Summary:   Little Joe is quarantined with some of the townsfolk when travelers bring a mysterious disease to town

Rated: K (11,420 words)

Quarantine

“We’ll meet back here in an hour then,” said Ben to Hoss and Adam. “Come along with me Joe.”

Little Joe gave his father a frustrated look. “Why can’t I go with Hoss or Adam?” he said.

“I’m sorry son, but your brothers are going to have a couple of drinks in the saloon when they’ve finished at the Livery Stable,” replied Ben. “You’ll just have to spend the time with your old father I’m afraid.”

Joe shrugged. “Yeah OK,” he said without any enthusiasm.

Ben laughed and put his arm around the youngster’s shoulder. “It won’t be so bad,” he said teasingly. “Come on … we’ll call in on Roy Coffee first and then Paul Martin.  I want to invite them both to supper on Sunday night.”

Joe sighed and followed his father along the sidewalk, his hands in his pockets and his feet dragging on the boards. “Hurry up,” said Ben, over his shoulder.  Joe quickened his pace and caught up with his father. He felt very hard done by as he considered the trip to town so far. Not only had he had to trail after the others while his father and brothers did some business at the bank, but he then had to help load supplies as well. Now that everything had been done, his father didn’t even understand that he’d like some time to see his own friends or have some fun. It just wasn’t fair!  Hoss and Adam always got to do what they wanted to, but he never did.  It was as if his father didn’t trust him or something.  He heaved a dramatic sigh as they entered the sheriff’s office.

“Hello Roy,” said Ben, holding out his hand to his friend. “How are you?”

The sheriff stood up from his desk. “Ben!” he said, shaking the man’s hand happily. “And Little Joe.  How are you son?”

“Fine thanks sheriff,” said Little Joe mournfully.

Roy gave Ben a knowing wink as they both looked at the doleful boy beside them. “Joseph is a bit bored,” explained Ben as he raised his eyebrows. “We’ve had rather a long day in town.”

“I see,” said Roy as he motioned for Ben to sit down. “Well what can I help you with Ben?”

“Actually I’m here to invite you to dinner on Sunday night,’ said Ben. “It’s been ages since we’ve had one of our chess nights and I was going to see if Paul was free if he could join us.”

Roy’s face lit up. “That would be wonderful,” he said. “I’m sure that Clem could cover for me … and the chance to sample one of Hop Sing’s wonderful suppers would be something to look forward to as well.” He glanced over at Joe who was reading the wanted posters on the wall. “See anyone you know there son?” he said, winking at Ben.

Joe smiled at him over his shoulder. “Ya never know,” he said.

Ben grinned at Roy as Joe went back to studying the posters.  Since he’d been a little boy he had loved to come in here and check them out and listen to Roy’s stories of each of the fierce-looking men drawn on them.  Ben was sure that the boy dreamed of one day coming face to face with one of the outlaws and capturing him for Roy.

“Coffee Ben?” asked Roy.

Ben stood up. “No thanks,” he said. “I’d best be getting over to see Paul Martin. Come along Joseph.”

Joe sighed dramatically again. “Do I have to Pa?” he whined. “Can’t I just stay here and look at the posters while you visit the Doc?”

Ben chuckled, knowing that Joe had an aversion to the doctor’s office. “Well … if Roy doesn’t mind,” he said. “I could pick you up in a while.”

“Of course I don’t mind,” Roy assured him. “Joe and I get on real fine, don’t we son?”

Joe shot the man a grateful grin and went back to checking out the posters again as his father left the office. “Hey sheriff Coffee?” he asked after a while.

“Yes?” replied Roy as he sipped his coffee.

“Ain’t ya got any new ones? I’ve seen all these before.”  Joe looked at the sheriff hopefully.

“Funny you should say that Joe … There’s a parcel of em coming in on today’s stage.”  Roy checked the clock on the wall. “Should be here most any time. If ya wanna stay around for a while you can take a look at em.”

Joe’s eyes lit up. “Can I go and get them for you?” he asked. “I could run over to the stage depot and back again real quick.”

Roy scratched his chin. “Well, I dunno,” he mused.

“Please? It’s just across the street and you could watch me through the window.” Joe gave the sheriff one of his best puppy-dog looks and Roy gave a chuckle.

“Oh, all right son,” he said. “Straight there and straight back though mind.  I don’t want to be in trouble from your Pa if you take off somewhere.”

“I won’t be long,” said Joe eagerly. “I’ll bring em straight back I promise.”  He scampered out of the office before the sheriff could change his mind and headed across the street to the stage depot. “Has the stage come in yet?” he asked the clerk Bert as he swung on the hitching rail and watched him write times up on the blackboard that hung on the wall.

“It’s coming now,” pointed Bert. “Right there.”

Joe looked up the street and grinned at the sight of the stagecoach coming around the corner. “I just made it in time,” he said happily.

“You expecting someone?” asked Bert, as he put on his cap and got ready.

“Nope,” said Joe. “Just picking up a package for sheriff Coffee is all,” he added importantly. “Can I help?”

Bert nodded. “Sure,” he said. “You can open the door and help out any ladies.”  He watched as the stagecoach came to a halt beside them and coughed as he waited for the dust to settle around them.

Joe stepped forward importantly and opened the door. “Afternoon ladies,” he said politely and put his hand up to help a young woman down. She gave him a half-smile and began to alight from the stage, but missed a step and nearly fell on him. She righted herself with Joe’s help and turned to him. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m just feeling a little dizzy. Could you help my aunt please?”

Joe nodded to her and turned to hold up his hand again.  This time, a rather large woman grasped it firmly and it took all his strength not to fall backwards by the force of her grip. She stepped down onto the top step and then literally fell on him as she lost her footing.  Joe crumpled to the dusty street with the large woman on top of him, gasping for air as they both rolled together. Finally they came to a halt, the large woman half on top of Joe so that he was pinned to the ground.  His arms and legs flailed wildly with the weight of her on top of him and he gasped for air again.

“Steady on there,” said Bert, bending down and trying to life the woman off Joe. “Help me here Frank! Someone get the doctor!”  He added over his shoulder. The driver got down from his position on top of the stage where he had begun to unload the luggage and both men took the woman by an arm and pulled her off Joe.  Joe breathed a sigh of relief and staggered to his feet, looking down at the woman who was still breathing heavily. “She’s not well,” said Bert. “Help me get her into the office Frank.”  They staggered with the woman into the office, her niece walking behind them wringing her hands.  Joe stood and looked at them for a moment and then followed.

“Sit her down here,” said Frank as they eased the large woman into a chair. As Joe looked on, her niece sat down next to her and began to fan her with a handkerchief. “Aunt Mildred,” she said anxiously. “Are you all right?”

Mildred opened her eyes. “I’m not feeling too good,” she admitted.

“I’ve sent for the Doc,” said Bert. “He’ll be here soon.”  He glanced over his shoulder at Joe. “Are you all right boy?”

“Yeah, I’m OK,” said Joe, fingering a scrape on his cheek. “She didn’t hurt much.” He continued to watch as Frank gave Mildred a drink of water and she sipped it slowly.

“You look as if you could do with one too,” he said to the young girl. “Here.” He held another glass out to her and she took it gratefully. “Thank you,” she said. “I’m afraid that we’re both not feeling too well.  We’ve come a long way and the journey has been rather tiring.”

“The doctor will be here in a minute,” said Bert kindly, patting her arm.

“I’ll go get him,” offered Joe.

“You stay right where you are youngun,” said Frank. “He’ll need ta look you over.”

“Aw … I told you I’m OK,” said Joe. “I’ve had fatter things than her fall on me …” He put his hand over his mouth quickly. “I mean …”

Frank gave him a playful hit on the side of the head. “I’d shut my mouth before ya say something worse,” he warned. Joe shrugged and shut his mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~

“That would be wonderful Ben,” said Paul as they walked along the sidewalk. “I’ll certainly be there … unless Margaret Simpson’s baby decides to arrive that night.”  They both laughed.

“Good,” said Ben. “I’ll pray that baby stays put for a while longer then.” He frowned as he looked across the street. “What’s going on?” he said, pointing to a young man who was running towards them.

“Doc!” shouted the man. “You’re needed over at the stage depot. A woman who got off the stage ain’t well.”

Paul sighed. “See what I mean Ben? A doctor’s life is never his own.”

Ben patted his friend on the back. “Good luck,” he said. “I’ll be off now.  I’d better pick up Little Joe before he drives Roy mad with his chatter. Hope to see you on Sunday night.”  He turned towards the sheriff’s office, whistling as he went.

Paul crossed the street and headed in the opposite direction towards the stage depot.  As he approached it, Frank stuck his head out of the doorway and beckoned to him. “In here Doc,” he said. “We sat her down in here.”

Paul entered the room and smiled kindly at the two women. “My name is Doctor Paul Martin,” he said. “I believe one of you isn’t feeling too well?”

“It’s my aunt Mildred,” said the young woman anxiously.

“And you would be?”

“Bridget Perkins,” she replied. “We’ve just arrived in town.  My aunt wasn’t feeling well for some time in the stage … we both haven’t to be honest doctor.  I think we’re just exhausted from all the travelling.”

“She fell as she got out of the stage,” explained Bert.

“On me,” added Little Joe.

Paul glanced at the boy and fingered his hurt cheek thoughtfully. “Got yourself a real scrape there,” he said. “I’ll take a look at it when I’ve finished here.”

“But my Pa will be looking for me,” protested Joe, edging away. “I’m OK, honest Doc!” Bert collared him and plonked him on a chair without a word and Joe scowled up at him.

Paul took no notice of him as he turned to the two women again. “How long exactly have you been feeling like this?” he asked.

“For a couple of days,” said Bridget. “My aunt has been worse than I have.”

“And your symptoms?”

“Nothing much,” she replied. “Just …” she glanced at the men who were listening and stopped.

“How about we go into the other office?” suggested Paul, noticing the look. “Unless you think that you could make it over to my office?”

“I’m sorry doctor,” said Mildred. “I just don’t think that I can.”

“There’s a cot out back,” said Bert. “She can lie down there if you like Doc.”

“Thank you,” said Paul, offering the woman his arm and leading her into the next room. Bridget followed them while Frank and Bert poured themselves cups of coffee and Joe sat fidgeting in the corner.  Within five minutes, Paul was back in the room with a worried look on his face.  He strode over to the outer door and closed it, locking it securely.

“Hey Doc!” said Bert. “What are ya doing?”

Paul ignored the question. “Did those two women come into contact with anyone else?” he asked. “Was there anyone else on the stage?”

“No,” said Frank. “They were the only passengers the whole way.”

Paul bit his lip thoughtfully and turned to Bert. “Did they come into contact with anyone else in the street?” he asked.

“No,” said Bert. “No one else … Just me and the boy here. What’s going on Doc?”

Paul shot Joe a worried look and the boy stared back at him unconcerned. “I’m not sure,” he said. “It seems as if they might have …” his voice trailed away and he glanced at Joe again. “Did you say that Mildred fell on you?” he said abruptly.

“Yeah,” answered Joe ruefully. “She sure did.  She nearly squashed me.”

Paul took a deep breath and turned towards the two men again. “Gentlemen, I’m afraid we’re going to have to stay here for a while until I can be certain what is wrong with these women,” he said.

“I can’t stay here,” said Frank firmly as he got up. “I got the horses to see to.”

“Me too,” said Bert. “I’ve got work to do Doc. You’re welcome ta use the back room until that woman’s feeling better, but I’ll be outta here.”

Paul stepped forward and put his hand on the door, preventing them from opening it. “I’m afraid you don’t understand,” he said firmly. “I’m placing this office under quarantine until I find out exactly what is wrong with those two women.”

“Quarantine!” breathed Frank, going pale.

“You ain’t serious!” said Bert indignantly.

“I most certainly am,” said the doctor. “No one leaves this office until I say so and that’s final.  I have the health and safety of the entire town here to think of and until I find out exactly what is wrong with those two women I aim to protect as many people as I can.”  Paul flashed his eyes at both men. “Now you two move away from this door!”

Bert and Frank both sat down heavily on their chairs while Joe stared at them both. “What’s a quar … quarantine?” he asked.

Bert looked at him. “It means that we can’t leave here,” he said.

“But I gotta go back to sheriff Coffee’s office!” said Joe. “My Pa will be wondering where I’ve got to.”

Paul put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Your Pa will figure out where you are Little Joe,” he said. “Don’t you worry about that son.”  He went back into the inner room, leaving Frank and Bert looking at each other in disbelief.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I’ve come to take my chatterbox of a son off your hands Roy,” said Ben with a chuckle as he entered the sheriff’s office and looked around. “Don’t tell me he’s checking out those cells again.”

Roy looked up from his newspaper. “No,” he said with a laugh. “I sent him across the street to get the new wanted posters that were arriving on today’s stage. He should be back in a minute.”

Ben frowned. “To the stage depot?” he said. “I’ve just heard that there’s a sick woman over there.  I’d better go and fetch Joe before he gets in the way.”

“I’ll come with you,” said Roy. “It’s time I started my rounds.” He stood up and stretched. “A man sure gets stiff at my age if he doesn’t keep moving.”

“Your age,” chuckled Ben as he flung his arm around his friend’s shoulder. “You’re not that old!”

Roy grinned back at him as they headed across the street. “I feel it sometimes,” he admitted. “There are times when I think about retirement you know Ben.”

“Don’t you dare,” said Ben as they reached the stage depot. “What would we do without you around here?”  He reached for the doorknob and turned it. “That’s strange,” he said. “The door’s locked. I wonder why?  He knocked on it lightly. “Hello?  Anyone in there?” There was the sound of scuffling from the other side of the door. “Hello!” he shouted even louder.

“Who is it?” shouted a man’s voice.

Ben gave Roy a strange look before replying. “It’s Ben Cartwright!” he shouted.

“Pa!”

Ben leant his ear to the door. “Is that you Joseph?  Open the door please.”

“We can’t Mr Cartwright,” shouted the man.

Roy pushed forward. “Is it stuck?” he asked. “Get the window open if it is and you can climb out that way.”

There was a further scuffling noise and then they heard Paul Martin’s voice. “It’s me Roy,” shouted the doctor. “We can’t open the door yet I’m afraid. I’ve got two sick women in here and I need to isolate them until I can figure out what’s wrong with them.”

Ben went pale. “Sick?” he shouted. “What do you mean sick?  What’s wrong with them?”

Paul was silent for a few minutes. “I’m not sure,” he said. “I’m going to need some things from my office Ben.  I’ll write out what I need and push the list under the door.  Can you get them for me please?”

“Of course,” shouted back Ben. “But I’ve got a better idea … Joe can climb out of the window with it.”

There was silence for a few more minutes. “I’m sorry Ben …” shouted Paul. “But I’ve quarantined this office. No one comes in or out.”

Ben went paler still. “But …” he said, giving Roy a disbelieving stare. “But Joe’s in there! I have to get him out!”

“No deal Ben,” said Paul. “I’m sorry …. but the boy’s been exposed just as we have and he has to stay. I’ll write out the list now. We’re going to need food and water as well ….  We could be in here for a while.”

Ben bit his knuckles anxiously. “I’m coming in!” he shouted. “Open the door Paul!”  He began to bang on the wooden door until Roy pulled him back.

“Ben get hold of yourself,” he said sternly. “You heard Paul … no one goes in or out until he says so.”

Ben looked at Roy wildly. “But Roy … my boy’s in there,” he said. “I have to go to him.”

Roy shook his head. “No,” he said. “Now you know that Paul’s gonna look after him as best he can.  Be reasonable Ben … the boy will be fine.”  He bent down and picked up a piece of paper that came sliding out from under the door. “Here …. you go and get these things …. It’ll do ya good to keep busy. Keep ya mind off things so to speak.”  He pushed his friend away from the door.

“What are you going to do?” asked Ben.

“I’m gonna get Clem and post a guard on this door,” said Roy. “Until Paul tells us differently, this office is out of bounds to everyone.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben waved frantically at Hoss and Adam as he spied them across the street headed for the saloon. “Boys!” he shouted. “Over here!”

They both turned around and waited for their father to catch up to them. “Gonna join us fer a drink Pa?” asked Hoss with a grin. “Where’d ya get rid of Joe to?”

Ben shook his head. “There’s a problem boys,” he said. “Joe was at the stage depot when a woman took sick and now he’s been quarantined along with some others over n the office.”

Hoss’ expression changed in an instant. “Sick?” he asked. “How is she sick?”

Ben shook his head again. “Paul Martin isn’t sure yet … or if he is he’s not letting on. The driver, Bert and Joe are in there with him and the two women who got off the stage.”

“Is Joe sick?” asked Hoss.

“No one is sick except the two women,” explained his father. “I’m sure that Paul is just taking precautions. I’m on my way to get some of his medical things.”

“Well if Joe ain’t sick … can’t we get him outta there before he comes down with whatever it is?” persisted Hoss.

“He’ll already have been exposed to whatever it is,” said Adam. “That’s what a quarantine is Hoss. Not only is it no one going in, but it’s no one coming out as well.  Anyone who’s been in contact with those women could have contracted whatever is wrong with them without even knowing it.”

Hoss gave his father a miserable look. “So what do we do?” he asked.

“We get the things that Paul has asked us to,” said Ben. “And whatever else we can get to make them comfortable. Then we just wait.”  He placed a hand on Hoss’ shoulder. “I’m sure everything will be fine,” he said. “You know how cautious Paul can be.”  His own face betrayed his anxious thoughts as he added. “We’ll have Little Joe out of there in no time, I’m sure.”

Adam shot a look at his father. “I’m sure you’re right Pa,” he said.

“Hoss, you go and see if you can rustle up some food.  Adam and I will get the things that Paul needs and meet you over at the stage depot.”

Adam put his hand on his father’s shoulder as Hoss walked away. “Pa?” he said. “Just how serious is this?”

Ben sighed. “I wish I knew son. I just that I knew.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul Martin came out of the inner office and glanced over at the two men huddled together in the corner talking and then at the ashen-faced boy sitting in the other corner.  He walked over and patted Joe on the head, smiling at him. “How are you holding up Joe?” he asked.

Joe looked up at the man. Normally he would have told anyone who would listen that the doctor wasn’t his favourite person in the world, but right at this moment he was the closest thing he had to family.  Joe knew that his father was very find of Doctor Martin and thought a lot of his expertise as a doctor, and right at this moment that fact was very important to him. He tried to smile at the man, but only managed a half-hearted grin. “OK,” he said. Paul patted him again. “Doc Martin?”

“Yes Joe?”

“When can I go home?”

Paul shook his head. “I’m not sure about that.” He looked at the youngster closely. “It’s important that we don’t go yet though. You understand that don’t you?”

Joe nodded. “Yeah,” he said.

Paul turned to the two men. “I suppose you think I’m not being very fair with this,” he said, but I have a responsibility as a doctor to do what I think is right.”

“We know that Doc,” said Frank. “Just tell us what we gotta do.”

“Well for a start you can move some of this furniture towards the walls to make some space,” said Paul. “We’re going to need some extra cots in here.”

“You reckon we’ll be here that long eh?” said Bert as he stood up. “Most of the night?”

Paul stared at the man. “I don’t think you quite understand,” he said. “This could take more than one night. Besides …” he glanced at Joe before continuing. “We might need the cots in case …” He stopped.

“In case one of us gets sick eh?” Frank finished for him. “Well I reckon if anyone’s gonna get sick it’ll be me.  I spent the most time with them ladies during the last few days.”

“Quite possibly,” said Paul. “If you have any symptoms then let me know straight away.”

“What kinda symptoms?’ asked Frank.

“Anything at all,” said Paul. “ Any pains … or fever. Anything unusual you might notice.”

Frank looked worried. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and they all turned instantly. “Who is it?” shouted Paul.

“It’s Roy Coffee Paul,” shouted back the sheriff. “We’ve got them things you was needing.”

“Put them on the porch and then step down into the street before we open up,” shouted Paul.  He waited for a few minutes and then signalled for Bert to open it. He and Frank began to carry the supplies in a few at a time until they were all safely stored inside. Paul stood in the doorway and looked out into the street. “We’re going to need some fold-up cots,” he said.

“We’ll get em for you,” Roy assured him.

Suddenly Ben stepped forward. “Paul?  Can I talk to Joseph?”

Paul beckoned for Joe to come forward and put his hand on the boy’s shoulder as they stood in the doorway together. Joe swallowed at the sight of his father and brothers standing in the street. “Hi Pa,” he said.

Ben smiled at his son. “How are you Little Joe?” he asked, feeling a lump in his throat as he spoke.  The sight of his young son looking so vulnerable in the doorway made him want to leap forward and grab him, but he stood his ground resolutely.

“I’m OK Pa,” Joe assured his father. “Doc Martin says that we can’t come out yet but.”

“I know son.  It won’t be long though.  You be a good boy in there won’t you?” Joe nodded. “It’ll be alright Little Joe,” said Ben. “You’ll see son.  It won’t be long before you’re able to come out and we’ll go home.”

“Sure Pa.”

“What happened ta ya cheek shortshanks?” asked Hoss, from behind his father.

“The fat lady fell on me,” said Joe, fingering it. “It’s OK though.”

There was silence for a few minutes and then Adam spoke. “Well you’re having yourself an adventure buddy,” he said, trying to make things sound light-hearted. Joe simply nodded, the worried look on his face showing clearly.

Paul pulled the youngster towards him. “I’ll look after him Ben,” he said.

Ben nodded as he tried to smile. “I know,” watching as the door closed slowly to obscure his sight of his young son.

Paul gave Joe’s shoulder a squeeze. “Your Pa is proud of you,” he said softly and then turned to go back into the inner office again.

Joe brushed the tears away from his eyes and then leant his face on the rough wooden door in front of him, trying not to cry. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into Frank’s face. “Come on boy,” the man said gruffly. “Come and help us move this furniture. It’s best ta keep busy at times like this.” Joe wiped his eyes on his sleeve and turned to follow the man.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe opened his eyes slightly and looked at the two men sitting in the corner together.  He had tried his best, but he hadn’t been lucky enough to drift off to sleep at all.  Not that he had really expected to. He’d only lain down on the cot because they had told him to get some rest and he hadn’t liked to argue with them.  Through the open doorway he could hear the soft sound of moaning and he figured that it was one of the two women that the doctor was attending to in there.  He said a silent prayer that they would get better soon and they would all be allowed to leave here, for he wanted nothing more than to be able to open the door and walk out into the arms of his father.

He shifted slightly on the bed as he heard the low murmur of voices. Frank and Bert were sitting close together and their silhouettes were outlined against the wall in the lamplight, but he found it impossible to hear what they were saying.

Suddenly another showed interspersed with theirs on the wall and Joe saw doctor Martin walk towards them and pour himself a cup of coffee. “How are they Doc?” asked Bert.

Joe strained to hear as the doctor replied. “Worse,” he said wearily.

“Any idea what it might be yet?”

Paul shot a look at Joe who seemed to be asleep before replying. “I hate to say this, but I think it might be typhoid.”

Bert stared at him. “What?” he whispered. “You ain’t serious!”

Paul shook his head. “I wish I wasn’t,” he said. “Are you all right Frank?”

Frank held his head between his hands. “I’m not sure,” he said. “I’ve got a awful pain in my gut Doc … and my head is swimming.”

Paul put his cup down and bent over the man. “Help me get him to one of the cots Bert,” he said. Joe watched through slitted eyes as they eased the man down on one of the cots and the doctor bent over him. After several minutes he straightened up and said slowly. “The same symptoms as the two women,” he said. “To be honest I’m not surprised Frank. You did spend a few days in their company after all.” He turned to Bert. “I’m going to need your help,” he said.

Bert shook his head and stepped back against the wall. “I’m not getting too near,” he said firmly.

“For heavens sake man!” snapped Paul. “Don’t you understand?  It’s too late for that now!  We’ve all been exposed to this and we just have to make the best of it.” He shot Joe another look. “I’m worried about the boy Bert.  Mildred must have breathed all over him when she fell out there.”  Joe felt his heart beginning to race at the doctor’s words and he willed himself to keep his eyes shut. “I’m going back into the women,” continued Paul. “Here … take this and make sure that you keep wiping him down with cold water.  If you need me I’ll be next door.”  Joe felt the man put a hand on his forehead as he passed him and then his footsteps faded away.  He continued to lie still, trying not to cry as he listened to the ticking of the clock.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben stared down at the small light in the window across the street and shivered as a gust of wind blew the curtains slightly against his face. He could see Roy Coffee sitting on the porch in front of the stage depot and winced slightly as he thought of his son behind the door.  He knew that Joe must be feeling very scared with all that was happening and he ached to march down there and force his way into the room to put his arms around his son.

“Pa?”

Ben turned to see Adam and Hoss standing behind him. “Yes?”

“Why don’t you lie down and rest for a while. There’s nothing you can do at the moment.”

Ben shook his head. “No,” he said. “I’ll rest when we get Joseph out of there.” He tried to smile. “You two look dead beat though. Get some sleep if you can.”

Adam put his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “He’s probably asleep,” he said.

“Probably,” said Ben as he glanced out the window of the hotel room again. “I think I’ll go downstairs and talk to Roy for a while boys. I won’t be long.”

“This has really got to him, hasn’t it?” said Hoss as their father shut the door behind him.

Adam nodded. “Yes,” he said. “It’s got to all of us.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“I thought you could use a cup of coffee.” Ben stepped out of the shadows and handed the steaming mug to Roy who was sitting on a chair in front of the door.

“I sure could. Thanks Ben.”  Roy took the mug gratefully and sipped it as Ben sat down on the edge of the wooden sidewalk.

“I also wanted to apologize,” continued Ben.

“Apologize?  Whatever for?” asked Roy.

“For giving you a hard time before about getting in there.  It’s just that I’m so worried about Little Joe.”

“Ben you’ve got every right to worry,” said Roy. “I just wish I coulda let you in there …. But you know that I can’t.”

Ben sighed. “I know,” he said.

“Besides,” the sheriff continued. “It’s me who should be apologising to you.”

Ben looked puzzled. “Whatever for?” he asked.

I never shoulda let that youngun go over to the depot in the first place,” said Roy. “If I hadn’t then he wouldn’t be in there now.”

“Roy that wasn’t your fault. You weren’t to know what would happen.  None of us were. Joe was just in the wrong place at the wrong time that’s all.”

“Still … if anything happens to that boy then I’ll feel responsible,” said Roy.

“Nothing is going to happen to Joseph,” said Ben firmly. “Nothing,” he repeated, trying to convince himself that it were so.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, wondering for a moment where he was. Then it struck him as he remembered … he was in the stage depot with the sick women. He glanced over to the other side of the room and saw Bert slumped over wiping Frank’s face as the other man tossed feverishly in the bed. Joe propped himself up on one elbow and studied them for a moment. “He sick too?” he asked finally.

Bert nodded. “Yep,” he said. “You feeling all right boy?”

“Yeah.”

Bert went back to wiping Frank’s face. “There’s food on the table if you want some,” he said.

Joe shook his head. “I ain’t hungry,” he replied.

“You’d better something son,” said Paul Martin as he came into the room. “We’ve all got to keep our strength up.”

“You don’t look too good Doc,” said Joe as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.

“I’m just tired,” said Paul, sitting down wearily. “How about pouring me some of that coffee Joe?”

“Sure Doc,” said Joe as he did as the man bid. “Can I do anything else?”

Paul took the cup and patted the boy’s arm. “You’re a good boy Joe,” he said. “I know this is hard on you being away from your family.”  He took a sip of the coffee. “Ah! That’s good. Now sit down here for a minute while I take a look at you.”

Joe took a step backwards. “I’m fine,” he said warily.

“Sit down,” said the doctor firmly. “You too Bert.  Over here … I want to take a look at both of you.”

They both sat down while Paul checked their throats, kneaded their abdomens and checked their pulses. “What are you looking for?” asked Bert when he’d finished.

“Just anything,” said Paul. “Are either of you running a fever?”  Bert shook his head.

“No,” said Joe. “I don’t think so.”

Paul put his hand on the boy’s forehead. “No … you’re fine,” he said.

“How long do you think it’ll be before they get better?” asked Little Joe hopefully as he looked at Frank.

“I don’t know son,” said Paul, sipping his coffee again. He glanced at the boy. “You should be prepared in case they don’t though.”

Joe went pale. “They ain’t gonna die are they?” he said.

Paul shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said simply. “We just have to wait and see.”

Joe swallowed as the implications of the man’s words sank in. “Doc Martin?” he whispered.

“Yes?”

“If they die … I mean if they don’t get better and we get sick too …. are we gonna die?”  Joe gave the man a pleading look, willing him to reassure him that they weren’t.

Paul hesitated, not wanting to lie to the boy, but not willing to tell him the truth either. He put his arm around the thin shoulders gently. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to them Little Joe,” he said. “But none of us are sick and it’s quite possible that none of us will get sick at all either.”  He smiled at the frightened boy. “Now you go and eat something,” he said, giving him a slight push. “Go on.” He watched the boy walk towards the table and shrugged his shoulders at Bert who was staring at him.

“I just don’t know,” he whispered softly to the man and watched as his face drained of its colour.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Doc Martin!” Joe called out. “Come quick!”

Paul strode over to the door and looked out. “What is it?” he asked. “What’s the matter Joe?”  His eyes fell on Bert who was slumped over Frank’s restless body. “Oh Lord!” he exclaimed.

“He just fell over in his chair,” said Joe anxiously. “One minute he was sitting there and the next he was lying down on the bed like that.”

Paul dragged the semi-conscious man off Frank and over to the other cot. “He’s feverish,” he said in a low whisper to himself and began to bathe the man’s hot forehead. “Bert?  Can you hear me?”

Bert’s eye fluttered open. “What?” he said, putting his hand up to his forehead. “What … happened?”

“You’re not well Bert,” said the doctor gently. “Just lie still.”

“I don’t feel good Doc,” said Bert. His eyes travelled over the doctor’s shoulder and fixated on the pale face of the young boy behind him. “Has the boy got it too?” he whispered.

Paul turned to Little Joe. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I’m OK,” replied Little Joe. He bit his bottom lip. “We’re all gonna get it ain’t we Doc?”

“We don’t know that Joe,” said the doctor firmly as he went back to wiping Bert’s face. “We don’t know that at all son.”

Across the other side of the room, Frank moaned and stirred on his bed. “I’ll help him,” said Joe and walked over to sit by the man’s bedside. He picked up the cloth that Bert had dropped and wet it in the bowl of cold water before wiping it on the man’s face.

“Joe I don’t think that’s a very good idea. Leave him to me,” said Paul.

Joe shook his head. “No,” he said. “You can’t look after four sick people Doc.  Besides … it’s like you said before … it’s too late to worry bout staying away from each other now ain’t it?”

Paul nodded wearily. “Yes,” he acknowledged to the boy. “You’re right.”

“You leave these two to me Doc,” said Joe. “I’ll keep their fevers down.” He wet the cloth again and kept working as Paul got up wearily and headed for the other room again.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben put down the box next to the door and knocked. “Paul?” he shouted. “I’ve got some more food for all of you.”

“Step away before I open the door!” shouted back Paul.  He waited until he heard Ben’s footsteps back away and then opened the door tentatively and looked out. Satisfied that no one was close, he opened it fully and pulled the box inside.

“You look like hell Paul,” said Ben, observing the man. “You’re not sick as well are you?”

Paul ran his hand over his tired eyes. “No,” he said. “Just tired. I haven’t had any sleep.”

“How is everyone?”

Paul shook his head. “Sick,” he said. “Frank and Bert have come down with it now as well.”

Ben went pale. “Joseph?” he asked quickly.

“The boy is fine Ben,” Paul assured him. “He’s been a great help to me.” He turned and called over his shoulder. “Joe!”

Joe came forward and stood next to the doctor, Ben noticing immediately how pale he was. “Hi Pa,” he said.

Ben smiled at him. “How are you son?” he asked.

“I’m OK,” said Joe, his voice trembling a little. “Everyone else is sick but.”

Ben took a step forward and Paul immediately withdrew a step and pulled Joe with him. “Keep your distance Ben,” he warned.

Ben nodded, clenching his fists as he stared hungrily at his son. “You get some rest Joe,” he said.

Paul nodded and began to close the door. “I’ll see to it Ben,” he said. “Don’t you worry about him.  He’s doing fine.”

Ben put up his hand and waved at Joe as the door closed in front of them. For a few moments he stared at the wooden door in front of him and then walked up the stairs and put his hand on it, breathing deeply as he did so.  After a while he turned and walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul Martin closed the door slowly behind him and gave a deep sigh.  He looked across at Joe who was sitting next to Frank wiping his face and nodded at the boy. “I thought I told you to lie down for a while?” he said wearily.

Joe looked up. “I tried Doc,” he said. “But I can’t sleep.”  He watched as the man came over and sat next to him.

“Here, give me that,” said Paul and took the cloth. “You lie down and I’ll take care of them for a while.”

“What about the ladies?” asked Joe. “They might need you.”

Paul shook his head as he worked. “They don’t need me anymore Joe,” he said softly.

Joe went pale. “You mean …”

“Yes son,” said the man gently. “They’re gone.”

Joe caught his breath and Paul put his arm around the boy. “It’s all right Joe,” he said.

Joe began to cry quietly. “Are these two gonna die too Doc?” he asked. “Are we all gonna die?”

“Not if I have anything to do with it,” replied Paul grimly, hugging the boy to him with his free arm. He put down the cloth and wiped his hand across his own forehead.

Joe looked at him anxiously. “Are you all right Doc?” he asked cautiously.

Paul smiled at him. “I’m just tired,” he said. “Maybe if you get me a cup of coffee that might help?”

Joe nodded and went to pour the coffee. He brought it back to Paul and watched as the doctor sipped it slowly. “Joe I want to talk to you,” said the doctor. “I want you to listen very carefully to me son.” Joe nodded. “If …” Paul wiped his forehead again. “If something happens to me …”

“You ain’t getting sick are ya?” Joe interrupted anxiously.

Paul smiled at him and shook his head. “No,” he assured the boy. “I told you that I’m just tired. But … if I do get sick you must tell your father. All right?”

“But … But they’ll come in and get sick too!” said Joe.

Paul shook his head. “You can’t be the only one in here well,” he said firmly. “You can’t look after everyone. You must tell someone if I get sick. All right?”

“All right,” Joe assured the man. “I will.”

Paul patted him on the leg. “Good boy,” he said. “Now I think that both of us should lie down for a while and get some rest. You take that cot over there and I’ll take this one. Try and get some sleep.”

Joe nodded and did as the man bid him to. He lay on the cot and closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep, but his brain refused to let him.  All he could think of was his father and how he longed to be near him.  He would have given anything right at that moment to open the door and run outside into the comfort of his father’s arms, but he knew that he mustn’t.  He would never have forgiven himself if his father or brothers got sick because of his selfishness and in spite of his promise to the doctor, he knew that he would never let his family in here to get sick.

Hot tears began to fall from his eyes and scalded his cheeks.  Joe wiped them away, but they continued to fall until he gave up and let them flow freely, sobbing his apprehension quietly into his pillow.

~~~~~~~~~~

In spite of himself, Joe fell asleep and slept for a couple of hours as a great weariness had taken hold of him and his body refused to allow him to stay awake any longer. By the time he opened his eyes again the sun had shifted and he could tell by the shadows on the wall that it was late afternoon.  He sat up on the cot and looked around the room.

All was quiet, the three men on their respective cots very still. Joe got up and tiptoed over to Bert who seemed to be asleep and then glanced over at Frank who was muttering under his breath softly and tossing his head back and forth. Lastly he walked over and looked down at the doctor who was lying with his arm over his face. “Doc Martin?” he whispered. “Are you awake?”

“Yes,” the doctor said, without moving his arm. “What is it?”

“Nuthin.  Just wondering,” said Joe.

Paul took his arm away. “Are you feeling all right?” he asked, looking up at Joe.

Joe nodded. “Yeah,” he said.

Paul slowly sat up, his hands gripping the sides of the cot tightly. He glanced over to the two other men. “I’ll check on them,” he said and swung his legs over the side of the cot. Suddenly he pitched forward, ending up on his knees in a heap.

“Doc!” said Joe, kneeling down and trying to support him. “Are you all right?”

Paul didn’t look up. “I’m … just feeling a bit dizzy that’s all. Help me up Joe. I’ll be all right.”

“You feel real hot Doc,” said Joe. “You’ve got a fever. Maybe you’d best lie down for a while?”

Paul shook his head as he tried to stand up. “No,” he said. “I’m all right. Help me up Joe.”  Joe tried to help the man to stand, but only succeeded in getting him to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. Paul put his head down on his knees and was silent while Joe looked at him anxiously. After a while he looked up again. “Maybe I’d better lie down for a bit after all,” he murmured and leant sideways so that he could ease himself back onto the cot. “Check on the other two for me Joe. How do they look?”

“Bert is asleep,” said Joe. “He don’t feel too hot, but Frank does. I’ll wipe his face.”  He wet a cloth and applied it to the man’s hot brow and then came over to do the same for Paul.

Paul opened his eyes at the feel of the cool cloth. “Mmm,” he said softly. “That feels good.”  He closed his eyes again. I’ll just rest for a few minutes and then I’ll be fine,” he muttered. Joe looked down at the man, his heart heavy and his thoughts whirling. He knew that this was what the doctor had been frightened might happen all along.  That everyone would get sick except for him. This was why he had made Joe say that he’d tell his father. Joe looked at the door longingly and then shook his head and wet the cloth again before applying it to the doctor’s hot face.

~~~~~~~~~~

For the next few hours Joe went from one man to the other, wetting the cloths and reapplying them to their hot faces.  He tried to block out the stench of their vomit every time one of them threw up into the bowls he’d placed next to their beds, but it was nearly impossible to ignore. As the hours wore on his body became weary and it seemed as if every muscle in his body was aching.  As he tended to the men he had a newfound respect for Doctor Martin.  He’d never realised before how difficult it was to care for sick people and the doctor did it all the time.  Joe couldn’t for the life of him understand how the man put up with it.

Several times the doctor opened his eyes and looked around him vaguely, asking Joe each time if he’d told his father that he wasn’t well.  Each time, Joe lied and told him that he had. Soon, the man stopped asking as the fever overcame his body and his mind began to wander and Joe felt relieved that he didn’t have to lie any more.  Every time he had, he’d longed to do just what the doctor had told him to … every time the temptation was there to open the door and call out for his Pa … but to do so would be to put his father and his family in danger and Joe resolutely made the decision not to do it.

As the hours passed, he wondered how long it would be before he, too, became sick and wondered vaguely what would happen to him as there would be no one to look after him when he did. As the hours ticked by he became more and more frantic for the men in his care and his own health.  Joe had never been a boy to worry overmuch about his own health, and it had always seemed to him that people spent far too much time fussing over him whenever he had been hurt, but now he was acutely aware of his own body and how it could let him down just when he needed it. He would have given anything right about now to have his Pa here to fuss over him again and he resolved that if ever he had the chance he’d never complain about doctors or being fussed over again.

He glanced at the closed door and shuddered to think of the two dead bodies behind it, hoping that he wouldn’t have to go in there for anything. Suddenly a loud knock on the outer door made him jump and he turned swiftly towards it. “Who is it?’ he shouted.

“Paul? Paul can you hear me?” Joe nearly cried at the sound of his father’s voice on the other side. “Paul? I’ve brought some more cold water for you.”  Joe glanced down at the unresponsive doctor’s face and then stood up and walked towards the door.

“It’s me Pa!” he shouted.

“Joe!  Are you all right son?”

“Yeah Pa, I’m fine.  I’ll come out and get the water.” Joe slid back the lock on the door and opened it, nearly crying when he saw his father standing down on the street. He quickly picked up the water jug and put it inside.

“Joe?” Ben called out. “Tell the doctor I want to talk to him.”

Joe hesitated. “You can’t Pa,” he said finally. “He’s … busy.”

Ben gave his son a strange look.  There was something about the way in Joe was avoiding looking at him  … he had a feeling that he wasn’t being told the truth. “Joseph?” he said anxiously. “What’s the matter?”

Joe shook his head, clinging onto the door for support. “Nothing Pa,” he said. “The Doc’s just busy is all.”

“Are you sure you’re all right son?”

Joe nodded. “I’m fine,” he said. “I’m just tired.”

Ben took a step forward and peered at his son’s face in the lamplight. “Joseph?” he said. “Open the door more so that I can see you properly.”

Joe shook his head. “I gotta go now,” he said. “The … Doc needs me to help him.” Ben began to come up the stairs. “Pa you gotta stay back!” said Joe desperately. “You might get sick!”

Ben took no notice of him. “Joseph …..”

Joe closed the door quickly and slid the lock into place while Ben knocked on the door from the other side. “Joseph!” he shouted. “Tell the doctor I want to talk to him!  Open this door!”

Joe put his face on the wooden door and began to sob quietly.

~~~~~~~~~~

Joe stared down at the man’s face in front of him and swallowed.  Frank’s eyes were staring at the ceiling and Joe could tell that he wasn’t breathing now at all. He put his hand tentatively on the man’s shoulder and shook him. “Frank?” he said. “Frank? Can ya hear me Frank?”  There was no response.

Joe glanced over at Doctor Martin who was tossing his head back and forth on his pillow and then at Bert who was doing the same. He sobbed quietly as he pulled the blanket up over Frank’s head and covered him, wondering if he should say a prayer over him. He closed his eyes and asked God to bless the man and take him into his care, hoping that it was enough. He wished he were strong enough to drag his body into the other room so that he didn’t have to look at it in here, but knew that he’d never be able to manage it by himself. For a few minutes, Joe bent his head and allowed himself the luxury of sobbing out his fears before lifting his head and again and going over to sit next to Bert to tend to him.

~~~~~~~~~~

“I tell you Roy, something is wrong in there!” shouted Ben. “It’s been more than two hours since we heard anything.”

“Of course something is wrong in there,” said Roy calmly. “That’s why there’s a quarantine Ben.”

“I don’t mean that for heaven’s sake! I know my son and he wasn’t telling me the truth. Joe needs me Roy and I aim to go in there.  Now stand aside and let me through.”

Roy shook his head. “Ben, you know I can’t do that,” he said. “Let’s get Paul out here and talk to him.  All right?”  He put his hand on Ben’s arm. “Just calm down and let me talk to him. You’ll see … he’ll have everything in control in there.”

He walked up the few steps to the door of the stage depot and knocked on the door. “Paul!” he shouted. “Paul!  Open the door!  I want to talk to you!”  There was no sound from inside.

“See?” said Ben, coming up and standing beside him. “No one is answering …. There must be something wrong.” He pounded on the door with his fist. “Joseph!  Open this door immediately!”  Again, there was no answer. “Roy, I’m going in there,” he said.

Roy shook his head. “No Ben, I can’t let you. If you go in there you’ll be exposed to the sickness and …”

“I don’t give a damn about the sickness!” shouted Ben. “All I care about is my son!  That’s my boy in there in trouble and I aim to help him if it’s the last thing that I do. Now stand aside Roy. I’m going in there …. I don’t care if I go around you or through you …. but I’m going in there right now!”

Roy stepped aside. “All right,” he said. “It’s up to you Ben … but once you’re in there … there you stay.  You understand that?”  Ben nodded. “The door is locked,” Roy continued. “You can’t get in that way.”

“Then I’ll break one of the windows round the back,” said Ben firmly. “Are you going to help me or not?”

“We’ll help you Pa,” said a voice behind him and Ben turned to see Adam and Hoss standing there side by side.

“We’re coming in with you,” said Adam.

Ben shook his head. “There’s no sense in that boys,” he said. “I’m going in alone and that’s all there is to it.  No sense in more than one of us in there.”  He patted both of them on the shoulder. “Now come round back and help me find something to break that window with.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Ben put one leg over the windowsill and looked around the dark room before turning back to Adam and Hoss. “Go around to the front boys,” he said. “I’ll come through and let you know when I’ve found out what’s happening in here.” He lit the lamp that was on the dresser beside the window and then gasped in astonishment as he saw the two blanket-covered forms on the beds in front of him.  Tentatively, he pulled first one and then the other back to reveal the faces of two women. Ben bowed his head and said a silent prayer before replacing them again and walking towards the door.

His heart was pounding at the thought of what he might find in the next room, and it was with a great deal of trepidation that he opened the door slightly to reveal a dimly lit room.  One of the four cots that had been set up was empty, the one closest to him also draped with a blanket that fully covered a body.  Ben had no doubt that the form beneath it was also dead. His eyes quickly scanned the room and stopped as they discovered the still body of his youngest son slumped over a cot where Bert lay. “Joseph!” he called and in two strides had covered the space between himself and his son and gathered the boy up into his arms.

As he gazed down at the pale face of his child, Ben’s heart constricted as he considered what the boy must have been through and he berated himself for allowing this to happen to him. “Joseph!” he cried brokenly. “Joe son, can you hear me?”

Joe’s eyes fluttered open and he stared up into the grief-stricken eyes of his father. “Pa?” he said in a weak voice. “Pa?”

“Yes son, it’s Pa,” Ben said, hugging his son close to his chest. “Everything is going to be all right now.  Your Pa is here to look after you.”

Joe struggled feebly to release himself from his father’s arms. “Bert,” he said weakly. “We gotta look after Bert, Pa. He’s real sick.”

Ben looked over the curly head of his son in his arms at the still body of the man behind him on the cot and knew immediately that he was now beyond help. Joe had been lying over the body of a dead man. “It’s all right son,” he murmured. “It’s all right now.”  With one hand he drew up the blanket to cover the man’s face and hugged his child even tighter to him, offering up a prayer that he hadn’t come too late.

“Ben?”

Ben turned to see the fevered face of Paul Martin staring at him from the next cot. “Paul!” he said, reaching out to him with his free hand. “You’re sick!”

“Didn’t Joe tell you?” asked the doctor weakly. He shut his eyes and murmured softly. “I told him to tell you.”

Ben shook his head. “No,” he said. “He wouldn’t open the door to me.  I came in the back window.”

Paul nodded slowly. “Have to stay now,” he said softly. “Can’t go back …” He stopped and tossed his head on the pillow feverishly while muttering incoherently to himself.

“It’s all right Paul,” said Ben, looking down at his son in his arms. “I’m not going anywhere.”  He stood up with Joe in his arms and laid him down on the spare cot, noting with relief that the boy’s forehead felt cool to his touch. When he had covered him with a blanket, he walked over to the front door and opened it. “Roy!” he called. “Adam! Hoss!”

“We’re here Pa.”  The three of them emerged from the shadows down on the street. “How’s Joe?” asked Adam immediately.

Ben shook his head. “I’m not sure,” he said. “He hasn’t got a fever at any rate, but he’s out to it. I’m hoping it’s just exhaustion and nothing more. Stay there … I’ve got four bodies to bring out to you.”

Roy shook his head. “Four!” he murmured. “Paul?”

“No, thank the Lord,” replied Ben. “Although he looks mighty sick. The others are all gone though.”

“We’ll come in and help ya Pa,” said Hoss, taking a step forward.

“Stay where you are,” ordered his father. “One son in here is enough. Besides I want to make sure that the bodies are securely wrapped in blankets before I bring them out so that you don’t come into direct contact with them.  We’re not going to take any more chances than we have to.”

He turned to go inside again, giving his sleeping young son a long, lingering look on the way past.

~~~~~~~~~~

“That feels good,” murmured Paul as Ben wiped his face with the cool cloth. “Thank you Ben.”

Ben smiled down at him. “Well you certainly look a lot better than you did last night,” he said. I think your fever is down quite a bit.”

Paul nodded. “I feel a lot better,” he said. “You make a good doctor Ben.”

Ben patted him on the shoulder. “Well you must admit I’ve had a lot of practise with those boys of mine,” he said. “One or other of them is always needing tending to.”

Paul managed to smile back at him. “Don’t I know it?” he said. He glanced across at Joe who was lying in the bed next to him. “How is the boy?” he asked.

“He seems all right,” said Ben. “No fever at least. I think he’s just exhausted, that’s all.”

“I was so worried about him,” said Paul. “I thought for sure that he’d come down with it like the rest of us … but if he hasn’t by now, then it looks like he’s managed to avoid it.”  He glanced up at Ben. “You know that we’ll have to stay here a day or two just in case though Ben. You’ve been exposed to this thing now and we have to make sure before any of us go out there.”

“I know.”

Paul shook his head. “I told Joe to tell you if I got sick,” he said. “But he didn’t do it.”

“No,” said Ben. “He didn’t tell me that you were sick.  He even locked the door on me to stop me finding out.”

“He was trying to protect you,” said Paul. “That’s one special boy you have there Ben.”

“I know,” said Ben, reaching over and stroking the child’s hair tenderly. The movement caused Joe to murmur slightly in his sleep and then his eyes fluttered open. “Hello there,” said his father with a smile. “Waking up finally, are you?”

Joe blinked his eyes as he stared up at his father. “Pa?” he said. “I dreamt that you had come.”

“It was no dream son.  I’m here now.”

Joe swallowed with relief and then looked over at the doctor. “Are you OK Doc?” he asked.

“I will be Joe,” Paul assured him. “I’m feeling pretty weak right now, but I’ll be all right in time.”

Joe swallowed again and gave his father a tearful look. “Frank …” he said. “Frank … died Pa.  I was watching him and he just died.”

Ben gathered the boy into his arms. “I know son,” he said softly. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“How’s Bert?” asked Joe, from the comfort of his father’s arms. “Is he all right?”

Ben hesitated before replying. “No son,” he said. “He’s not all right.  I’m afraid he died too.”

Joe began to sob. “I tried Pa,” he said. “I tried my best to look after him. I really did.”

“I know son.”  Ben hugged the boy tighter to him. “You did everything you could Joe, but he was beyond anyone’s help.”

“You shouldn’t have come in here Pa,” sobbed Joe. “Now you’re gonna die just like the Doc and me.”

Paul propped himself up on one elbow and gave Joe a stern look. “Now you listen to me young man,” he said. “No one else is going to die!  Do you hear me?” Joe nodded tearfully. “I’m on the mend and if you were going to get sick we’d know it by now,” continued Paul.

“But what about Pa?” asked Joe.

“Your father is a strong man.  If he comes down with it, then I’ll be much better by then and I’ll be able to look after him.  No one is going to die Joe …. Get that into your head. I won’t let it happen.”

Joe gave the doctor a mournful look. “You couldn’t stop it before,” he said.

A look of pain flitted across Paul’s face. “No,” he admitted shortly.

“That’s why I didn’t open the door Pa,” said Joe, turning back to his father. “I heard you calling for me, but I didn’t open the door because I didn’t want you to get sick too.”  He clutched at his father’s sleeve frantically. “Please don’t get sick Pa!  Please don’t die!”

Ben hugged his child to his chest. “It’ll be all right son,” he murmured. “It’ll be all right I promise you.”  He looked at Paul over the top of Joe’s head and smiled at him encouragingly.

~~~~~~~~~~

Paul put down his stethoscope and smiled at Ben. “There,” he said. “You’re fine.”

Ben smiled back at him in relief and then at Joe who was sitting beside him. “I told you there was no need to worry,” he said to his son.

Joe laughed for the first time in days and the sound of it warmed Ben’s heart as he reached over and gave the boy a hug around the shoulders. “So it’s all right now to leave?” he asked Paul.

Paul stood up. “Yes,” he said. “I think we can safely open the door now. I’m feeling much better and you two …” he grinned at them both. “Well all I can say is that you Cartwrights must have mighty strong constitutions.”

“Can I do it Pa?” asked Joe excitedly. Ben nodded and both he and the doctor watched as Joe flung open the door and stepped outside into the sunshine. “Hey Adam!” he called. “Hey Hoss! We’re out!”

Both Adam and Hoss ran up the stairs two at a time and hugged their younger brother before turning towards their father and grinning at him. “Does this mean that we’ve got to take this troublemaker home now?” asked Adam teasingly, as he ruffled his younger brother’s hair affectionately. “Things have been really quiet out here without him, you know Pa.”

Ben chuckled. “I’m afraid it does,” he said.

“Gee!’ said Joe, pretending to be hurt. “A fellar can’t do nothing without everyone picking on him!”  He reached up to grab Adam’s hat from his head, but Hoss picked him up before he could and put him under his arm.

“How about I get rid of this in the back of the buckboard?” he said teasingly and Ben chuckled even more at the sight of his protesting youngest son being carried forcibly down the street by his older brother. “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked Paul.

Paul nodded. “I’m fine now Ben,” he said. “In fact I’m going out right now to the Simpson’s place to check and see if Margaret has had that baby without me.”  He touched Ben on the arm. “Thank you,” he said simply.

Ben shook his head. “There’s nothing to thank me for,” he said. “It’s me who should be thanking you for looking after Joe so well for me.”

“Actually the boy was the one who ended up looking after everyone else for a lot of the time,” said Paul. “I just wish I could have saved the others.”  There was a silence between them for a moment. “I said it before Ben, but I want to say it again … you know that’s one special boy you have there. He has a strong character for a boy his age.”

“I know it,” said Ben as he walked down the steps and began to follow his three sons. “I know it well Paul.”
The End