In the episode “Credit For A Kill” Joe and his crew of workers finish branding 250 head of calves a week ahead of schedule. As a reward Ben gives Joe a week off. Joe says he wants to go to Elkton because that’s where the prettiest girls live. While he’s there he intends to see how a friend Morgan Tanner is. Morgan has a crippled right hand from an accident. While Joe is visiting Morgan on his ranch, a man tries to steal Morgan’s horse. Both Joe and Morgan shoot at him, killing him. The dead man is Luke Jordan, there is a two thousand dollar reward on him, dead or alive. Morgan’s intention is to share the reward with Joe, as they don’t know who’s bullet actually killed him. In a saloon, Joe meets a young woman who plays the piano there called Lorna Medford she is from Cobyville, Ohio. She left there because she fell in love with a man named Richard and his family thought she was only after their money. Lorna left to prove that she could make it on her own. Joe then has a run in with a big mouth named Casey Rawlins. Rawlins tries to goad Joe into a gunfight. Joe uses glasses of beer to prove a point to Rawlins. He tells Rawlins to put a glass in front of him and Joe puts one in front of himself. The aim is to see who can shoot the others glass first. Joe is so fast he beats Rawlins by a long way and tells him he ‘would have died of a real bad case of slow.’ Casey Rawlins leaves feeling foolish. Luke Jordan’s three brothers Virgil, Walt and Boon come to town. Joe knows they will want revenge on the man who killed their brother and he tells Sheriff Fenton that he is claiming the whole two thousand dollars as it must have been his bullet that killed Luke Jordan because Morgan is not used to using his left hand and his aim would not have been accurate. Rawlins tells the Jordan’s that it was Joe who killed their brother. Morgan and his wife Martha argue over Joe’s claim on the money, she feels Morgan is not standing up for himself. Joe enters the livery stable to get his horse, the fire bell sounds and the liveryman rushes off so Joe is alone. The door closes shutting Joe in, he knows who it is – the Jordan brothers. In the shootout that follows, Joe fires through the loft floor hitting Boon Jordan. Sheriff Fenton arrives. Joe shoots Virgil and Walt is shot by Sheriff Fenton. Later, Joe says goodbye to Sheriff Fenton and Morgan. Morgan tells the sheriff that Joe opened an account for him at the bank and put two thousand dollars in it. Morgan now realizes why Joe was claiming to have been the one that killed Luke, he wanted to protect Morgan from Luke’s brothers. Joe stops to say goodbye to Lorna. She tells him that she is going to Dayton to meet Richard. Later, Joe arrives home at the Ponderosa and when Hoss asks if anything special happened, Joe says he’ll tell them about it at dinner. He then tells his father that ‘the next time I ask you for a week off, don’t give it to me.’ And now the story continues.

PAYBACK FOR A KILL

By Helen B

&

Jenny D

“So that’s what happened,” said Joe, as he looked at his father who was seated in his usual chair. Joe had just finished telling his father and brother what had happened while he was in Elkton visiting his friends Morgan and Martha Tanner.

Ben was shaken at how close Joe had come to being killed. After he found his voice again, Ben asked, “Were they all killed, Joseph?”

Joe shook his head. “No, two of them were only wounded. Sheriff Fenton said I’ll have to go back to Elkton in about a month when the circuit judge comes though.”

“Well I’ll say one thing for you, little brother,” Hoss said, “you sure know how to make a holiday exciting.”

Joe smiled wryly. “I could have done without the excitement.” Joe felt his fathers eyes on him and looked over at him, seeing the intense look on his father’s face, Joe said, “I’m all right Pa, honest. I haven’t even got a scratch.”

“I know, Joe, but when I think what could have happened, I …” Ben started to say.

Joe shook his head, cutting his father off. “It’s over, Pa. Don’t worry about it now.”

“You still have to testify.”

“Sheriff Fenton said that it should be very straight forward. He thinks that with their record they’ll be going to prison for a long time. I don’t even have to think about that for a month anyway. So,” Joe said, ready to change the subject, “what’s been happening here?”

The talk turned to what had happened on the ranch while Joe was away and both Ben and Joe tried to put the events of Elkton behind them.

**********

As Joe lay in bed that night he couldn’t stop his thoughts from once again returning to what had happened in Elkton and he thought back to when Morgan Tanner had first come to work on the Ponderosa.

Morgan had quickly proven to be a top hand. Joe had only been fourteen when Morgan started work on the ranch but Joe liked the man instantly because although Morgan was older than Joe he never talked down to him. As Joe grew older and started work on the ranch full time the friendship grew.

Joe sighed and sat up, it was no good trying to sleep. He got up and went down to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

Sitting at the table, the coffee grew cold as Joe just stared into the cup. His thoughts turned to the day Morgan’s arm had been hurt. Joe shook his head, was it really only two years ago? It seemed longer.

Joe was now in charge of the horse breaking. One afternoon as the rest of the men stood at the fence watching and cheering him on, Joe attempted to break a new horse. The horse had proven to be extremely difficult.

Suddenly Joe was flying through the air only to come back to the hard earth with a sickening thud.

The next thing Joe was aware of was a shooting pain in his head. He opened his eyes only to quickly close them as the pain intensified.

Morgan patted Joe’s arm. “It’s okay, Joe, just lie still. I sent Sam for your Pa and the buckboard, they’ll be here in a minute.”

“No, I’m all right,” Joe started to attempt to sit up, “I don’t need a ….” He stopped as a wave of nausea hit him.

Morgan held him firmly down, “Don’t move.” He looked up with relief as he heard the sound of the buckboard coming. “Your Pa’s here.”

Within moments Joe heard his fathers voice and felt gentle hands running over his body. “I think you’re right Morgan, nothing feels broken.” Joe felt his father stroke his arm. “Just relax, Joe, and we’ll get you home. I’ve sent Sam in for Paul”

“I don’t need a doctor, Pa, I’m fine,” Joe mumbled.

“I’ll be the judge of that, Joseph.”

**********

When they got back to the ranch, Morgan helped Ben to get Joe upstairs and after Joe made another attempt to convince his father he wasn’t in need of a doctor, Morgan laughed and said to Ben, “I’ll leave him to you and get back to the corral.”

Ben nodded but before Morgan got to the door Joe said, “Morgan, leave the black for now.”

“All right, Joe,” Morgan replied as he left.

“Is that the one you got thrown from?” Ben asked as he sat down next to Joe.

“Yes, I don’t know if we’re going to be able to break him, Pa.”

“You know my feelings about that, Joe. If you consider it too dangerous, don’t do it. The money we’d get for the horse isn’t worth it.”

Joe had known his father would give that answer. Truth be known, Ben would have preferred him not to break any horses but he knew how much his youngest son loved doing it so there was no way he could stop him.

Paul Martin finally arrived and reassured Ben that although Joe had a severe concussion, given a couple of weeks he would be as good as new. Joe was resting while his father saw Paul Martin out, when he heard the sound of horses entering the yard and then something going on downstairs. A few minutes later, Ben came upstairs.

“What’s happening?” Joe asked sleepily.

“There’s been an accident, Joe,” Ben said as he sat down on the bed.

“What?”

“It’s Morgan,” Ben replied simply, putting his hands on Joe to stop any attempt to rise.

“He tried to ride the black, didn’t he?”

“Yes,” Ben replied.

“How bad is it?”

“It’s his arm, Joe. It looks pretty bad. It’s lucky Paul was still here. Try not to worry.”

“Joe.” Joe jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning his head he saw his father.

“Hi Pa, I didn’t hear you.”

“What are you doing down here, son? Can’t sleep?”

“I’ve been thinking about Morgan.”

“He’s coped well,” Ben said.

“Yes,” Joe nodded, “He’s very grateful that you helped him buy that piece of land.”

“I would have liked to do more for him but he was determined to make it on his own.”

“When he decided he wanted to buy that place I thought it might be too much for him. I think it’s been really tough but he’s making a go of it.”

Joe smiled as Ben replaced his cup with a hot cup of coffee. “Thanks, Pa.”

“What’s bothering you about Morgan, son?”

“I don’t know, everything I guess. He gave up horse breaking when Doc Martin said he couldn’t risk breaking his arm again because it would probably never set right and then of course he had to go and rebreak it. You’ve seen him Pa, he’s never going to get any use back in that arm.”

“I think you’re right about that but Morgan hasn’t let that stop him, he’s still managing to run that ranch of his. I think he’ll be all right.”

“He was already finding it hard and now this thing with the Jordan’s had to happen. Of all the ranches around why did Luke Jordan have to pick Morgan’s to try and steal a horse from.”

“Take your own advice Joe,” Ben said trying to lighten the mood.

“What advice?”

“Earlier you said that it was over, you were right, it is. Now things can get back to normal and for you young man that means work so finish your coffee and go and get some sleep.”

“Thanks, Pa.”

Ben just smiled and sat with Joe in companionable silence until they both finished their coffee and walked upstairs together.

**********

Casey Rawlins waited for his chance. When Sheriff Fenton had to go to the saloon to sort out some trouble, Rawlins stepped unnoticed into the jail, going to the back cells where the two prisoners were.

“What do you want?” Virgil Jordan growled.

“I can help you,” Rawlins replied.

Interested, Virgil slowly sat up on his bunk, “Why would you want to do that?”

“I think we both want the same thing,” Rawlins said.

“What?” Virgil asked.

“To see Joe Cartwright dead.”

Virgil and his brother Walt looked at each other in silent agreement, they had nothing to loose.

“What’s your plan?” Virgil Jordan asked.

“I have most of it worked out,” Rawlins said, “but I’ll need a diversion. Something that will get the sheriff away from here long enough for me to get you out and to give you a good head start.”

“What about a fire?” Walt Jordan smirked.

“Good idea,” Virgil Jordan laughed, fire was the Jordan brother’s trademark, “when you’re onto a good thing stay with it, I say.”

Casey Rawlins nodded. “I think that’ll work. When I’m ready to do it I’ll make sure there’s a couple of horses tied up near here, go to the other end of town, start the fire and then run back here. While everyone’s fighting the fire, I’ll let you out. By the time the sheriff gets back here and gets a posse together you’ll be long gone.”

“Where do we find Cartwright though?” Virgil asked.

“I’ll get him here,” Rawlins replied.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” Rawlins said, “like I said, I’ve got it all worked out. When I get you out of here ride straight down the main road, when you come to a fork, go right. You’ll come to a meadow with a stream. Cartwright will be there.”

“You better not be setting us up,” Walt said.

“The only person I’m setting up is Cartwright. I’ll teach him for making a fool out of me. Just be ready.”

Casey Rawlins left, quickly stepping out of the jail before Sheriff Fenton returned. He had just gone around the corner when the sheriff stepped out of the saloon and headed towards his office. He knew he shouldn’t leave the jail unattended when he had prisoners like the Jordan’s locked up but there was little else he could do when he didn’t have a deputy. Walking into the office and checking the back jail he was relieved to find everything as he’d left it.

After leaving the jail, Casey Rawlins made his way back to the saloon, thinking about the plan he was about to put into action. His thoughts were only of revenge, he didn’t even consider the trouble he could find himself in if it was discovered what he’d done.

As he sat there, Rawlins pulled a telegram out of his pocket and reread it. This was the key to what his whole plan was built around. It was the telegram that Lorna had left on the table when everyone had rushed outside to watch what they assumed was going to be a gunfight between Joe Cartwright and the Jordan brothers. Rawlins had been the first one back in the saloon, disappointed that Joe hadn’t been killed, he’d seen the piece of paper lying on the table and picked it up to read it out of curiosity. He couldn’t say why, because he didn’t know but for some reason after he’d read it, he’d put it in his pocket. He’d watched as Lorna came in and looked for it.

Now, as he reread it, he went over his plan again. He couldn’t believe how everything seemed to be falling into place for him. Fate he was sure, was on his side. Lorna had left on the stage to meet Richard in Dayton, as Richard had asked her to do in his telegram but she hadn’t gotten very far. The stage had broken an axel and the driver and few passengers on board had been forced to ride the horses back to town. The blacksmith was sick so the axel couldn’t be fixed. The only thing they could do was wait for the next stage that was due in a week. Rawlins nearly laughed out loud, it couldn’t have worked out better for him if he’d planned it.

Casey Rawlins had been in the saloon and overheard when Lorna had told the owner that she wouldn’t be working for him again, she’d already quit when she left to go to Dayton, her plans had changed but she was still leaving. She’d contacted Richard telling him she was stuck in Elkton and he had replied telling her to stay there, he would be there soon. Casey Rawlins had continued to sit there thinking about his next move.

**********

Casey Rawlins was beginning to think that his plan was going to unravel. Richard Hawthorn had arrived in town. He and Lorna were leaving on the stage tomorrow. Rawlins hadn’t been able to get Richard on his own but his patience finally paid off. He watched as Richard took Lorna back to her room and then he went for a walk around town. Ducking into an alley, Rawlins waited for Richard to pass him and then he struck him on the back of his head, knocking him out. Leaving him lying out of sight Rawlins ran for his buckboard, bringing it over. He wrapped Richard in an old blanket and threw him into the back. Casey Rawlins drove out of town as fast as he could and he continued until he reached an old abandoned cabin about an hour away.

Richard was just starting to regain consciousness when they reached the cabin so Rawlins worked quickly. He blindfolded Richard and then tied him to a chair.

Richard shook his head as he came to. “Who are you? What do you want with me?” he asked, the fear was apparent in his voice.

“I want you to do what I say. If you do, I’ll let you go unharmed.”

“I’ll do whatever you want,” Richard replied. He was very frightened. He’d been raised in luxury all his life. He’d never had to fight for anything before and most certainly, not his life.

Rawlins untied Richard’s right arm from the chair and placed a pencil and paper on the table in front of him. Then he said, “I’m going to take your blindfold off, look straight ahead and don’t try to look at me or I’ll have to kill you.”

“I’ll do anything you say,” Richard said.

Rawlins stood behind the frightened man, pressed a gun into his back and said, “Pick up the pencil, you’re going to write someone a little note.”

**********

Lorna frowned as she opened the door. “What do you want?” she asked, she was expecting Richard but he was late.

“Don’t be like that, Lorna. You better be nice to me if you want to see Richard again,” Casey Rawlins replied.

“What are you talking about? What do you know about Richard?”

“I know a lot of things. Why don’t you let me in and we can talk about them,” he pushed past Lorna without waiting for an answer.

Lorna closed the door and said, “I’m not in the mood for games, Casey. What do you want?”

“I have something for you,” Rawlins said, handing her a piece of paper, “read this.”

Lorna read the message that Casey Rawlins had made Richard write. “What is the meaning of this? Where is Richard?”

“All in due time,” Rawlins smirked, “if you want to see him again……….alive, I want you to do exactly as I say.”

Lorna struck Rawlins hard across the face. “Where is he?”

Rawlins rubbed his face and glared at Lorna. “Don’t do that again, or you’ll be sorry.” He grinned as Lorna looked at the paper again. Along with the message he’d told Richard to write, Rawlins had also told him to write something only Lorna would know so that she would be sure it was really from Richard.

Lorna read the message again. She knew it was definitely from Richard, the message told her to do whatever this man asked her to do. Richard also said, he hoped to see his beautiful dreamer soon. He always called her that. When Lorna saw those words she knew the note was from Richard and that he must have been forced to write it, so he was in danger.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I want you to get Joe Cartwright to come here. I don’t care how you do it. Just get him here and make him stay.”

“What do you want with Joe?”

“You ask too many questions. The less you know the better it will be for you…..and Richard.”

**********

Hoss and Joe walked into the house that evening, looking forward to a good meal. Ben greeted them as they came in.

“Hello boys, how did things go today? Get everything done?”

“Yeah,” Hoss replied, “we’ve just got to see to that last section of fence tomorrow.”

“That’s good, sounds like you got a lot done today,” Ben replied.

Before anything further could be discussed about the day, Hop Sing started banging things on the table. “Come eat while food still hot.”

“Coming Hop Sing,” Hoss said as he hurried towards the table.

“Joe,” Ben said, “I was in town today, there was a telegram for you from Elkton.” Ben walked over to his desk to get it and handed the telegram to his son.

Joe opened it and started to read it as Ben walked over towards the table.

Ben sat down and when Joe didn’t say anything, he asked, “What is it Joe? Bad news?”

Joe shook his head, walking over to his family he sat down at the table. “No, it’s from a girl I met in Elkton.”

“Oh,” Hoss said and smiled.

Joe threw his napkin at his brother. “It wasn’t like that. Her name’s Lorna Medford. She was real nice. I wonder what she’s still doing in Elkton? When I left she said she was going to Dayton.”

“Doesn’t she say?” Ben asked.

“No, she just asks if I can come to Elkton. She says it’s important.”

“Well the trials only a couple of weeks away, you can see her then,” Ben said.

“She says it’s important, Pa. I can’t wait that long. I know I’ve just had a holiday but….”

The thought crossed Ben’s mind to jokingly tell Joe that Joe had told him the next time he wanted time off not to give it to him but he could see the young man was troubled by what Lorna could want to see him about so he cut him off and said, “It’s all right son. You go.”

Joe smiled and said, “Thanks, Pa.”

**********

Sheriff Fenton looked up as the door to his office opened. “Joe, what are you doing here? Trials still a while away yet.”

“Yeah, I know,” Joe replied as he sat down. I got a message from Lorna asking me to come. Do you know where she’s staying?”

“She’s at Murphy’s boarding house. Is there something going on between you two?”

“Why do you ask?”

“It’s probably none of my business but from what I’ve heard around town her fiance is here. At least he was up until a few days ago and then he just seemed to disappear. I don’t know if they had an argument and he left or what happened. Just thought you should know.”

Joe nodded. “Thanks,” standing up he said, “I might go over and see her now then. I just thought I’d better let you know I was here.”

“Appreciate it,” Sheriff Fenton said, “I’ll be glad when the trials over and those two are locked up properly.”

“Me too,” Joe agreed.

Stepping out of the door, Joe looked up the street until he spotted the building he wanted and then he walked towards Murphy’s boarding house.

**********

Adam Cartwright slowly stepped down from the stage from San Francisco. He felt a little apprehensive returning home, as he knew that the news he was about to give his family would upset them.

For the last year Adam had taken time away from the Ponderosa to think about what he wanted to do with his life in the future. It had been difficult telling Pa initially that he had needed some time away from his home and his family. He was aware that they could not truly understand his feelings, as they were all so satisfied with their life on the Ponderosa and never looked much farther for their fulfillment. For various reasons he had decided that he was not yet ready to return home permanently, he wanted to continue traveling for a while and possibly spend some more time furthering his studies. Adam had wanted to return home to explain to his family the reasons for his decision in person. He didn't feel it was something he could convey fully using a letter and although he probably didn't want to admit it, he had missed his family this last year.

Adam had continually found himself missing his fathers quite understanding. Whenever something was troubling him, he knew Pa had always been there to talk the problem through with or to just listen if that was what Adam needed.

Hoss and Joe were not only his brothers. They were also his best friends. In Hoss he missed his brothers quiet companionship. Always so comfortable with each other, sometimes there was no need for words because they knew immediately what the other was thinking.

And Joe. Adam missed the fun and laughter that his youngest brother brought to his life. Even in his darkest hours, Joe had been able to cheer Adam up. But that was not to say that Joe couldn't be relied on in a serious situation. Adam knew neither of his brothers would ever let him down. His fear now though was that they would feel he was the one letting them down.

Adam knew his family would not stand in his way and would accept his decision. After all they only wanted what was best for him. At the same time though he knew this was not the outcome they had wanted him to reach.

Ben and Hoss had been working in the barn all morning and had not heard the sound of a horse ride up. Adam surprised them when he walked into the barn, unexpectedly

“Hi Pa, Hoss,” Adam greeted them with his hand held out.

"Adam! Son,” Ben said, ignoring the outstretched hand and pulling his eldest son into a hug. “Why didn't you tell us you were coming home? This is a wonderful surprise.”

Pulling back from the embrace, Adam replied, “I am not so sure you will feel that way when I explain why I am here, Pa.” He was finding it very difficult to look either his father or brother in the eye.

**********

Having been shown to Lorna’s door, Joe knocked.

Lorna opened the door and Joe immediately noticed the wary look on her face, she smiled when she saw Joe standing there. “Joe,” the smile faltered and then just as quickly it was back on her face, “Come in,” she said as she opened the door wider.

“Is everything all right?” Joe asked as he came in.

“It’s fine, Joe. Sit down,” Lorna waited until Joe was seated before she continued, “I’m sorry to send for you the way I did but I really needed to see you.”

“What about?”

Joe noticed Lorna’s hesitation and that strange look on her face again that made him wonder what was wrong but then it was gone to be replaced by a smile and she said, “Things didn’t work out with Richard.”

“I’m sorry. Why not?”

Lorna sat down next to Joe and then said, “I think I love someone else.”

Joe was confused about why Lorna had asked him to come and see her, telling him it was important and now she was discussing this. Then suddenly, understanding hit him.

Joe had never allowed himself to think about Lorna in a romantic way. From their first meeting in the saloon her words had always reflected her deep feelings for Richard. Joe had thought more about helping her than any feelings they may have shared together.

Joe was shaken from his thoughts as Lorna moved closer to him on the settee. She was not normally forward in her dealings with men but in this instance she knew she had limited time to convince Joe that she had real feelings for him and in turn she knew she would be helping save Richard’s life.

Lorna needed Joe to care for her as a woman quickly. She needed to develop his trust so she could entice him to accompany her to the meadow as Casey Rawlins had instructed her to. She only had two days or Richard would be killed.

Lorna’s voice was soft and low as she asked Joe if he had feelings for her. She rested her body against his to which Joe’s body instinctively reacted and he put his arm gently around her shoulders, drawing her even closer. Their eyes made contact and without realizing their lips met, Lorna’s lips were soft and inviting and Joe felt a desire surge through him that took his breath away. They embraced in a long, tender kiss.

**********

The Cartwights had an enjoyable reunion over dinner. When Hop Sing had heard of Adam’s return he had prepared all of Adam’s favourite foods. Ben and Hoss had spent time filling Adam in on all that had happened during his absence from the Ponderosa. Adam had been shocked to hear of Joe’s encounter at Elkton with the Jordan Brothers.

Adam had only spoken briefly about what he had been doing while away. Ben and Hoss of course already knew about Adam's travels from the many letters he had sent home. Adam found it difficult to broach the subject of why he had returned home as he knew it would lead to telling his father and brother that he wasn't back to stay.

Finally over coffee Pa sensed that Adam had something on his mind and that he needed to release it.

“Adam, son, you mentioned when you arrived that we may not be happy with your reason for being here. Do you want to talk about this with us?” Ben and Hoss waited silently until Adam had sorted out his thoughts and the words he would use.

After Adam finished explaining that he had only come back to visit and not to stay he waited for his father and brother to digest the information. Their reaction was better than he thought it would be. Of course they were visibly upset and shocked but deep down they had been half expecting such information, especially after some of the letters they had received from Adam during the last year, stating how happy he was with the new direction his life was taking and the many new things he was experiencing.

Adam had thought that after a year's break away from the Ponderosa he'd be ready to settle down to ranch life again but here it was, a year later and he knew he still wasn't ready. Much to Adam's relief his father and brother understood.

The most startling piece of information Adam imparted was that he had to be ready to leave for San Francisco in only two weeks 

Pa suddenly thought of Little Joe, he had to be told!

They couldn’t wait for him to return as Ben was almost certain that he wouldn’t come back to the Ponderosa now before the trial.

Little Joe would be devastated if he returned home only to learn about Adams visit and his subsequent news, knowing he had missed what might be his only opportunity to see his oldest brother for some time.

After some discussion it was decided that all three Cartwrights would ride to Elkton to see Joe. They all knew that he would need all their support when he found out Adam’s news.

**********

The following day Joe and Lorna spent most of their time together. Joe was still unsure of his feelings for Lorna and felt a certain apprehension on her part, mixed with her almost overzealous pushing of herself towards him. He just couldn’t put his finger on it but he felt there was something not right.

They had enjoyed dinner that evening at a restaurant in town and then slowly walked arm in arm back to Murphy’s Boarding House in the moonlight. It was such a beautiful night that they sat on the swing on the porch rather than going inside. Joe realized that his feelings for Lorna were changing. He had enjoyed being with her today. She made him feel so relaxed.

As they shared an embrace Joe could feel his heart beating faster, he instinctively ran his hands over her smooth neck and shoulders and down her arms, coming to rest around her petite waistline. Lorna’s fingers had found the soft curls at the back of Joe’s neck, which she was gently massaging. Desire took over and they were lost to the moment.

**********

Casey Rawlins stood for a moment and watched as the flames took hold. He didn’t linger though knowing that time was of the essence. He sprinted down back alleys and then stood hidden in shadows so he could watch the front of the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Fenton looked up as the door opened, “Morgan, come in. What brings you here?”

“I was just in town, Tom, thought I’d call in. I’ve been looking for Joe but it looks like he’s gone off somewhere with Lorna.”

The sheriff nodded. “He’s been seeing a bit of her.”

Suddenly they were interrupted by shouts coming from outside. “Fire. Fire, spreading fast.”

“I’ll check it out,” Sheriff Fenton said quickly, “you stay here. I don’t want to leave them unguarded.” He nodded towards the back room.

After Sheriff Fenton left, Morgan stood in the opened doorway for a moment and watched as people ran up the street to help fight the fire.

“Damn,” Rawlins swore as he saw Morgan. Picking up a bag he had hidden in the corner he then ran around to the back of the jail and pulled a box over to the barred windows.

Virgil heard the noise at the window and when he saw Rawlins he said, “What are you playing at. Get us out of here.”

“I can’t. The sheriff left someone guarding the place for him.”

“Can’t you do anything right,” Virgil snapped. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll get him back here. You sneak in and knock him out from behind.”

Rawlins nodded and hurried off to do as he was told.

Morgan was drawn to the cells by the sounds of shouting. It appeared the Jordan brother’s were arguing. As he walked back there, Morgan saw Virgil grab his brother through the bars.

Running over he shouted, “Hey, you two break it up. I ….”

He got no further as something solid came down on his head. Rawlins put his gun back in its holster, the butt of it having done its job.

“Well don’t just stand there. Open the door,” Virgil said angrily.

Rawlins ran back into the office for the keys and then returned to release the Jordan’s. Opening the door of the first cell he thrust a bag into Virgil’s hand, “Here are some supplies. You haven’t forgotten our deal?”

“Cartwright’s as good as dead,” Virgil Jordan replied. He nodded to the man at their feet. “Tie him up, gag him and lock him in one of the cells before he comes to. Then get out of here. Is Cartwright where you said he’d be?”

Rawlins nodded. “One more thing,” he said as the Jordan’s started to leave, “he’s unarmed, only he doesn’t know it. I had Lorna take the bullets out of his gun.”

Virgil grinned evilly. “I might have been wrong about you. You can do something right after all.”

**********

When Morgan Tanner awoke he found himself tied up and gagged in a cell. The Jordan’s were gone. He was angry with himself for allowing it to happen.

After the fire was under control Sheriff Fenton walked into his front office. When he saw no sign of Morgan he began to get a very uneasy feeling. “Morgan!” he called. When there was no answer he walked into the back room.

Seeing Morgan in the cell and the keys laying on the floor he hurried to pick them up and unlock the cell. He removed the gag and as he untied Morgan he asked automatically, “What’s happened?” Although it was clear what had happened.

“Someone hit me from behind,” Morgan said as the sheriff helped him to sit up.

“Are you hurt?”

“No,” Morgan said as he felt his head, “just a bump on the head.”

“Any idea who it was?”

“I didn’t see a thing. I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.”

“It’s not your fault. I should have known the Jordan’s would pull something like this. They obviously had someone start that fire for them. But who?”

All of a sudden Morgan jumped up and said, “Joe!”

“What do you mean? Do you think Joe Cartwright did this?”

“No, of course not but the Jordan’s might go looking for him. We have to warn him.”

“I don’t think they’ll take the time to look for him.”

“As far as they’re concerned they think Joe killed two of their brothers. I think they’d take the time to find him.”

Sheriff Fenton nodded,” You go and see if you can find him, tell him what’s happened. I’ll get a posse together.”

**********

Joe and Lorna sat together on a blanket they had spread out on the grass near the stream. Lorna placed her hand on Joe's thigh and leaned closer to him as her lips sought his. Soon they were entwined in each other’s arms. Lorna ran her hands down Joe's back, stopping at his holster, her hands came around to his front and started to undo the buckle. "You don't need this on," she said as she tugged it off. Joe made no reply as he felt the passion surge through him and all thoughts of everything else were gone. "I love you, Joe," Lorna said passionately.

Joe suddenly pulled back. He found it hard to resist Lorna but he knew he had to stop now before they went too far. He wasn't sure of his feelings for her and he didn't want to take advantage of her. He didn’t know Lorna that well but in the short time they’d spent together he was beginning to feel the first stirrings of love. He felt there was something she was holding back from him though, he was sure of it.

Lorna too was struggling with her feelings. She knew she was truly falling in love with Joe. She hadn't wanted him to stop. She'd wanted him as much as she knew he had wanted her. But then there was Richard. He was depending on her.

The two of them continued to sit on the bank and talk. After a while they laid back and with the warm sunshine on his face Joe started to grow sleepy, he closed his eyes.

Lorna watched as Joe's breathing signaled he was in a light sleep. Carefully she reached for his holster that lay beside her. Slipping Joe's gun from his holster, she removed the bullets and then replaced the gun.

Lorna was feeling terribly guilty about what she was doing. Joe had been so nice to her, a real gentleman. The other men who had come into the saloon where she’d worked had only been after one thing from her. Joe was different. He was special. Lorna moved her head and just watched Joe as he lay beside her with his eyes closed. She didn’t know what Casey Rawlins was planning but she knew it wasn’t going to be good. Rawlins had come to see her again after Joe had arrived in town. He’d told her to get Joe to come out here with her today. She shuddered as she thought of what she’d just done. By taking the bullets out of his gun, she’d virtually left Joe unable to protect himself. Suddenly she knew she couldn’t go through with it, not even to save Richard, she just couldn’t do it.

Joe opened his eyes, seeing the look on Lorna’s face he immediately sat up and pulled her into his arms, asking, “Lorna, what is it? What’s wrong?”

Lorna pulled away from him and stood up, pulling Joe up with her. “We have to get out of here now,” she said urgently.

“Why?”

“I haven’t got time to explain, Joe. I’ve done something terrible. I promise I’ll explain it all to you later but we have to get away from here.”

Joe and Lorna both turned at the sound of horses hooves thundering on the ground. They saw two people riding hard towards them.

Joe reached for his holster and put it on. Lorna grabbed Joe’s hand and tried to pull him over to their horses but suddenly the riders were between them and the horses and both Joe and Lorna recognized them. It was Virgil and Walt Jordan.

Joe tried to keep calm, drawing his gun he said, “I don’t know how you escaped but I’m taking you back. Drop your guns now.”

Joe wasn’t expecting the reaction he got. The Jordan’s started laughing.

Walt turned to Virgil. “What should we do? Just kill him now?”

“No,” Virgil replied, “let’s take them both with us. We can have some fun.”

When Virgil started to reach for his gun, Joe squeezed the trigger of his gun and was shocked at the empty click that sounded from it.

Virgil and Walt laughed harder when Joe pulled the trigger again. Virgil pulled his gun and said to Walt, “Get them on their horses and tie their hands to their saddles.”

“I’m sorry, Joe,” Lorna whispered.

It was then that Joe realized the magnitude of Lorna’s betrayal.

Joe’s gun slipped from his hand as Walt Jordan pushed him towards the horses.

It wasn’t long until the group of four were on their way heading further away from Elkton.

**********

Morgan searched around town, asked some questions and then ran back to the sheriff’s office, inside he spoke to the sheriff. “I’ve looked all over town and there’s no sign of Joe or Lorna. I spoke to old Pete and he said he saw them riding out of town a few hours ago.” They continued to talk about what their next plan of action should be.

Ben, Adam and Hoss rode into Elkton and noticed a crowd gathered outside the jail. Making their way over there they dismounted and Ben asked, “What’s going on?”

“The Jordan’s escaped,” more than one man answered him.

“Is the sheriff inside?” Ben asked, dismayed at the news. When he received nods in return to the question the Cartwright’s pushed through the crowd and into the office.

“Ben,” Morgan said as he rose from the chair he was sitting in.

“Where’s Joe?” Ben asked immediately.

Sheriff Fenton looked to Morgan for clarification of who these three men were.

Morgan was surprised to see Adam but he knew now wasn’t the time to ask about his return. He nodded to the Cartwright’s and said, “This is Joe’s family. His father Ben Cartwright and brothers Adam and Hoss.”

Ben was in no mood for introductions. “I asked a question and I want an answer. Where’s Joe?”

“I don’t know, Ben,” Morgan replied.

Adam could see Ben was about to explode and stepped in. “What’s happening here? They said outside that the Jordan’s had escaped.”

The sheriff nodded. “That’s right. It just happened, not more than two hours ago. I’m getting a posse together but Morgan and I were just discussing if it might be better to wait until morning. It’s almost nightfall now.”

“What about Joe?” Ben asked, “Has this got anything to do with why you don’t know where he is?”

“I don’t think so,” Sheriff Fenton said, “he’s been seeing a bit of a girl in town here, Lorna Medford. They went riding today and they haven’t returned yet.”

“What if the Jordan’s came across them?” Hoss asked worriedly.

“I don’t think that’s likely,” Sheriff Fenton said.

“Maybe not but it is possible,” Ben said, “You should be out there now, there’s no telling what could happen.”

“We’d just end up stumbling around in the dark, possibly destroying the trail but if we wait, we might be able to follow it tomorrow,” Sheriff Fenton said.

“Much as I hate to admit it, Pa, he’s right,” Hoss said dejectedly.

“How did they escape in the first place? How could you let that happen?” Ben turned furious eyes on the sheriff.

“It’s my fault, Ben,” Morgan said.

“How is it your fault?” Adam asked.

“There was a fire up the south end of town, we think now that it was a ruse to get everyone away from here, including me,” Sheriff Fenton said, “Morgan was here and I asked him to keep an eye on things while I checked it out.”

The Cartwright’s turned their eyes to Morgan waiting for him to take up the story. “Someone snuck up behind me, knocked me out. Next thing I knew Tom was shaking me awake. I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Ben.”

Ben turned back towards Sheriff Fenton, “So you think the fire was deliberately lit?”

“Pretty sure. After we got it out I came back here and found Morgan locked in one of the cells. I’d say whoever planned it thought no one would be here and then when Morgan was here, the only thing they could do was knock him out. They probably thought a shot would be heard otherwise he’d likely be dead.”

“They tried to kill Joe before,” Adam said, having being filled in on what had transpired in Elkton by his father and Hoss, “do you think they’d just ride off and not try to find him?”

“They have to know there’s going to be a posse after them. I don’t think they’ll hang around trying to find him,” Sheriff Fenton replied.

“I pray you’re right,” Ben said.

**********

Ben paced the hotel room floor. They were waiting for Joe in his room and with each passing hour they became more worried. By eight o’clock Ben was beyond worried. “It’s pointless to pretend that nothing’s happened to him.”

The sheriff and Morgan were waiting with the Cartwright’s and Sheriff Fenton had someone at Murphy’s boarding house incase the missing couple went back there. Sheriff Fenton asked, “Is it possible that Joe’s decided to spend the night with the girl.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ben snapped.

Adam shook his head and glanced at his father before answering, “No, even if that were the case they’d have come back to one of their rooms, they wouldn’t spend the night out in the open.”

Sheriff Fenton nodded. “I had to ask. I think the best thing we can do is to get some sleep. We’ll leave at first light in the morning.”

Adam and Hoss grunted their agreement. Ben was too preoccupied to answer. By daylight it might be too late to save Joe.

After Sheriff Fenton left, Morgan said, “I’ll get a room here. I had a friend ride out to tell Martha what was happening and he took her to a neighboring ranch, thought it’d be safer for tonight. I’ll ride with you tomorrow.”

“Thanks Morgan,” Hoss said, “If your feeling up to it we’d appreciate it.”

“It’s not much after all Joe’s done for me,” Morgan said. Before anyone could comment Morgan left to go and get a room.

**********

True to his word, by first light Sheriff Fenton had the posse ready to ride. The posse was made up of twelve men, including the Cartwright’s, Morgan and Casey Rawlins.

Casey Rawlins was beginning to worry. It had seemed so easy at first. His plan had gone off without a hitch but now he couldn’t stop thinking about the things that could go wrong. Once the Jordan’s found Joe and Lorna, Lorna would know he’d been involved in their escape. If she survived, Casey Rawlins knew that at the very least, he’d go to prison. He could only hope the Jordan’s would kill her as well.

Once they were out of town, Hoss did his best to follow the trail the two escaping men had left. One of the horses they’d stolen had a distinctive print. Rawlins cursed the fact that he hadn’t known that.

After riding for a while the posse suddenly saw someone riding towards them, waving and yelling to get their attention. The posse stopped and watched him warily, their hands ready at their guns. Then Sheriff Fenton said, “It’s all right it’s Dave Pierson. He’s from the Circle K Ranch. They could see he had someone mounted on the horse behind him.

When Dave Pierson pulled his horse up beside the posse Sheriff Fenton recognized the man sitting behind him, it was Richard Hawthorne.

“What’s going on, Dave? Where’d you find him?”

“Found ‘im tied up in the old Wilson shack.”

Sheriff Fenton looked at Ben and said, “It’s Richard Hawthorn. Lorna Medford’s fiance. I thought he must have left town, he disappeared about a week ago.”

Casey Rawlins moved behind one of the other men trying to keep out of sight. He didn’t think Richard would recognize him but he didn’t want to take any chances.

“What happened? Who tied you up out here?” Sheriff Fenton asked.

“I don’t know,” Richard was still clearly frightened by the experience. I was just walking around town one day and someone knocked me out, next thing I knew I was tied up and blind folded.”

“You didn’t see who did it?” Sheriff Fenton asked.

Richard shook his head. “No. Is Lorna all right? She must be so worried about me. Did they ask her for a ransom?”

“I don’t know,” Sheriff Fenton said, “this is the first I’ve heard of this.”

“We’re wasting time,” Ben said impatiently, “anything could be happening right now and we’re here doing nothing.”

“I know how you must feel, Mr. Cartwright,” Sheriff Fenton started.

Ben interrupted him. “No you don’t know,” he said angrily, “it’s not your son who’s missing.”

“We have to find out what’s going on here,” Sheriff Fenton said patiently. He turned back to Richard. “Do you have any idea why someone would kidnap you?”

“He made me write a note to Lorna, telling her to do whatever he told her to or I’d be killed.”

“Didn’t you see the kidnapper then?” Adam asked. “He must have removed the blindfold so you could write.”

Richard shook his head. “He stood behind me. I couldn’t really tell if it was day or not blindfolded like I was but it seemed like he came back everyday. He gave me food and water and time to take care of things, then he tied me up again but I never saw him.”

Richard squinted his eyes and Sheriff Fenton knew that after being in darkness for so long the sunlight was bothering him. “You go on back to town,” Sheriff Fenton said, “But before you go there’s something you need to know. Lorna’s missing.”

“What?” Richard asked, shocked. “Is she all right? Where can she be?”

“We’ll find her, you just go back to town and wait there,” the sheriff replied.

Richard nodded, “I guess that’s the best thing for me to do. I have been through a lot.”

The Cartwright’s exchanged glances. It seemed strange to them that Richard didn’t put up more of a fight to go with them to help search but they could tell he was used to an easier way of life.

“Let’s go,” Ben said as he spurred Buck into motion.

**********

When the posse arrived at the spot where Joe and Lorna had picnicked, the Cartwright’s hearts sank. The blanket and food lay scattered around but no sign existed of the young couple.

Searching the area, Adam found something. “Pa,” he called, “look at this.”

The others gathered around to see what he had found. Passing it over to his father, Ben held the item in his hand.

“Joe’s gun,” Ben said as he looked in the chamber, “it’s empty.”

“There’s no blood around,” Hoss said, “and no sign of….” he stopped, he didn’t want to say what they were all thinking. The search could be for bodies now.

Looking around a bit more Hoss pointed and said, “Four horses rode off that way.”

“Looks like the Jordan’s have made Joe and Lorna go with them,” Sheriff Fenton said.

Hoss agreed. “Looks like.”

“I knew it was a mistake not to start looking for Joe yesterday,” Ben said angrily.

“There’s a couple of things in our favor,” Adam said, “They obviously aren’t very good at covering their tracks, they haven’t even tried and we know Joe will be doing all he can to slow them down.”

“If he’s still alive,” Ben said, his voice breaking.

“He is. I know he is,” Hoss said.

Ben nodded, praying that it was true.

**********

The posse rode all day and by nightfall the Cartwright’s worry had grown even more. If Joe were still alive, how long would the Jordan’s keep him that way? Ben wanted to keep going but common sense told him that the men and the horses needed to rest.

That night, although Ben closed his eyes and tried to sleep, he spent most of the night awake. Before the sun had made it’s appearance for the day Ben had the posse up and on their way.

**********

Adam was right, Joe was doing everything he possibly could to slow the Jordan’s down. As Joe’s horse once again began to lag behind, Virgil became infuriated. Pulling his gun he pointed it straight at Joe and said, “I don’t need to keep you alive. Try and slow us down one more time and it’ll be the last thing you do. Understand?”

When Joe didn’t answer, Virgil Jordan cocked the hammer of his gun and repeated, “Understand?”

“Yes,” Joe gritted his teeth as he replied.

Virgil released the hammer and nodded as he holstered his gun. “Good. Get moving then.”

As darkness started to set in Walt said, “The horses need a rest, Virg.”

Virgil agreed. “Yeah. We’ve been riding pretty hard. If there is a posse behind us they’re going to need to stop too.”

When they found a place to make camp, Virgil reached up and roughly pulled Joe from the saddle. Joe bit back a groan as he hit the hard ground. Walt helped Lorna down.

Virgil pulled Joe up and started to shove him over towards some trees. “Sit down,” he said.

When Lorna and Joe sat down, the Jordan’s untied their hands. Pulling their arms behind them they were tied to trees.

Lorna waited until the Jordan’s had moved away before trying to talk to Joe. It was the first time they’d had a chance to really talk since they’d been taken captive.

“I’m so sorry, Joe. This is all my fault.”

When Joe said nothing, she tried to explain. “Casey Rawlins came to see me. He had a note from Richard. He told me that if I didn’t do what he wanted, that Richard would be killed.”

“Rawlins,” Joe said angrily, “you helped that loud mouth set me up?”

“I didn’t know what he planned, Joe. He just told me to get you to come to Elkton and then he told me where and when to get you to come on the picnic with me.”

“And my gun? He told you to take the bullets out?”

“Yes,” Lorna replied quietly, ashamed of what she’d done. “I know it was a terrible thing to do Joe, but I couldn’t risk them hurting Richard. I didn’t know what to do.”

“You could have told me the truth then. I’d have helped you.”

Lorna struggled to keep from crying. “I wish I had. I love you, Joe.”

“Love me!” Joe practically spat the words out, “Come on, Lorna, the games over now you don’t have to keep pretending.”

“It’s the truth, Joe. I know you have no reason to believe me now not after all I’ve done but I do love you.”

Joe looked at Lorna. The doubt clearly showing on his face. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore. He knew they had to get away from the Jordan’s, he doubted the Jordan’s would keep them alive much longer and he knew what they probably planned to do to Lorna when they’d finished setting up camp. As much as he disliked her at the moment, Joe knew he had to do what he could to save her from that.

Joe looked across to where the Jordan’s were, making sure they couldn’t hear and said, “We have to get away from them tonight.”

“How? What can we do?”

“If one of them comes over here and unties us so that we can eat, flirt with him.”

“What?” Lorna asked shocked, “Joe, I can’t.”

“Why not? It shouldn’t be too hard for you,” Joe said bitterly, “It’s not like you haven’t done something similar before.”

“Joe, don’t. I….”

Joe cut her off. “We haven’t got time to talk about this now. Just do as I say and let’s hope it works.”

Lorna didn’t know what Joe’s plan was but she was willing to go along with him. “Okay,” she said.

Virgil and Walt had finished heating up some beans. Walt nodded towards their captives. “Are we going to feed them?”

Virgil grunted. “Be a waste of good food but might as well give ‘em one last meal I reckon. Untie ‘em and let ‘em eat but keep your eye on ‘em.”

Walt took a plate of beans over to the two young people and put it on the ground as he untied them. “Don’t try anything,” he warned.

He untied Joe first and Joe watched out of the corner of his eye what happened next. Walt squatted down behind Lorna to release her hands, when they were free she brushed a hand down the front of his pants and let it rest on his thigh. Thank you, that feels so good.”

Walt pulled her around to face him and roughly kissed her, letting his hands roam over her body.

Joe tensed, he was about to make a move to try and get Walt’s gun when there was a shout from across the camp and Virgil stormed over.

“What the hell do you think you’re doin’?” He pulled Walt away from Lorna, “She’s mine first.”

“Says who?” Walt said angrily, shoving Virgil.

“I don’t have to say. That’s just the way it’s always been.” He raised his fist, punched his brother and the fight was on.

Joe grabbed Lorna’s hand and whispered urgently, “Run!”

It took a few minutes for the Jordan’s to realize what had happened and by then Joe and Lorna had escaped into the trees and the Jordan’s knew there would be no finding them in the dark.

“This is your fault,” Virgil shouted angrily.

“Don’t put it on me. You’re as much to blame. I was just havin’ some fun.”

“No matter. They won’t get far on foot. We’ll get ‘em in the morning and believe me, they’ll pay.”

**********

Joe and Lorna ran for as long as they could but it was hard going in the dark and they stumbled and fell often, it wasn’t long until Lorna could go no further. She pulled on Joe’s hand, stopping him. “I’m sorry I can’t go on.”

“We’ll rest for a while but then we need to get going again. They’ll be on horseback in the morning when they come after us and it’s going to be easy for them to find which way we’ve gone.”

“We’re not going to get away from them,” Lorna cried.

Joe put his arms around her and held her to him. “Of course we will. “We’ll be all right. They won’t look for us for long. They won’t have time. The posse can’t be far behind.”

**********

By the time the night gave way to the dawn, Joe and Lorna hadn’t gotten far. Lorna knew Joe could have gotten much further without her slowing him down. “I can’t keep going, Joe. You’ll have a better chance without me. You go on.”

“No!” Joe said without hesitation. “We stay together.”

Lorna dropped to her knees and started to cry. “I don’t deserve your help. Not after what I did. I do love you, Joe. I swear it’s the truth.”

“What about Richard?”

“I realize now that what I felt for him wasn’t love. I never felt for him what I do for you. Do you have any feelings for me at all?”

Truthfully Joe didn’t know what he was feeling and now wasn’t the time to start thinking about it. “We’ll talk about it later. Right now we need to go.” He pulled her to her feet and it was then that they heard a horse.

Joe pulled Lorna behind a large boulder where they crouched out of sight.

Virgil and Walt had split up. Walt was following the broken branches and tracks left by the two people trying to escape. Virgil had gone in a wider arc to try and cut them off.

When Walt rode past the outcropping, Joe suddenly sprang out at him, pulling him from the horse. Walt was stunned for a moment after he hit the ground and Joe used that to his advantage, he immediately reached for Walt’s gun. In the struggle that followed the sound of a shot suddenly echoed.

Lorna screamed, worried that Joe had been shot, and then she saw him push himself to his knees and stand up.

Joe looked down at the body at his feet and saw that Walt Jordan was dead.

“Oh great,” Joe mumbled as he saw that the horse had bolted.

Lorna flung herself at Joe. “I was so worried.” He gently pushed her away.

“We’d better hide the body. The other one must be around somewhere. They quickly pulled Walt’s body behind the rocks and then set out on foot again. Joe now had Walt’s gun.

Virgil had heard the shot and was riding towards where the sound had come from. Not far away the posse had also heard it.

As the posse approached the area where the shot had seemed to come from, Sheriff Fenton split the posse into four small groups hoping they would be able to surround the Jordan’s.

Before the groups rode off, Sheriff Fenton said, “Go quietly and hold your fire. We don’t want to endanger Joe and Lorna.”

One of the Cartwright’s each went with a separate group. Morgan was in Ben’s group, Sheriff Fenton with Hoss and Casey Rawlins in Adam’s group.

**********

Joe and Lorna were running when suddenly Lorna screamed. Virgil had dismounted and snuck up on them, he now held Lorna in front of him with his gun pointed at Joe, he said, “Take your gun out real slow and drop it.”

“No,” Lorna said, “ don’t do it.”

Virgil tightened his arm that was across Lorna’s throat and said, “Shut up.”

The posse was approaching the scene. Ben saw what a vulnerable position his youngest son was in and it felt like his heart would stop.

There was a rustle in the surrounding bushes and Lorna realizing Virgil was distracted brought her foot back and kicked him in the leg as hard as she could, twisting away from him. In that moment Joe went for his gun and fired. Virgil went down. Almost at the same moment shooting erupted all around them and Joe was hit in the side, falling to the ground. It appeared that Virgil Jordan had shot Joe as he himself went down. Lorna rushed over to Joe.

The Cartwright’s and Sheriff Fenton started to yell for everyone to hold their fire. In all the confusion no one even knew what they were shooting at. Once someone fired the first shot it had caused the other nervous men to start shooting at nothing, thinking they were being shot at. Adam was sure that first shot had come from someone in his group.

“Hold your fire,” Ben yelled above the noise. Looking at his son who lay so still on the ground Ben knew he had to get to him regardless of the danger to himself. Ben didn’t know where the other outlaw was, plus he knew he risked being accidentally shot by the posse but it was a risk that Ben was more than willing to take to help his son.

Casey Rawlins knew if he wanted to avoid jail or the hangman’s noose he had to get rid of anyone who knew of his involvement with the Jordan’s.

A bullet bit into the ground near where Joe lay and Lorna pressed herself tighter to him. Casey Rawlins took aim again and this time his bullet struck Lorna and she collapsed beside Joe.

Heedless of his own safety Ben rushed to his youngest son’s side, crouching over the young man to protect him as much as he could.

Looking at Lorna, Ben could see that she was still alive but the bullet had done terrible damage and he knew she wouldn’t survive.

The shouts of the Cartwright’s and Sheriff Fenton were finally beginning to have some effect on the posse and the shooting started to slow. When it stopped the men started to slowly get to their feet. Hoss rushed to his father and young brother. Out of the corner of his eye Adam saw that Casey Rawlins still had his gun in his hand, held as if to fire and it seemed to be pointed at where his father lay with Joe. Adam still held his gun in his hand at his side. Bringing it up, he swiveled to face Rawlins. “Drop it! Or so help me I’ll kill you.”

Sheriff Fenton approached from Adam’s left side and with the other men all standing around watching, Rawlins knew he had no option. He let the gun slide from his hand.

“What’s going on?” Sheriff Fenton asked.

“I don’t know for sure,” Adam said, “but I think he started the shooting and I just caught him now pointing his gun at Joe.”

Sheriff Fenton replied, “We’ll sort it out. I’ll watch him.”

“I thought we were being shot at,” Casey Rawlins mumbled.

Adam shook his head disgustedly.

Adam started to move towards his family when the sheriff called, “Be careful. We don’t know where Walt Jordan is yet.”

Adam nodded. He saw that Hoss was no longer with their father and youngest brother. “How bad is he hurt,” Adam asked as he dropped down to his knees beside his father.

“He’s loosing a lot of blood.”

“Here, Pa,” Ben and Adam both looked up as they heard Hoss and saw the bandages that he’d retrieved from his saddlebag. Ben took them and did his best to staunch the flow of blood.

“Joe,” the Cartwright’s heard Lorna say. Adam turned his attention to her.

“Just lie still,” Adam said.

“Will Joe be all right?” Lorna asked.

Adam didn’t know the answer to that question right at that moment and thought a lie would be kinder. “He’ll be fine.”

Lorna smiled. “Tell Joe I love him and I hope one day he can forgive me.”

Before Adam could ask what she wanted Joe to forgive her for, Lorna’s body shuddered and she drew her last breath.

Ben was concentrating on Joe. Adam and Hoss looked up as the rest of the posse approached. Morgan knelt down next to the Cartwright’s. “Oh, Ben. I’m so sorry.”

Ben took a deep breath and tried to sound more positive than he felt. “He’s going to be fine. The bullet’s gone straight through so we don’t have to worry about getting it out. He’s lost a lot of blood but I think it’s slowed down now. We have to get him to a doctor though.”

Looking at the amount of blood that covered his friend, Morgan feared he wouldn’t survive, and then he remembered something he had to tell the others. “I almost forgot,” Morgan said, “Steve and I just found Walt Jordan over there,” he nodded towards the rocks, he’s dead.”

Adam was deep in thought. “That might have been the first shot we heard and if he was killed then, he wasn’t around when the shooting was going on here.” He nodded towards Lorna, “If that’s the case then someone here killed her and wounded Joe.”

Ben looked up in shock. “Check his gun,” he nodded towards the body of Virgil Jordan.

Sheriff Fenton walked over to the body and picked up the gun. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they waited.

“It hasn’t been fired,” Sheriff Fenton said.

The Cartwright’s glared around at the posse who shuffled their feet nervously.

“If you all hadn’t been shooting at shadows Joe would be all right,” Hoss yelled angrily.

Adam laid his hand on his brother’s arm. “Hoss,” he looked over at his father, “Pa, I don’t know if Joe and Lorna getting shot was an accident.”

“What do you mean?” Ben asked.

Adam nodded towards where Casey Rawlins was standing. The sheriff had confiscated his gun. “I’m pretty sure those first shots from the posse came from my group and I saw Rawlins aiming at you and Joe just as the last of the firing was stopping.

Hoss’ face was turning red with rage and Adam kept his hand on the big man’s arm.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Ben asked Rawlins.

“I wasn’t shooting at ‘em. I thought we were been shot at that’s why I was firing.”

“We’ll sort all of this out back in Elkton. Maybe Joe will be able to tell us something about what happened,” Sheriff Fenton said.

As everyone prepared to move out, Casey Rawlins kept casting surreptitious glances at the Cartwright’s. He was silently cursing himself. The Jordan’s and Lorna were dead. The only person left alive who might know of his involvement in breaking the Jordan’s out of jail was the person he most wanted dead – Joe Cartwright. ‘Damn,’ thought Rawlins, ‘If only I’d been able to get a better shot at him, I’d have killed him instead of just wounding him.’

The Jordan’s were buried where they lay but Lorna’s body was wrapped in a ground sheet to be taken back to town. Ben mounted his horse and moved back to allow his two oldest sons to hand the youngest up to him. Ben carefully wrapped an arm around him.

They’d been riding for about two hours when Ben felt Joe start to stir and push against his arm. He immediately tightened his hold and pulled his horse to a stop. Adam and Hoss stopped beside him.

“Shhh, Joe. I know it hurts but try not to move,” Ben said.

Joe’s only response was to groan. He felt like his side was on fire and he couldn’t seem to get his thoughts together.

They were able to get Joe to drink some water which Ben knew he needed, the worried father could feel the fever burning in Joe’s body.

The group of men continued on until they reached a stream where they stopped to refill the canteens and let the horses rest.

Ben checked Joe’s bandages and was dismayed that Joe was still bleeding. He repacked the wounds and replaced the bandages. Getting what water he could into Joe, the only thing he could do then was to sit with his son and offer what comfort he could. Adam went to refill the family’s canteens, leaving one full one with Hoss.

Joe moved his head and groaned as the pain washed over him. “Pa,” he called weakly.

Ben grabbed his hand. “It’s okay, Joe. I’m right here.”

Joe’s eyes flickered and he squinted as he tried to focus on his family. Hoss moved so that the sun was blocked from Joe’s eyes and Joe sought his father’s face.

“Is Lorna okay?” Joe asked.

Ben didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know how deep his son’s feelings ran for the woman who they were taking back to Elkton to bury.

“Don’t worry about anything, Joe.”

Joe turned his head slightly and looked around. “She’s dead isn’t she,” he said.

“Yes Joe,” Ben said as he pushed back the hair from Joe’s forehead. “I’m sorry, son.”

Hoss handed his father the canteen and Ben lifted Joe’s head and helped him to drink. Then Joe asked, “How?”

“Joe, we’ll talk about it later. Right now I want you just to concentrate on you,” Ben said.

Joe shook his head. “I want to know now.”

Ben reached down and took his sons hand into his own, squeezing it gently. “She was shot.”

Joe frowned as if thinking about something and said, “I sort of remember hearing shooting. But who was it, Pa. I thought I killed both of the Jordan’s.”

“We think one of the posse accidentally shot her, Joe. You too.” Ben didn’t think Joe needed the extra worry that maybe it wasn’t an accident. “We found one of the Jordan’s behind some rocks. Did you say you shot him, Joe?”

Joe nodded and his eyes started to close, he was so tired.

“Go to sleep,” Ben said.

“I told Lorna that we’d both get away,” Joe was wracked by guilt.

“You did everything you could, Joseph. What happened is not your fault. You did everything right.”

Just then Adam returned and knelt down next to Joe. “How are you doing?” he asked.

Joe just stared at him, not believing what his eyes were telling him he was seeing. “Adam,” he said wonderingly as he reached to touch his oldest brother.

Adam smiled. “You’re not seeing things. It’s really me.” Seeing that Joe still looked confused he continued, “Don’t worry about it now. We’ll tell you all about it later. Right now you just remember that we’re all here for you.”

“I don’t know how you all got here but I’m glad you came,” Joe said sleepily, his voice little more than a whisper and his family leant forward to hear what he said, “because I need you.” Joe took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Ben looked across at Adam and Hoss and said, “He’s asleep.”

The three oldest members of the family found they all had to blink their tears away. Adam touched Joe’s shoulder and said, “I’ll always come when you need me buddy.” He cleared his throat and turned to Ben.

“Do you think Joe knows anything about how the Jordan’s escaped?” he asked.

Ben shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“And what about Rawlins? If he did shoot Joe, why? Why would he do something like that?” Adam asked.

“I might know the answer to that,” Sheriff Fenton sat down beside the Cartwright’s. He’d left two of the posse members watching Rawlins. “Joe had a run in with Casey Rawlins not long after he arrived in Elkton. I didn’t actually see what happened but I heard the story enough times. It was all over town.”

“What happened?” Hoss asked.

“Rawlins tried to force Joe into a gunfight. For no other reason than that he wanted to look like a big man. From what I was told by people who saw it, your boy’s very fast Mr. Cartwright.”

“He is,” Ben agreed, “but I’ve always tried to instill in Joe that a gun is a last resort. What did he do?”

“He put a beer glass in front of Rawlins and one in front of himself. He told Rawlins one glass was Rawlins and the other was himself and the aim was to see who could shoot the others glass first. Joe shot the glass while Rawlins was still clearing his holster. Apparently Rawlins ran out of there with his tail between his legs.”

A smile flickered on Adam’s lips. “Good on ya, kid,” he said quietly as he looked at Joe.

“He really did all he could to avoid trouble. Rawlins just wouldn’t leave him alone,” Sheriff Fenton said.

Ben looked down at his son and said, “He didn’t tell me anything about that,” Ben’s voice held both love and pride.

“Why did you let Rawlins join the posse if you knew there were bad feelings between him and Joe?” Adam asked the sheriff.

“For a start, we don’t know for sure that Rawlins has done anything. It could just as easy have been an accident by anyone in the posse. Everyone was been pretty free with their bullets.”

“It was him,” Adam said, “I’m sure of it.”

Casey Rawlins was standing with some of the other men. He’d made sure he quickly turned his back when Joe had started to look around. He couldn’t hear what was being said but it was making him very nervous. He thought the best thing to do now would be to wait until they got back to town, pack his gear and just take off.

The Cartwright’s and Sheriff Fenton decided they would ride through the night, just stopping for brief times to rest the horses. Ben wanted to get Joe to a doctor as soon as he could.

**********

Early the next morning, the posse was only a few hours away from town. They stopped for a break and as Ben wiped Joe’s face over with a cloth the young man woke. When his sons eyes flickered open, Ben smiled gently and asked, “How do you feel?”

“Like I got shot,” Joe said.

Adam was kneeling down next to Joe and said, “Sounds about right to me then, Joe,” Adam tried to joke.

Joe turned his head and over Adam’s shoulder he saw Casey Rawlins watching. For a moment Joe’s thoughts were jumbled and then he remembered.

Adam felt Joe’s hand brush his leg and reached to take his brothers hand but he suddenly felt Joe pull his gun from his holster. “Joe!” he said urgently.

Ben and Adam looked across to where Joe was pointing the gun and saw Rawlins push Sheriff Fenton in front of himself.

Joe’s hands trembled and Ben wondered that Joe even had the strength to keep a hold of the gun. He reached for it and said, “Not like this, son. Whatever he’s done, he’s not worth it.”

Adam and Hoss both held their breath as the gun wavered in Joe’s hands and then to their relief Joe lowered it. Ben gently pulled it from Joe’s grasp and handed it back to his eldest son.

Ben stroked Joe’s arm. “What’s this all about, Joe?”

Sheriff Fenton pointed to a couple of men and said, “Keep an eye on him. Don’t let him so much as move,” he nodded his head at Rawlins.

The Sheriff knelt down next to the Cartwright’s to hear what Joe told them. Joe’s voice was soft as he struggled to find the strength to tell them what he knew. When Joe was finished telling them what Lorna had told him, Joe’s family were furious and glared at Casey Rawlins.

“We should have let Joe put a bullet through him,” Hoss said.

Adam shook his head. “No. Let him stand trial. He’ll hang for what he’s done. He didn’t only help the Jordan’s to break out. He committed murder.”

“Lorna?” Joe asked.

Adam nodded sadly. “Yes, Joe.”

Casey Rawlins started yelling. “He’s lying. I had nothing to do with the Jordan’s. Why would I help them? It doesn’t make any sense. I tell you he’s lying.”

Sheriff Fenton stood up and walked over to his horse, getting a rope. Rawlins started to panic. “You can’t do this. Please I didn’t mean it.” Rawlins continued to babble as everyone just stared at him.

The sheriff shook his head in both amusement and disgust at Rawlins. “I’m not going to hang you. Just tie you up. We wouldn’t want you to escape before you had the chance to stand trial now would we.” Sheriff Fenton pulled Rawlins’ hands behind his back and tightly tied them.

Casey Rawlins had a look of terror on his face when he realized what fate awaited him.

“What’s the matter Rawlins?” Adam said, “Don’t you know anyone that will want to break you out?”

The Cartwright’s turned their attention back to Joe. “It’s over now, Joe,” Ben said.

“I should have killed him when he tried to draw on me in the saloon. None of this would have happened then. Lorna would still be alive.”

“None of this is your fault Joseph so you get those thoughts out of your head now. No one blames you for anything so I’m certainly not going to allow you to blame yourself. You did exactly the right things. Do I make myself clear young man?” Ben tried to keep his conversation with Joe light knowing how much pain and stress his son was feeling.

Joe nodded and Ben smiled. “Good. Now I think we’d better get you back to town.”

**********

For the next few days, Joe’s family stayed by his side as he battled back to health. There were times when Joe’s fever would rage and Ben feared at those times that he would lose Joe.

On the second night after getting back to Elkton, Ben sat with Joe trying to cool him down, talking to him as he wiped the cloth over him. “Don’t give up now, Joe. Fight hard. Don’t let Rawlins have what he wanted.” Hearing a noise behind him Ben turned and saw Adam and Hoss standing in the doorway.

“Pa,” Hoss said, “Morgan and Martha are here again. I told them how sick Joe is but they said they just want to see him.”

Ben nodded, “Tell them to come in.” He then turned back to Joe.

Morgan and Martha came into the room and walked over and stood next to the bed. Martha was crying and as she wiped the tears away she said, “I feel so awful about the things I thought and said about Joe.”

Ben looked up, confused. “What are you talking about? What things?”

“The reward money. I thought Joe was just after the reward money when he said it was him that had shot Luke Jordan.”

“I still don’t know what you’re talking about. What reward money?”

“What did Joe tell you about Luke Jordan?” Morgan asked.

“Just that he’d been trying to steal a horse from you. You both fired and one of you hit him. And of course he told me about Jordan’s brothers coming to town.”

“There was a two thousand dollar reward on him Ben,” Morgan said, “I was going to share it with Joe but he went to Tom Fenton and said he was claiming the reward because it was his bullet that had killed Luke Jordan. At first I couldn’t understand why Joe would do that. It just didn’t seem like Joe, you know.”

“So you think he did it to make the Jordan’s come after him and not you?” Adam asked. He and Hoss had stayed in the room.

“I know he did. He knew I’d be no match for them. He was prepared to face up to the three of them alone.”

Ben stared down at the young man who was restlessly tossing on the bed and said, “It seems there’s a lot Joseph didn’t tell me. He didn’t say anything about what happened in the saloon with Rawlins or anything about the reward money.”

“What happened to the money?” Hoss asked. “Who got it?”

“That’s just it,” Martha cried still wiping her eyes, “Joe put the whole two thousand in the bank for Morgan.”

“He didn’t say a word to me about it, Ben,” Morgan said, “just left me a note.”

Martha lent down and kissed Joe on the forehead and said, “Thank you, Joe.”

Morgan took his wife’s arm and said, “Well we better leave you. If we can do anything, anything at all, please let us know.”

Ben nodded as his friends left the room.

Ben shook his head. “Why wouldn’t the boy have told me anything about that.”

“Maybe that’s just it Pa,” Adam replied, “he’s not a boy anymore, he’s a man. He’s changed so much in the time I’ve been gone. He didn’t want any praise for what he’d done. He just did what he thought was the right thing.”

“Well I’m very proud of him,” Ben said, preying that he would have the chance to tell his youngest son that very same thing.

**********

It was the next day before Joe woke and was aware of what was happening around him. He opened his eyes and saw his father asleep in a chair beside the bed.

Ben opened his eyes a few minutes later and smiled with relief when he saw his youngest son staring at him. “Joseph,” Ben said as he sat up and reached to feel his forehead. Feeling that Joe’s fever had broken he asked, “How long have you been awake?”

“Not long?” Joe croaked.

Ben immediately got him a drink and Joe drank thirstily. When he’d finished Ben asked, “How do you feel?”

“Better,” Joe replied, looking around. “Pa……..?”

Ben saw the confusion on Joe’s face and squeezed his hand. “What is it, Joe? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know if I’ve been imagining things,” Joe said uncertainly. “Is Adam here?”

Ben laughed. “He is. He came to the Ponderosa to give us a surprise visit and we all decided to come to Elkton. You just lay there and I’ll get him for you.”

Ben quickly went next door to the room Adam and Hoss were sharing. They were all staying at the hotel, as there wasn’t much room at the doctor’s office. Ben was back in moments with both of Joe’s brothers.

When they entered the room, Joe moved his legs, smiled and said, “Hey, brothers.”

Adam sat down carefully on the edge of the bed. “I can’t leave you alone at all, without you finding yourself in some kind of trouble, can I,” Adam joked.

“Must have known you’d be here to help me out,” Joe replied and then he became serious as he stared at Adam. “It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

Hoss sat in the chair beside the bed and patted Joe’s arm as he said, “You had us all really worried there for a while little brother. I thought you were going to up and die on us.”

Joe grinned and said, “There was no need to worry. You should know by now Hoss that you can’t kill a Cartwright.”

Ben shook his head amazed that the boys could joke about something so serious but then he found himself joining in their laughter.

**********

The following day, Joe's family were in his room with him. Joe looked at his father and asked, "When can we go home, Pa?"

"Soon Joe. Once the judge gets here and Rawlins has stood trial, we'll see what the doctor says. We'll leave when the doctor tells us it's all right for you to travel."

"I have to start breaking those horses for Mr. Carson when I get home," Joe said.

Ben almost choked on the coffee he was drinking. "Joseph, you are certainly not going to be breaking any horses when we get home."

"But, I..."

Ben shook his head. "No arguments."

Joe looked at Adam and said, "I guess Adam could do it," he smiled as he continued, "although it has been a while, he might be out of practice."

Adam looked guiltily away and the room was filled with silence. Ben realized it was time for his oldest and youngest son to have a private talk. Clearing his throat he said, "Hoss, let's go downstairs and get something to eat," he looked at his youngest son. "I won't be long, Joe."

After his father and middle brother had left the room, Joe frowned and looked at Adam. "What's wrong?" he asked, although he was beginning to suspect what was wrong. When Adam didn't answer Joe said, "You're not back to stay are you."

Adam shook his head. "No." He had told his father that he wanted to be the one to explain to Joe that he would have to leave soon and he struggled to find the words to make his brother understand his reasons why he couldn't stay.

 "I've really enjoyed the time I’ve spent at sea Joe, but there are still so many places I want to visit, things I want to see and do." When Joe looked away from him, Adam sat on the edge of the bed before continuing. "Joe, this is the hardest thing I've ever done. I feel like I'm being torn in two. I want to stay but I need to go and it's so hard to go away again, especially when you're still not well but I've signed on to another ship. This one is sailing for France. I plan on staying there for a while, maybe do some architecture work. I have to leave for San Francisco in four days."

"If it's so hard for you to go then why don't you stay?" Joe asked bitterly. "Why do you have to leave us?"

"Joe, please understand. It's not you, or Pa or Hoss that I'm leaving. I'm trying to find something."

Joe turned curious eyes towards his brother and asked, "What?"

"My own place in the world I guess and right now, that's not on the Ponderosa."

Joe took a deep breath. "Do you think one day it might be?"

"There's one thing this last year away from all of you has made me realize," Adam reached for Joe's hand and squeezed it as he continued, "that the Ponderosa will always be home. When I'm away I miss you all so much. No matter where I go, it won't be forever. I'll come home."

Joe still wasn't happy about his brother leaving but he knew it wouldn't be fair to try and stop him either. He wanted Adam to do what would make him happy. He squeezed his older brothers hand back and said, "I hope you find what you're looking for, Adam. Don't stay away too long."

Adam smiled and said, "I won't. I promise."

Adam watched as piece of mind washed over Joe, for his youngest brother knew that a promise given by Adam would be a promise kept.

**********

Each day Joe’s health improved a little until finally the doctor allowed him out of bed to sit for several hours. Joe had begun to feel restless being confined to bed and he was relieved to be able to sit at the window which looked out over the main street of Elkton but it was with a mixture of bitter sweet feelings because it was the morning that Adam was to leave for San Francisco.

Over the past few days Adam had spent many hours sitting and talking with his youngest brother. They had enjoyed each others company and Adam had tried to tell Joe of all the things he had experienced during his year away from the Ponderosa. Both of them had tried to put to the back of their minds the fact that Adam was leaving again so soon.

Pa and Hoss had helped Joe into a chair while Adam had finished his packing, ready for his trip. Luckily he had travelled light so it didn’t take him long to complete this task.

Joe was sitting looking out the window of the hotel room which was on the second floor when Adam finally came in to say his goodbyes. Pa and Hoss shared a knowing look and left the room saying they would meet Adam at the stage. Adam came up behind his brother who had not acknowledged him yet and finally crouched down next to Joe’s chair and placed his hand on Joe’s knee.

 “Well I guess I cannot put it off any longer little brother.”

“You can you know!” said Joe, not daring to look at Adam but keeping his sight out on the street below.

“Joe, please don’t make this any harder on me than it already is.”

“Adam…….,” Joe’s voice wavered with emotion, “I don’t want you to go….,” Joe was having difficulty finishing his sentence, “but I understand your reasons and I will be waiting for you when you come home to us.”

“Thank you, Joe, you cannot know what your words mean to me,” Adam tightened his hold on Joe’s leg. He knew Joe wouldn’t say any more, instead Joe’s hand came to rest on Adam’s shoulder giving a reciprocal squeeze which said more than any words could. The two brothers spent several minutes like this then Adam slowly rose, went to the door and giving one final look back he saw Joe’s shoulders slump and his body shudder as he left the room.

Down at the stage office Pa and Hoss said their farewells, both tried to make this as easy as possible on Adam as they could see the toll his farewell with Joe had taken on him.

The stage went slowly down the main street of Elkton and as it did Adam dared to take one last look up to the hotel room window. Joe’s eyes connected with his one last time and Adam silently mouthed the words, “I’ll be back.” 

Joe’s gaze followed the stage out of town. Pa and Hoss had been standing across from the hotel and both watched this exchange. 

“Well son, looks like someone needs us more than ever today,” and they made their way across to the hotel room.

**********

Three weeks later, Ben, Hoss and Joe were preparing to leave Elkton. The trial of Casey Rawlins had come and gone. He’d been sentenced to hang and it had been carried out. The doctor felt it would be all right for Joe to ride home as long as they took it easy. Goodbyes had been said and now as Ben and Hoss packed their gear, Ben looked out the window. “I thought Joe would be back by now,” he said worriedly.

“I’m sure he’s fine, Pa,” Hoss replied, “he said he just wanted to go for a walk.”

“I know, but he’s not supposed to over do it. You finish packing and I’ll just go and find him.”

Hoss just nodded, knowing there was no use in arguing.

**********

Ben was becoming more worried as he walked around town and didn’t spot Joe. Then he thought of where Joe might be.

As he approached the cemetery, Ben saw Joe sitting beside Lorna’s grave. Ben walked over and sat down beside him. Putting his hand on his youngest sons back, Ben gently rubbed his hand across Joe’s shoulders and said, “I thought I’d find you here.”

“I wanted to say goodbye.” Joe wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Did you love her, Joe?”

Joe shook his head. “I don’t know. I think in a way I did but I never really got the chance to know her. She told me she loved me.”

“I know.”

Joe looked at his father and Ben said, “Joseph, just before Lorna died she told us to tell you that she loved you and she hoped one day you could forgive her.”

“I think that’s why I feel so bad, Pa. When I found out what she’d done, I hated her. She knew that and I never got a chance to tell her that I do forgive her.”

“Some things don’t have to be said, son. I’m sure Lorna knows.”

Joe nodded and looked once more at the grave as he said, “I hope so.”

Ben stood up and helped Joe to his feet. Turning him around, Ben brushed the dirt from Joe’s trousers where he’d been sitting and said, “We better get back to that brother of yours before he decides to leave town without us.”

Joe laughed and Ben continued, “Are you ready to go home?”

“More than ready, Pa.” Joe smiled as he replied.

Ben put his arm around Joe’s shoulders as they walked away from the cemetery and headed home.

THE END

September 2003

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