Summary:  A bet between the Cartwright brothers goes horribly wrong and puts one of their lives at risk

Rated: K (10,990 words)

 

The Quarry

Hoss Cartwright peered intently at the tracks in front of him as he studied them. He looked up at his older brother Adam in frustration before speaking. ‘I dunno Adam,’ he said. ‘Seems like we ain’t gettin any closer.  This sure is one tricky cat.’

 

 

 

Adam fingered his stubble-covered chin and gazed down the slope in front of them where the sun was just tipping over the top of the mountain in the distance, spreading the last rays of light towards them. ‘I think you’re right brother,’ he replied. ‘Seems like we might be best off calling it a day.’  He held out his rifle in front of him, looking at it mournfully. ‘I was really hoping we’d get him though.  Seems like this rifle isn’t going to be shooting at any cats today though.’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head as he stood up beside his brother. ‘Sorry Adam,’ he said mournfully. ‘I done my best.’

 

 

 

Adam slapped his brother on the back and grinned at him. ‘That’s all I can ask for Hoss,’ he said. ‘After all, your best is better than anyone else’s round here.  If you couldn’t track that cat, then no one could.’

 

 

 

‘Hmph!’  Both brothers turned at the sound behind them and Adam frowned as he saw their younger brother standing there with his hands on his hips. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ he said grumpily.

 

 

 

‘Nuthin!’ said Joe. ‘Nuthin at all!’

 

 

 

Adam gave Hoss a glance and rolled his eyes before speaking. ‘Well it means something little brother, so you may as well come on out with it.’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged his shoulders before replying. ‘Well no offence Hoss,’ he said. ‘But it seems to me that you’ve been leading us round in circles all day.’

 

 

 

Hoss took off his hat and scratched his head as he thought for a moment. ‘Well that’s because that cat’s been leading me in circles all day,’ he said at last.

 

 

 

Adam laughed out loud at his brother’s remark and winked at Joe. ‘Let’s get back to camp,’ he said. ‘We’ll have to be heading home at first light so we may as well get some shut-eye while we can.’

 

 

 

Hoss merely shrugged as he followed his older brother, giving Joe a baleful look as he passed him.  By the time they’d made it back to camp, all three brothers were tired and cranky and looking forward to a meal and some sleep. ‘Can’t we stay out just one more day?’ asked Joe as he eased off his boots in front of the small campfire. ‘Brother here might just have a chance at getting a look at that cat if we give him one more day Adam.’  He indicated Hoss with his thumb.

 

 

 

Adam looked up from stirring the potful of beans over the fire. ‘No we can’t,’ he said. ‘You know that Pa is due home tomorrow from Sacramento and he’ll be expecting us.  Besides, three days is enough to waste on one cat.’

 

 

 

‘You’re right there,’ agreed Joe. ‘Stupid idea to come out after it in the first place if you ask me.’

 

 

 

‘Really?’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘And what would you prefer to be spending your time doing little brother?  Chasing some gal I suppose?’

 

 

 

‘Probably that Becky Miller,’ chimed in Hoss. ‘Seems ta me that little brother here has been spending an awful lot of time over at the Miller place lately.’

 

 

 

Joe made a face. ‘You know very well that I’ve been helping Bert with them horses,’ he protested. ‘He says I’ve got a real eye for em.’

 

 

 

‘You’ve got a real eye for his sister Becky too,’ said Adam with a chuckle. ‘Hoss is right … you’ve been spending an awful lot of time over there.’

 

 

 

‘So what if I have?’ replied Joe grumpily. ‘Sure beats spending time with you two.’

 

 

 

‘Now, now little brother,’ said Hoss with a wink at Adam. ‘Ya can’t say that ya’d rather be anywhere else than out with us.’

 

 

 

‘I wouldn’t mind if we had anything to show for the last few days,’ said Joe. ‘But it seems to me that we’ve just wasted our time out here. Three days and we’ve got nothing to show for it thanks to your tracking skills brother.’

 

 

 

‘Now hang on there!’ said Adam indignantly as he noticed the hurt expression on Hoss’ face. ‘It’s no one’s fault that we didn’t get the cat.  Hoss is the best tracker round these parts and you know it Joe.’

 

 

 

‘Well if he’s the best tracker, then how come we’re going home with nothing?’ retorted Joe.

 

 

 

‘We’re going home with nothing because that cat just outsmarted us,’ said Hoss. ‘Ain’t nothing ta do with anyone’s tracking skills!’

 

 

 

‘Hmph!’ said Joe. ‘Still seems funny ta me that one cat could get the better of us.  You’re supposed ta be so good at tracking brother … seems ta me that you didn’t do a very good job this time.’

 

 

 

‘Now see here ….’ began Hoss as he leant over to pull Joe forward by the front of his shirt. ‘Ain’t nothing wrong with my tracking skills ya little weasel.  I can usually track anything and you knows it.’

 

 

 

‘Not this time,’ retorted Joe as he shook himself free. ‘What’s wrong Hoss?  Slipping a bit are ya?’

 

 

 

‘Settle down the both of you,’ interrupted Adam. He held up the pot of beans in front of him. ‘Supper’s ready.’  He ladled out a plateful of food for them all and then settled to eat his. ‘Hoss is right,’ he said between mouthfuls. ‘He can track anything usually.’

 

 

 

‘That’s a matter of opinion,’ said Joe grumpily, still smarting from his brother’s touch. ‘Some animals like that cat are just too smart to be caught.’

 

 

 

‘Not many,’ said Hoss. ‘I’m the best there is and it takes a mighty smart animal ta get away from me.’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes lit up as he had a sudden thought. ‘You think?’ he said. ‘How willing are you to prove that then brother?’

 

 

 

Hoss’ eyes narrowed. ‘What do ya mean?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe leant forward and studied his brother’s face for a moment. ‘I mean, how much are you willing to bet on it?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What have you got in mind?’ asked Adam warily. ‘None of your tricks Joe!’

 

 

 

‘Would I?’ asked Joe, looking hurt. ‘All I meant was I’d be willing to place a bet that brother Hoss here couldn’t track me down if I wanted to get away from him.’

 

 

 

‘That’s a darned fool thing ta say,’ retorted Hoss. ‘Of course I could track ya down!’

 

 

 

‘You reckon?’ said Joe, his eyes shining now. ‘Well I’d be willing to place a bet that you couldn’t brother.’ He looked around. ‘In fact I’d be willing to place a bet that I could get away from both of you if I’d a mind to.’

 

 

 

‘That’s a sure bet Hoss,’ said Adam. ‘There’s no way little brother here could pull it off.’

 

 

 

Hoss thought for a moment. ‘You’re on,’ he said. ‘But let’s make it a bit more interesting. ‘I’ll give you a day’s start Joe and then I’ll start tracking ya.  I’ll bet that I’ll find ya in three days.’

 

 

 

Joe gave his brother a grin. ‘You’re on,’ he said. ‘How about you Adam? You gonna get in on it?’

 

 

 

Adam thought for a moment. ‘What are we betting?’ he said finally.

 

 

 

‘Um … How about we do Joe’s chores fer a month if we can’t find him in three days?’ replied Hoss.  ‘And he has ta do ours if we do?’

 

 

 

‘That’s not fair!’ declared Joe.  If I lose I have to do twice the chores that you two do.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged as he grinned at Hoss. ‘Well it seems fair to me,’ he said. ‘Unless ….’

 

 

 

‘Unless what?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘Unless you just don’t think that you’ll be able to pull it off,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Of course I can,’ said Joe indignantly. ‘It’ll be easy!’

 

 

 

‘Well then …’

 

 

 

‘All right,’ said Joe. ‘You’re on. I’ll leave at first light.  I can take the leftover supplies with me if you two go home and get more while you’re waiting to give me a day’s head start.’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned. ‘What’ll Pa say about this?’ he asked. ‘I mean … he’s expecting us home and all.’

 

 

 

‘Well he can’t say much if Joe’s already gone can he?’ Adam mused. ‘Besides … he’s been saying that we’re due for a few days off.  We’ll just take them now.’

 

 

 

Yeah he has, hasn’t he?’ Hoss grinned as he spooned up the last of his food and put his plate down. ‘Well I think you’d better get some sleep little brother.  You’ll be needing all ya strength in the next few days.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t you worry about me Hoss,’ said Joe confidently. ‘I’ll be seeing you at home when this is all over.  I’ll be there before you even get hold of my trail.’

 

 

 

‘We’ll see about that,’ said Adam with a grin as he settled himself down as well. ‘We’ll see about that little buddy.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss was the first one up the next morning followed closely by Adam and as the two brothers hunched by the fire they discussed their plans for the day. ‘We’ll get straight back home and let Pa know what we’re doing,’ said Adam. ‘Then we’ll get our supplies together so that we can leave at first light in the morning.’  He indicated the sleeping form of Joe with his thumb. ‘No sense in giving this one any more of a head-start than we have to.’

 

 

 

‘What do ya reckon Pa’s gonna say about this idea Adam?’ asked Hoss as he helped himself to some breakfast.

 

 

 

‘Knowing our Pa … probably quite a lot,’ admitted Adam. ‘But like I said, he owes us a few days off … been a long time since we had any.  I don’t think he’ll argue about it for long.’  He looked over as Joe began to stir under his blanket. ‘Decided to join us have you?’ he said. ‘If I were you, younger brother, I’d be getting as much sleep as you can now.  Once we’re on your trail tomorrow there’ll be no resting for you.’

 

 

 

‘Speak for yourself,’ said Joe grumpily as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He never was his best first thing in the morning. ‘You two and going to need all the rest you can get now if you want to keep up with me tomorrow.’  Adam held a plate of food out to him, and Joe looked at it before wrinkling up his nose and pushing it away. ‘No thanks,’ he said. ‘I’m not hungry this morning.’

 

 

 

In spite of his brother’s comment, Adam put the plate on the ground next to Joe. ‘You’d better eat even so,’ he said. ‘You’re going to need it later.’

 

 

 

Joe ignored the plate and stood up to stretch.  He waited until both his brothers were looking away before rubbing the side of his head to alleviate the headache that he could feel was beginning to form.  He had no intention of mentioning it to either of them, for sometimes they could be as bad as Pa about such things and Joe had no intention of either of them using something as simple as a headache as an excuse to call everything off.

 

 

 

‘What’s wrong with you’ asked Adam suddenly as he looked up and saw Joe massaging his temple.

 

 

 

‘Nothin,’ replied Joe grumpily as he headed towards an outcrop of rocks. ‘I just gotta go is all.’

 

 

 

‘Seems our little brother got up on the wrong side of the bedroll this morning,’ joked Hoss.  He shouted to Joe as his brother disappeared behind the rocks. ‘What’s the matter shortshanks?  Sorry ya started this bet?  Worried that ya can’t do it now?’

 

 

 

‘You just worry about yourself,’ came Joe’s muffled voice from behind the rocks.

 

 

 

Hoss grinned and went back to eating his food again.  After several minutes he called out again. ‘You OK back there shortshanks?’ There was no answer. ‘Joe?’ he called again. ‘You OK?’

 

 

 

Joe appeared from behind the rocks, adjusting his clothing as he did so. ‘Quit yelling,’ he said. ‘I heard you!’

 

 

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘I was beginning ta think ya’d taken off on us already,’ he said jovially. ‘You were taking an awful long time back there. Something wrong?’

 

 

 

Joe simply glared at him as he sat down and began to roll up his bedroll.  He felt decidedly queasy this morning and relieving himself hadn’t helped. He glanced down at the plate of the food beside him and his stomach churned at the sight of it.

 

 

 

‘You’d better eat something,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘I told you I ain’t hungry,’ retorted Joe as he stood up. ‘Well if we’re gonna do this then I’d better get going I suppose.’  He picked up his canteen and saddlebag after slinging his bedroll over his shoulder. ‘Make sure you get Couch home for me and give him a good rubdown won’t you?  He patted the horse’s muzzle absently as he looked at his brothers.

 

 

 

‘Now don’t ya go fretting bout that horse none,’ said Hoss as he began to douse the fire. ‘I’ll give him the royal treatment before the day’s out.’

 

 

 

‘See ya in three days then,’ said Joe with a wave of his hand. ‘I’ll give my regards to Pa when I get home before you do.’

 

 

 

‘You just spend the next few days worrying bout all them extra chores you’ll be doing when ya do get there,’ said Hoss.  Joe grinned at his brother and waved again before turning away and entering the brush.

 

 

 

‘Come on,’ said Adam. ‘Let’s get out of here and back home.  The sooner we face our Pa with this the better, brother.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe stopped at the top of the rise and grinned as he watched his two brothers disappear into the distance, Hoss leading Cochise behind him. ‘Good luck brothers,’ he said gleefully and rubbed his hands together as he gave a short chuckle. He bent down and picked up a fallen tree branch from the ground and began to rake up the earth behind him, effectively covering his tracks.  He then leapt up onto a rock and proceeded to jump from one large boulder to another before jumping down again onto the other side of the clearing where the ground was decidedly rocky.  ‘See if you can follow that!’ he said with glee before turning away and running up the rocky incline, giggling as he went.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘You bet what?’ asked Ben as he glared at both his sons. ‘Well of all the blame fool things …’  He put his hands on his hips. ‘And just who do you both think is going to run this place while you’re out there playing these silly games?’

 

 

 

‘You said yourself that we could have a few days off,’ reasoned Adam coolly. ‘You know that we’ve earned it.’

 

 

 

‘Of course you have,’ replied his father frostily. ‘I’m not disputing that and you know it.  I never meant for all three of you to be gone together at the one time, that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘Aw Pa,’ protested Hoss. ‘Ya know we can’t leave shortshanks out there thinking he’s won. He’ll be unbearable ta live with iffen we do.’  He gave his father a hopeful look. ‘We’ll only be gone two more days.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head and pretended to look stern. ‘Well I suppose you’ll have to go out and get him now,’ he said. ‘’Although why you have to carry on in this way is beyond me!’

 

 

 

Adam slapped his father on the shoulder. ‘Gee thanks!’ he said as he winked at Hoss. ‘And don’t worry Pa, we’ll bring that baby son of yours back with his tail between his legs I can assure you.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head again as he turned towards the house. ‘Better get an early night,’ he said. ‘I’m assuming you’ll want to leave at first light.’

 

 

 

Adam winked at Hoss again before they followed their father into the house.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘There you go,’ said Adam as he threw his brother’s saddlebag across the barn to him. ‘That’s it then.  Let’s get going.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned at his older brother as they led their horses out of the barn and into the dim dawn light outside. ‘I wonder how far Joe got yesterday?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Not far enough,’ replied Adam with a grin.

 

 

 

‘Yep,’ agreed Hoss, returning the look. ‘Don’t latter how far that weasel gets, we’ll soon be on top of him fer sure.’  He glanced across the yard as the sound of horses’ hooves reached his ears. ‘Now who in tarnation could that be at this hour?’ he said.

 

 

 

Both brothers stood still and looked in amazement as Doctor Paul Martin rode around the side of the barn and lifted his hand in greeting to them. ‘Hello boys,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What on earth are you doing here at this hour Paul?’ asked Adam, shaking the doctor’s hand after the man had dismounted. ‘Someone out this way sick?’

 

 

 

‘You could say that,’ replied the doctor grimly. ‘Is your Pa here?  I need to talk to him.’

 

 

 

‘He’s inside,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Paul eyed off the two horses. ‘You two going somewhere?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Out hunting … in a manner of speaking,’ said Hoss with a grin at Adam.

 

 

 

‘I think you’d better come inside and hear what I have to say before you go anywhere,’ said the doctor. ‘You might want to change your plans.’

 

 

 

Adam gave Hoss a puzzled look and shrugged his shoulders before showing Paul the way to the front door of the ranch house.  As he entered the room he shouted. ‘Pa! Pa!’

 

 

 

Ben Cartwright appeared at the top of the staircase. ‘What in tarnation are you yelling about?’ he asked grumpily. ‘Isn’t it enough that a man has to …’  He stopped as he saw the doctor standing behind his two sons. ‘Oh … I’m sorry Paul.  What are you doing out here so early?’

 

 

 

‘I’ve been out at the Miller ranch,’ replied the doctor. ‘I thought it best to call in here on my way home.’

 

 

 

‘The Miller ranch?’ said Ben in a surprised tone. ‘I sure hope no one out there is sick.’

 

 

 

‘I’m afraid they are,’ replied Paul. ‘Both Bert and Becky have come down poorly.’

 

 

 

‘Sorry to hear it,’ said Ben. He motioned towards the table where the remains of breakfast still were. ‘Coffee?’

 

 

 

‘No thanks … I really don’t have time.  I just called in to see Joe.’

 

 

 

‘Joseph?’ asked Ben surprised. ‘Why?’

 

 

 

‘Bert told me that he’s been over there a fair bit lately,’ said Paul. ‘I thought I’d better check him out.’

 

 

 

‘He sure has,’ said Hoss. ‘He’s right taken with that Becky Miller at the moment and he can’t stay away. Been helping Bert out with some chores around the place as an excuse.’

 

 

 

‘What’s Joseph got to do with this?’ persisted Ben. ‘I’m not sure what you’re getting at Paul.’

 

 

 

‘Ben sit down,’ said Paul. He settled himself on a chair in front of the fireplace and motioned for the others to do the same. When everyone was seated he leant forward and began to speak earnestly. ‘Both Becky and Bert have been feeling a bit off colour during the past few days,’ he said. ‘At first I wasn’t sure what was causing it, but now I’m fairly certain that it is typhoid fever.’

 

 

 

Ben gasped. ‘Typhoid?’ he said. ‘But … how?’

 

 

 

Paul shook his head. ‘I’m not sure,’ he replied. ‘It’s obviously from a contaminated source of either water or food. Whatever the cause, it has them both down in a severe way. That’s why when Bert mentioned that Joe has been over there I thought it best to take a look at him as well.’ He looked around the room. ‘Where is he?’

 

 

 

Ben shot Adam and Hoss a worried look and licked his lips before replying. ‘He’s …. He’s not here.’

 

 

 

‘Well then I suggest that you get him here as soon as possible,’ said Paul grimly. ‘Typhoid fever is nothing to mess around with Ben.  That boy needs to be examined as soon as possible.’

 

 

 

Adam gave Hoss an anguished look. ‘He’s been out with Hoss and I tracking a cat for the past few days,’ he said. ‘He’s still out there.’

 

 

 

‘You’ve been with him?’  How was he?’ asked Paul quickly.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘he seemed fine,’ he said and then hesitated. ‘Except …’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Except that he had a headache when we left him yesterday morning.’

 

 

 

Paul frowned. ‘You need to get that young man in to see me as soon as possible,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘That may not be as easy as it sounds,’ said Ben in a worried tone. ‘You see …’ he shot Adam and Hoss an annoyed look. ‘Joseph is out there trying to avoid being brought back home.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t understand,’ said Paul.  He listened as Adam gave him a run down on the bet that he and Hoss had made with their younger brother. ‘I see,’ he said when Adam had finished. ‘Well all I can say is that you’d better track him down quickly.  If he is sick … I’d hate to think of him out there with no medical assistance.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t you worry,’ said Hoss confidently. ‘I can track anything.  I’ll bring him back quick smart.’

 

 

 

Ben stood up and faced his two sons. ‘I’m coming with you,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Don’t you think you’d better stay here Pa?’ said Adam as he reached for his hat. ‘I mean … well if Joe does make it home first that is.’

 

 

 

Ben scratched his chin, ‘Yes,’ he mused. ‘I see what you mean. All right then.  You two get going and bring that boy back here quick smart.  I’ll wait here for him.’

 

 

 

Paul stood up as well. ‘I’ll be over at the Miller ranch,’ he said. ‘Send one of the hands to get me as soon as you get Joe back here.’  He looked at Ben intently. ‘And do it quickly Ben … just in case.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded silently, his eyes saying everything that needed to be said.

 

 

 

‘Don’t you worry Pa,’ Adam assured his father, placing his hand on the man’s shoulder. ‘You know that Hoss is the best tracker there is around these parts.  There’s no way that we won’t find Joe.  We’ll have him back her before you know it.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded and gave his eldest son a reassuring smile that didn’t reach to his eyes. ‘Yes,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Yes of course.  Just bring that boy home son …. and do it quickly.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Joe bent over the creek and looked at his reflection in the water before reaching down and scooping up a handful and sloshing it over his face.  He closed his eyes and felt the cool water trickle down his neck, relishing in the coolness of it against his hot skin.  He wet his bandanna and held it against his hot face for a moment, thinking how warm it was becoming for so early in the day.  The cool water felt so good and he longed to stay in the shade of the tree for a bit longer, but instead he willed himself to get to his feet and began to move up the slope in front of him again. Far below him he could see the tiny figures of both his brothers as they rode across the plain and he smiled at the sight.

 

 

 

‘No way you’re gonna find me,’ he said out loud. ‘Just you try brothers!’  He laughed aloud before turning to continue climbing up the hill again, thinking with glee just how angry both of them would be in a couple of days when he reached home before them and they’d have to eat their smart words.

 

 

 

He wiped his hot face again and fought back the urge to stop before he reached the top of the hill. He wondered why he was feeling so tired …. After all he hadn’t come very far this morning … and then pushed the thought from his mind as a sharp pain gripped him in the stomach and he was forced to stop and clutch his middle. ‘Must be something I ate,’ he muttered angrily. ‘Why now or all times?’

 

 

 

Looking around, spied a large boulder and went behind it.  Moments later he reappeared again, adjusting his clothing and buttoning his pants. ‘Don’t know why I always go behind a rock,’ he chuckled as he tucked in his shirt again. ‘No one round here ta see me anyways.’  It was the third time he’d had to relieve himself that morning and he wondered briefly what he could have eaten to cause it. ‘I’ll have a piece of that Adam when I see him,’ he muttered. ‘Him and his beans!  I hope they’re both suffering as well.’ with a determined look he turned to climb the hill again, being careful to step only on the rocks as he made his way carefully up the slope.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

Hoss stood up and scratched his chin as he stared into the distance. ‘Well?’ asked Adam as he came up beside him. ‘What do you think?’

 

 

 

‘He’s definitely come this way,’ said Hoss thoughtfully. ‘At least …’ He hesitated. ‘At least I think that he did.’

 

 

 

‘What do you mean .. you think he did?  Don’t you know?’ asked Adam impatiently.

 

 

 

Hoss gave his brother a frustrated look. ‘Now hold on there Adam,’ he said. ‘Tracking ain’t that easy sometimes. I’m beginning ta regret showing that little weasel some of the tricks I did.’

 

 

 

‘What tricks?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

‘Well like this,’ replied his brother, pointing to the ground. ‘See that?  It looks as though he’s come this way … there’s marks that could be his footprints …. But then again they might not be.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss you’re not making sense,’ said Adam as he took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair in a frustrated fashion. ‘What are you talking about?’

 

 

 

‘It’s like we saw before,’ explained Hoss. ‘Shortshanks done made his tracks look different by sweeping over them with a tree branch.  Now I don’t know iffen there are still his or something else.’  He bent down to look at the tracks closer. ‘Hard to tell,’ he murmured.

 

 

 

‘Well you’d better make up your mind about them’ said Adam. ‘We’ve got to find that boy Hoss.’

 

 

 

‘Ya reckon I don’t know that?’ replied Hoss, giving his brother a tight look. ‘I’m doing my best Adam …. Jest be quiet and let me think fer a bit.’

 

 

 

Adam bit his lip and tried to wait patiently while his brother scouted around the area.  Within a few minutes Hoss was back again. ‘We go this way,’ he announced, pointing up the hill.

 

 

 

‘You sure?’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘Nope,’ he admitted. ‘But I’m guessing that we do.’

 

 

 

‘You’d better hope that you’re right,’ replied Adam as they started up the hill. ‘Joe could be getting mighty sick about now.’

 

 

 

‘Well iffen he does then he’ll do the smart thing and come straight back down ta meet us,’ said Hoss confidently. ‘He may be stubborn, but he ain’t dumb Adam.’

 

 

 

Adam said nothing, but simply followed Hoss with a grim expression on his face.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Joe sat up and blinked a couple of times in the bright sunlight.  How long had he been lying here he wondered? He glanced up at the sun and decided that it was probably close to an hour.  He didn’t know why he felt so weak … he hadn’t been moving that fast or for very long really …. But try as he would he just couldn’t seem to get enough energy together to make him want to get up and start again. He shook his head and forced himself to a standing position, unprepared to let his lassitude get the better of him.

 

 

 

He grinned as he looked down the slope and scanned the area around him.  There was no sign of his brothers and in spite of himself he began to feel quite confident that he was going to outsmart them.  He tried not to feel too cocky about it as he still had quite a bit of time to go before he could return to the ranch and revel in his victory over them, but he couldn’t help but visualise how things would be when this was over.  Adam and Hoss would be eating their words for the next month as they did his chores every day and Joe was determined to make the most of it.

 

 

 

He turned to leave the clearing in which he was standing when suddenly a wave of nausea overtook him and he clutched his stomach as he tried to overcome it.  He didn’t understand why, but all of a sudden he felt as he would throw up the contents of his stomach.  He wondered if the food he’d had a couple of hours ago had been bad, but knew that there was no reason for it to be.  With a sudden movement he doubled over and vomited violently for several minutes before standing up again and reaching for his canteen to wash away the remains.

 

 

 

Joe wet his bandanna and wiped the sweat from his face with it, realising with a start that it wasn’t hot enough for him to be sweating in this way.  He wondered for a moment if he were coming down with something, but dismissed the thought immediately from his mind.  He would be all right again in a while. It was probably because he hadn’t felt like eating anything much and the little he’d had was now lost anyway.

 

 

 

He forced himself to open his saddle bag and take out an apple.  Looking at it for a moment he decided that he couldn’t stomach it then and there and replaced it again.  With a sigh, Joe felt his legs begin to give way beneath him and he sank to the ground before scrunching over to a small enclosure between two rocks and lying down again.  He pulled his knees up to his chest to alleviate the stomach cramps that were overtaking him once again and closed his eyes again.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘Well?’  Adam studied his brother’s face carefully.

 

 

 

Hoss took off his hat and scratched his head thoughtfully. ‘I jest don’t know Adam,’ he said. ‘That little weasel … well I jest don’t know.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss it’s been two days!  We have to find him soon.’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘I don’t know what ta tell you Adam,’ he admitted. ‘I didn’t think he’d be able to outsmart me, but it seems like I done taught him too well.’

 

 

 

Adam sighed. ‘I think we’d better get on home then,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss turned on him. ‘What?’ he said. ‘Ya ain’t serious Adam!  We can’t leave shortshanks out here … specially when he could be sick!’

 

 

 

Adam placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder. ‘Hoss think about it for a moment,’ he replied. ‘You just said yourself that the time we set is nearly up.  If Joe’s smart he’ll be headed on back to the ranch right now and by the time we get back there he’ll probably be sitting there with his feet on the coffee table as he always is.’

 

 

 

Hoss tried to smile. ‘And Pa will be yelling at him to get his feet off the table as usual,’ he said, trying to sound convinced of the fact. ‘OK Adam, I guess we’d better head back then.’  He glanced up the hill in front of them. ‘I sure hope you’re right but.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Joe held his head in an effort to stop the pounding that was coming at regular intervals. He wanted nothing more than for it to stop, but he knew that it was unlikely to do so while he was lying in the full sunlight the way he was. He tried to lift his body up from the ground, but found the effort more than he could manage and slumped back down again, putting his hand up over his eyes to shield them from the sun. He took several deeps breaths as he thought about his predicament.  It was obvious to him now that he was ill and he wondered just what had caused it.

 

 

 

‘If it had been them beans of Adam’s they would know it by now and be after me,’ he murmured to himself and then frowned as he thought about the fact that he’d been covering his tracks so well just so that they couldn’t find him. ‘Darn stupid bet,’ he said out loud and then heaved up from the ground as another stomach pain overcame him.  He retched again and again, but his stomach by now was empty and he had nothing left to bring up. Slowly, he undid the top of his canteen and poured some of the cool water down his throat, hoping that it might stop the vomiting feeling that was overtaking him.

 

 

 

As he replaced the stopper on the canteen he looked around him and noticed a small piece of shade a short distance away.  With a determined look he began to drag himself in that direction, trying to ignore the stomach cramps that were beginning to overcome him as he did so.  Within a few minutes he had reached it and lay still as he felt the pounding of his head and tried to ease it. ‘Stupid time to get sick Cartwright,’ he admonished himself. ‘Dumb, stupid time!’

 

 

 

He looked down at the canteen beside him and began to reach for it, only to drop his hand again.  He felt so weak that he couldn’t even move that much.  Joe closed his eyes with a sigh and fell asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Ben opened the front door with a bang and looked out hopefully as his two sons rode into the front yard.  His face showed his disappointment clearly as he realised that they were alone. ‘Boys!’ he shouted as he strode into the yard to greet them. ‘You didn’t find him?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Adam shortly as he dismounted. ‘We were hoping …’ he gave his father an apologetic look. ‘He hasn’t made it back then?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head silently.

 

 

 

‘It’s all my fault!’ declared Hoss suddenly. ‘If I hadn’t made that stupid bet with him then he’d be here and not out there being sick with no help!’

 

 

 

‘Hoss you are not blame!’ said Adam. ‘For one thing we both made that bet with him … remember?  And secondly, we don’t even know if he is sick! He could just as easily be out there laughing at us all and ready to wander back in here any time.’

 

 

 

‘Adam is right,’ said Ben, trying to smile. He patted Hoss on the back reassuringly. ‘Come on is and get something to eat boys.  You must both be exhausted.’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘I’m getting a fresh horse and going straight back out there Pa,’ he said in a determined voice.

 

 

 

‘You are doing no such thing!’ said Ben in a stern voice. ‘You’ll do as you’re told and get in that house to eat and then have some sleep.  It’ll do no good to have you two sick on top of everything else.’

 

 

 

‘But Pa,’ pleased Hoss. ‘Joe …’

 

 

 

‘Yes … Joe,’ interrupted his father. ‘Your brother is right.  Joe could walk in here at nay moment.’

 

 

 

‘And iffen he don’t?’

 

 

 

‘If he doesn’t … then in the morning we’re all going back out there to look for him,’ said his father. ‘Now inside the both of you.’

 

 

 

He led the way into the house and as they entered it Adam turned to his father. ‘Have you heard form Paul while we’ve been away?’ he asked as he took off his hat and coat. ‘Any news on how the Millers are?’

 

 

 

Ben hesitated for a moment and glanced at Hoss before replying. ‘They’re both very ill,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Paul is convinced now that it’s typhoid fever.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘How?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Probably the water,’ replied his father. ‘Bert had just dug that new well you know.  Paul has taken some samples of it for testing.’

 

 

 

‘Well if it’s the water then it’s even more likely that Joe …’  Adam stopped as he also glanced at Hoss. ‘I mean …’

 

 

 

Hoss thumped his fist on the table. ‘Why don’t you just both say it?’ he said. ‘Joe is out there sick and we all know it!  Iffen it was the water then he’ll have drunk it too.’  He put his face in his hands. ‘It’s all my fault,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Hoss I’ll hear no more of that talk!’ said his father sternly. ‘Now sit down and eat.  I’ll get Hop Sing to fill a tub for both of you while you have some supper. We’ll leave at first light and I’ll get Charlie to go up to the North Section and round up some men to meet us out there.’ He hesitated before he left the room. ‘Don’t worry boys … if he’s not home in the morning then we’ll find your brother.’

 

 

 

Adam and Hoss sat down at the table, both looking at their plates despondently without eating.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘We ain’t gonna find him Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘The trail stops here and there ain’t no way that we can pick it up again.’  He scanned the area with an anxious expression. ‘Maybe we should split up and keep looking?’

 

 

 

‘Maybe,’ replied his father. ‘I think we should wait until the others join us though and then can organise ourselves into groups and fan out over the area.’  He pulled out his gun for the fourth time that hour and pointed it up into the air before shooting. ‘Hopefully Joseph will hear that and reply,’ he said. ‘I can’t help but hope that he’ll hear it.’

 

 

 

‘He hasn’t so far,’ said Adam in a low voice. There was silence as all three Cartwrights worried about the implications of his statement. Suddenly Adam pointed down the slope. ‘Look!’ he said. ‘Charlie’s here with the men!’

 

 

 

Ben and Hoss turned and looked in the direction that Adam was pointing and saw that Charlie was indeed approaching with twenty men behind him. As they drew near, the grizzled foreman gave Ben a determined grin. ‘Any luck boss?’ he asked. ‘You found the boy yet?’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No,’ he admitted. ‘And I’m beginning to get very worried Charlie.’  He turned to face the men. ‘We’ll need to fan out in all directions,’ he shouted. ‘If you see anything fire three shots into the air.’

 

 

 

‘Boss?’

 

 

 

Ben turned back to Charlie. ‘What is it?’ he asked impatiently.

 

 

 

‘I sent Bert over ta Josh Dickinson’s place.  He’s got them hunting dogs and I thought they might prove useful to us.’

 

 

 

Ben slapped the man on the back. ‘Great thought Charlie!’ he said. ‘I don’t know why I didn’t think of that!’

 

 

 

‘Ya didn’t think of that cause you’re so worried bout that youngster of yours …’ replied Charlie. ‘You would have eventually.  I just saved ya sometime is all.’  He pointed down the slope. ‘Here come Josh now.’

 

 

 

They all looked in the direction that he was pointing and indeed saw Josh Dickinson riding towards them with a pack of four dogs loping beside him. ‘Ben!’ he said as he drew level with them. ‘I heard tell that you could do with these dogs of mine?’

 

 

 

‘Sure can Josh,’ said Ben gratefully. ‘Joseph’s out there somewhere … probably sick and we don’t have much time to get to him.  I’m mighty grateful to you!’

 

 

 

‘Don’t mention it,’ replied Josh. ‘Jest get me something that belongs to the boy and we’ll use it fer the scent.’

 

 

 

Ben looked around. ‘Boys?’ he said. ‘Have you got anything of Joseph’s?’

 

 

 

Adam looked Hoss. ‘Not that I can think of,’ he said. ‘Only … wait!’  He opened his saddlebag and pulled out a bandanna. ‘He used this the other day,’ he said. ‘Give it a try.’

 

 

 

Josh took it from him and held it under the dogs’ noses.  The hounds all eagerly clustered around him, well aware from past experiences what was expected of them, and began howling one after another.  Suddenly one of them took off followed closely by the others, streaking away up the slope until they were lost in the distance. ‘I reckon we’d better follow em quick smart,’ said Josh as he mounted quickly. ‘If we want to keep up.’

 

 

 

Everyone mounted as quickly as they could and began to ride up the slope.  The dogs led them down the other side and across to a small stream where they hesitated for several minutes, running in circles as they tried to pick up Joes’ scent again. ‘That weasel,’ muttered Hoss. ‘I knew I done taught him too well!  Now he’s even got them dogs confused!’  But as the words left his mouth the dogs took off again, howling with great determination as they sped across the stream and up the slope on the other side, the men following closely on their trail.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

In the dim recesses of his half-conscious mind, Joe heard the sound of a shot in the distance.  He half-opened his eyes and tried to focus on his surroundings, but the brightness of the sunlight caused him to close them again quickly.  He couldn’t remember ever feeling so ill and all he wanted to do was fall asleep again so that he wouldn’t have to think about the pain in his head and his stomach.  He felt so hot, but his canteen was long empty now and he knew without a doubt that he just didn’t have the strength to move to search for more water.  All he could do was lie there and hope that someone came upon him, but he knew that the chances of that happening were slim.

 

 

 

He thought about how ironic it was that the very reason he was in this predicament was because he had done everything he could not to be found, when now all he wanted was the opposite.  What he wouldn’t have given for his Pa of one of his brothers to find him and take him back home again where he could begin to get well.  He half opened his eyes again and gave a small smile as he thought about what they would say to him when they did find him.

 

 

 

‘Joseph!  Son … its all right Joe.’  Joe’s closed his eyes again and sighed. If only Pa could be here as he was imagining him to be!

 

 

 

‘Joe?  Can you hear me son?’  Joe was sure that he would sound just as worried as he was imagining him to be.

 

 

 

‘Give me that canteen!’

 

 

 

Joe opened his eyes again and stared up at his father’s face in surprise. ‘Pa?’ he croaked in a hoarse voice. ‘Is that really you?  I thought I was imagining it.’

 

 

 

‘No it’s really me son,’ replied Ben as he held the canteen to Joe’s parched lips. ‘We found you at last.’

 

 

 

Joe clutched at his father’s sleeve. ‘Pa … Pa … I feel awful sick Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at the young man and wiped the sweat away from his face tenderly. ‘I know son.  Your brothers and I are here now.  We’ll help you.’

 

 

 

Joe looked around, the movement causing his head to commence pounding even more and he frowned. ‘Adam?’ he said. ‘Hoss?’  To his surprise he heard the howling of dogs, which didn’t make a lot of sense to him, so he shut his eyes again and surrendered himself to sleep with a sigh.

 

 

 

Ben looked down at the unconscious young man in his arms and felt the heat radiating from him as he held into him. ‘Someone ride for Paul Martin,’ he said. ‘Tell him to meet us back at the house. Adam … Hoss … help me get him onto my horse.  I’ll ride with him.’

 

 

 

Charlie began to shout orders and a couple of the men rode away in the direction of the Miller ranch. Hoss bent down and gathered Joe into his arms before heading towards his father’s horse with him. Ben mounted up quickly and held out his arms as Hoss lifted his unconscious brother up to him.

 

 

 

Suddenly Adam reached out and pulled Joe’s shirt up further where it had come away from his pants. ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘Look?’

 

 

 

Ben looked. Spreading around Joe’s stomach was a bright rash, consisting of small rose-coloured spots. He bit his lip anxiously as he stared at it. ‘Let’s get him home quickly boys,’ he said and turned his horse to face towards home.

 

 

 

‘Come on Hoss,’ said Adam. ‘You heard Pa.’  He stared at his brother as he didn’t move. ‘What’s the matter?’

 

 

 

‘I was jest thinking,’ mused Hoss. ‘I reckon them dogs is better at tracking than I am.  Seems like shortshanks mighta been right when he said that I weren’t no good at it.’

 

 

 

Adam put his hand on the big man’s shoulder. ‘Come on Hoss,’ he said. ‘Let’s get home.’

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Martin peered at the rash on Joe’s stomach as the young man lay tossing on the bed. ‘Paul?’ The doctor straightened up and looked at Ben who was standing anxiously behind him. ‘What do you think?’

 

 

 

‘Exactly what I thought it would be,’ replied the doctor. ‘Typhoid fever … just like the Millers.’

 

 

 

Ben swallowed as he looked down at his son on the bed.  ‘Lord help him,’ he whispered softly. There was silence in the room for a few minutes. ‘What do we do now Paul?’

 

 

 

Paul Martin shook his head. ‘I’m afraid there’s not much we can do at this stage Ben,’ he said. ‘Keep his temperature down as best we can of course and I’ll give him something for the nausea … but apart from that …’ he spread his hands wide in a gesture of despair. ‘I’m afraid there’s not much else that we can do.  It’s up to Joe now ….’ He put his hand on Ben’s shoulder. ‘And God,’ he added.

 

 

 

Ben sat down heavily on the edge of the bed and stared at the still form of his son. ‘Joe?’ he said softly. ‘Joe?  Can you hear me son?’ Joe murmured softly and clutched at the bed-sheet at the sound of his father’s voice, but didn’t open his eyes. Ben sat in silence as Paul packed away his instruments.

 

 

 

‘Give him plenty of water to drink if he can drink it,’ the doctor said as he worked. ‘Mix one of these powders in every two hours and try to keep it down him. I’ll be back from the Millers this afternoon.’

 

 

 

Ben looked up at the man. ‘How are they?’ he asked. ‘Any better?’

 

 

 

Paul shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Bert is a lot worse.’

 

 

 

‘And Becky?’

 

 

 

‘Remember to keep his temperature down,’ replied the doctor evasively. ‘Use the water from the well … it’s cooler.’

 

 

 

‘Paul?’ Ben stared at his friend. ‘How’s Becky?’

 

 

 

Paul was silent for a moment before replying. ‘She died early this morning,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben’s eyes instantly flitted straight back to his son lying on the bed. ‘Dear God!’ he said. He put his hands up to his face and was silent for a moment, not taking his eyes off his son as he did so.

 

 

 

Paul put his hand on Ben’s shoulder and patted it. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can,’ he said softly. Ben never moved from the bed or took his eyes from his son’s face as the doctor left the room.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘Pa?’  Adam looked at his father’s weary face as he entered the room. ‘You need to get some rest.  I’ll sit here for a while.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head as he wiped Joe’s face with the wet cloth he was holding. ‘No,’ he said without looking up. ‘I’m staying.’

 

 

 

‘Pa …’  Adam’s voice trailed away as he looked at his brother’s feverish face on the pillow. He sat down on the edge of the bed and continued to stare at Joe. ‘He’s no better?’ he asked after a few moments.

 

 

 

‘No.’ Ben wet the cloth again and wrung it out before applying it on his son’s face and neck again. ‘I think the fever is worse. Paul not back yet?’

 

 

 

‘No. I suppose he’s still with Bert Miller,’ replied Adam. ‘You want me to do that for a while?’

 

 

 

Joe began to murmur in his sleep and toss his head around as Ben replied. ‘No thank you Adam.  I’ll do it.’  He stroked Joe’s hair off his fevered forehead and murmured soothing noises to him. ‘It’s all right Joe,’ he said softly. ‘Pa’s here son.  Just take it easy.’

 

 

 

Adam sighed. ‘Isn’t there anything else we can so?’ he asked fretfully. ‘Surely there’s something?’

 

 

 

Ben sighed wearily. ‘I wish there was Adam,’ he said as he looked down at his youngest son on the bed. ‘I just wish to God that there were.’

 

 

 

Adam stood up and began to pace around the room stopping by the window and looking down into the front yard.  Hoss was standing next to the corral and his brother could tell from the slump of his shoulders that the big man was in despair. ‘Hoss is mighty upset about all this,’ he said softly.

 

 

 

Ben looked across at him. ‘I suppose he is,’ he said. ‘He has to realise that it isn’t his fault though.’

 

 

 

‘Try telling him that,’ replied Adam. ‘He thinks that if he hadn’t bet Joe in the first place then he’d be all right now.’  He hesitated as he looked over his shoulder at the feverish young man on the bed. ‘Instead of like this.’

 

 

 

‘That just doesn’t make sense,’ said Ben firmly as he wet the cloth again. ‘From what you’ve told me, Joseph was just as insistent on that bet as Hoss was.  Besides, even if he’d been at home when he took sick there’s no telling what the outcome would have been even so.  After all, look at …’  his voice trailed away.

 

 

 

‘Look at Becky?’ Adam finished for him.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Ben as he stared down at Joe’s face. ‘Adam … I can’t believe that the same thing could happen to your brother.’  His voice caught on a sob and he took a deep breath to control it again. ‘I just can’t believe that we could lose him.’

 

 

 

‘Then don’t Pa,’ said Adam firmly. ‘Joe’s a strong young kid.  He’ll beat it … I just know that he will.’  He looked out of the window again. ‘Paul’s here!’ he said suddenly.

 

 

 

‘Thank God,’ said Ben fervently. ‘I hope that’s a sign that everything is better at Bert Miller’s now.’  Joe began to toss his head back and forth again and to moan quietly. ‘Shh,’ said Ben soothingly. ‘Shh son … it’s all right.’

 

 

 

Hoss entered the room, followed by Paul Martin who immediately put down his bag and pulled out a stethoscope. He nodded to Ben before bending down to listen to Joe’s chest and there was silence in the room as he did so. ‘Not too bad,’ he said as he straightened up. ‘Have you managed to get any fluids into him?’

 

 

 

‘Not much,’ said Ben. ‘He keeps bringing most of them up again. ‘How’s Bert?’

 

 

 

Paul looked Ben directly in the eye before replying. ‘He didn’t make it,’ he said shortly. ‘He died a couple of hours ago Ben.’

 

 

 

Ben looked stricken. ‘No,’ he said softly.

 

 

 

Paul put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. ‘It doesn’t mean that the same thing is going to happen to Joe,’ he said gently. ‘You mustn’t think like that Ben.’

 

 

 

‘Why not?’ Hoss interrupted. ‘Look at him Doc …. He can’t go on like this.’  He covered his face. ‘He’s gonna die and it’s all my fault!’

 

 

 

‘Hoss, I’ll have none of that talk!’ Ben admonished his son. ‘Your brother is not going to die … and if I hear one more word about you being responsible for his illness ….’

 

 

 

Joe’s head tossed on the pillow again and began to murmur. ‘It’s all right Joseph,’ said Ben soothingly. ‘Just sleep son.  Pa’s here.’

 

 

 

Joe opened his eyes and looked up at his father. ‘Pa?’ he said softly. ‘Am I home?’

 

 

 

‘Yes son.  We brought you back home,’ replied Ben gently. ‘Just relax and rest now.  You need your strength to get better.’

 

 

 

‘How did I get here?’  Joe clutched at his father’s sleeve.

 

 

 

‘We brought you here son,’ said Ben. ‘Now just close your eyes and get some sleep.’

 

 

 

‘Hot,’ murmured Joe as he did as his father bid him. ‘Hot … it’s too hot Pa.’

 

 

 

‘I know son,’ said Ben gently as he began to sponge Joe’s face again. ‘Just close your eyes now.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll stay the night through Ben,’ said Paul softly. ‘There’s no reason to leave again now.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded, his eyes not leaving Joe’s face for an instant. Behind him Adam and Hoss’ faces showed their deep concern as well.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben’s eyes jerked open to see Joe staring up at him. He leant forward in the chair and reached out to feel the young man’s forehead instinctively. ‘I’m here son,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Pa?’

 

 

 

‘Yes Joe?’

 

 

 

‘I’m …. thirsty.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled as he put a glass of water to Joe’s lips and watched as his son drank greedily. ‘That better?’ he asked as he replaced the glass on the dresser.

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said fretfully. ‘I’m so hot Pa.’

 

 

 

‘I know.  The water will help though.’  Ben wet the cloth for the hundredth time that night and wiped it over Joe’s fevered face as he thought about the fact that this was the first time that Joe had drunk voluntarily since they’d brought him home.  He just knew that it was a good sign.

 

 

 

‘I got sick while I was out there,’ Joe said when his father had finished. ‘I reckon I musta eaten something bad. Are Adam and Hoss sick too?’

 

 

 

‘No Joe, they’re not sick.  You didn’t eat something bad out there.  It was the water from the Miller’s new well when you went to visit a few days ago.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned, trying to make sense of his father’s words. ‘The well?’ he said. ‘Bert’s new well?

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Don’t worry about it now Joseph.  Just get some sleep.’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘Bert …’ he said. ‘And … Becky … are they all right?  Did they get sick too?’

 

 

 

‘Get some sleep now son,’ said Ben soothingly. ‘Just lie still.’

 

 

 

Joe clutched at his father’s sleeve. ‘I have to know Pa,’ he said imploringly. ‘Are they all right?  Did they get sick too?’

 

 

 

‘Yes son, they got sick too,’ said Ben reluctantly.

 

 

 

‘Are they all right?’

 

 

 

Ben hesitated. ‘No son, they’re not.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘Are they as sick as me?  What is wrong with us Pa?’

 

 

 

Ben hesitated again. ‘Typhoid Fever,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

Joe swallowed. ‘That’s bad, ain’t it?’

 

 

 

‘Yes son, it’s bad.’

 

 

 

Joe stared at his father, trying to read his face. ‘What about Becky and Bert?’ he asked. ‘Please tell me how bad they are Pa.’

 

 

 

‘Joe … I ….’

 

 

 

‘Please!’

 

 

 

Ben placed his hand on his son’s head and looked at him sadly. ‘They died Joseph,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

Joe’s face crumpled. ‘Becky ….’ he whispered. He began to cry softly. ‘Becky … Bert …. They didn’t deserve to die Pa,’ he whispered.

 

 

 

Ben leant down and gathered his son into his arms, feeling the fierce heat of his body even through his nightshirt. ‘No son, they didn’t,’ he agreed.  He clutched the sobbing young man to his chest, allowing him to give full vent to his emotions.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘You want some more?’ Ben asked as he held the glass out to Joe.

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No thanks Pa,’ he said.  He stared at Paul Martin who was unpacking his bag. ‘I’m fine,’ he said.

 

 

 

Paul ignored the remark and sat down on the edge of the bed before pulling up the young man’s nightshirt and staring at his stomach. ‘The rash has disappeared,’ he said to Ben. ‘That’s a good sign.’  He put a hand on Joe’s forehead. ‘Fever’s broken.  I think this young man is showing some signs of recovery.’

 

 

 

Ben let out the breath he’d been holding. ‘I thought so,’ he said. ‘I was just afraid to believe it too soon.’

 

 

 

‘I’m fine,’ repeated Joe in a weary voice. ‘I told you that before. I’m ….’ His voice drifted off as his eyelids fluttered and in spite of himself he drifted off to sleep again.

 

 

 

Ben patted him on the head. ‘Of course you are son,’ he said tenderly. ‘Paul?’  He looked up at the doctor again. ‘You’re sure?’

 

 

 

‘As sure as I can be,’ replied the doctor. ‘He’s got a long road ahead of him yet, but given time I think he’ll be all right.’

 

 

 

‘I’m ….’ Joe’s eyelids fluttered open for a moment and then closed again. ‘I’m … fine,’ he said softly. Ben shook his head and gave a short chuckle.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

‘Hop Sing sent this up to ya,’ said Hoss as he entered the room carrying a tray. ‘Pa said that ya can’t leave any of it.’

 

 

 

Joe wrinkled up his nose as the tray was put on his lap. ‘Soup!’ he said. ‘Don’t I get anything else?’

 

 

 

‘Doc Martin says ya gotta eat light,’ explained Hoss as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

 

 

 

‘Starve more likely,’ grumbled Joe as he picked up his spoon and took a mouthful. ‘I reckon I could do with a steak.’

 

 

 

‘Then ya must be getting better,’ said Hoss.  ‘Um … Joe?’

 

 

 

‘Yeah?’  Joe took another mouthful and then lay back on his pillow wearily.

 

 

 

‘I’m sorry.’

 

 

 

‘Sorry about what?’

 

 

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘Oh … you know … lotsa things I reckon.  Bout Becky and Bert and all …. And bout you being sick cause of me.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘What do ya mean cause of you? You didn’t make me sick.’

 

 

 

‘No.  But I reckon if we didn’t make that stupid bet then you’d be here at home when ya did come down with the fever and ya wouldn’t have been so bad.’

 

 

 

‘We both made the bet remember?’  Joe replied. ‘It wasn’t your fault Hoss.’  He picked up his spoon and took another spoonful of soup. ‘I reckon you’re a better tracker than I thought anyways brother.  Seems you did find me after all.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss shrugged again. ‘Well no I didn’t,’ he said. ‘Didn’t Pa tell ya?’

 

 

 

‘Tell me what?’

 

 

 

‘It was Josh Dickinson’s hounds,’ explained Hoss. ‘They followed ya scent and found ya.’

 

 

 

Joe thought for a moment. ‘I thought I heard a dog howling,’ he said. There was silence for a moment. ‘Hey Hoss … I reckon that I won the bet then huh?’

 

 

 

Hoss frowned. ‘No ya didn’t,’ he said firmly. ‘Ya didn’t make it home yaself nohow.  Jest cause I didn’t find ya don’t mean that ya won.’

 

 

 

Joe gave him a cheeky look. ‘Well all I know is that you didn’t win either brother.  I reckon them dogs are better trackers than you.  Just goes to show that I was right in the first place. I reckon that darn old cat is mighty safe round here while you’re the one in charge of tracking.’ He smirked. ‘Sides,’ he said. ‘I reckon it don’t much matter if I won the bet or not.  You and Adam have ended up doing my chores for now anyway. Anyway you look at it brother I reckon I’ve won.’ Hoss gave his little brother a disgruntled look, but said nothing while Joe grinned at him and continued to eat his soup.

 

 

 

‘I still reckon I woulda made it home though,’ said Joe after a few moments. ‘Face it brother …. You just aren’t good enough to track me down.’

 

 

 

‘No you listen here Joe,’ said Hoss angrily as he leant forward towards his brother. ‘Sick or not I’m gonna have my say!  I could so have tracked ya down and you darn well know it!’

 

 

 

‘Don’t know nothing of the kind,’ said Joe complacently.  He gave his brother a sideway smile. ‘You reckon you want another try at proving it though?’

 

 

 

‘There’ll be no more of that nonsense!’ said their father as he entered the room. ‘I’ve had just about enough of this sort of thing from both of you.’  He gave Joe a stern look. ‘I want that soup finished young man.  Now get to it and stop chattering with your brother.’

 

 

 

Yes Pa,’ replied Joe meekly as his father turned to leave the room.

 

 

 

‘And you can leave him to it Hoss,’ said Ben over his shoulder. ‘Come on.’

 

 

 

Hoss stood up, still glaring at his younger brother. ‘You’re on,’ he whispered as he left the room behind his father. Joe grinned as he lay back on the pillow and took another spoonful of soup.

 

 

 

 

 

—————

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss straightened up and grinned at Adam. ‘He ain’t getting away this time!’ he said happily. ‘That’s his tracks all right!’

 

 

 

Adam returned the grin. ‘Right on brother,’ he said. ‘I have no intention of that younger brother of us winning this bet. Let’s get him!’

 

 

 

‘Darned right!’ agreed Hoss. ‘He’s been too plumb uppity since he got better.  We’ll take him down a peg or two.’  He turned to Adam as they headed up the short incline in front of them. ‘Ya know older brother, I was sure surprised what Pa said we could do this again. He seemed so set against it.’

 

 

 

‘Well he didn’t actually ….’  Adam stopped as the sound of a rifle shot rang through the air. He gave Hoss a startled look and began to run up the hill in front of them.

 

 

 

‘Joe!’ said Hoss before running after his older brother.  The two ran in the direction of the shot, their hearts thumping hard with the exertion and the awful anticipation of what they might find. As they reached a small clearing they spied their brother crouched on the ground and ran towards him quickly. ‘Joe!’ said Hoss again and gathered his younger brother in his strong arms. ‘Tell me that you’re all right boy!’

 

 

 

Joe struggled to free himself from his brother’s strong grip. ‘Of course I’m all right!’ he said in a frustrated tone. ‘I just got me that cat we’ve been trailing for so long is all.’  He indicated the dead animal on the ground in front of them.

 

 

 

‘So I see,’ said Adam dryly. ‘Nice shot brother.  Shame it had to cost you the bet though.’

 

 

 

Joe’s face contorted. ‘What do you mean?’ he said indignantly. ‘I had to shoot it didn’t I?  It was obvious that if I’d left it to you two we’d be losing cattle for ever.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Still … we caught you before you made it home,’ he said easily. ‘That was the bet wasn’t it?  It doesn’t much matter what the circumstances.’

 

 

 

‘It darn too does!’ exploded Joe. ‘You know as well as I do Adam that if you hadn’t heard my shot that you’d still be trailing me … and not getting very far too I might add. I woulda made it home before you with no problems.’

 

 

 

Adam gave him a superior look. ‘Don’t be too sure about that,’ he said. ‘Hoss here was right on your trail little brother.  We would have found you soon anyway.  Isn’t that right Hoss?’ Hoss looked from one brother to the other and hesitated.

 

 

 

‘Hoss?’ said Adam. ‘Tell him we were about to find him.’

 

 

 

Joe looked at Hoss indignantly. ‘Tell him I’m right and the bet should be off now,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss scratched his head. ‘Well ….’ he said.  Adam and Joe both waited, both standing with their hands on their hips and giving Hoss angry looks. ‘Well …’ he said again and then sighed. ‘I reckon Joe might be right,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

Joe let out a whoop. ‘Yes!’ he said. ‘I told you so older brother!’  He poked his tongue out at Adam.

 

 

 

‘What on earth are you talking about Hoss?’ asked Adam. ‘You know as well as I do that we were right behind him!’

 

 

 

‘Well to tell ya the truth,’ admitted Hoss. ‘Them tracks were going over in that direction.’  He indicated a spot over to their left. ‘I reckon it mighta been one of Joe’s false trails again.’

 

 

 

‘Nonsense!’ spat Adam. ‘We would have found him within minutes … shot or no shot!’

 

 

 

‘Face it older brother,’ said Joe gleefully as he rubbed his hands together. ‘You may as well get used to the fact that you’ve been beaten.’  He strutted around in a cocky fashion. ‘Nice piece of work I’ve done today if I do say so myself,’ he said proudly. ‘I won the bet and got me that cat!’ He grinned at them both as he bent down to pick the dead animal up. ‘I reckon I’ll just take this home to show Pa,’ he said. ‘It’ll make a nice skin.’  He turned to walk down the hill with the animal over his shoulder. ‘It’ll be nice to enjoy it with all the free time I’m gonna have now.’

 

 

 

Adam gave Hoss a disgusted look as they turned to follow their younger brother. ‘Was that really true?’ he said. ‘About you losing the trail and all? Or are you just trying to keep the peace and have this whole bet thing over with?’

 

 

 

Hoss shrugged and said nothing.  In front of them they could hear the high-pitched cackling noise of their younger brother as he gleefully laughed his way down the slope.

 

 

 

The End