Summary:  A traveling dentist visits town

Rated: K (11,710 words)

The Dentist

Dr Paul Martin stopped and looked in amazement at the wagon as it proceeded slowly down the street. He whistled softly under his breath and leant against a pole as he stared. ‘Well I’ll be!’ he said softly and shook his head in disbelief. ‘Never thought I’d see that here in our town!’

 

 

 

He turned sharply as he felt a grip on his shoulder. ‘See what?’ a voice behind him said and he turned to see Adam Cartwright standing behind him, grinning widely. ‘See what?’ Adam repeated.

 

 

 

Paul pointed to the wagon as it passed them.  It was being driven by a thin man with a greying moustache who was tipping his hat to the many people who had stopped to look at his wagon and Adam could see at a glance why he was attracting so much attention.  From the back of the wagon a pole was extended and from it hung a very large replica of … Adam squinted in the sunlight to make out exactly what it was. ‘A… A tooth?’ he said in disbelief.

 

 

 

Paul nodded as the wagon rumbled on up the street. ‘Yes, a tooth,’ he said as he tipped his hat back. ‘Well I’ll be.’

 

 

 

Adam frowned at him. ‘Is this what I think it is?’ he said. ‘Don’t tell me we’ve got a travelling oral surgeon in our town.’

 

 

 

Paul smiled at him. ‘Could be,’ he said. ‘Although the common name for them now is dentists I believe.’ He shook his head again. ‘Either this is one of them or he’s just one of those many travelling charlatans who make out as if they are something they’re not. Hard to tell really.’

 

 

 

Adam frowned even further. ‘Well if he is a fake, then someone should warn everyone around here,’ he said. ‘I’d say you’d be the best one to do that Paul.’

 

 

 

Paul raised his eyebrows at Adam. ‘Why me?’ he said. ‘I’m no dentist.’

 

 

 

‘No, but you’re a medical man and people respect you,’ said Adam. ‘And you must admit you’ve done a bit of oral surgery when you’ve had to.’

 

 

 

‘Exactly,’ replied Paul. ‘The operative phrase being ‘had to’ of course. No Adam, I’m no dentist and if this man is, then good luck to him.  Mark my words he’ll probably set up shop somewhere from that wagon of his and we’ll probably begin to hear very quickly if he’s any good. After all, people around here haven’t ever had access to anything like this before and they’ll probably flock to him for treatment.’

 

 

 

Now it was Adam’s turn to raise his eyebrows. ‘You really think so?’ he asked. ‘I doubt it.  No offence Paul, but you must know that anyone who looks after some part of the body and causes pain isn’t exactly popular anywhere.’

 

 

 

Paul gave a short laugh. ‘No?’ he teased. ‘So that’s why I sometimes feel a bit slighted by everyone around here.’

 

 

 

Adam slapped the doctor on the shoulder. ‘I’m going to listen to what he has to say,’ he said. ‘Coming?’

 

 

 

Paul shook his head. ‘No, I’ve got patients to see. You go along and let me know what happens.  Good luck.’

 

 

 

Adam tipped his hat at the man and stepped off the sidewalk to follow the crowds that were trailing after the wagon and it’s large bobbing tooth that could still be seen even at this distance. ‘Well I’ll be!’ said Paul Martin again as he turned to walk away.

 

 

 

Adam walked the length of Main Street before he noticed that the wagon had pulled up at the far end of town and the man stood up. ‘Come closer my friends!’ he shouted. ‘Come and listen to what the wonders of modern science can do for the fair people of Virginia City.’

 

 

 

Adam stayed on the edge of the crowd and watched the man as he put both of his arms up in a dramatic gesture and beckoned to the increasing crowd him.  He put his hand up to still the noise and then spoke over the hush that developed. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen,’ he said. ‘You are witnessing one of the wonders of modern science. I am here to give you a service, the like of which many of you will never have experienced before!  I present to you the wonders of the science of dentistry!’

 

 

 

The man pointed to the crowd. ‘How many of you have put up with the nagging pain of toothache?  How many of you have experience the mind-numbing pain of having a tooth pulled?’  Adam could hear a shudder go through the crowd at the man’s words. ‘I am here to tell you that all that is a thing of the past.’

 

 

 

A man in the crowd made a sarcastic comment and everyone laughed. The man in the wagon glared at him as he pointed at him. ‘I see you need convincing my friend,’ he said. ‘Then I invite you to come along tonight to hear the wonders that I have to offer you.’  He pulled out a large poster and held it up for everyone to see. Adam craned his neck to get a look over the man in front of him and noticed that it had a picture of a large tooth on it and some writing underneath. ‘Tonight…’ he heard the man continue. ‘8 pm on this very spot you will be enthralled at the ideas you hear.  Remember my friends!’ he shouted as the crowd began to disperse. ‘8 pm tonight and you will be amazed at what I have to tell you!’

 

 

 

The crowd gradually drifted away but Adam remained where he was, watching the man roll up his poster and sit back down again.  His curiosity got the better of him and as soon as everyone had left he approached the man in the wagon.

 

 

 

‘That was quite a speech,’ he said as he tipped his hat.

 

 

 

The man looked at him. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I hope you’ll be back tonight to hear what I have to say.’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged his shoulders. ‘I’m not sure,’ he said. ‘Something tells me I might have heard a lot of it before.’

 

 

 

The man looked him up and down before speaking.  He wasn’t quite sure what to make of this well-dressed and obviously intelligent young man who gave him such an appraising stare. ‘You’re familiar with the field of Dentistry?’ he asked after a moment.

 

 

 

‘Not really,’ Adam replied. ‘But I am familiar with the field of frauds who are out to make a quick dollar.’

 

 

 

The man frowned. ‘I should take offence at that remark sir, but I won’t,’ he said. ‘I can see that you are an intelligent young man and I urge you to come tonight to find out for yourself that what I have to say is totally genuine.’  Adam raised an eyebrow, but didn’t look convinced. ‘I have studied with men of distinction in this field in New York and Boston,’ continued the man. ‘Amos White is the name and I can assure you that I am no fraud.’

 

 

 

Adam looked surprised. ‘Boston?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied the man. ‘Among other places. I studied at the ‘Baltimore College of Dental Surgery’ with some of the great men in this field.’

 

 

 

Adam’s expression changed immediately. ‘Really?’ he said. ‘I attended College in Boston a few years ago. Maybe I ran across some of the men you’re speaking about?’

 

 

 

Amos White hesitated for a moment. ‘I doubt it,’ he said. ‘Although there was one demonstration at Harvard that I attended you might have heard about.  It was conducted by a truly great man in this field. Mr Horace Wells and his partner Mr William Morton.’

 

 

 

Adam took an involuntary step backwards and went pale. He was silent for a few moments before replying. ‘No… he said. ‘No I don’t think…’  He tipped his hat. ‘Well, good day Mr White.

 

 

 

‘Don’t forget!’ the man called after him. ‘8 pm tonight! I hope to see you here!’

 

 

 

Adam didn’t reply, but walked swiftly up the street in the direction he had come from.

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘Adam?’ said his father, looking across at his eldest son. ‘Why so quiet tonight?’

 

 

 

Adam looked up from his plate. ‘Huh? Oh, no reason Pa. I was just thinking about something that’s all.’ Ben gave his son an appraising stare and then concentrated on his meal again. He looked up as Adam spoke.  ‘I thought I might go into town tonight for a while,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’m going too!’ said Little Joe in a flash.

 

 

 

Ben glared at his youngest son. ‘You are doing nothing of the kind,’ he said shortly.

 

 

 

‘But Adam gets to go whenever he likes,’ said Joe indignantly. ‘That’s not fair.’

 

 

 

‘Adam is not sixteen years old, that’s why,’ said his father. ‘Now be quiet please.’ Joe gave his father a sulky look and said nothing. ‘Why tonight Adam?’ asked Ben. ‘You don’t normally go into town on a week night.’

 

 

 

‘There’s something I want to take a look at,’ said Adam casually. ‘A visitor was in town today and I want to hear what he has to say in a session he’s holding tonight.’

 

 

 

‘Me too!’ said Joe, excited at the prospect of a new visitor in town. ‘Can I come Adam?’ He quickly slunk back in his chair as his father gave him one of his stern looks.

 

 

 

‘Who’s the visitor?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘A man by the name of Amos White,’ replied Adam. ‘He’s from back East and he’s holding a session tonight.’

 

 

 

‘A session?’ asked Ben. ‘A session about what?’

 

 

 

‘Oral surgery,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Both Joe and Hoss put their heads up at their brother’s words and stared at him.

 

 

 

‘What’s oral surgery?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘Dentistry,’ said Adam. Joe looked none the wiser at his brother’s explanation, so Adam continued. ‘He’s a dentist.  He examines people’s teeth.’

 

 

 

Joe glanced at Hoss and noticed that his brother gulped. ‘Why?’ Hoss asked.

 

 

 

‘A dentist checks people’s teeth to make sure that they’re sound,’ explained his brother. ‘And when they’re not, he either fixes them or extracts them if he can’t.’ Hoss looked horrified, but said nothing as he bent his head and began to eat again.

 

 

 

‘That’s disgusting!’ declared Little Joe. ‘He should be put in jail for something like that!’

 

 

 

‘Joseph be quiet,’ said his father sternly. ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about!’  He turned to Adam again. ‘I believe that Dentistry is quite the thing back East,’ he said. ‘There are even a few of these Dentists springing up in San Francisco.’

 

 

 

‘So I believe,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Ben looked thoughtful. ‘Is this man genuine?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’m not sure,’ replied Adam. ‘That’s why I thought I’d go in and hear what he has to say. I must admit he mentioned a couple of names from back East that I know are genuine though.’

 

 

 

‘Really?’ asked his father ‘Who?’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged casually. ‘Just a couple of men I’d heard about,’ he said. ‘I attended a demonstration they gave once at Harvard.’

 

 

 

‘What did they do?’ asked Little Joe, intrigued. ‘Did they pull out someone’s teeth?’

 

 

 

Hoss went pale and laid his cheek on his hand. ‘Stop it,’ he said. ‘Can’t we change the subject?’

 

 

 

Adam glanced at his brother. ‘I take it you don’t want to come in with me then?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘No way!’ said Hoss. ‘You can have that sorta thing on ya own older brother.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll come!’ said Little Joe with a gleam in his eye. ‘I’d like to see it!’

 

 

 

‘I’ve told you you’re going nowhere tonight,’ said his father.

 

 

 

Adam paused for a moment. ‘Well to be honest Pa, I don’t mind taking Joe with me for once,’ he said. ‘I think it might be educational for him to hear what this Mr White has to say.’

 

 

 

‘Ya hear that Pa?’ said Little Joe delightedly. ‘Adam says it’d be educational for me!’ He glanced at his father triumphantly.

 

 

 

Ben hesitated.  It wasn’t often that Adam was willing to have his younger brother hanging around him in town and he figured he must really be keen about this session if he was happy to take Little Joe along with him. ‘How long will it go for?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’m not sure,’ said Adam. ‘But I’ll make sure he’s not too late home to bed.’

 

 

 

‘You make me sound like I’m a kid!’ declared Joe indignantly and Adam and Ben merely looked at him silently.

 

 

 

‘Well all right then,’ said Ben finally. ‘I don’t see any harm in it.’  He turned to Joe. ‘But you behave yourself for your brother Joseph or this will be the last time you get to town this month.  Understand?’

 

 

 

‘Yes sir,’ said Joe happily and stood up. ‘Can we go now Adam?’

 

 

 

‘I’d like to finish eating first,’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘If its not too much trouble for you to wait of course.’ Joe said nothing, but sat down again, anxious not to antagonise his brother and make him change his mind about taking him.

 

 

 

‘So what was the demonstration about that you attended in Boston?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Nothing much,’ said Adam evasively. ‘It didn’t amount to anything.’

 

 

 

Ben studied his son for a moment and noticed how pale he’d become at his father’s words. ‘Are you all right son?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam stood up. ‘I’m fine,’ he said. ‘Come on Joe. ‘Let’s get going.’

 

 

 

‘Bye Pa!’ Joe grinned at his father. ‘Bye Hoss. I’ll tell ya all about it later.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t bother!’ said Hoss shortly. He made a face and put his hand to his cheek.

 

 

 

‘What’s the matter son?’ asked Ben quickly.

 

 

 

‘Nuthin,’ said Hoss. ‘I’m gonna go and check on the horses.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head as the front door banged for the second time in as many minutes. ‘Well at least I’ll have a quiet night now,’ he said softly as he lifted his coffee cup.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘There it is,’ said Little Joe excitedly. ‘Where all them people are!’  He bounced in his saddle and turned to face Adam who was riding sedately beside him. ‘Come on Adam… hurry up!’

 

 

 

‘Just settle down,’ said Adam. ‘We’ve got plenty of time. We’ll tie our horses up here.’  He dismounted and tied hi horse to a tree and waited while Joe did the same. ‘Come on,’ he said as he made his way over to the edge of the crowd. Joe followed his older brother as Adam made his way through the crowd and found two seats half towards the front. The two Cartwrights sat down and Joe turned to watch everyone around them, tipping his hat to several people he knew while he did so.

 

 

 

‘Will you sit still?’ hissed Adam. ‘There’s no need to bounce around on your seat like that for heavens sake.’  Joe opened his mouth to make a smart retort to his brother, but at that moment the crowd hushed as Amos White stepped in front of them carrying a small table, which he placed beside him.

 

 

 

‘What’s on the table?’ asked Little Joe, craning his neck to see. ‘I can’t see it.’

 

 

 

‘Sit still,’ hissed Adam again and pulled his younger brother backwards in his chair. ‘Just be quiet and you’ll hear.’

 

 

 

‘Friends!’ shouted Amos. ‘Thank you for coming tonight.  You are in for a rare treat I promise you.  Never before will you have witnessed what you are about to see friends.  I promise you that you will be truly amazed at what you are going to witness tonight!’

 

 

 

Little Joe looked at Adam excitedly. ‘It sounds great don’t it Adam?’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged his shoulders. ‘Mmm,’ he said, watching the man in front of them closely.

 

 

 

‘I am about to explain to you one of the wonders of modern science,’ continued Amos.  Here on this table is a new wonder drug…. Citizens of Virginia City, I give to you….’  He picked up a small bottle from the table and held it over his head dramatically. ‘I give to you the new wonder drug…. Nitrous Oxide!’

 

 

 

The crowd gasped at the man’s words and everyone sat forward to get a closer look. Little Joe turned to Adam. ‘What’s it do?’ he asked. Adam put his finger on his lip. ‘Just be quiet and listen,’ he said softly.

 

 

 

‘This small bottle holds the future to pain relief!’ declared the man as he continued to hold the bottle aloft. ‘Here is your opportunity to experience firsthand the wonders of this new drug.’

 

 

 

What’s it do?’ yelled someone from the audience.

 

 

 

‘I’m glad you asked,’ said Amos. ‘Nitrous Oxide has an extraordinary power my friends.  By using this wonder drug I have the ability to perform painful and often dangerous oral procedures on my patients without a twinge of the pain that they would usually experience.  All performed while the patient is fully awake!’

 

 

 

The crowd gasped again and Joe turned to Adam with wide eyes. ‘He don’t mean it!’ he said. ‘How could he do that?’  Adam said nothing, but continued to listen to the man intently.

 

 

 

‘Yes friends,’ continued Amos, ‘Not a twinge of pain is felt by the patient.’  He held up a rubber mask, which was attached to a rubber hose. ‘Using this device the Nitrous Oxide is applied to the patient and completely numbs the area which I will then proceed to work on.’  He looked around the audience. ‘Who amongst you is afflicted by the dreaded toothache?’  Several hands went up and Joe looked around excitedly. ‘Who amongst you would be willing to show your courage and test this wonder drug right here and now in front of everyone?’  Every hand went down quickly.

 

 

 

Amos frowned. ‘Come now,’ he urged. ‘Surely there is one amongst you who is brave enough to show everyone just how effective this miracle of science can be?’  No one moved or said a word. ‘I myself have felt its effect,’ continued Amos.  He beckoned to a man sitting in the front row. ‘Good man, please take a look and tell everyone what you see right here in my mouth.’

 

 

 

The man looked and turned to face the audience. ‘He’s got a silver filling in his tooth,’ he said loudly.

 

 

 

‘And it was put there without me feeling one bit of pain,’ urged Amos. ‘Now who will come up for a free filling and show everyone how it can be done?’

 

 

 

There was a hushed silence over the crowd and no one moved. Joe leant over to Adam and whispered in his ear. ‘No one’s gonna do it!’ he said. ‘I don’t blame em do you?’  Adam shook his head as he continued to stare at Amos.

 

 

 

Amos began to look frustrated. ‘All right citizens,’ he said at last. ‘I can understand your reluctance to take my word for it. How about I offer a free test of this wonder drug without drilling a tooth with my ratchet wrench?’ He held up the instrument for everyone to see and several people gasped at the sight of it. ‘How about I offer a free scraping to clean the teeth of the first volunteer?  There will be no pain I can s assure you.’

 

 

 

‘What’s a scraping mean?’ asked a man in the second row.’

 

 

 

‘It means that I simply sue this small instrument here,’ said Amos, holing up a small metal instrument that looked rather like a sharp spoon. ‘And I scrape your teeth clean. There is no pain involved I can assure you.  And by using the Nitrous Oxide I will prove my point that nothing at all, the least little scraping of your teeth, will even be felt.

 

 

 

‘I’ll do it!’ said the man. ‘I’ll be anything iffen it’s free!’  He leapt up onto the stage, sat on the chair that Amos had placed there and grinned at the audience. ‘Let’s get started,’ he said.

 

 

 

Amos pushed the man back in the chair and began to attach the end of the rubber tube to the top of the bottle of Nitrous Oxide. ‘Now just relax,’ he said. ‘Breathe deeply and slowly.’

 

 

 

Every eye was fixated on the man in front of them who sat very still, doing as Amos had told him.  After a few moments, Amos removed the rubber mask and said, ‘How do you feel?’

 

 

 

The man grinned around at the audience again. ‘Fine,’ he said.  He put his hand up to touch his mouth. ‘Hey!’ he exclaimed. ‘I can’t feel nothing!’  He began to look worried as Amos pushed him back in the chair again and forced his mouth open.  He brandished the instrument in his hand around for the audience to see and then bent over the man and began to work.  For a full three minutes not a sound could be heard as the dentist worked and by the time he had straightened up again everyone could feel the tenseness in the air. ‘Sit up my good man,’ said Amos loudly. ‘Sit up and tell us how you feel.’

 

 

 

The man sat up, looking amazed. ‘How ya started yet?’ he asked. ‘I didn’t feel a thing.’

 

 

 

There was a stunned silence for a moment and then everyone burst into spontaneous applause. Joe clapped loudly and looked across at Adam, amazed. ‘Holy Toledo Adam did ya see that?’ he shouted. ‘Ain’t it amazing?’  Adam said nothing, but stared straight ahead of him.

 

 

 

Amos bowed deeply to the audience and put on an air of modesty. ‘Friends!’ he said. ‘You’ve seen it with your own eyes now. I want you to tell all your friends that Amos White is available for consultations right here beginning tomorrow morning.  Remember… Nitrous Oxide the wonder drug will change your life if you are willing to give it a try!’  With that he turned and disappeared into his wagon with a flourish, leaving everyone cheering and clapping their hands as they walked away.

 

 

 

Wow!’ said Joe as he sprang to his feet. ‘Wait till Pa and Hoss hear about this!’  He pulled Adam to his feet. ‘Let’s get home and tell em about it eh Adam?’

 

 

 

Adam pulled his brother’s hands off him. ‘Just settle down,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘But don’t ya think it was exciting?’ asked Joe as they walked back towards their horses. ‘That man couldn’t feel a thing!  I reckon it was one of them miracles.’

 

 

 

‘Hmm,’ said Adam with a frown. ‘I wouldn’t call it that.’

 

 

 

‘What’s the matter with you?’ asked Joe as they mounted up. ‘You saw it too.  Don’t ya believe it?’

 

 

 

‘I believe what I see proven by science,’ said Adam shortly. ‘And I’m still not convinced.’

 

 

 

‘But he couldn’t feel anything,’ insisted Joe.

 

 

 

‘So he says,’ replied his brother. ‘How do you know he wasn’t a plant in the audience?’

 

 

 

Joe frowned.  He hadn’t thought about that. ‘He looked genuine to me,’ he said at last. ‘I don’t reckon he was faking it.’

 

 

 

Adam said nothing, but simply turned his horse towards the edge of town and trotted away, leaving Joe to follow him.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘You shoulda seen it Pa,’ said Joe excitedly as soon as the two brothers got through the front door. ‘It was like one of them miracles.’

 

 

 

Ben looked up from his newspaper. ‘Really?’ he said, amused at his son’s obvious enthusiasm. ‘What happened?’

 

 

 

Joe perched himself on the coffee table in front of his father and began talking excitedly. ‘His name is Amos White and he’s got this new wonder drug. That’s what he called it anyways.  It makes ya get no pain when he starts doing that dental stuff in ya mouth.  There was a man what volunteered and he didn’t feel nothing.’

 

 

 

‘Really?’ said Ben. ‘Did he pull one of his teeth out?’

 

 

 

Joe shuddered. ‘No!’ he said. ‘Tweren’t nothing like that.  He …’ Joe looked at his brother. ‘What did he call it?’

 

 

 

‘He scraped his teeth,’ said Adam as he sat down. ‘To clean them.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah he scraped em,’ continued Joe. ‘He used this mask thing over his face and he put this new wonder drug in it.  It’s called…’ he looked at Adam again.

 

 

 

‘Nitrous Oxide,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe. ‘And the man didn’t even know he’d done what he done till it was all over,’ he finished with a flourish.

 

 

 

‘Really?’ said Ben for a third time.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe.

 

 

 

Ben turned to Adam. ‘What did you think son?’

 

 

 

Adam raised an eyebrow as he sat back in his chair. ‘To be honest Pa, I don’t really know.  He seemed genuine enough, but…’

 

 

 

‘But?’ Ben prompted.

 

 

 

‘Oh I don’t know,’ replied Adam. ‘It just seems … well… I don’t know.’  He stood up. ‘I think I’ll go up to bed. Night.’

 

 

 

‘Good night, son,’ said Ben, turning back to his paper again.

 

 

 

‘I think I’ll go up and tell Hoss about it,’ said Joe as he stood up.

 

 

 

‘Hoss is asleep,’ said his father. ‘Tell him about it in the morning Joseph.’

 

 

 

‘Asleep?’ said Joe, glancing at the clock. ‘But it’s only early.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t think your brother is feeling too well,’ replied Ben. ‘Leave him alone and tell him about it in the morning.’

 

 

 

‘OK,’ said Joe and sat down again. ‘I’ll just stay down here with you for a bit then.’

 

 

 

Ben put his newspaper down and stared at his son. ‘Good night Joseph,’ he said meaningfully.

 

 

 

Joe sighed and stood up again. ‘Night Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben grinned as he picked up the paper again.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

Adam felt as if there was a heavy object on his chest which made it difficult to breathe.  He turned his head to see what it was, but discovered that he couldn’t even manage that much movement.  In fact his whole body seemed to be beyond his control.  His legs felt heavy and he was unable to move his arms at all… not even the slightest movement of his fingers.

 

 

 

He opened his eyes to see Amos White standing in front of him with a huge grin on his face. ‘Just relax now,’ the man said as he leant towards him. ‘Just relax and let me do what I have to.  You won’t feel a thing.’

 

 

 

Adam watched in horror as Amos held up a sharp knife-like instrument in front of him and brought it forward to show him.  He could see the sun glinting on the blade and he swallowed at the thought of the sharp metal cutting inside his mouth.  He tried to turn his head away from the instrument, but Amos had him in a vice-like grip as he forced his mouth open.

 

 

 

‘No!’ cried Adam as he felt the knife slicing into his gum. ‘No! Stop it!  No!’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Adam!’

 

 

 

Adam opened his eyes to see his father’s face in front of him. ‘Pa!’ he cried out. He blinked a couple of times and tried to focus his eyes.

 

 

 

‘Adam?’ said his father again. ‘Are you all right son?’

 

 

 

Adam nodded his head slightly. ‘I think so,’ he said. ‘What happened?’

 

 

 

Ben sat down on the edge of his son’s bed. ‘You had a bad dream,’ he said. ‘I heard you calling out.’

 

 

 

Adam sat up in the bed. ‘It’s usually Joe who does that isn’t it?’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben nodded and smiled at his son. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘It sure is unusual for me to have to come in here in the middle of the night.’

 

 

 

Adam rubbed his temple. ‘Sorry I woke you,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘That’s all right.  I was up anyway,’ said Ben. ‘Hoss was moaning in his sleep as well.  It seems that Little Joe is the only one getting a good night’s rest tonight.’

 

 

 

‘Hoss? What’s wrong with him?’

 

 

 

‘I’m not sure,’ replied Ben. ‘He wasn’t too well earlier this evening.  Do you want to talk about your dream?’ Adam continued to rub his temples silently. ‘It might help,’ said his father.

 

 

 

‘I dreamt I was sitting in a dentist’s chair,’ said Adam. ‘Stupid really … brought on by Amos White’s demonstration probably.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘No doubt,’ he said and waited.

 

 

 

‘It brought back… memories… that’s all,’ continued Adam.

 

 

 

‘Memories?’

 

 

 

Adam lay down and stared up at the ceiling. ‘In Boston,’ he said. ‘When I was in College.’

 

 

 

‘You said you went to a demonstration one day,’ prompted Ben.

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said shortly.

 

 

 

‘You want to tell me about it?’

 

 

 

‘There’s not much to tell really,’ replied his son. ‘I only went because a friend of mine asked me to.  He thought it sounded interesting and he didn’t want to go alone.’

 

 

 

‘And?’

 

 

 

‘Well we went to this lecture by a man named Horace Wells. He and his partner William Morton were from the ‘American Society of Dental Surgeons’ and they were giving a lecture on Nitrous Oxide to the medical students there.’

 

 

 

‘The same drug that this man White is using?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Anyway they had a man inhale the drug just like White did tonight. Apparently though, Wells didn’t administer enough of it before they began to pull his tooth out.’  Adam shuddered. ‘I can still hear his screams after all these years,’ he said. He looked at his father. ‘Stupid really, because I heard that later on they did another demonstration that went perfectly well.  Wells and Morton have been hailed as the new leaders in dentistry during the past few years.’

 

 

 

‘And today’s demonstration brought back the memory of it,’ he said. ‘That would have been enough to bring on your dream.’

 

 

 

‘I suppose so,’ said Adam. ‘I remember Grandfather insisting I have my teeth checked by an oral surgeon while I was staying with him in Boston at the time and they were fine.  I’ve never had to go through any dental work, so I don’t know why I’d suddenly be worrying about it now.’

 

 

 

Ben patted him on the shoulder. ‘Well let’s hope you never do,’ he said. ‘It’s not a very pleasant experience at the best of times. Hopefully though this Nitrous Oxide will help to improve things.’

 

 

 

‘If it’s used properly,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Ben stood up. ‘You try and get some sleep now son,’ he said. ‘I’ll go and check on Hoss before I turn in again.’

 

 

 

Good night,’ said Adam as he rolled over to face the wall.

 

 

 

‘Night son,’ replied his father. ‘Pleasant dreams,’ he said with a smile as he closed the door.

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘It was great!’ said Little Joe for the tenth time. ‘Ya shoulda seen it Hoss.’

 

 

 

Ben glanced over at Hoss who didn’t look at all impressed by his younger brother’s words.

 

 

 

‘That’s enough now Joe,’ his father said. ‘You’ve told us all about it.’

 

 

 

‘Three times,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Joe glared at his brother. ‘Well, it was interesting,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Not enough to hear it over and over again,’ said Adam as he glanced over at his middle brother. ‘What’s wrong with you Hoss?’

 

 

 

‘Nuthin,’ said Hoss. ‘Why won’t everyone leave me alone?’

 

 

 

Adam looked surprised at his brother’s words, as it wasn’t like Hoss to be grumpy. ‘I was just asking,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Well don’t,’ replied Hoss.

 

 

 

Ben looked at his middle son. ‘Aren’t you hungry son?’ he asked.  Adam and Little Joe looked up at their father’s words. It was definitely not like Hoss to be off his feed at any time!

 

 

 

‘I’m hungry enough,’ said Hoss shortly. ‘Leave me be Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben continued to watch his middle son out of the corner of his eye and noticed that he was merely pushing his food around his plate… a sign that something was definitely wrong. ‘Perhaps you need to see Doc Martin,’ he suggested. ‘If you’re not feeling well that is.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t need to see no doctor,’ said Hoss as he got up from the table. ‘I’m going to work.’

 

 

 

Everyone flinched as the front door slammed. ‘Well that was out of character,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

‘I don’t care what he says,’ said Ben. ‘There’s something wrong with him and I aim to get to the bottom of it.’

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Little Joe. ‘He’s gone all moody and taking it out on all of us.  That ain’t fair!’ Ben and Adam stared at the boy. ‘What?’ said Joe defensively.

 

 

 

‘It’s just strange hearing those words coming from you for a change,’ said his father.

 

 

 

‘Huh?’

 

 

 

‘Never mind,’ said Ben. ‘Let’s get to work boys.’

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

Hoss sat on the upturned barrel in the barn and unscrewed the top of the small bottle in his hand.  He dipped his finger into the clear liquid inside it and then stuck it into his mouth, sucking on it noisily.

 

 

 

What ya doing Hoss?’ asked a cheeky voice behind him and he nearly fell off the chair in his fright.

 

 

 

‘Don’t ya ever sneak up on me like that again Joe or I’m gonna pound ya!’ he said angrily as soon as he’d taken his finger out of his mouth.

 

 

 

Joe made a face and sat down beside his brother. ‘What’s in the bottle?’ he asked, trying to snatch it away from Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Nuthin,’ said Hoss grumpily. ‘Mind ya own business!’

 

 

 

Joe looked at his brother suspiciously. ‘Why’d ya put some of that stuff in ya mouth?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Hoss cuffed his little brother over the head. ‘I told ya it’s none of ya business,’ he said. ‘Now quit going on about it.’ He made a face and put his hand up to his cheek briefly.

 

 

 

Joe narrowed his eyes as he looked at his brother. ‘Are ya sick?’ he asked. ‘Pa said you was and I reckon he’s right.’

 

 

 

‘I ain’t sick! Now stop going on about it will ya!’ said Hoss. ‘Ain’t you got work ta do?’

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe, but didn’t budge.  He glanced at the bottle in his brother’s hand again. ‘Oil of… What’s that say on the label?’

 

 

 

Hoss put his hand over the label of the bottle. ‘Do ya want me ta pound ya little brother?’ he said threateningly. ‘Ain’t it enough that I’m feeling like this without you going on about it?’

 

 

 

‘Then you are sick!’ said Joe triumphantly. ‘I knew ya was!’

 

 

 

Hoss glared at him. ‘Shut up!’ he said. ‘Stop going on about it.’

 

 

 

‘Pa says he’s gonna make you go to Doc Martin,’ said Joe. ‘Maybe ya should iffen you don’t feel good Hoss.’

 

 

 

Hoss sighed. ‘He’d do me no good,’ he said. He put his hand to his cheek again.

 

 

 

Suddenly the light dawned in Joe’s eyes. ‘You got a toothache ain’t ya?’ he said. ‘That’s what’s wrong with you ain’t it?’

 

 

 

‘Shut up!’ said Hoss. ‘I don’t want Pa to know.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t want Pa to know what?’ said a voice behind them and Hoss jumped a second time. He turned to see Adam standing in the doorway.

 

 

 

‘Nuthin,’ he said sullenly.

 

 

 

‘Hoss’ got a toothache,’ said Joe and ducked as Hoss leant out to hit him.

 

 

 

Adam frowned and took the bottle from Hoss’ hand. ‘What’s this?’ he said. ‘Oil of Cloves?’

 

 

 

‘Hop Sing gave it to me,’ said Hoss. ‘He says it works.’

 

 

 

‘It sure does,’ said a voice from behind them and Hoss jumped for a third time. He gulped as he saw their father standing in the doorway behind Adam.

 

 

 

‘Uh… Hi Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben raised his eyebrows at his son before replying. ‘We used to use Oil of Cloves a lot for this young man here when he was teething. Don’t you remember?’  He pointed to Little Joe.

 

 

 

‘Me?’ squeaked Joe. ‘What’d I need that for?’

 

 

 

‘You would have screamed the house down otherwise,’ said his father, taking the bottle and looking intently at the label. ‘Your mother used to rub it on your gums to stop the pain.’

 

 

 

‘Huh?’

 

 

 

‘It’s a numbing agent,’ explained Adam. ‘It was the only way any of us could get any sleep with you bellowing all night.  I remember it well.’

 

 

 

‘Paul Martin said you had strong gums and the teeth found it hard to break through,’ said his father. ‘You had a hard time of it.’

 

 

 

‘And let everyone know it,’ said Adam dryly.

 

 

 

‘Weren’t my fault!’ said Little Joe defensively. ‘I couldn’t help it iffen I was only a baby!’

 

 

 

Ben looked at Hoss. ‘When did this start?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘A couple of days ago,’ admitted Hoss with a shrug. ‘This stuff helps though.  I’m sure it’ll be OK.’

 

 

 

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Well I thought ya might make me go to that dentist feller that Adam and Joe have been talking about,’ explained Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Hey that’s a great idea!’ said Little Joe, jumping up excitedly. ‘How bout ya go and try that wonder drug he’s got Hoss?  I’d like to see it work again.’

 

 

 

‘I ain’t going to no dentist just so you can check out some stupid drug,’ said Hoss crossly.

 

 

 

‘It ain’t stupid!’ declared Little Joe. ‘It works, don’t it Adam?’

 

 

 

Adam just shrugged and said nothing.

 

 

 

‘Well drug or not,’ said Ben, ‘you really should go and see Paul Martin about that tooth Hoss.’ He looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to consult this Amos White feller as well.’

 

 

 

‘I ain’t going ta see no dentist!’ declared Hoss as he stood up. ‘Hop Sing’s medicine will do me just fine!’  He stomped out of the barn, leaving his father and brothers staring after him.

 

 

 

‘Well seems to me he’s being right selfish!’ declared Little Joe. ‘It’d be great to see that wonder drug work again.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his little brother a dark look and shook his head as he followed Hoss out of the barn. ‘What’d I say?’ asked Little Joe.

 

 

 

Ben stared at his youngest son for a moment in disbelief. ‘Sometimes you amaze me Joseph,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

Joe grinned back at his father. ‘Thanks Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben shook his head and walked out of the barn after Adam. Little Joe began to whistle a tune softly as he walked over to pat his horse in his stall.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘I didn’t know that you were in town.’  Ben turned to see Sheriff Roy Coffee standing next to him.

 

 

 

‘Oh … hello Roy,’ he said. ‘I was going to call in and see you before I left.  How are things?’

 

 

 

‘Not too bad,’ said Roy indicating the street in front of them. ‘Considering the doings around here lately.’

 

 

 

‘You mean that dentist feller?’

 

 

 

‘Yeah.  I figured we might have been in for some problems with him around, but he don’t seem to have stirred any up,’ replied the Sheriff. ‘Things have been calm so far.’

 

 

 

‘Why did you think there’d be problems?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Well people tend ta get riled up whenever a traveller comes along,’ said Roy. ‘You remember that rain maker feller last year don’t ya?’

 

 

 

‘I sure do… but surely this Amos White isn’t like him?’ said Ben. ‘He’s a man of science isn’t he?’

 

 

 

Roy snorted. ‘Well I wouldn’t go so far as to call him that,’ he said. ‘Some folks around here think he’s a plain con man to tell the truth.’

 

 

 

‘Then they’d be wrong,’ said a voice behind them and they turned to see Doctor Paul Martin standing there.

 

 

 

‘Hello Paul,’ said Ben, holding out his hand. ‘So you think he’s genuine?’

 

 

 

‘I do indeed,’ said Paul. ‘I wasn’t sure at first, but after watching him in action for the past few days I’m sure he has a lot to offer this town. He seems to know what he’s on about.’

 

 

 

Ben raised his eyebrows.  ‘I thought as much,’ he said.  ‘After talking to Adam he seemed to sound genuine.’

 

 

 

‘Adam?’

 

 

 

‘It seems that he had the chance to watch a demonstration on the use of this Nitrous Oxide when he was in Boston some years ago.  Even though the demonstration didn’t work at the time apparently it’s the coming thing in the field of dentistry so I believe.’

 

 

 

Paul nodded. ‘It certainly is,’ he said. ‘Everything this White man has been saying is accurate. I only wish someone would let him test his theory here.  It sure would save everyone a lot of pain.’ Ben looked puzzled, so Paul continued. ‘He’s had lots of patients already, but so far no one has been willing to try out the new ‘wonder drug’ as he terms it.  They’re all lining up for treatment in the old-fashioned way.’

 

 

 

Ben made a face as he visualised some of the treatments that people were subjecting themselves to. ‘Well I might just have another patient for him,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Really?’ said Roy. ‘Who?’

 

 

 

‘Hoss,’ replied Ben. ‘He’s been going around with a toothache for days now and won’t do anything about it.’

 

 

 

‘Well if you could convince him to try out this Nitrous Oxide it sure would help around here,’ said Paul. ‘If a Cartwright tried it I’m sure that many others would follow.’

 

 

 

Ben shook his head. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said. ‘Even if I do persuade him to come in for treatment I doubt that he’ll agree to using it.’

 

 

 

Paul slapped his friend on the back. ‘Well try,’ he said. ‘It sure would make a difference around here.’  He tipped his hat at both men. ‘Well I’ve got patients to see gentlemen,’ he said. ‘I’ll see you both later.’

 

 

 

Ben and Roy watched the Doctor cross the street. ‘Well I’d better be going too,’ said Roy. ‘Come and see me next time you’re in town Ben.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded. ‘I will,’ he said. ‘Hopefully it’ll be soon if I can talk Hoss into it.’

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘Hoss you really can’t go on like this,’ said Adam as he sat down next to his brother. ‘Your tooth is getting worse.’

 

 

 

‘Ain’t nothing I can’t handle,’ said Hoss as he stroked his cheek.

 

 

 

‘I don’t see why you’re resisting this when you’ve got the perfect opportunity to see a dentist right here in town,’ said Adam.

 

 

 

Hoss gave his brother a scowl. ‘Ya don’t?’ he said. ‘Aw come on Adam!  As if you’d be running in there I you was me!’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘True,’ he said. ‘But you really do need to do something about it… you know you do!’

 

 

 

Hoss was silent for a moment before replying. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘Its just….’ He looked around to see if anyone else was nearby. ‘I’m just scared…. You know?’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘And that’s only natural. But with this drug that Amos White has… well you wouldn’t feel a thing.’

 

 

 

How do ya know that?’ replied his brother. ‘No one’s tried it yet and I don’t aim ta be the first!  No siree! Iffen I go to him, I’m doing things the old fashioned way!’

 

 

 

Adam shrugged again. ‘Well you know what that means don’t you?’

 

 

 

Hoss shuddered. ‘Yeah,’ he admitted. ‘That’s why I don’t aim ta go.’

 

 

 

Adam put his hand on his brother’s shoulder. ‘I know how you feel Hoss,’ he said. ‘But…’

 

 

 

‘Don’t ya even say it Adam,’ said Hoss. ‘I ain’t going!’

 

 

 

There was silence for a few moments as the two brothers sat side by side. Adam glanced at his younger brother and saw the little boy that he’d known all those years ago.  The little boy that he’d always protected and looked after.  He remembered the many times that Hoss had come to him when Pa hadn’t been available and the times he’d tried to help him through his many problems. He remembered Hoss’ mother Inger who had felt so much like a mother to him as well.   His heart went out to his big little brother who was sitting there in so much pain and he ached to be able to fix things for him.

 

 

 

‘Tell you what,’ he said. ‘How about if I go in with you?  I’ll get my teeth checked as well.’

 

 

 

Hoss gave him a surprised look. ‘Really?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Adam quickly before he could change his mind. ‘Really.’

 

 

 

Hoss grinned at him. ‘Ya’d do that fer me Adam?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘If it make you feel better, yes,’ said Adam. ‘If he says I need any work done then I’ll have it done while we’re both there.’  He shut his eyes for a moment, trying to appear calm, even though the very thought of what he was offering scared him witless.

 

 

 

Hoss put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. ‘Gee thanks Adam,’ he said. ‘I reckon I can stand it if you can.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his brother a weak smile. ‘Let’s hope we both can,’ he said.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

‘That’s very good of you son to offer that for your brother,’ said Ben, patting Adam on the arm. He looked at his eldest son and noticed how pale he was, guessing how much it was taking for him to go through with this.

 

 

 

‘I reckon!’ said Little Joe happily. ‘Now I’ll get ta see that wonder drug again!’

 

 

 

‘You’ll see nothing of the kind,’ said Adam crossly. ‘Hoss isn’t going to use it.  He’s going to have things done the old fashioned way.’

 

 

 

Little Joe pulled a face. ‘Aw gee!!’ he said. ‘That ain’t fair!  Can’t ya use it Hoss so I can see it again?’

 

 

 

‘No!’ said Hoss shortly. ‘Now quit ya yabbering Joe.  You ain’t gonna be there anyways!’

 

 

 

Joe looked at his father pleadingly. ‘Can’t I go too Pa?’ he whined. ‘I wanna be there to see.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at his youngest son. ‘You may certainly go Joseph,’ he said. ‘I think it would be a very good thing for you to be there.’

 

 

 

‘Pa!’ said Adam. ‘Hoss will be nervous enough without him along!’  He pointed his finger at Little Joe who was giving everyone a smug look at his father’s words.

 

 

 

‘Oh I don’t know,’ said Ben slowly. ‘I think Joseph could really benefit from going to see this dentist.  If you two boys are willing to see him, then I think a check up would be quite in order for Joseph as well.’

 

 

 

The colour drained from Joe’s face and the smirk turned to an appalled look. ‘Pa!’ he said. ‘You ain’t serious!’

 

 

 

‘I most certainly am,’ said his father calmly. ‘You’ve never had a check up from a dentist, so I think it’s about time.’

 

 

 

Little Joe tapped his teeth. ‘But my teeth are all good!’ he said. ‘I ain’t got nothing wrong with em!’

 

 

 

‘Well let’s just hope that we keep them that way,’ said his father. ‘We’ll have this Amos White make that judgement, shall we?’

 

 

 

Joe swallowed and then turned to Hoss. ‘Well thanks a lot!’ he said. ‘If it weren’t for you and your toothache this wouldn’t be happening.’

 

 

 

Hoss scowled at his little brother. ‘Don’t blame me,’ he said. ‘I didn’t get this toothache just ta spite you, ya know!’

 

 

 

Little Joe continued to scowl at his brother.  ‘I thought you said that this dentist thing would be a good thing for Hoss to do?’ said Adam sarcastically.

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ said Little Joe. ‘For Hoss … Not me!’

 

 

 

‘That’s enough,’ Ben interrupted. ‘The three of you will get your teeth looked over by this man and that’s all there is to it. It’s an ideal opportunity to have them checked and I think it’s important to make the most of it.’

 

 

 

‘I’m glad you think that way Pa,’ said Adam. ‘So you’ll be joining us then?’  He gave his father a meaningful look.

 

 

 

Ben looked startled. ‘I wasn’t planning to,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Why not?’ asked Adam. ‘If you really believe it’s a good opportunity then you don’t want to waste it do you?  I would think that you’d welcome the chance to show us how it’s done.’

 

 

 

Ben narrowed his eyes and gave his eldest son a long stare, but Adam held his gaze with a smile. ‘Well… said Ben after a moment. ‘I’ve had check ups at a dentist before….’

 

 

 

‘Many years ago,’ interrupted Adam.

 

 

 

‘And at my age….’

 

 

 

‘Its even more important,’ interrupted Adam.

 

 

 

Ben narrowed his eyes even more and continued to stare at his son.

 

 

 

‘Yeah Pa,’ Little Joe piped up. ‘You wanna be a good example to us don’t ya?’

 

 

 

Ben gave a slight sigh. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘I fully intended to visit this man myself.  We’ll all go in tomorrow.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his father a wide smile. ‘I thought you might see it that way,’ he said, ignoring the look his father gave him in return.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

Adam sat bolt upright in bed and tried to contain his breathing. He took several deep breaths and closed his eyes momentarily as he tried to block out the vision of the sharp instrument that had hung over his face so menacingly in the dream. ‘Damn!’ he cursed under his breath. ‘How stupid!’

 

 

 

He rubbed his face with his hands and scowled at the wall opposite as he cursed himself inwardly for his weakness.  Normally he took everything in his stride, so why was it that he felt this way about one trip to the dentist?  He couldn’t figure out what had him so agitated.  After all, it wasn’t as if he’d ever had a bad experience getting his teeth checked before and the only thing he could possibly put it down do was that stupid lecture he’d been to back in Boston all those years ago.  He cursed the friend who had taken him there.

 

 

 

Adam lay down again and looked at the ceiling.  He prayed that he wouldn’t weaken tomorrow in front of his brothers, as he felt that he really needed to stay his usual calm and in-control self at all costs. He fervently wished that he could get it over with at that very moment, before he had the opportunity to weaken in his resolve even more, and the prayer in his heart as he drifted off to sleep again was one to ask God for courage to face what the new day would bring.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

The ride into town the next morning was a very quiet one.  Ben noticed that all three of his sons seemed to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and he supposed that was natural.  After all, a trip to the dentist was a difficult thing, particularly if you knew that there was something to be done.  He stole a glace at Hoss who was slumped over in his saddle.  ‘Are you all right son?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Hoss gave his father a dejected look. ‘Good as I could be considering,’ he said mournfully. ‘I ain’t looking forward to him pulling this tooth out though Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben gave his son a pat on the back. ‘You don’t know that it has to be pulled out,’ he said soothingly. ‘Maybe it won’t need to be.’

 

 

 

Hoss merely shrugged and said nothing, but his look told his father clearly that he didn’t believe him.

 

 

 

Suddenly Little Joe stopped his horse and sat looking at his father defiantly. ‘Well I ain’t going!’ he declared. ‘I don’t need to and you can’t make me!’

 

 

 

‘Joseph!’ roared Ben. ‘That is enough of your nonsense! Get moving immediately young man if you value your life!’  He pointed along the trail towards town in a meaningful way and tried to suppress a grin as Little Joe scowled at him and started to move his horse again.

 

 

 

Ben had expected a mutiny from his youngest son at some point, but he really hadn’t thought it would be so soon.  Considering the boy didn’t even like getting his haircut, he figured that a visit to the dentist would be enough to really make him react very negatively and he simply wasn’t prepared to stand for it.  He took up a position just behind the boy’s horse in case he decided to make a break for it.

 

 

 

He stole a glance at Adam who was now riding beside him and noted once again his son’s pale face and withdrawn demeanour.  He knew just how difficult this was for Adam and admired just what he prepared to do for his brother, and his heart went out to him.

 

 

 

Ben leant over towards his son and touched him briefly on the shoulder. ‘It’ll be all right son,’ he said softly. ‘I’m sure it will.’

 

 

 

Adam gave his father a weak smile and glanced over to see if the others were listening. ‘Sure Pa,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘It’s OK to feel anxious,’ continued Ben.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged his father’s hand away. ‘I’m fine,’ he said tersely.  Ben dropped his hand immediately, knowing full well his eldest son’s aversion to showing his emotions too much.

 

 

 

The four Cartwrights trotted along in silence towards their fate.

 

 

 

 

 

==========

 

 

 

 

 

As they dismounted from their horses, Ben was surprised to see that the area around the dentist’s wagon was deserted, for from what Roy Coffee had told him he had expected to see quite a few people there. He took hold of Little Joe’s arm firmly and strode over to the wagon, followed by Adam and Hoss.

 

 

 

‘Hello!’ he called. ‘Is anyone here?’

 

 

 

Amos White’s head immediately poked out from the back of the wagon. ‘Hello,’ he said with a smile. ‘What can I do for you gentlemen?’

 

 

 

‘We’ve come for some dentistry work,’ said Ben firmly. ‘My three sons here.’  He indicated his three boys behind him with his thumb.

 

 

 

Amos’ head disappeared and within seconds he had climbed out of the wagon and was standing before them. He glanced over at Adam. ‘Well here’s a young man I’ve seen before,’ he said amiably.  ‘Decided to see for yourself if my wonder drug is effective after all have you?’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head and licked his lips. ‘No,’ he said shortly, hoping that he sounded confident and calm. ‘We’ve just come for a check up that’s all.  All except my brother here.’  He indicated Hoss.

 

 

 

Amos looked at Hoss who was in obvious pain. ‘Toothache?’ he asked sympathetically.

 

 

 

Hoss nodded, continuing to hold onto his cheek.

 

 

 

‘Well come and sit down,’ said Amos, indicating a chair. ‘I’ll have you fixed up in no time young man.’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘Uh uh,’ he said. ‘My brother Adam is going first.’

 

 

 

They all looked at Adam, who drew a deep breath before stepping forward and sitting on the chair. ‘There’s nothing wrong with my teeth,’ he assured the dentist. ‘Just cleaning them up will be fine.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll be the judge of that,’ said Amos as he motioned for the others to sit down. ‘Let’s have a look shall we?’  He pushed Adam back in the chair and Ben noticed that his son’s hands went white at the knuckles as he held onto the arms of the chair in what seemed like a death grip.

 

 

 

Amos picked up a small metal instrument and approached Adam with it. ‘Now just lean back and close your eyes,’ he said. ‘This will only take a few minutes. He held onto Adam’s jaw firmly and forced his mouth open as he bent over him.

 

 

 

For the next few minutes all that could be heard was the scraping of the metal instrument.  Little Joe’s eyes widened as he watched the man work methodically around his brother’s mouth and he swallowed several times nervously as he thought about taking his own turn soon.

 

 

 

After a while, Amos stood up again and handed Adam a cup of water. ‘Swallow a mouthful of that,’ he said, wiping the instrument on a cloth.

 

 

 

Adam took a welcome swallow of the water and then looked up at the man. ‘Well?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Just as you thought,’ said Amos pleasantly. ‘They’re in fine shape.  I’ve just cleaned them up a bit for you.’

 

 

 

Adam let out the breath he’d been holding and smiled at the man. ‘Thank you,’ he said, trying to sound casual.  He stood up and grinned at the others. ‘Nothing to it,’ he said. ‘Your turn Joe.’

 

 

 

Little Joe shook his head firmly. ‘No way,’ he said. ‘Hoss said he was going after you!’

 

 

 

They all looked at Hoss who blanched at his brother’s words. ‘Oh Lordy!’ he said softly.

 

 

 

Ben patted his son on the arm. ‘Best to get it over with Hoss,’ he said soothingly. ‘Come on now son, you can do it.’

 

 

 

‘You’ll be fine Hoss,’ said Adam, the colour back in his face again.

 

 

 

Hoss stood up slowly and made his way over to the chair as if in a daze.  He sat down heavily, leant back and gripped the sides of the chair and closed his eyes. ‘Hurry up and look,’ he said.

 

 

 

Amos bent over him and forced his mouth open.  For a couple of minutes there was silence and then suddenly Hoss jumped. ‘Ow!’ he said. ‘That hurt!’

 

 

 

‘I’m not surprised,’ said Amos. ‘That’s a decayed tooth you have there young man.’

 

 

 

Hoss looked at the dentist pleadingly. ‘Do ya have ta pull it out?’ he asked fearfully.

 

 

 

Amos shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Not if you’re willing to have it filled. It’s not really bad enough to come out.’

 

 

 

Hoss smiled over at his father. ‘Ya hear that Pa?’ he said. ‘It don’t have ta get pulled out!’

 

 

 

‘I told you so,’ said Ben happily and then turned to Amos. ‘What will you fill it with?

 

 

 

‘Silver,’ said the dentist with a chuckle. ‘We’re certainly in the right place for that, aren’t we?’

 

 

 

Everyone smiled at his joke except for Hoss. He was watching the man pick up a small tool that looked like a tiny ratchet wrench. ‘What are ya gonna do with that?’ he asked fearfully.

 

 

 

‘I need to scrape out the decayed part before I can fill it,’ explained Amos. ‘Now if you’d let me use the Nitrous Oxide I have you wouldn’t feel a thing.  How about it?’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘No way!’ he declared. ‘You ain’t using any of that new-fangled stuff on me!’

 

 

 

Amos shook his head. ‘This is just the reaction I’ve been getting from everyone around here,’ he said. ‘If only someone would give it a go… then others might follow.’  He shook his head. ‘Oh well… I’ve done all that I can to try and convince people.  If you enjoy pain young man its your choice.’  He bent over Hoss with the ratchet tool in his hand. ‘Open up widely please.’

 

 

 

Hoss swallowed and gave his father a pleading look, then closed his eyes and opened his mouth widely.  Little Joe scrunched up his face and closed his eyes, his heart pounding wildly as he listened.

 

 

 

Suddenly, Hoss gave a yell.  ‘No!’ he cried. ‘Stop it!’

 

 

 

Amos White stepped back from him. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘Hold still and it won’t take long.’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’ve changed my mind.’

 

 

 

Ben stood up and went to stand next to his son. ‘Now now Hoss,’ he said soothingly. ‘Hold on to me son and let Mr White do what he has to. It’ll be all over in a few minutes.’

 

 

 

Hoss looked at his father. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I mean that I’ve changed my mind about using that drug stuff.  I can’t stand the pain Pa.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned. ‘Are you sure son?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘Anything’s got ta be better than that!’  He indicated the instrument in Amos’ hand. ‘Hurry up and get it over with before I change my mind.’

 

 

 

Amos grinned at him and began to fiddle with a rubber mask and tube, attaching it to a small bottle of white liquid.

 

 

 

‘Yes!’ Ben heard Little Joe’s voice behind him and turned to frown at his youngest son who immediately closed his mouth and gave his father an innocent look.  Ben held onto Hoss’ hand while Amos put the mask over it and Hoss breathed deeply for a minute or so. Adam sat forward, watching intently.

 

 

 

‘Now just sit back and again and relax to let the drug take effect,’ said Amos as he removed the mask. ‘That’s it… just relax.’ Hoss looked up at the man, his face showing his concern. ‘Now open your mouth,’ said Amos.  You won’t feel a thing I promise you.’ Hoss gripped Ben’s hand tightly, but did as he was told.  Amos bent over him again with the ratchet tool and began to work.

 

 

 

For a full three minutes there wasn’t a sound as everyone watched Hoss for a reaction.  To their surprise there was none. Suddenly, Amos stood up and handed Hoss a cup of water. ‘Rinse out with that while I prepare the silver filling,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss took a gulp of water and grinned around at everyone, surprised to see that a crowd had formed around them. ‘It didn’t hurt a bit!’ he announced and everyone started to cheer.

 

 

 

‘Hooray for Hoss Cartwright!’ shouted a man at the back of the crowd.

 

 

 

Ben slapped his son on the back. ‘Well done Hoss,’ he said.

 

 

 

Hoss tried to look modest. ‘Aw shucks!  Twern’t nothing Pa,’ he said. ‘I knew all along that it’d work.’

 

 

 

There was a general burst of applause at his words and people started jostling each other in their eagerness to get a closer look. What’s happening?’ asked a man from the back of the crowd.

 

 

 

‘Hoss Cartwright just tried that new drug and says it works!’ called someone else. ‘I’m going next!’

 

 

 

‘Hold on there,’ said Amos, holding up his hand. ‘I haven’t finished with this patient yet.’ If everyone comes back in half an hour I’ll make some more appointments then.’

 

 

 

The crowd drifted away, everyone talking about Hoss’ bravery.  Little Joe grinned as he heard it. ‘That’s my brother,’ he said to a few men as they passed him. ‘I was the one told him ta try it!’

 

 

 

‘Now then Hoss,’ said Amos as he bent over the big man again. ‘This should just take a minute.’

 

 

 

‘Go to it,’ said Hoss as he leant back happily. ‘I’m happy fer ya to finish up now.’

 

 

 

In two minutes, Hoss was out of the chair, showing Little Joe and Adam his new silver filling. ‘Don’t bite on it for at least a day,’ said Amos as he wiped his instruments off. ‘Give it time to set.’

 

 

 

‘Sure thing,’ said Hoss happily.

 

 

 

Amos stretched out his hand. ‘Thank you Hoss,’ he said. ‘Thank you very much for having the courage to try the Nitrous Oxide.’

 

 

 

Hoss tried to look modest. ‘Aw shucks,’ he said. ‘Tweren’t nothing really. I’m known fer my bravery round here.’

 

 

 

Adam gave him a slap on the back. ‘Well brother it’s all over…’  he looked over at Little Joe. ‘For most of us anyway.’

 

 

 

Little Joe looked away from his brothers and stared down the street. ‘I think I see someone down there waving to me,’ he said as he stood up. ‘I think I’ll just go and see who it is.  I’ll be back in a few minutes.’

 

 

 

Adam grabbed his little brother by the right arm and Hoss grabbed him by the left as they steered him towards the chair. ‘Oh no you don’t little brother,’ said Adam. ‘If we did it, then so can you.  Sit down!’  They plonked him unceremoniously in the chair and held onto him.

 

 

 

‘Pa!’ said Little Joe, giving his father his best pleading look. ‘Pa!  I told you my teeth are fine.  They don’t need anything doing to em… honest!’

 

 

 

‘Now Joseph,’ said Ben soothingly as he patted the boy on the back. ‘Your brothers did just fine and so will you.  Sit back son and just relax while Mr White takes a look at you.’

 

 

 

Little Joe gave the man a dark look and tried to struggle up out of the chair. ‘No!’ he said. ‘I’m fine… really I am.’

 

 

 

Amos White picked up his metal instrument again. ‘Now then Joe,’ he said. ‘Open wide and let me have a look.’

 

 

 

‘No!’ yelled Joe, struggling against his brothers’ grip, but to no avail. ‘Let me go! Leave me alone!’

 

 

 

No one took any notice of him.  Adam and Hoss held onto him tightly as Amos forced his mouth open and Ben patted him on the back and made soothing noises.  Joe closed his eyes and screwed up his face as he felt the scrape of metal against his teeth, not even able to move enough to turn his head away.

 

 

 

After several minutes, Amos stood up again. ‘Hmm,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What’s that mean?’ asked Joe, looking at the man suspiciously.

 

 

 

Amos scratched his head for a moment and stared at the boy.

 

 

 

‘Well?’ asked Ben. ‘Is there anything wrong?’

 

 

 

‘No not really,’ said Amos.  He has fine strong teeth.’

 

 

 

Little Joe grinned. ‘I knew it,’ he said. ‘Now let me go!’

 

 

 

‘Just a minute,’ said Amos, holding up his hand. ‘His teeth are fine… the ones that he has anyway.’

 

 

 

‘What do you mean … the ones he has?’ asked Ben, puzzled.

 

 

 

‘Well his wisdom teeth are beginning to come down,’ said Amos. ‘I think he might have some trouble with them when they do.  His gums are very strong.’

 

 

 

‘That’s what the doctor said when he was teething as a baby,’ said Ben. ‘He had an awful time with them then.’

 

 

 

‘He’ll probably have quite a bit of trouble with them in the next few months,’ said Amos.  ‘Many children of his age do.’

 

 

 

‘I ain’t no child!’ declared Little Joe. ‘Let me go!’  Adam and Hoss merely smiled at him and Hoss patted him on the head. ‘Settle down shortshanks and listen to the man,’ he said soothingly.

 

 

 

‘I could lance his gums if you like,’ said Amos.

 

 

 

‘No!’ said Joe, struggling. He looked up at Adam. ‘What’s that mean?’

 

 

 

‘Cut them,’ said Adam and patted him on the head soothingly.

 

 

 

‘No!’ cried Joe again. ‘Let me go!’

 

 

 

‘What would be your advice?’ asked Ben.

 

 

 

‘Well I could try it,’ said Amos thoughtfully.  ‘But on the other hand, it might be all right to leave it. It’s your choice really.’  He picked up a small knife and ran his finger over the edge while he waited for Ben’s response.

 

 

 

‘Pa!’ cried Little Joe. ‘Don’t let him cut me!’

 

 

 

Ben patted his son on the shoulder. ‘It’s all right Joseph,’ he said. ‘Just settle down.’  He turned to face Amos again. ‘Well if you don’t think it’s absolutely necessary I think we’ll leave it,’ he said. ‘He survived last time, so I’m sure he will again.’

 

 

 

Little Joe relaxed visibly and let out the breath he’d been holding.  ‘Thank you father,’ he said softly. He looked up at his brothers. ‘Now will ya let me go?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam and Hoss yanked their little brother to his feet and let him go. ‘There you go,’ said Adam cheerfully. ‘That wasn’t too bad was it?’

 

 

 

Little Joe glared at him and ran his tongue over his teeth. ‘Hey!’ he said. ‘They feel different.’

 

 

 

‘That’s because I cleaned them up for you,’ said Amos. He handed Ben a tin. ‘Here Mr Cartwright.  I recommend this tooth powder for all of you.  It helps to keep them clean.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you,’ said Ben, taking out his wallet. ‘I’ll see to it that they all use it. ‘Now how much do I owe you Mr White?’

 

 

 

‘Aren’t you forgetting something Pa?’ asked Adam.

 

 

 

Ben cleared his throat. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said quickly. ‘How much did you say Mr White?’

 

 

 

‘What about you Pa?’ interrupted Adam. ‘You were going to get your teeth checked too, weren’t you?’

 

 

 

Ben shot his son a dark look. ‘I don’t think there’s really any need,’ he said as he handed Amos a wad of bills. ‘Is this enough?’

 

 

 

Amos took the money. ‘I think it’d be a good idea for you to get your teeth checked Mr Cartwright,’ he said. ‘Be a good example for your boys, don’t you think?’

 

 

 

Yeah Pa,’ chimed in Little Joe. ‘It’d be a good example for us.’

 

 

 

Ben pointed his finger at his youngest son. ‘You be quiet young man,’ he said sternly. ‘It’s not too late for me to change my mind about having those gums of yours lanced you know!’

 

 

 

Little Joe swallowed and took a step behind Hoss who was tapping his cheek in amazement. ‘ Still can’t feel nothing’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You will in about half an hour,’ said Amos. ‘The drug will wear off gradually and you’ll be fine. Well Mr Cartwright?’

 

 

 

Ben looked around at everyone and sighed. ‘Oh very well!’ he said crossly and sat down in the chair. ‘Hurry up!  I’m a busy man and I’ve got important things to do.’

 

 

 

Amos took up his instrument one more time. ‘Open up wide please,’ he said and began to look inside Ben’s mouth. After several minutes he stood up again, shaking his head. ‘I’m afraid those important things you have to do will need to wait for a while,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben went pale. ‘What?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’m afraid you have a badly impacted tooth back there,’ continued Amos. ‘It really needs to come out.’

 

 

 

Ben went even paler. ‘But… but…’ he stammered. ‘I’m not in any pain!’

 

 

 

‘Oh but you will be soon if it’s not taken out,’ said Amos as he picked up a small knife. ‘Now… the question is… do you want it the old fashioned way or are you going to let me use the Nitrous Oxide?’

 

 

 

Adam and Hoss both took a step forward and held onto their father’s arms.  Little Joe walked around the back of the chair and began to pat his father on the back and make soothing noises. ‘Its all right Pa,’ he said. ‘It’ll be over soon. Just sit back and relax.’

 

 

 

Ben looked from one to the other and then back to Amos again, who was fiddling with a small pair of pliers in his hand. ‘Well?’ he asked again. ‘Which is it to be Mr Cartwright?’  Ben went even paler and slumped down in the chair.

 

The End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Author’s Note:  The demonstration of nitrous oxide (or laughing gas as it came to be known) was performed by Horace Wells and William Morton at Harvard Medical School in 1845. It was not a success, due to the fact that they didn’t use enough on the patient. The next year they performed a similar demonstration which was a success and Horace Wells went on to become known as the ‘Father of Modern Dentistry’.