DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Bonanza or any of it’s original characters. I’m just an obsessed fan who has way to much time on here hands!

to let the sun set

Written by:
~Felicity Poole~

The muddy earth trembled underneath hooves that violently connected to the un solid ground. Driverless and out of control a buckboard was recklessly being pulled along by two panicked beasts, both running blindingly in the dark as the heavens wept floods, and angry bolts of fire tore through the starless sky. Cracks of thunder rumbled, and echoed in the surrounding hills till landing in the ears of an awakening form. Pain was etched across the young mans features as the intense pounding of his head robbed him of his sanity. His piercing Hazel eyes pried themselves open looking out disoriented into the nights storm. The painful jarring and rocking sent memories rushing back causing the young man to become quickly alert and aware of his situation. His shaky hand reached up gripping tightly to the drivers bench and proceeded to pull himself up, rolling over the seat landing in the front of the rickety wagon. His nervous hands searching helplessly across the wagon bed for the missing reigns, but none were to be found. Lightening once again illuminated the skies revealing for only a split second the approaching danger coming unseen by the young Cartwright in tow. Little Joe was jarred forward when the unstable wheels struck a new stretch of rocky terrain sending the buckboard into a fit of violent vibrations and tremors. He was just beginning to regain his stability, or at least what little of it he may have had, when the front axel broke sending a wheel spiraling off leaving the wagon to drop to the side and begin plowing into the ground. Joe struggled against the gravity pulling at him, his whole body trying to avoid the now inevitable. The surrounding boulders quickly found they’re mark sending the buckboard remains and her passenger catapulting forwards. Joe landed with a bone cracking thud, his body tumbling to a violent stop at he trunk of a nearby tree. A crushing force struck him, pinning his tattered body to the ground. A cry tore from his lips, his anguishing scream falling upon deaf ears. The last thoughts on his mind before darkness consumed him were those of his family. Rain continued to pelt his motionless form mixing his blood with the forming rivers.



The old grandfather clock ticked silently till the hands finally struck eleven o’clock
sending a chime echoing through the house.

“Where is he!” a voice boomed

“Now Pa, I’m sure he jest lost track of time. You know Little Joe” Hoss assured him as he watched his father from the settee.

“Yes I know your brother and I know what's going to happen to him when he decides to show himself through that door!” Ben raged.

“He could have taken shelter from the storm, maybe even decided to stay the night at the hotel in Virginia City”

“Hoss don’t you start making excuses for him. I ordered that boy home by supper that was long before this storm hit!”

Adam looked up from his latest read and stared at the pacing form of his father. He let out a sigh and closed the book silently making a mental note on which page he had left off. “He’s fine Pa”

Ben’s chestnut eyes flared as he caught eye contact with his oldests calm sienna depths. “He won’t be Adam, he won’t be!”

Hoss flinched at his fathers words it was amazing how his little brother could rile his father up so. He seemed to always find trouble without even trying. Ben was voicing an anger that could scare any man right out of his boots, but to his sons who knew him best know the expression painted on his features was that of obvious worry and fear.

Adam stood and briefly stretched his limbs before placing a hand on the Older mans shoulder. “Come on to bed Pa, We’ll question him in the morning”

“No!” Ben exclaimed angrily then his face softened slowly and he sighed “I’m sorry son”

“That’s OK Pa, I know your just worried about him”

Ben smiled a forlorn smile then looked back at the door. “You two go on to bed, I want to stay up a bit longer”

“Ya sur Pa?”

“Yes Hoss I’m sure” Hoss stood and made his way to the stairs “Night Pa, Adam”

“Goodnight Hoss” “Goodnight son” came the reply as the big man disappeared around the corner of the stairs toward his room

Ben let out a groan of frustration and dropped into his favorite red leather chair. “Oh Adam what am I going to do with that brother of yours?”

Adam smiled lovingly looking over into the crackling fire in the fireplace. “I don’t know Pa” he sighed “I don’t know” Adam watched his father rub his temples, then entwine his fingers bracing his chin slightly upon them. Adam squeezed his Pa’s shoulder and smiled reassuringly. “It’ll be OK Pa you’ll see”

“I know son, I know. I just can’t help it”

“It’s alright I understand how you feel. Good night Pa” Ben looked up at his sons retreating form an gave a half smile “Good night son”

Then all was left silent except the light pitter patter of rain on the houses wood frame and the rhythmic ticking of the pendulum a constant reminder of the lateness of the youngest Cartwright.



A low guttural groan escaped past Little Joes chilled lips as consciences summoned him. His body was screaming in agony and it was only intensified by the slow, labored rise and fall of his chest. His weak green eyes opened slightly all memories erased, replaced only by pain and confusion of the present situation. ‘What happened, where...where am I?’ The young man could remember the promise he had made to his father. After weeks of being late he promised he would be home, knowing for once he did not want to face the wrath of his patriarch again. Joe’s Hazel iris’s starred up at the new morning sun which brought no warmth to his iced skin. A chill ran down his spine sending a tremor throughout his entire body.

“I’m late...need to get home, Pa...Pa will...Pa will be mad...dissapointed in me” Tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes as he set his thoughts into action and attempted to move. The young Cartwright's brows furrowed as a cry was torn from his throat. He clenched his jaw tightly shut as the wave of pain ran it’s coarse through his limbs. In natural reflex his back tried to arch, but stayed pinned to the muddy ground by the debris atop him. “Pa...” came his choked plea. Little Joe closed his eyes tight and turned his head to the side pressing it into the ground. A soft whinny sounded lightly in his ears as a heated mist blew across his neck. He let his eyes open slightly his iris’s meeting two coffee colored ones, attached to them was a black and white snout.

“Cooch” he whispered hoarsely moving one of his free hands up to touch the animals mussel. “I...I thought you’d r...ran off with the team. Shoulda known you couldn’t leave me boy” He let a slight smile touch his lips before it disappeared in a mask of pain.

Reaching over he grasped the debris around him and slowly but surely lifted the smaller pieces off him and tried to push them to the side ignoring the pain that quickly made itself known as his body protested to his movements. His hands gathered the reigns that dangled from the horses bridle and let his shaky fingers tie them securely around the largest part of the wagon. “Cooch your gonna have ta help me boy” he whispered stroking the horses mussel

“Pull boy pull!” Joe ordered pushing the horse away. As if understanding Cochise began backing away slowly till the leather straps were tight, then he began to pull and tug causing the debris to shift sending a new wave of agony through the young Cartwright as settled injuries were disturbed.

Beads of sweat gathered on his brow, his lip tucked tightly between his teeth as he bit back a cry. The wagon slowly lifted inch by inch till Joe was free enough to roll over. Little Joe laid not moving as he breathed in all the nerves he could muster, slowly he pulled himself across the ground with his arm’s tears welled up in his eyes as his misery increased to an almost unbearable high. As soon as he cleared the wreckage Cochise let the straps slacken dropping the wagon to the ground a soft whinny and snort announced his relief of the heavy burden. The young Cartwright pulled himself beside the pinto and reached up to grasp the stirrup attempting to pull himself up. A cry penetrated his lips causing the horse to jump and nervously paw at the ground. Joe rested a few minutes before trying again. Calling on everything he had left he draped himself over the saddle sliding is right leg over the other side not bothering to place either boot into the leather stirrups. His hand traced the reigns and untied them from the wreckage with a weak tug he pushed Cochise towards home. His body relaxed and he lay forwards across the pinto’s neck grasping one hand to the coarse black and white mane. Dizziness swam through his mind blurring his hazy vision. Soon heaviness attacked his eyelids slowly letting them fall. “Can’t...can't go to sleep need to stay awake”

His struggling was in vain for unconsciousness soon won and he slipped into an unpeaceful darkness.



The sun was showing itself shyly after the down pour through the night. Adam was trotting carefully down stairs when he caught sight of His father still seated in his red leather chair, his head leaned to the side, eyes closed in sleep. Adam slowly crept down the remaining stairs and crossed the great room floor till he was standing in front of his father studying the older mans features. People often said a person appeared younger while in slumber, but his father looked as an acceptation his features holding a worried and unpeacful expression.

(Joe you’ve really done it this time, I wish you could see first hand what you do to Pa. I Hope you had a good time doing whatever it is you were doing, cause when you get home I promise you...)

Adam ran a hand through his raven locks a scowl present across his handsome features. With an exasperated sigh he turned to the kitchen to start some coffee not just for himself but for his father whom he knew was going to need it this morning. He was no sooner opening the jar when he heard the movement behind him. With a sideways glance he caught sight of his newly awaken patriarch.

“Morning Pa”

Ben looked up with tired eyes and smiled slightly at the sight of his eldest. “Morning Son”

“You didn’t sleep in that old chair all night did you?”

“Yes I suppose I did, must of fallen asleep by accident. I sure have the creeks to prove it”

Adam smiled slightly as he placed the filled pot on the stove. “What am I going to do Adam? It’s as if the boy doesn’t care anymore, my words don’t seem to go through” Ben exasperated

“He’s young Pa, barely 22 he just hasn’t grown up is all” Adam replied though at the moment defending his brother is not quite what he wanted to do.

“Yes, but I don’t recall you or Hoss ever being so difficult. I never had to worry with the both of you the way I have to fret with Joseph”

“I can remember a few instants from my younger years when I think you would take back the comment you just made”

Ben chuckled lightly at a few fleeting memories “Yes maybe so”

Adam watched as his fathers expression changed back into a serious scowl “But this is all beside the point, he deliberately disobeyed me again. I demand three things from my boys: Respect, Obedience, and Honesty. Quite frankly I’ve struggled with all three with that boy!”

Adam sighed he couldn’t argue with his fathers point there. His brother sure new how to get into trouble it was like his middle name, he never meant for so much to go wrong so often but he never could seem to help it, though that should never be an excuse. Just a few nights ago Joe was late once again showing up with a doosy of a black-eye which despite his efforts was impossible to hide. His father had literally blown his stack not to mention himself, he cringed at the memory. That had been a fight to remember he had told Joe a few things, some which he had regretted uttering later.

Adams thoughts were shattered by the sound of familiar hoof beats slowly clomping into the yard. Adam started towards the great room to go outside and confront his younger brother yet again, but Ben was already ahead of him at the front door gripping the handle preparing himself to charge outside. His features had changed from worry to anger in only a matter of moments. He exited the great room his feet pounding authoritively towards the horse and rider.

“Jo-seph!” Ben thundered loudly. Ben’s chocolate eyes met the slow moving Pinto and his motionless passenger, at that moment one would have thought the very life's color had drained from the older man’s complexion, and the anger visibly became forgotten.

“Dear God in Heaven, Joseph!” came the distressed mans cry as his feet raced forward towards the source of his anguish.

Adam backed a few steps and turned back towards the door. “Hoss! Hoss get down here now!” He called before following after his father.

Ben steadied the fidgeting animal enough to pull the light burden off his back and lay it gently onto the ground. The soft moan of protest from being moved was the only thing convincing the man of his son still being alive, for his appearance was that of a dead man.

Hoss stumbled outside half-dressed, his focus on pulling his left boot on. “Dadburnit Adam, what in tarnation is all this ruckus about?” when he received no answer he lifted his crystal blue eyes to meet the sight before him. “Pa! Pa what happened? Little Joe?” he shouted quickly arriving by the tattered forms side.

“He’s alive Hoss, help me get him inside and upstairs” Hoss acted without question sliding his large hands underneath the small frame and gently lifted him into his strong arms. “Everything's gonna be alright little brother ol’ Hoss gots ya now” He whispered quietly

“Pa I’m going to get Doc Martin, I’ll ride as fast as I can” Adam announced leaving they’re sides heading towards the barn not waiting for an answer. Bens eyes followed his eldest sons retreating form for a moment praying for Gods speed before his attentions were back to Hoss and the injured child he now carried.



Ben traced his fingers across the buttons of the torn and bloodied remains of his son’s shirt. The smell of the draining crimson was sickening causing his own stomach to churn. All the anger from earlier had been erased, thoughts of what happened set aside, moments ago he was ready to give his youngest the talk of a life time now his worries of losing his baby threatened to eat away at his sanity. Ben’s eyes grew wide as the last of the torn shirt was tossed aside revealing the exposed chest and abdomen of his son. The skin was grotesquely discolored each mark telling it’s own tale of pain. Quickly gathering some of the towels at his side he rolled them and pressed one hand firmly yet gently on the angry laceration that stretched boldly across the young Cartwright’s abdomen as the other hand assisted Hoss in wiping the mud and splinters of debris from his sons body

“Pa, I sur don’t like the sound of his breathin’ none” Hoss spoke up catching his distracted father of guard startling him, it took only a moment for Ben to digest what his son had said. His ears tuned in to the slow to come wheezing/Gurgling noises emitting from the motionless body. Fear struck even harder as the realization of what was happening entered his mind. His sons lungs were filling with fluid or blood a sign that a broken rib had punctured the organ.

A stream of Cantonese filled the air as a short china-man came storming into the room fresh towels, boiled water, and herbal jars by the dozen piled in his small arms. “Mr. Cartlight you move out of Hop Sings way. You go eat breakfast on table chop chop, Hop Sing help numba thwee son now” Hop Sing ordered as he adjusted his belongings on the bedside table.

“Hop Sing you know me better than that, I can’t leave my son” came the reply in a voice that was spoken in finality. The cooks eyes met the dark ones of his friend and employer and he almost smiled though it never surfaced on his features. “Just no get in Hop Sings way” The small man added firmly as he went quickly to work mixing his herbs ignoring the to sets of worried eyes that where not on him, but the ghostly form on the bed



Thundering hoof beats filled the air around the ranch house as a buggy came barreling into the yard at brake-neck speed. Carrying a frightened Doc Martin who clutched tightly to his black medical bag his eyes closed tightly blocking out the surroundings that quickly sped past them a whispered prayer repeating itself over and over across his lips. At the reigns was Adam shouting the order to go faster though he knew his efforts fell on deaf ears. Adam reigned up as they approached the porch and the buggy was jarred violently to a stop. A sigh of relief and a quick utterance of thanks to God escaped Martin’s lips just before he was pulled from the wagon half dragged, half stumbling behind the eldest Cartwright son.

“Adam, slow down for heaven’s sake!”

“He looked dead Paul, when I left he looked dead” was the only response that Martin received besides the tormented expression that inhabited the usually controlled features of the Young man.

Ben hearing the commotion met them atop the stairs. “Paul thank you for coming in such a hurry”

“Of coarse been you know how I feel about that boy and this family. How is he?”

“I don’t know Hop Sings been doing everything he knows how”

“Adam didn’t know how it happened, has Joe said anything?”

“I’m sorry but I’m as lost as you he hasn’t so much as stirred” Doc Martin nodded grimly as he entered the room crossing over quickly to take his place beside the young patient. Martin visibly paled at the sight of Joes body lying on the bed his skin blending into the bleached white sheets. “I need everyone out except you Hop Sing I need you to assist me”

“Paul I..”

“No buts Ben I don’t need the three of you over my shoulder asking me questions, Joe needs immediate care please... I’ll be out as soon as I can” Ben nodded his understanding and reluctantly exited the room closing the door and following his sons downstairs to the great room where a long wait laid ahead of them.



“What’s taking so long” Hoss announced standing up from his place on the settee “It’s done been three hours Pa”

Ben stopped his pacing and looked up his worried eyes stopping on his middle son “I don’t know Hoss, I just...” Ben paused and began to pace the floor again his brows furrowed in thought.

The loud creaking of an upstairs door brought every ones attention to the wooden staircase.

Paul Martin came slowly trudging down the steps his eyes cast downwards on his hands that were unrolling his sleeves back down to his wrists.

“Paul?”

Martins blue eyes lifted meeting the three anxious men who had quickly surrounded him “Ben let’s sit down and discuss young Joseph shall we”

“He’s gonna be alright ain’t he Doc?” questioned Hoss

“That’s a question I’m afraid right now I just can not answer”

Ben grabbed his friends sleeve pulling the man to face him “Paul are you saying...”

“I’m not saying anything at all, I just don’t know. He’s a sick boy Ben a real sick boy. Now if you’ll please sit down I’ll explain the situation as clearly as I can. He has a concussion not to severe but considering his condition it shouldn’t be taken lightly as no head injury should be. At the moment though what concerns me is the injuries sustained to his chest and abdomen, or I should say inside them”

“Doc ya sayn’ Little Joe’s insides are all messed up?”

“Yes Hoss I guess you could say that, I’ve tried to evaluate what happened to him the best I could by using the injuries as a guide. I found some splinters in the wound across his abdomen and a few others in his hands and such, It reminds me of a case I once had...”

“The point Paul, get to the point” Ben urged impatiently.

“Alright, Adam told me Joseph was to arrive home with supplies?”

“Yes and?” Ben breathed exasperated

“But he arrived on his Pinto if I so recall, best I can tell Ben there must have been an accident where the wagon flipped and landed across him. That would have had enough pressure to have inflicted the damage done” he concluded reaching down to a tray in front of him and retrieved a not so hot cup of coffee.

“That’s as good of a evaluation as I’ve thought up, but that still does not tell me how my son is” Doc martin sighed and took a sip of the lukewarm liquid quickly placing it back on the saucer, then gave a quick nod to his friend. “The initial blow from the wagon, If that’s what it was crushed his sternum downwards. Four of the ribs couldn’t withstand the pressure and were broken, his lung has been pierced by one of them, by the state of the injury I’d say it wasn’t at first but in his efforts to get to help he inflicted it upon himself. I have fixed the wound and drained the lung, now we have to wait to see what happens. The laceration across his abdomen was I believe to have been caused by the edge of the wagon, the brunt of the impact was sustained there. I’ve already found some bruising which means I’m going to have to watch him closely to make sure no organ’s within that area bleed or rupture. I’m afraid infection has already begun to set in several places we are in for quite a battle I’m afraid.”

“He’s gonna be alright Doc, I mean he’s been bad off before and made it through jest fine”

“He’s young that’s one thing he has on his side, but he still hasn’t awaken and when that fever hits and he hasn’t so much as stirred I don’t know if he ever will. I’m counting on your brothers constitution, and a little help from God to pull him through” Martin looked over at his long time friend and within a matter of minutes he could have sworn he watch the older man age ten years before his eyes. “Ben I’m not saying he won’t pull through”

Ben stood without a word his face etched in an ocean of worry, and pain. Quietly he headed for the stairs.

“Ben?”

“I have to see him Paul, I have to see him ALONE” never looking back the elder Cartwright slowly disappeared from sight.



Bens aged fingers ran over one of the youthful hands of his sons, his coffee brown eyes studying the silent figure before him.

“Come on Joseph, son it’s time to wake up now” He whispered leaning down his lips softly brushing the sweat beaded brow.

“Little Joe stubborn boy, he no listen at all. He wake up when he ready you see”

Ben jumped slightly at the unexpected voice behind him then a slight smile touched his lips before fading as quickly as it had come

“Mista Cartlight you allight”

“I’m alright Hop Sing you just startled me. I didn’t notice you were even in the room”

“Hop Sing be vely quiet, Hop Sing try no disturb, but Hop Sing stay silent no longa Mista Ben look vely sad”

“I’m glad your here old friend I don’t know what this family would do without you in times like these and others” Hop Sing smiled and beamed proudly as he carried a fresh water basin over to the bedside table. Ben retrieved the small towel next to it and quickly began to soak it before ringing it out and gently began stroking his sons face. His dark brows furrowed in worry as the cool rag quickly became warm. Ben lifted his free hand letting it come to rest on his sons brow. “Hop Sing go call the doctor his fevers rising”

Quickly and silently the small cook scurried out the door to accomplish his assigned task.

Ben’s thoughts were shattered at the movement on the bed. His sons head slowly turning a soft moan escaping his chapped lips. “Joseph, Joseph can you here me son” The young man’s eyelids slightly fluttered open enough for two fever lit green pools to look up at the figure hovering over him.

“P....Pa” he croaked

“Yes son Pa’s here everything’s gonna be alright”

“I...I’m s...sorry Pa”

“Shhhhh Joseph there’s nothing to be sorry for” Ben reached over and picked up the small glass of water carefully lifting his sons head he placed the glass to his lips letting a few sips enter before his son pulled away to speak again

“I’m sorry, s...sorry I was late Pa. P...please don’t be m...mad. I’m...no disappointment please” Little Joes head rolled to the side coming to rest on his fathers chest eyes once again closed.

“Joseph?” Ben’s eyes were wide with sadness at the whispered words of his son. Tears began to well up in his eyes but, only one escaped to cascade down his unshaven cheek.

“Ben? Ben what happened?” Martin asked moving next to his old friend his to sons moving around to position themselves on the other side of the bed.

“He came around, but only for a minute I managed to give him a little water”

“That’s a good sign Ben, a real good sign. Did he say anything?”

“Yes, yes he did” the patriarch answered though his voice was clearly distracted.

“Well Pa what’d he say” Hoss pressed. Ben’s eye’s glanced up from his youngests face to look at the crystal blue ones of his middles. “He apologized”

“He what? What on earth for?” Paul asked

“He apologized for being late. He asked me not to be mad and said something about disappointment I didn‘t understand” Bens distress evidently echoed in his voice. Adam’s heart constricted after all that had happened to him his little brothers thoughts had gone back to the fight a few nights back and sent him worrying about doing wrong in even a simple way in fear of what he and his father would do or say.

“I’m sure it’s just the fever Ben you were right it has risen, quite a bit higher I’m afraid”

Adam stepped back silently no longer listening to Paul’s words. He had an almost unreadable expression on his features, as he turned slightly wiping a threatening tear away before it cascaded down and became known to anyone but himself. This movement however did not go unnoticed by Hoss’ watchful eyes as he looked upon his older brothers form as it walked hastily away disappearing around the sturdy door frame of the small room. Hoss averted his glazed blue eyes over to his younger brother as his Pa, and Doc Martin seemed to move in slow motion, they’re lips moving in speech, but jumbled sounds is all that reached his ears. His lips pursed together in a straight line of thought before he turned quickly and followed Adams invisible trail out the door.



Adam sat quietly upon the stone mantle of the fireplace his chestnut iris’s reflecting the dancing flames as he intently stared upon them as if they could answer some unspoken question. His left hand rubbed the short stubble that stretched across his weary features his dark eyes held some intense and troubled thoughts.

It was almost surprising to Hoss as he came up undetected beside his brother. Emotion was a thing rarely seen in his brothers eyes, it was there of coarse, just always well hidden, always in check.

Adam jumped in surprise to the tight squeeze on his shoulder. His gaze lifted to the large built frame of his brother, one of his massive hands resting on his shoulder trying to give some reassurance. Though his blue depths reflected the need for reassurance deep within them as well, almost like a plea to his older brother to make the current situation better. It was the same gentle look Hoss would give as a child when his heart was in torment. Adams own heart constricted for there was no comforting words that would spill fourth from his mouth. The silence was deafening, the snapping and crackling of the fire maddening. Adam looked away once again in thought.

“Adam” Hoss whispered in more of just a phrase then a question as he sat down heavily next to his elder sibling

“Hoss?, I’m...I’m scared Hoss” Hoss looked at the fear etched features looming over the eldest Cartwright’s features.

“I...I know Adam” Hoss stammered, he swallowed the lump in his throat trying to convince himself to speak. Scared was a word unheard of in Adam’s vocabulary. He almost looked ashamed to be so out of control of his feelings.

“I am to”

“Hmmm...” Adam’s eyebrows lifted as he looked up from the fire. Hoss quit playing with the hem of his vest and his lips curved in to a slight reassuring smile that he didn’t really feel, but then it dissipated.

“I’m scared to, I’m scared awful like” Adam sighed and nodded some relief actually past his features.

“You know what?”

“What Adam?”

“I was going to apologizing for some of the words I told Joe out of anger the other night. I kept putting it off because of the work around here, and I thought I needed to cool down a bit Joe to. I never thought... I mean I was going to tell him last night, but when he was late I became angry again. He was out there hurting Hoss, and I was angry at him”

“Aw shucks Adam it ain’t yur fault you didn’t know. Besides you weren’t the only one fummin’. Little Joe knows you didn’t mean what you said, you was jest angry is all. We all speak things we don’t mean when we’re riled.”

“But the things I said Hoss, His eyes were hurt I didn’t pay attention to them then. I thought maybe he’d listen if I laid it out in cold words. You should have seen the look he gave me”

~~~~~~~~~~~~_(Three Nights Earlier)+~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where have you been!” Adam raged following his retreating brother into the stable.

“Don’t you turn your back on me boy!” Adam growled gripping Joes forearm tightly turning him to face him.

“It’s none of you business Adam!” Joe shouted trying to twisting out of his older brothers vice grip.

Adam used his other hand to grip his brothers jaw and examine the swollen discolored right eye. “You’ve been brawling again. Pa sends you to pick up the mail this afternoon and you come back not only six hours late, but like this”

“I didn’t start it!” Joe spoke defensively knocking his brothers hand away.

“No you never do start it do you, It’s always someone else’s fault!”

“I’m twenty-two Adam, I’m a man. Cain’t I get into a disagreement without my older brother putting his nose where it don’t belong. When are you gonna quit treating me like a child?”

“When you stop acting like one, that’s when! I’m sick of picking up your slack around here, and if Hoss had the courage to tell you to your face he’d tell you the same thing!”

Joes face turned red with anger and his fingers clinched into tight fists. “I do my share”

“Of coarse you do, you’re share of getting into trouble. All the while Pa sits at home worrying about you when your out having fun at poker games. When are you going to quit being so lazy, and start thinking of somebody else for a change. Maybe even be apart of this family, start being a Cartwright, and stop being such a disappointment to PA!” Adam was so lost in his own anger he paid little heed to the expression on the youngest Cartwrights features.

Joes mouthed clamped shut and he backed away a shocked looked on his face. Then the anger rose again as his offense took hold. “You don’t know anything about it Adam!”

“What in tarnation is going on in here!” Ben’s voice thundered behind them.

Adam started toward his patriarch and tossed a wave in his younger brothers direction. “Your prodigal son has returned” he spoke acidly walking past his father towards the house. Ben made no move to stop him just crossed his arms and starred at Joes look of hate shot at Adams backside a look that quickly turned into a look of fear as he found his father’s gaze.

“We’ll Joseph?” Ben questioned sternly waiting for his son’s account of his tardiness. Though the misshapen face of his youngest was explanatory in it’s self.

Ben never noticed his sons eyes searching for something in his, something Joe now imagined was there everyday sense that night (Disappointment)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Present)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah Adam, ya didn’t really tell him he was a disappointment to Pa, You don’t really think that do ya?”

Adam sighed and let one of his hands run through his raven hair. then slowly with a grunt of aggravation he stood to his feet. “Of coarse I didn’t mean it what kind of question is that. It slipped out Hoss, I was upset with him”

“Adam I didn’t mean nuttin’ by it. I was just surprised ya said it’s all”

“I need some air”

Hoss watched as his brother walked hastily to the front door without so much as look back he exited the door closing it a little louder than necessary.

Footsteps on the stairs echoed throughout the silence of the house.

“Hoss?”

“Hello Doc” Hoss acknowledged looking at Paul who made his way over to the large young man.

“Where’s Pa?”

“He’s sitting up stairs with your brother for a spell. Hop Sing said he’d be down in a moment to fix Lunch for you boy’s”

“I don’t reckon I feel much like eaten Doc, my insides are all tangled up.”

“You’ve never not been hungry a day in in your life Hoss. When Hop Sing comes down you, as will the rest of you’re family will eat something. I don’t want to come back to a house full of sick Cartwrights you hear me?”

“Sure Doc, but you not staying?”

“No Hoss I’ve done all I can for now. He’s not getting worse, and I’ve given him a sedative to help him sleep. If he’s in any pain I left some Lanthanum on the side table just in case.”

Hoss nodded his understanding as Paul picked up his hat and headed for the door. Martin stopped as he was pulling the door closed and looked back at the middle Cartwright.

“Call me if there is any change, and remember Hoss he’s a strong boy, and he’s got the good Lord on his side.”

Hoss let a smile cross his face “I know Doc, Thanks”

“Anytime Hoss, anytime” the door closed and Paul Martin walked slowly across the yard towards his buggy. He caught glimpse of a figure clad in black sitting on one of the banisters on the far side of the porch. A sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head. Words of comfort can be easily given to the younger Cartwright boy’s, but nothing he could say could help Ben’s eldest when those deep brooding features were set in the dark mask they were in at the moment.

The Cartwrights were a close woven family, who had known many sorrows in they’re lives. Paul made a silent prayer to God that they would not come to know the sorrow of losing a brother or a son.



Darkness dominated the windowless room the only light emitted from the flame atop an almost completely melted candle. Shadows danced of the walls indicating the presence of several men all of which but one where surrounding the center table cards and whiskey glasses spread around piles of bills and coins. On figure stood out the most standing tall, with broad shoulders in the back corner of the room. His features were covered by shadows showing only his unshaven jaw; a half-burned cigar lay between his lips surrounding him with a thick dense smoke. Across the room the only door leading into the small shack quickly slammed shut. Cheers and Sarcastic remarks greeted the new comer who had just entered.

“Hey Johnny we was beginning ta think you wasn’t comin’ back”

The stranger smirked pulling of his hat tossing it carelessly to the side thus revealing his handsome but roguish features. “I’m sure you were” he replied sarcastically eying the drunk and dirty men laughing at nothing in particular, his gaze shifted when his eyes caught movement. Out of the shadows the man that had stood alone walked casually across the floor, taking a moment to pull the stump out his mouth before speaking “I assume all went as planned?”

“You assumed correctly Bull, the kids dead”

“Did you check the body?”

“Couldn’t. The horses spooked probably drug that wagon half way to California” Johnny noted the scowl on the older man’s features and he smiled “By your expression I’d say you have doubts?”

“I don’t want no Sheriff knockin’ down my door; just cause you assumed Cartwright was dead!” Bull shouted throwing his cigar to the ground crushing it in frustration with the steel toe of his boot.

Johnny’s eyes flared, drawing his gun he fired one shot off spinning the gun several times, and then holstering it before any one of the men so much as blinked.

“I don’t miss!” He spat with venom.

Bull smiled as he starred at the shocked man on the floor cards scattered around him one laid face-up on his chest an Ace with a hole clean through the center spade.

“You crazy son of...I...I oughta tare you apart” Shorty hollered, quickly trying to stumble to his feet, anger clearly marking his features. The rage was soon forgotten, his skin paling to a ghostly white as soon as he found himself staring down the barrel of his leaders colt. Quietly he slid back picking up his fallen chair and sat down. “Deal me another hand will ya Jeb” he spoke nervously.

Bull lowered his gun “so young Cartwright's dead?”

“Dead and silent as a grave, I had as clear a shot as man could wish for, right through the head no chances”

“Well I believe this calls for a little celebration. Otis get the men mounted up we’re going to town”

Whoops and Hollers sounded from the gang as they tossed the cards aside and began grabbing their coats and hats. Noisily stumbling out the door several careless shots fired the loud cracks echoing in the wind.



Hoss’ fork scratched noisily across his plate, pushing the food into different piles. His brows furrowed in frustration as he tried unsuccessfully to figure out how his little brother was able to make it look as if he had eaten his share though he hadn’t really touched his food. This technique had been used to fool his father and older brother on several occasions Little Joe had named, but all he had managed to do was mix the food into an unrecognizable mush. “Dadburnit” he muttered tossing his fork to the table in defeat.

Hoss’ outburst gained him two sets of questioning eyes causing him to slink down into his chair, in a futile attempt to fade away. Adam’s right eyebrow took on it’s regular arched tilt that manifests itself when the young man was either curious or waiting impatiently for an excuse from his little brother after some failed scheme.

“What exactly was that all about son?” His father asked worriedly.

“Ah, it weren't nothin’ Pa. I was just mad at my foods all”

Ben eyed the conglomeration that lay in front of his son, while Adam tried to hide an amused smile behind his hand at his brother’s last statement. Hoss frowned at Adam, but then saw amusement in the words he knew were only fully understood by himself.

“I guess that didn’t sound right did it Pa?”

“No son, I don’t think it did”

“It’s just...My insides are all tied up and food looks down right awful ta me. I’ve been trying ta do that thing Joe does with his food, Ya know spreadin’ it about making it look as if it was half eaten so he don’t half ta eat when he don’t want to?”

“Oh, I didn’t know my son possessed such an ability” Ben said enlightened

“Yes I do believe we’ll have to remember that one for later Pa” Adam added trying none to successfully to hide a laugh at the expression Hoss had acquired upon registering the fact that he had given out to much information. “Ah Adam ya better not say I told, Little Joe’d have my hide fur sure”

Ben couldn’t stifle his booming laugh any longer as he watched his middle son continue to plead with his elder brother.

Adam raised his hands in defeat “Mums the word dear brother” he replied pursing his lips together firmly to emphasize his vow of silence. Hoss grinned, visibly showing his relief.



Hop sing reached down to grasp the sheets and quilt that lay in a crumpled heap at the foot of the bed. Tossed there by the young man thrashing about on the mattress. Raising them up he pulled them back over the boy. The frown that had been ever present on his features all morning deepened noticeably at the sight of the quickly accumulating beads of sweat upon the fevered brow. Working quickly Hop Sing retrieved the small rag that had been soaking in the bedside basin and wiped it gently across Joes pasty skin letting the heated perspiration be replaced by cool water. Joe groaned as he turned his head away, his whole body trembled and he kicked to get the unwanted covers off his body again.

“It’s...It’s hot it’s...” “No speak little Joe” Hop Sing whispered gripping the dampening fabric and holding it in his place with one hand as the other tried futilely to hold in place, and stroke the tossing head. The boy moaned deeper and loader, reaching out blindly grasping at the Chinaman’s hand to make it release the hold it had on his twisting body. Joe cried out as his vain movements caused him more pain. His dark eyelashes fluttered open slowly revealing his glazed green depths.

“Pa...Pa...” He called out hoarsely pushing himself upwards.

Gently the small cook moved his fingers up and gripped the shoulders of the young boy carefully but firmly he pressed him down into the mattress. Murmurs of Cantonese slipped through his lips as he tried to comfort Little Joe in his native tongue.
Hop Sing rose up casting a worried look at the youngest son before moving swiftly towards the door.



The pounding on the front door echoed loudly off the walls bringing the three men out of they’re slow coming conversation around the dinning table. Ben tossed a look at both his son’s arching both eyebrows in curiosity.

“I’ll get it Pa”

“No son, let me” Ben said wiping the corners of his mouth with his napkin before rising slowly, and walking across to the door in time to open it and seeing Charlie Mills fist raised ready to knock again.

“I’m sorry to bother ya Mr. Cartwright. Hank sent me down to fetch the new shoring. We’re at a stand still, we, we can’t go no further without it”

Ben’s expression fell grim and this did not go unnoticed by the young ranch hands keen eyes. Glancing over across his boss’ shoulder he could see that the Cartwright son’s mirrored the expression.

“Did I say something wrong Mr. Cartwright?”

“No Charlie you‘re fine. Would you come in please” he quickly replied, noticing the mans worried look.

The cowhand lifted his dusty hat from atop his sweaty brow and quietly entered hoping soon for understanding. He followed Ben who walked quickly over to the large desk positioned in the center of the study and watched the older man sit down and begin fingering through some of the files in the bottom drawer.

“What are you looking for Pa?”

“Adam do you know where I put the extra copy of yesterdays supply list”

“I thought you hadn’t filed it yet, remember you placed it in the papers by the ledger”

“Yes, yes of coarse. I remember now” as soon as his fingers gripped the sheet of paper he stood and walked over towards the others, his eyes scanning the list. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips and he dropped the hand holding the parchment hopelessly to his side.

“The extra shoring is on the list isn’t it Pa?” “Yes Hoss it is, and I know it’s a lot to ask in these circumstances but I’m going to need you boys to go in town. Hopefully Walt will still have some stored in the back of the store.”

Hoss nodded taking the list from his father “Are ya sure you don’t need one of us to stay?”

“No the two of you can get into town and back a lot quicker this way”

Charlie stood back; still oblivious to what was going on, but could tell something was amiss. His fingers began to fumble with the brim of his hat; it wasn’t until a hand touched his shoulder that he noticed he was being talked to.

“Charlie, take this to Hank it explains everything I need him to do”

“Yes Sir” Charlie nodded taking the note from his boss’ hand quietly walking back towards the door where he was being led. He placed his hat firmly upon his head and adjusted the brim slightly to the side. The door was being closed behind him when he reached back blocking the final closing

“Mr. Cartwright?”

“Yes?”

“Well I...I’m not the brightest, but I sure do knows when something just ain’t right”

Ben sighed and did his best to explain in as few sentences as possible the events that had transpired through the morning. The young man grimaced and paled “I...I’m sorry, I didn’t know Mr. Cartwright. I hope Little Joe is all right, he’s a real good friend not just to me but the other fellers to”

“Thank you Charlie. Tell the men we’ll send word if we hear anything new”

“Thanks Boss, I know the boy’s will be glad to hear it” and with those words finished the door closed and the young man mounted and rode at a faster pace than usual eager to tell his friends about the fall of they’re Comrade.



Ben was startled when he heard his name being called from upstairs. He had just watched his eldest son’s ride away after bidding them God’s speed.

“Mr. Cartlight, Mr. Cartlight!”

Hop Sing was on the stairs leaning over the banister. “Little Joe open eyes. He call for you Mista Ben” Though Ben had scolded his son’s many times for running in the house, He chose this time to forget his words and was now taking the stairs two at a time.



Hoss breathed a sigh of relief as Virginia City finally came into view. It had been quiet as a grave sense He and his brother had left the house, making the trip drag on slowly, minutes feeling like hours. His eyes took another glance over at the man clad in black sitting or maybe more like slouching in his saddle as the chestnut he rode kept pace with the moving wagon. Several times he had thrown a conversation piece at the older man, just for it to hit him and then fall unnoticed to the ground. The all to familiar sign caught his blue iris’s causing him to pull back firmly on the reigns, quickly bringing the buckboard to a stop in front of the mercantile, he set the brakes and looked around before jumping off. Hoss approached his older brother slowly watching him as he tied Sport to the nearest hitching post.

“Adam, Hoss how nice to see you boys”

“Howdy Mr. Owens” Hoss acknowledged “My Pa gave us a list of supplies we need back at the ranch” Hoss pulled the slip of white paper out of his vest pocket handed it over to the older man for him to read. The White mustache that neatly decorated his top lip twitched, and his dark eyebrows furrowed his expression clearly marked with confusion as his eyes traced the items listed.

“There must be some kind of mistake Hoss, Little Joe picked up all these things yesterday I’m sure of it” Hoss’ swallowed and he dropped his gaze giving himself a moment to gather himself together. The sudden change in atmosphere did not go unnoticed by the storekeeper’s senses, quickly curiosity and, uncertainty filled his deep brown eyes. “Hoss I have a feeling something’s wrong” he announced while looking intently on the disappearing form of his long time friend’s oldest son.

“There is. Ya see there was an accident yesterday, and the supplies never made it home”

“Never made it home?” A knowing look crossed his face and he shook his head “Hoss don’t tell me let me guess Little Joe got himself into another spot with your Pa, and by the look of it your brother to”

“It ain’t like that, though about now I wish it was. The wagon done crashed yesterday, busted Little Joe up awful bad”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. He’s going to be all right isn’t he?”

“Don’t know yet. Pa sent us in town to get some more shoring. That new mine operation Pa’s experimenting with is on a complete stand still till it gets there, besides Pa thinks coming to town will take our minds off what’s happening, but to tell ya the truth it ain’t been helping me one bit”

“That’s perfectly understandable Hoss.” The older man took one more look towards the direction in which Adam had made his exit; then raised his aged hand to pat the broad shoulder of the young man in front of him. “Tell you what. Why don’t you go catch up with that brother of yours and I’ll have Hank help me load the supplies for you”

“Ya sure?”

“You know I am”

“Thank ya kindly Mr. Owens. I appreciate it, I really do”

“Not at all my boy. Your father has done a great deal for me in the past; it does me good to do a few favors here and there. It should only take us about an hour, but if you don’t hurry you just might loose that brother of yours”

“Won’t be no trouble, I kinda figure I know where he’s going”

“Very well then I’ll go find Hank and get started on this right away”

Hoss nodded his thanks again before heading off into the direction, which his brother had disappeared.



Adam paid little heed to the events unfolding around him. He stood half-leaned against the far end of the bar, the fingers of his right hand encircled around a half-full beer mug. Once again the glass lifted off the counter top to touch his lips as it had down several times before. A fist came down firmly on the bar next to him startling him a bit

“Sam!” A familiar voice bellowed “Beer!”

Adams glass lowered slightly revealing the smile behind it “so I see you’ve found me”

“Shucks Adam it ain’t like it was hard” the big man grinned propping his elbows onto the counter for support.

Sam walked over casually placing a full mug in front of his regular customer.

“You sure are the last two I’d expect to see in here today”

“Why is that?” Hoss asked eyeing the large bartender.

“It’s all over town what happened. I’m really sorry about your brother. Ta think I just saw him yesterday”

Hoss eyebrow’s raised “Ya did? Pa sure woulda been mad if’n he knew. Joe wasn’t supposed ta go no where’s near a saloon yesterday”

“We’ll he was here all right, got the damages to prove it” he sighed pointing to a place where a couple of tables and chairs where missing. “He and some new fellers in town didn’t see eye to eye. Broke two tables, five chairs, and nine bottles of some of my best liquor”

Adam frowned disapprovingly at the news, but at the moment considering the circumstances he didn’t feel the anger that normally would rise up within him.

“So what happened” Hoss inquired his facial expression clearly holding interest in what Sam was telling him.

“Roy came in and broke it up, he was just about ta haul the whole lot of them off when Little Joe swore he’d pay me double for everything if I didn’t press charges. You should of seen his face, it looked as if the fear of God was on him, or you might say the fear of your Pa” he laughed but sobered at Adam’s scowl missing the slight twitching at the corners. Hoss gave a light chuckle and shook his head briefly at the painted picture that was given of his brother’s expression during the event’s of the night before.

“Thought it wouldn’t hurt to let him off this time, besides I was going to make a profit to”

“Do you know what the brawl was over?”

“It wasn’t Joe’s fault Adam incase that’s what you’re thinking. Those new fellers are some bad ones” he said pointing a finger over to two tables across the noisy room. Sam locked eyes with the leader of the men who smirked with a glare, quickly his hand lowered and he found sudden interest in the small dish rag in front of him. His large fingers began to wipe the glasses off with the cloth, the same glasses that already had been cleaned earlier. Slowly the bartender made his way over to a corner and left Hoss puzzled. He looked back to see what had Sam spooked. Approaching was a man who stood two maybe three inches taller than he was. Being a big man at 6’4” this made the stranger a good 6’6” or 7” Hoss’ elbow nudged Adam who turned half way almost hitting the large stranger that had planted his feet firmly in front of him. He pushed the brim of his hat up just to get a good look at the unknown’s face. What he saw was small gray eyes, set deep giving the man a look halfway between a pig and a grizzly. The dark stumble covering his features helped the impression. He had on a long soiled brown duster that covered most of his wide girth, and a Colt 44-40 tied to the right of his hip, where his hand stayed close by every few moments a crack of another knuckle would sound from the flexing fingers. His very appearance was revolting, not to mention the smell that seemed to hover like thick smog around him.

“Couldn’t help but over hear about that brother of yours” he said his eyes