Summary:  A girl comes between Joe and Hoss which has far-reaching implications

Rated: T (32,220 words)

 

Green-Eyed Monster

by Joan

 For Lisa

Who gave me the story idea

and inspired me to keep going with it.

 *****

 

 

‘Howdy there Miss Jane,’ Little Joe Cartwright tipped his hat and flashed one of his winning smiles at the woman standing by the post. ‘How are you today ma’am?’ he asked.

 

Jane Coleman gave him a smile in return. ‘What’s this ma’am all of a sudden?’ she asked with a wink. ‘I’d like to know when you developed manners Joe Cartwright.’

 

Little Joe put his hands on his hips and gave her a cheeky grin. ‘Bout the same time you did I guess,’ he said.

 

Jane laughed and wagged her finger at him. ‘Cheeky boy,’ she admonished.

Little Joe stepped closer to the woman and put his arm on her shoulder as he continued to grin at her. He leant forward and whispered something into her ear and she giggled. ‘Stop it,’ she said. ‘You are a naughty boy!’

 

‘You love it,’ said Joe teasingly.

 

‘Joe!’

 

Little Joe turned as his brother Hoss came up behind him. ‘What?’ he asked.

Hoss looked embarrassed. He was a man who loved life, but found dealing with people difficult at times… especially women. For some reason they scared him a little and even though he longed to have the ease that his younger brother had with them he knew that he was fighting a losing battle. ‘The supplies are all loaded,’ he said, stealing a glance at Jane from under his hat and blushing as he did so. ‘Time to get on home Joe.’ He tipped his hat and gave Jane a shy grin from underneath it. ‘Ma’am,’ he said.

 

‘Hello Hoss,’ said Jane with a smile. ‘I think your younger brother here needs a lesson in manners. He’s being quite rude today.’ She gave Little Joe another smile and he returned it.

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Joe!’ he said, glaring at his younger brother. ‘Mind your manners.’

 

Joe began to fiddle with the fringe on the sleeve of Jane’s dress as he continued to smile at her. ‘Can’t,’ he said. ‘I ain’t got none today.’ Jane giggled.

 

Hoss put his hands on Joe’s shoulders and pushed him away from the woman. ‘That ain’t no way to treat a lady,’ he said shortly.

 

Joe shrugged his brother’s hand off and stepped back towards Jane and whispered into her ear again. They both gave a chuckle while Hoss frowned. He reached over and hauled Joe away from the woman with one hand and tipped his hat to her with the other. ‘Ma’am,’ he said again. ‘I’ll make sure this youngun minds his manners better in the future.’

 

Jane gave him a sweet smile and tried not to giggle again. ‘Thank you Hoss, but I was really only having a bit of fun with him. Its all right.’

 

‘No ma’am it ain’t all right,’ said Hoss as he gazed into her blue eyes. ‘He should know better than to speak to a lady like that.’

 

‘Well thank you Hoss,’ said Jane again. She shot Joe a mocking look. ‘You could learn a lot from your older brother youngun!’ She giggled again before turning away and disappearing down the street.

 

‘What did ya go and do that for?’ asked Joe indignantly as he shook himself free of Hoss and put his hands on his hips. ‘We was only having a bit of fun.’

 

Hoss waggled his finger at his younger brother. ‘The trouble with you Joe is that you don’t respect ladies enough. I’m ashamed of the way you carry on sometimes.’

 

Joe rolled his eyes. ‘And the trouble with you Hoss is that you take things too seriously. We were just having a bit of harmless fun and she was enjoying it as much as I was for heaven’s sake.’

 

‘Hmph!’ said Hoss. ‘I still say you need to control yourself a bit more.’ He gazed in the direction that Jane had disappeared in with a wistful look on his face. ‘Miss Jane is a fine lady and she don’t need to be hanging round the likes of you.’

 

Joe gave a short laugh. ‘A fine lady?’ he said. ‘Aw come on Hoss who ya kidding! She ain’t no lady, that’s for sure.’

 

Hoss hit his little brother on the side of the head. ‘Don’t you talk about her like that!’ he said. ‘I won’t stand for it Joe.’

 

Joe looked at his brother in amazement as he rubbed the side of his head. ‘You really sweet on her are ya?’ he asked. ‘I didn’t know that.’

 

Hoss looked embarrassed and turned away. ‘I just think she’s … very nice,’ he said. ‘Come on, let’s get on home.’

 

‘Yeah?’ said Joe as they walked down the street towards their buggy. ‘I guess she is. Leastways I have a good time with her.’

 

Hoss stopped. ‘That’s just what I’m talking about Joe!’ he said angrily. ‘Talking like that about a lady!’

 

‘Like what?’ said Joe indignantly. ‘We’re friends that’s all. Can’t a fellar have a few friends who are girls for Pete’s sake? Ain’t many girls round here after all that ain’t being watched all the time by their busybody mamas. A fellar can’t so much as look at some of em without being accused of having marriage on his mind.’

 

Hoss narrowed his eyes as he stared intently at his brother. ‘Don’t you hurt her none,’ he said after a moment.

 

Joe patted his brother on the back. ‘Course I won’t,’ he said indignantly as he hopped up into the buckboard. ‘I just told you … we’re friends.’

 

Hoss got up as well and hitched up the reins. He looked thoughtful. ‘So …. So you ain’t sweet on her yourself?’ he asked after a moment.

 

‘Who me?’ Little Joe looked surprised. ‘Heck no!’

 

Hoss cleared his throat and looked thoughtful. ‘Joe ….’

 

‘What?’

 

‘Well I been thinking. Seeing as how you’re good friends with Miss Jane and all. Well …’

 

Joe looked over at his brother suspiciously. ‘What?’ he asked again.

 

Hoss cleared his throat for a second time. ‘Well …. How bout you kinda …. Well … set me up with her?’ He looked at Joe hopefully. ‘You know … just sweeten her up so ta speak and tell her what a good fellar I am.’

 

Joe hesitated. ‘Well … I don’t know Hoss,’ he said warily.

 

Hoss shot a look at his younger brother. ‘What do ya mean? You said ya weren’t interested in her, so what’s the problem?’

 

Joe shrugged his shoulders. ‘Well … she ain’t really your type Hoss,’ he said.

Hoss frowned. ‘What do ya mean she ain’t my type?’ he asked. ‘I know my type and I reckon she’s it.’

 

Joe put his hand on Hoss’ shoulder. ‘She’s not you know,’ he said. ‘She kinda …’ his voice trailed away.

 

‘Kinda what?’ asked Hoss.

 

‘Well she’s had experience … you know, she’s been around.’ finished Joe lamely.

 

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

Joe rolled his eyes. ‘She just ain’t the girl for you Hoss,’ he said. ‘Trust me.’

 

‘Aw come on Joe, I’m a big boy. Just talk her inta going out with me and let me make the decisions will ya?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘It’s your choice.’

 

Hoss grinned at his little brother. ‘Thanks Joe,’ he said, slapping him on the back. He straightened up in his seat and puffed out his chest. ‘Hot diggety! Well if this don’t beat all … me and Miss Jane Coleman.’

 

‘Don’t get your hopes up,’ said Joe. ‘She ain’t said yes yet.’

 

‘I got faith in you little brother,’ said Hoss. ‘You can convince her.’

 

‘Hmm … well we’ll see,’ said Joe as he tipped his hat over his head and slumped back in his seat. ‘Be careful of those rocks on the trail will ya Hoss? I want to have a bit of a sleep and I can’t do it if you keep tossing us around like this.’

 

‘Sure thing Joe,’ said Hoss. He began to whistle softly as he urged the horses along the trail.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Hello gorgeous,’ said Joe as he came up beside Jane and leant against the pole. ‘How’s my best girl today?’

 

Jane gave him a withering look. ‘Hmph!’ she said. ‘Don’t you give me any of that Joe Cartwright.’

 

Joe pretended to look offended. ‘What’s the matter with you?’ he asked in a hurt tone.

 

Jane shook her head slightly. ‘Nothing,’ she said. ‘I’m just a bit … oh its nothing.’ She smiled at him as she wiped her hand across her forehead. ‘Seems to be hotter today than usual. What are you doing in town two days in a row anyway?’

 

Joe gave her one of his dazzling smiles. ‘I just couldn’t stay away from you,’ he said teasingly.

 

Jane lifted an eyebrow at him. ‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Want to try that again?’

 

Joe shrugged casually. ‘Pa wanted me to get something at the Bank for him,’ he admitted. ‘But I did want to see you too.’

 

Jane didn’t look impressed. ‘Right,’ she said. ‘Well if you want me to tell you where Sarah Wilkinson is I don’t know. Go and find her for yourself.’

 

Joe looked surprised. ‘Sarah Wilkinson? Why would I want to see her?’ he asked.

 

‘Isn’t she your latest love?’ asked Jane. ‘You were all over her at the dance last week.’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘Oh she’s OK,’ he said. He looked up and down the street. ‘The girl I’d really like to get to know is Kate Owens though. Seen her around?’

 

‘No I haven’t,’ said Jane. ‘Why don’t you go and do your own courting and stop asking me to get involved?’

 

Joe put his hand over his heart. ‘Courting?’ he said. ‘As if I’d be courting anyone but you my sweet thing.’

 

Jane hit him lightly on the head. ‘Stop it,’ she said laughing. ‘Go and find your girl and leave me to get some shopping done will you?’

 

‘Talking about courting though ….’ Said Joe.

 

Jane stopped. ‘What about it?’ she asked.

 

‘Well … have you ever thought about my brother Hoss?’

 

Jane frowned. ‘What about him?’

 

‘Well … you know you could do a lot worse,’ replied Joe. ‘He’s a great fellar in many ways.’

 

Jane put her hands on her hips. ‘Are you trying to set me up with him?’ she asked.

 

Joe looked sheepish. ‘Well … it’s just that he’s a bit keen on you.’

 

Jane looked surprised. ‘Is he? He’s never shown it in any way.’

 

‘He’s too shy,’ said Joe. ‘He finds it hard to talk to girls.’

 

‘So you thought you’d do it for him?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘In a way,’ he acknowledged. ‘He wants me to talk to you for him. You know what he’s like.’ He went down on one knee and joined his hands. ‘Please!’ he said dramatically. ‘Save him from pounding me!’

 

Jane looked around to see if anyone was watching. ‘Get up!’ she said. ‘People will wonder what you’re doing.’

 

Joe stood up and put his arm around her shoulder. ‘Aw go on,’ he said. ‘He’s a good fellar you know and he thinks the world of you.’

 

‘Jane looked thoughtful. ‘I’ll think about it,’ she said. ‘Maybe you could tell him not to be so shy and just talk to me. I won’t bite him you know.’

 

‘I know that,’ said Joe with a smile. ‘But that brother of mine thinks all girls are .. well you know.’

 

Jane frowned. ‘No I don’t know,’ she said. ‘What?’

 

Joe looked a bit sheepish. ‘He puts all girls up on a pedestal,’ he said. ‘Thinks they’re …well …. Special.’

 

‘And you don’t?’

 

Joe gave a little chuckle and made a face at her. ‘Course I do,’ he said with his hand over his heart. ‘You know me.’

 

Jane shook her head. ‘Yes I do know you,’ she said. ‘Only too well.’

 

‘So are you going out with Hoss?’

 

‘I told you I’d think about it,’ she replied. She closed her eyes for a moment and leant against the post.

 

‘Are you all right?’ he asked anxiously.

 

‘I’m fine,’ she said, straightening up again. ‘Just the heat that’s all. Well I’d better get to that shopping if I’m going to get it finished before lunchtime. I’ll see you later Romeo.’

 

Joe ginned and tipped his hat at her as she stepped off the sidewalk. ‘Bye Juliet,’ he said mockingly. He watched the sway of her hips appreciatively as she walked away from him and then turned away himself and walked towards the Saloon. He’d finished Pa’s business at the Bank and he felt sure that his father wouldn’t begrudge him one little drink before leaving town.

 

++++++++++

 

‘One drink?’ said Ben Cartwright angrily as he glared at his youngest son. The boy didn’t look in the least bit shamefaced to him and it only served to make him even angrier. ‘I fail to see how one drink could take you two hours Joseph.’

 

Joe tried to look contrite to placate his father. ‘I drank it real slow,’ he said tentatively.

 

Ben gave him a withering look. ‘Have the decency to tell me the truth,’ he said. ‘That’s the last time this week you’re going into town if that’s the way you’re going to behave. Now you go and get to your work this instant young man.’ He cleared his throat as Joe gave him an apologetic look and then turned away. ‘Haven’t you forgotten something?’ he asked.

 

Joe looked puzzled. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said.

‘The papers I asked you to pick up at the Bank,’ prompted Ben. ‘Or did you forget them in your hurry to get to the Saloon?’

 

Joe fished them out of his pocket. ‘No I got them,’ he said, handing them to his father and giving him one of his charming smiles. ‘Here you go Pa.’

 

Ben took them without a word, gave his son another baleful look and walked towards the house. Joe shrugged again and headed towards the barn with his horse where he found Hoss sitting on a bale of hay, mending a bridle.

Hoss looked up expectantly as his younger brother entered the barn. ‘Well?’ he asked anxiously. ‘You get to talk to her?’

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe as he took his saddle off Cochise.

 

‘So? What did she say?’ asked Hoss, his eyes widening in anticipation of his brother’s reply.

 

Joe sighed. ‘Hoss, I still don’t think she’s the girl for you,’ he said.

 

Hoss frowned. ‘I told you I’d work that out,’ he said. ‘Just tell me what she said will ya?’

 

Joe sighed again as he began to brush Cochise. ‘She said that you shouldn’t be so shy. That you should talk to her yourself.’

 

Hoss’ face broke into a huge grin. ‘She did?’ he said and smacked himself on the thigh. ‘Well I’ll be! Must mean she likes me too.’

 

Joe pulled a face. ‘Not necessarily,’ he said. ‘Maybe she’s just being polite. She said she’d think about going out with you … that’s all.’

 

Hoss slapped his thigh again. ‘I knew it!’ he said happily.

 

‘You knew what?’ asked Joe.

 

‘Well she didn’t say no, did she?’ his older brother replied. ‘So it means I’ve got a chance.’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I suppose so,’ he said. ‘Just don’t get your hopes up too much Hoss.’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘I thought you weren’t interested in her?’

 

‘I’m not … I told you that before,’ replied Joe testily.

 

‘Interested in who?’ asked Adam as he came into the barn.

 

‘Jane Coleman,’ said Hoss. ‘I’m gonna ask her out.’

 

Adam grinned at his brother and slapped him on the back. ‘Really?’ he said and then glanced at Joe and noticed the look on the boy’s face. ‘What’s wrong with you?’

 

Joe shrugged again. ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘I was just telling him not to get his hopes up is all.’

 

Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘Why not?’ he said. ‘Isn’t she interested in him?’ Privately Adam doubted that she would be. Jane Coleman was a girl who knew her own mind and had plenty of men to choose from. Adam had watched her from a distance and had noticed the way in which she usually had several men dangling on a line at the same time. He suspected that his youngest brother would have joined the queue for her affections with the slightest encouragement.

 

Joe threw down his brush. ‘Oh I don’t know!’ he said crossly. ‘Why don’t you both just leave me out of it? I’ve got my own love life to worry about without getting mixed up in yours.’

 

‘Seems to me you’re a mite testy about it,’ said Adam as he leant against a pole. ‘Why?’

 

‘It seems that little brother might be interested in her himself,’ explained Hoss.

 

Joe scowled. ‘How many times do I have to tell you that I’m not?’ he said. ‘We’re just friends is all. Sides … haven’t you both told me before that she’s too old for me? You go ahead and ask her out Hoss and good luck to you. Just don’t ask me to do any more match-making for you OK?’

 

‘OK little bother,’ said Hoss. ‘You look after your love life and I’ll look after mine from now on. Deal?’

 

‘Deal!’ said Joe as he strode out of the barn.

 

‘So tell me about all this,’ said Adam. ‘How did it come about?’

 

Hoss looked a bit sheepish. ‘I asked little brother to sound her out fer me, ‘ he said. ‘You know… see what she thought of me and all. She told him that I should talk to her myself, so I reckon I’m gonna.’

 

Adam looked thoughtful. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘And you think you might have a chance with her is that it?’

 

Hoss grinned at him. ‘Sure do,’ he said happily. ‘I’ve just gotta work out the best way ta talk to her now is all.’

 

Adam hesitated. ‘You sure about this Hoss?’ he asked.

 

Hoss frowned at his older brother. ‘What do ya mean?’ he said. ‘You’re beginning ta talk like another brother of mine. She’s a mighty fine lady Adam.’

 

Adam raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m sure she is,’ he said slowly. ‘Its just that she goes out with a lot of fellars in town Hoss. I just don’t want you to be hurt that’s all.’

 

Hoss slapped his older brother on the back. ‘Don’t you worry bout me,’ he said confidently. ‘I can look after myself. I mean, its only natural that she’s got fellars after her … she’s a mighty fine-looking woman.’

 

Adam smiled back at his brother. ‘She is that,’ he acknowledged. ‘Where are you thinking to take her Hoss?’

‘I dunno,’ said Hoss with a frown. ‘I thought I’d ask her to the Church picnic next Sunday. What do ya reckon Adam.’

 

Adam scratched his chin thoughtfully. ‘Well…’ he said. ‘I don’t really know if she’s Church picnic kind of girl, brother.’

 

‘What’s that supposed ta mean?’

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Why don’t you ask her to the dance next week?’ he suggested.

 

‘Aw Adam… you know I don’t like ta dance much,’ said Hoss.

 

‘You don’t have to talk too much if you’re dancing,’ said Adam, realising that this would be seen as a positive thing by Hoss.

 

Hoss’ eyes lit up and he grinned. ‘Reckon I don’t,’ he said. ‘I see what you mean. Well then, the dance it is. I’ll go inta town and ask her tomorrow.’

 

++++++++++

 

Joe walked out onto the front porch and watched his middle brother leading his horse out of the barn. ‘What are the flowers for?’ he asked as he noticed Hoss stuffing a small posy into his saddlebag.

 

Hoss tried not to look embarrassed as he noticed his younger brother standing there watching him. ‘They’re for Miss Jane,’ he said. ‘I thought I’d give em to her when I ask her to the dance this afternoon.’

 

‘You don’t have to give her flowers when you’re just asking her out,’ said Joe patronizingly. ‘You don’t even know if she’ll say yes.’

 

Hoss drew himself up to his full height and looked offended at his younger brother’s comment. ‘You do things your way little brother and I’ll do things my way,’ he said. ‘I believe in treating a girl with respect and giving her flowers is one way of showing it.’

Joe walked over to this brother and put his arm around him. ‘You know what Hoss?’ he said. ‘You’re a real nice kinda fellar. Any girl’d be lucky to have you for a date.’

 

Hoss looked pleased. ‘Ya reckon?’ he said. ‘Gee, thanks Joe.’

 

Good luck,’ said Joe as he watched his brother mount up. ‘I hope she says yes.’ He watched as Hoss rode out of the barn and then shook his head slightly as he turned away and walked over to the corral.

 

Hoss spent the trip into town rehearsing his speech that he’d prepared the night before and by the time he arrived he had it word-perfect in his head. It was the only way that he felt confident enough to talk to Miss Jane and he hoped that he would be able to remember it at the crucial moment. He tied his horse up and took the flowers out of his saddlebag, straightening his collar and hat before mounting the steps to the boarding house where Jane lived. As he knocked on the door he felt his heart begin to pound and he swallowed several times while he waited.

 

‘The door was opened by an older woman who looked at him suspiciously. ‘Yes?’ she said. ‘What do you want Hoss Cartwright?’

 

Hoss tipped his hat at her politely. ‘Howdy Mrs Bannister,’ he said to the woman who owned the boarding house. ‘I was just wondering … that is … would Miss Jane be at home please?’

 

Mrs Bannister looked at the flowers in Hoss’ hand and her frown turned into a smile. ‘Come in,’ she said with a wave of her hand. ‘You can wait in the parlour while I get her.’

 

Hoss sat down in the front parlour and waited, the pounding of his heart getting louder by the minute. He wondered how Joe and Adam did this all the time so easily and wished for the tenth time that morning that he had the ease with women that both his brothers did. By the time Jane entered the room his palms were sweating and he was wishing he were anywhere but here.

 

‘Morning Miss Jane,’ he said as he stood up.

 

‘Hello Hoss,’ said Jane, eyeing off the flowers in his hand.

 

Hoss saw her looking at them and thrust them forward towards her. ‘These are fer you,’ he mumbled.

 

‘Thank you,’ she replied as she took them. They’re lovely.’ They stood and looked at each other for a moment and then she said, ‘Would you like to sit down?’ Hoss nodded and sat down without a word, twisting his hat in his hands as he tried to summon up the courage to speak. When it was obvious that it would be some time before this happened, Jane said, ‘Did you come to see me for any particular reason Hoss?’

 

‘Yes ma’am,’ he said and then cleared his throat before taking a deep breath. ‘I was wondering if you might be interested in going ta the dance with me next week?’ he said in a rush, giving her a hopeful look.

 

‘That would be fine,’ said Jane.

 

Hoss’ look turned to one of amazement. ‘Huh?’ he said.

 

‘I said that would be fine,’ she repeated, trying not to look amused at his reaction.

 

Hoss blinked a couple of times. It had been much easier than he had thought it would be. ‘Well … ain’t that fine!’ he said with a grin. ‘I reckon I’ll pick ya up bout 7.30 then?’

 

‘That’s fine,’ said Jane as she stood up. ‘I’ll see you then.’

 

Hoss put his hat back on. ‘Yes ma’am,’ he said. ‘Sure will.’ He walked to the front door with a glazed look on his face. ‘I’ll see ya later then,’ he said as he walked out. ‘Bye.’

‘Good bye Hoss,’ said Jane as she closed the door.

 

Hoss stood for a few moments on the front porch in silence and then turned towards the street. ‘Hot diggety!’ he said out loud as he swaggered down the steps. ‘Well I’ll be!’
++++++++++

 

‘Well that’s real fine son,’ said Ben at the supper table that night. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’ It wasn’t often that Hoss had the courage to ask a girl out and he was pleased to think that the boy had actually plucked up the courage for once.

 

‘She’s a real nice lady too Pa,’ said Hoss as he helped himself to some potatoes. ‘Ain’t she Joe?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I guess so,’ he said.

 

‘And real nice looking. I’m lucky ta have the chance ta court her,’ continued Hoss as he helped himself to some peas.

 

‘Aw come on Hoss you ain’t exactly courting her,’ said Joe. ‘It’s just one date after all.’

 

‘Never you mind little brother,’ replied Hoss as he helped himself to some corn. ‘I have a feeling something is gonna come of this.’

 

Joe rolled his eyes and said nothing.

 

‘You going to leave any of that for the rest of us?’ asked Adam sarcastically as he indicated Hoss’ plate which was piled high with food.

 

Hoss grinned at him as he began to eat. ‘There’s plenty left for the rest of you older brother,’ he said. ‘You know that Hop Sing always expects me ta show appreciation of his cooking. He’d be right offended if I didn’t eat my share.’

 

Adam took the plate that his father held out for him. ‘Your share and everyone else’s,’ he muttered as he watched his brother shovel in a few mouthfuls of food. ‘Here you go Joe.’

 

Joe shook his head as his eldest brother held out the plate to him next. ‘No thanks,’ he said and then noticed the look on his father’s face and took it with a sigh.

 

‘So Adam,’ said Ben as he began to eat, keeping one eye on his youngest son as he took the bare minimum off the plate before putting it back onto the table. ‘How is the work going up at the sawmill?’
‘Fine,’ replied Adam. ‘We should have that delivery ready by mid next week.’

 

‘Good,’ said his father. ‘Hoss should be finished with those fences by then and he can help with transporting it into town.’ He glanced over at Hoss for a reaction, but got none. ‘Hoss?’ he said.

 

Hoss looked startled. ‘Huh?’ he said. ‘What was that Pa?’

 

‘I said that you could help your brother with the transporting of that lumber next week,’ said Ben.

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Sure thing Pa,’ he said in a vague tone. There was silence for a moment. ‘What lumber?’ he asked.

 

Ben put down his fork. ‘Son what is the matter with you?’ he asked.

 

‘I reckon his mind’s on other things Pa,’ said Joe with a giggle. ‘Women maybe.’

 

Hoss looked a bit sheepish. ‘I reckon so,’ he said.

 

Ben shook his head slightly as he picked up his fork again. ‘Well just don’t let it interfere with your work son,’ he said. He watched Hoss furtively as the meal continued. He sure did look different today … more …. Well … confident perhaps. Ben hoped this woman he’d asked out wasn’t the kind to let him down in any way. Hoss was the sort of young man who was easily hurt and his father had watched him show his feelings to women before only to have his hopes dashed and be hurt because of it. He resolved to find out more about this female from one of his other two sons. Adam was sure to have some information about her and Little Joe … well he seemed to know every female in the district.

 

Ben glanced over at his youngest son who gave him a grin and ate a mouthful of food for effect. Joe possessed an engaging personality and with his charming looks seemed to be a target for every female that came within his range. Ben worried about the boy who was still so young … after all at seventeen he didn’t have the maturity or the experience to handle himself in tricky situations with the opposite sex, even though Joe himself would have vehemently denied such a fact. Ben just hoped that the boy didn’t get himself into any situation that he couldn’t handle without consulting himself or Adam first.

 

Ben smiled to himself. The two boys were so different to each other in the way they handled people that at times it was difficult for outsiders to realise that they were in fact brothers. And yet the brotherly feelings went deep between them. Someone only had to cross one of them to see that fact. Hoss would protect Joe from his foolishness with his very life. No one touched his little brother without answering to Hoss for it, yet there were times when Ben sensed an envy in his middle son towards the boy. He wanted so much to have an ease with people that just came so naturally to Joe and in spite of the age difference looked to his younger brother for guidance in that respect.

 

Joe on the other hand worshipped Hoss and even though he delighted in constantly annoying him, would have done anything for him. He looked up to both his brothers who had always looked out for him and, even though he’d never had admitted it, Ben knew that he strove to be like them both. He admired Adam’s intelligence and sound judgement and Hoss’ open and guileless nature.

 

Ben shook his head slightly. Three sons … all so different and yet all so close. He wondered how he had ever lived before they’d come into his life. He looked around the table affectionately. This was what life was all about.

 

‘You finished with that Joe?’ asked Hoss, startling his father out of his thoughts. ‘I reckon I’ll have it if ya are.’ He indicated the uneaten food on his brother’s plate.

 

Joe glanced over to see if his father was listening and caught his stern look. ‘Reckon not,’ he said as he picked his fork up again with a sigh. Ben caught Adam’s eye and winked.

 

++++++++++

 

Adam reached up and straightened his brother’s tie as he looked at him appraisingly. ‘Very nice,’ he said. ‘You’re looking fine Hoss.’

 

Hoss looked back at his brother nervously. ‘Ya sure Adam?’ he asked. ‘I used some of Pa’s bay rum. It ain’t too much is it?’

 

Adam shook his head as he straightened his own tie. ‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘You’re fine Hoss.’

 

‘What’s that smell?’ asked Joe as he came bounding down the stairs behind them. He sniffed the air. ‘Phew!’

 

Hoss shot an anxious look at Adam. ‘He’s only carrying on,’ Adam assured him. ‘Don’t take any notice of him Hoss.’ He gave his youngest brother a hard look to silence him and Joe returned it with a grin.

 

‘So who you going to the dance with Adam?’ asked Joe. ‘I spose its that old Millie Jenkins again.’

 

‘Yes, if its any of your business,’ said Adam shortly. ‘And she’s a nice girl, so stop carrying on about her as you usually do.’

 

Joe gave him an offended look. ‘I ain’t carrying on,’ he said. ‘Why would I bother anyway? You’re welcome to her older brother. I’ve got more important things ta worry about.’

 

Adam looked his youngest brother up and down, noting his crisp white shirt and slicked down hair. ‘Oh yes?’ he said. ‘And who is the lucky girl who is to be the object of your attentions this evening?’

 

‘You mean girls don’t ya Adam?’ said Hoss with a chuckle. Younger brother here usually don’t confine himself ta just one remember.’

 

‘True,’ said Adam as he leant over and straightened Joe’s tie as well. ‘But who are you actually taking to this dance little buddy?’

 

‘Kate Owens,’ he said with a sparkle in his eye.

 

‘Oh. So you finally got her to notice you, did you?’ asked Adam as he picked up his hat.

 

‘She noticed me ages ago,’ said Joe indignantly. ‘I’ve just been keeping her waiting until I was ready to notice her is all.’

 

‘I see,’ said Adam dryly. ‘Lucky girl then.’ He winked at Hoss who grinned at him.

 

‘Have a good time boys,’ called their father as he entered from the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hand.

 

‘Why don’t you come with us Pa?’ asked Adam, walking over to the man. ‘It’d do you good to get out for the night.’
Ben shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’m looking forward to a quiet night here by myself son. These things are for you youngsters anyway so go and enjoy yourselves.’ He hesitated. ‘Oh and …’ he indicated Joe who was standing by the door impatiently jiggling from one foot to the other while waiting for his brothers.

 

Adam rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’ll make sure he behaves himself.’

‘I meant Hoss too,’ said Ben quietly. ‘This new girl he’s going out with …. Well just keep an eye on him, will you?’
Adam nodded, understanding at once. ‘Sure will,’ he said. ‘Only I don’t know how you expect me to have a good time when I’m constantly having to keep those two away from trouble.’ He gave a short chuckle. ‘Nothing changes does it?’

 

Ben gave him an affectionate look. ‘I suppose not,’ he said. ‘You’ve always looked out for them in the past.’

 

‘And I guess I always will,’ replied his son. He turned to his two younger brothers who were jostling each other to get through the door first. ‘Would you two stop it?’ he said loudly. ‘We’ll never got there on time if you carry one like that.’ He pushed them both out of the way and walked through the doorway himself.

 

‘Yeah Hoss,’ said Joe cheekily. ‘Let the old man pass and stop hassling him. He needs all his strength to keep up with us now that he’s getting on in years ya know.’ He gave his father a grin before following Adam through the open doorway.

 

‘Night Pa,’ said Hoss as he picked up his hat.

 

‘Good night son,’ called his father. ‘And good luck with that new girl of yours.’

 

Hoss gave him a huge grin. ‘Thanks,’ he said happily as he followed his brothers and shut the door behind him.

 

++++++++++

 

Adam looked around the hall for his brothers. The dance had been going for over an hour now and he hadn’t spied them since they’d all gone their separate ways to pick up their girls after hitching their horses in front. He knew that Little Joe would most likely be on the dance floor and sure enough saw him immediately twirling pretty young Sarah Wilkinson around with great gusto. He shook his head slightly. ‘So much for Kate Owens,’ he mumbled softly.

 

‘What was that Adam?’ asked Millie Jenkins.

 

‘Nothing,’ he said with a smile. ‘I’m just looking for my brothers. Have you seen Hoss?’

 

‘Isn’t that him over there by the punch bowl?’ asked Millie.

 

Adam looked over and saw Hoss filling up a couple of glasses. ‘Could you excuse me for a few moments?’ he said politely. ‘I just have to talk to him for a minute.’ As he approached Hoss he noticed that Little Joe had finished his dance and was also making his way towards them.

‘How’s it going brother?’ he asked Hoss.

 

Hoss looked up. ‘Fine,’ he said. ‘How bout you Adam?’

 

‘Where’s Jane?’ asked Little Joe as he sidled up next to them. ‘She taken off?’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘What would make you think that?’ he said. ‘I’m just getting her a drink is all.’ He motioned across the room with his free hand to where Jane Coleman was sitting in the middle of a group of young men. She was talking non-stop and was obviously the centre of attention.

 

‘Seems like she ain’t paying you no mind,’ said Joe with a frown.

 

Hoss shrugged his shoulders. ‘She can’t help being popular,’ he said. ‘The important thing is that she’s my date and not theirs.’ He picked up the other drink. ‘Now if you fellars will excuse me I need to get this drink over to her.’

 

Adam and Joe watched as their brother approached the group and handed Jane her drink, taking a place at the side and listening to her story with a rapt expression on his face. Joe shook his head. ‘It ain’t right,’ he said.

 

‘What?’ said Adam as he poured himself a glass of punch as well.

 

‘Jane,’ said Little Joe. ‘She ain’t got no cause to be treating Hoss like that. Look at her with all them other fellars!’

 

Adam’s eyebrow lifted. ‘I thought you were keen on Kate … or Sarah … or whoever it is now,’ he said. ‘What’s Jane got to do with you?’

 

Joe shot him a dark look. ‘I told you before,’ he said crossly. ‘I ain’t interested in her. She’s just a friend.’

 

‘Hmm,’ said Adam. ‘Then what’s the problem?’

 

Hoss,’ said Little Joe. ‘Look at him Adam. He really likes her and he don’t understand that she ain’t his type of girl.’

 

‘How do you know she isn’t?’

 

‘Because….’ Joe searched for the right words. ‘She’s a party girl type. You know.’ He looked at his brother. ‘She likes fellars and lets em know it. Hoss couldn’t hold her attention for very long. She’s too much of a flirt.’

 

‘And how do you know this?’

 

‘I told you … we’re friends. I’ve watched her.’ Joe made to move away. ‘I think I’ll tell her to lay off them other fellars.’

 

Adam pulled him back by the collar. ‘You just mind your own business,’ he said firmly. ‘Hoss is quite capable of looking after himself and he doesn’t need you sticking your nose into his affairs.’

 

Joe tried to wriggle out of his brother’s grasp. ‘No he ain’t,’ he declared. ‘He needs me to look out fer him with women.’

 

Adam put his finger up under Joe’s nose. ‘I mean it little brother,’ he said. ‘You stay out of this and let Hoss handle it. You hear?’

 

Joe gave another shake. ‘OK,’ he said grudgingly. ‘Only I hope he realises how much of a flirt she is before its too late.’ His eyes travelled over to where Sarah Wilkinson was standing. ‘I’d better go before the music starts again,’ he said. ‘There’s a lot of girls will be disappointed if I don’t spread myself around the dance floor.’ He patted Adam on the back. ‘Now don’t you dance too much older brother,’ he said. ‘Old people like you has gotta keep ya strength up you know.’ He gave Adam a cheeky grin in reply to the dark look his brother gave him and strutted away.

 

Adam stood and watched Hoss thoughtfully as the music started. He certainly hoped that Joe was wrong. Hoss was so easily hurt by people and judging by the way Jane was behaving he might just end up being hurt. He frowned as the girl got up to dance with one of the young men around her and left Hoss standing by himself holding her glass. He was just about to go and speak to his brother when he felt a tap on his arm.

 

‘Adam?’ said Millie. ‘Are we going to dance now?’

 

He gave her one of his beautiful smiles that showed his dimples to perfection. ‘Of course,’ he said as he led her out to the dance floor gracefully.

 

++++++++++

 

Joe leant against the doorframe and narrowed his eyes to adjust them against the darkness outside. He could just make out the dim forms of two people locked together on the porch and heard the unmistakable giggle that told him one of them was Jane. Joe stood up straight and strode over to them with a glint in his eye. As he approached them, the two young people leapt apart. ‘Oh, its just you,’ said Jane with a frown. ‘You scared me.’

 

Joe stared at her for a moment and then turned to her companion. ‘Could you excuse us for a minute,’ he said.

 

‘Sure thing,’ said the young man, giving Jane another peck on the cheek.

 

‘She’s all yours Cartwright, but I’ll be back later.’

‘What do you think you’re doing?’ asked Joe as soon as he’d left.

Jane’s eyes opened widely. ‘What do you mean?’ she asked as she patted down her skirt.

 

‘You know very well what I mean,’ he replied angrily. ‘I thought my brother Hoss brought you to this dance tonight?’

 

Jane shrugged. ‘Yes. What of it?’

 

Joe gave her a disdainful look. ‘Well you haven’t paid him much attention since you got here have you? And you’re carrying on with all them other fellars.’

 

Jane looked puzzled. ‘What of it?’ she said. ‘You came with Kate Owens but you’ve been dancing with just about everyone here haven’t you? Just because I came with your brother doesn’t mean that he owns me for the night.’

 

Joe hesitated. He hadn’t considered that he’d been doing the exact same thing as she had until she’d pointed it out to him. ‘Well that’s different,’ he said after a moment.

 

‘Is it?’ she said, coming closer to him. ‘How?’

 

‘It just is,’ replied Joe, not being quite sure himself. ‘Anyway Hoss is different to all them other fellars you’re used to. You shouldn’t treat him like that.’

 

Jane gave a snort. ‘Oh piffle!’ she said. ‘He’s just the same as any other man. He understands.’

 

‘No he doesn’t,’ said Joe. ‘I tell you, Hoss is different. He’s sweet on you and he thinks that you’re sweet on him too.’

 

Jane looked startled. ‘Don’t be silly,’ she said. ‘I just said I’d go to a dance with him. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything going on between us.’

 

‘Well there is in his mind,’ said Joe. ‘Why’d you come to the dance with him for anyway?’

 

Jane shrugged. ‘Well I had to come with someone and he asked me,’ she said casually. She smiled at Joe. ‘Let’s just say I did it because you asked me to be nice to him Romeo.’

 

Joe leant forward and stared into Jane’s eyes. ‘Don’t you hurt him none.’

 

Jane looked offended. ‘Of course I won’t hurt him,’ she said. ‘You’ve got it all wrong Joe.’ She tossed her head. ‘Anyway, its none of your business. If I want to go out with your brother then I will and you can’t stop me.’

 

Joe grabbed her on the arm and pulled her towards him. ‘I’m just trying to make you understand,’ he said. ‘Hoss isn’t ….’

 

Suddenly there was a movement behind them and Hoss emerged from the shadows. He looked from Jane to Joe and was silent for a moment before speaking. ‘I was just wondering where ya were,’ he said finally. ‘I couldn’t find ya inside Miss Jane.’

 

Jane shook herself away from Joe. ‘I’ve been right here,’ she said. She gave Joe a smile and patted him on the arm. ‘I’ll be inside when you’re ready for a dance Romeo.’

 

Hoss frowned as the girl brushed past him and went back into the hall. ‘Why’d she call ya that?’ he asked.

 

Joe brushed his brother aside. ‘Oh, she always does,’ he said impatiently. ‘No reason.’

 

Hoss’ eyes narrowed. ‘What were ya doing out here with her anyway little brother? You making out with my girl?’

 

Joe gave his brother a frustrated look. ‘Hoss don’t be stupid,’ he said. ‘I’m not interested in her. Why don’t you go inside and dance with her if you want to?’

 

Hoss pointed his finger at his brother. ‘You just leave her alone,’ he said. ‘She’s my girl Joe.’

 

Joe put up his hands in a gesture of defeat. ‘Sure!’ he said. ‘Anything you say Hoss. Now I’m going to find someone to dance with.’
++++++++++

 

Hoss whistled softly under his breath as he brushed his horse down carefully. ‘Reckon things are looking good eh Chubb?’ he said with a happy smile on his face. ‘Church picnic tomorrow and I got me a date! Yes siree, old Hoss is doing well.’ He patted the horse affectionately as he put down his brush.

 

‘Well you’re sounding happy,’ said Adam as he led his own horse into the barn. ‘What’s the occasion?’

 

‘I got me a date fer the church picnic tomorrow,’ said Hoss proudly.

 

‘Yeah?’ replied Adam with a smile. ‘Good on you Hoss. Who’s the lucky girl?’

 

‘Miss Jane of course,’ said Hoss. ‘I asked her after the dance the other night and she said yes.’

 

Adam looked thoughtful. ‘I see,’ he said.

 

Hoss put his hand up. ‘Now I know what you’re gonna say brother,’ he said. ‘Ya done told me before that she just ain’t the church picnic type, but I reckon you’re wrong. She’s a real nice girl and I reckon we’ll do just fine.’

 

Adam pulled a face. ‘That wasn’t what I was thinking at all,’ he said. ‘As a matter of fact I was thinking about something that Joe said the other night at the dance.’

 

Hoss’ face darkened. ‘Don’t talk to me bout that green-eyed little brother of ours,’ he said. ‘I reckon he was fixing ta court her himself afore I stopped him.’

 

Adam stroked his chin. ‘Hmm,’ he said. ‘I don’t know.’

 

Hoss looked indignant. ‘You didn’t see em Adam. ‘They was on the porch together when I interrupted em. Just because he’s got all that charm with women he thinks he can steal my girl. Well its me she’s going to the picnic with, not him!’ Hoss drew himself up to his full height and puffed out his chest. ‘And I’ll be proud ta be her escort!’

Adam stared at his brother. ‘So that’s what has been going on between the two of you these past couple of days,’ he said. ‘I wondered what was the matter.’

 

Hoss sat down on a bale of hay as Adam began to rub down his horse. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘Although I guess little brother can’t help himself around women that’s all.’ He sighed. ‘Spose I shouldn’t hold it against him. After all I won the girl, didn’t I?’

 

Adam gave a short chuckle. ‘It would seem so,’ he said. ‘Do him good.’

 

‘Yeah,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘I reckon he needs ta be taken down a peg or two at times when it comes ta women. He’s too cocky fer his own good sometimes.’

 

‘Would you be talking about that younger brother of yours?’ asked their father as he came up behind them. ‘Have you seen Joseph this morning?’

 

‘Not since breakfast,’ said Adam. ‘Isn’t he down at the corral helping with the branding?’

 

‘That’s where he’s supposed to be,’ said Ben with a shake of his head. ‘But you know your brother. He’s nowhere to be found.’

 

‘Try the corral,’ said Hoss. ‘He was aiming ta get a look at them new horses.’

 

‘He’ll be missing out on that picnic tomorrow if he doesn’t watch himself,’ said Ben grimly.

 

‘He won’t like that,’ said Adam.

 

‘No sir,’ said Hoss. ‘That picnic is gonna be a great one I can tell.’

Ben lifted his eyebrows. ‘Really?’ he said. ‘And why is it going to be so special this time?’

 

Adam cocked his head in Hoss’ direction. ‘He’s got a date,’ he said with a grin.

 

Ben smiled. ‘Really?’ he said. ‘The same young lady that you were out with the other night at the dance?’

 

‘Yep,’ said Hoss proudly. ‘You wait till ya meet her Pa. She’s something special.’

 

‘Well that’s fine son,’ said Ben, slapping Hoss on the back. ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’ He looked around the barn. ‘Well seeing as Joe isn’t in here I’ll keep looking I guess.’

 

Hoss stood up. ‘I’ll go find him fer ya Pa,’ he said. ‘I wanna apologize ta him fer something anyways.’ He walked over to the door.

 

‘Tell him I’m looking for him when you find him!’ called Ben and then sat down on the bale of hay. ‘What is he apologizing to Joseph for?’ he asked Adam. ‘I could tell there’s something been going on between the two of them for the past few days, but neither of them has let on what it is.’

 

Adam shrugged as he continued to work. ‘It’s about that girl Hoss is seeing,’ he said. ‘He thinks that Joe might be courting him herself.’

 

Ben’s eyebrows lifted. ‘Really?’ he said. ‘But Joseph gave the distinct impression that they were just friends the other night.’

 

Adam shrugged again. ‘I know. It could be just in Hoss’ mind. You know how he gets around women.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes. I also know how your youngest brother gets around women too,’ he said. ‘That boy worries me. He’s too charming for his own good.’

 

‘Well I think they’ve worked it out,’ said Adam as he finished up and stood back to inspect his horse.

 

‘I hope so,’ said Ben as he stood up. ‘Those two make each other miserable when they carry on like this.’

 

‘They’ll be fine Pa,’ said Adam as he put the brush down. ‘You know they can never stay mad at each other for long.’

 

Ben smiled. ‘True,’ he said.

 

++++++++++

 

Jane gave Hoss a frustrated look as they sat next to the lake together. She’d really only accepted his invitation because she was angry with Joe and was now regretting it. At the dance it had been easy to leave him and dance with everyone else, but here at the picnic Hoss kept following her around and she couldn’t shake him off. Not that she minded him … in fact he was a real gentleman and couldn’t do enough for her … it was just that he wasn’t her type.

 

Jane liked a man who was amusing and kept her entertained with jokes and stories and Hoss was definitely not that type of person. In fact their conversation was quite stilted, as Hoss seemed to be quite content to let her do the talking and just listened. After a while Jane couldn’t think of anything else to talk to him about and wanted desperately to leave him and find a more interesting partner. A couple of times she’d been about to do just that, but had noticed Joe’s eyes on them each time. That had been just the excuse she needed to pretend that everything was fine, for there was no way Joe Cartwright was going to tell her who she could and couldn’t go out with! So she tossed her curls and laughed as Hoss sat beside her in wonderment at everything she said.

 

‘So,’ said Jane after a while. ‘I’ve been doing all of the talking. ‘How about you Hoss? What would you like to talk about?’

Hoss smiled at her shyly. ‘I dunno,’ he said. ‘Whatever you wanna talk about.’

 

Jane gave a small sigh of frustration. ‘Well how about we go for a walk then?’ she suggested.

 

Hoss got up and helped her to her feet. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘Where do ya wanna go?’

 

‘How about that way?’ suggested Jane, not really caring.

 

‘Sure,’ said Hoss and clumsily took her by the arm.

 

Joe watched the two of them from where he was sitting under a tree with Sarah Wilkinson. ‘Look at that!’ he said pointing to them as they passed.

 

‘What?’ asked Sarah, gazing at Joe and not the others. She gave him what she thought was a lovely smile, but he didn’t seem to notice.

 

‘Hoss and Jane,’ he said.

 

‘What about them?’ asked Sarah. She leant closer to Joe and looked into his eyes, but eh tilted his head and looked over her shoulder.

 

‘They ain’t right together,’ said Joe. ‘She’s just leading him on.’

 

‘What’s that got to do with you?’ asked Sarah, tilting her head so that she was in his line of vision again.

 

‘He’s my brother,’ said Joe, looking at her at last. ‘Of course its my business.’

 

‘Forget about them’ said Sarah as she cupped his chin in her hand and tried to bring his face down to her level. ‘Why don’t you concentrate on us for a change?’

Joe looked into her blue eyes and smiled. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘Why don’t I?’ He allowed her to bring his face closer to hers and kissed her lightly on the lips. Sarah smiled at him and he put his arms around her as he kissed her again. ‘Seems like the best idea I’ve heard all afternoon,’ he said softly as they kissed again.

 

++++++++++

 

Jane straightened the jars on the counter in front of her and sighed. It was so boring working in the store every morning and she longed to just take off her apron and walk outside without a care in the world. Unfortunately she needed a way to pay for her board and keep at the boarding house and couldn’t afford to give up a job just because she felt like it. So she did as she always did every day and tried to ignore the mind-numbing boredom of the job.

 

Suddenly she was aware of someone standing in front of her and she straightened up to see Hoss Cartwright standing there with a bunch of flowers in his hand. Her heart sank. She’d vowed that the next time she saw him she’d make sure he understood that there was nothing between them, but now that the time had come she felt nervous about doing it. The problem was that he was just such a nice person and she didn’t want to hurt him.

‘Hello Miss Jane,’ said Hoss, tipping his hat. He thrust the flowers towards her. ‘These are for you ma’am.’

 

Jane looked at the flowers. ‘Hoss I’m working,’ she said. ‘I really shouldn’t be socialising at the moment.

 

Hoss continued to grin at her. ‘But there ain’t no one else here,’ he said. ‘I reckon it ain’t hurting any.’ He thrust the flowers even further forward. ‘I was just in town and thought I’d stop by ta see ya.’

‘You shouldn’t have.’

 

‘As shucks tweren’t nothing,’ he assured her, looking slightly embarrassed. ‘Ain’t ya gonna take the flowers?’

 

Jane didn’t move. ‘No … I mean you really shouldn’t have,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry Hoss but I think it’s best if we don’t see each other again.’

 

Hoss’ face fell and his arm dropped back to his side with the flowers still grasped firmly in his big fist. ‘What do ya mean?’ he said softly.

 

‘I mean that I don’t want you to bring me things anymore,’ explained Jane, trying to avoid looking at the hurt expression on his face.

 

‘Oh.’ There was silence for a moment while Jane straightened some things on the counter. ‘Then ya don’t wanna go out with me no more?’ asked Hoss finally.

 

‘No.’

 

Hoss swallowed. ‘Why not? I thought we was getting on real well. I think you’re a mighty fine woman Miss Jane.’

 

Jane finally looked into his eyes and cringed at the hurt she saw there. ‘I’m sorry Hoss,’ she said. ‘I don’t mean to hurt you. It’s just that I don’t think we’re right for each other.’

 

‘You sound like a certain brother of mine,’ said Hoss sadly.

 

‘I presume you mean Joe,’ said Jane. ‘Well he was right Hoss … we’re not suited. I shouldn’t have ever gone out with you in the first place.’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Well I’m glad ya did,’ he said. ‘I had a mighty fine time.’

 

‘Jane sighed. ‘Hoss … I’m sorry … but its like Joe said …’

Hoss put up his hand to stop her speaking. ‘Joe!’ he said angrily. ‘So that little green-eyed weasel has something ta do with it. I knew it! Why don’t he just mind his own business?’

 

Jane looked at him sadly. ‘I’m sorry Hoss,’ she said feebly.

 

Hoss looked down at the floor for a moment and then turned away from her. ‘I gotta get back to the ranch now,’ he said miserably as he tipped his hat to her. ‘Maybe I’ll see ya around some time Miss Jane.’

 

Jane smiled at him sadly. ‘I’m sure we will see each other around Hoss,’ she said. ‘And thank you.’

 

He looked at her, puzzled. ‘Fer what?’

 

Jane shrugged. ‘For being so nice,’ she said.

 

Hoss gave her a half-hearted smile as he left the store. He stood by his horse for a moment before mounting up and turning away. As he rode slowly down the street he threw the small bunch of flowers into the gutter.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Adam told me that you’ve broken up with Jane,’ said Joe, sitting down next to his brother on the bale of hay. ‘I’m sorry.’

 

‘Are ya?’ said Hoss in a low voice.

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe.

 

‘Hmph!’

 

Joe frowned. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ he said. ‘Don’t you believe me?’

Hoss glared at his younger brother. ‘Why would I?’ he asked. ‘Seems ta me you done nothing but warn me away from her right from the beginning.’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I just felt she wasn’t right for you Hoss.’

 

‘But she’s right fer you ain’t she?’ snarled Hoss.

 

Joe looked genuinely surprised at his brother’s words. ‘Huh?’

 

‘You know exactly what I’m talking about Joe,’ continued Hoss. ‘You didn’t want me ta go out with her so that you could have her for yourself! You made sure I didn’t have a chance with her.’

 

‘That ain’t true!’ said Joe indignantly. ‘You know very well that I’ve been going out with Kate and Sarah lately.

 

‘I know you!’ said Hoss, pointing his finger under Joe’s nose. ‘Kate and Sarah and Jane and anyone else who’ll take ya fancy little brother! You don’t care how many girls ya got hanging around ya.’

 

‘I told ya Hoss, I don’t care about Jane … except as a friend. How many times do I have ta say it?’ shouted Joe.

 

‘Joseph! Hoss! What’s all the yelling about?’ Both of them turned to see their father standing in the doorway of the barn with his hands on his hips glaring at them. ‘What is going on here?’
‘Ask him!’ said Joe as he stood up. ‘He’s the one started it all!’ He strode out of the barn without another word.

 

‘Well?’ asked Ben, glaring at Hoss.

 

Hoss clenched his jaw. ‘That little brother of mine is just carrying on again that’s all Pa,’ he said.

 

Ben sat down next to him. ‘What do you mean carrying on?’ he asked.

Hoss looked at the floor. ‘He just can’t help himself Pa,’ he said miserably. ‘He’s too charming with the ladies for his own good.’

‘Has this got something to do with that girl you’ve been seeing?’ asked his father.

 

Hoss nodded. ‘She don’t wanna see me no more,’ he said miserably. ‘I reckon little brother had something ta do with it.’

 

‘Hoss you don’t know that for sure,’ said his father, putting his arm around the big man.

 

‘Yeah Pa I do,’ replied Hoss. ‘She told me that Joe said I wasn’t right for her.’ He looked up at his father. ‘Joe gets on with her real fine though.’ He kicked the tip of his boot in the dust. ‘Wish I could be like him around women,’ he muttered softly.

 

Ben hugged his son’s shoulders. ‘Hoss you do fine,’ he said. ‘You’re a sensitive caring man and one day you’re going to find a woman who’ll appreciate you for what you are son. You just have to learn to be patient that’s all.’

 

Hoss looked at his father sorrowfully. ‘Ya think so Pa?’

 

Ben nodded. ‘Yes I do,’ he said. ‘Just be yourself and the right girl will appreciate you when she comes along.’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘But that’s just it!’ he said. ‘When I’m myself I don’t know what ta say to girls. I watch Joe and Adam and they do it so easily. I just can’t Pa.’ He hung his head again. ‘I’m just a dumb old Hoss.’

 

‘Son I …’

 

Hoss held up his hand. ‘Its OK Pa. I’m guess I’d better get used ta it. Its just hard watching that little brother of mine sometimes ya know?’

‘Hoss…’

 

Hoss stood up and turned away from his father. ‘Just leave me be Pa,’ he said as he walked towards the doorway. ‘I’m going for a ride.’

 

Ben watched his son leave with sorrow in his heart.

 

++++++++++

 

Adam glanced at his brother as he sat silently beside him in the Silver Dollar Saloon. Hoss was staring at the drink in his hand as he swished the liquid around and around in the glass. ‘You’re going to spill that if you’re not careful,’ said Adam quietly.

 

Hoss looked up. ‘Huh?’ he said.

 

‘The drink,’ said Adam pointing to it. ‘You’re going to spill it if you’re not careful and that’d be a bit of a waste of good beer, don’t you think?’

 

Hoss put the glass on the table and stared at it. ‘Reckon so,’ he said in a flat tone.

 

Adam sat forward in his chair. ‘Hoss you’ve got to snap out of this,’ he said. ‘You’ve been down in the dumps for over a week now. Surely a girl isn’t worth all this?’

 

Hoss looked at his brother sorrowfully. ‘It ain’t just Jane,’ he said. ‘It’s lots of things.’

 

‘Yeah? Like what?’ asked his brother.

 

Like him.’ Hoss pointed to their younger brother who was standing against the bar while talking to one of the saloon girls. ‘Just look at him Adam. He’s got every woman in here just hankering ta be with him and he don’t even have ta try.’

Adam grinned. ‘He’s got too much charm for his own good,’ he said. ‘Don’t worry about it Hoss.’

 

‘But don’t ya see Adam? I do worry about it,’ said Hoss. ‘No one has a chance with him around.’

 

‘That isn’t true and you know it. Anyway, he doesn’t mean to be like that you know,’ said Adam gently. ‘He’s just young and doesn’t think about half of what he does.’

 

Hoss sighed. ‘I know. But lately I’m just getting so angry with him all the time and I don’t mean ta be. Joe and me is good friends Adam and I’ve never felt like this before.’

 

‘Why don’t you talk to him about it?’ suggested Adam. ‘I’m sure he’s wondering why you’re being a bit distant from him.’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘I know he is,’ he said. ‘But I just can’t help it. I feel like if I go near him I’ll say or do something I’ll regret and I don’t wanna hurt him. He can’t help being the way he is.’ Adam said nothing as Hoss continued. ‘I guess I’m just jealous is all.’

 

Adam put his empty glass on the table. ‘Everyone feels like that at some time,’ he said. ‘The important thing is not to let it affect your relationships with people.’

 

Hoss looked startled. ‘You’re sounding like Pa now,’ he said.

Adam gave a short laugh. ‘You think so?’ he asked. ‘Well I’ve heard his wisdom a time or two so its bound to sink in a bit I suppose.’ He stood up and slapped Hoss on the back. ‘Now let’s get that young charmer and get out of here. Its getting late and we’ve got a bit of work to do before we get home.’

 

Hoss gave his brother a half-hearted grin. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘If we can pry him away from that girl.’

The two brothers walked over to the bar and each took Joe under an arm as they hauled him towards the door. ‘Say goodnight,’ said Adam. ‘Its time to go home little brother.’

 

Joe started to struggle in his brothers’ grasp. ‘But I ain’t finished yet!’ he protested.

 

‘Oh yes you are Joseph,’ said Hoss firmly. ‘Well and truly finished. Pa will be wondering where those supplies are and you’ve got a lot of loading up to do before we leave here.’

 

Joe tipped his hat to the girl as his brothers dragged him through the doorway. ‘See ya Sadie,’ he said. ‘I’ll be back in town before ….’ His words were lost as the swinging doors of the saloon shut behind them. The saloon girl gave a giggle and turned to get another drink.

 

It wasn’t until they were safely across the street that Adam and Hoss let go of their younger brother. ‘Well thank you very much!’ said Joe as he rubbed his arms ruefully. ‘I really wasn’t finished in there ya know.’

 

Adam pointed to the load of supplies on the sidewalk next to their buckboard. ‘Start working,’ he said.

 

‘Why me?’ said Joe indignantly. ‘What’s wrong with the two of you doing it?’

 

‘I’ve got business at the Bank for Pa,’ said Adam.

 

‘Come on Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘You and me will get it finished in no time.’

 

Joe gave his brother a sideways glance as Adam walked away from them. It was the first time they’d been alone together all week and he still felt a bit uncomfortable about the fight they’d had. ‘OK,’ he said as he picked up a sack.

 

The two brothers worked steadily for the next ten minutes in silence and as soon as they had finished Joe sat down on the edge of the buckboard and wiped his brow. ‘I’m sure glad that’s done,’ he said. ‘I wonder where older brother is?’

 

‘I’ll go get him,’ said Hoss. ‘You wait here.’

 

Joe watched as Hoss walked down the street. He hoped that everything was over and done with now and that they could go on as before. Neither of them had mentioned Jane since the day of the fight, but Joe knew that Hoss must still have been hurting about it all. He just hoped that he’d get over it quickly.

 

As if on cue, there was a sound beside him and he turned to see Jane standing on the sidewalk smiling at him. ‘Well hello there Romeo,’ she said. ‘I haven’t seen you around town for a while.’

 

Nah,’ said Joe. ‘I’ve been busy on the ranch.’

 

‘I see,’ she said. There was a moment’s silence. ‘How’s Hoss?’ she asked.

Joe shrugged. ‘He’ll be OK I guess. He’s still a bit hurt at the moment.’

 

Jane nodded. ‘You were right,’ she said. ‘We weren’t suited.’

 

Joe shrugged again. ‘Yeah. Well … as long as he gets over it, that’s the main thing.’

 

‘And how about you?’ asked Jane coming closer to him. ‘We still friends?’

 

Joe gave her a wide smile. ‘Of course we are,’ he said. ‘Haven’t I told you before you’re my best girl?’ he teased.

 

Jane giggled. ‘Stop it!’ she said and hit him lightly on the arm. She settled herself down on the edge of the buckboard beside him. ‘You’ll never guess what I heard Sarah Wilkinson saying about you the other day. You want to know?’

 

Joe’s eyes lit up. ‘She was talking about me?’ he asked. ‘Well go on… tell me!’

 

Jane leant close to him and whispered something into his ear and Joe laughed. ‘She didn’t!’ he said. ‘Really?’

 

‘Really,’ said Jane. ‘I told you before she really likes you. If you play your cards right you just …’ She stopped in mid-sentence, her eyes fixated over Joe’s shoulder. Joe turned around and saw Adam and Hoss standing there and Hoss was staring at them both.

 

‘Hello Hoss,’ said Jane, standing up. ‘How are you?’

 

‘Fine thanks,’ said Hoss, not taking his eyes off his younger brother. He tipped his hat. ‘Ma’am.’ He got up into the buckboard without another word.

 

Joe cleared his throat. ‘Well I guess we’d better be going,’ he said to fill the awkward silence that had formed. ‘See you Jane.’ He got up onto the buckboard beside his brother and waved to Jane who waved back.

 

‘Bye,’ she said.

 

Adam mounted up onto his horse and fell into line beside the buckboard. ‘Let’s get on home,’ he said. He leant back behind Hoss and frowned at Joe and motioned for him to be quiet as they started up the street together.

The ride home was a quiet one.

 

+++++++++

 

‘Hold it tighter will you?’ said Adam in a frustrated tone. ‘I can’t cut it if you don’t pull.’

 

Joe pulled tighter on the piece of wire and watched as his brother pulled the ends together and cut them off deftly. ‘Sorry,’ he said.

 

Adam waited for a moment. ‘Well?’ he said. ‘Are you going to pick that one up or not?’

 

‘Sorry,’ said Joe again. He picked up the next piece of wire and held it while Adam worked.

 

‘Honestly Joe I don’t know where your mind is today,’ said his older brother. ‘What’s gotten into you?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I dunno,’ he said.

 

Adam shook his head as he continued to work. ‘What with Hoss so grumpy and you not paying attention … I wish you two would straighten things out so we could get some work done around here.’

 

Joe’s face darkened. ‘It ain’t my fault!’ he declared. ‘He’s the one carrying on all the time.’

 

‘Maybe so,’ said Adam. ‘But you’re a bit to blame as well you know.’

 

Joe looked indignant. ‘What have I done?’ he said. ‘I can’t help it if girls like me and not him.’

 

Adam put down his pliers and looked at his brother while wiping his face. ‘No one said that you can,’ he replied. ‘But you could be a bit more sensitive about his feelings you know.’

 

‘I said I was sorry bout him and Jane,’ said Joe. ‘What more can I do?’

 

Adam looked closely at his brother. ‘Just give Hoss time that’s all,’ he said. ‘He’s down in the dumps at the moment and watching you flirting all the time doesn’t help him.’

 

‘I don’t flirt!’ said Joe in a huff.

 

Adam rolled his eyes. ‘Yeah right!’ he said. ‘What would you call what you were doing with Jane the other day? And with all those girls at the dance last Friday night?’

 

Joe frowned. ‘Just having a good time,’ he said.

 

Adam sighed. ‘Well you should stop and think about how it looks to other people buddy. You’ll end up with a reputation if you don’t watch out.’

Joe’s frown deepened. ‘Can’t a fellar have a good time without everyone jumping on him?’ he said. ‘Anyway I wasn’t the only one. Them girls seemed to be happy to be with me as well.’

 

Adam picked up the pliers again. ‘Just be careful … that’s all I’m saying,’ he said. ‘You don’t want to get yourself into any trouble.’

 

Joe grinned at his brother as he picked up the next piece of wire. ‘Me?’ he said cheekily. ‘You know me and trouble don’t mix older brother.’

 

Adam gave him a knowing look. ‘Yeah right!’ he said. ‘Hold it tighter will you?’

 

‘Yes sir!’ said Joe cheekily as he gave his brother another grin.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Joe? Can I talk to you?’

 

Joe looked up startled to see Jane standing in front of him. Hi,’ he said with a smile. ‘How are you?’

 

Jane held a handkerchief up to her face. ‘Actually I’m not too good,’ she said. ‘I really need to talk to you.’

 

‘Sure,’ replied Joe. ‘I’ll be about half and hour here and then I can come on over to the store to see you.’

 

‘Please Joe,’ said Jane with more than a tinge of anxiety in her voice. ‘I need to talk to you now.’

 

Joe looked at her anxiously and noted the redness of her eyes and the way in which she was shaking. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘I guess I can come with you now.’ He looked over to where Harry Wilson was shoeing a couple of their horses. ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes Harry,’ he shouted. ‘Tell my brother Hoss if gets back before me OK?’ Harry waved at him and then continued to work on the horse in front of him. ‘Hoss is just over at the Mercantile,’ explained Joe as he took Jane’s arm and steered her away. ‘I’ve got a few minutes before he comes back.’ He stopped outside the Livery Stable. ‘What’s the matter?’ he asked.

 

Jane looked around and then pointed into an alleyway. ‘Can we go in here?’ she asked. ‘I don’t want anyone to hear.’ She led Joe around the corner and wiped her face again with the handkerchief.

 

‘What’s the matter?’ asked Joe again. ‘Are you sick?’

 

Jane shook her head. ‘No … that is not really,’ she said. ‘She took a deep breath. ‘I’m sorry Joe … I shouldn’t be talking to you like this, but … but you’re just about the best friend I’ve got around here and I don’t know who else to talk to about this.’

 

‘About what?’ asked Joe, getting really worried now. The girl didn’t look too good to him at all and he was worried that she might faint dead away on him. ‘Do you wanna sit down?’ he asked.

 

Jane shook her head. ‘No,’ she said. ‘It’s just that …’ She looked up into his eyes. ‘Oh Joe I’m in trouble! Big trouble!’ Joe looked at her silently. ‘Don’t you understand?’ she asked.

 

‘Oh,’ said Joe, the light dawning suddenly. His eyes bulged. ‘You sure?’

 

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I was hoping it wasn’t true, but I’ve been to see Doc Martin and he says that it is.’ She began to cry. ‘Oh Joe! I don’t know what to do!’

 

Joe put his arms around her and patted her on the back. ‘It’ll be all right,’ he said, not knowing what else to say. ‘I’m sure that it will be.’

 

‘How?’ she sniffled into his shoulder.

 

Joe drew her away from him. ‘What about the … well whoever it is?’ he asked.

 

Jane shook her head ‘I don’t think he’d be interested,’ she said.

 

‘Don’t you think you should tell him though?’ asked Joe.

 

Jane shook her head again. ‘I can’t,’ she said. ‘He isn’t in town any more.’

 

‘Oh.’ There was silence for a moment. ‘Well do you know where he went?’ asked Joe after a moment.

 

Jane wiped her eyes and hiccuped. ‘He went to Sacramento,’ she said softly. ‘It’s Bill Higgins.’

 

‘The guy who was working for Mr Henderson a while back?’

 

Jane nodded. ‘Yes,’ she said shortly.

 

‘Well why don’t you go to Sacramento and talk to him at least?’ said Joe.

 

Jane began to cry again. ‘How?’ she said. ‘I’ve got my job. And besides I don’t have nearly enough money for a stage ticket.’

 

Joe held her close to him again and hugged her. ‘I’ll lend you the money,’ he said. ‘And I’m sure that Mr Winters would let you have some time off your job. Why don’t you go and ask him?’

 

Jane shook her head. ‘I can’t,’ she said. ‘Bill probably wouldn’t want to know about it anyway.’

 

‘Well you don’t know unless you try,’ said Joe. ‘What have you got to lose?’

 

Jane flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly. ‘Oh Joe! You’re just about the best friend a girl ever had! What would I do without you?’

 

Joe smiled over her shoulder as he patted her again on the back. ‘What are friends for?’ he said. ‘Now you go and see if you can get time off work and I’ll go and withdraw some money from the Bank. ‘I’ll meet you at the stage office and we’ll get you a ticket for tomorrow’s stage.’

Jane hugged him even tighter. ‘Thank you so much!’ she said. ‘You’re a true friend Joe!’ She turned away and Joe watched her run down the street towards the store. He adjusted his hat and turned towards the Bank.

Standing in the shadows of the Mercantile across the street Hoss frowned. He had seen the interchange between the two in the alleyway and watched as they both went in their opposite directions. ‘Little green-eyed weasel,’ he said softly to himself as he shook his head. ‘Just can’t help yaself can ya Joe?’

 

++++++++++

 

Jane looked up and down the street anxiously while she waited for Joe to appear. She took a step back and trod on something. ‘Oh!’ she said. ‘Sorry!’ She turned to see Hoss standing behind her. ‘Oh Hoss,’ she said. ‘I didn’t see you there … I’m sorry.’

 

Hoss gave her a half-hearted smile and tipped his hat to her. ‘That’s OK Miss Jane,’ he said. ‘Can’t blame ya for tripping over my big clumsy feet.’ He looked at her red eyes. ‘Um … are ya OK?’ he asked.

 

Jane twisted the handkerchief on her hand nervously. ‘Yes,’ she said as she swallowed. ‘I’m just waiting for Joe.’

 

Hoss’ face darkened. ‘Oh,’ he said. He tipped his hat again. ‘Well I guess that I’ll see ya around.’

 

‘Hoss!’

 

Hoss turned.

 

‘I’m …’ Jane’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m so sorry about … well you know … everything that’s happened.’

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘Its OK,’ he said. ‘Like ya said before, we weren’t real suited ta one another.’ He hesitated. ‘I hope … Well I hope you’re real happy.’

Jane’s tears overflowed. ‘Oh Hoss!’ she said and put her handkerchief up to her face as she began to cry.

 

Hoss looked confused. ‘What’s the matter ma’am?’ he asked. ‘Ain’t ya feeling well?’ He looked at Jane helplessly as she continued to cry. ‘Has that brother of mine upset ya?’ he asked. ‘I’ll kill him iffen he has!’

 

Jane hiccupped slightly as she tried to stem her tears. ‘I’m sorry Hoss,’ she said. ‘It’s just … I’m sorry.’

 

Hoss took a step closer to her, his protective instincts overcoming his shyness for once. ‘Can I help?’ he asked softly. ‘You only have ta ask and I’ll do anything for ya.’

 

Jane looked up at him. ‘You’re so sweet,’ she said. ‘But I’m afraid that you really can’t help me Hoss. It’s all … so complicated.’ Her sobs came faster now and Hoss grabbed her by the arm and pulled her over towards the building away from the main thoroughfare of traffic. She clung onto his arm. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I don’t mean to …’

 

‘It’s OK,’ he said. ‘Tell me what that brother of mine did ta make ya so unhappy.’

 

‘Your brother?’ said Jane. ‘You mean Joe?’

 

‘Yeah. I kinda saw ya with him a while ago,’ said Hoss.

‘Oh.’ Jane wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. ‘He’s gone to get some money for me,’ she said, looking up the street for him. ‘He said that he’d buy me a stage ticket so that I could get to Sacramento.’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Why?’ he asked.

 

Jane began to sob again. ‘Oh Hoss!’ she said. ‘I don’t know what to do!’ She clung onto his arm and he put his other arm around her.

 

‘Now you just tell old Hoss what the problem is,’ he said. ‘You’ll feel better iffen ya do. Maybe I’ll be able ta help ya.’

 

Jane swallowed. ‘I’m in trouble Hoss,’ she whispered. ‘Doc Martin confirmed it.’

 

Hoss’ eyes widened and he felt the pounding of his heart within his chest quicken. He looked down at the girl beside him and his heart broke for her. ‘Oh Miss Jane!’ he said.

 

Jane pulled away from him. ‘I know what you’re thinking!’ she said. ‘Please don’t think badly of me Hoss!’ she said.

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘I could never think badly of you Miss Jane,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it tweren’t your fault.’

 

Jane smiled at him through her tears. ‘You are so sweet Hoss,’ she said. ‘Such a gentleman.’

 

Hoss’ face darkened as he thought about his little brother. ‘Pity not everyone is,’ he muttered. ‘Why is Joe wanting you ta go ta Sacramento?’

 

Jane wiped her eyes. ‘He thinks it’s for the best,’ she said. ‘I think he’s right too. He’s so good to pay for my ticket.’

 

Hoss clenched his fists. ‘You stay here Miss Jane,’ he said. ‘I’m gonna find that weasel and have it out with him.’

 

Jane looked confused for a moment. ‘Have what out with him?’ she asked.

Hoss waved his arm around. ‘All this,’ he said. ‘Don’t you worry Miss Jane … I’ll take care of it for you.’

 

‘Thank you Hoss,’ she said gratefully. ‘If you can find him that would be good. I’m afraid the stage office will close before I can get my ticket.’

 

Hoss pointed his finger at her. ‘You just stay here,’ he said. ‘Don’t you move, ya hear? I’ll bring that brother of mine back here iffen it’s the last thing I do.’ He turned and strode down the street. ‘That little weasel ain’t getting away with this!’ he muttered to himself.

Jane waited for a full ten minutes before Joe appeared. ‘Have you seen Hoss?’ she said instantly. ‘He was here and now he’s looking for you.’

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No,’ he said as he held out a wad of money. ‘Here we’ll get your ticket before the office closes.’ He walked her over to the window. ‘Why’s he looking for me?’

 

Jane swallowed. ‘He found me upset. I told him what had happened,’ she said softly.

 

Joe nodded. ‘Hoss can keep a secret,’ he said. ‘There’s no need to worry about him.’ He handed the money over to the man behind the window. ‘One ticket to Sacramento for the lady here on tomorrow’s stage,’ he said.

‘He seemed upset when I told him,’ said Jane.

 

‘That’s Hoss,’ replied Joe as he took the ticket and handed it to her. ‘He’s got a real kind heart.’

 

Jane looked at the ticket in her hand and then at Joe. ‘How can I ever thank you?’ she asked.

 

Joe smiled at her and gave her a quick hug. ‘No need,’ he said. ‘You just get on that stage early in the morning and convince Bill to do the right thing OK?’

 

Jane nodded. ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I’ll write to you from Sacramento as soon as I’ve seen him and let you know how it went.’

 

Joe nodded. ‘Good enough,’ he said. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. ‘Now you get a good night’s sleep. You’ll have to be away early in the morning.’

 

Jane gave him a last hug before turning away. ‘ Thank you Joe,’ she said. ‘Goodbye.’

 

Joe tipped his hat to her. ‘Bye,’ he said. ‘Good luck.’ He watched as she disappeared down the street and then turned and walked back towards the Livery Stable to find Hoss. His brother must have been wondering where he’d got to.

 

Hoss looked up and down the street before crossing it. So far he’d had no luck in finding Joe and so he decided the best thing to do was go back t the stage office and wait there for him. However the only person he saw as he approached was the man who worked in the office, sweeping the sidewalk outside. ‘Howdy Bert,’ he said. ‘You seen my little brother around?’

 

‘Sure did,’ he said. ‘He bought a ticket for a young lady here a while ago.’

 

Hoss looked around. ‘She gone too?’

 

‘Yep,’ the man said as he continued to sweep. He shook his head. ‘That young brother of yours is sure a charmer with the ladies ain’t he?’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘What do ya mean Bert?’ he asked.

 

‘Seems that every time he’s in town he’s got one of em hanging off him,’ said the man with a grin. ‘That young one here today sure seemed keen on him. They was having a good cuddle before they left.’ He shook his head as he walked away. ‘Wish I was young again.’

 

Hoss’ face darkened and he clenched his fists. ‘That … that weasel!’ he said. ‘I’m gonna pound him when I find him fer sure!’

 

He looked up and down the street for Joe, but saw nothing. ‘Hey Bert!’ he called. ‘Which direction did he go in? Did ya see?’

 

‘Down that way towards the Livery Stable,’ said Bert as he pointed down the street.

 

‘Thanks,’ muttered Hoss. He strode towards the Livery Stable and saw Harry and Joe talking out the front as he approached.

 

‘Hi Hoss,’ said Joe with a wave. ‘You ready ta go now?’ Hoss said nothing, but simply looked at his brother. ‘Sorry I took so long,’ continued Joe. He looked over at Harry who’d moved away from them and lowered his voice. ‘Jane said she’d told you what had happened.’

Hoss continued to glare at his brother. ‘Yeah,’ he said tersely.

Joe looked at him strangely. ‘You OK?’ he said.

 

‘I’m OK.’ said Hoss, trying to keep his temper. ‘But she ain’t.’

 

Joe nodded his head. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘She’s real upset about it all. Understandable though don’t ya think?’

 

Hoss looked at his brother incredulously. ‘Of course she is,’ he said angrily. ‘And you ain’t helping.’

 

Joe looked indignant. ‘What do you mean?’ he said. ‘I bought her a ticket so that she could leave town and get to Sacramento.’

 

Hoss’ mouth dropped open. ‘You are incredible Joe!’ he shouted. ‘So you think that’s gonna solve the problem?’

 

Joe looked confused. ‘Well no …but I thought it might help,’ he said.

Hoss put his finger under his brother’s nose. ‘You think that you can get her ta leave town and that’s that!’ he yelled. ‘I’m ashamed of ya Joe!’

 

Joe stared at his brother. ‘But Hoss….’ he said.

 

‘Don’t you but Hoss me!’ shouted Hoss. ‘You make me ashamed ta be your brother Joe!’

 

Joe clutched hold of his brother’s arm. ‘Hoss!’ he said. ‘Don’t say that! Look I know we’ve had our differences lately, but surely you can understand …’

 

Hoss shrugged his brother’s hand off. ‘I understand well enough,’ he said bitterly. He shook his head as he took a step backwards. ‘You just stay away from me Joe. I’m likely ta hit ya iffen ya don’t and I don’t want to!’ He turned and got on his horse and rode off down towards the end of town.

Joe stood for a moment stunned as he watched his brother disappear. Surely Hoss wasn’t serious? He knew that he’d been fond of Jane, but surely he wasn’t that upset that she had been involved with another man? He turned and mounted up himself. ‘Thanks Harry,’ he shouted as he turned his horse towards home and rode after his brother.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Hoss?’ said Joe as he dismounted outside the barn. ‘We need to talk.’ Hoss glared at his younger brother and marched into the barn with his horse without saying a word. ‘Hoss?’ repeated Joe as he followed him. ‘We need to talk. You rode so fast on the way home that I couldn’t catch you.’

 

Hoss turned on his brother. ‘I told ya to stay away from me,’ he said. ‘I meant it Joe. Stay away from me fer ya own good!’

 

Joe clutched hold of Hoss arm. ‘But Hoss…’ he said. ‘Please listen to me.’

 

Hoss swung his arm up and hit Joe’s hand away. ‘I’m through listening to you!’ he said. ‘Get out of here.’

 

Joe stood for a moment in silence. ‘I don’t know why you’re so angry with me,’ he said finally.

 

Hoss swung around and faced his brother. ‘You don’t know?’ he shouted. ‘You’ve got ta be kidding!’

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No I’m not,’ he said. ‘I know that you’re upset about Jane, but I don’t know why you’re taking it out on me.’

 

Hoss began to breathe deeply as he stared at his younger brother. ‘I’m ashamed of you Joe,’ he said.

 

‘Why? I helped her didn’t I?’
‘Are ya gonna marry her?’

Joe gave a short laugh. ‘Marry her?’ he asked. ‘Heck no Hoss, why would I marry her for Pete’s sake? She’s my friend, but its not really my problem …. Its hers.’

 

Hoss grabbed his younger brother by the shoulders and spun him around. ‘You shut up!’ he said. ‘Get out of here!’ He pushed Joe away from him and watched as his younger brother fell against the wall heavily. He stood over him, feeling his anger mounting with every breath that he took.

Joe looked up at his brother in confusion. ‘Hoss …’ he began.

 

Hoss reached down and hauled his brother up by the collar. ‘Just as well Pa don’t know about this!’ he shouted. ‘How could ya Joe?’

 

Joe tried to shake off his brother’s grip but Hoss had hold of him firmly. He thought about what his brother had just said and realised that the last thing he wanted was for his father to find out that he’d taken money out of his account. If he did, then there’d be questions which Joe would rather not have answered. He looked up at Hoss. ‘You won’t tell him will ya Hoss?’ he pleaded. ‘He won’t understand.’ Hoss tightened his grip on his brother’s collar. ‘Look ….’ said Joe. ‘Jane has gone and that’s all there is to it. You’ll forget about her soon and everything will be back to normal. Let’s forget about all this. Huh?’ he looked at his brother hopefully, but all he saw in Hoss’ eyes was anger and … and something else which he couldn’t quite place. He flinched as his brother shook him wildly. ‘Let go!’ he shouted. ‘Let go of me Hoss! Stop making such a fuss bout all this will ya?’

 

At his brother’s words, Hoss completely lost his temper. He drew back his fist and punched Joe straight on the jaw, knocking him off his feet again. Joe lay on the floor, startled for a moment and then sprang to his feet. He charged at his brother, fists flying in all directions. At first Hoss merely defended himself from his younger brother’s flying fists, but after a moment he drew back his fist and hit him again, sending Joe sprawling once more to the ground. Hoss bent over him and closed his eyes in anger as he hit his brother over and over again.

 

++++++++++

Ben rubbed his eyes as he looked up from his paperwork. ‘Hoss?’ he said as he heard the front door open. ‘Is that you?”
‘No Pa it’s me,’ said Adam as he approached his father’s desk.

‘Oh Adam,’ replied Ben. ‘I thought it might have been one of your brothers.’

 

‘Aren’t they back from town yet?’

 

Ben shook his head ‘No,’ he said. ‘And they’ll be getting a piece of my mind when they do,’ he said. ‘I sent them in there four hours ago and they haven’t had the decency to get back here yet.’

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Well knowing those two they probably stopped to get a drink before they left,’ he said.

 

‘Hmph!’ said Ben as he turned towards his bookwork again. ‘I’ve had just about enough of those two lately.’

 

Adam smiled at the top of his father’s head. ‘I’m sure they’re working it out,’ he said. ‘I’ll just go and put my horse away and get to my chores before supper.’ He walked outside again and grabbed his horses’ reins before leading him into the barn. ‘Come on fellar,’ he said as he patted the animal on the nose. ‘Let’s get you settled eh?’ He picked up a brush and began to clean the animal with long sure strokes, humming softly to himself.

 

Suddenly, Adam heard a soft sound and he stopped to listen. As he heard it again, he put down his brush and walked to the end of the stall. The noise came again and he walked to the other side of the barn, certain that he would see a cat or perhaps one of Hop Sing’s chickens there. But the sight that met his eyes instead made him catch his breath in amazement.

 

Joe was lying huddled in the corner of a stall, hugging his stomach tightly with his knees drawn up towards his chest. His eyes were closed and he was breathing shallowly as he tried to contain the pain that was washing over him. His lip was split and there were numerous bruises beginning to darken his face where he’d obviously been hit.

 

Adam dropped the brush in his hand as he ran towards his brother and knelt next to him in the hay. ‘Joe!’ he said. ‘What happened boy?’ He stroked the hair off his brother’s forehead and looked at him intently. He was very pale, except for where the bruises were beginning to show and sweat covered his face.

 

As Adam bent to move him to a sitting position, the boy screamed aloud. ‘Don’t! It hurts!’

 

Adam let him fall back onto the floor gently. ‘What happened?’ he asked again. Joe was silent as he closed his eyes again. Adam put one arm under the boy’s shoulders and the other under his knees as he lifted him off the ground and cradled him in his arms. Ignoring his brother’s groans he headed out of the barn with him. ‘It’s OK buddy,’ he said as he walked across the front yard. ‘We’ll have you fixed up in no time.’

 

As Adam got to the front door he called out to his father. ‘Pa!’ he shouted ‘Pa!’

 

Suddenly the front door opened and Ben looked out. ‘Adam?’ he said. What is all that shouting about? What is ….’ He stopped as he saw Joe in his older brother’s arms. ‘Oh my God!’ he said. ‘What happened?’

 

Adam shook his head ‘I don’t know,’ he said as he carried his brother inside. ‘I found him like this in the barn.

 

Ben reached out to touch his son’s face momentarily. ‘Get him upstairs to his room,’ he said. ‘Hop Sing!’

 

Adam carried Joe towards the staircase quickly as Hop Sing entered the room, his eyes wide as he noticed what was going on. ‘Hop Sing!’ shouted Ben. ‘Get one of the hands to ride into town for Doc Martin. Quickly!’

 

Hop Sing nodded and left the room without a word. Ben followed Adam upstairs and into Joe’s bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed as Adam gently lay his brother down on it. ‘Careful,’ said Ben as he helped ease the boy onto the bed. They both looked at him closely. ‘He’s been badly beaten,’ said Ben. ‘Who could have done something like this?’
Adam shook his head. ‘I don’t know,’ he said.

 

‘Did you see Hoss out there?’ asked Ben as he wet a cloth and applied it to his son’s face. Little Joe groaned at the touch of his father’s hand and stirred. ‘Easy son,’ said Ben as he stroked the boy’s face with the cloth.

 

‘No I didn’t,’ said Adam. ‘He wasn’t anywhere around.’

 

‘Good,’ said Ben as he continued to wipe Joe’s face. ‘He’d go off half-cocked if he saw what someone has done to his little brother. You know how he is about him.’ Adam nodded as he sat on the other side of the bed. ‘Joe?’ said Ben softly as he wet the cloth again. ‘Joe? Can you hear me son?’

 

Joe’s eyelids fluttered open and he looked up at his father. ‘Pa?’ he said weakly. He blinked a couple of times. ‘Where am I?’
‘You’re in your room,’ said Ben gently. ‘How are you feeling?’

 

Joe moved slightly on the bed. ‘It hurts,’ he said as best he could through his swollen lip. He closed his eyes again and sighed. ‘Hurts,’ he murmured softly.

 

Ben patted him on the head. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘Try and just keep still son,’ he said. ‘Shh now.’

 

Adam leaned over the bed. ‘Ask him who did it,’ he said grimly.

Ben shook his head. ‘Leave him to rest,’ he said. ‘There’s time enough for questions later.’ He stroked the boy’s forehead gently as he watched him closely.

++++++++++

 

‘You’re going to have to keep him quiet for a while Ben,’ said Paul Martin as he straightened up and put his instruments away. ‘He can’t move around with those two broken ribs or he might do further damage to himself.’
Ben sighed. ‘I will,’ he said. ‘Even if I have to tie him to the mattress.’ He looked down at the pale boy lying in the bed. ‘He looked so terrible when Adam first brought him in …. I was so worried.’

 

Paul patted his friend’s arm. ‘I can understand that,’ he said. ‘He’s been badly beaten. The bruising alone on his face tells me that and he’ll be very sore for a while yet. I’ll come out in a couple of days to check him over.’ He put a couple of small packets on the dresser beside the bed. ‘Give him one of these tonight if he needs it for the pain and then another tomorrow. It’ll help him to sleep.’

 

‘Thank you,’ said Ben, not taking his eyes off his son.

 

‘I’ll see you out Paul,’ said Adam, getting up. He led the doctor down the stairs and over to the front door. ‘Are you sure you won’t have something to eat?’ he asked as he opened it.

 

‘No thank you,’ replied Paul. ‘I’ll get something back in town.’ He walked out towards his buggy with Adam. ‘Do you know how it happened?’ he asked as he got up.

 

Adam shook his head ‘Joe hasn’t told us yet,’ he said.

 

‘Well whoever it was, he was a mighty powerful man,’ said Paul. ‘Joe is lucky it wasn’t a lot worse.’

 

Adam nodded as he waved to the doctor. As he turned towards the house again he suddenly stopped as he saw a large figure emerge from the shadow near the barn. ‘Hoss?’ he said. ‘Is that you?’

 

Hoss walked towards his brother, but stopped a few feet away from him. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘How’s Joe?’
‘Sore,’ replied Adam. ‘A couple of broken ribs, but he should be allright as long as he keeps still for a while. Pa says that ..’ he stopped and frowned. ‘How did you know about Joe?’ he asked. Hoss said nothing, but turned away again. ‘Hoss?’ said Adam.

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘Tell Pa I won’t be home tonight,’ he said.

 

‘Hoss?’ called Adam. ‘Where are you going?’ There was no reply to his question as his brother walked away. ‘Hoss?’ Adam called again, but his brother didn’t answer. Adam turned towards the house again and thoughtfully walked towards it. As he opened the front door he saw his father coming down the stairs.

 

‘I’m going to get Joe some broth,’ said Ben as he headed towards the kitchen. ‘Who was that you were talking to outside?’

 

‘Hoss,’ replied Adam.

 

‘Well tell him to get inside and get something to eat,’ said Ben. ‘Did you tell him about Joe?’

 

‘Yes … well actually I didn’t need to,’ replied Adam. ‘He already knew.’

 

Ben nodded. ‘I suppose one of the hands told him,’ he said.

 

‘I suppose so,’ said Adam thoughtfully.

 

‘How did he take it?’ asked Ben.

 

‘I’m not sure Pa. He said that he wouldn’t be home tonight and he left again.’

 

Ben stopped. ‘What?’ he said. ‘He’s not gone off after whoever did this has he?’
Adam looked thoughtful. ‘I don’t think so. He didn’t seem to be angry … just … well just kind of sad I think.’

 

Ben frowned. ‘Sad? Where’s he going then?’

 

Adam shook his head ‘I’m not sure,’ he said.

 

‘Well see if you can find him will you?’ asked his father. ‘One son in trouble is enough. Honestly! I don’t know what’s going on around here lately!’

 

Adam stroked his chin as his father left the room. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something about the way Hoss had been that made him wonder. He frowned as he headed towards the front door again.

 

++++++++++

 

Ben smiled as Joe’s eye fluttered open again. ‘Hello there young man,’ he said. ‘How are you feeling?’

 

Joe moved hesitantly under the bedclothes and frowned as a sharp pain grabbed him in the side. He tried to put his hand up to the sore spot, but Ben held it down. ‘Easy,’ he said. ‘You’ve got a couple of broken ribs there Joe. Don’t go poking them.’

 

Joe bent his head to look at the bandages around his chest and then lay back on the pillow and stared at the ceiling without speaking.

 

Ben picked up the bowl of broth sitting on the dresser. ‘I want you to drink some of this,’ he said. ‘I’ll help you.’ He filled a spoon and held it to Joe’s mouth, but the boy kept staring at the ceiling and didn’t acknowledge it. ‘Joe?’ said Ben. ‘Open your mouth and have some broth. It’ll do you good.’ When Joe didn’t respond he put the bowl and spoon down again. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’ he asked gently as he stroked the hair from his son’s forehead. Joe shook his head as he continued to stare at the ceiling. ‘Who was it?’ asked his father. Again there was nothing from the boy. ‘Joe?’ he asked. ‘Who did this to you?’

Joe’s eyes began to fill with tears as he stared at the ceiling. Ben patted him on the head. ‘Joe?’ he said again. ‘Who did this to you son?’ He frowned as he realised that Joe wasn’t about to answer him and then patted him on the head. ‘All right son,’ he said softly. ‘You just take it easy. There’s plenty of time later for us to talk about it. ‘Can you eat some of that broth now for me?’

 

Joe looked at his father, the tears falling freely down his cheeks as he shook his head. Ben stood up and patted him on the head again, ‘Try and get some sleep now,’ he said gently. ‘I’ll be up to see you in a bit, all right?’

 

Joe watched his father leave the room and then turned his head to stare out of the window into the darkness beyond. He listened to the sound of a branch outside as it scraped against the house and wondered just what he was going to say to his father when the time came for them to talk about it. He knew that he couldn’t avoid it forever. If only his father realised that he couldn’t sleep … if only he could tell him that every time he closed his eyes he saw Hoss’ face in front of him again … he saw the look of anger and disgust in the blue eyes that had so often looked at him with love and affection. He couldn’t close his eyes and see that again.

 

Joe thought back over their confrontation. He knew that Hoss had been upset, but he hadn’t realised the depth of his feelings about the matter. He frowned as he tried to remember his brother’s words. Hoss had said that he was ashamed of him! How could that be? Hoss had never been ashamed of him … not once … not ever! Hoss had always been the one to defend him against their father’s anger when he was in trouble. Hoss had always been the one to protect him from Adam when he’d gone too far in playing the fool with him. Hoss had always been the one that he could depend on when other kids picked on him. He’d been patient and kind and everything that a big brother should be. He’d been his best friend. Hoss had always been there no matter what. And now …
Joe began to sob quietly to himself as he stared out into the blackness. He felt as if a part of his heart had been snatched out of his body. He had lost Hoss’ respect and he didn’t even fully understand why. He’d thought he was helping Jane … so what had gone so wrong? How on earth had it got to the stage when Hoss could have looked at him like that … when he could have hit him like that? Joe’s body shook as the sobs overcame him and he gave in to his misery.

++++++++++

 

Hoss slumped down in the saddle as he rode slowly along the trail. The sun was just tipping over the top of one of the majestic peaks in front of him, spreading its magic light onto the lake and creating a thousand sparkles of light that shimmered in the early morning. Normally Hoss would have stopped to look at the sight and marvel at its beauty, but this morning he didn’t even notice it. His eyes were turned inwardly and his thoughts were a jumble of emotions as he tried to come to terms with everything that had happened.

 

When he’d left the house the night before he had been assured by Adam that Joe was going to be all right and for that he was grateful. While the anger remained in his heart for his younger brother’s attitude, he didn’t want to even contemplate the thought that he had hurt him. Yet hurt him he had and for that Hoss was dying inside.

 

Hoss had always been a big man and the one thing his father had tried to impress upon him for as long as he could remember was that he should be careful of his physical power and not abuse it where others were concerned. Normally a mild-mannered person, he hadn’t found it difficult to live up to those expectations and in spite of having to stop himself from lashing out at an adversary occasionally had never needed to worry about it. Yet now the one person he found himself hurting was the one person he had always felt closest to. Hoss just couldn’t come to grips with it and so he did the only thing he could in the circumstances. He pushed it to the back of his mind instead.

 

After spending the best part of last night riding and thinking he had decided that he needed to get back to help Jane, but unfortunately he had missed her by the time he’d arrived in town again. The early morning stage to Sacramento had left with her on board and there was nothing left for him to do now except come back home and face up to the situation there.

 

Hoss cringed at the thought of what was before him. By now he was sure that Joe had told their father and Adam what had happened and he was sure that they would hate him for it. He breathed deeply as he thought about the look on Joe’s face as his older brother had driven his fist into it and he knew that he would deserve their hate when they hurled it at him.

 

Yet try as he would, he just couldn’t stop being angry with Joe. He wondered if Joe had told them the whole truth about Jane and the baby and he wondered what the others would think about that. Hoss shook his head again. It was all so complicated and he just wanted it all to disappear, yet he knew that it was only wishful thinking on his part. Whatever was before him would have to be faced and the sooner he dealt with it the sooner they could all move ahead. Hoss wasn’t a particularly bright man, yet he was a man of true and deep feelings and he knew that his family was in danger of being fractured by all these events. He just hoped that they could hold together as they always had done.

 

He rode on towards home as the day began to break around him and the world woke up. He wondered what the day would bring.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Feel like some breakfast?’ asked Adam as he brought in a tray and set it down on the dresser beside the bed. He glanced at Joe as he lay staring at the ceiling and thought about how bad he looked. If anything, he looked worse than when he’d found him in the barn last night. The bruising was beginning to blacken and his split lip seemed to have swollen in size even more. There were dark rings around his eyes and his eyes looked dull as if he were half asleep.

 

‘Did you get much sleep?’ asked Adam as he sat down on the edge of the bed. Joe shook his head as he continued to stare at the ceiling. ‘Feel like some breakfast?’ asked Adam for a second time. Joe shook his head again and said nothing. Adam studied his face and thought about how sad he looked. ‘Joe?’ he said softly as he touched his brother on the arm.

 

Joe’s eyes darted across to his brother. ‘What?’ he said as best he could through the swollen lip.

 

‘Do you want to talk about it?’ asked Adam. Joe shook his head again. ‘Pa is wondering what happened,’ prompted his brother. ‘So am I for that matter.’ Joe merely stared at him. ‘Did you see who did it?’ Adam prompted again. Joe nodded slowly as if he were reluctant to do so. ‘Who?’ Adam watched as his brother’s eyes filled with tears and his face crumpled.

 

‘It doesn’t matter who did it,’ Joe said softly.

 

‘Yes it does,’ said Adam, leaning close. ‘It matters a great deal buddy. This has to be dealt with you know.’ Joe shook his head and was silent. ‘Joe?’ continued Adam. ‘You have to tell. Nothing can be sorted out until you do.’ He stared at his brother intently, the boy’s reaction only confirming his worst fears. There had been something about the way Hoss had acted last night that had made him wonder. Not for one minute did he want to believe that this could have been the result of a brotherly fight, but he had to know.

Joe swallowed and looked at his older brother again. ‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t matter any more.’

 

‘Yes it does,’ said Adam. After a moment’s silence he leant close and whispered. ‘It was Hoss wasn’t it?’

 

Joe’s body jerked on the bed and he turned his head sharply to face Adam’s. ‘Why would you think that?’ he said, startled.

 

Adam looked at him sadly. ‘Tell me the truth,’ he said. ‘It was, wasn’t it?’

 

The tears began to fall from Joe’s face. ‘You won’t tell Pa will you Adam?’ He clutched at his brother’s sleeve. ‘Please? You can’t tell Pa … he won’t understand.’

Adam put his hand on top of his brother’s. ‘He has to know Joe,’ he said softly.

 

‘No!’ Joe’s eyes looked beseechingly at his older brother. ‘Please Adam?’

 

‘I won’t tell him,’ replied Adam. ‘But either you or Hoss will have to.’

 

Joe closed his eyes and sighed. ‘Thank you,’ he said.

 

‘I mean it Joe. One of you will have to come clean about this. It has to be told and you know it.’

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he whispered. ‘Just not yet. Let Hoss and me ….’ He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling again. ‘Let Hoss and me work it out will ya?’

 

Adam stood up. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Only don’t take too long about it.’

 

Joe watched his brother leave the room with a heavy heart. He didn’t know how they would work it out … the look in Hoss’ eyes last night had told him that they might never be able to do that … but for their father’s sake and the sake of their family they would just have to. He closed his eyes again and tried to ignore the pain in his ribcage and the pounding of his head. He knew that his physical wounds would heal … the feeling in his heart might be a different matter.

++++++++++

 

Ben looked up from the breakfast table as the front door opened. ‘Hoss!’ he said. ‘Come over here and sit down son. I’ve been so worried about you!’ Hoss came over slowly to the table and sat down next to his father. ‘Where on earth have you been all night?’ asked Ben. ‘Adam went out looking for you and couldn’t find you anywhere?’ At the mention of his name, Adam reached the bottom of the staircase and approached the table. ‘Did he eat anything?’ asked Ben anxiously.

 

Adam shook his head as he stared at Hoss who was sitting slumped on his chair. ‘No,’ he said. Nothing.’
Ben reached over and handed Hoss a plate. ‘Here,’ he said. ‘First things first. Help yourself to some breakfast son while we talk.’

 

Hoss shook his head as he stared at the plate his father held out to him. ‘No thanks Pa,’ he said softly.’ I ain’t hungry.’

 

Ben looked astounded and he glanced over at Adam who shrugged his shoulders. ‘You’re not hungry?’ asked Ben. ‘Did you eat already?’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I just ain’t hungry Pa.’

 

Ben put down the plate and stared intently at his son. ‘Hoss?’ he said. ‘Joe will be allright if that’s what is bothering you. Doc Martin said he’s got a couple of broken ribs and some bruising, but he’ll be OK as long as he keeps still for a while.’

 

Adam watched as Hoss flinched at his father’s words. ‘Good,’ he said softly.

Ben tried again. ‘I know you’re angry about this son,’ he said. ‘I know you’d like to go out and get whoever did this to your little brother … but you’ve just got to …’

 

Hoss put his hand up to silence his father. ‘Pa please don’t,’ he said.

 

Ben looked confused. ‘Don’t what?’ he asked.

 

Hoss looked at him beseechingly. ‘Don’t talk like that,’ he said. ‘I can’t stand it.’

 

Ben sighed. ‘Hoss we all feel like that,’ he said. ‘Adam and I want to go out and find this man and make sure that he pays for what he did to your younger brother. But at the moment we have to think of …’
Hoss swallowed and put his head up to stare into his father’s eyes. ‘I done it,’ he said in a low voice.’ Adam breathed a sigh of relief at his brother’s words.

 

Ben looked even more confused. ‘I don’t understand,’ he said. ‘You did what?’

 

Hoss swallowed again. ‘I done it,’ he repeated. ‘I was the one beat Joe up Pa. It was me.’ He stared at his father resolutely, determined to face whatever the man’s reaction might be.

 

There was silence for a full minute before Ben replied. ‘Don’t be stupid Hoss,’ he said. ‘You couldn’t have. Why are you saying a thing like this?’

 

Hoss nodded his head. ‘I ain’t lying Pa,’ he said. ‘I did do it.’

 

Ben’s face registered his shock at his son’s words. ‘What?’ he said finally. He rubbed his temples with his fingers as if to force the words into his head. ‘What?’ There was silence for another minute. ‘Why?’ he said finally.

 

Hoss swallowed again. ‘He made me angry,’ he said. ‘I know what you’re always telling me Pa. I didn’t stop ta consider my own strength like I shoulda. I know I was wrong ta do it and I didn’t mean ta hurt him bad Pa … honest I didn’t.’

 

‘But you did,’ said Ben, his face blank.

 

Hoss nodded miserably. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I did.’

 

Ben stood up and walked over to the fireplace and stared into it for a full two minutes. The only sound that could be heard in the large room was the ticking of the clock. Adam stared at Hoss and his brother looked back at him not moving. Finally Ben began to pace up and down in an agitated fashion. ‘Let me see if I have this right,’ he said. ‘You walk in here and calmly tell me that you’ve just beaten your younger brother so badly that you broke two of his ribs!’ he said. ‘And you justify that by saying that you got mad at him.’ He stopped pacing and stared over at Hoss. ‘Is that right?’ Hoss nodded as he stared at the tablecloth in front of him.

 

‘There must be more to this,’ prompted Adam. ‘Hoss?’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he agreed.

 

‘Well then for the love of God tell me what it is?!’ thundered Ben. ‘I think I have the right to know, don’t you?’

 

Hoss looked at him beseechingly. ‘I didn’t want ta be the one ta tell ya Pa,’ he said. Ben merely stared at him until he continued. ‘Joe … well he …’ his voice trailed away and he took another breath. ‘You remember that girl that he and I was arguing over?’

 

Ben nodded. ‘Don’t tell me this was caused by a fight over a girl!?’ he said incredulously.

 

Hoss looked up at him. ‘Well sorta,’ he said. ‘I saw her in town yesterday and she was real upset. She was on her way ta Sacramento and Joe … well he’d bought her the ticket.’

 

‘Joseph bought this girl a ticket?’ asked Ben. ‘Why?’

 

‘To get her outta town,’ continued Hoss. ‘He wanted her gone because … well because she’s in the family way if ya know what I mean Pa.’

 

Ben was silent as his son’s words sunk in. ‘And what has this to do with Joseph?’ he asked in a hard voice.

 

Hoss looked over at Adam who gave him a small nod before he continued. ‘Well it seems that Joe’s responsible for it,’ he said.

 

Ben stared at him. ‘Joseph admitted this to you?’ he said in a low voice.

Hoss took another deep breath. ‘He laughed about it Pa,’ he said grimly ‘That’s when I belted him one. He said that it weren’t his problem and that he weren’t gonna marry her. I asked him straight out and that’s what he said.’ His voice rose higher. ‘He’s been sneaking round behind my back all this time!’ he said. ‘He played me fer a fool and then he weren’t gonna face up ta his responsibilities nohow!’ His face began to reveal his anger that was still lurking close beneath the surface of his emotions.

Ben stared into the fire again. ‘And that’s why you beat him?’ he asked.

 

Hoss nodded. ‘I’m sorry Pa,’ he said. ‘I know I shouldn’t have done it … truly I do … he just made me so angry when he stood there and laughed like that. Miss Jane’s a fine lady and he’s been flirting and carrying on with her for weeks now. She was real upset when she told me bout it all, but she don’t blame him none. She even said it was good of him to give her the ticket so she could get away. He ain’t got no right ta treat her like that!’

 

Ben turned on him. ‘And you have the right to be judge and jury on your brother?’ he asked. ‘Who gave you the right to be that Hoss? Who gave you the authority to punish him in this way?’

 

Hoss bit his lip and tried to still the tears that were threatening to spill over. ‘No one,’ he said softly. ‘No one Pa. I done told ya I was wrong.’ He stared at his big hands. ‘I knew one day I’d use these things ta hurt someone,’ he said miserably. ‘But why did God make it someone I love so much?’

 

He stood up and shuffled over to the door. ‘Hoss! Come back here!’ called Ben.

 

Hoss stopped and looked back at his father. ‘Its OK Pa,’ he said. ‘I ain’t going anywhere.’ He glanced to the top of the stairs. ‘I’ll just be outside fer a while.’ He opened the front door and shut it softly behind him.

 

Adam stood up and walked over to his father ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘Are you all right?’

 

Ben looked at him. ‘All right?’ he repeated. ‘Do you really think I’m all right Adam? I have one son lying up there badly beaten and another down here riddled with guilt because he did it to him. Both of them estranged …. And now this news of the girl and Joseph on top of it all. All right?’ He shook his head. ‘No son. I’m not all right.’ He turned and walked up the stairs slowly with his head bowed. Adam stood and stared after him.

 

++++++++++

 

 

Ben stood by the open window in his bedroom staring down at the yard below. Hoss was leaning against the corral fence, his head resting on his arms and his shoulders slumped. His very stance showed the misery that he must have been feeling. Misery that reflected Ben’s own feelings. His mind was awhirl with everything that he was trying to come to terms with. He loved both his sons so dearly and yet at this moment he felt so let down by both of them.

 

He closed his eyes for a moment as he thought back to the conversation downstairs. Hoss had freely admitted his wrongdoing and for that he was grateful. The boy seemed genuinely upset at what he’d done to his brother and Ben hoped that his remorse might be the first step in the healing process. Yet he knew that Hoss still had a long way to go before he fully came to terms with what had happened.

 

Ben knew his son well … probably better than he knew himself at times …and he knew that Hoss could never harbour the feelings that he was experiencing at this moment for very long. Sooner or later he would come to terms with what his younger brother had done. Ben just hoped for his sake that he could come to terms with what he himself had done.

 

His thoughts turned to Joseph … Joseph lying next door in pain. Why hadn’t the boy told him of Hoss’ involvement in all of this? Ben felt that he knew why … his youngest son was ashamed of his own part in the situation and didn’t want to open certain issues up to his father. Ben frowned. It was the way both his sons had reacted to this situation that had him so upset. At this moment he felt that he’d failed in his duties as a parent. Why hadn’t he been able to make them understand? Why were both his sons behaving in such a way as to make him feel …. not ashamed … he could never feel that of them … but disappointed.

 

Hoss hadn’t controlled himself when he’d needed to and Joseph … Ben flinched. If what Hoss had said was true, then Joseph had displayed a blatant disregard for another person’s feelings and put his own selfish needs before his responsibilities. It was that which Ben was finding the hardest to come to terms with. He turned as he heard a soft noise behind him and turned to see Adam standing there.

 

‘I thought I’d go outside and talk to Hoss,’ his son said. ‘I figured he might need someone right about now. But I just wanted to check on you first Pa.’

 

Ben tried to smile at him. It was typical of Adam that he had taken it upon himself to watch out for everyone. He had probably taken the time to check on Joe as well. ‘I’ve just checked on Joe,’ he said, as if reading his father’s thoughts. ‘He’s OK.’ He turned to go, but stopped as Ben called to him.

‘Adam?’

 

‘Yes Pa?’

 

‘Before you go son there’s something I need to ask you.’ Ben hesitated. ‘This girl … what was her name?’

 

‘Jane Coleman.’

 

‘Yes. Did you ever observe Joe with her? How did he behave?’

 

Adam shrugged. ‘Well you know Little Joe,’ he said. ‘The same way he behaves around most girls. Flirting and carrying on.’

 

Ben nodded thoughtfully. ‘Do you think that what Hoss says could be true?’

 

Adam hesitated while Ben looked at him intensely. ‘Adam?’ he asked again. ‘Do you think it could be true?’

 

Adam nodded slowly. ‘It could be,’ he admitted reluctantly.

 

‘I see.’ Ben turned towards the window again. ‘Thank you son.’ He listened to his son’s footsteps on the stairs fade away before turning away from the window and sighing deeply. The sooner he got this over with the better, he thought and headed towards his youngest son’s room.

 

As he entered, he saw that Little Joe was awake and staring at the ceiling. Ben sat on a chair next to the bed and studied his face for a moment until Joe turned towards him. ‘Feeling any better?’ asked Ben.

 

‘Some,’ admitted Joe. ‘Was that Hoss who rode up before?’
‘Yes.’

 

Joe tried to bite his lip, but frowned as he bit down on the swollen part. ‘Pa … Could you ask him to come up and see me? I want to talk to him.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Not right now,’ he said.

Joe frowned. ‘But I really need to talk to him Pa.’

 

‘I said not right now Joseph,’ repeated Ben, his voice raising a fraction in spite of his determination to keep calm. ‘You and I have something to talk about first.’

 

Joe didn’t meet his father’s eye, but continued to stare at the ceiling instead. ‘I don’t wanna talk about it Pa,’ he said.

 

‘You don’t have a choice Joseph,’ said his father sternly. ‘Hoss told Adam and I exactly what happened last night.’

 

Joe’s eyes darted over to his father’s. ‘What?’ he said. He wondered at Hoss’ courage in telling them about his violence towards him. ‘I … I didn’t want you ta know Pa,’ he said in a low voice.

 

‘I think I have a right to know,’ said Ben shortly. He couldn’t believe that the boy was even now trying to brush his behaviour aside. ‘Of course I don’t condone what your brother did to you by any means Joseph,’ he continued. ‘But you have a lot to answer for as well in all of this young man.’

 

Joe looked puzzled. His one thought had been to shield Hoss from his father’s displeasure and now it seemed that he was angry with him for something as well. Ben leaned forward. ‘Hoss told us about your behaviour,’ he said. ‘It hasn’t exactly been as it should have been, has it?’

Joe looked hurt. ‘That’s what Hoss said,’ he replied. He couldn’t for the life of him think why his father was so angry with him. Surely he didn’t mind what he’d done to try and help Jane? ‘I didn’t mean to upset anyone Pa,’ he said feebly.

 

‘Upset anyone?’ said his father. ‘I think this more than a little upsetting, don’t you think?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I guess so,’ he said.

 

‘You guess so?’ said Ben, his voice rising even further. ‘You didn’t stop to think how all of this would be affecting everyone. Your brothers … me … the girl herself?’

 

Joe frowned. ‘I didn’t think about it I guess,’ he said. He wondered why his father was carrying on so. ‘I didn’t think it would matter that much.’

 

Ben’s jaw dropped. Joseph you amaze me,’ he said after a moment. ‘I’m beginning to think that you are an incredibly selfish boy.’

 

Joe looked distressed. ‘I didn’t think I was being selfish,’ he said. ‘I was trying to help her by giving her that money.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Don’t you understand? You were only making the situation worse son,’ he said. ‘You should be facing up to this, not trying to hide it. It won’t go away just because you want it to Joseph.’

 

A confused look came over Joe’s face. ‘What won’t go away?’ he asked.

The girl and her … well condition,’ replied his father. ‘You have to face up to your responsibilities son.’

 

Joe frowned at his father. ‘What do you mean Pa?’

 

Ben stood up and began to pace up and down the room. ‘I’ll wire her in Sacramento,’ he said half to himself. ‘Tell her to come back here so that we can work it through together.’
‘I don’t think she’ll want anyone else to be involved,’ Joe said as he shrugged.

Ben stopped and stared down at him. ‘We are involved Joe. All of us are now. We are here to work through this with you and the girl and try to reach a sensible conclusion.’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘If you want to,’ he said. ‘But I still don’t see why you’re so interested in getting involved in it.’

 

Ben glared at him. ‘Stop that!’ he said angrily. ‘I’m beginning to understand why Hoss lost his temper with you young man! Don’t you care about what you’ve done to this girl?’

 

‘What did I do that was so bad?’

 

Ben walked to the doorway. ‘Joseph, if you can’t see how wrong your attitude is in all of this, then I think I’ve failed you as a father,’ he said. ‘Whether you like it or not, I am sending a wire to this girl to get her back here. I will not have a son of mine ignore his responsibilities in this way. You caused this situation with the girl and you will wear the consequences.’ He pointed his finger at his son. ‘And I think you should stop being so flippant about the girl’s condition. You are as much to blame as she is in all of this.’

 

Joe’s mouth dropped open. ‘But Pa!’ he said. ‘I’m not!’

 

Ben put up his hand. ‘Don’t say another word Joseph,’ he said. ‘I’m feeling very disappointed in you right now and if I were you I wouldn’t make it any worse than it already is.’

 

Joe tried to sit up. ‘But Pa!’ he repeated. ‘You’ve got it wrong. Is that what Hoss told you? I would never hurt Jane like that.’

 

‘Well you have hurt her,’ said Ben tersely. ‘Whether you meant to or not, you have hurt her.’

‘But I didn’t!’ said Joe. ‘Don’t you believe me?’ He struggled to sit up even more.

 

Ben walked over and pushed the boy down gently onto the bed again. ‘Stop moving,’ he said. ‘The doctor said that you had to keep still or you might hurt yourself even more.’

 

Joe looked up at his father beseechingly. ‘Please listen to me Pa,’ he said. ‘You don’t understand.’

 

Ben sighed. ‘That’s the trouble Joseph,’ he said. ‘I do understand … more than you could possibly imagine.’ He sat down on the edge of the bed before he continued. ‘I remember what it’s like to be young and impulsive son,’ he said. ‘It’s one thing to find yourself in a situation like this, but what you have done by your actions is to compound your transgressions. Moral fortitude is so important and you have let yourself down badly in all of this. For that reason I’m very disappointed in you.’

 

Joe stared up at his father, not believing his ears. The man wasn’t even prepared to listen to him. He was ready to think the worst of him and not even give him the chance to explain. His eyes filled with tears at his father’s lack of trust became apparent to him. Obviously Hoss had also thought the worst of him. Now he could understand where his brother’s anger had come from … and probably Adam thought the same. ‘I thought you trusted me Pa,’ he said sadly.

 

Ben shook his head, his pain reflected in his son’s eyes as they stared at each other. ‘I thought I did too,’ he said. ‘Perhaps I’ll be able to again in the future Joseph, but right at this moment I have to be honest and say that I don’t.’ He patted the boy on the head absently. ‘I’m going to send that wire off now,’ he said. ‘You lay here and think about all I’ve said and I’m sure you’ll realise that it’s the right thing to do.

 

The tears began to fall down Joe’s cheeks as he lay and watched his father leave the room. He had never felt so lonely or so unloved in his life and he didn’t think that he’d be able to bear it. The one person that he loved more than his own life had shown him clearly that he didn’t trust him and it was enough to break his heart.

++++++++++

 

‘Feel like some company?’ Adam put his head around the doorframe and addressed his younger brother in the bed. Joe glanced over at him and shrugged his shoulders in a half-hearted fashion without replying and then looked back up at the ceiling. Adam frowned before entering the room and sitting on a chair next to his brother’s bed. ‘I suppose Pa’s already been up to talk to you,’ he said.

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he said.

 

Adam studied his fingernails as they sat in silence. ‘Don’t take it too hard Joe,’ he said finally. ‘He’s mighty upset right about now, but you must understand why.’

 

‘No,’ replied Joe, still looking at the ceiling. ‘No, I really don’t understand why at all.’

 

‘You must admit you’ve been pretty stupid,’ said Adam. ‘You and Hoss both really.’

 

Joe’s jaw clenched. ‘You think so?’ he said in a tight voice. It seemed that his fears were right … Adam was also quick to jump to the wrong conclusions and it cut him to the core to think that his family would have so little faith in him.

 

‘Come on Joe,’ said Adam. ‘You’ve been flirting with that girl for weeks now and something like this was bound to happen the way you’ve been carrying on.’ Joe was silent. ‘Not that Pa or I condone what Hoss has done by any means,’ his brother continued. ‘You’ve both been downright stupid about it all, and Pa’s feeling let down at the moment.’

 

Joe nodded slightly. ‘Of course,’ he said in the same tight voice. ‘Pa’s the one feeling let down.’

Adam studied his brother’s face. ‘Yes he is,’ he said. ‘He’s downstairs now organising a wire to send to Jane in Sacramento. You should be grateful that he’s trying to help.’

 

Joe’s jaw clenched even tighter. It seemed pointless to even argue with his brother, as no one was ready to listen to him anyway. The whole family had decided that he was responsible for this and they were all taking it out of his hands now. First Hoss and now Pa and Adam. They’d all decided to judge him. It didn’t seem to matter what he said, so he lay and stared at the ceiling and said nothing.

 

‘Joe?’ said Adam after a moment. ‘Did you hear what I said?’
‘Yes.’

 

‘You’ve got to understand Joe. Pa is trying to help you. He is ….’

 

‘Adam why don’t you just go away?’ said Joe in a low voice. ‘I really don’t wanna talk about it.’

 

‘Well you’re going to have to talk about it sooner or later buddy,’ said Adam. ‘You have to understand …’

 

‘I said I don’t wanna talk about it,’ interrupted Joe. ‘Leave me alone!’ He tried to turn to face the window, but was forced to stop as his sore ribs reminded him that it was impossible.

 

‘Keep still for goodness sake,’ said Adam. ‘You heard what the doctor said about moving.’

 

‘Go away,’ whispered Joe.

 

‘All right,’ said Adam as he stood up. ‘You get some rest OK buddy?’ there was no reply from the boy on the bed, so he finally walked away.

 

++++++++++

‘Potatoes?’ asked Adam as he held out the platter to Hoss.

 

Hoss looked up from the tablecloth that he’d been studying for the past five minutes and took it from his brother. ‘Thanks,’ he said.

 

Adam smiled at him and the look was returned with a half-hearted smile from the big man. The tension around the table was very thick and Adam figured he was lucky to even get that much from him. Their father sat in stony silence as he ate.

 

Hoss began to eat slowly, listening to the ticking of the clock as the only sound in the room. Finally he could stand it no more and he put down his fork and looked over at his father. ‘How long will Joe haveta stay in bed?’ he asked.

 

‘Paul said at least a week,’ replied Ben as he continued to eat. He looked at his son. ‘Are you going up to see him at all?’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘No,’ he said.

 

‘I see.’ Ben pursed his lips. ‘Well … when you’re ready to I think it would be a good idea Hoss. This needs to be cleared up between the two of you.’

 

‘I know. I just need a bit more time Pa, that’s all.’

 

Ben nodded. ‘’All right,’ he replied. ‘But don’t leave it too long son. Joe has already been asking to speak to you.’

 

‘Has he?’ asked Hoss, surprised.

 

‘Yes. I think that he wants to settle this as well,’ replied his father. He gave Hoss a meaningful look that made him look away and stare at the tablecloth again. ‘We all do.’

 

‘Did you send the wire to Sacramento Pa?’ asked Adam.

 

‘Yes. I had one of the hands take into town this morning,’ said Ben. ‘I hope she’ll reply quickly.’

‘Maybe she’ll just come straight back without replying,’ said Adam.

 

Ben shrugged. ‘We’ll see. In the meantime the four of us have to sort things out here.’ He looked at both his sons. I won’t have this thing destroying what we have here boys. We will all get through this … your brother included.’ He stood up and walked away from the table. ‘I’m going upstairs to check on Joe.’

 

Both Adam and Hoss watched their father walk up the stairs. ‘You really should go up and see Joe,’ said Adam.

 

Hoss nodded slightly. ‘I will,’ he said. ‘I didn’t mean ta hurt him ya know Adam. I’m so sorry it happened. You gotta believe me.’

 

Adam put his hand over his brother’s. ‘I do believe you,’ he said. ‘I know that you would never mean to hurt him Hoss … you love him too much for that. But I’m not the one you have to say it to you know.’

 

‘I know.’ Hoss stared at the staircase miserably. ‘I know,’ he repeated.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Joseph? How are you feeling son?’ Ben sat down next to the bed and looked at his son’s face intently.

 

‘Fine,’ said Joe in a tight voice.

 

‘You haven’t eaten your lunch.’

 

‘I’m not hungry.’
‘You have to keep your strength up. The doctor …’

‘I’m not hungry.’ Joe repeated in the same tight voice as he continued to stare at the ceiling. There was silence for a moment.

 

‘I sent the wire to Sacramento,’ said Ben. Silence. ‘I hope she replies quickly so that we can sort this out.’ Again, silence. ‘Joe?’ Ben received no reply from his son. ‘The doctor will be coming out this afternoon to take a look at you. How are the ribs feeling?’

 

‘Fine.’

 

Ben frowned. ‘Joseph please look at me,’ he said. ‘I know that things around here are tense at the moment, but the most important thing is for you to get well. Then we can sort all of this out.’ Again there was silence as Joe continued to stare at the ceiling.

 

After a moment Ben stood up again. ‘Well I’ll leave you to rest now,’ he said. ‘Try and eat something if you can.’ He turned and left the room as he realised that his son was not going to respond to him.

 

Joe narrowed his eyes as he heard the door close slightly and then sighed softly to himself as he let out the breath that he’d been holding. Let his father contact Jane if he wanted to … it didn’t mean anything to him anymore. He’d find out that he’d been wrong about his son when he did, but it didn’t really matter. As far as Joe was concerned nothing mattered at all any more. His family had shown that they didn’t have any trust in him and that was all that counted. Nothing else was important.

 

He glanced over at the tray of food next to him dully. Pa had said to eat something, but Joe wondered why he’d bothered. None of them obviously cared about him anymore, so why should they care if he looked after himself or not? He thought about the fact that Hoss hadn’t even been to see him yet and he knew why. He probably couldn’t bear to look at him, thinking as the others had that he was guilty of this thing. His eyes drifted slowly back up to the ceiling and he stared at it unblinking for a long time.

 

++++++++++

‘So how is he?’ asked Paul Martin as they climbed the staircase. ‘I suppose you’ve been having a hard time of it trying to keep him in bed.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Actually no,’ he replied. ‘For once he seems to be very co-operative.’

 

‘Well that’s good,’ said Paul. ‘He needs to stay as still as possible.’ He opened the door to Joe’s bedroom. ‘Well hello there young man,’ he said jovially. ‘How are you feeling today?’ there was no response from the boy on the bed as the two men approached him.

 

‘Joe?’ said Ben. ‘Doctor Martin is here.’ Again, there was no response as Joe stared at the ceiling.

 

Paul put down his bag and reached over to pull down the covers on the bed. ‘I’m just going to check these ribs of yours Joe,’ he said as he began to probe with his fingers lightly over the boy’s chest area. ‘How’s the pain been?’

 

‘Fine.’

 

‘That’s good. Just put your arm over there. That’s right. Now the other one.’ The doctor looked at the boy’s face as he worked and was surprised to see no response in his eyes. Instead he simply stared dully at the ceiling as if he weren’t even aware of the doctor’s presence. He glanced over at the dresser and saw the full tray of food. ‘Haven’t eaten your breakfast I see,’ he said. ‘That won’t do. How many times have I told you that you need to keep your strength up when you’re sick?’

 

‘He wouldn’t eat yesterday either,’ said Ben from his position on the other side of the bed.

 

Paul frowned. ‘You have to eat something Joe,’ he said sternly. ‘How about something light? Some broth or soup?’ The boy on the bed didn’t answer him. ‘Joe?’ he said, touching him on the arm.

 

‘I’m not hungry.’

Paul’s eyebrows lifted and he looked up at Ben. ‘Could you get Hop Sing to prepare something?’ he asked. Ben nodded and left the room while Paul sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Now what’s all this about?’ he said. ‘Why aren’t you eating?’

 

‘I’m not hungry.’

 

‘It doesn’t really matter if you’re hungry or not,’ said Paul. ‘I’ve just told you that you have to keep your strength up. You don’t want to complicate things and get even sicker do you?’

 

‘I don’t care.’

 

Paul frowned slightly. The boy he was observing wasn’t the fiery Joe Cartwright he’d come to know so well. This youngster was a very different person. ‘Is there something the matter?’ he asked. ‘Are you in pain?’

 

‘No.’

 

Paul leant closer. ‘Come on now Joe,’ he said. ‘You don’t want your father and brothers to be worried about you, do you?’

 

‘I don’t care.’

 

Paul jerked at the boy’s words. If there was one thing he knew about the Cartwrights they cared a great deal about each other. There was something going on here with his patient and he didn’t like the thought of what it might be. He patted Joe on the arm. ‘Well I’m sure they do,’ he said as he pulled the covers up again. ‘They care about you a great deal.’ He watched Joe for his reaction, but saw nothing.

 

‘Here’s the soup,’ said Ben as he came back into the room with another tray and put it down on the bed next to Joe. ‘Now are you going to eat it young man or do I have to feed it to you like a baby?’ He smiled at his son, but there was no response from the boy. ‘Well I’ll guess I’ll have to feed you with it them eh?’ he joked as he picked up the spoon and held it close to Joe’s mouth. When his son didn’t open his mouth he said, ‘Joe? Eat some of this. It’ll make you feel better.’

 

Joe shook his head slightly and then turned it to face the wall. ‘Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘Open your mouth please.’

 

‘No.’

 

Ben looked startled. ‘I said to open your mouth Joseph,’ he said. ‘Hurry up please.’

 

‘No.’

 

Paul took the spoon from Ben’s hand. ‘Let me try,’ he whispered. ‘Joe?’ Have some soup.’

 

Joe turned his head back towards the two men and opened his mouth obediently to swallow the soup. Ben looked even more startled as the doctor continued to put spoonful after spoonful of soup into his son’s mouth with apparent ease. When the bowl was half empty, Joe shook his head. ‘That’s enough,’ he said and turned back to face the wall.

 

Paul stood up. ‘I want you to get some sleep now,’ he said. ‘I’ll be back to see you in a few days Joe. Remember not to move and …’ he patted the boy on the arm, ‘… and keep eating. OK?’

 

Joe didn’t respond to him, but simply lay still. Paul signaled to Ben to follow him and both men left the room and stood in the hallway outside. Paul closed the door behind them. ‘What was all that about?’ he said. ‘I’ve never seen him like that before.’

 

Ben ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘Things around here are very tense at the moment,’ he said. ‘I suppose that’s it.’

Paul frowned. ‘Well whatever is going on its not good for him,’ he said sternly. ‘Those ribs won’t set properly if you don’t get some good food into him.’

‘I know,’ said Ben. ‘He’s become very withdrawn since yesterday.’

 

‘That’s obvious,’ replied Paul. ‘To be perfectly frank Ben I can see signs of depression there and that’s definitely not a good thing in his present state.’ Ben nodded. ‘I’ll be back again tomorrow,’ continued Paul. ‘Keep trying to make him eat.’

 

‘Don’t you worry,’ said Ben. ‘He’ll eat, even if I have to force it into him. Thank you Paul.’ He followed the doctor down the stairs and into the main living area where Hoss and Adam were seated on the sofa.

 

‘How’s Little Joe Doc?’ asked Hoss anxiously.

 

‘He’ll be fine Hoss,’ replied the doctor and wondered at the look that came into the man’s eyes as the words were spoken. It was more than relief at hearing that his younger brother was going to be all right. There was something else there. Something that the doctor couldn’t quite place.

 

‘Good,’ said Hoss simply and turned away again. As his father and the doctor left the room he glanced up the staircase. After a moment he stood up. ‘Tell Pa I’ve gone up ta see Joe will ya Adam?’ he said softly.

 

‘Sure,’ replied his brother with a gentle smile. ‘Good luck brother.’

 

Hoss returned the smile before turning to the stairs and walking away. As he got to Joe’s bedroom door he hesitated for a moment before opening it. The sight of the injured boy in the bed made him draw in his breath sharply and he bit his lip before speaking. ‘Joe?’ he said softly.

 

At the sound of his brother’s voice, Joe turned his head. His eyes widened.

‘Hoss?’ he said. ‘Is that you?’

Hoss nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he said and sat down on the chair next to the bed. ‘I’ve come ta …’ His eyes filled with tears. ‘I’ve come ta apologize Joe.’ His hand reached out to trace a line across his brother’s face where a large bruise had formed and then he withdrew it again before placing his own face in his large hands. ‘Oh God Joe,’ he sobbed. ‘I’m so sorry! I should never have done it to ya.’

 

Joe tried to smile at his brother through his split lip. ‘It’s OK Hoss,’ he said, his heart lifting at his brother’s words.

 

Hoss shook his head ‘No its not OK,’ he said. ‘It don’t matter what you done Joe. I should never have done it to ya.’

 

Joe frowned. ‘What I done?’ he whispered.

 

Hoss nodded as he took his face out of his hands to look at his brother. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘It don’t matter any more Joe. You and Miss Jane and all. It don’t matter what you done with her. I shouldn’t have hit ya like that. Can ya forgive me?’

 

Joe’s heart plummeted down into the depths of despair again as he stared at his brother. Hoss was sorry for what he’d done to him, but he still believed that Joe was guilty of this thing. He hadn’t considered for a moment that he might not be.

 

‘Can ya forgive me for hitting ya Joe?’ asked Hoss again.

 

Joe nodded slightly. ‘I can forgive you for hitting me,’ he said dully. ‘If that’s the thing you want me to forgive you for.’ He waited, hoping that his brother would ask for forgiveness for not believing him as well.

 

Hoss smiled through his tears. ‘Thanks Joe,’ he said. ‘I promise I’ll never hurt you like that again. I’ll never raise a hand to ya buddy for as long as I live.’

‘Sure,’ said Joe dully, staring at the ceiling again.

 

Hoss wiped his tears away. ‘Pa’s gonna fix it all up Joe,’ he continued. ‘You’ll see buddy. Everything will turn out all right.’

 

‘Sure,’ said Joe again in the same dull tone. ‘Whatever you say Hoss.’
++++++++++

 

‘I’m so glad they’ve cleared the air between them,’ said Ben to Adam. ‘It’s a great relief to know that they have.’

 

Adam nodded in reply. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Although Joe still seems to be acting strangely, don’t you think Pa?’

 

‘He’s not well,’ replied his father. ‘He’s probably still in a great deal of pain. You know what your brother’s like. He’ll never admit to it when he’s not well.’

 

‘True.’

 

‘At least he’s eating a bit more now,’ said Ben. ‘I’m sure that he’ll be OK in time.’ He stared into the fireplace for a few moments. ‘I just wish that girl would reply to my wire. The sooner we get all this settled, the better for everyone concerned.’

 

‘Mmm,’ said Adam. ‘Do you really think she’ll come back here to face Joe and all of us?’

 

‘I hope so,’ said Ben. ‘I sincerely hope so son.’ He looked up as Hop Sing came down the stairs with a tray.

 

‘Boy still not eat enough,’ said the cook as he passed them.

 

Ben stood up and looked at what was left on the tray. ‘Well it’s better than yesterday,’ he said. ‘At least that’s something. I’m going on up to bed now Adam,’ he said I’ll see to Joe on the way. ‘Good night.’

‘Night Pa,’ said Adam. He smiled as Hop sing left the room muttering to himself in Chinese.

 

As Ben entered his son’s bedroom he noticed the opened book on his lap and the fact that Joe wasn’t even pretending to read it. Instead he was staring straight in front of him, not moving.

 

‘Good book?’ asked Ben as he sat down.

 

Joe nodded his head. ‘Yes,’ he said.

 

His father smiled at him and ruffled his hair slightly. ‘That’s good,’ he said. ‘Time to go to sleep now.’ He reached over to take the book from his son’s hands, but Joe shut it and put it on the dresser himself before his father could do it for him. Ben frowned slightly. ‘Lay down now,’ he said. ‘Can I get you anything before I go to bed myself?’

 

‘No.’ Joe didn’t look at his father, but simply scrunched down in the bed and lay still.

 

Ben reached over to pull the covers up, but Joe pulled them out of his father’s hands and did it himself instead. ‘I’m just trying to help you Joseph,’ he said.

 

‘I can do it,’ said Joe.

 

Ben hesitated, sensing his son’s hostility towards him. ‘Do you need to use the pot?’ he asked.

 

‘No.’

 

‘Anything else?’

 

‘No.’

 

Ben studied the boy’s face intently. ‘Joseph?’ he said. ‘I wish you wouldn’t carry on like this son. We all need to put this behind us now and look to the future. We can’t change the past you know.’

 

‘I know,’ said Joe in the same flat tone his father had become accustomed to hearing during the past few days. He knew very well. Nothing would ever erase the memory of what his father and brothers had said to him. They had believed things about him that weren’t true and nothing would change that.

 

Ben patted him on the shoulder and sighed as the boy flinched away from him. ‘Well good night son,’ he said after a moment.

 

‘Night.’

 

Ben left the room and closed the door behind him with a heavy heart.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Pa?’ said Adam as he came through the front doorway and over to his father’s desk. ‘There’s a letter from Sacramento in the mail.’ He held it out to his father and noticed that Hoss walked straight over and stood beside him at his words.

Ben took the letter and looked at it for a moment before ripping it open.

 

‘She probably couldn’t afford a wire,’ he said. ‘I hope she’s coming back.’ He began to read and then stopped and frowned.

 

‘Pa?’ said Adam. ‘What is it?’

 

Ben glanced up at his two sons and then began to read aloud.

 

Dear Mr Cartwright,

I received your wire today and wanted to write to you straight way to clear things. I don’t know where you got your information from, but you haven’t understood the true situation. Joe and I are not involved in any way except as friends. He helped me when I was in a difficult situation by lending me some money to get to Sacramento. The father of my baby is here and he and I have managed to work things out between us. I won’t be returning to Virginia City, as we are going to be married and try and make a go of it here. I will pay Joe back the money he lent me when I can. I am very grateful to him for helping me in this way. Please give him my regards and tell him that I will write when I’m able to.

Jane Coleman

 

Ben looked up at Adam and Hoss again and there was silence. ‘Do ya mean he and Miss Jane ….’ Hoss began and then stopped. ‘He weren’t responsible fer it?’

 

‘That would seem to be the case,’ said Ben. ‘It seems that we’ve been wronging Joseph in all of this.’

 

Adam frowned. ‘But I don’t understand,’ he said. ‘He’s had days to tell us that we were wrong. Why hasn’t he said anything?’

 

Ben stood up. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘But I’m about to find out. I think we all owe your brother an apology boys. Come on.’ The three Cartwrights mounted the stairs and went straight down the hallway to Joe’s bedroom where he was sitting in bed propped up on a mountain of pillows.

 

‘Joseph,’ said his father as they entered the room. ‘We need to talk to you son.’

 

Joe looked up at his father and brothers, wondering why they’d all dome into his room together. He made no comment.

 

Ben sat down on the chair next to the bed and Adam and Hoss stood at the foot of it. Ben handed Joe the letter to read. ‘Read this,’ he said. Joe took the letter and read it and then handed it back to his father without speaking. ‘Joe?’ said Ben. ‘Why didn’t you tell us that we were wrong about what had happened?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘What was the point?’ he said. ‘You wouldn’t have believed me anyway.’

‘You know we would have Joe,’ said Adam.

 

Joe turned to look at his brother. ‘Do I?’ he said. ‘What makes you think that?’

 

‘Haven’t I always listened to you in the past Joseph?’ asked his father. ‘You didn’t give us a chance to believe you son.

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No Pa,’ he said. ‘That ain’t true. You’re the ones that didn’t give me a chance to explain. You just believed what you wanted to without giving me the benefit of the doubt.’

 

‘You must admit that you didn’t give us much option Joe,’ interrupted Adam. ‘The way you’ve been carrying on lately, what else were we to think?’

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I don’t really care what you think,’ he lied. ‘It don’t matter any more.’

 

‘It does matter Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t believe you son.’ He looked at Adam and Hoss meaningfully.

 

‘I’m sorry too Joe,’ said Adam.

 

Hoss stepped forwards. ‘Me too Joe,’ he said. ‘I’m the one started all this and I’m sorrier than you’ll ever know. I’m sorry I hit ya and I’m sorry I didn’t believe ya.’

 

Joe slid down in the bed and pulled the covers up around him, wincing as he felt a tug on his sore ribcage. ‘Sure,’ he said. ‘Whatever.’ He turned his face to the wall.

 

‘Joe,’ said his father, reaching out to touch him. ‘Your brothers and I mean it son. ‘We’re very sorry about all this.’
Joe didn’t answer his father, but simply shrugged his hand away. Ben motioned for Hoss and Adam to leave the room. ‘Joe?’ he said. ‘This isn’t like you. Please say something to me.’ Joe closed his eyes and ignored his father. ‘Joe … we’ve always been able to work things out between us before. Ben tried again. ‘Everyone makes mistakes in life and I’ve made one now. Please forgive me and your brothers.’

 

‘Leave me alone,’ said Joe with his eyes still shut fast. ‘I don’t wanna talk about it.’

 

‘All right son,’ said Ben, getting up. ‘You think about what I’ve said. I’ll come up again later and we’ll talk about it.’

 

Joe waited until the door closed before opening his eyes. He glared at the closed door angrily. How could they just expect him to turn around and say everything was all right just because they decided it was? Didn’t they realise how much they’d hurt him with their unfounded accusations? Well he wasn’t ready to forgive anyone and they’d better just get used to it! He pounded his fists on the bed in frustration. It’d just teach them a thing or two if he never forgave them! He’d show them!

 

He flung back the covers and put his feet to the ground, wincing as he did so. He was determined that he wasn’t about to lay up here and forgive them just because they now had no choice but to believe him! He gave a slight groan as he tried to stand up and found that he had to sit down again. His ribs were hurting more than he had thought at first, but the anger in his head drowned out all reason as he tried again to stand.

 

Slowly he got to his feet and stood still while trying to catch his breath. With one arm tightly wound around his waist he took a tentative step forward and then another. He closed his eyes against the pain as it gripped him tightly and breathed deeply for a moment. When it had eased he took another step forward and reached out his hand to open the dresser drawer. Gingerly he took out a shirt and shook it to unfold it before letting go of his waist and attempting to put his arm inside the sleeve. He was going to get out of this room before he was forced to listen to any more of their false apologies! They probably didn’t mean them anyway, he reasoned. They had only said what they had because they had no choice.

He groaned again as he moved his arm to put it inside the shirt and the pain washed over him once more. He swayed a little and reached out to steady himself on the dresser, but missed. His hand only reached for thin air and he staggered forward while trying to regain his balance. He struck himself sharply on the corner of the dresser and a sharp jolt of pain ripped through him with a vengeance. Joe stifled a scream as he bent forward. His chest felt like there was a sharp knife being plunged into it and he suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

 

He stood bent over for a moment, trying to regain his balance and his composure. After a while he stood up again, but the pain in his chest didn’t abate and he found himself sinking to the floor as it overcame him. With one deep breath that ended on a sob, Joe passed out and lay still on the floor.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Do ya think he’ll ever forgive us Pa?’ asked Hoss miserably as he stared into the fireplace.

 

‘Of course he will,’ said Ben. ‘You know your brother. He’s just young and impulsive. Once he thinks about what we’ve said he’ll come around.’

 

‘I wouldn’t blame him iffen he didn’t,’ said Hoss. ‘I was unfair ta him along and I had no right ta be. Poor little guy! Tain’t his fault iffen every girl he meets falls all over him. I don’t know why I was jealous in the first place. I’m just a dumb old Hoss!’

 

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulder. ‘Hoss don’t be like that,’ he said. ‘You are not dumb and your brother will forgive you in time. Hasn’t he already said that he forgives you for hitting him?’

 

‘Yeah but he didn’t really mean it,’ said Hoss. ‘I don’t blame him fer that none either.’
‘Hoss what you ….’
‘What was that?’ interrupted Adam as a noise came from upstairs.

 

‘It must be Joseph,’ said Ben, with a set jaw. ‘If that boy is moving around up there ….’ He strode over to the stairs, followed by Adam and Hoss. As they got to Joe’s bedroom Ben flung open the door. ‘Oh my God!’ he said as he saw his youngest son’s body on the floor in front of them. Joe was lying on the floor unconscious. There was blood on the floor around him and he was very pale. ‘Get the doctor!’ yelled Ben. ‘One of you get into town and get the doctor! Hurry!’ He rushed over to where Joe was lying and cradled his son’s head in his arms. ‘It’s coming from his mouth,’ he said, trying to sound calm and failing miserably. He looked up and saw Adam peering down anxiously. ‘Help me get him to the bed,’ he said.

 

Adam and his father lifted Joe up and placed him on the bed. Ben picked up a washcloth and wiped the blood away from his son’s mouth and noticed that it was soon replaced with a fresh flow. ‘He’s bleeding internally,’ he said. ‘He must have ripped something with one of those busted ribs.’

 

Hoss has gone for the doctor,’ said Adam. ‘He’ll be as quick as he can Pa.’

 

Ben nodded silently as he stared down at the ashen face of his son.

 

++++++++++

 

Paul Martin straightened up and looked at Ben across the body of his son. ‘How long ago?’ he said.

 

Ben stroked Joe’s hand as he held it within his large one. ‘About two hours,’ he replied, not taking his eyes off his son’s face. ‘I couldn’t stop the bleeding Paul. ‘It just keeps seeping from his mouth and he won’t wake up.’ He looked up at the doctor pleadingly with tears in his eyes. ‘Help him Paul,’ he said softly. ‘Please.’
Paul put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. ‘I’ll try Ben,’ he said. ‘But it’s clear that there’s some internal damage. One of those ribs has punctured

 

something in there.’ He bent over and placed his ear next to Joe’s mouth and listened for a moment, before placing a stethoscope against the boy’s chest and listening hard. ‘It sounds like his breathing is labored,’ he said. ‘It could be one of his lungs.’

 

Ben looked at the doctor anxiously. ‘And if it is?’ he asked.

 

Paul shrugged as he put his stethoscope away. ‘If it is then I’ll have to open him and try and stitch it,’ he said. ‘At the very least I’ll have to reset those ribs anyway.

 

‘How will you know if it is his lung or not?’ asked Ben.

 

Paul was silent for a moment as he considered his options. ‘I can’t really know unless I open him up,’ he said finally. ‘We can take a chance and hope that the hemorrhaging will eventually stop by itself.’

 

‘But you don’t think that it will,’ said Ben.

 

Paul shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘No I don’t Ben. ‘And if I try to reset those ribs I might cause him further damage. The best thing is to open him up and check it out.’

 

Ben stared down at the pale face on the pillow in front of him. He gently stroked the curls off the boy’s forehead with one hand while continuing to hold his son’s hand with the other. He stroked him gently with his thumb while he considered the doctor’s words. ‘To operate is risky though isn’t it?’ he asked finally.

 

‘Yes,’ replied Paul. ‘Any operation is risky Ben … particularly so in this case because I’m not sure of what I’ll find once I begin. There is a chance that I could cause more damage by probing around in his chest.’ He hesitated. ‘It’s your choice Ben. I’ll be guided by what you decide.’
Ben swallowed. ‘What if it is his lung that is punctured and you don’t do anything?’ he asked. ‘What then Paul?’

 

The doctor hesitated. ‘Well eventually I suppose he could drown in his own blood,’ he said reluctantly. He watched Ben flinch at his words. ‘It might not happen though Ben,’ he said quickly. ‘He could be fine.’

 

Ben continued to stroke his son’s hand with his thumb. ‘But you don’t know for sure,’ he said.

 

‘No,’ admitted Paul. ‘I don’t know for sure.’

 

‘I see.’ There was silence as Ben continued to sit and stare at his son.

 

Suddenly Joe stirred on the bed and tried to open his eyes. ‘Pa?’ he said softly. ‘Pa?’

 

Ben leant close to the boy’s face. ‘Joe?’ he said softly. ‘It’s all right son. I’m here.’

 

Joe’s eyes fluttered open and he stared up at his father’s face. ‘Pa?’ he said again. ‘I’m sorry … I shouldn’t have …’

 

Ben stroked his forehead and tried to quieten him. ‘It’s all right Joe,’ he said. ‘Lie still and be quiet now son. Everything will be all right.’

 

Joe took a breath and caught it with a half-sob.’ Hurts,’ he murmured.

‘I know son,’ said Ben gently. ‘Lie still now.’

 

Joe sighed softly and his eyes fluttered closed again. ‘Hurts,’ he murmured again.

 

Ben looked up at Paul with tears in his eyes. ‘Do it,’ he said. ‘I give you permission Paul.’
‘Are you sure Ben?’ asked Paul.

 

Ben nodded as he stared back down at his son. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I’m sure. He bent down and kissed Joe gently on the forehead.

 

++++++++++

 

‘What time is it?’ asked Hoss for the tenth time that hour.

 

Adam stopped pacing and turned to look at the clock. ‘Ten past four,’ he said.

 

Hoss’ shoulders slumped. ‘It’s been over two hours!’ he said. ‘How come it’s taking this long?’

 

Adam shook his head and he continued to pace again. ‘I don’t know,’ he said.

‘Do ya think it’s a bad sign?’ asked Hoss tentatively.

 

‘I don’t know,’ said Adam again. ‘I hope not.’ He looked over at his father who was sitting in front of the fireplace staring at the flames. The man hadn’t moved or said a word for over an hour. ‘Pa?’ said Adam as he approached him. ‘Do you want some coffee or something?’

 

Ben merely shook his head as he continued to stare into the fire.

Adam sat down next to him. ‘I’m sure he’ll be OK Pa,’ he said.

 

Ben turned to look at his son and gave him a half-hearted smile as he put his hand over the top of Adam’s. ‘Yes,’ he said quietly, but his eyes didn’t show any conviction at all before he went back to staring into the fire again.

 

‘He hasta be,’ said Hoss behind them. ‘He can’t die …’ his voice caught on a sob. ‘He can’t die without … well … us making up and all,’ he said.

 

Ben looked up at him. ‘Your brother is not going to die Hoss,’ he said firmly. ‘Get that thought out of your head. He is not going to die!’

Hoss nodded his head. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘He ain’t gonna. I know it.’ He shut his eyes for a moment. ‘Cause iffen he does Pa, then I’ll never live with myself. I’m the one did this to him and ..’ His voice trailed away and he put his head in his hands. ‘He just can’t die!’ he sobbed. ‘Not shortshanks Pa! He just can’t!’

 

Ben stood up and walked over to his son. He put his arms around him and held him close as the big man shook with the sobs that were overtaking his body. For several minutes they stood there together in a comforting embrace while Adam looked on with tears in his eyes. After a while Hoss’ sobs lessened and Ben drew back from him. ‘Come and sit down over here,’ he said as he led his son to the sofa. Hoss sat down, his shoulders slumped as he stared at the floor.

 

‘Now you listen to me Hoss,’ said his father. ‘I’ve just told you that Joseph is not going to die. But no matter what happens I want you to understand something very clearly. You are not to blame for this … do you understand me?’

 

‘I blame myself Pa,’ said Hoss in a low voice.

 

‘Hoss look at me,’ said Ben. He lifted his son’s face until their eyes met. ‘I’m that boy’s father. No one could ever love him more dearly than I do and my life would never be complete again if … if something happened to him. Yet even so, I do not blame you for what has happened. Do you hear me boy? I do not blame you and I know that Joseph would say the same thing if he could. I want you to believe that son.’

 

Hoss wiped the tears from his eyes before answering his father. ‘Pa I know what you’re saying, he said. ‘I know ya don’t want me ta blame myself, but I just can’t help it. I …’ He stopped as Paul Martin appeared at the top of the stairs.

 

Ben turned to follow his son’s gaze and stood up as the doctor walked down the stairs slowly. ‘Paul?’ he said in a faint voice. Adam came to stand beside his father and Hoss got to his feet as well and moved to a position behind them.

 

Paul sat down and sighed before addressing the three anxious men. ‘It was his lung,’ he said. ‘One of the ribs had pierced it just as I thought.’ He looked up at Ben. ‘If you hadn’t allowed me to operate he would have died Ben. You made the right choice.’

 

Ben let out the breath he’d been holding. ‘And now?’ he said after a moment.

 

‘I stitched his lung up and reset the ribs again,’ said Paul. ‘Unless he gets an infection from the internal stitches he should fine.’ He smiled ruefully. ‘Providing he doesn’t get out of bed again.’

 

‘We’ll tie him to the mattress,’ said Adam firmly, his feeble joke making everyone laugh with the relief of the moment.

 

‘I haveta see him,’ said Hoss.

 

Paul shook his head. ‘He’s still out to it Hoss,’ he said. ‘Best to just leave him to sleep for now and regain his strength.’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘You don’t understand,’ he said softly. ‘I haveta see him.’ He looked at his father for confirmation.

 

Ben hesitated and then nodded. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘But don’t do anything Hoss. Just sit quietly up there and let him sleep.’

 

Hoss nodded as he looked gratefully at his father, knowing that the man understood his need to just be with his brother.

 

‘Paul?’ said Ben as Hoss left the room. ‘Are you sure he’s going to be all right?’

 

‘No,’ admitted Paul. ‘I can’t be sure of anything to be honest Ben. But he’s come through the operation and that’s the main thing. We just have to take one step at a time .. that’s all we can do now.’

Ben nodded. ‘Thank you,’ he said a she bent down and shook the man’s hand. ‘Thank you for giving me back my son Paul.’ He looked with tear-filled eyes at the top of the stairs. ‘I think I might just ….’

 

Paul stood up. ‘You both go on up to him,’ he said. ‘I’ll go and see Hop Sing and get something to eat if that’s OK.’

 

‘Of course,’ said Ben absently, already halfway up the stairs as the doctor finished speaking. Adam smiled at the doctor and then turned to follow his father.

++++++++++

 

‘Hoss?’ said Ben as he walked up behind his son and put his hand on his shoulder. ‘There’s no point all of us being here now son. It’s late …Adam’s gone to bed. Why don’t you get some sleep as well?’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘I’m OK Pa, I’d rather stay here.’ He stroked his brother’s hand with his large one as he stared at his still and pale face on the pillow.

 

‘I’ll sit with him Hoss,’ said his father. ‘You need your sleep.’

 

Hoss looked up at him. ‘No Pa,’ he said. ‘I gotta be here … you know?’

 

Ben nodded as he sat down next to his son. ‘Yes son,’ he said gently. ‘I know.’ He too stared at Joe’s face on the pillow. ‘Lord knows that I know the feeling well,’ he said softly. ‘I’ve felt it many times with all of you boys.’

 

There was silence for a few moments as the two men lost themselves in their own thoughts and then Hoss spoke in a low voice. ‘He will get better Pa. I just know that he will.’
Ben smiled and nodded his head. ‘Yes,’ he agreed. ‘I know he will too.’
Hoss continued to rub his brother’s hand. ‘I just hope that when he wakes up he’ll forgive me,’ he said. ‘I shoulda known he could never do anything like that Pa.’ He shook his head. ‘I shoulda known,’ he repeated.

 

Ben put his arm around his son’s shoulders. ‘We all should have known Hoss,’ he said. ‘We were all too quick to think the worst.’ He gave him a quick squeeze. ‘When he wakes up we’ll sort it all out with him, don’t you worry.’

 

Hoss smiled at his father. ‘Sure we will,’ he said. ‘Ya know what Pa? This little guy here is too important ta us all. It’s at times like this that ya kinda realise it don’t ya?’

 

‘You sure do son,’ said Ben with a sigh. ‘Family is the most important thing in the world son. I know that my life wouldn’t be complete with you boys in it.’ They smiled at each other. At that moment Little Joe stirred on the bed and began to murmur something.

 

‘What’s he saying?’ asked Hoss as he bent closer to hear.

 

‘He’s just dreaming,’ replied his father as he wet a cloth and wiped his son’s face with it. ‘Probably the medication, that’s all.’ Little Joe tossed his head from one side to the other and muttered in his sleep again.

 

Hoss chuckled softly. ‘He just can’t keep still can he?’ he said. ‘Even when he’s asleep.’

 

Ben chuckled as well. ‘No he can’t,’ he agreed. ‘Always on the move this boy …’ He stroked Joe’s forehead as he gazed at him fondly. ‘Usually moves into trouble though given half the chance.’

 

Hoss grinned and nodded in agreement. ‘He’s led me there a time or two,’ he said.

 

Ben lifted his eyebrows. ‘Yes I seem to remember a few times when he’s led you astray,’ he said. ‘He’s also an expert at running away from it as well when he’s caught.’

‘Yeah,’ said Hoss. ‘Many times he dumped me in it and then got away himself.’ He sighed. ‘I’d give anything ta have the chance ta be in trouble with him now.’

 

Ben tried no to laugh at his son’s comment. ‘Well knowing Joseph, he’ll certainly give you the chance again,’ he said.

 

Hoss gazed fondly at his little brother ‘He is kinda cute Pa, don’t ya think?’ he said.

 

Ben lifted his other eyebrow. ‘That’s his problem Hoss. He’s too cute for his own good at times and that’s why he tends to get into these situations.’

 

Hoss grinned at his father and Ben’s face broke into a grin in return. He gave a short laugh. ‘Yes,’ he admitted. ‘He is kinda cute though. He always has been.’

 

Both men sat side by side next to the sleeping boy taking comfort in each other’s company throughout the long night.

 

++++++++++

 

‘Any change?’ asked Adam as he came into the room.

 

‘No, he’s still out to it,’ replied his father as he rubbed his eyes. ‘What time is it?’

 

‘Five thirty,’ said Adam. ‘Why don’t you and Hoss get some sleep now? I’ll sit with him.’

 

Ben stood up and stretched. ‘Thank you son,’ he said. ‘Hoss …’ he motioned to his other son to come away but just as he was doing it, Joe stirred again on the bed. Ben leant over the boy and whispered to him. ‘Joseph?’ he said. ‘Joe son, can you hear me?’
Joe’s eyelids fluttered open and he stared up at his father and gave him a slight smile. ‘Hi Pa,’ he said. Hoss and Adam smiled at each other behind Ben’s back.

 

‘How are you feeling?’ asked Ben.

 

Joe licked his lips. ‘Sore,’ he said and then sighed. ‘How come?’

 

‘You’ve been through an operation,’ said Ben, still whispering so as not to disturb the boy even more. ‘You put one of your ribs through your lung.’

 

Joe frowned slightly as he licked his lips again. ‘Did I?’ he murmured. He drew in a deep breath and grimaced. ‘That’s why it hurts,’ he murmured, half to himself.

 

Ben patted him on the head. ‘You rest now,’ he said. ‘Go back to sleep.’

 

Joe closed his eyes. ‘Stupid …’ he murmured. ‘Stupid thing to do … sorry Pa.’

 

Ben patted him on the head again and smiled. ‘Don’t you worry about it now Joe,’ he said. ‘There’s plenty of time for talk later. You rest and get well now.’ He watched as the boy’s eyelids stopped fluttering and he retreated into a deep sleep again. Ben stood up. ‘Well that’s a good sign,’ he said to Adam and Hoss. ‘As long as he doesn’t develop a fever he seems to be coming along all right. Come on Hoss we’re going to get some sleep.’

 

Hoss followed his father out of the room and down the hallway. ‘I think I’ll get something ta eat first Pa,’ he said happily. ‘Suddenly I feel much better.’

 

Ben smiled at him. ‘So do I Hoss,’ he said. ‘So do I son.’
++++++++++

 

‘Now hold that breath,’ instructed Paul as he held the stethoscope over Joe’s chest and listened intently to his breathing. ‘Just a bit longer… that’s it … good boy… now let it out.’ He straightened up and smiled at Joe as he patted him on the head. ‘Very good,’ he said. ‘It sounds fine.’ He bent down closer to the boy’s face and put his hand on his forehead. ‘No fever either,’ he said as he nodded.

 

Ben smiled at Joe from the other side of the bed as the doctor put away his stethoscope. ‘Well it seems like you’re doing all right then,’ he said.

‘As long as he doesn’t get it into his head to anything foolish like getting out of bed again,’ said Paul firmly. He pointed his finger at Joe. ‘You hear me?’ he said.’ If I hear of you trying anything like that again young man I’ll let your brother Adam do as he threatened and tie you to the mattress!’

 

Joe swallowed before replying. ‘I promise,’ he said. ‘I’ll be a good boy doc!’ He gave the doctor a cheeky, if somewhat washed out, grin.

 

‘Good,’ said Paul. ‘See that you are.’ He picked up his bag. ‘I think it’s safe for me to get back to town now Ben,’ he said. ‘I’ll leave a few painkillers here for him in case. If you notice any change in his breathing send for me immediately though.’

 

‘I will,’ said Ben as he followed the doctor out of the room. ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes Joseph.’

 

Joe snuggled down under the covers as the two men left the room. He closed his eyes with a sigh and tried to ignore the dull pain that came with each breath. After a moment he heard a soft voice beside him. ‘Joe?’

 

Joe opened his eyes again and saw Hoss standing there looking down at him anxiously. ‘Hi,’ he said.

 

Hoss sat down with a smile. ‘How ya feeling shortshanks?’
Joe wriggled slightly under the pillows. ‘Hurts some,’ he said. ‘But I’ll be OK.’

 

‘Don’t ya go doing anything stupid like that again ya hear?’ said Hoss.

Joe smiled. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘There’s no chance of it.’

 

‘Hey Joe?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

Hoss reached out and took his younger brother’s hand in his. ‘I’m real sorry ya know. Sorry bout what happened and all.’

 

‘I know. You said that before,’ answered Joe.

 

‘I know I did,’ said Hoss. ‘But I havta say it again. Ya didn’t want ta believe me before.’

 

‘Joe frowned slightly. ‘I said that I did,’ he answered.

 

‘I know,’ said Hoss. ‘But … well … when ya got sick and all I was thinking bout things a lot ya know? I just wanted ta say some things to ya little buddy.’

 

‘Like what?’

 

‘Like how much ya mean to me,’ said his brother. ‘I thought ya was gonna die Joe and it got me thinking. Nothing is more important … I mean …’ Hoss searched for the words to tell his little brother just what he was thinking. He had never been good at expressing himself and he found that the words just weren’t there for him now when he needed them most. He scratched his head as his brother looked up at him. ‘I just wanna say that I love ya Joe,’ he said finally. ‘Ya mean more ta me than any old girl ever could and I should never have let all this happen.’ He looked at Joe imploringly. ‘Please believe me,’ he said.

 

Joe smiled at him. ‘Of course I believe you,’ he said softly. ‘I’m sorry too Hoss.’
Hoss looked startled. ‘What are you sorry for?’

 

Joe reached out and took his brother’s hand. ‘For carrying on like I did,’ he said. ‘I reckon that Pa and Adam might have been a bit right. I do tend to flirt a bit and I spose it does get me into trouble sometimes.’ He pulled a face. ‘I reckon I can’t blame everyone for thinking the worst of me. I kinda ask for it sometimes.’ The two brothers smiled at each other.

 

‘Well I think that fall has knocked some sense into that head of yours,’ said a voice behind Hoss. Both of them looked over to see Adam standing there. ‘It’s about time too,’ their older brother said.

 

Joe pouted. ‘Aw come on Adam,’ he said. ‘I can’t help doing it,’ he said and his eyes twinkled. ‘Girls just naturally fall for me. I am kinda cute ya know!’ He grinned at Hoss.

 

‘What makes ya say that?’ asked Hoss, startled.

 

‘I dunno,’ replied Joe, stretching a little under the bedcovers. ‘I musta dreamt about it. Seems ta me that I had a dream bout people calling me cute and all.’ He gave a little chuckle. ‘Wonder who it was?’

 

Hoss pretended to be angry. ‘You was listening to Pa and me!’ he said.

 

‘Heck no Hoss!’ said Joe indignantly. ‘I told ya … I dreamt it.’ His eyes widened. ‘Why? Do ya think I’m cute or something?’

 

Hoss tried to look serious, but failed miserably. He smiled at his little brother who was looking up at him so much like the little Joe that he knew and loved. ‘Nah!’ he said affectionately. ‘You ain’t cute Joe … Just a troublemaker.’
The two brothers grinned at each other in mutual affection.

 

++++++++++

 

Ben smiled at his son as he carried the tray into his bedroom and set it down on the dresser. ‘Now I expect you to give this food your utmost attention,’ he said. ‘Hop Sing will be very angry if you don’t young man.’

 

Joe craned his neck to look at the tray and wrinkled his nose. ‘OK,’ he said reluctantly. He waited for his father to hand him the plate of sandwiches and took a small bite reluctantly.

 

Ben watched his son pretend to eat. ‘Joe we have to talk,’ he said.

 

Joe glanced up at his father as he pretended to chew. ‘I guess so,’ he said.

Ben sighed. ‘Son I meant what I said to you before and so did your brothers. We are sorry for not having believed you. But Joe you must admit that you certainly gave all of us cause not to you know.’ Joe shrugged his shoulders and avoided looking into his father’s eyes. ‘From what I hear you had been flirting with that girl for weeks,’ continued Ben. ‘As well as several others, so it would appear.’ Joe seemed to suddenly find his sandwich fascinating as he stared at it intensely. ‘Joseph?’ said Ben firmly. ‘Look at me please.’ Joe finally looked up at his father. ‘Is what I’m saying true?’ asked Ben.

 

Joe shrugged his shoulders again. ‘I guess so,’ he said.

 

Ben nodded. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘So do you think that your behaviour warranted your brothers and I not being willing to believe you at first glance?’
‘I guess so,’ said Joe again. He gave his father a frustrated look. ‘But Hoss shouldn’t have hit me!’ he declared.

 

Ben nodded again. ‘I agree,’ he said. ‘He had no right to do that to you and I’ve told him how I feel about it. He tells me that you’ve cleared the air about that now.’

Yeah,’ admitted Joe. ‘I guess he’s sorry for what he done.’ He hesitated as he felt his father’s eyes on him. ‘I guess you and Adam are too,’ he added. Ben continued to stare at his son silently and Joe began to squirm. ‘I … I guess I shouldn’t have done what I did.’ He gave his father a baleful look. ‘I’m sorry Pa.’
Ben put his hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘I think we’re all sorry Joe,’ he said. ‘For a lot of things son. The important thing is that we have the strength to recognise our mistakes and try not to repeat them. That’s the only way we are going to survive as a family.’

 

Joe nodded thoughtfully. ‘I guess you’re right,’ he said and then smiled. ‘You usually are ain’t ya?’

 

Ben patted his shoulder and grinned at him. ‘And just you remember that young man!’ he said teasingly.

 

‘Pa?’ said Little Joe suddenly. ‘I promise I won’t carry on like that again,’ he said.

 

‘Like what?’

 

‘Well you know… flirting and stuff,’ answered Little Joe. ‘I’ll be more sensible now, I promise.’ Ben lifted his eyebrows. ‘No really!’ continued Joe. ‘I’m gonna be more respectful with girls now. I’ve learnt my lesson.’

 

‘I hope so,’ answered his father with a straight face. ‘Now stop talking and eat more of that sandwich. We’ll discuss it all later.’

 

Joe smiled up at him. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘Can I have some paper though when I’ve finished?’
‘What for?’

‘I wanna write to Jane in Sacramento,’ his son replied as he chewed. ‘See how she’s doing.’

 

Ben nodded. ‘Later,’ he said. ‘There’s plenty of time for you to do things Joseph.’ After a moment he added. ‘Thank God.’
++++++++++

 

‘Here’s the mail,’ said Adam as he closed the front door behind him. ‘There’s a letter for you Joe.’

 

‘For me?’ said Joe from the sofa. ‘Who’d be writing ta me?’

 

‘It’s from Sacramento,’ replied Adam, studying the envelope before he handed it over.

 

‘Probably from Jane,’ said Joe as he opened the envelope. ‘Your move Hoss.’

 

Hoss studied the chessboard in front of him. ‘What’s she say?’ he asked as he moved a pawn.

 

‘She’s doing good,’ said Joe as he read. ‘Says they got married last Friday and they’ve got a place in town.’ He handed the letter to his father to read. ‘She sounds happy,’ he said.

 

‘Good,’ said Hoss.

 

Ben frowned as he read the letter. ‘What’s this?’ he asked.

 

‘What?’ asked Joe.

 

‘She says Dear Romeo,’ said his father with a stern look at his youngest son. ‘Why is she calling you that may I ask?’

Joe looked hurt. ‘Aw Pa?’ he said. ‘She always calls me that. I told ya before, I can’t help it if girls like me. After all I am kinda cute.’ He grinned at his father who returned the look with a frown.

 

‘Hmm,’ said Ben. ‘I thought you were going to be more mature with girls from now on Joseph?’ he said.

 

‘Oh I am Pa,’ said Little Joe earnestly. ‘In fact I’ve been doing a bit of thinking bout that.’

 

‘Oh yes?’ replied his father. ‘And what have you been thinking may I ask?’

 

Well,’ said Little Joe as he settled himself further down on the sofa and put his arm around his bandaged ribs. ‘It’s about Hoss actually.’

 

Hoss looked up from the chessboard, startled. ‘What about me?’ he asked.

‘Well I reckon you need lessons in how ta deal with girls brother,’ said Joe. ‘To help ya get to know em better.’

 

‘And you’re just the one to teach him, aren’t you?’ said Adam sarcastically.

 

‘Sure am,’ agreed Joe with a grin.

 

Hoss frowned. ‘I thought ya didn’t want to set me up with no girls,’ he said.

 

‘No I never said that,’ replied Joe earnestly. ‘They just have to be the right kind of girls Hoss. You need me ta pick em out for ya that’s all.’ He leant forward and patted his brother on the arm. ‘Trust me Hoss,’ he said. ‘Leave it all to me and I’ll have you settled with the right girl in no time.’

 

Hoss smiled. ‘Ya reckon?’ he said. ‘Gee thanks Joe.’

 

Joe tried to look modest. ‘Don’t mention it Hoss,’ he said. ‘Maybe some of my charm might rub off on you along the way as well.’
Adam gave his father a knowing look behind his youngest brother’s back and rolled his eyes.

 

‘Joseph I think you should concentrate on getting well again before you get yourself involved in your brother’s love life,’ said Ben warningly.

 

‘I’m OK Pa,’ said Joe. ‘Now let’s see … ‘ he looked thoughtful. ‘We really should start with someone nice. Not too old and not too young. Also, it has to be someone that I don’t like … that’s very important.’

 

Hoss moved over to sit next to his brother. ‘Who do ya reckon we should start with then Joe?’ he asked, hanging on his brother’s every word. The two brothers put their heads together and began to whisper, while Adam held his hands up and rolled his eyes again at his father. Ben chuckled to himself and sank down deeper in his chair as he held up his newspaper in front of him and began to read.

The End