavily sedated and resting but… We just don’t know why all this has happened. At this time, I am angry, worried and frightened for my father. Doc Martin must have passed the word that Pa was sick? Gentlemen, please try not to be too loud. I don’t know how this will affect Pa and I want to keep him quiet. But please don’t take this wrong; I appreciate your work, I just don’t know what to do.”
Gus asked Hoss, “Are you going to wire your brother? He might need to hear what’s happened here… and may appreciate seeing your pa. If you write the note, I will send it for you.”
Hoss was nodding his head yes when everyone was frozen in their tracks as a bloodcurdling scream came from the window above the yard. Everyone looked up. Joe and the young nurse were fighting and Joe was screaming like a madman. Hoss quickly ran into the house and up the stair with several others following. He ran into the bedroom and grabbed his brother. Joe had such a scary look in his eye that the others in the room wondered if he were mad.
“Joe! Joe! Joe! Stop, screaming! Joe, stop fighting me! It’s okay little buddy! Joe!” Hoss turned Joe around and just hit him on the jaw. Joe went limp in his arms and Hoss sunk to the floor with his limp brother. He sat with Joe and rocked him. “Oh, God, Joe! I hated to do that! But you would have hurt yourself, buddy, and Melly! God, Joe, I guess I will have to keep you in the bed. Joe!”
The others in the room turned and left the two brothers alone. Melly quickly ran to her room in tears and shut her door. She was so upset yet felt so helpless trying to help this family get over this tragedy that she just didn’t know what to do! She would talk to Doc Martin. Perhaps he could give her some good advice. She really didn’t want to run away from this as she felt it was an opportunity to learn about the West...good and bad.
The men who had followed Hoss into the house were embarrassed and felt that they had intruded on the privacy of the family. But at the same time. they shared the concern for Hoss and the situation he was in. Doc Martin passed the men on the stairs. Gus, who was in the lead, told Doc Martin that Hoss was with Joe and that he probably was sorely needed. Doc went quicker.
Doctor Martin took in the scene in the bedroom and decided that Joe and his father needed to be separated. He and Hoss carried Joe into his room and they decided that for the time being, they would tie Joe’s feet to the bed so that he would stay in bed and not hurt himself or others. Also, Doc didn’t like the looks of Joe’s stomach as it was terribly bruised. He still feared that there was internal bleeding. He needed to be watched closely. Melly was asked to stay with him as he went into Ben’s room to check on his other patient.
Ben was still sleeping. Doc called to him but he didn’t respond. Doc wet a cloth and placed it on his friend’s brow. “Ben,” he called, “come on, Ben. Talk to me!” Slowly, Ben opened his eyes and weakly smiled at his friend. But, just as he smiled, his face changed to reflect the concern and worry that he knew had brought his friend out to the Ponderosa. “Paul? Paul? Why are you hovering over me? Joe is the one who needs you! How is he? Oh, God! He is okay, right? Nothing has happened, has it? I must have fallen asleep.” Ben tried to get up but fell back on the bed. “Oh, Oh, Paul, my chest…it is so sore! What happened? I’m so confused!”
“Well, if you will give me a chance,” said Doc Martin, “I will tell you what has happened. But you haven’t given me a chance to get a word in edgewise.”
“Joe is in his own room and is resting. He is slowly improving. However, he is having a rough time with dreams and this doesn’t surprise us now, does it? His arm is broken in three places, he has a lot of bruising on his stomach, and his nails had got wood under them and I had to remove some of his nails before infections complicate his recuperation. Time will help him and seeing you get stronger will definitely help. You, Ben, you are not perfect yourself. You have suffered a heart attack.” (actually it was a mild seizure, but he needed to hit Ben hard and this would hopefully keep him down).
Ben could hardly believe what the doctor was telling him. He couldn’t remember having this heart problem; he couldn’t remember the pain. But his chest sure was sore. He looked at Paul, and realized that this was really terrible. He reached up and grabbed Paul’s shirt and pulled him down till he was in his face. “Has Roy caught those men? Has the scum of the earth that has done this to us been caught and stopped from doing this to someone else? I can tell from your face that they haven’t. How long do I have to stay down? I would like to see Joe!”
“No!” said Doctor Martin. “Right now you are going to go back to sleep and when you awake, you will attempt to eat and if you manage to do that….maybe, we will permit a visit tomorrow.”
Ben closed his eyes and tried to be a good patient as not every Cartwright had the reputation of being. Paul talked to Ben about the scare he had given to all of them and how helpless he had felt in the beginning. He gave Ben some nitroglycerin tablets and showed him how to put it under his tongue should the pain return…the sooner the better. Ben had a hard time believing that he was hearing all this and yet at the same time he knew Paul wouldn’t just be telling this to him to scare his friend. Ben asked again about Joe. Paul said that he was really spooked and that they were tying down his feet as he was threatening to either hurt himself or others.
Paul said, “Ben, I promise you will see Joe tomorrow and will probably be allowed to go downstairs for a while and you will have a nice surprise when you do. Oh, and should you see a young woman sitting by your bed…you are not in heaven. Her name is Melanie and she is my new nurse!! Yeah, I broke down and figured out that I needed some help. She sure is good to look at and my patients seem pleased not to always be stuck looking at this mug of a face! Ha!”
Ben weakly smiled, and closed his eyes. He was so tired. Paul quietly let himself out of the room. As he shut the door, he bowed his head and said a prayer that the Lord would continue to help his friend…his boys needed him! Everyone needed him!
Hoss met Paul on the staircase and as they went down, Hoss asked about his Pa. The doctor shook his head and said, “I have denied him going to Joe tonight. I want the two of them to rest. I gave him some nitroglycerin tablets and showed him how to use them…but I don’t think it will be necessary. He just had a good scare. He’s sore, tired, and feels defeated. As he gets stronger and his attitude improves, so will his spirit. You just take care of them with Melly. She may need to rest some tonight as the incident early unnerved her a bit but you can help her. Okay?”
“Sure, Doc, you don’t worry,” said Hoss. “But Gus made a good suggestion and we were interrupted and I couldn’t do it. He was going to send Adam a message as to what was happening here and see if he wants to come home to see Pa. If I give you a note now, would you be willing to send it for us? I'm sorry we keep asking favors, but I’m bummed out on all this and can’t seem to do everything that should oughta be done! But Adam will want to know…don’t you think? Thanks Doc!”
After the doctor left, Hoss sat down in his fathers’ chair and just stared off into space. Time passed and before he knew it, Hop Sing was calling him to the table for supper. Hoss, groggy, sat at the table and found it hard to eat. He just couldn’t enjoy being at the table alone and the anger was still there….he had to conquer that. Melly came to the top of the stairs and announced that Little Joe was calling for him. Hoss quickly took the stairs two at a time and entered Joe’s room surprised to see Joe sitting up. He was fevered, but not enough to make him delusional; he just was disoriented.
“Hoss, why are my feet tied down? I would like to move my feet, please.”
Hoss quickly freed his feet and rubbed the lines it had left on his ankles. He felt bad to have had to do that but what else could he do? Joe was not really aware of what he was doing.
“Joe! How are you doing, buddy? You’ve been sleeping all day and I’m glad to hear you complaining because it means that you might be getting stronger. Are you hungry? I bet Hop Sing has a tray for you. I was trying to eat but my appetite is not good either. Maybe, I’ll eat with you; would that be good? I hope so!”
Joe smiled at his brother and said “Hey, why don’t we all go into Pa’s room and eat with him, too?”
“Joe, the Doc said that Pa needed complete rest and that we or you were not going to see him until tomorrow. So, we’ll eat here, okay?”
“Hoss, he’s dying, isn’t he?”
“No, he is not dying, Joe!” argued Hoss. “He is just weak and needs rest. I am sure he will be his old self soon…dadburnit Joe, you worry too much!” Hoss got up quickly and went to the door. He opened it and went out to the top of the stairs and called Hop Sing. “Hey, Hop Sing! Hop Sing!”
Hop Sing came quickly from the kitchen muttering unrecognizable Chinese, then added, “You always botha Hop Sing; what you want?!”
“Dadburnit Hop Sing, I don’t mean to bother ya but just would like you to bring Joe some food and maybe me some too, okay? You know I don’t want to bother you but we would appreciate this…Pa and Melly will need supper too. They’re asleep now but will need to eat when they gets up. Thanks, Hop Sing.”
Joe and Hoss ate in relative silence. The food, although being good, tasted bland and they just went through the motions…each deep in thought as to how this would all end. Also, why it had even begun. After eating, Joe laid down and Hoss sat with him for a while until Joe was sound asleep. He went in to check on his father and, seeing him sleeping comfortably, turned and went into his own room. The bed looked so good…he quickly removed his shoes and laid down. Sleep came almost instantly.
**********
It was dark in the room when Joe opened his eyes. At first, fear gripped him and he broke out in a cold sweat. But as he looked around the room and saw the window, he could see the light of the moon sifting in and he worked hard at calming himself down. He sat up. Oh, God, he hurt! His stomach ached and bending was almost too much. His arm was immobilized so he could not use it. However, Joe edged his feet off the bed and let them hit the floor. The floor was cold but to Joe, it felt good and solid, and with care he tried to stand up. He found his legs like rubber and so he grabbed the furniture as he edged toward the door. Opening it carefully, he stood listening to the silence of the house. His house! His father’s house. Oh, how he liked this house! He was comfortable here and safe. Joe leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. Then he edged toward his father’s door and, when he opened it, he was pleased to have made the trip without falling down. He quietly held onto the furniture leading to the chair beside his father and sat down. Joe looked at his father with concern and love. He was so glad that he could see his father sleeping peacefully. He sat there for awhile and then fatigue just enveloped him and he found himself slipping into sleep, so he crawled up on the foot of his father’s bed and let sleep take him.
**********
Ben felt the weight move onto his bed and he opened his eyes. He couldn’t see what was there but he laid still. Sleep came back swiftly and the next thing he saw was a light…a bright light. Shining light and then a figure standing by the bed! He tried to clear his eyes and then he realized that it was Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, sweetheart, I can’t believe you’re here!”
“Ben, oh Ben, I have been watching you lately and wanted to send you a message. “You have done such a good job with our son! I’m so proud of him!”
As quickly as the shadow appeared it was gone. Ben, cried, “No, stay, Elizabeth!” But movement in the corner of the room took Ben’s attention and Inger was smiling at him. Beautiful Inger! “Inger, My love, I have missed you…come to me darling and let me kiss you!” Ben held out his hand.
“No darling, not yet; you are not coming with me yet! You are still strong and your boys still need you. You have a beautiful son in Hoss”
“Yes, Inger, you gave me such a wonderful son. Strong, gentle, kind. Please stay with me awhile!”
“Not now Ben; it is not your time…but when it is, I will come and we will be together.” With this Inger blended into the wall and she was gone. Ben began to cry. “Don’t leave me again!!” He was so distraught that he put his head back on the pillow and when he did open his eyes again, he saw that Marie was sitting beside him. “Oh, Marie, precious love! I hope you can stay!”
“No Ben, but I am here to tell you that you have time. Please take care of our son. He sleeps at your feet. Rest Ben, tomorrow will be better.” Marie disappeared and the empty chair stared back.
Ben sat up gently and saw Joe curled at the foot of his bed and he then knew that all would be well. He didn’t understand how he knew that but the warmth of the feeling settled his heart and he laid down and slept.
**********
Hoss woke up the next morning to banging on his door. He quickly went and threw it open. Melly was standing there with fear in her eyes. “Mr. Cartwright, I am so sorry! I must have overslept but when I went into your father’s room….”
Hoss had already moved away from her and opened his fathers’ door. The sight that met his eyes brought tears. Ben was asleep, and Joe was at his feet, asleep also. He couldn’t figure out how Joe had managed it but he was there.
Melly quickly entered the room and stood beside him. Hoss looked at her and said “No problem, Melly. These two are always doing the impossible! They’ll be okay. Please just go down to Hop Sing and ask him to send up two trays. Okay? And you get yourself some breakfast. You mustn’t blame yourself…we are grateful for your help.”
“Pa! Pa! Good Morning! Hey, open your eyes and we can enjoy breakfast together!” Hoss approached Ben as he saw his eyelashes flutter. He figured he would talk to Ben first and let him in on what Joe had done.
Joe groaned. “Hoss, I can’t move! Please help me up!” Hoss quickly moved to the bottom of the bed and helped Joe get turned around and sat him up. “Joe, how in the name of heaven did you get here?”
“I walked,” Joe answered. “Not real good but holding onto the walls and stuff. I just had to see my father and was driven to do it. When I did get here, I had to lay down and crawled up here and must have passed out, waking now. I feel like a pretzel. A beat up pretzel.”
“Well, you need to get back to bed, but before you go, I want you to see something!” Hoss helped Joe up and walked him to the window. They both looked down into the yard and there were about twelve men working on the barn. Four walls had been raised and they were working on the roof. Joe looked at Hoss and said, “Wow, who is responsible for that?”
Hoss, laughed loudly. “Why, the other day, I think every man from town was here and they told me ‘that they owed this to Pa.’ He had done so much for them that they wanted to show him what they felt.”
“You say the men from town have done this? That is really great!” Both boys turned around to see their father standing behind them. “Good morning boys; it sure is good to see you both.”
“Good morning Pa! How are you feeling?” Hoss and Joe asked in unison.
Ben gently hugged both of his boys and with his arms around both said, “Lets put you back to bed, Joe, and then we can visit!”
The three of them shuffled back to Joe’s room and Joe gently laid down on his bed. He ached everywhere, but he didn’t want them to leave so he tried hard not to look bad. Hop Sing entered the room with Melly close behind carrying two trays. One for Ben and one for Joe. Ben was especially glad to see some coffee and quickly checked the hotness of the beverage with a quick sip. Joe, on the other hand, stopped Hop Sing and said, “Not now, Hop Sing, I couldn’t even stand to look at food. Maybe later. I’ll try later, I promise! But I would like a glass of water.”
As Ben ate, he and Hoss talked and tried to include Joe in the conversation. But soon it was obvious that Joe was not able to keep his eyes open so the two men quietly stood up and prepared to leave him. Ben leaned over to his son and kissed him on the forehead, whispered that he loved him and prayed to have his beloved son back soon. Joe was pale and never responded to his father. He was already deeply asleep.
Ben slowly descended the stairs, determined to go down and talk to the men in his yard that were sacrificing their time to build his barn. Hoss stayed real close, almost in the way. But he was worried that his Pa would do too much and have a relapse.
Opening the door, Ben was surprised to see Roy Coffee on the other side. “Ben!” Roy jubilantly cried. “Thank God you are okay! I heard about you and I have been really worried, buddy! How’s Joe?”
“He’s fine,” answered Ben.
“Do you believe how much these guys have done already?” added Coffee. “It’s amazing how much can get done in 24 hours. Ben, can we visit?”
“Depends,” said Ben. “If you are bring good news, most definitely. If not, why are you here? You should be still hunting!”
“Pa,” Hoss interrupted, “Roy just wants to check on you. Don’t give him a bad time. Come on in, Roy.”
When Hoss looked at his father again, he saw the pain in his father’s eyes. “Pa, are you okay? Come on over in your chair and put your feet up and rest.”
Tears fell from Ben’s eyes and he simply hugged his son. Hoss was so strong and now he let Hoss lead him to the chair; all the fight was out of him.
“Pa,” Hoss said, “it’s okay. We love you and care and would do nothing to hurt you more.”
Roy was so saddened by what he was witnessing he quietly just watched and sat down on the settee, not wanting Ben to feel self-conscience.
Hop Sing came in with coffee and Roy thanked him. Hoss and Ben helplessly looked at Roy. Both were prepared to hear what Roy had to say. “Go ahead, Roy,” Ben sighed.
Roy cleared his voice and smiled. “Well, we have them Hoss, Ben. We caught them as they slept last night. We didn’t have to shoot any of them. They were subdued and personally I think they were exhausted. Running as they have must have taken a real bite out of them. All four of those animals are in the Virginia City Jail. I have wired the Circuit Judge and explained the circumstances here, and he said that he could be here in about three weeks. I figured this would give Joe more time and you too, Ben. I would like to tell Joe as soon as possible and I will need to question him as soon as possible. Do you think that we could talk to him some today or tomorrow?” Roy looked over his coffee cup and saw Ben’s face. His eyes reflected anger….fear…..anguish…and terrible sadness.
Ben stood up and went over to the fireplace. He stirred the ashes as he had done almost every evening of his life on the Ponderosa. “You’ll have to talk to Paul about talking to Joe. But for me personally, I’m grateful for the news. For all the hell they caused, to capture them quietly seems almost surreal. But anyway, we now can perhaps see justice. Paul should be here soon. He usually comes about eleven and its’ 10:30 now. Just wait here, and you can clear it with him. Joe would like to know.”
Hoss and Roy walked outside, leaving Ben to rest in his chair. He had closed his eyes and they figured that that was their cue to leave him to his thoughts. As they walked toward the men working on the barn, they shook hands with as many of the men they could. They had done an excellent job on what had been done so far and Hoss asked if they needed supplies. Gus came forward and answered, “If we do, we’ll handle it. We are doing this barn and that’s for us to worry about.”
Doctor Martin came around the corner in his rig at that moment and everyone waved to him. He nodded to Roy and quickly the two got head to head as they talked over the events of last night. Paul shook Roy’s hand when he heard the good news. He insisted that he would have to see Joe before he could agree for Roy to see him. But, he didn’t say no.
Paul approached Ben, sleeping in his chair, quietly took his arm and checked his pulse. He smiled and turned to Hoss, and they all went up stairs. Melly stood up as they entered Joe’s room. Doctor Martin took her to one side and questioned her on what was new. He laughed, as she told him about the night before. When he was satisfied with what he was hearing, he asked her to go down and sit with Ben, who was asleep, and have a cup of coffee. She agreed and swiftly left the room.
He approached Joe and felt his forehead. He was feverish, and his pulse was somewhat erratic, but he was sleeping peacefully and, when the doctor called his name, he awoke easily. “Good Afternoon, young man! How are you doing? Joe, I am going to let you talk to Roy Coffee before I examine you, okay? Roy the floor is yours.”
Roy approached Joe and took the weak boy’s hand. “How’s it going, kid? I have some good news! We got them Joe…we caught them while they slept. Can you believe it! We caught all four of them sleeping and they gave us no problems as we rounded them up and brought them in. Don’t you think that is great? We sure did get them.”
Joe looked at Roy…his eyes connected with his and he sat up. “FOUR! YOU SAY YOU CAUGHT FOUR. Roy, there were SIX! Did you get Billy? Did you get Billy? He’s the leader and he’s the one that is the real killer! He’s psychotic and would kill his own mother! Roy, if you only got four and you’re not sure you have Billy…” Joe, fell back on the bed and his eyes rolled back into his head. Paul quickly approached him and screamed for Hoss to hand him his bag. “Joe is having a seizure. He is not breathing. Perhaps you should all get out. I'll stay with him!” Hoss started to argue but Roy took him by the arm and led him from the room. He had to talk to Hoss; with this news he was terrified that everyone was in renewed danger.
“Billy? Billy Who?” he asked Hoss.
“I don’t know!” Hoss was trying to wrack his brain. “Joe must have remembered something that none of us did. We really had a hard time getting a good view of any of them, only voices. But Doctor Martin won’t let us talk to him now….I hope he is okay! God, this is heart wrenching!”
Doc Martin opened the door and came into the hallway. “Roy, he is awake and wants to talk to you. He has promised it would be quick. He is highly agitated and I think this is the only way he will settle down.” Paul, Roy and Hoss quickly went in.
Roy sat down on the bed and took Joes’ hand and Joe looked at him with tears in his eyes. “I remember being in that box…that terrible darkness, that damp, terrible stench, and I also remember the face that danced behind my eyes,” Joe said. “It was Billy Clay!!!! Do you remember Billy Clay? He is the boy that set his dog on fire because he said it bit him! I watched him do this and it scared me to death. He was laughing and jumping around and I ran and threw up my supper. I couldn’t believe that someone could be so cruel. He killed an innocent animal and enjoyed it. Man means nothing to him! He would kill his mother if she gets in his way! The others did his bidding and he probably led you right to them….he’s diabolical and this is far from over!” With this Joe closed his eyes and let his body succumb to the darkness of sleep.
Where was Billy Clay!
**********
Adam was in his office, his feet propped up on the desk and leaning back in deep thought. He was thinking of all that had happened in the past year. He and his Grandfather had worked hard together to get their shipping company expanded. They had built three new ships in the last eighteen months and Adam was planning to take the next voyage on one of these ships to visit all the ports that they currently visit to trade and purchase supplies and import into the country. Adam had seen things that were so advanced that he felt he couldn’t even explain to his family...but this did not stop him from thinking of them at every opportunity.
A rapid and loud pounding on the door rudely interrupted his thoughts. “Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Cartwright, I have a message for you. Your answer is needed. Mr. Cartwright, are you there?”
“Yes, Charlie, is that you? Come in!” I wonder what is so important that they need an answer now, thought Adam. It’s Friday and I certainly don’t have time to be doing more. ”Come in!”
Charlie opened the door. He had seen the telegram and knew that this was going to upset his frien