Summary:  Joe is forced to stay in bed after an accident and causes trouble for everyone as a result

Rated: K (14,980 words)

The Impatient Patient

Doctor Paul Martin straightened up and faced Ben who was standing beside him. ‘You were right,’ he said. ‘It’s definitely broken.’

‘I knew it,’ Ben Cartwright replied. ‘He really came off with a thud.’ He frowned at the youngster on the bed. ‘Perhaps that might teach you to listen to me when I tell you to ride that horse of yours sensibly Joseph.’

Joe frowned back at his father. ‘I wasn’t going that fast,’ he said indignantly. ‘No faster than usual anyways.’

‘Precisely my point,’ said his father as he sat on the edge of the bed and noticed that even that slight movement made the boy wince with the pain.  ‘I don’t know how many times I’ve told you to slow down on that animal Joseph, and now see where’s it got you.  A broken leg is not to be taken lightly.’

‘It certainly is not,’ said Paul as he rummaged in his bag for a few things that he’d need. ‘You’ve just earned yourself quite some time in bed young man.’

Joe scowled at his leg. ‘It don’t hurt much now,’ he said. ‘I really don’t think it is broke.’

‘It doesn’t hurt much now because you’re keeping it still,’ replied the doctor as he began to unwind some long strips of bandage.

Joe frowned even more. ‘What’s that for?’ he asked.

‘I’m going to put a couple of splints on it after I set the bone back in position,’ replied the doctor.  He motioned to Ben. ‘You’ll need to hold him Ben.’

Joe tried to push his father’s arms away as Ben reached for his son. ‘You don’t need to Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll be fine.  I told you it don’t hurt much.’  He drew in a sharp breath as Paul moved his leg slightly to elevate it. ‘Well maybe just a bit,’ he acknowledged as he got his breath back again.

Ben smiled at down him and held onto his arms tightly. ‘Just take a deep breath Joe,’ he said. ‘Hang on to me while the doctor sets it.’

Joe opened his mouth to say something, but his breath was cut short again by a sharp spasm of pain that ripped through his body. ‘Owww!’ he said, throwing back his head and yelling at the ceiling.

Ben gritted his teeth and continued to hang onto his son as the boy tried to struggle out from under his grasp. ‘Try and keep still now,’ he said. ‘The doctor has to do his work.’ He listened to the boy as Joe took a few shallow breaths and stared at the ceiling, trying not to cry out again with the pain.  A couple of minutes had passed before Paul spoke again. ‘There.  That’s it back in place.’

Ben reached forward and patted Joe on the shoulder. ‘That’s the worst of it now,’ he said. ‘He’s finished setting the leg.’

Joe merely nodded and didn’t say anything as he lay back and stared at the ceiling while breathing deeply while Ben stroked his forehead and murmured to him softly. He heard Paul’s voice behind him. ‘I’m going to splint it now,’ the doctor said. ‘This won’t be too painful Joe, but you need to lie very still if you can. All right?’

Joe nodded again, as Ben reached for a cloth and wiped the beads of sweat that were forming on the boy’s forehead off. He watched his son grit his teeth and continue to stare at the ceiling while the doctor did his work, which seemed to take ages. Finally came the words they were both waiting for. ‘There.  All done.’

Ben looked behind him and smiled at Paul who was washing his hands in the basin beside the bed. He glanced down at Joe’s leg and noted the precise bandaging that the doctor had wrapped around the two wooden splints which reached from ankle to knee.

‘It’s a clean break,’ said Paul. ‘Should heal fine.’  He bent over and looked at Joe’s face intently. ‘Are you all right son?’

Joe nodded slightly. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘It didn’t hurt much.’

Paul and Ben exchanged quick smile. ‘Glad to hear it,’ said Paul as he patted the youngster on the shoulder. ‘You get yourself some rest now Joe.’ He turned back to Ben again. ‘As I was saying Ben, it’s a clean break and should heal without any problems as long as he keeps it still.’

‘For how long?’ asked Joe as he tried to sit up.

‘For as long as it takes,’ said Paul, pushing him back down again. ‘As long as you keep it still it should heal in about six weeks.’

Joe frowned at his leg again. ‘When can I get out of bed?’ he asked.

‘I just told you.  Six weeks,’ said the doctor as he packed his bag.

Joe looked horrified. ‘But can’t I get up and hop on one leg?’ he said. ‘Or use crutches or something?’

Paul shook his head firmly. ‘No,’ he said. ‘When I said keep it still that’s exactly what I meant young man. That means keeping still in bed without putting that foot to the floor at all.’

‘But I can’t stay in bed for six weeks!’ exclaimed Joe. ‘Tell him I can’t Pa!’

Ben shook his head. ‘I’ll do nothing of the kind,’ he said. ‘If Paul says six weeks, then six weeks it is Joseph. That’s an end to it.’

Joe looked from one man to the other, the horrified expression on his face heightening. ‘But… but I can’t!’ he said. ‘What am I gonna do in bed for six weeks?’

‘Here, drink this,’ said Paul as he held a glass out to him and forced it to his lips. ‘I’m sure you’ll survive it Joe.’  He watched to make sure that his patient drank the whole glassful and then picked up his bag. ‘I’ll be back in a couple of days to check him Ben,’ he said as he headed to the door. ‘There’s a couple more powders there on the dresser if he needs them for the pain.’

Ben gave Joe a meaningful look. ‘Thanks Paul,’ he said. ‘Can you find your own way out? I want to have a word with this young man.’

‘Sure,’ said Paul. ‘I’ll see you in a couple of days.’

Ben turned towards his son who was by now pouting on the bed. ‘That’s enough whinging Joseph,’ he said, firmly. ‘You’re staying in this bed for the next six weeks and that’s all there is to it, so you’d best get used to it.’

Joe looked at his father mournfully. ‘Yeah, but Pa…’ he began and then blinked a couple of times. ‘What am I…’ his speech slurred slightly as the effects of the powder began to take hold of him. ‘What am…’  his head lolled to one side and his eyes began to close.

Ben reached down and pulled up the covers around the boy. ‘We’ll have this conversation later Joseph,’ he said softly. ‘Sleep tight son.’  Joe didn’t answer him, but merely closed his eyes with a deep sigh.  Ben bent down and kissed his son lightly on the forehead, taking the opportunity to do so while the boy was unconscious. Joe snuggled into the pillow as he felt his father’s touch and gave another sigh.  Ben smiled as he straightened up again and turned to leave the room.

==========

‘How is he?’ asked Adam as his father reached the bottom of the stairs.

‘Restless,’ said Ben as he took his seat at the breakfast table.  ‘He didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.  Without the help of those powders that Paul left I don’t think he would have got any at all.’

‘Leg still hurting him some eh?’ said Hoss.

‘More than he’ll admit to,’ replied Ben. ‘It should settle in a day or two though.’

‘Well the pain might settle, but I have a feeling that Joe won’t,’ said Adam. ‘Something tells me that it’s going to take a lot to keep him in bed for the next few weeks.’

Ben frowned as he helped himself to some eggs. ‘He has no choice,’ he said firmly. ‘I’ve told him that.’

Hoss gave a short laugh. ‘Telling short shanks and making him are two different things, you know that Pa.’

Ben chewed thoughtfully as Hop Sing entered the room carrying a tray. ‘Is that for Joseph?’ he asked.

The cook nodded. ‘Boy eat breakfast!’ he said in a determined voice as he headed for the staircase.

‘Good luck!’ called Adam with a grin. ‘Well I’ve gotta get going Pa.  You sticking close to the house today?’

‘Yes,’ replied his father. ‘I think I’d better.’  He glanced at the ceiling for a moment. ‘Something tells me I’ll need to have words with someone before the day is out.’  His voice softened. ‘Besides,’ he said. ‘He’s going to need some more pain relief I think and it’s not fair to Hop Sing to leave him with the responsibility of all that.’

‘OK.  See you tonight then.  Coming Hoss?’

Ben watched as his two sons left the table.  As he finished off his cup of coffee Hop Sing came downstairs again, muttering to himself. ‘What’s the matter?’ asked Ben. ‘Not co-operating?’

‘No eat!’ said Hop Sing shaking his head as he walked into the kitchen. ‘Cook favourite breakfast and still not eat.’

Ben sighed as he stood up. ‘I’ll talk to him,’ he said.

The first thing that he noticed upon entering his son’s room was the angry look on the boy’s face. ‘Hop Sing said you’re not eating breakfast,’ he said.

Joe frowned at him. ‘I’m not hungry,’ he replied.

‘I didn’t ask if you were,’ said his father as he sat down and picked up the plate of flapjacks and handed it to him. ‘Eat.’

Joe frowned even more. ‘I’m not hungry,’ he repeated.  When his father didn’t answer but merely kept holding the plate out to him, he took it with a dramatic sigh and picked up the fork. Ben watched in silence as his son made the barest attempt to eat, taking the smallest bite that he could. ‘Any pain?’ he asked after a moment.

Joe shook his head and took another small bite. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Where’s Adam and Hoss?’

Ben sat back in the chair and crossed his legs. ‘Gone to work,’ he said. ‘They’re up in the North Pasture today.’

‘Ain’t you going?’ asked Joe as he took another bite.

‘No.  I’m sticking close to the house today.’

The boy’s frown deepened. ‘You don’t need you to stay here on account of me,’ he declared. ‘I’m fine.’

‘I’m sure you are,’ said Ben easily. ‘But I have things to do here today.  Not everything around here revolves around you Joseph.’

Joe gave his father a sideways glance. ‘I know that,’ he said. ‘I just meant that I don’t need looking after like a baby.’

Ben nodded. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘Now if you would only finish that breakfast then I wouldn’t have to treat you like one would I?’  He gave his son a grin. ‘No one is treating you like a baby Joseph, but you’re going to have to let us take care of you in the next few weeks. There are lots of things you’re going to need assistance with son, so you’re going to have to get used to that fact. If you’re going to continue to make a fuss about eating, then I’m going to have to treat you accordingly.’  He smiled as he watched the boy take a larger bite at hearing his words. ‘That’s more like it,’ he said. ‘Now drink that milk or Hop Sing will give you a hard time as well.’

Joe gave another dramatic sigh as he picked up the glass and began to drink. ‘It ain’t fair,’ he said when he’d finished. ‘I feel like a prisoner up here.’

‘There’s no need to feel like that,’ replied his father. ‘It won’t be so bad if you just make up your mind to look on the bright side.’

Joe gave a snort. ‘Bright side?’ he said mournfully. ‘I don’t see no bright side of having to stay up here in bed all this time.’

Ben pursed his lips. ‘Well you don’t have to go to school and you can’t do your chores can you?’ he suggested. ‘That’s two things for a start.’

Joe thought for a moment. ‘Yeah,’ he said with a sudden smile. ‘I guess I can’t. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all?’

Ben patted him on the shoulder. ‘And your brothers and I will do everything we can to make the time go quickly for you,’ he said gently. ‘It won’t be too bad.’

Joe looked out of the window. ‘What kind of day is it?’ he asked.

‘Sunny,’ said his father. ‘Would you like a book to read?’

Joe wrinkled up his nose. ‘Reading?’ he said as if his father had suggested something incredible. ‘No thank you!’

Ben tried to hide a smile. ‘Well, is there anything else you need then?’

Joe looked a bit embarrassed. ‘Well,’ he said. ‘I can’t reach the … you know Pa … under the bed.’

Ben reached down and pulled out the chamber pot. ‘Need some help?’ he asked.

Joe went red. ‘Pa!’ he said as he snatched the pot. ‘Of course I don’t!’

Ben hid another smile. ‘I’m not joking,’ he said. ‘When Paul said to keep that leg still, he meant it Joseph.  Moving around in the bed for things like this is not advisable.’  He grabbed hold of the pot again. ‘Now let me help you.’

Joe grabbed it back again. ‘I don’t need help!’ he said, going even redder ‘It’s not for that!  Its just for peeing.’

‘Well when it’s for more you let me know,’ said his father. ‘Now hurry up and do what you have to.’

‘You don’t haveta stand there while I do it, do you?’

‘You can’t put the pot back on the floor by yourself now can you?’ said Ben impatiently. ‘Hurry up and get it over with.’  He walked over and looked out of the window to give his son a small amount of privacy.

‘Finished.’

Ben strode back over to the bed and took the pot without a word and put it back under the bed again. ‘Hop Sing will come up and take that later,’ he said. ‘Now you try and get some rest.  Do you want another one of those powders?’ Joe shook his head. Ben picked up the tray and headed out of the room with it. ‘I’ll be up again in a while,’ he said. ‘Get some sleep.’

==========

‘Your move,’ said Hoss. ‘Pay attention will ya Joe?’

Joe sighed and reached over to move his bishop. ‘I am concentrating,’ he said testily. ‘Hurry and make your move why don’t you?’

Hoss frowned. ‘Give me a chance!’ he replied. ‘Stop being so grumpy will ya?’

‘Well sorry,’ said Joe in a sarcastic voice. ‘Why don’t you just go back downstairs if you don’t want to be up here with me?’

‘I didn’t say I wanted ta leave,’ replied Hoss. ‘I’m just sick of your whinging that’s all.’

‘Yeah?  Well if you had to be up here all day and all night you might whinge too,’ declared Joe. ‘I’m sick of it!’

‘Aw, come on Joe,’ replied Hoss. ‘It’s only been three days.’

‘Exactly!’ said his younger brother. ‘And already I can’t handle it no more.  I’m gonna go mad up here for six weeks!’

‘Well why don’t you try exercising your brain a bit?’ asked Adam as he entered the room. ‘There are lots of things you could do to keep occupied you know.’

Joe frowned at him as well. ‘Yeah?’ he asked. ‘Like what?’

‘Well… you could do some reading for a start,’ said Adam as he sat down on a chair next to the bed. ‘It’d do you good to read a bit… expand your mind somewhat.’

‘My mind’s expanded enough!’ declared Joe. ‘I don’t need ta read any of them boring books like what you’ve got.’

Adam put his hands behind his head and leant back in the chair. ‘Now if I weren’t in such a good mood I just might take offence at that little brother,’ he said. ‘It’s lucky for you that I don’t.’

Joe scowled at the chessboard. ‘’Well I ain’t interested in Shakespeare and that other stuff like what you read,’ he said.

‘How do you know?’ asked Adam. ‘You’ve never tried it.’

‘I just know,’ said Joe grumpily. ‘Anyways, Miss Jones reads some of it to us at school and it’s boring!’

‘Well I have other books besides Shakespeare,’ said Adam in the same easy tone. ‘Think about it. Speaking of Abigail Jones reminds me though… Pa was talking about going in to see her and getting some school work for you to do, so that should keep you busy.’  He gave his brother a grin, knowing full well what his reaction would be.  Sure enough, Joe didn’t disappoint him.

‘You gotta be kidding!’ he said. ‘I can’t do schoolwork!’

‘Why not?’ asked Hoss. ‘You’re doing nothing else all day.’

‘But that ain’t fair!’ declared Joe. ‘I’m sick and I shouldn’t haveta do school work!’

‘Tell Pa, not us,’ said Adam. ‘Personally I think it’ll do you the world of good to do some.  You don’t want to be left behind in your studies do you?’

‘I don’t care!’ declared Joe.

Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘Hmm…. Well you probably wouldn’t,’ he said. ‘But Pa does.’

‘Check!’ said Hoss.

Joe looked startled. ‘What?’ he said as he bent forward to peer at the board closely. ‘How’d you do that?’

‘I told ya to pay attention,’ said Hoss smugly. ‘Now get out of that one if ya can.’  He and Adam exchanged amused glances as Joe continued to study the board. He was still studying it a few moments later when his father entered the room.

‘So this is where everyone is,’ said Ben. ‘I thought you’d all disappeared.’

‘Nah!’ said Hoss. ‘I’m just thrashing little brother here at chess.’

‘Well you’ll have to thrash him another time,’ said Ben. ‘It’s time this young man went to sleep.’

Joe looked up. ‘Aw Pa!’ he said. ‘I can’t sleep no more.  I’ve had too much already.’

‘Paul said you were to get plenty of rest,’ said Ben firmly.  ‘And that’s exactly what you’re going to do young man.’  He picked up the chessboard carefully and placed it on the dresser. ‘You can finish this game tomorrow.  Now boys if you’ll excuse us I need to get your brother organised.’

Adam and Hoss stood up. ‘See ya Joe,’ said Hoss.

‘’Make sure you tuck him in nicely Pa,’ said Adam with a smirk. ‘He looks a mite cranky and sounds as if he needs a good nap.’

Joe scowled at his brothers and opened his mouth to make a sharp retort, but shut it again as he saw the look on his father’s face. ‘Aw Pa!’ he whinged as he saw Ben take out a clean nightshirt from the drawer. ‘I don’t need to change again.’

‘Yes you do!’ said Ben firmly. ‘Now put your arms up and get that nightshirt off.’  Joe did as he was told, pulling the covers up around him as his father pulled his nightshirt off.  He reached for the clean one and frowned as Ben pulled it away from him. ‘Not so fast,’ his father said. ‘I’ve asked Hop Sing to bring up some warm water.  You could do with a wash.’

‘Again?’ said Joe. ‘I washed last night!’

‘And you’ll wash again today,’ said his father. ‘Ah… thank you Hop Sing,’ he said as the cook brought in a basin of water. ‘Just set it down there please.’  He turned to Joe again as Hop Sing left the room. ‘This time I just don’t mean your face and hands Joseph… you need to wash all over.’

Joe gave a huge sigh. ‘All right!’ he said. ‘I don’t see why though.’

Ben picked up a washcloth and some soap. ‘Well I do,’ he said. ‘Now pull down those covers.’

Joe looked at his father appalled. ‘I can do it!’ he said. ‘I’ll call out when I’m done.’

Ben smiled at him. ‘No you can’t,’ he said. ‘This is one of those things I told you you’d have to get used to Joe.  Now pull down those covers and we’ll get started.’

Joe clung to the covers firmly. ‘I can do it!’ he insisted. ‘I don’t want you looking at me.’

Ben tried not to laugh. ‘Joseph I’ve given you a bath many times,’ he said. ‘This is no different.’

‘Yes it is!’ declared Joe. ‘I’m older now and I’m not a little kid no more.’

Ben tried to keep a straight face. ‘Well how about you wash where you can and then I’ll finish off for you?’ he said as he handed his son the washcloth. ‘Here.’  He stood up and walked over to the window and stood with his back to the boy. ‘Hurry up.’

Joe dipped the washcloth in the water and began to soap it up. He quickly washed all the parts of his body that he could reach, being careful not to touch his broken leg, and then towelled himself off. ‘Finished,’ he said as he pulled the covers up again.

Ben turned and strode over to the bed. ‘Lean forward,’ he said as he picked up the washcloth and began to wash the boy’s back. ‘That feel good?’

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said in spite of himself.

‘Now lean sideways,’ said his father as he continued to work his way downwards. Joe looked at the wall as his father finished up. ‘There,’ said Ben. ‘That wasn’t so bad was it?’  Joe was silent. ‘Now before you get dressed I’ll help you with this,’ said his father, drawing the chamber pot out from under the bed. ‘Lean sideways.’

‘Pa!’ said Joe blushing.

‘Don’t Pa me!’ said Ben. ‘You can’t go on like this for six weeks Joseph.  You’ll end up with a bowel problem. Now lean sideways.’

Joe looked at the wall as he obeyed his father. Could life get any more embarrassing than this? he wondered.

‘I’ll take this basin downstairs,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll be back when you’ve finished.’

Joe kept staring at the wall and didn’t answer his father.  When the man left the room he breathed a sigh a relief and by the time he had returned ten minutes later he was feeling a lot better. Ben quickly pushed him sideways again gently, took away the pot and popped the clean nightshirt over his head. ‘There,’ he said, patting him on the shoulder. ‘I told you it wasn’t so bad.’

‘It’s embarrassing,’ said Joe sulkily.

Ben sat down next to him. ‘You’ve got no need to be embarrassed,’ he said. ‘Now lie down and I’ll get you settled.’  He noticed Joe’s pained look as he slithered down in the bed. ‘Is that leg hurting?’ his father asked.

‘Just a bit,’ said Joe as he put his head on the pillow. ‘Hey Pa?’

‘Yes?’

‘Adam said that you’re gonna get some schoolwork for me.  You ain’t really are you?’

‘I certainly am,’ said his father. ‘As a matter of fact I asked Miss Jones for some today.  She was very happy to oblige.’

Joe gave his father an appalled look. ‘You didn’t!’ he said.

‘In fact she said that she’d bring it out for you herself tomorrow and explain it,’ continued his father. Joe just shook his head at the thought of it. ‘Now you get some sleep,’ said Ben as he turned the lamp down low. ‘You’ll have work to do tomorrow.’

Joe put his head up again. ‘But it’s Saturday tomorrow!’ he said. He thought for a moment. ‘Ain’t it?’

‘Yes,’ replied his father. ‘So what?’

‘But… Saturday!’ said Joe. ‘No one does schoolwork on a Saturday!’

‘Well from now on you do,’ said his father ‘Miss Jones is only available to come out on a Saturday and she’ll give you your assignments for the week.’

‘Well you’d better let Adam know then,’ said Joe as he lay down again. ‘I’ll bet he’ll want to be busy away from here iffen she’s coming!’

Ben smiled as he shut the door. ‘That’s a safe bet,’ he said to himself softly.

==========

‘Hello Joseph,’ said Abigail Jones brightly as she entered the room behind Ben and looked around her inquisitively. ‘Well isn’t this a nice room!’  She plonked herself down on the chair beside the bed and didn’t wait for his reply before turning to Ben. ‘We’ll be fine here Mr Cartwright. I’ll explain all his work to him.’

‘I’ll get you some coffee,’ said Ben as he backed out of the room.

Abigail opened several books as she continued to look around. ‘Are your brothers around today Joseph?’ she said casually. ‘I didn’t see either of them when I arrived.’

Joe shook his head. ‘No,’ he said as he drew up the bedcovers even further around himself. ‘They’re out working.’

Abigail frowned. ‘Pity,’ she said. ‘I could have explained some of this to your brother Adam.  I’m sure that he would have been able to help you with it.’  She brightened up ‘Never mind,’ she said brightly. ‘We’ll manage won’t we?  Now take a look at this page….’

By the time Ben arrived back with the coffee, Abigail was holding forth with instructions and Joe was lying back on his pillow giving his father a sad look. ‘How’s it going?’ asked Ben.

‘Fine,’ said Abigail. ‘I’m just going to get Joseph to start on a few of these problems before I go, to make sure that he knows what to do.’  She handed Joe a pencil. ‘Off you go Joseph.’  Abigail turned to Ben and took the coffee. ‘Thank you Mr Cartwright.  I’ll be down shortly when we’re done.’

Ben left the room again, feeling as if he had been decidedly dismissed from his own house. He shook his head.  He could really begin to understand what his boys were talking about when they spoke of that woman.  It seemed that she certainly was a bossy boots!

Abigail drank her coffee and stared around the room as Joe worked. ‘Oh dear!’ she said after a moment. ‘I seem to have forgotten to bring an atlas to help you with those geography questions.  Would your brother Adam have one in his room Joseph?’

‘Yeah he does,’ said Joe, not lifting his head.

Abigail was on her feet in an instant and over to the door. ‘I’ll just go and get it then,’ she said. ‘Which one is his room?’

Joe looked up. ‘I’ll get Pa to get it,’ he said, reaching for the bell that his father had left near his bed. ‘I don’t think that Adam would like….’  He stopped as he realised that the teacher had already left the room. Oh boy! he thought to himself. Adam is sure not gonna be happy that she’s snooping around in his bedroom!

It was a full ten minutes before Abigail returned, looking quite flushed. ‘How is it going Joseph?’ she asked breathlessly as she sat down again.

‘OK,’ he replied. ‘Where’s the atlas?’

Abigail looked at him blankly. ‘Atlas?’ she said softly. ‘Oh yes … The atlas!  Well I couldn’t find it dear.  You’ll just have to ask your brother for it when he comes home.’  She leant over close to Joe. ‘When exactly will that be?’

Joe leant back away from her. ‘I dunno,’ he said.

‘Well then I’d better be going,’ said the teacher as she stood up. ‘Make sure you get all that work done by next Saturday and I’ll be back to correct it and bring you some more.’ She left the room abruptly, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Joe frowned at the door as she closed it, wondering just what she had been doing in Adam’s room all that time and wondering whether or not he should tell his brother when he returned.  He shrugged as he pushed the schoolbooks away from him and lay back down again.  As far as he was concerned, the work could wait.  He wasn’t rushing to get it done for the likes of Miss Abigail Jones!

==========

‘Everyone was asking about you at Church this morning,’ said Ben as he sat down next to his son’s bed. ‘Mitch and Seth wanted to know if they could come out and see you later.’

Joe’s eyes lit up. ‘Did you tell them yes?’ he asked eagerly.

Ben smiled at his son and nodded. ‘Of course I did,’ he replied. ‘I thought it might do you good to have some company.’

‘Thanks Pa!’ said Joe. ‘That’ll be great!’ He eased himself up and stared at his broken leg. ‘Is Doc Martin gonna visit too?’

‘He said that he’d be out tomorrow,’ replied his father. ‘He usually doesn’t make house calls on a Sunday if he can avoid it you know.’

‘Oh yeah,’ said Joe. ‘It’s Sunday ain’t it?  You know Pa, I think I’m beginning to forget what day it is.  They’re all the same up here,’ he added morosely.

Ben patted him on the head. ‘Come on now,’ he said. ‘Keep your chin up Joe.  You’re having visitors two days in a row, that’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?’

Joe frowned at his father ‘I don’t call the Doctor a visitor,’ he said. ‘But do you reckon he’ll let me sit in a chair or something now?  My leg don’t hurt at all.’

Ben shook his head. ‘No I don’t,’ he said. ‘He said six weeks in bed remember? Not six weeks in bed and in a chair.  I know this is hard for you Joe, but you just have to be patient son.  Now, how about some dinner?  Hop Sing has made fried chicken just for you.’

Later that afternoon as Joe waited for his friends to arrive, he thought about all that he was missing out on.  Usually on a Sunday afternoon he would take off and go fishing or something equally as inviting, and now… he sighed and wondered just how long it would be before his friends got sick of visiting him and forgot about him altogether.  He couldn’t really blame them if they did.  He was still lying back feeling very sorry for himself when Mitch and Seth entered the room. ‘Hi,’ said Mitch brightly. ‘What a way to get out of school Cartwright!’

Joe’s face lit up. ‘Hi!’ he said as he sat up. ‘Thanks for coming.’

Seth sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘We wouldn’t miss a chance to get a look at the invalid,’ he said sarcastically. ‘So what you been up to up here all the time?’

‘What do you think?’ said Joe morosely. ‘Not much I can do is there?’

‘Oh I don’t know,’ said Mitch with a twinkle in his eye. He looked around furtively. ‘Look what we brought you.’  He took a small bottle out from under his coat and Joe’s eyes widened.

‘What is it?’ he asked.

‘What do you think?’ said Seth with a grin. ‘We got it from Charlie at the Livery Stable.  We told him this story about our sick friend who needed some cheering up so he went and got it for us from the Saloon.’  He shrugged. ‘The part about the sick friend was true anyway.’

At that moment, Ben Cartwright entered the room and Mitch hastily put the bottle back under his coat. ‘Would you boys like something to drink?’ asked Ben pleasantly.  He looked puzzled as the three boys dissolved into laughter. ‘Is that funny?’ he asked.

‘No, not really Mr Cartwright,’ replied Mitch as he covered his mouth with his hand. ‘We’d love a drink thanks.’

Ben shook his head as he left the room. I’m getting too old for this, he thought to himself. It was much easier with Hoss and Adam when they were that age. Well at least they seem to have brightened Joe up a bit.  By the time he went upstairs again carrying a tray of drinks and cookies, all three boys seemed to have really brightened up considerably.  In fact they were so happy that they just kept giggling at him.  ‘Well I’m glad to see you are having a good time,’ he said. ‘I’ll leave you to it.’  His words only made them dissolve into fits of giggles again and he smiled to himself about the exuberance of youth as he left the room.

‘Here,’ said Mitch as he took the bottle out from under his coat again and handed it to Joe. ‘Have another swig.’

Joe took the bottle eagerly. ‘It kinda grows on ya, don’t it?’ he said with a giggle. ‘So tell me, what’s been happening at school while I’ve been away?’

‘Well we started to study about….’

Joe waved his hand in the air. ‘I don’t mean that,’ he said as he handed the bottle to Seth. ‘I mean the important stuff like who’s been in trouble and what’s old Jonesy been doing.  Stuff like that.’

‘Yeah, but you’ll be interested in this!’ said Seth as he leant forward. ‘Old Jonesy has been talking bout that new book in the bookstores.’

Joe frowned. ‘What book?’ he said.

‘Seems its all bout art and culture and stuff like that,’ said Mitch with a slight burp. ‘Here give me that bottle again.’

Joe wrinkled up his nose. ‘Since when have either of you been interested in culture?’ he asked sarcastically.

‘Seth’s eyes widened. ‘Since now,’ he said with a sly grin. ‘It’s a book from San Francisco that’s just come.  It’s all bout great artworks of the master painters.  Old Jonesy was saying how wonderful it was.’  He rolled his eyes for effect.  ‘She can’t show it to us though cause of all the…’ he lowered his voice. ‘Nekkid people in it.’ He and Mitch giggled.

Joe’s eyes widened even more. ‘She said that?’ he asked in wonderment.

‘No of course not,’ said Mitch. ‘She just told us bout all the pictures of sculptures and stuff in it.  Stands ta reason they’d be… nekkid though, don’t it?’

Joe nodded thoughtfully. ‘Reckon so,’ he said. ‘I’ve heard tell bout all them statues in museums. Adam’s been ta see em.’  He clicked his fingers. ‘Adam!’ he said, his eyes brightening. ‘I’ll bet he’s bought that book.’

Mitch swallowed. ‘Ya reckon?’ he said excitedly.

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah.  He always buys anything new that comes into the bookstores.’

‘Your Pa wouldn’t let him have a book like that here!’ declared Seth.

‘Yeah he would!’ said Joe. ‘He’s grown up so Pa wouldn’t tell him not to and iffen he did then Adam would just say it was culture and not rude.  Sides… Pa wouldn’t even know.’  His eyes narrowed. ‘I’ll bet he’s got it in his room right now.’

Seth jumped up excitedly. ‘Where is his room?’ he asked. ‘I’ll go get it.’

Joe shook his head. ‘No,’ he replied. ‘He’d know if we did that and then I’d be in awful trouble.’  He thought for a moment. ‘No… I’ll just havta think of a way to get it.’

‘Well if you do get it, don’t you dare give it back before you show it to us!’ declared Mitch. ‘You owe us for this!’ He held up the bottle, which was now empty.

‘Don’t worry,’ said Joe. ‘I’ll get my hands on it one way or the other and then we’ll all get to look at it!’  All three boys dissolved again into fits of giggles and downstairs Ben smiled to hear it.

==========

Adam frowned. ‘You want to what?’ he asked incredulously.

‘I want to borrow some of your books,’ repeated Joe with an angelic smile on his face. ‘I reckon you was right big brother.  I’ve got a hankering for some culture.’

Adam’s right eyebrow lifted considerably. ‘Really?’ he asked. ‘Well I’ll pick you out something then.’

‘None of that Shakespeare stuff but,’ said Joe. ‘Something with… oh … lots of pictures in it that’s easy to look at,’ he said casually.

Adam frowned even more. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘I’ll see what I can find.’  He looked suspiciously at his younger brother’s smiling face.

‘What are you finding?’ asked Ben as he entered the room.

‘Something for Joe to read,’ replied Adam.

Ben looked astonished. ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ he said. ‘I think it’s wonderful that you’ve decided to use your time well up here Joseph.’

Joe continued to smile. ‘Yes Pa,’ he said meekly. His head still felt a bit fuzzy from the afternoon’s visitors and he was content to lie back and let his father fuss over him.

‘Now,’ said Ben. ‘’Let’s see how much of that schoolwork you’ve managed to get done Joseph.’

Joe looked worried. ‘But I had visitors,’ he said. ‘I hadta entertain them all afternoon.  They were more important than old Jonesy’s… I mean … than any schoolwork.  I couldn’t be rude to them could I Pa?  I knew that you wouldn’t want me to do that.’  He gave his father his best puppy dog look.

‘I suppose not,’ said Ben. ‘But still, there’s no reason why you can’t get onto it now young man. Where are those books?’

Joe put his hand on his forehead. ‘I’ve got a bit of a headache Pa,’ he said in a weak voice. I don’t think I’d better strain my brain too much today or it might get worse.’  He was actually telling the truth for once as the effects of the alcohol had well and truly kicked in and he was feeling decidedly woosey.

Ben felt his forehead. ‘You feel all right,’ he said and then studied the boy’s face. ‘But you do look pale. ‘All right then… get some sleep and we’ll talk about your work in the morning.’

Joe lay back and smiled as his father left the room.  He wondered if he’d be lucky enough that Adam picked the right book for him the first time, but decided that the odds of that happening were too great.  Well, he’d just have to keep asking for more books until the right one appeared that was all.  He sighed as he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to his alcohol-induced slumber.

==========

‘Well for someone who had as much sleep as you did last night you sure don’t look too bright,’ said Adam as he dumped a pile of books on Joe’s bed. ‘Here, see if any of these are to your liking.’

Joe held his thumping head with one hand as he picked up the books one by one with the other.

‘I’m not sure,’ he said.  It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn’t even asked the name of the book in question and he flicked one of them open to see if there were any pictures in it.

‘Well keep them today and see,’ said Adam. ‘Mind you, if I’m going to lend you my books I’ll expect to know what you did or didn’t like about them when you’re finished. I’m not just having you put your dirty fingers on them for no reason.’

Joe looked at his hands as his brother left the room. ‘Hmph!’ he said to himself out loud. ‘My hands ain’t dirty!’  He held his head again as the thumping got worse.  Maybe that drinking hadn’t been such a good idea yesterday after all?

‘Right,’ said his father as he came into the room. ‘Time for you to get started on that school work young man.’  He picked up Adam’s books and placed them firmly on the dresser. ‘You can look at these when you’ve done your work.’

Joe frowned. ‘But I thought that I’d just have a look at …..’

Ben shook his head firmly. ‘School work first,’ he repeated. ‘It’s commendable that you want to look at your brother’s books and broaden your mind Joseph,’ he said, ‘but only when you’ve finished your work.’  He sat down next to his son’s bed. ‘Now show me what you’ve got to do first.

Joe sighed.  It seemed to him that this was going to be worse than school if his father was going to sit here with him and make sure that he did his work.  At least at school he had the luxury of looking out of the window and daydreaming for part of the day and playing tricks on his friends and teacher.

By the end of the morning, Joe’s worst thoughts had been confirmed.  His father was proving to be a hard taskmaster and hadn’t let him waste a minute.  He had popped into his room at regular intervals to check on his work and had even made Joe redo some of it when he deemed it not up to standard. By lunchtime Joe was well and truly sick of it all. ‘You ain’t gonna be here everyday to supervise me are ya Pa?’ he asked warily as he ate his lunch.

‘I’ll try to be,’ replied Ben. ‘And when I can’t, I’ll have Adam or Hoss do it.  Hop Sing has even volunteered to keep you on task young man, so you don’t need to think that you’ll be up here doing nothing.’  He leant forward and patted Joe on the shoulder. ‘I told you that we’d look out for you and try to help make the time go quickly Joe.  There’s nothing like keeping your brain active to help the time pass quickly.’

‘Yeah, well at this rate I’ll be ahead of everyone at school by the time I get back there,’ said Joe morosely.

‘Good,’ said Ben, pleased. ‘Now this afternoon you can have a rest and read some of Adam’s books if you like.  ‘I’ll be up later to give you another wash.’ He hesitated at the door. ‘And I won’t hear any more complaining about it either Joseph. You’ll wash and that’s an end to it!’

Joe scowled at the door as his father closed it. ‘Like a prisoner,’ he said out loud. ‘Only prisoners get time out for good behaviour sometimes!’ He picked up the pile of books eagerly and began to leaf through them.  It soon became obvious to him that there was nothing rude in them by the way of pictures and it seemed that Adam hadn’t chosen the right book this time.  He sighed and in spite of himself began to read.

==========

‘How about a game of cards?’ asked Hoss as he came into the bedroom.

Joe looked up from the book he was reading. ‘Yeah sure,’ he said. ‘Hey Hoss, did you know that it took the Egyptians years to build them pyramid things?’

Hoss looked puzzled. ‘Ya don’t say?’ he said.  After a moment he added, ‘What pyramid things?’

‘You know… the ones in Egypt,’ said Joe. ‘See? Here’s a drawing of one of em.  They used ta bury people in em.’

‘Why?’

‘I dunno,’ said Joe. ‘I ain’t got to that part yet.’

‘They were tombs,’ said Adam from the hallway as he passed by. ‘Liking the book I see, little brother?’

‘It’s OK,’ said Joe grudgingly. ‘You can have them two back though.’  He indicated the two other books on the dresser. ‘I’m finished with em.’  He looked up eagerly. ‘Can I have some more for tomorrow?’

‘Of course,’ said Adam. ‘Anything in particular?’

Joe hesitated, not wanting to sound too obvious and make his brother suspicious. ‘Well have ya got anything bout art and stuff?’ he asked. ‘You know… with lots of pictures?’

‘I’ll see,’ said Adam. ‘Since when have you been interested in that sort of thing anyway?’

Joe shrugged. ‘I dunno,’ he said. ‘Bout as long as I’ve been interested in these Egyptian people I guess.’  He put down the book as Adam left the room. ‘Hey Hoss?’

‘Yeah?’ said Hoss as he dealt out the cards.

‘Can ya teach me how to play proper cards?’

‘What do you mean proper?’

‘You know… poker and stuff.  Like with betting and all that.’

Hoss frowned. ‘I don’t think Pa would like that,’ he said.

‘Aw come on Hoss!  Pa don’t need to know,’ whined Joe in a voice that he knew his older brother found hard to resist.  He put on one of his best puppy dog looks. ‘Sides, You’d be helping me.’

‘Yeah?  How do ya figure that?’

‘Well you’d be protecting me from losing money when I’m old enough to go into a Saloon,’ said Little Joe cagily. ‘You wouldn’t want me to be taken advantage of would ya Hoss?’

‘I guess not,’ said Hoss slowly.

‘It’d be sorta part of my education,’ continued Joe, sensing that his brother was weakening. ‘Pa said to broaden my mind.’

‘I don’t think he meant by playing poker,’ said Hoss.

Joe sighed dramatically. ‘Well I thought older brothers were supposed to look out for their little brothers?’  He glanced at Hoss sideways to gauge his reaction.

Hoss hesitated. ‘Well I dunno Joe,’ he said. ‘Seems to me that…’

Joe smiled sadly at his older brother. ‘Just look at it as your contribution to helping me pass the time up here,’ he said. ‘It’s awful hard lying here with nothing to do all day Hoss.’  He lay back on the pillow and stared at his brother sadly. ‘Please?’

‘Oh all right,’ said Hoss grudgingly. ‘Only iffen you tell Pa…’

‘Me?’ squeaked Joe as he sat up again eagerly. ‘As if I would!  Come on then, deal em out.’

An hour later the two brothers were still engrossed in their game with bundles of matches spread out on the bedcover to illustrate money. Hoss was frowning and Joe was grinning. ‘This is great!’ he said delightedly. ‘If we was playing with real money you’d owe me a heap by now Hoss.’

Hoss scowled at his younger brother. ‘Don’t rub it in,’ he said sulkily. ‘You’re sure a quick learner Joe.’

‘It’s easy,’ said Joe rubbing his hands together in glee as he took another of the piles of matches from the middle. ‘I win again!’

‘You win what?’ asked his father as he came through the doorway. Joe quickly covered up the matches and smiled innocently at his father.

The game we’re playing,’ he said. ‘Some of these Old Maid games can be fun ya know Pa!’ He grinned to think that he hadn’t lied to his father as he hadn’t actually said what they were playing.  He batted his eyelids innocently and continued to smile. ‘I’ve done a lot of reading today too.’

‘Have you?’ said Ben, pleased. ‘I’m glad to hear it. Now pack all this away before Hop Sing brings up your supper.’  Joe quickly swept the matches into a box while his father was talking to Hoss and by the time Hop Sing entered the room he was sitting up and ready for his meal.

‘What’s tonight?’ he asked as Hop Sing put the tray on his lap. ‘Yuck!’ he said as he screwed up his face. ‘Liver!’

Hop Sing reached over and swatted him on the side of the head. ‘Boy eat it!’ he said. ‘Good for bones!’

‘But I hate liver,’ protested Joe. ‘You know that I do!’

‘You hate most things,’ said Hop Sing. ‘Nothing new!’

‘Joseph!’ said Ben angrily. ‘That’s enough of your nonsense.  You’ll eat what you’re given and be grateful for it.  Hop Sing is trying to provide you with nutritious meals.  He’s gone to extra trouble to prepare that for you and you’ll eat it without any fuss.’

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe quietly.

‘And drink all that milk too,’ said his father, pointing a finger threateningly at him.

‘Yes sir.’

Hop Sing glared at him and left the room, followed by Hoss.  Joe sat and stared at his plate sulkily. ‘Hurry up,’ said Ben. ‘When I come back up here I expect to see an empty plate young man.’

Joe glared at his father’s back as he left the room. ‘It ain’t fair!’ he said out loud. ‘They’re probably having something good down there!’  He sighed as he picked up his fork and began to push the liver around his plate. It seemed to him that the more trouble Hop Sing took over his meals the more horrible they tasted. ‘I wish he’d just not worry bout em at all,’ he said sulkily. ‘I’d be happy eating nothing!’  He looked around his room cagily and stared out of the window for a moment. In the blink of an eye he had picked up the piece of meat and thrown it out of the window, listening with satisfaction as he heard it bouncing on the roof several times before plopping off the side of the house. Grinning to himself, he then picked up his fork and began to eat the vegetables that were on his plate.

By the time Ben appeared back in the room, he saw with delight that Joe’s plate was just about empty. ‘Well you’ve certainly made an effort,’ he said, pleased. ‘If you keep eating like this you’ll be better in no time.’

‘Yes Pa,’ said Joe as he grinned up at his father.

==========

Joe grabbed the books from his brother’s hands eagerly. ‘Gee thanks!’ he said enthusiastically.

Adam looked suspiciously at his brother. ‘You sure you want them all?’ he asked.

‘Yeah!’ said Joe as he looked at the titles of the art books. ‘I’m kinda interested in art all of a sudden. Thanks!’

‘Don’t mention it,’ said Adam as he turned to leave the room. ‘I’ll be interested in hearing what you think of them.’

Joe didn’t answer.  He was too busy leafing through the books and examining the pictures to check out if any of them were rude. To his dismay he found that they were mostly of landscapes with a few fully clothed people. He sighed as he put them down. Now he would have to read bits of them to convince Adam that he’d taken notice of their contents, when all he really wanted to do was give them back and get some more.

‘Hi Cartwright!’  Mitch poked his head around the corner of the doorframe.

Joe grinned back at his friend. ‘Hi!’ he said happily. ‘I didn’t know that you were coming.’

Mitch shrugged as he sat down. ‘Just wanted to see if you’d had any luck with that book yet,’ he said.

‘Nah!’ said Joe, indicating the books on his bed. ‘I’m getting closer though.  He’s giving me lots of art books … just not the right kind yet.’

Mitch picked one up and flicked through it casually. ‘Nothing rude,’ he said sadly.

‘Don’t worry,’ said Joe confidently. ‘Give it time. Hey!’ His eyes brightened. ‘Did you bring any more of that … you know.’

‘Sure did,’ said Mitch. ‘I thought you’d need some more round about now.’  He took a bottle out from under his coat and Joe grabbed it eagerly.

Hey how about we play some cards?’ Joe suggested as he finished swallowing. ‘Hoss taught me how to bet at poker.’

Mitch’s eyes lit up. ‘Yeah?’ he said. ‘How’d you get him ta do that?’

Joe took the cards down from the dresser. ‘I told him he’d be protecting me for the future,’ he said as he began to giggle with the effects of the alcohol.

‘Hey good one!’ said Mitch as he too began to giggle. ‘Come on then, deal em out.’

As Ben crossed the front yard he heard the two boys’ giggles floating down from Joe’s bedroom window and shook his head. It seemed that every time Joe got together with one of his friends they got fits of uncontrollable giggles.  For the life of him he just couldn’t understand what the youngsters had to keep laughing about. He stopped as he saw Hop Sing standing at the side of the house shaking his head. ‘Hop Sing?’ he said as he approached the cook. ‘What’s the matter?’

Hop Sing looked up at him with a puzzled expression on his face. ‘Not know,’ he said. ‘Cats not eat for many days now.’  He indicated the group of cats that were his special pride and joy.  He had raised them from kittens and hand fed them conscientiously.  In return they kept the barn and the yards mice-free, making everyone’s lives a lot easier.

Ben looked at the sleek and well-fed cats. ‘They look fine,’ he said.

Hop Sing shook his head. ‘They not eat,’ he said. ‘Not want food. Hang round all time here.’  He pointed to the spot where the cats were grouped at the side of the house directly under Joe’s window. He shook his head again. ‘Not understand,’ he said sadly.

‘Well I wouldn’t worry about them Hop Sing,’ said Ben soothingly. ‘They’ll eat when they’re hungry I’m sure.’  He watched as the cook walked away from him and shut the kitchen door behind him, still shaking his head in a puzzled fashion.

Ben turned to see Paul Martin’s buggy coming into the front yard. He walked over towards the man and held out his hand. ‘Paul!’ he said delightedly. ‘Good to see you.’

‘I was out at the Miller ranch,’ said Paul as he got down from the buggy. ‘I thought I’d just stop by and check on Joe’s leg.’

‘Thank you,’ said Ben. ‘He seems to be in good spirits today.’

Paul smiled as another wave of giggling came from the upstairs window. ‘So I hear,’ he said. ‘Well lead me to him then.’

As the men entered Joe’s bedroom they sensed a flurry of activity as both boys moved to tidy things up on the bedcover. ‘Hello boys,’ said Paul Martin. ‘What are you up to?’

Both boys stared at him for a moment and then dissolved into a fit of giggling. ‘Noth…. Nothing,’ giggled Joe happily as he gathered up the pack of cards.  He noticed that Mitch had managed to collect the matches and was hiding them in his pocket. ‘Hello Doc!’

Paul looked at the happy boy for a moment. ‘I’ve come to look at your leg,’ he said and was amazed to see that Joe’s expression didn’t change at all as he had expected it to.

‘Sure!’ said Joe as he flung back the covers and pointed to it. ‘It’s still there!’ he announced and giggled again. Mitch joined in with him.

Paul glanced at Ben who merely shook his head.  ‘Well let’s take a look at it then,’ said Paul and bent over to examine the youngster’s leg. After a moment he straightened up again. ‘That looks fine,’ he said in a pleased tone. ‘You’re doing very well Joe.’

Joe giggled again and pulled the covers up around himself. ‘Gee thanks!’ he said and giggled again.

Paul shook his head at the boy and picked up his bag. ‘Well I’ll leave you both to whatever it is you’re doing,’ he said. ‘Interested in art I see?’  He added as he noticed the books on the bed.

‘Sure am!’ said Joe with a big grin. ‘Lots of that art stuff is interesting!’

Ben ushered Paul out of the room and closed the door on the sound of both boys laughing. ‘Well he certainly is in high spirits,’ said Paul. ‘I expected to see him sulking after this length of time Ben.’

‘Well he’s done enough of that,’ replied Ben. ‘To be honest though, I can’t really make him out.  One minute he’s whinging and totally impatient, and the next he’s… well he’s like you just saw him.  He’s interested in reading all of a sudden and he’s eating everything that Hop Sing brings him without a fuss.’

Paul patted his friend on the shoulder. ‘Well it sounds like things are going OK then,’ he said. ‘Be thankful while it lasts.’

Ben frowned. ‘Yes,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘It’s just….’  He shook his head. ‘Well… knowing Joseph as I do it’s just….’

‘Yes?’

Ben smiled. ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘Nothing I can put my finger on anyway.’  Thanks for coming Paul.  I’ll see you out.’

==========

Joe looked up at Adam with an innocent look. ‘They was real nice Adam.  Thanks for lending them to me. Any more of em?’

Adam gave his brother a frustrated look and ran his fingers through his hair. ‘I really don’t know,’ he said. ‘I think you’ve just about seen all of the art books I’ve got now.  Maybe I could find you something else.’

Joe shook his head. ‘Couldn’t you just check one more time?’ he pleaded. ‘You might have one that I haven’t seen yet.’

Adam shook his head. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘Give me a minute.’

Joe lay back and put his hands behind his head as he waited.  He could hear the meowing of Hop Sing’s cats below his window again as they waited for their supper and he grinned. Those cats had never been so well fed as they had during these past few weeks and they had him to thank for it.  He didn’t see any harm in it after all… Pa was pleased with him for eating everything that Hop Sing brought up and he felt fine with the few bits that he had eaten.  Hop Sing always gave him too much of everything after all!

He sat up in anticipation as Adam came back into the room holding a couple of books.  ‘Try these,’ he said as he flung them onto the bed. ‘I haven’t even looked at them myself yet, but there might be something in there that you’d like.’

‘Thanks,’ said Joe happily.  He picked up the first one, but noticed with dismay that Adam sat down on the chair next to his bed and leant forward. ‘Well?’ his brother said. ‘You haven’t said much about the parts that you’re enjoying.  What do you like about these art books anyway?’

Joe searched his brain to think of some useful piece of information that might have lodged itself there. ‘Well…’ he said thoughtfully and then his eyes widened. ‘I like the colours.’

Adam’s eyebrows lifted. ‘In what particular respect?’ he asked.

‘Um…. in the landscapes,’ ventured Joe for want of anything else to say.

‘Yes?’

Joe frowned. ‘And… well…. they kinda grow on you, ya know?’  He looked at his brother hopefully, thinking that it was time he left him alone to look at the books on the bed.

‘Do you know why the artists chose those particular combinations?’ probed Adam.

‘Nah.’

His brother leant forward even more. ‘Well that’s an interesting thing…’ he began.  Joe sighed and lay back on the pillow again, resigned in the knowledge that this was the price he had to pay for borrowing all those books.  Adam seemed to think that he really was interested in all that art, so Joe supposed he had done his job well.  Half an hour later he was still staring at his oldest brother, trying to look interested in what he was saying.

‘Don’t you agree?’ asked Adam enthusiastically.

‘Yeah,’ said Joe, not sure at all what he was agreeing to.

Adam patted his brother on the shoulder. ‘You really are growing up a bit Joe,’ he said pleased. ‘It’s nice to be able to talk like this about something that interests us both isn’t it?’

‘Yeah,’ said Joe weakly. ‘I’m kinda tired now though Adam. ‘Even though I’d love to listen to you some more, do you mind if we have a break?  I think I need some rest.’  He closed his eyes momentarily for effect and then half-opened them again to see if it was having any impression on his brother.

Adam stood up and patted Joe on the shoulder again. ‘Sure,’ he said. ‘You get some rest now.  We’ll talk again later. Maybe you can tell me about what’s in those two new books.’

Joe nodded tiredly and watched as his brother walked towards the door.  He picked up one of the books and opened it and his eyes widened in delight. ‘Yes!’ Adam heard his brother yell and he smiled gently as he closed the door behind him.  Joe really did seem to be maturing lately.  Maybe this enforced bed rest was doing him some good after all.  As he walked down the hallway a very happy youngster sat bolt upright in the bedroom behind him and leafed through the pages excitedly. ‘Yes!’ he shouted again as his heart began to beat widely. ‘Just wait until Mitch and Seth see this!’

==========

‘Wow!’ said Mitch excitedly. ‘She’s got nothing on at all.’

‘Let me see,’ said Seth impatiently and grabbed for the book.

‘Be careful,’ said Joe as he swatted his friend’s hand away. ‘Get our dirty paws off it!’ He held the book up for his friends’ inspection and grinned at them both. ‘There’s so many pictures like this in it,’ he said happily as he turned a few more pages. ‘Look!’  All three boys bent their heads over the book and stared at it delightedly. They passed a small bottle around as they gazed at page after page and sighed contentedly.

‘You’re so lucky Joe, being up here with this book and a broken leg,’ said Mitch wistfully. ‘Nothing to do all day but look at this.’  His eyes widened as Joe turned another page. ‘Look at that one!’

‘Yeah,’ Joe agreed. ‘Makes you wonder don’t it?’

All three boys bent their heads sideways. ‘How’s she do that anyway?’ asked Seth.

‘Dunno,’ said Joe as he stared at it sidewards. ‘I guess she’s just got good balance.’  He slammed the book shut as his father entered the room and grinned up at him. ‘Hi Pa,’ he said innocently.

‘Hello,’ said Ben pleasantly. ‘Boys, I think it’s about time you went home don’t you?  It’s very nice of you to be visiting so often these past few days, but I’m sure your supper will be ready now.’ He shook his head as the inevitable giggles came at his words. He really couldn’t remember either Adam or Hoss’ friends being so happy at this age.

‘When Mitch and Seth had left the room, Ben sat down next to Joe on the bed and looked at his son’s bright eyes and happy smile. ‘You seem to be in good spirits again,’ he said.

Joe smiled up at him. ‘Why wouldn’t I be?’ he said happily. ‘It’s like you said Pa.  I’m looking on the bright side of having to stay up here. I’ve got good books to read…’ he hugged Adam’s book to himself happily. ‘Hoss is teaching me… well, lots of new card tricks, Mitch and Seth bring me…. lots of good company,’ he giggled at the thought of what else they’d been bringing him and remembered the small bottle that was even at this moment under his pillow. ‘And… well I dunno. Things just ain’t too bad after all I guess.’

Ben ruffled his son’s hair indulgently. ‘Well I must say how proud I am of you Joseph,’ he said. ‘You aren’t being nearly as impatient lately as you have been. ‘Why Hop Sing even tells me that you’re eating everything on your plate.’

Joe continued to smile at his father. ‘Yes Pa,’ he said.

Ben stood up. ‘Doctor Martin will be here this afternoon to check your leg again,’ he said. ‘I must say that you’ve certainly been getting a lot of visitors lately.’

‘Yeah,’ said Joe as he thought about all the boys that Mitch and Seth had been bringing to see him and the book. ‘I’m real popular.’  As his father left the room, he reached under his pillow and brought out a small bag in which he kept his earnings. Adam’s book was proving to be most popular amongst the young boys of the district and Joe was earning quite a bit by charging a nickel a time to look at it.  Mitch and Seth of course were getting their cut too, but the bulk of it went to him as the keeper of the book.  He grinned as he began to plan out what he’d buy with all his newfound wealth when he was up and around again. Yes… he thought… it was always good to look on the bright side of things!

==========

You’re doing fine,’ said Paul Martin as he straightened up again. ‘You’ll be up and around in a couple more weeks Joe, so I suppose that will please you.’

Joe smiled at the doctor. ‘Yeah,’ he said simply.

Paul looked slightly puzzled as he packed his bag again. ‘I thought you’d be really anxious to get out of bed,’ he said.

‘I am,’ said Joe. He glanced at the book beside him, his fingers itching to open it again.

Paul noticed the look. ‘You’ve been doing a lot of reading while you’ve been stuck up here,’ he said. ‘Your father is pleased with you.’

Joe nodded at him impatiently. ‘Yeah,’ he said.

Paul sighed and picked up his bag.  It seemed as if he wasn’t wanted here, that was for sure. He left the room shaking his head at the inconsistencies of youth. Joe picked up the book happily and began to leaf through a few pages.

‘Whatcha reading Joe?’ asked Hoss as he entered the room.

Joe sighed and closed the book again. ‘Nuthin,’ he said and then his eyes brightened. ‘Hey Hoss?’

‘Yeah?’

‘How about you and me… well, how about we play a bit more poker?’

‘I dunno Joe,’ said Hoss warily. ‘Seems ta me that you’re a mite too fond of that game.  I’m sorry I even taught ya how to play it.’

‘I’m not,’ declared Joe. ‘It’s part of my education remember?  Why Pa’d probably thank you if he knew that you were helping me learn how to bet.’ Hoss didn’t look convinced. ‘It’s true Hoss!’ declared Joe enthusiastically. ‘It’s saving me from losing money one day … I’m sure of it!’  He looked at his brother sweetly. ‘Ya know what?  I’ve been thinking Hoss.  Who better to learn with than a trusted brother after all?  I’ll bet that if we used real money I’d learn a lot more besides.’  He looked up at Hoss and batted his eyelids a few times. ‘How about we try it huh?’

Hoss looked wary. ‘I dunno Joe,’ he said. ‘Sides… you ain’t got no money.’

Joe’s eyes lit up. ‘Yeah I have!’ he said and pulled out the small bag from under his pillow. ‘See?’

Hoss’ eyes widened. ‘Where’d ya get all that?’ he asked.

Joe hesitated. ‘I’ve been saving up,’ he said. ‘Come on Hoss… how about it?’

Hoss grinned. ‘Well… as long as you don’t whinge when you lose it all,’ he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of coins. ‘Deal em out then little brother.’

Joe grinned at his brother as he reached for the cards on the dresser.

==========

Hop Sing shook his head in a puzzled fashion as his cats turned away yet again from the dish of food that he’d prepared for them. ‘Still not eating?’ asked Ben as he came and stood beside him.

The diminutive cook shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Strange.  Not sick, but not eat.’  He walked away to the kitchen, shaking his head and muttering to himself in Chinese.

Ben turned to see Adam standing behind him. ‘I’m going into town Pa,’ said Adam. ‘Anything I can get for you?’

‘You can pick up the mail,’ said Ben. ‘Oh and I don’t suppose you’d like to pick up some more work for your brother at the school house?’

Adam looked pained. ‘Do I have to?’ he said. ‘You know what’ll happen.’

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulder. ‘I know son, but it’s school time.  Surely Abigail can’t keep you too long with all her students there.’

Adam made a face. ‘Well all right,’ he said grudgingly. ‘But only because Joe needs the work.’  He vaulted up into the saddle and tipped his hat at his father. ‘See you at lunch,’ he said.

About two hours later Adam sighed as he approached the little schoolhouse. He had put this off as long as possible and he knew that it had to be… but he just prayed that Abigail would be so busy that she wouldn’t be able to stop and talk to him for long.  He squared his shoulders as he entered the small classroom and took off his hat as every eye turned to him.  Abigail Jones was sitting at her desk and stood up straight away with a huge smile on her face. ‘Why Adam Cartwright!’ she said. ‘What a pleasant surprise. Say hello to Mr Cartwright class.’

‘Good morning Mr Cartwright,’ chorused the class and Adam felt decidedly uncomfortable as he felt the children staring intently at him. ‘Um… good morning,’ he said and then turned to Abigail. ‘I’ve come for more work for Joe,’ he said. ‘He’s finished all that you gave him last Saturday.’

‘Already?’ said Abigail. ‘Your father must really be working him hard.’

‘Yes,’ said Adam shortly.  He cleared his throat when Abigail simply stood and stared at him without saying anything more. ‘Could you get it please?’

‘Oh yes,’ replied the teacher. ‘It’s time the children had a break anyway.’  She turned towards the class. ‘Children we’ll have an early recess. Dismissed.’

‘Oh no!’ said Adam quickly. ‘Please don’t let me disturb you.  Let the children stay… please?’

Abigail gave him a toothy smile. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she said. ‘They don’t mind. Children… go outside please.’

Adam swallowed nervously as the children filed past him, each of them giving him admiring looks, which he found hard to work out. It was as if they were all very pleased to see him. He tried to smile at them as he nervously wrung his hat in his hands. Abigail busied herself getting together some books and handed them to him. ‘Here,’ she said. ‘If you’d like to sit down then I’ll explain to you what Joe has to do.’  She gave Adam another toothy smile.

Adam shook his head. ‘Thank you,’ he said as he put his hat back on. ‘But I’m sure he’ll work it out. I have to go now.’  Just as he turned to go he spied a dash of colour on the teacher’s desk and hesitated when he noticed it was a red handkerchief. ‘Um… goodbye,’ he said, tipping his hat at the teacher as he left the room.  Abigail stood with her hands over her chest and took several deep breaths before turning away with a dazed expression on her face.  She picked up the red handkerchief and pressed it to her face as she breathed deeply of its fragrance.

Outside, Adam bounded down the stairs and strode over to his horse where a group of young boys were clustered. ‘Hello Mr Cartwright,’ said one of them, looking up at him admiringly.

‘Hello,’ said Adam, still puzzled as to why they were all looking at him in such a fashion. ‘Thank you,’ he added as the boy handed him the reins. He mounted quickly and put the books into his saddlebag, noticing that the group of boys had increased in number. He gave them a fleeting smile. ‘Bye,’ he said.

‘Bye,’ they chorused as he rode away.

‘Is he the one that owns it?’ asked a small boy standing beside the bigger ones.

‘Yeah,’ said Mitch admiringly. ‘That’s him.’

‘Oh,’ said the little boy. ‘One day I’m gonna have saved up enough ta see it,’ he said wistfully.

Mitch frowned. ‘You’re too young,’ he said. ‘Don’t even think about it Stevie.’

Little Stevie Conner sighed. ‘I ain’t too little!’ he declared to himself. ‘I’m gonna see that book!  I swear I am!’ He frowned in a determined fashion as he stomped back to the classroom.

==========

‘You sure you’ve got everything you need?’ asked Ben as he poked his head around the doorway.

‘Yeah Pa I’m fine,’ said Joe. He was sitting up in bed, propped up with three pillows and holding Adam’s book that he seemed to love so much.

Ben smiled as he continued to do up his tie. ‘You seem to really be enjoying that book of your brother’s,’ he said. ‘I must take a look at it myself if it’s so interesting.’

Joe swallowed and put the book down hastily. ‘It really ain’t that interesting,’ he said. ‘Kinda boring really.  I don’t think you’d like it at all.  I’m just trying to improve my mind like I know you want me too Pa,’ He gave his father a sweet smile.

‘Well that’s wonderful Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘Now you take it easy while we’re at Church son. We’ll be back in a few hours.  Hop Sing is downstairs if you need anything.’

Joe smiled again at his father. ‘OK Pa,’ he said. ‘Thanks.’  He snuggled down in the bed and opened the book again and Ben gave him a smile as he quietly closed the door. The boy was really growing up, he thought as he went downstairs and headed for the front door. It seemed like his youngest son was finally becoming mature. Perhaps this broken leg of his had happened for a reason?

It was with a full heart and a full smile that Ben drove the buggy into the Churchyard an hour later. ‘Well boys,’ he said. ‘Looks like we’re a bit early for Church this morning. Time to stretch our legs a bit.’  He got down from the buggy, followed by Adam and Hoss and then turned as he felt a pressure on his arm.

‘Pa?’ said Adam. ‘Looks like Mr Conner isn’t too happy about something.’

Ben looked across the churchyard and saw the man in question who was striding towards them with a dark look on his face. He frowned as he held out his hand. ‘Bill,’ he said pleasantly. ‘How are you?’

Bill Conner pushed past him, ignoring his greeting and strode straight over to Adam. ‘I want a word with you!’ he said.

Adam looked puzzled. ‘Mr Conner,’ he said. ‘Um… what can I do for you?’

‘I’d like to know just where you get off corrupting the young ones around here with your lewd books!’ the man shouted. ‘How dare you!  They’re only children!’

Adam went red and stammered. ‘But… but … I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ he said. ‘What?’

Bill Conner pointed his finger at Adam’s nose. ‘You and your education!’ he shouted. ‘You think you’re so smart with all that learning! Well it might interest you to know young Cartwright that not everyone feels about art the same way that you do!  You have no right to show such stuff to young impressionable children such as my Stevie and all them other kids.’

Adam looked around and noticed a group of people clustering around at the man’s words and several of them were nodding. ‘Look Mr Conner,’ he said. ‘I really don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even know your son.’

‘And it’s going to stay that way!’ declared the man. ‘Lucky I caught him in time before he had the chance to make it out to your place and be corrupted like all them other kids!’  He looked around at those who were clustered around them.  ‘It’s like I told you all,’ he shouted. ‘My boy ain’t going ta be corrupted by this one and if any of you are decent parents you’d feel the same way about it that I do!’

Ben stepped forward. ‘Now just a minute Bill,’ he said. ‘I think you’d better explain what this is all about.’

Bill Conner turned to Ben. ‘I’m sorry Ben,’ he said. ‘It ain’t your fault.  Leastways I’m assuming you didn’t know about it.’

‘Know about what?’ asked Adam. ‘What exactly am I supposed to have done?’

Bill Conner glared at him. ‘I found my Stevie stealing a nickel from his Ma’s purse,’ he said. ‘He claims it was payment to get a look at your filthy book like all them other kids have been doing.’ He looked around again at the crowd. ‘Filthy pictures!’ he spat. ‘That’s what he’s been showing around to all your younguns!  Filthy pictures and disguising it as art!’

Adam looked shocked. ‘What?’ he said. ‘I never…’ stopped and stared at his father. ‘Joe!’ he said.

Ben took a deep breath and nodded slightly. ‘Yes,’ he said grimly. ‘Exactly what is in that book of yours that he’s so fond of?’

Adam lifted his hands in a gesture of dismay. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I haven’t read it yet.’  He turned towards the crowd. ‘It seems that there’s been a misunderstanding here,’ he said. ‘It’s not me that has been showing that book around.  I have a feeling it’s my younger brother Joe.’

Bill Conner continued to glare at him. ‘And just where did he get such filth from?’ he demanded.

‘Well from me,’ admitted Adam. ‘But it’s not filth. ‘It’s art.  Just because it’s…’

‘I don’t care what you call it!’ declared the man. ‘It’s still filth and I’ll have none of it around my son!  Just because you Cartwrights let your youngun look at it don’t mean that we have to.  Ain’t that right?’  He looked around at the nodding crowd.

‘Now just wait a moment there!’ said Ben. ‘If this book is as you say, then of course I don’t approve of my son looking at it.  This is the first I’ve heard of it.’

‘Well then I suppose you don’t know that he’s apparently been charging for the others to look at it?’ said Bill.

Ben’s jaw clenched. ‘No,’ he said shortly. ‘I wasn’t aware of that. I assure you though that the boy will be punished for his behaviour.’

‘Hmm,’ said Bill in a quieter tone. ‘Well…. as I said Ben, I reckon you didn’t know.  As long as the boy is dealt with we’ll hear no more about it. But I really think you should keep a closer eye on your son’s reading material.’  He glanced at Adam. ‘All your sons,’ he said thoughtfully.

Ben nodded and smiled at the other man. ‘As you say Bill,’ he said soothingly. ‘Now let’s get into Church before we talk the morning away, shall we?’  He turned to Adam as the crowd dispersed. ‘We’ll discuss this on the way home,’ he said firmly.

Adam grabbed his father’s arm. ‘But Pa,’ he said. ‘I didn’t know what was in the book!  I thought…’

‘On the way home Adam,’ said Ben in a steely voice as he turned towards the Church.  Hoss gave Adam a mournful look and followed his father.  Adam shrugged as thoughts of his younger brother came into his head. ‘If Pa doesn’t kill him, then I will!’ he said softly as he followed.

==========

The ride home was less than pleasant for all three Cartwrights, compounded by the fact that the Minister’s sermon was still ringing in their ears all the way.  Adam wondered bitterly if the man had chosen the Bible passage about the corruptibility of youth on purpose, or if it was sheer chance.  It didn’t really matter, he decided. It had been the final thing to push his father’s temper over the edge and at one stage he had really thought that the man was about to stand up and walk out of the church in the middle of the Service.

And then there had been the reaction of the crowd afterwards. It was icy to say the least, as each person they passed gave them outraged looks.  Adam could almost feel his father’s unspoken anger as he got into the buggy.  Even Abigail Jones had given him a disappointed look as she fluttered a red handkerchief across her face.  Adam frowned as he glanced across at his father as the buggy stopped. ‘You going up to see Joe now Pa?’ he asked.

I certainly am!’ declared Ben. ‘And I’d like you both with me please.  This is going to be spoken about immediately.’

Hoss shrugged at Adam and followed his father. Adam brought up the rear, his anger mounting with every step that he took.  As they reached Joe’s bedroom, Ben flung the door open and strode over to the bed. Joe was in a deep sleep, Adam’s book open on his chest and his face a mixture of contentment and peacefulness.

‘Joseph!’ Wake up!’ shouted Ben as he snatched the book up. He opened it and his eyes widened as he leafed through the pages before handing it to Adam. Hoss looked over his brother’s shoulder as Adam turned a few pages. ‘Oh Lordy!’ said Hoss in embarrassment. ‘That’s… Oh Lordy!’

Joseph!’ repeated Ben as he shook his son’s shoulder. ‘I said to wake up!’

Joe opened his eyes and smiled sleepily as he looked up at his father.  ‘Hi Pa,’ he said. ‘You back from Church already?’

‘We certainly are,’ said Ben as he sat down next to the bed. ‘Sit up.’

Joe opened his eyes even wider, puzzled at the tone in his father’s voice. He sat up and his eyes widened as he noticed the book in Adam’s hand. ‘I … um… I ain’t finished with that yet,’ he said feebly. ‘Can I have it back?’

‘Oh yes you have finished with it Joseph!’ said Ben firmly. ‘You have definitely finished with it young man.’  He glared at the boy on the bed.

Joe swallowed and lay back down again. ‘My leg hurts,’ he said. ‘I think I’d better rest some more.’

‘I said to sit up!’ thundered Ben and Joe sat up again immediately. Ben leant forward. ‘Is what I hear true young man?  Have you or have you not been charging for other children to look at this…. this book?’  He waved his hand in the general direction of the book.

Joe swallowed again. ‘Which book?’ he asked feebly.

‘Joseph!!’ thundered his father. ‘I suggest you stop this nonsense and answer my question!’

Joe grimaced at the tone of his father’s voice. ‘Yes,’ he said quietly.

‘Where is the money?’

Joe reached under his pillow and pulled out the small bag that was there.  Unfortunately at the same time a bottle also rolled out and landed on the floor at Ben’s feet. ‘What is this?’ asked his father as he bent to pick it up. Joe shrank away from his father as Ben opened the top of the bottle and smelt its contents. ‘Whiskey!’ he thundered. ‘What in the name of….. Could you explain to me why you have a flask of whiskey under your pillow young man?’ Joe looked at his father pleadingly and was silent. ‘I’m waiting!’ shouted Ben. ‘Don’t make this any worse than it already is Joseph!  Hurry up and answer me!’

‘It… well….’

‘Yes?’

‘I um… I thought it would do me good,’ said Joe feebly. ‘For the pain.  It’s awful bad sometimes Pa,’ he added. ‘Like now.’  He rubbed his leg. ‘It’s hurting something bad Pa.  I think I’d better….’

‘Don’t you dare insult my intelligence with your lies!’ yelled Ben. ‘For the pain indeed! Where did you get this from?’

‘Mitch and Seth,’ said Joe quietly, realising the futility of lying anymore.

‘So this is why you three have been giggling so much!’ shouted Ben. ‘You’ve been drunk!’ Joe looked at his brothers pleadingly and shrank back at the expression on their faces. He said nothing. ‘Give me that bag!’ said Ben.  He opened the small bag and emptied it onto the bedcover, watching in amazement as the coins rolled out.  ‘You had this many children come to see that book?’ he asked in amazement.

‘Oh no Pa!’ Joe assured his father. ‘It weren’t nearly that many!  That’s just the money I won from Hoss is all.’ he put his hand over his mouth as he realised what he’d just said.

Ben’s eyes narrowed. ‘From Hoss?’ he asked quietly as he turned to face his middle son. ‘Why are you giving your brother money Hoss?’

‘I weren’t,’ said Hoss indignantly. ‘I reckon he was cheating Pa!  No one could have won as many hands as he did… honestly!’

Ben rubbed his hand over his eyes wearily. ‘Do you mean to tell me that you have been betting money with your younger brother here?  What were you playing?  Poker I suppose?’

‘Yeah,’ admitted Hoss grudgingly. ‘But I was only trying to protect him Pa!’

‘Protect him?’ asked Ben weakly.  He put up his hand. ‘On second thoughts don’t tell me.  I think it’s best if I don’t know.’

He turned towards the boy on the bed again. ‘I don’t suppose I have to tell you how I’m feeling right at this moment do I Joseph?’  Joe shook his head, his eyes wide. ‘Not only have you embarrassed myself and your brothers today, but you’ve done a great deal of damage to your own reputation as well.’  He indicated the book in Adam’s hand.

‘It weren’t my fault,’ declared Joe, sitting up straight again. ‘You said to do some reading and expand my mind and Adam was the one that gave it to me!’  He smirked at Adam triumphantly.

Adam’s jaw dropped. ‘Why you little….’ He began and then his voice trailed off as he became speechless with rage. He drew a deep breath. ‘Pa if you don’t belt him, then I will!’ he declared. ‘Everyone thinks I’m trying to corrupt the youth of the district all because of this….’ he waved his hand towards his brother, ‘this…. troublemaker!’  His face began to go red and his breaths came quickly in a rare display of emotion.

‘You bought the book!’ declared Joe. ‘Even Miss Jones said that it was rude, but you still bought it!’

Adam’s eyes widened. ‘What right have you got to question what I buy?’ he spluttered. ‘I’m an adult and I can buy anything I want to!  Besides… it’s art and there’s nothing wrong with it!’

‘Well then, why is it wrong for me to look at it?’ asked Joe with a gleam in his eye. ‘If it’s art, then it should be…’

‘Joseph!’ interrupted his father. ‘That will do! It appears that for the past few weeks you have been up here drinking, betting at poker and looking at rude pictures. Is there anything else you want to add to the list before we go any further young man?’

Joe shook his head as he stared at his father. ‘I’m sorry Pa,’ he said quietly.

‘Oh, I’m sure you are Joseph,’ said Ben as he stood up. ‘And you’ll be even sorrier the moment Doctor Martin gives you clearance to get out of this bed.  Unfortunately your punishment will have to wait until then, but the moment he says that you are well you will be wishing you were sick in this bed once again!  Do you get my meaning?’

Joe swallowed . ‘Yes Pa,’ he said quietly.

‘According to my calculations you have one more week up here Joseph,’ said his father quietly. ‘And it will be a very long week for you young man.  There will be no more visitors bringing alcoholic drinks for you and sharing lewd pictures with you.  There will be no more poker games with your brother.’ He glared at Hoss who looked at the floor. ‘And your reading material will be strictly supervised by myself and will consist of schoolwork only. I have a feeling this will be a week that you will remember young man! And all week you can stay here and think about what you have done!’

He turned and strode from the room. ‘Adam! Hoss!’ he shouted. ‘Leave your brother to do some thinking by himself!’

‘With pleasure!’ said Adam angrily. ‘I have something to look for in my room anyway!’  He went off to search for a certain red handkerchief that he had misplaced.

Joe grimaced as Hoss gave him a dark look before turning to follow their father. He sighed as he lay back on the pillow and glared at his broken leg. ‘It’s all your fault!’ he said angrily. ‘Stupid broken leg! If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have had ta do them things!’  He sighed again at the unfairness of it all and glared at the ceiling.

Hop Sing entered the room bearing a tray. ‘Boy in trouble,’ he admonished as he set it down. ‘Make father very angry!’

‘Yeah,’ said Joe grudgingly. ‘Weren’t my fault but!’

Hop Sing swatted him on the side of the head and then left the room muttering to himself in Chinese. As if he didn’t enough of his own worries! Now Mr Cartwright was in a bad mood and the whole household would pay for it.  And all because of one boy’s foolishment!

He grabbed a bucket as he went through the kitchen and headed towards the pump outside, giving Ben a wide berth.  As he stooped to fill his bucket he heard a loud exclamation behind him and turned in amazement to see Mr Cartwright standing with a piece of meat sitting on his head.  Hop Sing watched in amazement as another piece of meat came sailing through the air and landed at the man’s feet.  Three cats dived on it straight away and struggled over it as he and Ben looked at each other in amazement.

Ben reached up and picked the piece of meat out of his hair and looked at it. ‘Joseph!’ he yelled as he strode back towards the house again.

The End