Summary:  Joe is tired of being ‘Little Joe’

Rated: K (11,365 words)

Measuring Up

‘Hey Shortshanks let me get that for ya.’  Hoss reached up and took the rake down from its hook on the wall for his younger brother who was attempting to reach it.

Joe glared at him. ‘I could have done it myself,’ he said testily as he took it from his brother’s grasp. ‘And don’t call me that!’

‘What do ya mean don’t call ya that?’ Hoss said. ‘I always call ya shortshanks.’

‘I know you do,’ Joe muttered. ‘But I don’t want you to any more.’

Hoss looked hurt. ‘Why not?’  When his younger brother didn’t answer he stepped around in front of him and pulled him towards him. ‘What’s up with you anyway?’ He gasped as he saw the bruise on the boy’s face. ‘What have ya done to yourself boy? Pa’s gonna kill ya if you’ve been fighting again!’

Joe pushed him away. ‘Leave me alone will you Hoss? I’ll handle Pa.’

‘Well I’m only trying ta help.  Seems ta me like you’ve been getting inta a lot of fighting lately.’

Joe didn’t answer, but simply bent over to rake out the stall in front of him. Hoss shook his head as he turned to leave the barn, wondering what had gotten into his little brother lately.  He always seemed to be snarling at someone and it wasn’t like him not to want to talk about it. Maybe Pa would get to the bottom of it.  He always seemed to one way or another when there was something wrong with one of them.  The problem was that there always seemed to be something wrong with Joe lately, and that usually meant trouble of one sort or another.  Hoss was sure that the marks on his face were from another fight at school and he didn’t envy Joe having to face Pa with his latest excuse for fighting.

As he raked out the stall, Joe didn’t really envy himself either.  He honestly hadn’t meant to get into a fight again, but the taunts he had to endure were just too much for him and he couldn’t hold his temper as he knew he should.  He dreaded having to face his father and regretted talking as he had done to his brother, but the ‘shortshanks’ nickname had just got to him on top of everything else today. It seemed like every time he turned around someone was having a swipe at him about something and the teasing about his size from the other kids at school had really hit their mark.

Joe had always been small.  Since he could first remember he had answered to the nickname of Little Joe, and there was no doubt as to where that had originated from and why it had stuck.  His brothers also referred to him as ‘shortshanks’ or ‘little buddy’ or ‘boy’ – all designed in Joe’s mind to remind him of his lack of stature.

It all seemed so unfair.  It wasn’t his fault that he was smaller than everyone else in his family!  Even so he could justify that, as he was after all the youngest and his two brothers were rather large.  Especially Hoss!  Who could look even normal size next to a brother that big.  But Adam was tall as well, even though he didn’t have the bulk that Hoss had.  They both dwarfed him and Pa of course was up there with them.

When he had been younger he had accepted it.  He was so much younger than his two brothers that it hadn’t worried him to be so much smaller. But now that he was fifteen he expected a growth spurt to fix all that and it just wasn’t happening.

Joe had always been smaller than the other children around his own age and now it was hard to see them all shooting up and still be the one to be left behind.  Not only was he shorter than all the others, but his frame was thin as well.  ‘Weedy’ as he’d been told today by a couple of his schoolmates eager to get a reaction out of him.  And he had given them exactly what they had wanted, he thought ruefully as he touched the sore spot on his face.

He hated to think what Pa would say. There was no way Joe was about to admit why he had been fighting, as he didn’t want his family to know of the taunts the other boys were throwing at him.  But he knew that his father would not accept any excuses this time.  He sighed.  Pa had warned him of his displeasure with the fights he was getting into lately, and Joe saw no way of avoiding the trouble that he knew was about to come his way. With a resigned expression on his face he put the rake down and headed towards the house to face it.

—————

‘I’m waiting for an answer Joseph,’ Ben said as he glared at his youngest son. Joe looked back at his father, but said nothing. After a moment Ben said in a tired voice, ‘You leave me with no alternative son.  Go up to your room.’

Joe turned and climbed the stairs without a word.  Hoss gave him a sorrowful look as he passed him and watched as he turned at the landing and disappeared around the top of the staircase.  He turned to his father. ‘Don’t be too hard on him Pa,’ he pleaded. ‘He don’t mean it ya know.’

Ben rubbed his temples.  ‘I’ll be just as hard as I have to be Hoss.  The boy has to understand he cannot carry on like this.’

‘Like what?’ said a voice behind him and he turned to see his oldest son Adam entering the room. ‘What’s the kid done now?’

‘Fighting at school again,’ said Ben wearily. ‘I don’t know how to get through to him any more.’

‘Well there must be a reason for it,’ said Adam as he sat down on the settee. ‘Won’t he tell you?’

Ben shook his head. ‘No.  I know something is going on with him, but I just can’t figure out what it is.’

‘Maybe he’d talk to one of us,’ suggested Hoss. ‘He usually does.’

‘Well you’re most welcome to try,’ said his father as he headed for the stairs. ‘In the meantime I need to have a serious discussion of a physical nature with that youngest son of mine.’

As their father climbed the staircase Hoss turned to Adam to Adam. ‘What do ya reckon it could be Adam?’ he asked.

Adam shrugged his shoulders as he reached for the newspaper that was lying on the table near the fireplace. ‘Who would ever know with that kid?’ he said. ‘It’s exhausting trying to figure him out at the best of times.’

Hoss frowned as he stared into the fireplace.  It worried him that his younger brother felt he couldn’t confide in any of them about what was troubling him. He grimaced as a yell from upstairs announced the beginning of Pa’s ‘discussion’ with his little brother and he resolved to try and find out what it was.  Tomorrow was Saturday and after their chores he would suggest an afternoon of fishing.  Maybe that would help Joe to open up to him.

—————-

‘Hand me another sandwich will ya shor…. I mean Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘Them roast beef ones sure are great.’

Joe reached into the picnic basket and took out yet another sandwich for his brother. ‘Here you go,’ he said as he handed it to him. ‘Don’t you ever stop eating?’

Hoss gave him a gap-toothed grin. ‘Nope,’ he said pleasantly. ‘How do ya think I keep my strength up?’

Joe looked at his brother thoughtfully. ‘Hoss,’ he said.

‘Yeah?’

‘Were you always big?  I mean, even as a little kid?’

‘Reckon so,’ said Hoss. ‘Pa said I was big even as a baby.’

‘Oh,’ Joe’s face fell. ‘Reckon it doesn’t have anything to do with how much you eat then.’

‘Oh I reckon that’s got something ta do with it,’ replied Hoss patting his stomach. ‘This here’s pure muscle little brother and don’t you be thinking differently. Reckon it takes a heap of food to build up muscle like this.’

‘What else does it take?’ asked Joe casually.

‘Lots of exercise too I reckon,’ said Hoss as he swallowed the last of the sandwich. ‘Nothing like hard work to build up the shoulder muscles.’  He flexed his bicep and watched his brother marvel at its size.

Joe sat back against the tree and stared into the lake. He knew that he’d never be as big as Hoss, but maybe he could help himself along a bit after all.  Since he could first remember Pa had been on at him about how little food he ate, so maybe that had something to do with his size?  And the bodybuilding exercises?  Well Joe had a lot of chores to do around the ranch of course, but as he was still at school he still spent the majority of his time in a classroom, whereas his brothers were physically active all day.

Joe smiled.  Finally there was something he could do to help his problem.  If he just tried to eat more and followed an exercise routine, then maybe his growth spurt would kick into place.  He thought with satisfaction of the looks on the other’s faces when they saw his new improved self.  There’d be no more reason to use the demeaning nicknames they all used – from now on he would be just plain Joe Cartwright and they could all drop the ‘little’ adjective.

‘Hey Joe,’ said Hoss after a while. ‘What is it with you lately anyways?’

Joe frowned at the water. ‘What do you mean?’ he finally said.

‘You’re getting in so many fights at school is all,’ said Hoss. ‘What’s going on?’

‘Nothing,’ Joe muttered. ‘Don’t keep on about it will you?  Pa is bad enough.’

‘He’s only worried about you,’ explained Hoss. ‘He wants to help you.’

‘I can help myself,’ replied Joe, still thinking of his plan. ‘I don’t need any one else to butt into my business.’

Hoss raised his eyebrows. ‘You’d better not let Pa hear ya say he’s butting into ya business,’ he said. ‘I don’t think he’d take too kindly ta hearing that.’

‘You know what I mean,’ said Joe sulkily.

‘No I don’t,’ said Hoss. ‘Pa is only trying ta help you after all. Seems ta me ya could do with some help shortshanks.’

Joe glared at him. ‘I told you to stop calling me that!’ he said angrily.

‘Sorry little buddy,’ said Hoss, wondering why the sudden reaction to the name he had used for so long.

Joe stood up and pulled in his line. ‘And that too!’ he said. ‘I wish everyone would stop calling me little!’

Hoss laughed. ‘Simmer down,’ he said. ‘We call you that because you are.  Why are you so touchy about it all of a sudden?’

Joe stomped over to his horse. ‘Forget it,’ he muttered. ‘I’ll see you later Hoss. I’ve got things to do.’

Hoss shook his head as he watched his younger brother ride off.  As he turned back towards the lake and stared at the water he wondered what was behind the boy’s bad frame of mind. Why was he suddenly objecting to the use of the nicknames they had used so often before and why the fighting?  He scratched his head.  Sometimes there was just no figuring out that younger brother of his!

—————–

Ben stared at his youngest son in surprise. ‘Joe slow down,’ he said. ‘There’s plenty of time to get to church.’

Joe looked up guiltily.  He hadn’t realised that he’d been eating so fast and certainly didn’t want to draw his father’s attention to it. ‘Sorry Pa,’ he mumbled through a mouthful. ‘Guess I’m just hungry this morning.’

‘I guess you are,’ said his father in a pleased voice. ‘It’s good to see son.’  In fact Ben was delighted to see him obviously enjoying his food.  It was a rare occasion that Joe ate much at all and Ben had always worried about just how little the boy did eat.  It was a constant battle to get him to eat a decent meal at the best of times, and to see him tucking into his breakfast in this fashion was heartening.

Joe put down his fork and picked up his glass.  As he took a slow sip of milk he closed his eyes. If the truth were known he felt as if he had overdone it somewhat as he felt a bit nauseous.  Maybe he should have eaten slower, but with his newfound knowledge he was anxious to begin his bodybuilding routine as soon as possible. Still, if he was to hold his food down he should maybe take it a bit easier from now on.

He still felt uncomfortable on the way to church in the buggy.  Maybe it was breakfast combined with dinner last night, he thought.  He had tried to eat a second helping, but hadn’t quite made it – still he had eaten much more than he was used to.  He had noticed the pleased look on his father’s face at both meals and frankly it annoyed him to think that his eating habits were under scrutiny.  Joe felt that what he ate should be no-one else’s business but his own.

Later on in Church he found it difficult as usual to concentrate on what the minister was saying and his mind kept wandering to his plans for building up his muscles.

He figured that the more he did each day the quicker he would begin to see results, and he was anxious to get home and get started. He began to fidget and immediately felt his father’s hand on his thigh to stop him.  He brushed it off impatiently, and refused to look at the man beside him. Treating me like I was a kid or something! he thought. The sooner I start to show them just how grown up I am the better!

He tried to sit still, but found it increasingly difficult as the nauseous feeling that he had felt earlier just wouldn’t leave him. He began to feel as if he wanted to be sick and squirmed slightly as he tried to alleviate the feeling.  He sensed his father glaring at him, but still refused to look at him.  Finally he could stand it no longer and stood up to move outside.  Ben pulled him down again and whispered in his ear. ‘Keep still and sit down!  Just what do you think you’re doing?’

Joe finally looked his father in the eye. ‘I have to go outside for a moment,’ he said urgently. Ben released his hold on the boy and motioned for him to leave.  Joe gratefully got up and moved quickly to the back door, ignoring all the surprised looks of the congregation. He made it just in time, and ran to some bushes around the side of the building where he threw up most of his breakfast.

When he had finished he straightened up and washed his face at the pump over near the outhouse. Great! he thought. That was a wasted effort if all that’s going to happen is that I’m going to throw it up again. What’s the point of eating so much?

He wondered whether or not to go back in, but decided against it as he heard the final hymn commencing.  He thought his father would be angry enough with him without making it worse by disturbing everyone again.

Angry was definitely the word that sprang back into his mind when he saw his father’s face as he came out of the building moments later. ‘Just what was that all about?’ Ben asked in a low voice. ‘Was it really necessary to carry on like a five year-old and rush out to the outhouse like that?’

Joe thought it best not to tell his father about throwing up, as he knew from bitter experience that Ben would probably haul him off to the doctor if he felt there was something wrong with him.  Doctor Martin was not Joe’s favourite person in the world.  Not that he had anything against him personally, but doctors in general brought many complications to his life that he could well do without.  So he simply answered. ‘Sorry Pa.’

‘Well see that it doesn’t happen again,’ said Ben as he moved away.

——————–

‘Could I have some milk as well please Hop Sing?’ asked Joe as he picked up his fork to attack the meat and vegetables on his plate. He figured that he could probably keep this meal down if he just paced himself a little better and didn’t rush things.

Everyone stopped chewing to look at him and Hop Sing looked startled.  Never before had Joe asked for milk voluntarily.  In fact he had spent much of his growing years telling everyone who would listen how much he detested the stuff and his father usually had to force him to drink it before he was allowed to leave the table. Ben looked at his son intently as Hop Sing left the room to get it. ‘You’re asking for milk?’ he said. ‘I thought you didn’t like it?’

Joe shrugged and decided not to comment, but began to eat his meal.  When Hop Sing returned with the glass of milk he drank half of it quickly, hoping that it would settle his stomach.  As the meal progressed he listened to Adam and Ben’s conversation about the fences that were in need of repair and Adam’s plan of how to replace them in stages.

‘It’ll take quite a bit of lumber,’ he said.  I thought if we gradually put it aside it’ll be ready for when we need it. I’ll get the men at the lumber camp organised to…..’

‘I could chop some of it,’ said Joe eagerly, thinking that would be just the sort of exercise he could use to help his shoulder muscles to develop.

They all stopped and stared at him. ‘What did you say?’ asked Adam incredulously. ‘You’re volunteering for work?’

Joe glared at him. ‘Yeah!  So what?’

Adam shook his head slightly. ‘Nothing.  I just think it’s a bit unusual for you to volunteer,’ he said sarcastically. ‘You usually run a mile when the word is mentioned.’

‘Very funny!’ replied Joe with a sneer, and then turned to his father. ‘Well Pa? Can I do some of the chopping?’

Ben looked just as stunned as Adam. He paused for a moment before clearing his throat and replying. ‘Well son, it seems to me that there’s plenty of chopping for you to do around here first.’

Joe thought for a moment. One of his regular chores was to keep the kindling boxes full for Hop Sing to use in the kitchen and also for the fireplace at night. It was a chore he hated and so it was usually an ongoing battle between himself and his father to get him to do it.  Thinking about it now, he figured that it didn’t matter what he chopped, as long as he was chopping something.  ‘OK Pa,’ he said pleasantly. ‘I’ll get onto it after dinner.’

Ben continued to stare at him with a surprised expression on his face. ‘Today?’ he said. ‘It’s Sunday, Joe.’

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah I know.  But I’ll get a head start on it for the week,’ he replied.  Ben and Adam exchanged startled looks as the boy stood up from the table. ‘I’ll go and start on it now,’ he said.

As the front door slammed shut, Hoss broke the silence. ‘Well if that don’t beat all,’ he said. ‘I wonder what’s gotten into him?’

‘Well whatever it is I hope it lasts,’ replied Adam sarcastically. ‘Although I have a feeling that it won’t.’

Ben picked up his cup of coffee. ‘Maybe the boy is just growing up after all,’ he said. ‘We can only hope.’

Later that afternoon as he watched his youngest son through the window, the same thought crossed his mind. After all, Joe was fifteen now, and some maturity was bound to come his way sooner or later.  Ben smiled.  Lord knows they had all waited long enough for it!  He watched the boy pick up another piece of wood and attack it with the axe.  He’d been going at it for hours now, and the pile beside him was twice as much as was needed.  He walked to the front door and opened it.

‘Joe, you’ve done enough son.  Have a break now.’

Joe looked up at his father, the sweat running down his face. ‘I’ll just do a bit more Pa,’ he said.

Ben walked out to the yard. ‘I said that’s enough,’ he said. ‘Hop Sing will have enough wood to last him the week now.’ He took the small axe out of Joe’s hand. ‘Come inside and sit down for a bit.’  He noticed the sweat on his son’s face and throat. ‘It’s Sunday after all Joe.  This is usually your afternoon off.’

Joe wiped his face on his shirtsleeve. ‘That’s OK Pa,’ he replied. ‘I’d rather work. Is there anything else you’d like me to do?’

Ben looked at him amazed. ‘Nothing that I can think of,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you go for a ride or something?’

Joe shook his head. ‘I’ll clean out the barn,’ he said and turned to walk away from his father.  He figured that he could most likely find something to keep his muscles exercised in there.  Although his shoulders ached, he wasn’t willing to stop yet.

Ben watched him enter the barn and shook his head. He just couldn’t figure what was causing this sudden desire for chores, but whatever it was he supposed it was harmless enough.  As long as the boy didn’t overdo it.

Joe entered the barn and looked around.  The stalls were all clean and he couldn’t see anything that needed fixing.  For the first time in his life he found himself wishing for chores and he laughed out loud at the sheer strangeness of it all. He sat down on an upturned barrel as he thought about what to do next.  His shoulders were still hurting from all the chopping, but he ignored them as he tried to figure out what kind of exercise he could try next.

He thought about his brothers.  It wasn’t just their shoulder muscles that gave them their bulk, it was their broad chests as well.  He felt his own ribcage and noted how underdeveloped it seemed.  He had always had a thin frame, but still that didn’t mean that he couldn’t cover it with muscle if he tried. Getting down on the floor he began to do some sit-ups, slowly at first and then faster, counting as he went.  At this rate, he thought happily, no one would be able to recognise him soon.

—————–

At the evening meal that night, Ben noted how tired his youngest son looked and considering the day he had had, he wasn’t the least bit surprised.  Joe had done more chores in one afternoon than he usually did all week and he had no doubt that the boy was exhausted.  He looked as though he was about to fall asleep at the table and tried gamely to stay awake to eat. Ben reached over and touched the boy on the arm. ‘Joe, you look tuckered out,’ he said.  I think you should have an early night.’

His son simply nodded at him and picked up his glass of milk to finish it. Grimacing at the taste, he nevertheless swallowed it down and placed it back on the table. ‘I just want to finish my supper first Pa,’ he said, forcing another forkful of beef into his mouth. He was happy with the afternoon’s work that he had accomplished and smiled to himself as he thought about all the good it would have done him.  There was nothing that could stop him now and he happily thought about all the growing that he was probably doing right at this very minute.

In spite of himself he felt his eyelids closing and longed to put his head down on the table.  With a start he realised that his father was speaking to him again. ‘Joe?  Are you all right son?’

He straightened up again. ‘Yeah sure Pa,’ he said, opening his eyes again. ‘What did you say?’

Ben looked at him concerned. ‘I said that I’m going into town tomorrow morning, so I’ll ride in with you on your way to school.’

Joe nodded. ‘OK.  I think I’ll go to bed now.’  He stood up. ‘Goodnight.’

‘Night son,’ his father replied. ‘Sleep tight.’

Joe had no doubt that he would.  Suddenly his bed seemed very appealing to him, but the main reason he wanted to go upstairs early was to get in some more exercise before he went to sleep.  Moments later he was on the floor of his bedroom doing push-ups.

Downstairs Ben was enjoying his after dinner coffee and wondering what the thumping noise was coming from his son’s bedroom.  He walked over to the bottom of the staircase and shouted upstairs. ‘Joseph!  What are you doing up there?’

The thumping noise stopped and Joe’s voice yelled out in reply. ‘Nothing Pa.’

‘Well you’re awfully noisy for someone doing nothing,’ his father said irritably. ‘Go to bed.’

‘Yes Pa,’ Joe’s voice drifted down again.

Ben sighed and returned to his place at the table.  Adam laughed. ‘Sounds like he’s herding cattle or something.’

Ben shook his head.  ‘I can’t figure that boy out any more.  One minute he’s half asleep, then the next he’s thumping around up there…. What with the sudden eating and the emphasis on getting his chores done, I just…..’ he put his hands up in a gesture of futility. ‘Lord knows what he’s on about now.  I certainly don’t.’

‘Don’t try to figure him out Pa,’ said Adam with a grin. ‘Just be thankful he’s behaving for once.’

‘I suppose so,’ replied his father with a shake of his head. ‘He sure is a mystery to me though.’

Upstairs, Joe was continuing with his exercises, but tried to be as quiet as possible about it.  There was no way he wanted to let on to his father or his brothers about it, as he feared the teasing that Adam and Hoss might give him about it.  After a few dozen push ups he rested his head on the floor feeling quite exhausted, and it was in this position that his father found him a while later, sleeping soundly.

At first Ben thought there was something wrong with the boy.  When he opened the door to check on him his first thought was that he wasn’t in his bed and he strode angrily over to the window to see if it was open. There had been many occasions when Joe had taken it into his head to leave the room via his window for various reasons and Ben wanted to make sure this wasn’t one of them.

So intent was he on checking that he almost fell over the boy lying on the floor.  He drew his breath in sharply as he bent down, anxious to know why the boy had seemingly collapsed on the floor.  As he bent closer he realised that he wasn’t ill, but merely asleep.  As he gently shook him, Joe opened his eyes and smiled sleepily. ‘Hi Pa,’ he said.

‘Hi yourself,’ said his father. ‘What are you doing asleep on the floor son?’

Joe opened his eyes wider. ‘Huh?’ he said looking around.

‘You’re asleep on the floor,’ his father explained patiently. ‘Get up and get into bed.’  He pulled his son up by the shoulders and directed him to the bed. Joe complied with his father sleepily and snuggled down under the covers without a murmur.  In less than a minute he had closed his eyes and rolled over fast asleep.  Ben looked down at him puzzled.  Now just what was going on with the boy?  What on earth would make him go to sleep on the floor?  Ben couldn’t remember being so puzzled about any of his sons to this extent before.  Nothing the boy did seemed to make any sense any more.  He left the room shaking his head.

———————

‘Saddle my horse for me please Joseph,’ instructed his father. ‘I’ll be out in a few minutes.’

Joe got up from the table cautiously. ‘Sure Pa,’ he said, turning towards the front door. Every muscle in his body ached, especially his shoulders, and he wondered if he had overdone it with the exercising yesterday. He walked wearily towards the door, dragging his feet.  His breakfast felt heavy on his stomach, which he wasn’t happy about.  He really felt he would have been getting used to eating so much now, but every meal just seemed to leave him with a sick and bloated feeling.

When Ben entered the yard a few moments later, he was surprised to see Joe standing next to their still unsaddled horses. ‘I thought you’d have them all saddled up by now,’ he remarked as he took his saddle from the boy’s hands and swung it onto Buck. ‘Hurry up or you’ll be late for school.’

Joe moved to obey his father.  As he lifted his saddle the weight of it made his shoulders ache even more and he winced as he swung it onto Cochise’s back.  Rather than his usual full swing up into the saddle it was all he could do to mount slowly, which didn’t escape his father’s notice.

As they rode out of the yard together, Ben commented on his son’s obvious lethargy. ‘You seem very tired this morning Joe.  Didn’t you sleep well?’

‘Yeah Pa, I did.’

Ben glanced over at him. ‘Do you feel all right?’

Joe actually didn’t feel very well at all.  Apart from his aching muscles, he still had the nauseous feeling in his stomach and was afraid that he might throw up in front of his father. ‘Yeah Pa, I’m fine,’ he said.

Ben looked at him as if he didn’t believe his statement, but didn’t say anything. After a few moments he noticed Joe seemed uneasy and asked again, ‘Joe are you sure you’re all right?’

Joe looked away from his father and closed his eyes. If he had been by himself he would have stopped by now and tried to throw up to make the nausea go away, but in front of his father he didn’t dare.  When he didn’t answer, Ben reached over and held onto his arm. ‘Joseph I asked you a question.’

Joe was forced to face his father and Ben noted the dark rings around his eyes and the paleness of his skin. ‘Joe?’ he said in an anxious voice, but before he could continue Joe stopped his horse and dismounted.  Kneeling by the side of the trail he vomited his heart out in spite of himself, while his father looked on anxiously.

After a few moments Ben got off his own horse and brought his canteen over to his son. ‘Drink,’ he said simply, and Joe reached out to take a swig.

‘Thanks Pa,’ he said, handing the canteen back. ‘I feel better now.’

Ben put his hand on his son’s forehead.  ‘No sign of a fever,’ he said.

Joe pushed away from his father. ‘I’m not sick,’ he said. ‘I just ate too much breakfast that’s all.’

Ben frowned at him. ‘I think we’ll stop off at the doctor’s to make sure,’ he said.

‘Aw Pa,’ Joe protested. ‘I told you I just ate too much breakfast.  There’s nothing wrong with me. I just ain’t used to eating that much is all.’

Ben motioned from him to mount up. ‘I said we’re going to the doctor,’ he said in a tone that gave no further room for argument.  Joe scowled, but did as his father said.  He knew better than to argue back when he heard him speak like that.  Cursing his own weakness inwardly as they entered the town, he dreaded seeing the doctor and answering the questions that he knew the man would ask him.  With a sigh he dismounted and followed his father into Paul Martin’s office.

‘Ben! Joe! Nice to see you both,’ said Paul as he looked up to see them entering. ‘What brings you in here?’

‘Joe needs to see you,’ said Ben. ‘He’s just been sick.’

Paul looked at the boy and noted as Ben had the dark rings and pale skin. ‘Oh?’ he said. ‘What brought that on Joe?’

‘Nothing,’ said Joe sulkily. ‘I told Pa I just ate too much breakfast that’s all.’

‘You never ate too much of anything in your whole life,’ replied the doctor with a smile. ‘Let’s get you up on the examining table and have a look shall we?’ he motioned to the table in the corner of the room, but Joe didn’t move.

‘This is a waste of time,’ he said angrily. ‘I know what’s wrong with me and I just ate too much that’s all.’

‘Joseph!’ said Ben.

Joe reluctantly did as he was told and sat on the table.  ‘Take your shirt off please,’ said Paul as he picked up his stethoscope. Joe undid his buttons slowly. ‘Now sit up straight and put your shoulders back,’ directed the doctor as he placed the stethoscope on Joe’s chest. He frowned as he noticed the grimace the boy made as he straightened his shoulders. ‘What’s that face for?’ he asked. ‘Do you have sore muscles?’

‘No,’ said Joe, looking at the floor.

Paul touched him on the shoulder and watched as the boy grimaced again. ‘It would help if you told me the truth,’ he admonished.

Joe glared at him. ‘Well?’ said Paul.

‘A bit,’ he said.  ‘But I’m not sick!  I’ve just been exercising that’s all.’

Paul kneaded both his shoulders and then felt his ribcage. ‘Over-exercising is more to the point,’ he said. ‘Why?’

Joe shrugged his shoulders. ‘No reason,’ he said looking at the floor again.

‘Joseph answer properly please!’ said his father angrily. ‘We’re not here to waste the doctor’s time young man.’

Joe sighed. ‘I’m just doing body building exercises that’s all,’ he said.

Ben glared at him. ‘Is that what this has been about?’ he asked. ‘Whatever for?’

‘To build up my muscles,’ muttered Joe looking at the floor.

‘And the vomiting?’ asked Ben. ‘Have you been eating too much on purpose?’ Joe nodded. ‘Why?’ his father demanded.

Joe looked up at the two men. ‘Because I’m tired of being small,’ he said angrily. ‘I’m just trying to help myself grow bigger that’s all.’

Ben rubbed his eyes wearily and then looked at Paul who was trying to hide a grin. ‘Joe I think you and I need to have a talk,’ said the doctor. ‘It’s all very well to make sure you eat well and exercise, but there’s nothing to be gained by overdoing it you know.’

‘I just thought that if I ate lots and built up my muscles that I’d help my growth spurt to start,’ said Joe hopefully. ‘It’s gotta happen soon, so I’m just helping it along.’

Paul sat down next to the table. ‘Joe, it’s impossible to help nature along in that way.  You’ll grow if and when you’re meant to.  Nothing you can do will change that.’

‘That’s not true,’ declared Joe. ‘Hoss said that if he didn’t eat so much and exercise like he does then he wouldn’t be as big as he is.’

‘Hoss is an exceptionally big man,’ explained Paul patiently. ‘He was born with a large frame. You weren’t, so you couldn’t possibly hope to end up like him.’

‘I don’t,’ said Joe. ‘But at least I’ll be as big as Pa or Adam.’

‘Both your father and Adam are tall men,’ said Paul. ‘You just weren’t born to be like them.’

Joe frowned at him. ‘I ain’t done growing yet!’ he declared. ‘You don’t know that for sure.’

Ben stepped forward. ‘Joe when Adam was your age he was much taller than you. So was I in fact. You just take after your mother’s family son, and she was quite small.  I imagine the men in her family were too.’

Joe shook his head. ‘I still reckon I got more growing to do yet,’ he declared.

‘Yes you’re probably right,’ said Paul. ‘But not that much.  You have to face the fact Joe that you’ll never be a large man like the others in your family.’

Joe hopped off the table. ‘Well I’m sick of being small and I aim to help myself get bigger if I can.’

‘There’s nothing wrong with a sensible diet and exercise,’ said the doctor. ‘In fact I think it would do you the world of good.  Just don’t expect too much all right?’

Joe nodded, then turned to his father. ‘Can I go now Pa? I’ll be in trouble if I’m late for school.’

‘Yes off you go,’ said Ben. ‘We’ll talk about this more at home tonight.’  He turned to face Paul as his son left the room. ‘Now it all makes sense,’ he said with a twinkle in his eye. ‘I just couldn’t work out what was going on in that head of his. There’s just no figuring that son of mine sometimes.’

Both men laughed. ‘Well you’d better try and get through to him that he’s not meant to grow much more,’ said Paul. ‘I somehow think I wasn’t very successful.’

‘He can’t do himself much harm with all this can he?’ asked Ben.

‘No not really,’ replied the doctor.  ‘Just make sure he doesn’t overdo the exercising and doesn’t eat too much.  Now did you ever think I’d be saying that about Joe?’

‘No never,’ laughed Ben. ‘That boy has never been known to overeat that’s for sure.’

‘I don’t think this will last,’ said Paul as he put away his stethoscope. ‘He’ll probably get over it soon.’

‘I don’t know,’ said Ben. ‘That youngest boy of mine is pretty stubborn you know.  If he decides to do something well…. you know what he’s like.’

‘Just get through to him that he can’t perform miracles when it comes to his body,’ said Paul.

‘Easier said than done,’ muttered Ben as he left the office.

——————

Later that night Ben tried to reason with his son while they were waiting for supper. ‘Joe,’ he said as he sat down next to him on the settee, ‘We need to discuss what happened this morning.’

Joe glanced at his father. ‘’I’m fine,’ he said warily. ‘I told you I didn’t need to go and see no doctor.’

‘Hmm.  Well I know that now,’ said Ben. ‘But I’m glad we did.  Now that I know what’s in that head of yours I want to make sure that you understand a thing or two young man.  What Paul said to you was right.  You can’t force nature you know.’

Joe frowned. ‘I’m not trying to.  I’m just helping it along is all.’

Ben put his hand around the back of his son’s neck. ‘Joe it doesn’t matter how big you are. The measure of a man is not in his size but in his heart.’

Joe looked at his father puzzled. ‘Huh?’ he said.

Ben tried again. ‘It isn’t important how big or how small a man grows, it’s how he behaves that’s important.  I don’t care if you never grow another inch.  What’s important to me is that you are a decent and caring young man.  That’s how we’re all judged in life – by our behaviour.’

‘Yeah, well can’t I be decent and caring and still grow big too?’ said Joe in a frustrated tone. ‘I’m just sick of everyone teasing me for being small.’

‘Is that why you’ve been getting into fights lately?’ asked his father. Joe nodded. ‘Son you have to learn to control that temper of yours.  There is always going to be someone in life who is bigger or smarter or faster than you.  There’s no point in fighting about it.’

‘I don’t want to be bigger than everyone.  I just want to be bigger than I am.’

Ben sighed. ‘Well son, I’m afraid you just don’t have much control over that.  We all have to learn to be happy with what we’re given in life.’

Joe ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated gesture. ‘Well how come some people are given more than others?  It ain’t fair!’

‘Joseph don’t you dare go on about how fair life is!’ admonished his father. ‘You should be grateful for all the things you have that others don’t.  You’re a good-looking boy and you have a family who loves you.  What more could you ask for?’

‘I know,’ Joe admitted. ‘It’s just that sometimes I want to be like Adam and Hoss.  When do you think my growth spurt will start Pa?’

Ben shook his head slightly.  Sometimes it was like talking to a brick wall with this youngest son of his. ‘Joe just be happy with how you are all right?’  He stood up. ‘Now I don’t want to hear any more about this.  I’m glad you’re eating sensibly and the exercises won’t hurt you, but beyond that I don’t want to hear of you doing anything foolish.  Do I make myself clear?’

‘Yes Pa,’ said Joe. He thought for a moment. ‘Hey Pa?’

‘Yes Joseph?’

‘When do you reckon I’ll start shaving?’

Ben walked over to the dining room table. ‘When you’re ready to,’ he said wearily.  This boy could really exhaust him sometimes. ‘Now come to the table.’

Joe followed him. ‘When I start that’ll be when I start to grow bigger I reckon. I’m just asking because I want to be ready when it’s time,’ he explained. ‘Don’t you think I need to practice?’

‘Practice for what?’ asked Adam and he and Hoss came through the front door. ‘When it’s time for what little buddy?’

Joe looked pleadingly at his father.  He didn’t want his brothers to know what they had been talking about, for fear of being teased.

‘Time to eat dinner,’ said Ben with a wink at his youngest son. ‘Sit down please boys.’

They all sat around the table as Hop Sing entered with a steaming platter. ‘Oh boy!’ said Hoss. ‘Pork.  My favourite.’

‘Everything is your favourite,’ said Adam sarcastically.

Joe looked thoughtfully at Hoss as he piled his plate with the meat and then reached for the vegetables. He picked up the platter and followed his example while Ben hid a smile.

‘So are you going to tell us what you want to practice for?’ asked Hoss as he began to eat.

Joe scowled at him. ‘None of your business,’ he said.

‘Now don’t be like that little brother,’ said Adam playfully. ‘We’re only interested in what you’re up to now.’

‘I ain’t up to nothing,’ muttered Joe as he picked up his knife and fork. ‘So mind your own business!’

‘Touchy!’ said Adam with a grin. ‘When are you going to learn that Hoss and I are only interested in keeping you on the straight and narrow little buddy?’

‘Don’t call me that!’ said Joe.

‘What?  Little buddy?’ asked Adam with an innocent expression. ‘You are, aren’t you little brother?’

‘I’m sick of being called all them ‘little’ names!’ declared Joe angrily, then stopped as he realised his mistake in saying this.

Adam grinned at him again. ‘Why?’ he asked. ‘They suit you.’

‘That’s enough boys,’ Ben said as he noticed the flush on Joe’s face. He knew how easily his youngest son could be provoked and was not about to let this develop into a full-scale argument.

Adam grinned at his father and then handed Joe the platter that was in his hand. ‘Here you go Little Joe,’ he said with emphasis. Joe glared at him and reached across to push it away, but only succeeded in tipping the contents onto the tablecloth.

Ben glared at them both. ‘What on earth do you think you’re doing?’ he asked as he looked at the vegetables spread in front of him. ‘Joseph, stop that at once!’

‘Me?’ said Joe indignantly. ‘Why is it my fault?’

‘Because you have to learn to control yourself little brother,’ said Adam with the same emphasis. ‘Stop acting like a child.’

Joe reached over the table and pulled his brother by the arm. ‘I said to stop calling me them names!’ he yelled.

‘Joseph!’ said Ben. ‘Sit down!’  But Joe was beyond hearing reason. He stood up and jumped around the table and grabbed his eldest brother around the neck. ‘You shut up Adam!’ he yelled.

Adam easily pushed him away.  ‘Simmer down Joe,’ he said uneasily. ‘I’m only joking, you know that.’

‘Joseph sit down,’ repeated his father. ‘I will not have you behaving like this at the dinner table.’

‘Well then, you tell him to shut up!’ Joe yelled at his father. ‘I’m sick of them calling me names!’

Hoss pushed his younger brother back into his chair before his surprised father could answer. ‘Be quiet Joe,’ he said.

Joe glared at him. ‘You shut up too!’ he yelled again.

‘That is enough,’ shouted Ben. ‘Joseph leave the table and go to your room.’

‘Why me?’ said Joe. ‘Tell Adam to…. he’s the one that started it!’

‘Joseph I said to go!’ thundered Ben.  Joe stood up and stomped over to the staircase, then ran up the stairs quickly. Ben turned to Adam. ‘And you should have more sense!’ he said pointing his finger at him. ‘What was that for?’

Adam looked shamefaced. ‘I’m sorry Pa.  I thought he knew I was joking.’

Ben shook his head. ‘Honestly I’ve had just about enough of all this nonsense!’ he exclaimed. ‘As if your younger brother isn’t enough to put with…now I have to listen to your nonsense as well!’

Adam glanced at Hoss and bit his lip. ‘I said I’m sorry,’ he muttered. ‘I didn’t know he was getting riled up.’

‘Well you should have!’ said Ben angrily. ‘You know how he’s been lately, and you only make it worse when you carry on like that!’

Adam bent his head and ate in silence. After a few moments Hoss ventured, ‘Did you find out what he’s on about Pa?  What’s been making him so touchy lately?’

‘Yes I did, and it’s something that I think both of you should stay out of,’ replied Ban. ‘Just stop teasing him and treating him like a child.  He’s a young man trying to grow up and your attitudes don’t make it any easier for him.’

Hoss looked at Adam and shrugged his shoulders. Adam put down his fork. ‘I said I was sorry Pa.  We’re both just used to treating him like that and he’s never taken offence before.’

Ben glared at him. ‘Well he is now,’ he said.  ‘For heavens sake try and remember back to when you were that age.’ They both nodded, and the three of them began to eat once again.

————————–

‘So Joe, how about coming up to the lumber mill this afternoon and helping Hoss and me out?’ Adam suggested. ‘We could do with an extra man up there. I need to take the backboard up to Hoss with more equipment.’

Joe looked at his older brother with an amazed expression. ‘Me?’ he said. ‘You want me to come?’

‘That’s what I said didn’t I?’ said Adam. ‘Well, how about it?  It is Saturday after all and you don’t have school.’

Joe grinned at him. ‘Sure!’ he said enthusiastically. ‘I’ll go and hitch the horses to the buckboard!’  He stood up to move from the table, then hesitated and reached back for an extra piece of toast to take with him.

Ben smiled as his youngest son left the room.  Joe certainly was trying to keep his eating habits up, and during the past few weeks he had been determined to keep his routine of eating well and exercising.  He was sure one determined youngster when he put his mind to it, and at the moment he was determined to help himself as much as he could to grow and develop.  Even though it had only been a few weeks, Ben was sure he could see a slight improvement in the boy’s appearance, and he made sure he told him.  He had been rewarded by a light in the youngster’s eyes as he replied. ‘You think so Pa?  Here, feel this!’  He had reached out and put Ben’s hand on his bicep and Ben had complimented him on its size, even though he couldn’t feel any difference in it. ‘It’s sure working ain’t it Pa?’ asked the boy enthusiastically, and his father had nodded assent.

Adam and Hoss had really been trying to treat him differently as well, and this latest invitation of Adam’s spoke volumes to his younger brother.  It was as if he really considered him grown up and not the kid he usually treated him as.

Ben reached out and touched his eldest son on the arm. ‘That was nice of you son,’ he said.

Adam shrugged. ‘I’ll probably regret it,’ he said. ‘I don’t know why I volunteered to have him along really.’

Ben smiled.  Much as Adam tried to pretend the opposite, he knew that he enjoyed his younger brother’s company and he wasn’t fooling his father for a minute. ‘Just remember not to tease him,’ he said.

Adam grinned back at him. ‘If I can avoid it,’ he said. ‘Sometimes it’s pretty hard though.’

Later on as the two brothers were seated together on the buckboard, Adam tried to remember his father’s words.  It came so naturally to him to treat his little brother as a child, but he could still remember how much he himself had strived to be a man at Joe’s age and so he refrained from the sarcastic comments that kept popping into his head during their conversation.

Joe talked on about the timber operation and what they would be doing that day. ‘So what will I be working on?’ he asked excitedly. ‘Can I help with the chopping?’

‘Well maybe the lopping of the branches,’ replied his brother. ‘The larger trees are best kept for the men who’ve had experience with them. Hoss is overseeing them.’

‘But the bigger the tree the more exercise I’ll get,’ protested Joe.

Adam looked at him. ‘Why is exercise so important to you lately?’ he asked. ‘You trying to build up your muscles or something?’

Joe answered without thinking. ‘Yeah.’

Adam smiled. ‘So that’s what all this has been about,’ he said. ‘You’re trying to develop yourself eh?’

Joe glanced at his brother, anxious to see if he was making fun of him. ‘Yeah,’ he said.

‘Well I think that’s a good idea,’ said Adam. ‘I tried it at your age too.’

‘You did?’ exclaimed Joe. ‘How come?’

‘Same reason as you I suppose,’ said Adam. ‘I wanted to prove to everyone that I was a man, or at least becoming one.  I had really grown taller all of a sudden and needed filling out.’

Joe’s face fell. ‘Yeah well, I guess I won’t have that problem,’ he muttered. ‘Pa and Doc Martin say I probably won’t grow tall at all.’

Adam looked at him. So this what had been eating away at him all these weeks. ‘Well everyone is different,’ he said carefully. ‘But I think you probably won’t be as tall as Pa or me, and you certainly won’t make it to Hoss’ height. Who could after all?’

‘Yeah well I just want to be average, not smaller than everyone else,’ said Joe.

‘You don’t have much choice in that do you?’ said Adam.

‘That’s what Pa said,’ replied Joe. ‘He said it’s not important anyway, cause the measure of man is in his heart not in his height.  Or something like that.’

‘Pa’s usually right, don’t you think?’ asked Adam. ‘I’d take notice of what he says if I were you.’

‘Yeah,’ said Joe. ‘I reckon so.  But it’s all right for him.  He’s tall.’

Adam hid a smile.  His younger brother sure was difficult to get through to sometimes. He hitched the reins up and began to drive the horses faster as he realised just how late it was becoming.  Hoss would be needing the equipment they were bringing if they were to get much work done that day. The trail became steeper as they climber up the hillside, the land falling away on one side of them steeply.

‘Hey Adam?’ said Joe again.

‘Mmm?’ replied his brother, concentrating on manoeuvring the team around a sharp bend on the trail.

‘How old were you and Hoss when you started shaving?’

‘I was fourteen.  Hoss was fifteen I think. You’ll start when you’re ready, don’t worry about it.’

Joe rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘Well I reckon……….’  He never finished the sentence, as one of the horses suddenly reared up, frightened by something in front of it on the trail.  Adam struggled to keep hold of the reins and pulled back on both of the animals.  The frightened horse in turn spooked the other one, and they both began to panic as they felt the reins tightened on them.

‘Hang on Joe,’ said Adam grimly. He pulled with all his might, but the frightened animals were beyond his control.  They started to lurch forward and the buckboard took off up the hill at too fast a speed for the trail.

‘Whoa boys!’ called out Adam, but nothing would hold them.  Joe hung onto the side of the buckboard tightly, watching his brother helplessly as he struggled to contain the frightened animals.  As they approached another bend in the trail, Adam called out to his younger brother. ‘Get ready to jump if we tip over!’

Joe acknowledged the comment with a slight nod of his head and when indeed he felt them tipping over he jumped as instructed.  As he hit the ground he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and rolled over a few times before he came to a stop against the embankment at the side of the trail.  Behind him he could hear the horses screaming in fright as the buckboard pulled them down and off the side of the trail on the other side.  There was a series of loud thumps until finally a huge crash signalled that the buckboard had come to a halt.

Joe looked around as he tried to catch his breath, expecting to see his brother close beside him, but he saw nothing.  ‘Adam?’ he called loudly. ‘Adam?’  There was no answer and Joe frantically looked around again, hoping to see where his brother had jumped to.  He saw nothing.

Warily he approached the side of the trail to survey the damage.  The buckboard was partway down the steep embankment, tilted onto its side.  One of the horses had broken free and had managed to make it down to the bottom of the embankment and the other was lying next to the buckboard tangled in the reins.  Joe couldn’t see if it was alive or not.  Nowhere could he see his brother and he called to him again frantically. ‘Adam? Where are you?’

Again there was silence.  Joe put his feet over the edge of the embankment and began to slither down on his backside, ignoring the pain in his shoulder.  As he approached the buckboard he noticed the horse seemed to be dead, or at any rate very still.  His eyes searched frantically again for his brother.  Suddenly he heard a low moan and ducked his head down low against the ground, trying to ascertain which direction it was coming from.  He slithered over closer towards the buckboard and put his face close to the side.  He drew back as the ground around him began to subside, and pushed himself around to the other side where it seemed to be more stable. ‘Adam?’ he called.

Another low moan from the direction of the buckboard made him flatten his face against the wooden side.  In the dim light underneath he could just make out his brother’s limp form. ‘Hey Adam,’ he called anxiously. ‘Can you hear me?’

There was no response. Joe tried to shift the buckboard with his hands, but he couldn’t budge it. He thought for a moment before making his decision. He knew he wasn’t far from the lumber camp and if he headed straight up the incline instead of following the trail it shouldn’t take him too long to get there.  Knowing that he couldn’t help his brother by himself, he flattened his face against the earth again and said. ‘I’m gonna get help Adam.  I’ll be back as soon as I can.’

There was no response and Joe said a silent prayer that his brother was still alive before he turned to face the steep climb up towards the trail again.  Moments later he was sitting on the side trying to catch his breath and clutching at his shoulder which was now really beginning to cause him some discomfort.  When he regained his breath he stood up and began running towards the lumber camp, Hoss and the help that Adam desperately needed.

———————–

‘Adam should have been here by now,’ said Hoss, looking anxiously down the trail.

‘Didn’t you say he was bringing Joe with him?’ asked Charlie with a grin. ‘That’s sure to slow him down some.’

Hoss returned the grin. ‘Yeah maybe,’ he acknowledged. ‘Come on. Let’s get those logs stacked.  At least we can do that while we’re waiting for that equipment.’  A sudden cry made him turn sharply and he saw a couple of the men pointing towards the trail where his little brother was stumbling along it towards them.  Without hesitation he ran towards him and as he came up close noticed how distressed the boy looked. ‘Joe!’ he called anxiously. ‘What is it? Where’s Adam?’

Joe fell into his brother’s strong arms and struggled to regain his breath.  He pointed back down the way he had come. ‘Down there,’ he said between breaths. ‘The buckboard… the horses bolted and….. it fell.’

‘Where’s Adam?’ Hoss repeated, his eyes scanning the trail anxiously. ‘Is he hurt?’

Joe nodded. ‘Yes, I think so.  He’s under the buckboard.  I couldn’t move it.’

Hoss looked at him intently. ‘Of course you couldn’t move it,’ he said. ‘No one could by themselves.’ He turned towards the men who had gathered behind them. ‘We’ll need rope and….’

Charlie put his hand on his arm. ‘We know what to get Hoss. Leave it to me. You get down there now with Joe and we’ll follow with the equipment.’

Hoss turned and ran towards his horse.  As he mounted he noticed one of the men helping Joe up onto their own horse. ‘Show me where,’ he called as they turned back towards the trail.  Joe led his brother back to the scene of the accident.  As they dismounted he simply pointed to the side of the trail and Hoss glanced down.  The scene was exactly as it had been when Joe had left, except that now he could hear the injured horse moving around.  It seemed that he wasn’t dead after all.

Hoss sat down and began to slide down the embankment, followed immediately by Joe.  As they approached the buckboard the horse sensed them coming and struggled in fright, causing the buckboard to shift slightly. ‘Shhh, steady boy,’ said Hoss quietly, trying to calm the animal.  He glanced at it and appraised its injuries before taking his gun out of his holster and pointing it at the animal.

‘No Hoss don’t!’ called out Joe. ‘We can cut him free!’

Hoss looked at his younger brother. ‘We ain’t got time for that,’ he said abruptly. ‘Sides, this animal is beyond our help now Joe.’  He gave his brother a sad look and then turned back towards the struggling animal and pulled the trigger. As the shot rang out through the stillness around them Joe grimaced, and then quickly turned his attention to the buckboard.  His brother was far more important than the horse after all.

Hoss scrambled over towards him and both brothers tried to look under the buckboard. ‘There!’ said Joe pointing to his brother’s still form. ‘Can you see him Hoss? Hey Adam, can you hear us?’

There was still no response from underneath the buckboard and Joe looked up at Hoss anxiously. ‘What do we do Hoss?  Do we try and push the buckboard?’

Hoss shook his head and he surveyed the ground around them ‘No,’ he said shortly. ‘The ground is too unstable, even if we could shift it…which I doubt. We’ll have to wait for the others to get here with the rope.’  As the words left his mouth there were noises above them and they both looked up relieved to see a group of men coming down the side of the embankment towards them, ropes draped around them.

‘Here!’ yelled Charlie, throwing a coil of rope towards Hoss. Hoss caught it and began to tie it to the side of the buckboard, the others doing the same all around him. Joe looked on anxiously, striving to hear a sound from Adam amidst all the activity.

After a few moments the ropes were in place and Hoss gave the direction.  Joe grabbed hold of an end along with one of the other men and on Hoss’ shout they all pulled together.  The buckboard began to shift upwards and reveal Adam’s still form underneath and Joe could see that his brother wasn’t moving at all. Suddenly the ground around them began to subside and Hoss shouted again. They lessened their hold on the ropes somewhat and the movement stopped.

Hoss looked anxiously at Charlie. ‘It’s likely to give way if we pull much more,’ he said. Charlie hesitated before replying, ‘We need to pull him out while we have the buckboard tilted upwards,’ he said. ‘Problem is getting in to him to tie the rope with him unconscious and all.’

‘I could do it,’ said Joe eagerly.

Hoss looked at him. ‘No,’ he said. ‘You ain’t getting in there. ‘The ropes mightn’t hold, and then you’d both be trapped.’  He turned to Charlie. ‘I’ll do it,’ he said.

Charlie shook his head. ‘You’d never fit under there Hoss,’ he said. ‘None of us would, except maybe Joe.’

Hoss hesitated.  He knew the man was right, but he hated to give his little brother permission to place himself in danger in that way. He glanced towards the buckboard and thought of his other brother lying there unconscious and also in danger. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘Here, tie this rope around your waist Joe and grab hold of the end of this one. When I say the word I want you to crawl in there and get to Adam.  Tie it under his arms and feel to see if his legs are pinned under anything before you give us the word to pull on him.’

Joe grabbed the ropes and did as his brother told him.  He lay as flat on the ground as possible and waited for Hoss’ shout.  When it came he saw the buckboard tilt upwards again slightly in front of him and scrunched forward underneath it.  Within seconds he had reached Adam and felt all around him to see if there was any obstruction.  Thankfully he realised that there was none, and his brother seemed to be free of the buckboard now that it had been lifted off him.  Struggling with his breathing, he managed to lift Adam’s shoulders slightly and got the rope underneath him, tying it under his armpits securely.

‘Ready!’ he called, and immediately felt the rope tighten as the men began to pull on it.  Adam’s body moved away from him and he pushed against his brother’s legs as they passed him to help speed up the process.  Inches above his face he could feel the weight of the buckboard pressing down upon them both, and he was extremely anxious to get out from under it.  He waited until he saw Adam completely free of the buckboard before he followed, squinting as he felt the sunlight on his face again.

Joe felt a number of hands lift him up and the rope untied from around his waist. ‘Well done boy!’ said Charlie, patting him on the back. Joe grinned at him and wiped the dirt from his face and he tried to get his breath back. He turned towards Hoss who was crouched on the ground cradling Adam in his arms, and knelt down beside him. ‘How is he?’ he asked anxiously.

Hoss smiled at him. ‘He’s alive shortshanks,’ he said, the relief evident in his face and his voice. ‘He’s got a nasty bump on his head and I’m not sure about this arm, but he’s alive.’

Joe smiled back at him, for once not minding the nickname that his brother gave him. He was just relieved to think that his brother was going to be all right.

———————–

‘Joseph I’m very proud of you,’ said Ben as he sat on the edge of Adam’s bed and watched his eldest son drinking the glass of medicine Paul Martin had handed to him. ‘I’m proud of both of you.’

Hoss grinned at Joe. ‘You should have seen this little guy, Pa,’ he said, then he realised what he had said. ‘Sorry Joe,’ he added.

‘That’s OK,’ said Joe happily. ‘I guess this was one time that being small helped.’

Hoss’ grin got even bigger. ‘Yeah I guess it was,’ he agreed.

Adam lowered the glass and put his hand up to finger the bandage around his head. ‘I’m just glad you both kept your wits about you,’ he said. ‘Next time you can drive the team little buddy.’

Paul Martin walked away from the bed. ‘Now let me have a look at that shoulder of yours Joe,’ he said.

Joe scowled at him. ‘It’s fine,’ he said. ‘You don’t need to.’

Paul ignored him and began to pull off the boy’s shirt. ‘Sit down please,’ he said.

Joe pulled away from the doctor. ‘Joseph do as you’re told,’ said his father wearily.

Joe sat down and let the doctor prod his shoulder. ‘It doesn’t seem to be serious,’ the man said. ‘You probably just pulled a muscle or two.  Take it easy for a few days young man.  No exercising it at all.’

Joe frowned at him. ‘But what about…..’

Ben held up his hand. ‘Joseph, that’s enough.  I think those body-building exercises of yours will wait a few days, don’t you?’

Joe scowled. ‘No I don’t,’ he said. ‘I can’t afford to waste the time. I need to keep doing them if I’m going to build my muscles up and develop.’

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes. ‘Joseph be quiet,’ he said. ‘Why don’t you go downstairs and eat something?’

Joe stood up. ‘Come on Hoss,’ he said. ‘Maybe I can work out how to do one handed push-ups.’

Hoss shook his head at his younger brother, but followed him out of the room anyway.   Ben rolled his eyes at Adam who laughingly said,  ‘He never gives up does he?’

‘No,’ Ben acknowledged. ‘He never does. I thought this might have taught him that being small doesn’t matter.’

‘Well you know Joe,’ said Adam as he settled himself back on the pillow. ‘He may understand it, but he’ll never accept it.’

Ben shook his head wearily. ‘No I don’t suppose he ever will,’ he said. ‘He’s a stubborn youngster that’s for sure.’ And I wouldn’t have him any other way, he thought.

The End