Synopsis: After being wounded during a robbery attempt, Joe’s life is endangered by the surviving member of the gang.

Rating:  T  (22,750 words)

 

The Enemy Among Us

Joe swung himself up onto Cochise’s back, settling his hat onto his head and patting the full saddlebag at his side one more time.

“Wish you’d stay for one more beer, Joe” said Charlie.

“I can’t, not this time, anyways. I need to get this money to the bank in Virginia City,” replied Little Joe.

“You could always spend the night here in town,” offered Charlie.

“No, these few hours of light will put me that much closer to Virginia City come daylight. I’ve already dawdled enough as it is.”

“Well,” sighed Charlie, “I can see I’m not going to convince you—-but you owe me a drink next time!”

“You betcha!” grinned Joe. “Next time you’re up Virginia City way, stop in and see me, and I’ll settle us up.”

Joe nudged Cochise into a trot and headed out of town, turning once to wave at his friend. Charlie headed across the dusty street to the saloon. Unnoticed, the person slumped in the chair outside the Land Agent’s office slowly tipped their hat up. With a calculating look in their eyes, they rose and slowly walked to the corner, watching Little Joe ride out.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Wilson gang had spent the better part of the evening formulating a plan. Riding hard until midnight, they made camp. They broke camp early and resumed the path to Virginia City. Passing the spot where Joe had camped several hours later, they increased their speed, and finally caught sight of him about an hour later. As per their plan, one person veered off the road, rejoining it ahead of Joe. The plan was for one person to go past the fork in the road to scout for any traffic coming from Virginia City that might interfere with their plan. Once Joe was past the fork, they planned to overtake him. The remaining six men followed Joe, some off the road, but all just far enough back to go unnoticed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe looked around as he approached the fork in the road. The right fork would take him into Virginia City; the left, home to the Ponderosa. Even though his initial plan had been to go straight to the bank in Virginia City with the money from the land sale—nearly $12,000.00—he was making good time. Going to the house would be about an hour detour each way. He decided to take the extra time, get a cup of coffee, and pick up Hop Sing’s supply list. Then he could do both “town” tasks at one time, instead of himself or one of the other hands having to make a second trip.

~~~~~~~~~~

When Joe took the left fork instead of the right, the two men closest to Joe (the stealthiest of the group, but not the smartest) were confused. They halted their pursuit, waiting for the others to catch up. As they told their cronies what had happened, there were hushed curses uttered all around.

“Well, I’m a-tellin’ ya, I’m still plannin’ on gettin’ me some of that there money,” said the tall skinny one. Heads nodded in agreement

“I think that there road goes to that Ponderosa Ranch we heard about,” chimed in one of the scruffy looking ones.

“We’d best be getting’ him before he gets there,” added another.

“C’mon, let’s get goin’. Time’s awastin’!” said the skinny one again.

The group of six took off down the road after Joe, who was now almost twenty minutes ahead. They rode quickly, straight down the road, no longer concerned about being heard.

Joe heard riders coming behind him, and actually slowed, thinking that if some of the hands were riding in, they might be coming to join him.

The group rounded a curve to see Joe stopped on the side of the road, looking back, about 500 yards ahead. “There he is!” the lead man shouted, pulling his gun from it’s holster.

Seeing the glint of the sun on metal as the gun was pulled, Joe cursed himself for relaxing his guard. Just because he was on Ponderosa property did not automatically mean he was safe. He urged Cochise to a gallop as the six men followed. Joe had the faster horse and had been riding relatively leisurely, unlike his followers. Still, they were on the move and he was starting from a stop, and he lost about 100 yards of his lead, but then managed to maintain the distance. He knew he had at least thirty minutes of hard riding before reaching the house, unless he happened upon some of the hands. Shots rang out from behind him, and Cochise faltered slightly. Joe looked down to see that a bullet had creased her haunch; it didn’t look serious and the horse regained its stride quickly. Sparing a glance back, he could see that he had lost a bit more of his lead. Drawing his revolver, he returned fire.

He looked back to see one rider-less horse slowing. That’d teach them to shoot his horse!

Spying a seldom-used path through a wooded area that would rejoin the road near the house, Joe veered to the right. He and Cochise had the advantage of knowing the land and knowing where they were, and he had to try to make that work for him. Everytime they lost sight of him, it slowed them down, and he needed every second. Shots continued to rain about him, and whenever possible Joe returned fire, reloading twice on the fly. He thought he managed to at least wound a second rider, but he was still seriously outnumbered.

Shots continued to ring out, and Joe felt a stinging sensation in his right shoulder, followed by a bloom of fire that traveled from his shoulder down his arm and across his chest. He could feel the sticky, warm dampness of blood on his shirt, but continued onward without slowing. He knew he was now over halfway through the woods, within ten minutes of the house. He was hopeful that someone would hear the gunfire, but knew also that the thick trees would muffle the sound. His pursuers were firing less often now, waiting for better shots and concentrating on gaining ground.

As he came out of the trees and onto the road again, a shot rang out, and Joe slumped forward as he was hit in the side. Leaning forward over Cochise, Joe encouraged her to top speed, giving her her head, knowing that if he could just manage to hold on, Cochise would deliver him home. No longer bothering to return fire, Joe held on with all of his waning strength. He could feel the blood flow from his shoulder slowing a bit, but at the same time, blood was dripping from his side, he could feel it on his leg. He needed help, and soon. As he approached the yard, he raised his gun as far as he could and fired two shots, hoping to alert anyone in the house or barn of trouble. Cochise came to a stop as the door flew open, Hoss and Adam miraculously appearing in it.

“Joe, what happened?” asked Adam, even as he and Hoss hurried to Joe’s side.

“Outlaws…….after money,” breathed Little Joe, grimacing as he slid off of Cochise’s back into Hoss’ waiting arms. “Aaahh,” the small sound of pain escaped him. “Right behind me……four……maybe five.”

“Okay, Hoss, get him inside,” directed Adam, giving the winded, lathered horse a smack on the rump to get her out of the front of the house. Adam followed Hoss inside, shutting and bolting the door. “Hop Sing!!” he yelled loudly as he walked towards the settee where Joe now lay, Hoss at his side.

“Yes, Mistah Adam….oooh, Mistah Joe hurt. I bring water and bandage.” The little chinaman scooted out of the room as quickly as he had entered.

“You…….in the house!” a voice from the barn area shouted, drawing both Hoss and Adam to cautiously peer out a corner of the high front window in the office area. “We want the money….we get it and we leave you be.”

“Don’t you believe it,” said Hoss. “They already shot up Joe, they know they won’t get away.”

“I’m in complete agreement with you, brother. Go grab a couple of rifles and some ammunition and bring it over here, and then let’s try to figure out where they are.”

In the brief seconds it took Hoss to gather the weapons, Adam spied one in the edge of the trees, and another near the horse trough. Hoss quickly spotted one near the edge of the barn, and thought he saw the door to the hayloft cracked open a bit.

Adam reached over, and with the end of his revolver, knocked out one of the lower panes of glass. “You’re not getting anything from us,” he replied, raising his voice so that it would carry across the yard. It must have been the answer they anticipated, because the first shot came before the last word had even faded.

~~~~~~~~~~

Thirty minutes up the road to Virginia City, a lone rider sat on a rise, hidden in the treeline. It was long past time for their mark and the others to have come into view. Turning the horse back towards Deadwood, the rider began to backtrack. In the distance a wagon appeared on the road, sending up long plumes of dust. Driven by a man in black, the wagon was heading rapidly towards Virginia City. Another man, a huge man, sat in the back of the wagon, bent tenderly over someone, attempting to shield them from the jostling as best he could. The rider could tell that the driver was trying to balance speed with concern over the man in the back. Everything in the scene indicated that somehow, the plan had gone horribly off track.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben rode slowly into the courtyard of his home. He had been in Carson City for four days on business. Adam and Hoss had stayed behind to work on breaking the horses to fulfill the most recent Army contract. Joe had gone to Deadwood Flats to collect money from a land sale, and should be home today. Ben was looking forward to having the whole family together again. It seemed that in the past month, at least one of them had been gone nearly every night.

Ben was jolted from his thoughts by the sight that greeted him. From his seat atop Buck, he surveyed the grisly scene. Two men, unknown to him, lay dead behind the horse trough. Another lay facedown, where he had fallen from the upper floor of the barn. A fourth lay between the barn and the corral. Cochise stood, unhitched, near the side of the house, his side and saddle reddish-black with dried blood.

Ben dismounted quickly and started towards the house. Everywhere he looked, he saw wood chips and gouges, evidence of a fierce gunfight. Even though it looked to be over, he pulled his gun from his holster.

“Hoss…… Adam………. Joe!!” He yelled as he approached the front door. There was no answer.

Ben stopped on the porch, his hand outstretched to open the door. The doorknob……he stared at it. It’s polished black finish was a dull and muted maroon. Three droplets of blood stained the porch beneath the knob. Ben felt a shiver go up his spine, and a cold fear settled in his gut. He did not want to open the door, afraid of what he might find. He knew in his heart that it was his youngest son who was wounded. Usually not a superstitious person, Ben could not shake the feeling that the bloodied doorknob was an omen of some kind.

“Adam……Hoss……..Joe!!” Ben called again. As he did so, the door was opened from the inside, saving him from having to touch the knob. Hop Sing’s worried face appeared.

“Mistah Ben, glad you home. Big fight here.”

“I can see that, Hop Sing, where are my boys, are they alright?” Ben spoke in one long sentence.

“Joe hurt already when ride in. Hurt velly bad. Mistah Adam and Mistah Hoss fight men who chase Joe. Men want money. They kill all men.”

“Fine, fine. Where are they now, are they upstairs?” Ben asked as he started to step towards the stairs.

“Mistah Adam and Mistah Hoss say Joe hurt too bad to wait for Doctor. They put him in wagon and take him town. Him bleeding velly badly. Mistah Adam drive and Mistah Hoss sit in back to help brother. They velly worried, Mistah Ben. Mistah Hoss almost cry.”

“How long ago did this happen, Hop Sing?” asked Ben, looking around the room. Blood seemed to be everywhere he looked.

“One, two hour. Hop Sing not clean up yet, wait for sheriff to see.”

“That’s fine Hop Sing. I’m going to town to see what’s going on, and I’ll make sure the sheriff is on his way.”

“You not forget Hop Sing here, want to know how Joe is. Send man back with news.”

“I will, my friend, I will. I just hope it’s good news.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Buck took the road to town like his tail was on fire. Ben was glad that he had not ridden the horse hard on his way home from Carson City……. although if he had, he might have been home to help with the situation. Ben consciously diverted his thoughts from that line of thinking. Adam and Hoss had handled the situation well, and Hop Sing said Joe was already wounded when he arrived home. Ben’s presence wouldn’t have changed anything. But he still couldn’t shake that feeling of dread that had settled over him when he stood in front of that doorknob.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben burst through Doc Martin’s door, nearly breaking the glass when the door hit the wall. Adam and Hoss turned at the sound, and both rushed to embrace their father, each needing the comfort of the other.

“How is he?” asked Ben, in a shaken voice.

“Pa, he was bleeding so badly we was afraid to wait for the doctor, so we loaded up the wagon and brought him into town ourselves. He’s hurt bad, Pa, shot in the shoulder and in his side. He’s been in there with the Doc since we got here, and they’re doing some kind of surgery.” Hoss’s worry was clearly evident on his face.

“As near as we can figure, the men who followed him home wanted the money, and made the mistake of attempting to rob him too close to home. If he’d had to ride another two minutes, I don’t think he’d have stayed on Cochise, Pa.” Adam met his father’s eyes squarely, his concern for both his brother and his father clear.

Ben looked around, spied a chair, and sank into it. His head dropped into his hands, and his body shuddered as he drew in deep, cleansing breaths. Hoss and Adam pulled chairs over to sit near him, silently offering the strength of their presence.

“I was just thinking on my way home this morning how long it’s been since we were all home together. It seems one or the other of us has been gone for the better part of the last month. I just can’t allow myself to think that one of us might be…….”

“Don’t you even think that way, Pa! Joe’s more stubborn than me ‘n’ Adam put together and he’s gonna be just fine!” Hoss commanded. Adam reached over to clasp his father’s shoulder. “He’s young and strong, Pa, and a Cartwright to boot. He’ll come through this just like he’s come through every other scrape he’s ever been in.”

Ben raised his head, staring at the doorknob on the door marked SURGERY, waiting for it to open. A chill crossed his soul as he thought of another doorknob. He shook his head slightly, willing the vision away. Then he refocused his attention on the clean knob of the door to Paul Martin’s surgery, and continued waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~

It seemed as if endless hours had passed since Ben entered Paul’s office. Sitting, pacing, praying, raging against fate…nothing made the time go faster, nothing drew Paul from behind the closed door. Nothing changed God’s will. Looking at the clock, for what must be nearing the thousandth time, Ben realized that in reality, only 3 hours had passed since his arrival. Three hours that seemed like an eternity……looking at his other two sons, Ben could see that the slow passage of time was wearing on them also.

The sound of a doorknob turning was loud in the quiet of the room. All three men jumped to their feet, gazing expectantly at the door to the surgery. It took a moment for them to realize that the sound came from the other door, the one leading to the street. They turned as one and met the concerned gaze of Roy Coffee.

“Ben, I hate ta bother you and the boys at a time like this, but I just got back from your place, and I need ta talk ta Adam and Hoss a moment.” Roy motioned for all three to have a seat. “I figured I’d never be able to drag you to the office right now, so I just came on over. I was also wonderin’ if there was any news of Little Joe?”

“No, no news yet, and to tell you the truth, that’s starting to worry me more than a little,” confessed Ben to one of his oldest friends.

“Ben, you and I both know that Paul Martin is gonna do the absolute best he can for Joe…and he’s the best doc in these here parts. If Paul can’t get him through this, then I don’t know who could.”

“I know that, Roy….I’m not castin’ doubts on Paul’s abilities….I’m just worried about my son….” Ben lowered his head and his hands clenched until the knuckles turned white.

Adam and Hoss moved in close to their father, Hoss taking a chair and Adam kneeling at his side. Both placed comforting hands on his back. Roy, looking at the distraught family, hated to bring up business, but if he needed to form a posse, the sooner they could head out the better.

“Ben, me and Clem done bin out to your house. Near as we can tell, these men picked up trailing Joe somewhere on the way home from Deadwood Flats, and waited until he turned off to try to rob him. The trail leads through the forest, so I’m thinking Joe took that old shortcut. He managed to take out two of them in there. Then there’s the four varmints at your place…..that makes six total. I’m thinkin’ that from descriptions, this is that Wilson gang that’s been operatin’ a little further south. If it is, then you boys done took out a bad ‘un. Now, my question for you…….most reports say there are six members of the Wilson gang, but there are a few out there that say seven. Did you see anyone else, maybe someone who slipped off? We didn’t see any trail, but I need to ask ya about it. If’n you did see someone, I’ll form up a posse and we’ll get to lookin’ for him.”

Adam and Hoss both shook their heads slowly. “Naw, we dint see anyone else, not hide nor hair,” said Hoss.

“Not a sign, not at the house or on the way in,” added Adam. “It was pretty easy to tell where the shots were coming from, and we got a body for each spot.”

“Okay, then, if’n you’re sure. Like I said, Clem and I looked around, and we didn’t see any sign of a seventh man either. I’ll probably send Clem and a few volunteers out to do a little additional looking. Provided they don’t find any sign, I’ll wire all the neighboring towns that this gang is no longer a threat. Ben, boys, if you don’t mind, after that I’ll come back and wait with you, maybe bring you some dinner?”

“Roy, you know you’re always welcome. You can bring some food, but I’m not makin’ any guarantees that it’ll get eaten. Some coffee would sure be welcome, though,” said Adam.

~~~~~~~~~~

Four men now sat in the waiting room. A platter of half-eaten sandwiches perched on the small table. Roy had cajoled Ben and Adam into eating half a sandwich each by telling them that Joe needed them to be strong, not make themselves sick. Hoss hadn’t needed any prompting, he lit into two sandwiches like a starving man, but the food did nothing to erase the concern etched on his face.

The squeak of a door opening brought each head snapping upwards. Paul, his clothes stained with blood, his face weary and concerned, stepped into the room. Looking at the faces turned to him, wanting words of hope and reassurance, he slowly walked to the one empty chair and sat down.

“Ben, Adam, Hoss….Roy,” he greeted the men. “I’m not going to pussyfoot around here. Joe’s in bad shape right now. He gave us several very scary moments during his surgery. He’s lost a lot of blood, and he’s very weak, but I’m hopeful that he’ll pull through this. He’s young and strong….he was healthy before this… those things should work in his favor. The next day or two should give us an indication of how he’s gonna do.”

Ben stood, reaching to clasp his old friend’s hand. “Thank you, Paul, for all you’re doing. I’m thankful to God that you’re here for us.”

“How bad are his injuries, Paul?” asked Adam.

“Yeah, that surgery surely did take a long time,” added Hoss.

”Well, they were both bad wounds. I started working on the wound in his side, because it seemed like that was where he was losing the most blood….the bullet nicked the vein to his kidney, thank the Lord it was just small knick, but he was losing blood steadily from it. The kidney itself looked okay, I think it’ll keep working just fine. Partway through that surgery, he started having difficulty breathing. Turns out his shoulder wound had quit bleeding out, and the blood was accumulating in his chest, making it hard for him to breathe, but also hiding exactly how much blood he was losing. I ended up having to drain his chest. But the good news there is, I think the lung itself is okay. His breathing problems were helped a lot by getting that blood out of his chest. I cauterized a couple of bleeders in there, didn’t have the time to be more delicate.”

“Paul…we didn’t make things worse by bringing him into town in the wagon, did we? Maybe make somethin’ bleed worse? That was an awfully bumpy trip…..” Hoss voiced the concern that he knew Adam shared.

Paul stood, looking squarely at both Adam and Hoss. “Boys, I believe that if you had waited for me, your brother would be dead. Either one of those wounds was likely to be fatal without attention. What happened here, in the surgery where I could take care of it, probably would have happened while I was on my way to the ranch. You saved your brother’s life, both of you, and you should know that.”

Ben looked over at his two older sons, seeing the look of relief in their eyes. He knew that they both looked over their younger brother, taking a certain measure of responsibility for what happened to him. Joe was the beloved baby of the family, whether he always enjoyed that role or not. Hoss, eyes shiny with unshed tears, looked from Adam to Ben, and reached out to grab both, hauling them into a giant bear hug. The three men shared a moment of release, of tension, fear, and apprehension. Eyes now all bright with unshed tears, the men turned to Paul again.

“Can we see him?” asked Ben.

“Ben, he’s not conscious, and I don’t expect him to be until tomorrow at the earliest, maybe even the next day. I know you’re all relieved, but I need to remind you that he’s not out of the woods, yet, not by a long shot. Blood loss, infection…..there are a lot of potential obstacles to his full recovery. Not to mention personality…..you know as well as I do that Little Joe always tries to push himself, he can’t stand being in bed….he never allows himself the full recovery period, and he’s going to need it this time.”

“Well, then, he’ll get it……..even if we have to sit on him 24 hours a day!” declared Hoss.

Ben still looked at Paul, hoping to see his son. “Okay, you can each go in to see Joe, ten minutes each. Don’t disturb him, don’t try to wake him, he need the rest. Then I want each of you to get some rest…you’re gonna need your strength in the next few days.”

Ben headed into the surgery room, pausing to tell Adam “Son, why don’t you and Hoss see about getting us a room at the hotel for the next few nights?”

Roy cleared his throat and offered “I already took care of that Ben, when I went after the sandwiches. I knew you wouldn’t want to be far. If’n you don’t mind, I’ll send a man out to the ranch with word for Hop Sing, too, he was powerful worried ‘bout Joe when we was out there.”

“Thanks, Roy. You’re a good friend. Adam, Hoss, you can see your brother when I’m done, then you two head to the hotel and get some sleep. One of you can relieve me in a few hours. I want one of us with Joe, just in case he wakes up or starts looking bad. That way Paul can get some sleep, too.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben walked into the room, looking at the still form of his youngest son. He was pale, ashen beneath his early spring tan. The dark spots of drying blood contrasted sharply with the pale skin and white bandages. Ben sat, taking a hand in his. Joe’s fingers and hands were cold, and that’s when it hit Ben how close he had come to losing him. Ben slid from the chair to his knees, still holding the cold hand in his own. He thanked God for sparing the life of his precious son, and asked Marie to watch over him. Then he rested his forehead on the bed, careful not to disturb his son, and wept.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was nearly midnight when the lone rider made camp. Sitting in the dark, eating cold jerky, the lost comrades were briefly mourned. Most had not trusted each other enough to become close, so there wasn’t a great feeling of loss. The loss of the tall, thin one hurt though, more than the others. Sliding down to a sleeping position, the rider decided that tomorrow would be soon enough to figure out what to do next.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss carried Little Joe easily down the steps to the waiting wagon. Adam crossed over from the hotel, the last of their accumulated belongings in his hand. Ben stood at the front of the wagon, talking with Roy and awaiting last minute instructions from Paul.

Joe, still weak and in considerable pain, hated being carried to the wagon, and had been very vocal in his objections. However, when Paul Martin had made it clear that it was be carried or stay here, he had grudgingly acceded. He wanted to be in his own home, in his own bed. And to be truthful, he wasn’t sure he could have done it on his own. Just making the argument had drained him. Joe also knew that spring was one of the busiest times on the ranch, and his father and brothers needed to get home. As badly as he had frightened them, they weren’t about to leave town until he did. At least if he was at home, Hop Sing could help take care of him and his brothers and father could accomplish something during the day.

“Ben,” started Paul, gazing seriously at his old friend. “I’m only giving into this on the condition that someone will be with Joe at all times. It’s only been five days. He’s still quite weak and if he doesn’t get adequate rest he won’t get better. He puts on a good face, but it takes a lot out of him.”

“I know, Paul, we’ll keep him in quiet and in bed. I really do think that he’ll recover quicker in the familiar surroundings of home. I know he’s fretting about the ranch work, too, and us being away; once we’re home that will be one less worry weighing on him.”

“If I didn’t think that there was some truth to that, he’d still be upstairs. Remember to get as many liquids into him as possible. And have Hop Sing cook up some of his favorites, to entice him to eat. Nutrition and hydration are important facets of healing well. I gave you the prescription and instructions for his pain medicine already. I’ll be out tomorrow afternoon to check on him, but send someone for me if you need me sooner.”

“You have our word on that,” stated Ben firmly, offering his hand to Paul for a final handshake.

Ben climbed into the wagon seat and took up the reins. Chubb was tied behind the wagon, Hoss again electing to ride with his brother. Adam rode alongside trailing Buck. Joe was already asleep in the makeshift bed, having been given a dose of medicine before leaving the office. Hoss hoped it would be enough to last the entire trip home. He suspected that his brother was hurting a lot more than he let on, he could see the pain in his eyes and on his face when he thought no one was looking. His tender heart cringed with each bump, as he saw his young brother grimace without waking. He settled in to brace the young man as well as possible, hoping to alleviate a portion of the pain.

~~~~~~~~~~

The stranger sat at the piano in the saloon, drinking and playing a bawdy song. This was as good a place as any to hear news, and it hadn’t been difficult to get hired. Charlie was once again recounting the story of the fall of the Wilson gang. Seems that they had tried to rob Charlie’s friend Little Joe Cartwright after he left here last week. Everyone nodded and laughed as if they knew Joe Cartwright personally, when most had never even laid eyes on him. It was enough that he’d been in their town, at their saloon. Seems also like Joe and his brothers had wiped out the entire gang in a gunfight at the family home. That explained why he had turned off towards the Ponderosa instead of continuing into Virginia City. Such a small detail, a name, and yet the lack of that piece of information had cost the lives of six men.

Sheriff Sexton walked into the saloon and sat at Charlie’s table, placing his hat on the table and signaling the barkeep for a beer. “Got a wire from Sheriff Coffee in Virginia City today. He says they haven’t found any sign of a seventh member of the Wilson gang. He thinks that all the members are dead, and he’s wiring the territorial authorities that information. He also said your friend Joe Cartwright’s making a slow recovery from his wounds. In fact, said he went home today.” Charlie grinned and raised his beer to drink to the sheriff’s good news.

Both pieces of information brought a small smile to the lips of the piano player.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nearly a week later, Hop Sing fussed around Little Joe, straightening covers, fluffing pillows, re-arranging the nightstand. In short, irritating him to death.

Joe plastered an angelic look on his face, not realizing it was marred by a grimace of discomfort as he shifted to look at Hop Sing. “Look, Hop Sing, I know you’ve got chores you need to get to down in the kitchen…Why don’t you take a break and go do them? I promise I’ll stay right here, not budge an inch,” he wheedled.

“Hop Sing stay light here, Mistah Ben say. Hop Sing listen Mistah Ben, not Little Joe. Mistah Joe nevah like listen Doctah. Sometime Little Joe need listen better. Almost die, Hop Sing velly scared, family velly scared.”

A knock sounded on the door, and Ben entered, accompanied by Paul Martin. “Hello, Joseph, how are you doing today?” asked Paul, taking in the look of frustration on the young man’s pale but handsome face.

“I’m tired of being in bed, if that’s what you’re talking about. I’m feeling pretty good, all things considered. Still hurts some, and I’m still pretty tired a lot of the time.” Joe knew he couldn’t lie completely, it would never be believed, but he could minimize his complaints, at least.

“Any more difficulty breathing?” asked Paul, pulling out his stethoscope.

“Not a bit,” answered Joe quickly.

“Hop Sing, why don’t you go make some coffee,” suggested Ben, “and I’ll go tend to Paul’s horse and buggy, maybe we can talk him into staying for dinner?”

“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day, Ben. I’ll be down when I’ve finished my examination, and we’ll visit then.”

Paul took his time, completing a thorough examination and changing both the abdomen and shoulder dressings. “Overall, you look good, Joe, better than you have any right to look, really. You wounds are healing well, your lungs are clear. You’re still pale and weak from blood loss, though, that’s what’s keeping you so tired. That’s not going to get better overnight, so you need to keep from overexerting yourself.”

“Overexerting myself!” Joe gave a hoot of laughter, one of the first since the attack. “These guys won’t even let me adjust my own covers. They hover over me like a baby…it’s starting to get annoying. Can you tell them to back off some, Doc?”

“I don’t know, Joe, you have a tendency to overdo things…….” Paul raised his brow at Joe.

“I’ll take it easy, I promise, Doc. I just feel bad that Pa and Adam and Hoss not only have to do all the ranch work, but then someone stays up all night watching me breathe. They’re starting to look exhausted themselves. Being overtired is going to lead to one of them having an accident, and you know it. And they aren’t eating well, because Hop Sing spends his whole day up here with me, and doesn’t get his work done.” Joe shook his head in frustration. “I know I’m not well yet, but I’m on the way, and I don’t need as much help as a did a few days ago even. They need to back off a bit, take care of themselves, you know it’s the truth.”

“Joe, I know that those men love you and I saw what it did to them when they thought they might lose you. It tore them apart.”

“Don’t you think I realize that…….that’s why I need you to tell them that they don’t need to keep vigil anymore…..they won’t hear it from me, but they will from you. I don’t need someone dancing attendance on me 24 hours a day. I need some privacy, and they need some rest.”

Paul gave a sigh. “I have to agree with you that they’re all starting to look ragged. I’ll talk to them after dinner. I don’t want you alone all day, I don’t even want you out of bed for a while yet, at least not until my next visit. Someone needs to at least be in the house with you….but I’ll tell them to do away with the night watch.”

“Thanks, Doc.” Joe settled back on his pillows, tired from the intensity of the conversation.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe laid in bed, enjoying the sound of the birds settling for the night in the tree outside his window. He heard riders approach, and listening intently determined that it was his family, arriving late for the third night in a row. The late nights were making him feel especially guilty about being abed for so long.

“Dadburnit, Adam,” Hoss said tiredly, “my back is killin’ me from all this work. Of all the springs to have a bumper crop of calves. More roundin’, more ropin’ and more brandin’.”

“That’s right,” agreed Adam. “And it doesn’t help that we’re shorthanded to start with. You can’t find a decent ranch hand right now, all the other ranchers filled their payrolls while we were so worried about Joe. I couldn’t even find a cook, so Hop Sing’s gonna have to bring lunch out every day.”

“ I know Pa really wanted a cook, at least, so’s Hop Sing could stay here with Joe. But it jist ain’t gonna happen. At least Joe’s on the mend. I gotta admit, he’s been better about all this bed rest than usual, I thought he’d be chompin’ at the bit by now to at least get downstairs.”

“I think now that his wounds are healing, it’ll be starting soon. He’s still really pale and worn out looking, though.”

The voices disappeared, leaving Joe deep in thought. He hadn’t realized that they were so short-handed. Everyone always worked hard, now they were working even harder, and it was in many ways due to him, not that it was his fault. He also knew that if not for him, they’d be staying out at the round-up, instead of wasting time coming home each night. At a minimum, he needed to do something to convince Pa that Hop Sing could be freed up to go feed the men at noon. Having a cook to do the meals allowed the hands to concentrate on working, and a good meal gave them the energy to work hard. And it sure sounded like they needed the best they could get from everyone right now.

~~~~~~~~~~

The woman had been seeking work in town for two days now, without success. Nothing was open except a job at the saloon, which she hoped to avoid this time. The barkeep had wished her well, saying that the only other person he knew looking to hire right now was Ben Cartwright, and what he needed was hands and a cook.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, after seeing to Joe’s needs, Hop Sing retired to the kitchen to prepare the food for the hands. Pa was going to pull a hand off the job to come back and get it. Joe had worked hard last evening at persuading Ben that he was well enough to be left alone for a few hours each day, so that Hop Sing could deliver the meal. But Ben didn’t agree, and no amount of persuasion by Joe would convince him otherwise. Joe, already tired of bed rest, decided he needed to prove to everyone that he was better than they thought. The perfect way to do that was to make a trip downstairs. Ben and Paul might be mad when they found out, but at least they wouldn’t be able to debate the fact. He’d been sitting up in a chair for short periods the past two days, unbeknownst to anyone. It hadn’t hurt too badly, although he’d been tired afterwards.

He sat up in bed and worked his legs over to the edge, going slowly to avoid jarring his side, still tender after two weeks of recovery. Doc Martin still had his arm immobilized to protect the shoulder, and the side of his chest sill hurt where it had been drained. Moving his legs out from beneath the covers, Little Joe slipped his feet into his slippers and slowly stood. He thought about pulling on his robe, but it was warm in the house today, and it seemed like an unnecessary expenditure of energy. So far, so good. Actually, it seemed a bit easier than yesterday. Shuffling his way to the door, he opened it and paused, listening a moment to confirm that Hop Sing was still in the kitchen. Hearing the reassuring clang of pots and pans, Joe slowly moved into the hallway, a hand on the wall for support. Making it to the top of the stairs, he paused a moment, slightly dizzy. Blinking his eyes to dispel the feeling, he moved to start his descent. After just one step down, the dizziness returned. Taking a deep breath to ward off the blackness, Joe struggled to suppress a cough. He swayed, grabbing the banister with his one good hand, wishing for a wall to lean on instead of the rail. This was not one of his better ideas, Joe decided. When the spinning sensation stopped, he turned gingerly to begin the trip back to his room. Mid-step, there was a knock at the door. Startled by the unexpected sound, Joe instinctively turned his head to take a look at the door. Dizziness swamped his senses, and his vision faded to black. Swaying, off balance, unable to break his fall in the least, Joe tumbled down the stairs, coming to rest in an awkward sprawl at the bottom.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hearing the knock at the door, Hop Sing was on his way out of the kitchen when he heard the loud thumps of someone falling down the stairs. Rounding the corner, the family cook determined what had happened in one swift glance. Forgetting the knock, he ran to Joe’s side, quickly ascertaining the he was still breathing. As he knelt at Joe’s side, he heard the door open behind him.

“Hello?” Inquired a feminine voice. “Is anyone here? Oh, there you are. Forgive the intrusion……I knocked, but then I heard a horrible racket and thought I’d best see if everything was alright……..Oh, goodness, what happened?”

“Joe fall, out of bed too soon. Set here, please, I get help.” With that directive, Hop Sing ran out the back door to where the one remaining ranch hand was working on a broken wheel. Explaining the situation, he sent Tom to town for Doctor Martin. Re-entering the house, he returned to Joe’s side. Working his was from head to toe, Hop Sing carefully examined Little Joe. He found a knot on the back of his head, which probably accounted for his loss of consciousness. He determined that while Joe’s previous wounds seemed intact, he had bruised if not cracked several ribs on the left side of his chest, and broken his right leg. Throughout the exam, Hop Sing muttered to himself “Nevah wait. Always hurry. Nevah listen Doctor, “ interspersed randomly with rapid Chinese.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked the woman, standing quietly by the couch. Startled, Hop Sing looked up. He had completely forgotten the guest.

“Missy wait while Hop Sing help Little Joe, then Hop Sing help Missy.”

“I don’t mean to be a bother, I can come back another day……..”

“Missy stay, please, Hop Sing maybe need help. Have buggy, maybe take word to Mistah Ben?”

“I’d be glad to do whatever I can,” came the reply.

The sound of a horse and buggy coming into the yard at a good clip interrupted the conversation. Without knocking, Paul Martin came through the front door, black bag in hand.

”I ran into Tom not far from here, I was already on my way out to check on Joe,” said Paul as he crossed the room.

“Velly glad to see you, Doctor. Now need tell Mistah Ben what happen.”

“No need, Hop Sing, I sent Tom on up to let Ben and the boys know. I imagine they’ll be coming as soon as they can.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul had called that one right on the money. Within three hours, all three Cartwrights strode into the house, concern and weariness etched on their faces.

Hop Sing came to meet them as they removed their gun and hats, placing them on the sideboard near the door. “Mistah Cartwright, Hop Sing so sorry. Not know Joe up til hear him fall.”

“It’s not your fault, Hop Sing. No one thinks it is. We all know Joe’s stubborn, impetuous nature. After our discussion last night, I should have been expecting something like this.” Ben reassured the worried man.

Paul, hearing voices, came to the top of the stairs, wiping his hands on a clean cloth.

“Paul, how is he?” asked Ben.

“Well, he’s definitely set himself back some. He’s got a concussion, and a pretty good one, hasn’t been awake yet. Broke his right leg, I just got that set and casted. Cracked two ribs on the left, bruised a couple more. Hoss, I was hoping maybe you could help me bind those ribs. The fall was probably worse because with his other injuries, he couldn’t do anything to break it.”

“I’ll say this, short shanks don’t ever do anything halfway,” remarked Hoss as he started up the steps to help Paul.

~~~~~~~~~~

Turning to speak to Adam, Ben was surprised to notice a woman sitting on the settee, sipping tea. Noticing that she had finally been seen, the woman rose, extending her hand to Ben.

“Mister Cartwright, I’m Abigail Jones. You don’t know me, I’m new in town. I came out to ask if you would even consider me for the cook position you’ve been trying to fill, and, well, I’m afraid I arrived at a very importune moment.”

“Missy get here right when Joe fall, help Hop Sing with care of son,” added the cook, bringing in a plate of sandwiches, knowing the men would be hungry.

Ben looked at the slim young woman in the green dress. Auburn hair was arranged in a neat coil, a few stray ringlets attractively framing her face. Clear skin, green eyes, and a quick smile completed the attractive picture.

I don’t know Miss Jones……. I must admit I was looking for a man to fill that job. It’s hot and dusty rounding up the herd, and the branding is not a pleasant experience for many. The hours are long, and to be honest, the men may find you just too much of a distraction. ”

“I thought as much, but it was worth asking,” she said with a sigh and a disappointed look on her face. “ I guess I’ll be taking that job in the saloon after all. I thank you for your time, and I hope your son improves quickly.”

“Please, Miss Jones, won’t you join us for some food before you leave. It’s the least we can do in return for your assistance.” Adam spoke to Miss Jones, but his attention was on the top of the stairs, for he had heard to door open.

Hoss and Paul came down the stairs. Ben and Adam met them at the bottom. “You can both go up and see him. He’s still out at he moment.”

Ben started up the stairs. “Hoss, you and Paul can help yourselves to some food. Entertain Miss Jones while Adam and I see your brother, please.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss helped himself to a sandwich and sat down opposite Miss Jones, placing his plate on the low table. Paul sat at the other end of the settee, sipping a cup of tea.

“Well, Miz Jones, I don’t rightly know why ya came out to the Ponderosa, but I’m right glad ya was here to help Hop Sing. My name’s Hoss Cartwright, and I’m Joe’s next oldest brother. Adam, who ya probably already met, is the oldest. This here’s Paul Martin, the town doctor.” Hoss opened the conversation.

“Dr. Martin and I met briefly earlier. I wasn’t actually introduced to Adam, your father was quite distracted, and rightly so,” Miss Jones replied, nodding at Hoss. “I’d like it if you could call me Abby, Miss Jones is a bit too formal for me.”

Conversation between the three went on for several minutes before Ben and Adam returned, having reassured themselves of their brothers condition. Adam was introduced to Abby, and after some momentary pleasantries, returned to sit with his ailing sibling.

Ben told Hoss of Abby’s request to be considered for the job of round-up cook; Hoss looked skeptical, voicing some of the same concerns his father had already mentioned. Paul looked at Abby with a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Miss Jones, have you ever done any nursing?” he asked quietly.

“I’ve taken care of relatives, but not a real nursing job with a doctor or anything like that,” she answered. Ben, who had been listening, turned to Paul. “What are you thinking, Paul?”

“Well, the way I see it, you have a big problem, Ben. You and the boys are needed at round-up, you’re already shorthanded. You can’t use Hop Sing for your round-up cook, because you need someone to stay here with Joe, tend to his needs and keep him in bed, or at least try to. Miss Jones, excuse me, Abby needs a job. Why can’t she stay here and take care of Joe, freeing Hop Sing to go with you?”

Ben looked consideringly at Abby, a hopeful expression on her face, and then at Hoss. “It might solve one of our problems. At least one of us could still come back every night, to be with your brother. And a good cook up there would go a long way towards improving everyone’s morale right now. Not only are we working them hard, but they’re having to take turns cooking, and the lack of variety and quality is making everyone grumpy.”

“I agree, Pa, and the fact that we’re shorthanded AND have a bumper crop of calves to round-up and brand this year is making the whole job tougher than usual. And the men know that the next thing on the agenda is moving the whole herd to a new grazing area. They know they’re not going to get much of a break this spring,” said Hoss.

“Miss Abby, would you consider taking the job? Not only is my son Joseph recovering from the injuries of today, he was already recovering from life threatening wounds received in a vicious robbery attempt. He chafes at the bit at being kept in bed. It might be quite a challenge.”

“Mr. Cartwright, I grew up with two brothers of my own who were the same way…I think I can handle your son. If you’re offering me the job, I’ll take it.” Abby’s smiled gratefully.

“It’d be easiest if you stayed here at the ranch, if you’re comfortable with that arrangement,” said Ben. “We can discuss salary after dinner.”

“I don’t have a problem staying here, if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble. Actually, it’d cut down on my expenses considerably. I’m sure whatever salary you offer will be fine.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Adam, Hoss, and Ben walked their guests out to their buggies for the trip back to town before Hoss went up to relieve Hop Sing. Arrangements had been made for Abby to start the day after tomorrow; tomorrow she would pack her things and stop at Doctor Martins for instructions and supplies. She and Paul would ride out together the following morning. Abby had offered to start the very next day, but all four Cartwrights were in agreement that no matter how much work needed to be done, they needed a day to reassure themselves that Joe was going to be okay. Hop Sing would use that day to make a comprehensive supply list and get it filled, and they would load the cook wagon for an early start.

~~~~~~~~~~

On the ride back to town, following Doc Martin’s buggy, Abby had time to think and plan. Disregarding the beautiful scenery, she reflected on the remarkable opportunity that had fallen into her lap. It would mean altering her original plans, but that shouldn’t be a problem. It might even work out better. The elder Cartwright and his sons sure did seem fond of that troublesome young man. They’d do anything to make sure he was taken care of. It’d probably devastate the whole family if anything happened to him. Might even tear the whole family apart.

~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later, a thoroughly chastened Joe lay in bed, watching his pretty nurse bustle around the room. Adam and Hoss had left early this morning with Hop Sing. Paul and Abby had arrived mid-morning. Paul’s examination had been accompanied by a scathing lecture on the importance of following orders.

“I don’t like that cough, young man. I was concerned the other day that you might have aspirated some fluids after your fall. Now you’ve got a slight fever. I’m going to send a messenger out with some medicine when I get back to town. It should help with any chest congestion and also help fight infection. You need to take it, no complaints. And do some deep breathing, that’ll help prevent a pneumonia from developing.”

“But it hurts when I breathe deep, Doc.”

“And whose fault is that, Joe?” interrupted Ben. “If you’d followed the doctor’s orders in the first place, you wouldn’t be in this mess right now.”

“I know that, Pa, and I’m really sorry. Okay, I’ll take the medicine, I promise.” Joe put his most contrite face.

“Take your pain medicine, too, Joe, I know those ribs and that leg are both painful. Do I need to send a refill out with the messenger?” queried Paul.

“Probably wouldn’t hurt. He had managed to cut it back some, but now it’s picked up again,” decided. Ben.

Ben left the room with Paul, walking with him to the door. “How concerned should we be about this cough, Paul?”

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about the possibility of a pneumonia. Joe was already weak from his previous injuries. Now he’s confined to bed because of his leg, and breathing shallowly because of his ribs and the shoulder injury. I think he’ll be just fine with the medicine, but I’ll be out to check him the day after tomorrow. You send for me if you need me sooner. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky that his concussion seems minor.” Paul climbed into his buggy for the trip back to town, pausing before taking the reins. He knew Ben well enough to know from his face that Ben had another question he wanted to ask. “Well, go ahead and ask, I can tell you have another question.”

“Abby……do you think she’ll be okay here with Joe? I’m leaving one hand behind in case she needs anything,’ commented Ben.

“Well, she seemed very competent in my office yesterday, understood all the directions, and the dosing instructions for the medicines. I think she’ll be fine. And won’t you be coming home each night?”

“Yeah, the plan right now is for at least one of us to be home each night, if not all three. I guess I’m just being a worrier. God knows, that youngest son of mine gives me cause.”

Laughing in agreement, Paul flicked the reins and started out of the yard.

Ben returned to the house to say good-bye to Joe and Abby before heading out.

~~~~~~~~~~

The messenger arrived with the medicine several hours later. Joe was sleeping, still running a slight fever and grimacing in pain occasionally, despite a recent dose of his pain medicine. Abby took the medicine and thanked the boy, sending him on his way. Mentally reviewing the instructions Dr. Martin had given her, she smiled to herself. Taking the medicine to the kitchen, she opened a packet. White, granular powder, looked like sugar. Mixing the packet in a small amount of water, she took a sip, grimacing. Definitely not sugar, she thought. Maybe she could do something about that horrible taste….sweeten it up a bit. She set to work.

~~~~~~~~~~

All three Cartwright men elected to return home that evening, somewhat uncomfortable with the fact that Joe was running a fever. Ben had relayed Paul’s concerns to his older sons; now they were all anxious to get home and see their youngest brother.

Walking into the house, Ben called out “Miss Jones……Abby?” When she appeared at the top of the stairs, fingers to her lips in a ‘hush’ motion, Adam stepped closer to the stairwell so that he could speak normally.

“How’s Joe?” he inquired.

Abby turned to listen for any noise from the room she had just left, and hearing none, moved to stand on the landing mid-way down the stairs. “He’s still feverish, enough to look flushed now. He just took his pain medicine a short while ago, and is in a restless sleep at the moment. He also just had his second dose of the new medicine Dr. Martin sent.”

Hoss moved to stand next to Adam. “Why don’t you come on down and get some rest. Me and Adam here can sit with Joe for a while, and between the three of us, we’ll split the night shift.”

“Thank you, I am rather tired and hungry. It’s been a long day, what with getting out here and all. And I do want to be rested for tomorrow. Let me just walk up with you and go over his medication schedule.” She turned and retraced her steps to Joe’s room, trailed by Ben, Adam and Hoss.

Entering his room, Ben immediately walked to his son. Joe lay in a reclining position, supported by pillows. He moved restlessly at intervals, each bout of movement bringing a small grimace to his face. He looked pale against the white sheets, his color still not having returned to normal since the shooting. In the midst of the pallor, two bright spots of color bloomed on his cheeks. Placing a hand to his forehead, Ben felt the warmth emanating from his son. Turning, he noted the basin of cool water and cloths that Abby had been using to comfort Joe. With effort, he pulled his attention back to where Abby was instructing Hoss and Adam on which medications were to be given when and the proper instructions for mixing the powders.

~~~~~~~~~~

The three men took shift sitting with Joe, dozing intermittently in the chair next to the bed. He awoke and spoke to each of them, seeming alert and coherent, if not exactly chipper. As morning arrived, his fever seemed no worse, perhaps even slightly improved, and he was resting more comfortably than last evening. The three men, after some discussion, decided they would all return to the round-up today, since Joe seemed no worse, and perhaps a bit better. Abby was instructed on where they would be, in case she would need them. After checking on a still sleeping Joe, the men saddled up their horses and rode out.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe woke slowly, and blinked to clear his head. His head was pounding and he felt achy all over. The aches were more acute in some spots, his leg and chest in particular. His mouth felt as if it were stuffed with cotton, and he looked to the night table for a glass of water. Seeing the movement, Abby rose from her seat by the window.

“Good morning, Joseph. How are you feeling this morning?” Abby asked with a smile.

“To be honest, not to good. Can I get a drink of water, please?”

“Of course. Let me mix one of your chest powders up, and you can take that at the same time.”

Joe obediently swallowed the glass of medicine, and chased it with another glass of water. Abby tried to talk him into a full breakfast, but a few bites of egg and a piece of toast was the most he could manage before becoming too tired. As Abby straightened his bed and went to add cool water to the washbasin, Joe fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Returning to the room, Abby sat in the chair near the window. She thought of the satisfaction she had felt at the end of the day yesterday. She anticipated that that feeling would grow daily. The deep caring between the men of the household had been quite evident and very touching. She continued to reflect on this as she took up her embroidery hoop and started to sew.

~~~~~~~~~~

As night fell, the three men returned home, to find Doctor Martin’s buggy in the yard. Tom emerged from the barn leading his horse, only to stop short when he spied his employers. “I was just comin’ up ta git ya, have ya come home,” said Tom. “Figured it was more important to go git the doc first off, so’s he could get out here soon as possible.”

Acknowledging the words and asking him to please put the horses in the barn, Ben and the boys headed towards the door.

Not seeing anyone upon entering, they headed straight up the stairs. Abby stood in the open door of Joe’s room, and stepped aside as Ben approached. Entering the room, the men formed a wall of love and apprehension, as they watched their long time friend complete his examination. They had known Paul long enough to know from his face that the news would not be good. Joe lay in the bed, flushed and restless. His breathing was shallow. A hoarse, deep cough racked his body every few minutes. Several times during Paul’s exam, he opened his eyes, but only once did he answer Paul’s questions, and then he quickly closed his eyes again.

Paul completed his exam and picked up his bag. Motioning to Abby to resume the cool clothes, he then motioned Ben, Hoss and Adam into the hall.

“What’s wrong, Doc?” asked Hoss, voice wavering slightly.

Pausing to look each of the three men in the face, silently telegraphing the fact that he was worried, too, Paul shared his findings with them. “His fever has risen steadily all day. His breathing has worsened, and so has his cough. He has definite congestion in his right lung, and he’s not breathing as easily as he was yesterday, or this morning, according to Abby. I know he couldn’t have looked like this this morning, or there’s no way all three of you would have left. He developing a pneumonia…….and in his weakened condition, you need to know that it could be fatal.” He hated to give that last piece of information to his dear friends, knowing how it would hurt them to hear, coming so soon on the heals of their last scare. But he wouldn’t be doing his job if he wasn’t honest with them.

“What should we do?” Adam asked what they all wanted to know.

“Keep working on getting the fever down. Cool cloths, perhaps a wet sheet over him….I really don’t want to put him in an ice bath, it could be too much of a shock for him, and his fever isn’t high enough for that yet. If it continues to rise, we may need to use ice on his pressure points. He needs to be in whatever position it is easiest for him to breath in, that’ll probably be a partially upright position. We’ll continue the medication for his chest congestion, it should help him fight infection, too….I’ll probably cut back on the pain powders, we’re walking a fine line here between being comfortable enough to draw a good breath and having the medication depress his respiratory drive. I’ll need someone to ride into town, post a note on the office door, so people will know where I am.”

Adam and Hoss exchanged a look of heightened concern at the news that Paul intended to stay at the ranch. He must be very worried indeed, they thought.

“Adam, Hoss, go make some sandwiches and coffee. Hoss, after you eat a bite, you head into town to post that note. Adam, you go to the cellar and check our supply of ice; if needed, Hoss can get some in town. Start chipping it, we may need a lot tonight.” Ben issued orders, in an effort to feel in control of the situation. “Hoss, when you go out, tell Tom to be ready to ride out to the round-up at sun up and let them know that we won’t be coming back tomorrow. Bob will know what needs done, he’s a strong foreman. Tom can stay and help them out. Oh, and make sure he updates Hop Sing.”

“Will do, Pa,” replied Hoss, as he and Adam started down the stairs.

Ben and Paul returned to the room, where it looked like little had changed. Abby looked up at their entrance. “Doctor, what else can I do?”

“You look tired, go to bed. Between the three of us, we’ll do the night shift again” Ben knew that none of them would be able to sleep anyway. “Then you’ll be fresh to relieve us in the morning.”

“Abby, before you go, when was the last time he was medicated?” questioned Paul, walking towards the door with her. As he escorted her downstairs, Ben could hear them reviewing medication doses and schedules. He walked to the bedside of his youngest son, taking a seat next to the bed, afraid to sit on the bed for fear of causing him pain. He took Joseph’s hand in his, alarmed at the heat radiating from his son. Bowing his head, he touched their clasped hands to his forehead and once again prayed for the Lord’s intervention.

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul returned to the room to report that Hoss was on his way to town. Tom had his instructions and would stop by in the morning to check on things at the house before he left. Adam was in the cellar, chipping ice, of which there was plenty. Abby had retired to her room. Knowing that he wasn’t going to budge Ben from that bedside for a while, if at all, he had a sandwich and a cup of coffee in his hand.

While Ben ate, Paul completed another cursory examination of his patient. Not much change. He shared with Ben that it seemed that medications had been given correctly, both times and amounts.

”Then why is he still getting worse, Paul?” Ben asked in a frustrated voice.

“Ben, you know as well as I do that medications can’t treat everything equally well. Perhaps this is a particularly virulent infection Joe has. His weakened condition certainly doesn’t help in the least. There are a number of variables to take into account.”

“I know, and I’m sorry to snap at you, Paul. You’re a good friend, in addition to being the best doctor I know. We’re lucky to have you in Virginia City.”

Nodding his acceptance of the apology, Paul and Ben began placing cool clothes on Joe’s forehead and chest.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss posted the notice that Doc had written up on the office door, as Paul had asked. Returning to his horse, he spied Roy Coffee taking a last patrol through the town. Deciding that it certainly wouldn’t hurt to let the sheriff know where the doc was, Hoss ambled over to where Roy stood, surveying the quiet street.

“What you doin’ in town this time-a night, Hoss?” Roy asked, his voice concerned. “If you’re comin’ for the Doc, he ain’t here.”

“I know, he’s out at our place. Joe’s got a pneumonia. I just put up a note sayin’ where he was in case anyone needs him. He should be back tomorrow.”

“How’s your Pa and you boys makin’ out? Hate to say this, but you look God-awful tired.” Roy looked with alarm at the furrowed brow and dark circles marring Hoss’s usually placid face.

“Well, we’s all burnin’ the candle at both ends right now. We had a bumper crop of calves this spring, and got a late start on round-up ‘cause of Joe gettin’ shot up. Missed out on hirin’ a full roster of hands, so we’re workin’ short, and then trying to take care of Joe, too. Pa hired a pretty little gal to help out with Joe during the day so’s we could help with the brandin’.”

“Bet Joe’s lovin’ havin’ her around,” chuckled Roy.

“Roy, I don’t think he’s hardly feelin’ good enough to notice right about now.” Hoss shook his head sadly.

“Do I know this gal?” inquired Roy.

“I’d doubt it, she was only in town a few days before we moved her out to the ranch. Pretty little slip of a thing with auburn hair and a quiet voice,” replied Hoss.

“I think I recollect seein’ her makin’ the rounds, lookin’ for work,” Roy offered after thinking a minute. Some people might think he was getting too old for sheriffing, but the truth of the matter is, very little that happened in Virginia City got past Roy Coffee.

“Well, I’m headin’ out, I jist wanted t’let you know where the doc was. If’n you hear anyone askin’ about hirin’ on for ranch work, send ‘em our way!”

“You take care, Hoss, and give your family my best,” said Roy with a final wave before turning to continue down the street.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss returned home after midnight, to find Ben and Paul asleep in front of the fireplace, half finished cups of coffee on the table. Taking the stairs as quietly as possible, he joined Adam in Joe’s room. A single lamp provided a soft glow, and even the dim light could not prevent Hoss from seeing clearly that his brother’s temperature was still high. Hair damp from sweat and cool cloths, Joe’s skin was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Adam methodically replaced cool cloths, starting at Joe’s forehead and working down to his legs. Joe lay quietly, except for an occasional fever induced shiver. Looking up at Hoss, his eyes expressed his concern. “Paul said that we should try cool cloths to his pulse points, try to cool him that way.” Nodding his head in understanding, Hoss silently began to assist his brother. Neck, armpits, groin, tossing in the forehead and chest for good measure…….then return to the top to start the process over again, exchanging warm cloths for cool. Aside form the occasional moan, Joe was silent except for the harsh noise of each exchange of breath. Rocked by a bout of coughing, Joe whimpered. “Hurts…..hurts…help me…gotta get home….safe…” Grimacing, eyes tightly shut, a single tear rolled down his cheek. Leaning close, Adam reassured Joe that he was home and safe, but he didn’t seem to hear.

“Joe, Joe…open yer eyes,” Hoss instructed. Watching the struggle as Joe complied, both were momentarily heartened by his attempt to follow their directions. But when they gazed into his eyes, glazed by fever, unrecognizing, they looked at each other with a renewed sense of anxiety, and quickly resumed replacing the compresses.

After many repetitions, Hoss ventured the thought “Adam, it just don’t seem like this is doin’ much good, I don’t think his fever’s down a bit.”

“I agree, but I don’t think it’s gone up, either, so let’s keep going for a while longer.” Both then retreated into their own thoughts, thoughts of fear that both were hesitant to voice aloud.

~~~~~~~~~~

Near morning, Joe began to experience chills with increasing frequency. Joined by Ben and Paul, between the four of them they got his medications down him. Paul began an examination of Joe, while Hoss and Adam updated the two older men on what they had done during the night. Ben told them that Tom had just left for the round-up; it was his knock which had awakened the two men.

~~~~~~~~~~

Midmorning, Ben appeared at the top of the stairs, basin of water in hand. Abby entered the dining area from the kitchen, having just finished the dishes from her late breakfast. Ben had not wanted to leave Joe’s side this morning. Doctor Martin had returned to town to check his practice and see a few other patients. Abby has spent some time cleaning the kitchen. It had given her the perfect opportunity to consider and refine her plans.

“Mr. Cartwright, I left some scrambled eggs and pancakes in the warming oven, if your hungry,” she said. “Why don’t I relieve you so that you can get a bit more sleep? You still look quite tired.”

Meeting Ben at the base of the stairs, she took the basin, intending to refill it with ice water. Ben relinquished it without fuss; in truth he was too tired and worried to fuss about much. He’d looked in on both Hoss and Adam on his way down. Hoss lay across his bed, still fully clothed; Adam had at least taken his boots off before falling into an exhausted slumber. He knew the dark circles beneath their eyes were merely a reflection of those beneath his.

Seeing his hesitation, Abby set the basin on the table and placed a hand on his arm. “Please, Mr. Cartwright, you’ll be no good to Joseph if you fall sick yourself from exhaustion and lack of sleep.”

Placing a hand over hers where it rested on his arm, Ben nodded, silently acceding her the point. “Wake me is anything changes, if you need me at all,” he directed, not turning to climb the stairs until he had extracted her solemn promise.

~~~~~~~~~~

Roy ambled along the sidewalk on his mid-day rounds. He’d just came from a stop at the Doctor’s office, and an unease about the condition of his friends youngest son was plaguing him. Somehow, he had hoped that Hoss’s account had been colored by brotherly love, but it seemed that it was accurate.

Spying Tuck Simpson over at the mercantile, he crossed the street and joined him near the rear of the wagon.

“Howdy, Tuck,” Roy greeted the tall, lanky man. “Been awhile since we seen ya here in town. How’s that little bride of your’n?”

“How do, sheriff. Lucy’s good, takin’ to ranch life just fine. Been busy with the spring round-up. Had a decent year, it was powerful busy there for a while, but it’s fallin’ off now. Anything news worthy I should take back to Lucy? How’s Little Joe doin’? We heard about his run in with the Wilson gang. He got the girls swoonin’ over his poor recoverin’ self yet?” Tuck knew Little Joe’s well-deserved reputation with the women in town.

Roy looked thoughtfully at Tuck, knowing that he and Joe were good friends. “Tuck, I hate ta be the one ta tell ya this, but the Cartwrights are ahavin’ a bad time of it this spring.”

An immediate look of disquiet replaced the amusement in Tuck’s eyes. “Whatta ya mean?”

“C’mon over to the saloon, I’ll fill you in over a beer.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“And that’s it in a nutshell,” concluded Roy. “They’re all exhausted, Little Joe’s awful sick according ta Hoss, and Doc Martin was concerned enough ta spend the night last night. On top of that they’re shorthanded for round-up and brandin’. Little Joe’s initial injuries meant that they got a late start on hiring, most of the available hands was hired on elsewheres before they even got around to thinkin’ ‘bout it.”

Early in the conversation, they’d been joined at the table by Matt Jeffers. He and Tuck exchanged thoughtful glances. Roy knew that both considered the Cartwrights to be good friends, and would help them if they could.

“Round-up is windin’ down on my spread……I can spare some hands to send Ben’s way,” mused Tuck.

”Mine’s still going strong, but I reckon I can spare a few anyhows. Won’t hurt them that’s left to have to work a bit harder for their money,” added Matt.

“I’m sure Ben’d be appreciative of any help you want to offer.”

~~~~~~~~~~

By early evening, Doctor Martin had returned to the ranch, leaving word in town as to where he could be reached. Walking into Joe’s room, he found Adam and Hoss, Ben and Abby gathered around the bed. The restless figure on the bed was mumbling incoherently. It was immediately obvious that his fever had not broken, had in fact climbed higher. Bright eyes occasionally darted around the room, open but unfocused. Flags of ruddy color bloomed on the cheeks, a startling contrast to the pale skin and dark circles beneath the sunken eyes. While placing his stethoscope in his ears, Paul first observed Joe’s breathing. Shallow pants were interspersed with the occasional deep breath, which served to initiate a bout of coughing about half the time. Mild flaring of the nostrils, quite sever after the coughing fits. Listening, Paul heard increased congestion on the right, although only a little on the left. Joe’s heartbeat was rapid, but regular, a combination of the effects of fever, pain, and the increased work of breathing.

Removing the stethoscope from his ears, Paul turned to look squarely at the rest of he family. “We need to get this fever down. Hoss, go get a tarp, Adam, go chip a large bucketful of ice. Ben, gather some clean towels and linens. Abby, can you mix up some pain medicine, his chest medicine and a headache powder, that will often help with a fever, too. We need to make a concerted effort to get fluids into him, the rapid breathing increases the speed of water loss, accelerating dehydration. Notice how parched his lips are becoming.”

Everyone scattered, relieved to have a concrete task to focus on.

~~~~~~~~~~

As Hoss was returning from the barn, laden with a black tarp, he was startled to note the approach of a large group of men on horseback. Turning, he stared as Tuck, Matt Jeffers, and Charlie Devlin rode into the yard, followed closely by at least thirty men.

“Howdy, Hoss,” offered Tuck. “Your Pa around?”

“Yeah, he sure is………PA!” yelled Hoss, eyeing the group with growing curiosity.

Ben appeared on the porch, Adam on his heels. Seeing who was in the yard, Ben set down the linens in his hand and strode forward to offer a greeting. “Tuck, Matt, Charlie…it’s nice of you to stop by, but I’m afraid this isn’t a very good time. Joseph’s very ill, we’re trying to break his fever.”

“This isn’t just a friendly visit, Ben,” replied Matt. “You’ve helped us all out at different points in the past, and now we’re here to return the favor.”

“We, uh, we kinda heard about the troubles you were having when we were in town.” This from Tuck in an apologetic tone.

The three men had spoken at length during the final leg of the trip to the ranch. All thought that Ben would initially be reluctant to accept their assistance. The Cartwrights could be mighty proud and stubborn at times.

“We got near thirty hands here, ready to help with your round-up and brandin’. Don’t go denyin’ us this chance to finally repay some of the help you’ve given us through the years,” Tuck said.

Ben looked from face to face, his eyes misting with unshed tears. “Thank you……..thank you all.” Turning to look at the house, clearly anxious to return to his son, he spoke to Adam. “Son, can you and Hoss get these men settled into the bunkhouse, they can ride to the camp at first light.” Turning once more to his three friends, he swallowed hard. “This means a lot to us, we’re grateful to have friends like you.” Ben gathered the linens, tarp, and bucket of ice, and hurried into the house.

Adam and Hoss greeted the newcomers. Despite Ben’s offer of the bunkhouse for the night, the men elected to head for the round-up camp, settle in, and be ready to go to work at first light. Tuck waved farewell to Charlie and Matt, watching them ride off towards home together. Turning, he looked intently at Hoss and Adam.

“Things gotta be bad here for your Pa to take help like that without even a token protest,” he observed.

“They are, Tuck, they are…they’s powerful bad,” answered Hoss, Adam nodding his agreement.

“So, you think I could see Joe for a minute?” asked Tuck. He and Joe had been friends for a long time; in fact, Joe had been best man at his wedding last year.

“Don’t see why not. Just know that he’s pretty out of it, and probably won’t realize you’re here,” said Adam as the three of them walked towards the house.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tuck came down the steps, visibly shaken, hands crinkling the brim of the hat he carried. Despite the warning, he’d not expected Joe to look so debilitated. His friend was his own age….too young to be so ill. Making his farewells, he mounted his horse for a somber trip home.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss gently returned Joe to the bed, the tarp spread beneath him. Paul and Ben were wrapping ice in towels, and Adam started to place the ice packs along Joe’s sides. Joe radiated heat, tossing his head to and fro. Quickly, they worked with a quiet sense of desperation. Hoss sat in the chair at the side of the bed, glass and spoon in hand, focused on his task of getting fluids into his brother. One spoonful at a time, Hoss worked with a single-minded determination shared by all.

~~~~~~~~~~

Abby had long since been sent to bed, and yet the four men remained in the room, none willing to leave. Slowly, they watched as Joe’s respirations increased in speed, remaining shallow. His nostrils flared steadily now, and he was grunting at intervals. Paul knew that this was his bodies attempt to keep the small airways open. He added several pillows behind Joe, moving him to a more upright position to aid in his breathing. The fever remained high, although it rose no further after the ice packs were started.

Towards morning, Paul awoke from his position in the chair at the bedside. After first glancing at Joe to see that he appeared stable, he glanced around and saw Hoss and Adam dozing at the bedside also. Searching the room for Ben, he spotted him over near the window, on his knees in silent prayer. As he completed his request, Ben felt eyes upon him and looked over to note that Paul had awakened.

Rising, Paul listened to Joe’s chest, a frown beginning to develop. “What?” asked Ben, a slightly panicky note creeping into his voice. At the sound of their father’s voice, Hoss and Adam woke quickly. Shaking his head, Paul looked at the three men waiting for his answer. “I’m afraid the pneumonia is spreading to the left side now. I must admit, I’m surprised this new medicine isn’t doing something, anything, for Joe. From all accounts, it’s supposed to work very well on this type of thing.”

Paul moved to the window and stood, staring out at the start of a glorious sunrise.

“What else can we do? There’s gotta be somethin’ else,” stated Hoss.

“I’m very much afraid we’re reaching the point where it’s going to be left to your brother’s strength of will and constitution to pull him through this,” Paul answered. He turned to face them, a sense of failure written clearly visible on his face. “I am at the limits of my abilities to treat him. He’s not responding to medications well. If he were healthy and strong going into this, I’d be more optimistic….” His voice trailed off, unable to complete the thought aloud. Hoss and Adam could see their father’s face fall with this bit of news. He’d known such grief already in his life. Both knew that Little Joe was the spark that brought life and laughter to this family. They both knew that losing their brother would plunge Ben into a blackness from which he might not recover.

“We’re not gonna give up on him!” asserted Hoss, ever his brother’s protector.

“Now, I never said that, Hoss,” said Paul. “I just said I was running out of new things to try.”

“Well, then, we’ll just keep on doin’ like we are, only we’ll do it harder and better. My little brother’s a fighter, and I’m gonna be right in there fightin’ with him.”

Adam moved to Hoss’s side, voicing his agreement. “Joe can pull through this, we just have to have faith. How many times has he pulled off things that we thought were impossible?”

Ben started towards the door. “Where you heading, Pa?” asked Adam.

“Down to the kitchen to get some clean water. One of you better mix his medications, it’s about time for them again. And we’ll be needing some more ice soon, by the looks of it.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Roy looked up as his office door opened. Smiling as he recognized his visitor, he rose and extended his hand. “Sheriff Brady, good to see ya. What brings you to Virginia City?”

“Oh, I was in Sacramento, testifying, and had a stopover on my way back to Brimstone.

Thought I’d stop in and visit a bit, see an old friend.”

“Not so much emphasis on the “Old” there,” laughed Roy. “C’mon, I’ll buy ya a late breakfast over at the hotel ‘n’ catch ya up on things.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Abby shared duties with the men, all working diligently. She could see the fear in each set of eyes, when they thought that no one was looking. Much as they didn’t want to admit it aloud, each feared greatly for the life they fought for. Abby was finding it hard to believe that Joe was still holding on. She had expected the pneumonia to take him a day ago…….she really hadn’t planned on being here this long. Should’ve just stuck with her original plan and killed him outright, she thought. It had been nice, though, watching the whole family suffer. She’d been right in her assessment of how much something happening to Joe would hurt all of them. But she was feeling the need to move on…with all of them home and the Doc here so much, someone was bound to catch on to what was going on. So far, either she or one of the Cartwrights had mixed the medications….if Dr. Martin ever did, he might notice the switch. She needed to think on this for a bit.

~~~~~~~~~~

“And then, lets see, the Wilson gang was shot down out at the Cartwright place, after they tried to rob Little Joe. Wounded him bad, almost died.” Roy continued filling in his friend.

“That’s the youngest son, right? Curly hair, green eyes? He better now?”

“Well, actually, no, he’s not. Started to recover from his wounds and got all impatient at bein’ in bed, got up too soon and took a bad fall, broke his leg. Now he’s got a pneumonia, and it’s not lookin’ at all good.”

“Sorry to hear that. Met all three boys once with their father, seemed like a fine upstandin’ family.”

“That they are, that they are. Well, that about brings you up to speed, Stan.”

“The Wilson gang, were all of them killed? I recollect most reports called for six members, but there was this old man out my way who always insisted there were seven.”

“We accounted for six, spent several days lookin’ without pickin’ up any sign of a seventh man,” stated Roy.

“This old man, he claimed that the seventh member was a tiny gal, pretty red-brown hair, could charm the birds out of a tree and then turn right around and be meaner than a snake. Tell the truth, we never did put a lot of stock in his story.”

“A woman, you say….with auburn hair? Hoss told me the Cartwrights hired a gal to help with Joe, it bein’ round-up time and all. She kinda fits that description.” Tossing his napkin on the table, Roy started to rise. “If’n you don’t mind, Stan, I think I’ll just take me a ride out to the Ponderosa and have a talk with this little lady.”

“Roy, if it’s not a bother, can I ride along?” Stan asked, rising and putting on his hat in anticipation of an affirmative answer.

“Glad of the company, Stan. Let’s get goin’.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Abby finally convinced the men to take a break and get some rest. It certainly hadn’t been easy, but once Doctor Martin had added his opinion, they had reluctantly retreated to their rooms.

Abby moved slowly down the hall, peering into each room as she passed. The Cartwrights seemed to be sleeping soundy, dead to the world. No, she grinned as she thought, that’d be the youngest Cartwright, and soon! She’d finally decided to just get this over with, once and for all. She was ready to move on, but the death of her brother at Joe Cartwright’s hands needed to be avenged first.

Once in her room, Abby exchanged the detested dress for her usual worn shirt and pants. Piling her hair haphazardly on top of her head, she jammed her tattered hat on. Grabbing her handgun from beneath the bed, she hurriedly packed her few belongings into a saddle bag. She figured once she was done, she’d just help herself to Joe’s Pinto; after all, he’d have no further use for the horse. In fact, she’d best get the horse ready now, before moving ahead with the rest of the operation.

~~~~~~~~~~

Roy had developed an odd feeling of urgency on the way to the ranch. It caused the hair on the back of his neck to stand up, and moved him to spur his horse to a faster gait. He’d been a lawman too long to ignore these feelings when they came upon him. He and Stan entered the empty yard of the ranch house. Stan looked around with curiosity, as he’d not been to the Ponderosa before. Roy spied Cochise, saddled and ready to go. But instead of being tethered to the hitching post, the horse was tethered to a bush near the side of the house. Roy walked to the door and knocked softly. Getting no answer, and being a long-time friend, he opened the door slowly and quietly entered the house, motioning Stan to follow. Standing just inside the door, he listened intently, hearing nothing except Hoss’s resounding snore.

Seeing Stan’s puzzled look, Roy leaned over and said softly: “Hoss….they must be getting some rest.”

Stan, equally quietly, asked “That the big middle son?” Roy nodded an affirmative answer.

Quietly mounting the stairs, Roy could see the door to Joe’s room ajar. As he approached, he could hear talking, although he couldn’t make out the words until he reached the door itself.

“Now, in just a bit, you’ll be feeling much better. ‘Course, Doc here’s gonna have a headache and a half. Almost hate to put you out of your misery, it’s been a healing thing for me to watch…You’re probably wondering why I’m doing this…why now…truth is, you’re just taking too long to do it yourself….”

Peering in the crack of the door, they couldn’t see anyone. Then they spied the man—no wait, the girl, dressed in trousers—wielding a revolver in a way that said she knew how to use it, pacing near Joe’s bed.

“Why did you have to go and mess up our plan? First you turned off here instead of going straight to Virginia City. Then you and your brothers shoot up the gang, including Hank, my brother, the only family I had…and for that, you definitely have to pay.” The laugh that accompanied this proclamation had an evil, crazed quality to it.

Roy motioned Stan to remain at the door. He entered Ben’s room and lightly touched Ben’s shoulder, placing a hand over Ben’s mouth. Once Ben acknowledged Roy’s unspoken command to keep quiet, Roy leaned close and whispered to him. “Abby’s in Joe’s room. She’s that last member of the Wilson gang. Ben, she’s plannin’ to kill him.”

Ben’s eyes opened wide at new threat to his son’s life. “Should we wake Adam and Hoss?”

“I don’t think so, not yet, the more people in the hall, the greater chance of makin’ noise and tippin’ our hand. Right now she doesn’t know we’re here.”

Ben nodded his understanding and rose. Grabbing the handgun from the drawer in his bedside table, he followed Roy into the hall, sock-footed, nodding to acknowledge Roy’s companion.

“I couldn’t believe it when this chance just fell into my lap…you can’t know the delicious irony of my knock causing you to fall, setting this whole scenario in motion. Then your father hiring me as your nurse…..what a perfect set up. It’s a shame you can’t just up and die, natural-like, of the pneumonia. Then they wouldn’t even suspect me….until I sent a letter, maybe on the anniversary of your death, letting them know you were really murdered. I could even stick in town for a while, watch your family grieve. But like I said, I’m getting an itch to move on, and I don’t like loose ends…” Seeing the figure move towards the head of the bed, out of their sight line, they heard a gasp and a moan from Joseph. Roy signaled Stan with a single nod. Guns drawn, they both entered the room, slamming the door back into the wall.

Startled by the noise, Abby turned towards the door. She had one hand tangled in Joe’s hair, pulling his head back to expose the long line of his throat. In her other hand, the gun’s muzzle was pressed to the underneath of his jaw. Looking at the men, she laughed again.

“Oh, this just gets better, doesn’t it? Did you come to witness the end of your son’s life, Mr. Cartwright? Where’s Hoss and Adam, surely they’d like to watch, too? Oh, there’s one…”

Adam skidded to a stop in the door of Joe’s room, having been awakened by the door of Joe’s room hitting the wall. Taking in the situation in a glance, he looked to see Hoss moving from his room into the hall. Unobtrusively motioning Hoss to get his gun and go outside, Adam placed a hand on Ben’s shoulder and squeezed.

“Put down the gun, Miss,” ordered Roy. As they moved a bit further into the room, they saw Paul Martin lying on the floor near the head of the bed. Hands and feet tied, he was just struggling to consciousness.

“NO!! He’s got to die, and you’re all going to suffer! You took mine and not I’m taking yours, that’s the way it’s going to work!” Abby’s voice had risen nearly an octave in her hysteria.

“Put down the gun, Miss,” said Roy again, his gun steady.

“Go ahead, shoot….even if you get me, the boy’s still going to die… that medicine’s not helping him one little bit!” Abby said with a sudden burst of confidence.

Eyes lighting on the window, Abby loosened her hold on Joe’s hair. Ducking low, she launched herself at the widow, at the same time firing a shot in Joe’s direction and a second shot towards the door. Joe’s arm began to bleed. Startled by the abrupt move, Roy and Stan were slow to fire. Stan got off a single shot as her legs disappeared through the window.

Landing on the steeply slanted porch roof, her leg burning from the bullet wound, Abby could not stop her head first tumble. Rolling off the roof, she fell head first to the ground, landing in an unmoving, crumpled heap at Hoss’s feet. Hoss, gun trained on the still mass, knelt beside her, brushing aside a tumble of auburn hair to feel for a pulse.

“She’s dead, Pa. Looks like she musta broken her neck when she hit the ground. Everything okay up there?”

“Gonna be fine, Hoss. Doc Martin’s coming around, and Adam’s tending to the bullet crease on Joes’arm. Roy’s on his way down now.”

Hoss nodded an acknowledgement and returned his gun to it’s holster.

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul finished binding the wound in Joe’s arm, having needed to insert a stitch or two. Joe was still pale and feverish. He moaned and tossed in the bed, calling at intervals for his family. Halting disjointed discussions, broken by fits of coughing, marked the passing of the afternoon. Paul took out his stethoscope and subjected his patient to yet another exam. Just as he suspected, the pneumonia continued to spread.

Leaving Joe’s side briefly, he headed downstairs to replenish the water and ice supply. Roy and Stan had just left with the body of Abigail Wilson, having filled them in on how they came to suspect her. Seeing Paul coming down the stairs, Adam and Hoss rose to take his place at their brother’s side, leaving Ben asleep in his favorite leather chair.

“Hard to believe that little bit of a thing was gonna kill Joe,” said Hoss. “I never woulda suspected her.”

“Me neither,” said Adam. “She had us all going, Hoss. You, me, Pa…..all of us. She didn’t even seem like the same person….all that hate and venom spewing out…”

“We don’t know much about the mind and how it works,” added Paul as he returned to the room. “My guess is that the person we saw today was the real “Abby”. The persona we saw the last few days was probably just a character she put on when it suit her purpose.”

Joe moaned, mumbling incomprehensibly. Both brothers looked at Joe, not liking what they saw. Ashen face, flushed cheeks, parched lips. Blue tint to his lips and the skin around his mouth and eyes. Nostrils flaring with each breath, retractions clearly visible between and beneath his ribs. Ribs now prominent due to the amount of weight he’d lost. Each breath had a harsh, raspy quality to it. His cough sounded like it was tearing him apart inside. His hands and feet were cold and starting to appear mottled.

“He’s getting worse, isn’t he?” asked Adam.

“Yes, I’m sorry, but he is,” answered Paul.

Ben came in, carrying a tray holding a fresh carafe of drinking water. It was plain to see that he’d heard the exchange. It was also plain that he was going to do his best to ignore it.

“Pa, I’m sorry, but we need to know the truth…look at him, we can’t keep pretending that everything’s going to be fine!” Adam grasped his father’s arm for emphasis.

Ben shook his head, saying “I just can’t stand the thought of losing one of my sons.” Hoss joined them, eyes filled with unshed tears. “It’s tearin’ me apart too, Pa.”

Ben looked at his two older sons, unable to stop the tears from trailing down his cheeks. “I know well what might happen here. I just can’t focus on that, not and be able to function….”

Hoss stepped forward and embraced his father, pulling him into a much needed hug. Adam took a step and placed a supportive hand on each shoulder. Paul stood quietly watching as the three men, normally so strong and independent, leaned on each other, pooling their strength.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss poured a glass of water and moved to the bedside. Joe needed to drink, if he could. Hoss, with his gentle touch, had the best luck getting him to drink.

“Wait a minute there, Hoss,” instructed Paul. “Let me mix up some of his medicine, its just about time again.”

Paul took the glass from Hoss and walked to the dresser. He transferred half of the water to a second glass, added a packet of pain medicine, stirred, and handed it back to Hoss. Turning he watched Hoss cajole his younger brother into drinking the medicine. He managed to get most of it in, using the smallest of sips.

Turning to the second packet, he tore it open and started to pour it in. Suddenly stopping mid-pour, he stiffened. “Hoss, Adam, Ben, can you come here for a moment?” he requested quietly, in an odd voice. When they were gathered at the dresser, he poured a small amount of the remaining medicine into his palm. “What is this?” he asked. Nearly simultaneously, without hesitation, the men answered “The medicine for Joe’s chest.” Paul received puzzled looks. He knew they were wondering if he’d been hit on the head harder than they first thought. Suddenly he saw a light go on in Adam’s eyes.

“What’s it supposed to look like, Paul?” Adam ventured.

“The crystals should be clearer than this.” The light went on in the eyes of Ben and Hoss, too. Paul touched a finger to his tongue, then to the medicine in his palm. Taking a small taste, he proclaimed “This is sugar.”

“No wonder Abby was so sure this medicine wasn’t going to work!! He hasn’t been getting it!”

Scrambling to open the remaining packets, Paul rapidly determined that they were all full of sugar. He tossed the last of the packets to the dresser in disgust.

A low moan from the bed drew their attention back to Joseph. Tossing his head, he weakly reached for something with his left hand. Hoss hurried to take the seat near his brother’s head, grasping the outstretched hand, engulfing it in his larger one. As Joe’s hand clasped his with surprising strength, a single work broke from his lips—“Mama…” His eyes opened and stared towards the window, lost in a private vision.

Visibly shaken by this event, Ben turned to Paul and asked “How do we get some REAL medicine for my son?”

“Hand me my bag, Adam, I may have some in there. I know there’s a bit more at my office, and the apothecary in Carson City has some. I know I have all that is available in Virginia City.” Rummaging through his black bag, Paul unearthed three additional packets of the precious powder. Opening one carefully, he showed it to each of the men. It was very similar to the sugar in appearance. Ben said a silent prayer of thanks for Paul’s astute observations skills. How easy it would have been for him to just dump the medicine into the water without really seeing it.

Handing the glass to Hoss, they once again watched as he slowly got Joe to sip the medicine. It was clear that the real mixture was not as palatable as the sugar water. Several times Joe coughed and sputtered, attempting to turn away. Hoss spoke softly but firmly to his brother, and succeeded in getting most of the liquid into him. Exhausted from the sheer work of breathing and his most recent coughing spell, and helped by the earlier pain medicine, Joe drifted into a restless sleep.

“We need to get some additional medicine out here, this is barely enough to last the night,” Paul reflected.

”I’ll go,” volunteered Adam. Paul gave Adam the location of the medicine within the office, adding “If there are less than fifteen packets, someone will need to go to Carson City and get more. But send or bring what you find in the office out here first.”

Ben walked Adam to the barn, talking with him as he helped him saddle sport. “Be careful son,” Ben instructed, noting the dark circles beneath Adam’s eyes, the haggard appearance he knew they all shared.

“I will, Pa. You just don’t let anything happen to him while I’m gone.” Ben nodded, tears misting his vision. He knew, they all knew, that this effort might be too little, too late at this point in time. Joe’s apparent vision of Marie had shaken Ben. He wasn’t ready to share Joseph with her, not yet. As he watched Adam leave for town, he offered up another prayer. For Joseph, he prayed for strength to hold on until the medicine had a chance to help him. For Adam and Hoss, and himself, he prayed for the strength to continue caring for Joe, and also for the fortitude to accept the outcome of this trial….whatever it may be.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was just after dark when Adam rode into Virginia City, having made good time on the trip. Looking around at the boisterous crowds spilling out of the saloons, he realized with a start that it must be Friday night. Time had lost it’s meaning at the house, one day running into the next.

Entering Doc Martin’s office, Adam quickly found the medicine exactly where Paul had said it would be. Six packets—that meant a trip to Carson City, he thought wearily.

Descending the steps, lost in thought, he jumped upon hearing a voice from a shadowed spot near Sport. “Adam Cartwright, you look awful. What are you doin’ in town. Joe’s not…”

“No, Roy,” said Adam, identifying the figure by voice. He quickly filled Roy in on the discovery about the medicine. “So now, I need to drop this off at the ranch, then head to Carson City. I just hope it’s not all coming too late.”

“Adam, why don’t you let me wire Clem. He’s in Carson City now, had some sheriffin’ business to take care of out that way. I know he’s at the hotel tonight, the territory’s footin’ the bill. He was plannin’ to leave at first light, but he could wait for the apothecary to open. Heck, he could even roust the man out of bed if need be. You look powerful tired, it’d save you a lot of ridin’.”

“I’d be obliged, Roy, if you don’t mind. With these packets, he can probably wait till morning to start back.” Adam’s shoulders sagged with relief at the thought of not having to make that trip himself.

“I’ll have him drop it off at the house on his way back to town. You just let me take care of this.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Adam arrived back at the ranch with the additional medicine packets. He shared Roy’s plan to have Clem deliver the additional medicine. Ben was grateful that Adam wouldn’t have to make the trip himself. Both his sons looked ready to drop, and he knew he looked no better. The lack of sleep combined with the emotional strain was wearing on them all.

Hearing a horse enter the yard at a full gallop, Adam looked out the window. He didn’t recognize the rider, who began shouting for Doctor martin as soon as he dismounted his horse. Ben and Paul hurried downstairs and opened the door.

“Doc!” the man said, “you’re needed out at the Guthrie place. Billy got stomped by a horse. His leg’s hurt bad, and they’re worried he might be hurt inside, too.”

“I’ll be right down, as soon as I gather my supplies.” Paul offered.

Shaken, Ben looked at Paul. “You’re not leaving us, are you?” he asked.

“Ben, I have to, and you know it. I have a responsibility to more patients that just Little Joe. Tonight you are going to give him his medicine, try to keep his fever from spiking, and do what you can to help him breathe. We’re doing nothing really different than we’ve done the past few days. Whatever is going to happen will happen the same whether I’m here or not. He’ll either respond to the medication in time, or he won’t, and my being here won’t change that. But my going to the Guthrie ranch could save a life, if he had internal injuries. I wish you had some help here to spell you for some sleep, but I know you and your sons—we won’t get you out of that room with dynamite tonight.” The last of this conversation was heard by Adam and Hoss as Paul entered the room.

“Well, you go that much right, at least,” said Hoss.

“I’m right about all of it,” replied Paul. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. At least take turns resting, and that’s an order from your doctor. I don’t care if you do it in the chair, or pull in a mattress for the floor, but I want it done!” he said firmly. Looking directly into Ben’s eyes, he added one last plea….”Please, for me.”

“We’ll try,” promised Ben.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was quiet in Joe’s room, save for the harsh intake and exhalation of each labored breath. Hoss worked quietly but efficiently, rotating the cooling cloths. Joe continued to run a fever continuously, with high spikes occurring several times each day. He looked over to Pa sleeping in the chair, and Adam sleeping on the floor. He was worried about Pa. Used to his father’s robust good health, he suddenly found himself thinking that his father looked as if he had aged twenty years overnight. He looked as if the life was being drained from him. Looking to Adam, he knew that Adam was as exhausted as he was. The brief rest periods they were surviving on were not enough. They weren’t resting, they weren’t eating well, and they were worried to death.

Suddenly, as he reached to remove the cloth from Joe’s forehead, a hand wrapped around his wrist. Looking down, he was that it was his little brother’s hand. Quickly looking to the face of his youngest brother and close friend, he saw that the hazel eyes were open. This time, they appeared to be focusing, unlike most of the other times they’d been open in the past several days. “Joe? Can you hear me?” he ventured, receiving a brief nod in return. He waited, Joe’s struggle to garner enough strength to speak clearly visible on his face.

“Where…..Pa…..Adam?” asked Joe with effort. Hoss could barely make out the words.

“They’re right here, Joe. Let me wake them up, they’ll skin me alive if’n I don’t,” offered Hoss. Turning his head, he raised his voice and said firmly “PA! ADAM!” Seeing them stir, he added “Joe’s awake!” This brought them both to wakefulness with a start.

Adam approached the bed, standing below Hoss, allowing his father to take the seat on near Joe’s head on the other side. “Hey, little brother, it’s about time you woke up.” He tried to keep a cheerful tone in his voice, he was still very alarmed by his brother’s breathing, which seemed to be a bit worse. “

Ben placed his hand into Joseph’s curls, pushing the single unruly curl off his forehead. “Son, it’s good to see you awake. You’re giving us all quite a scare.”

“Sorry….” Joe mouthed the word more than speaking it.

“You’ve no need to be sorry, about anything,” said Ben.

“Chest….hurts…..can’t……breathe…….well…” Joe struggled with each word.

“We’ve got some new medicine, Joe. We’re hopin’ it’ll help ya soon, shortshanks,” offered Hoss. “You jist gotta hold on ‘til it can get ta workin’.”

“Try…..so tired……..” the words petered out as Joe’s eyes closed.

Alarmed, Adam raised his voice and said firmly “Joe, I don’t care how tired you are, you hold on, you hear me…..don’t you be giving up…..we’re all fighting for you, you have to keep fighting for yourself.”

Joe’s eyes had slowly opened again in response to the tone of his brother’s voice. “Try…..to….” Joe stopped to swallow. “Saw….Mama…..”

“We know, son, we know.” Ben felt the tears burning in his eyes as the pain in his heart grew.

Seeing the pain in his father’s face, Joe felt a tear escape his own eye. “Love……you……all……”

“We know ya do,” said Hoss on a repressed sob.

Joe looked at Adam. “Tryin’…..hard…..” He removed his hand from Hoss’s arm, stretching it out to reach for Adam’s hand. Adam leaned forward and grasped Joe’s hand in his, willing the strength to flow from his body to the one in the bed. He could see how much this brief conversation was taking out of Joe. Suddenly, the slight shift in position required to reach out to Adam set off a coughing spell. Joe’s whole body shook with the intensity of the cough. It sounded as if it was coming clear from his toes. His hand was pulled from Adam’s to press against his chest, attempting to alleviate some of the pain. The coughing continued, the spasms allowing Joe to pull in very little air. A panicked expression on his face, he pushed himself to a full upright sitting position. Leaning slightly forward, he put out a shaky arm in an attempt to steady himself. Seeing that this position seemed to lessen the panicked look on his brother’s face and ease the coughing a bit, Adam motioned Hoss out of the chair. Moving the chair out of the way, Adam climbed into bed behind Joe, one leg on either side. Placing his arms around Joe, he used his strength to help Joe maintain this position. “Does this help, Joe?” he asked. Unable to speak, Joe nodded in reply. “Okay, then….I’ll help you stay like this. You just relax and conserve your strength.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul arrived near dawn, letting himself into the ranch house. Climbing the stairs, he entered the room to see Ben sitting behind Joe, holding him upright. Adam was replacing a cool compress. Hoss was sleeping on a mattress at the foot of the bed.

“How did the night go?” Paul asked, automatically beginning a visual assessment of his patient. Still working incredibly hard to breathe. He was surprised that Joe had had the reserve strength to maintain that level of effort this long. Still flushed. “Any more fever spikes?”

“One spike early in the night. He was actually coherent for a brief period of time, although he found talking difficult. This position seemed to help him breathe, so we’ve been taking turns helping him maintain it.” Ben offered the update as Paul removed his stethoscope from his bag.

“Hmmmm…..Lungs don’t sound any worse this morning. That’s the first time in a while I’ve been able to say that.” He looked at Ben and Adam, seeing hope spring alive in their eyes. “Ben, Adam, it’s a small thing. Look at his breathing…..listen to it. It needs to improve, not just stay the same. He can’t keep this up much longer.”

“We are very aware of that, Paul, but don’t put a damper on the only bit of good news we’ve had in days.” Ben knew the words were harsh the minute they left his mouth. “I’m sorry, Paul, I know you’re just trying to do your job, keep us grounded. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.”

“Ben, I’m surprised you haven’t done it before this. You’ve been a tower of strength through this whole ordeal, you all have. It hasn’t been easy for you.”

“That’s an understatement. How was your night at the Guthrie place?”

“Billy did have some slow bleeding into his abdomen, it was pretty easily taken care of once I found the vessel. His leg is broken, so we got that set. I actually grabbed a couple hours sleep while I was waiting to make sure Billy didn’t bleed anymore. I hope you don’t mind, Ben, I told Bill and Harriet Guthrie what was going on over here. I know you’re friends. She sends her best wishes and will keep you in her prayers.” Paul stood, looking at the three tired men. “How about I go make some breakfast, and then you and Adam can grab some sleep while Hoss and I take over here?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss sat behind Joe, now limp after another bout of coughing. After this bout, he’d taken so long to pull in the next labored breath that Hoss had feared it wasn’t coming. He was clammy and pale, and his hands were ice cold. Hoss knew that his fever must be spiking again, and Doc Martin confirmed it with the thermometer.

“Dagnabit, Doc, when’s that damned medicine gonna kick in and help him?” Paul knew Hoss must be frustrated beyond belief, the Cartwright boys didn’t normally curse.

“Hoss, you know I can’t answer that. It hasn’t even been a full day yet. And you need to remember that there’s no guarantee that the medicine will help at all.” He knew this wasn’t the answer Hoss wanted to hear.

Hoss, normally so easy-going, picked up a book from Joe’s nightstand and hurled it across the room. “I just can’t hardly take seein’ him like this, Doc. I’m so angry, I wanna strangle someone, but there isn’t anyone…” His fists clenched and unclenched.

Adam stepped into the room, having overheard part of the conversation. “Hoss, why don’t you take a break. Take a ride, go to the lake, check on the round-up…get out of here for a few hours. Clear your head. I’ll stay here with Joe.”

Hoss reluctantly vacated his spot behind Joe. He hated to leave, and yet he knew Adam was right…he needed to get out of here. Be alone for a bit.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I hope you won’t hold that against Hoss, Paul, he’s just worried about Joe….we all are.”

“I’ve known you boys too long not to have seen that coming, Adam. You need to take a break, too, later today. So does Ben.”

“We’ll see. How about some more cold clothes, he’s feeling warmer again.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Hoss rode to the lake, sitting on the shore in one of his favorite spots. He thought of all the times he and Joe had fished in this lake, picnicked on it’s shores, swam in it’s waters. He offered his own prayer for his brother’s recovery and felt better for having done so in this special place.

~~~~~~~~~

Over the course of the day, both Adam and Ben were convinced to get out of the house for a while. Adam rode up into the woods and sat for a while in the silence. Ben rode to the small clearing near the lake where Marie was buried. Both returned looking better for having been away briefly.

~~~~~~~~~~

As evening approached, bringing with it a full day of medication, all were disheartened to realize Joe’s fever was spiking upwards yet again. They’d been hopeful that the fever would break, not worsen. To make matters worse, Doctor Martin was needed to deal with another emergency on the far side of town.

The three Cartwright men had a sense that this night would be a turning point. No one mentioned sleeping, all determined to see this through to the outcome, whatever that may be. Cool, then icy cloths were used in an attempt to bring the fever down. Joe roused once, asking in a halting voice for his father. Quickly moving to his son’s side, Ben held Joe’s hand. “I’m here, son. I’m right here.”

“Stay…with me…..Pa…….So…..tired……..” Joes voice faded out. After a moment his eyes opened wide again. “Need……..all…….stay…….please…….”

Hoss spoke quietly to his brother from his position behind Joe in the bed. “We ain’t a’goin nowheres, Joe. We’re staying right here with you.”

Adam was also quick to offer reassurance. “That’s right, little brother. You just relax and concentrate on getting better.” Joe attempted to say something, but was interrupted by another prolonged coughing spell. The whole bed shook with the force of the coughing. It seemed an eternity before Joe could draw a breath again.

Joe struggled to keep his eyes open, wanting to see his family. “M’tired……… feel… weak… ……..n’scared……” They all knew what this last admission must have cost him. “Don’wanna…..go…..wanna……..stay…” The words faded out again as a single tear tracked down Joe’s cheek.

Hoss tightened his arms around his brother, cradling him tenderly as he fought his own tears. Raising his eyes, he saw he need not have been concerned. Adam and Pa were also losing that particular fight.

~~~~~~~~~~

Near midnight, Joe’s fever lessened, and the men gave a brief sigh of relief. His breathing remained labored and harsh. They continued taking turns supporting Joe in whatever position afforded him the easiest breathing for the moment. All found it increasingly painful to watch Joe’s struggle, yet nothing in them would allow them to leave his side.

Near dawn, Joe’s fever seemed to break, leaving him drenched in a cold sweat. His linens were also wet from numerous cooling baths throughout the night. Deciding to take this opportunity to change the linens, Hoss efficiently lifted his brother from the bed. He had no trouble lifting his youngest sibling in the best of times, and Joe had certainly lost weight through this ordeal, weight he could ill afford to lose. Adam and Ben quickly stripped the bed, replaced the sheets, and fluffed a pile of pillows. Returning Joe to the bed, Ben turned to the dresser and picked up a new nightshirt. As he turned back to the bed, he was struck by the guardedly hopeful look on Adam’s face. “What is it, Adam?”

“Pa, I think Joe’s showing some improvement, more than just the fever breaking. Yesterday, remember when we changed the bed, he could hardly be in that reclining position and still breathe. Today, he’s still working hard, but no harder than he does when he sits straight up. I know it’s not much, but it’s something.”

“I’ll take whatever we can get at this point,” Ben stated wearily, turning to make his own visual assessment of Joe’s status.

“I believe he’s right about the breathin’, Pa. An’ the coughin’ spells are still bad, but it seems like he’s catchin’ his breath a little easier when they’re done. Let’s try leavin’ him like this for now.” Hoss suggested. “We’re all right here to notice if anything changes.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Several hours later, Joe’s eyes fluttered open, and he quietly watched the three men holding vigil at his side. Adam was the first to notice that he was awake, tapping Hoss and Ben to draw their attention to Joe.

“How are you feeling, little brother?” Adam asked.

“Been…..better…..thirsty…” said Joe.

Joe waited patiently while his family mixed up his medicines, and drank both of them without protest. He drank another whole glass of water after the medicine, too. Ben took that as a good sign, it had been very difficult to get fluids into Joseph the past day and a half. To see him awake and hear him asking for a drink seemed to lift a weight from Ben’s shoulders. He turned to smile at his other two sons.

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul Martin returned to the ranch house near noon. He’d spent a long night helping with a breech birth. Thankfully, both mother and baby were doing well. He hoped the same could be said here.

Ben came to the top of the stairs to greet Paul, having heard the buggy drive into the yard. “Paul, I think he’s turned a corner….I think he’s going to be okay!” Ben couldn’t resist sharing the good news.

Ascending the stairs, Paul felt his fatigue fall away. If true, this would be wonderful news. He’d had serious doubts that Little Joe would last the night when he left yesterday evening. He entered the room, seeing immediately that Joe’s color was a bit better, no longer the fever flushed hue of the past few days. Now he was merely pale. Placing a hand to Joe’s forehead, he certainly had very little fever, if any at all. Pulling out a thermometer, he quickly began his assessment.

When he looked up again, he was met by the expectant stares of all three Cartwright men.

“Well, his fever has broken, that’s a good sign,” he said as he placed his stethoscope and other supplies back in his bag. “His chest is still congested, but sounds a little better. That coughing spell seemed better tolerated than in the past few days. He’s still working hard to breathe, but overall, I think he’s showing some signs of improvement. I’m not saying he’s out of the woods yet, but I’m optimistic. Let’s continue the medicines just the way we have been. And push the fluids—water, broth, whatever we can get in him.” Paul paused to smile at his long-time friends. “I know you’ve been worried sick about this young man, so have I. But I want you to start taking care of yourselves, too.”

“We’re okay,” insisted Hoss.

Adam nodded in agreement, adding “We also need to check on the round-up and the branding. We’ve really neglected the ranch in the past few days.”

“Well, I can help you there some, too,” offered Paul. “I ran into Charlie Devlin on my way out to the Harper’s place last night. He said to tell you the branding ought to finish up in a day or two, he’s been riding over to check every day or so. He says your foreman, Bob, is planning on splitting the herd between the south and west pastures. I gave Charlie an update to pass on to the men, he said they’ve been asking after Joe.”

Suddenly, there was the sound of another wagon pulling up to the house. Looking out the window, Hoss said “It’s the Guthries, Pa, Harriet and Tom. Wonder what they want? Hope Billy’s not havin’ a setback.”

Ben and Paul walked downstairs together, leaving Adam and Hoss with Joe.

“Tom, Harriet…is Billy having problems?” asked Doctor Martin as Ben opened the door.

“No, he’s recoverin’ nicely,” answered Tom. “We came to help out for a bit, Ben. I’m gonna do the barn and house chores for today, and Harriet’s gonna straighten up and cook you up a decent meal. We know Hop Sing’s helping at the round-up and branding, and ya’ll been so busy with Joe….How’s he doin’, by the way?”

“Actually, he’s doing a bit better this morning,” said Ben, a relieved smile creasing his face. “Seems to have turned a corner in the night. He’s given us quite a scare this time, let me tell you. You know, you don’t need to do the chores, Tom. The boys and I can get to them.”

“Ben, you look ready to drop, and I’d imagine Adam and Hoss don’t look any better. You’re always the first to offer help when someone needs it, it ain’t gonna kill you to sit back and accept it for once,” Harriet scolded.

Raising his hands in mock surrender, Ben bowed and ushered Harriet into the house. “It would be nice to have a hot meal for a change. We’ve pretty much been living on sandwiches lately.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Mid afternoon found Ben back in Joe’s room, sitting with Hoss and Adam. Joe continued sleeping; his breathing seemed a bit easier.

Hearing a horse and rider approach, Adam peered out the window, muttering “Uh-oh!”

“Uh-oh, what?” asked Hoss, rising.

”It’s Hop Sing,” Adam replied, “And he doesn’t look any too happy right now.”

“We’d better go meet him,” said Ben, starting for the door.

“You and Adam go on, I’ll stay here with Joe,” Hoss volunteered.

Shooting his brother a knowing look as he followed his father, Adam muttered “Coward!” Hoss merely laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Opening the door, Ben and Adam met the diminutive chinaman on the porch. Hop Sing wasted no time, launching immediately into an obviously scolding speech. Between spates of rapid fire Chinese, the two men managed to grasp the gist of the conversation.

“English, please, Hop Sing,” reminded Adam.

“Little Joe sick, you no send for Hop Sing. Mistah Devlin say Joe close to die, you no send for Hop Sing. Hop Sing velly angly. You need Hop Sing here, Joe need Hop Sing, why no one send for him?”

Ben once again found himself raising his hands in mock surrender. “I plead guilty Hop Sing. We were wrong not to send for you. I know how you feel about Little Joe, about all the boys. I’m sorry.”

Hop Sing looked from one haggard face to the next. “All forgiven. You take good care Joe…now I take good care you. How he doing?”

“He’s actually better today, Hop Sing. Come on in, lets get you filled in on what’s been going on the past….” Adam paused to think, “…has it really only been a week since Joe fell? It sure does seem more like a month.

~~~~~~~~~~

After Hop Sing was brought up-to-date, he was taken upstairs to see Joe. Obviously shaken by the appearance of his favorite number three son, he sat by the bed, talking softly in Chinese while holding Joe’s hand. Ben and both boys stepped out to give him a moment of privacy.

“He was hoppin’ mad, wasn’t he, Pa?” asked Hoss.

“Yes, he was, son. It wasn’t right of us not to send for him. We know how protective he gets about us.” Ben shook his head at their thoughtlessness.

Fifteen minutes later, seeing Hop Sing at the top of the stairs, Adam went up to sit with Joe. Hop Sing quickly disappeared into the kitchen.

Returning to the great room a short while later, he had steaming bowls of soup and crusty slices of bread ready. “I’ll sit with Joe a while, Hop Sing,” said Paul, coming in from the kitchen with Hop Sing. The two men had the look of conspirators. “I need to examine him again anyway. I’ll send Adam down.”

As Adam joined Ben and Hoss at the table, Hop Sing appeared with drinks for all of them. “Mistah Ben, Mistah Hoss, Mistah Adam, you eat now. When eating done, you go bed, you go bed, you go bed.” He pointed at each man in turn. “I sit Joe. Missus Guthrie make dinnah. You sit Joe after dinner, I sleep. Then I sit Joe at night, you sleep.” And with this proclamation, he returned to the kitchen, muttering in Chinese again.

“Well, I guess we’ve got our orders!” said Ben with a chuckle.

~~~~~~~~~~

The delicious smells of roast beef, potatoes, and fresh bread woke the three men later that evening. Harriet had just finished the meal, and was preparing to leave. Thanking both her and Tom for their help, they tried to talk them into staying for dinner, but without success.

Stopping in to check on Joe, they found Hop Sing sitting at the bedside. An odd odor pervaded the room. Adam quickly traced it to a bowl of hot water with some crushed leaves and herbs steeping in it. Hop Sing, seeing his interest, said “Smell help Joe breathe, help clear airways, make lungs less irritable.”

“I’ll admit I’m not sure what it is,” said Paul, entering the room, “but it won’t hurt him and it does seem to be helping calm that cough. I’ve been impressed before by the Chinese knowledge of medicinal herbs, it’s really quite amazing.”

“Cartwrights eat now,” said Hop Sing. “Then I eat and then I sleep.”

“How’s Joe been doing?” asked Ben, although he could see for himself that he looked better than this morning. His breathing was still harsh, but slowly improving.

“He wake, talk, sleep. Cough still bad. Happy see Hop Sing.”

“That’s a pretty accurate assessment, Ben. We got him to take some water and broth. He had a low-grade fever for a while this afternoon, but it broke again. Don’t be surprised if that pattern continues for a while. I think he’s on the mend, but it’s going to take a while.

In fact, I think I’ll head back to town tonight, try sleeping in my own bed for a change.” Paul could see that they weren’t really happy with that thought, but weren’t prepared to challenge him on the point. “Now, I gave Hop Sing specific instructions for both Joe and the three of you. I want you to follow them. I’ll be back out tomorrow afternoon.”

~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a week since Joe had started to improve. Doctor Martin continued to visit daily, but was pleased with his patient’s progress. Hop Sing had quickly gotten the household back into shape, ensuring that meals were eaten and everyone received adequate rest. Ben, Adam, and Hoss were losing that worn, drawn look.

The round-up was finished. Ben gave everyone a bonus on top of their already substantial wages. The herd had been moved to greener pastures without event.

Paul completed his examination of Joe, turning to face the four expectant faces. “He sounds better than yesterday, still some congestion but it’s improving every day. I’d like to see a bit more color in his face, but I think he’s still anemic from his initial wounds. He’s looking better rested, and you said there were no fevers in the past twenty-four hours. His initial wounds are healing, I’m going to leave that right arm out of the sling now. The ribs stay bound for another week at least, maybe longer if that cough continues to hold on. They’ll feel better when he’s coughing if they have support.”

“How long till the cast comes off, doc?” asked Joe. It was a known fact that he hated casts.

“At least another month on that, sorry, Joe.” Paul smiled at the predictably crestfallen look.

“Do you think..” Joe started to ask. Before he could finish, four firm voices said “No, you cannot get up yet!” as a fifth muttered something in Chinese.

“That wasn’t what I was going to ask, I swear!” Joe protested, looking hurt when he saw the skeptical looks. “What I want to know is, can we at least change this cast? It stinks to high heaven from all the sweatin’ I did when I had the fever. I can’t hardly stand myself!”

Hoss chuckled, adding “Yeah, it is a little ripe in here, now that ya mention it!” This drew a laugh from Ben and Adam, too.

“I think we can accommodate that request,” Paul agreed. “How about right after dinner? I think I’ve got everything I need with me.”

“Thanks,” said Joe. In a wheedling voice, he added “I’m so tired of eating up here by myself…..I wish I could come downstairs, just to eat…..I’m sure it’d help my appetite….”

“NO!” answered a chorus of men’s voices. “I’ll come up and eat with ya, short shanks,” added Hoss giving Joe a wink.

~~~~~~~~~~

As he spotted Doctor Martin’s buggy and his father’s horse approaching the fence line, he quickly pulled the cover up over his head, trying in vain to hide. “I see you in that wagon, Joe, you might as well take the blanket off.”

“Oh, Hi, Doc,” Joe tried his most innocent voice. “We weren’t expecting you today.”

“That’s pretty obvious. Just what are you doing out here? I just gave you permission to go down on the settee a few days ago, now you’re out ridin’ fence?” Paul turned to Adam and Hoss. “And I can’t believe that you’re aiding and abetting him in this! You two should know better!” he scolded with a wink.

“Hey, Doc, it’s not their fault. Don’t go yelling at them. You know how I hate being cooped up in the house. I kinda convinced them that lying in the back of the wagon wasn’t really that different from lying on the settee. And it’s only the second time. I’ll take all the blame.” Joe lowered his eyes.

Ben burst out laughing. “I knew exactly what they were doing, Joe. We already cleared this with Paul on his last visit, we could tell you were starting to get itchy. We just decided to wait and see what kind of plan you hatched to get out of the house.” Taking in the chagrined look on their younger brother’s expressive face, Adam and Hoss began laughing, too. Shaking his head, Joe joined in, his distinctive laughter delighting them all. This was one of the first times he’d seemed really happy since his initial wounding. His color was improving daily, and he’d put some weight back on. His cast had another week, and then it would come off. Both his shoulder and his side were healing well. He still had an occasional cough, but even that remnant of his brush with death was fading.

They’d been concerned when his spirit had remained subdued after his illness, but it looked like getting out of the house was helping with that. They knew he loved the outdoors, and the fresh air and sunshine seemed to have a healing effect on him. He’d been lonely during the long days at home; they knew Joe craved interaction and missed the camaraderie of working with his family and going into town. Putting him in the wagon and taking him along during the day gave him the chance to feel like a vital part of the family again. And he was enjoying his “supervisory” role to the hilt.

Joe continued to chuckle long after the others had stopped. He had a sparkle in his eye, an animation to his face, that had been missing for weeks. His brothers, his father, and the doctor shared a look and a smile. Hearing that laugh, knowing that Little Joe was once again enjoying life, was just the confirmation they needed that he was on his way to a full recovery.

The End

 

 

Tags:  Family, Joe / Little Joe Cartwright