Summary:  Ben is faced with a difficult moral decision that could cost him the life of one of his sons

Rated: T (14,720 words)

 

                                  Choices

Ben frowned and clicked his tongue with frustration as his youngest son rode full-pelt into the yard yet again. ‘Joseph!’ he called. ‘How many times do I have to tell you not ….’  He stopped and watching in horror as Joe’s horse stumbled beneath him and both rider and horse slid to the ground and landed heavily, Joe slamming into the water trough on his way down. ‘Joseph!’ yelled Ben and sprang towards him before the dust had even settled.  He lifted the unconscious boy and cradled him in his arms, looking anxiously into his face for any sign of life. ‘Joe?’ he said gently, his anxiety for the boy evident in the way his voice trembled. ‘Joe?  Can you hear me son?’

‘Pa?’  Ben looked up to see Adam hovering anxiously behind him. ‘Is he all right?’

Ben tried not to let his anxiety show, for fear that if he did he wouldn’t be able to control himself. ‘Get into town and get Paul Martin Adam,’ he said. ‘Hurry!’

Adam shook his head. ‘He’s not there,’ he reminded his father. ‘He went to San Francisco remember?’

‘Then get that doctor who took his place!’ shouted Ben. ‘Hurry!’  He turned to Joe in his arms again as Adam ran towards the barn. ‘Joseph!’ his father said anxiously. ‘Wake up son … wake up!’  He began to lift the boy, but the movement cause his son to stir and call out. ‘I’m sorry Joe,’ he said gently.

Hoss’ face appeared beside him. ‘Help me lift him Hoss,’ instructed Ben. ‘We need to get him inside and there’s no telling what internal damage there might be. Gently now,’ he warned as they both lifted the boy between them and began to carry him inside. ‘Hop Sing!’

Hop Sing appeared at the sound of his name and with one look took in the seriousness of the situation and scurried back into the house again in front of them.  Ben knew that the man would be immediately getting his son’s bed ready, as was indeed the case as he noted when they finally entered the bedroom after carefully navigating the staircase with the boy. ‘Gently Hoss,’ he said again as they laid Joe down on the bed where Hop Sing had thrown back the covers. He took the cloth that the cook held out to him silently and began to wipe his son’s face, the movement causing Joe to whimper aloud in pain. ‘It’s all right now Joe,’ he said softly. ‘Just lie still and it’ll be all right.’

‘Hurts,’ whimpered Joe, his eyes shut fast and his brow creased as the pain washed over him. ‘Hurts Pa.’

‘I know son,’ murmured Ben gently. ‘I know.’  He continued to wipe the boy’s face. ‘Adam has gone for the doctor. It won’t be long.’  He frowned as he realised just how futile his words were. They all knew that the doctor would be a few hours getting here and there wasn’t much they could do in the meantime to ease Joe’s pain. It was at times like this that it impacted heavily on Ben just how isolated they were out here on The Ponderosa and the thought worried him.

‘Pa?’ whispered Hoss over his shoulder. ‘We could put him in the buckboard and get him inta town that way.  He’d get ta the doctor quicker.

Ben stared down at the boy and noted the way in which he was clutching the sides of the bed, his knuckles white as he held on. ‘No,’ he said. ‘He’s in too much pain.  The trip would be too rough on him.  Best to just wait it out here son.’ He continued to wipe his son’s face. ‘Just try and relax Joe,’ he murmured. ‘Try and relax son.’

==========

Ben opened the front door with a bang and rushed outside, extending his hand to the man who was getting out of a buggy in the front yard. ‘You must be Dr Eddington,’ he said. ‘Thank you for coming straight away.’

‘Not at all,’ said the doctor. ‘Where is the patient?’

‘He’s upstairs,’ replied Ben anxiously. ‘He took a fall from his horse and ….’

‘Yes your son told me,’ interrupted the doctor impatiently. ‘Please just show me to him so that I can begin my examination.’

Ben blinked, somewhat taken aback by the man’s abruptness. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘This way.’  He led the doctor up the stairs and into Joe’s room. ‘Joseph?’ he said to the boy lying on the bed. ‘This is Dr Eddington.  He’s come to fix you up.’

Joe turned his head and stared at the doctor, his face still mirroring the pain that he was feeling. ‘Where’s Doc Martin?’ he asked his father. ‘Why didn’t he come?’

Ben noticed how the boy was still clutching himself around the waist as if in pain. ‘I told you before that he’s away in San Francisco remember?’ he said. ‘Doctor Eddington is filling in for him.  He’ll take good care of you just like Doc Martin does.’

Joe stared at the doctor and was silent. Daniel Eddington put down his bag on the side of the bed and sat down to look at the youngster. There was silence for a few moments as he stared at Joe and the youngster looked back at him apprehensively. There was something about the way the man was looking at him that he didn’t like and for the first time that he could ever remember he found himself wishing for Doc Martin to come into the room. He wished this new doctor would stop looking at him as he was and finally he broke his gaze free of the man and looked over at his father instead.

‘Doctor?’ asked Ben from behind the man. ‘Is there something you need before you begin?’

‘No,’ said Doctor Eddington, taking his eyes off Joe somewhat reluctantly. ‘That is … not yet.’  He cleared his throat and looked back at Joe again. ‘How old are you boy?’ he asked abruptly, his face a bland mask.

‘Joe is twelve,’ Ben answered for him. ‘Why?’

The doctor cleared his throat again and ignored the question. ‘Now …you’re holding yourself around the middle as if you’re in pain,’ he said. ‘Let’s get that shirt off you, shall we?’ He reached over and began to undo Joe’s buttons but for some reason Joe found himself pulling away from the man without meaning to.  ‘Keep still boy,’ the doctor said impatiently. ‘We have to get this shirt off if I’m going to examine you.’

Joe lay still and winced as his buttons were undone and the doctor pulled back his shirt to reveal his chest and stomach area. ‘Put your arms down,’ instructed the man. Joe did as he was told, giving his father a beseeching look as he did so.

Ben sat down on the other side of the bed and gave the boy an encouraging pat on the shoulder as the doctor began to prod around and under his ribcage. ‘Ow!’ yelled out Joe as the man’s fingers probed deftly over several of his ribs.

‘That hurt?’

Joe nodded, trying to control himself in order not to push the doctor’s fingers away as he did so. ‘Yes,’ he said.

‘And that?’

‘Ow! Yes.’

‘How about this?’

‘Yes!’ Joe tried to push the man’s hands away in spite of himself. ‘Don’t … It hurts!  Ow!’

‘Keep still boy,’ said the doctor sternly, giving the boy another stare that made Joe squirm slightly on the bed. ‘Stop moving.’

‘Try to keep still son,’ said his father from the other side of the bed. ‘It won’t take long now.’

‘He has two broken ribs,’ said Doctor Eddington in a matter of fact tone as he sat up straight again. ‘I’ll have to set them and then bind them up.’

Joe looked up at his father. ‘Does he have to?’ he asked pleadingly.

‘Yes son he does,’ answered his father. ‘Now try to hold still while the doctor does his work.’  He looked over at the man. ‘I’ll hang onto him for you,’ he said in a low voice.

The doctor nodded absently as if he hadn’t even heard Ben, as he began to unwind several long lengths of bandages. ‘Now,’ he said. ‘Just keep still boy and we’ll get this over this quickly.’  He stared down at the frightened boy on the bed in front of him and for a moment Joe could have sworn that he saw him smile … but it was a smile that made him feel uneasy for some reason instead of allaying his fears.  He felt his father hold onto his shoulders and only had time to glance up at the man before the doctor began to pull at his sore ribs and all else was lost to his mind as he fought the pain as they were worked back into place again.

‘There,’ said Ben after several minutes. ‘It’s all over now.’  He patted his upset son on the head and hugged him tighter around the shoulders as the doctor began to wind the bandages around his ribcage. ‘There there,’ he said again. ‘The doctor is just about done.’

Doctor Eddington didn’t speak as he finished up the bandaging and then stood up and stared for a few moments at the boy on the bed and the father comforting him. He hesitated a moment before speaking. ‘Mr Cartwright I could do with some water and a towel please.’

Ben nodded as he patted Joe on the head and continued to comfort him. ‘There’s some in the jug on the dresser,’ he said.

Doctor Eddington frowned slightly. ‘I’d … that is … I’d prefer warm water,’ he said. ‘Could you get me some from downstairs please?’

Ben nodded and then smiled at Joe before patting him on the head again. ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes son,’ he said. ‘You just lie still.’

Joe looked up at the doctor and then at his father. ‘Pa …’ he began.

Ben stood up. ‘I’ll just be a few minutes.’  He turned and left the room.

The doctor sat down immediately on the bed and stared once more at Joe, making the boy squirm on the bed.  Somehow this man made him feel uneasy and he didn’t know why. ‘Now …’ began the doctor. ‘I’m going to check you over some more. Lie still boy.’

‘Check me over where?’ asked Joe apprehensively.

‘Just lie still,’ replied the doctor and reached over to undo the buttons on the boy’s pants.

‘Don’t!’ said Joe, pushing his hands away.

‘Well you undo them then,’ said the doctor. ‘Hurry up … I haven’t got all day.’  He watched as Joe hesitated for a moment and then began to slowly undo the buttons.  When he’d finished, the man reached over and pushed his hands away and then began to palpitate his abdomen slightly. ‘I want to make sure there’s no damage inside,’ he said as he continued to work. ‘Just lie still and take some deep breaths.’

Joe did as he was told as the man continued to feel around his abdomen.  His eyes widened as he felt his pants pulled down slightly and looked up at the man.  The doctor continued to work quietly without saying a word while Joe stared into the face above him.  He noticed the slightly glazed look that came into the man’s eyes as if they were unfocused.  Suddenly he felt very uncomfortable and he reached up and pushed the doctor’s hands away again. ‘I’m fine,’ he said. ‘I don’t need ya to check me no more.’

‘Keep still!’ the man said sternly. He pushed Joe’s hands away and began to probe lower down on the boy’s body.

‘Don’t touch me there!’ said Joe desperately. ‘I told you I’m fine!’

‘You be quiet!’ snarled the doctor. ‘I’m the doctor here and I’ll decide when you’re fine or not. Now keep still boy and do as you’re told!’  He gave Joe a look that made him cringe and draw back on the bed away from the man.  He reached up and tried to push the doctor’s hands away again, but the man held onto them with one hand while he continued to probe around Joe’s pelvic area systematically with the other.  Joe closed his eyes as he began to feel hot all over and willed the man to stop.  He felt the fingers go even lower and squirmed under the man’s touch. ‘I told you to keep still,’ said the doctor. ‘Do as you’re told!’  He leant forward and used his elbows to pin Joe onto the mattress as he probed with deft and sure movements, oblivious now to the boy as he was caught up in his own emotions.

Suddenly he withdrew his hand and sat up again. He pulled Joe’s pants up again and drew away from him. ‘Everything seems to be fine,’ he said as he let go of the boy and looked down at him. He pulled the covers up around him and patted him lightly on the head. ‘There,’ he said in a satisfied tone and began to pack his bag while the youngster simply lay there as still as he possibly could, willing the man to go away.

‘Here you are doctor,’ said Ben as he entered the room again, carrying a basin.

Doctor Eddington gave him a startled look. ‘What?’ he said.

‘The warm water you wanted,’ said Ben as he set it down on the dressed beside the bed.

‘Oh … yes of course,’ replied the doctor. ‘Thank you.’  He reached over and began to wash his hands. ‘I’m sorry to put you to that trouble Mr Cartwright,’ he said. ‘A peculiarity of mine, that’s all.’

‘I see,’ said Ben shortly, a bit put out … as he had assumed the water had been for his son.  He turned to Joe, surprised to see that the boy had his eyes closed. ‘Joseph?’ he said as he sat down. ‘Are you all right?’

Joe opened his eyes and looked pleadingly at his father. Before he could open his mouth however, the doctor spoke. ‘I’ve checked him all over Mr Cartwright,’ he said. ‘There doesn’t seem to be any internal damage that I can ascertain.’ Joe swallowed as he looked up at the man who smiled down at him … and the uneasy feeling overcame the boy again with a rush. ‘I’m afraid your son isn’t too fond of doctor’s examinations,’ continued Doctor Eddington.

Ben smiled. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’m afraid he isn’t.  Still … they are necessary, aren’t they Joe?  Say thank you to Doctor Eddington.’ Joe gave his father a stricken look and wondered if what the doctor had just done to him was simply that … a necessary examination.  Still, he just couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling he had and felt a huge dislike for the man.  He was silent as he tried to make sense of his thoughts. ‘Joseph?’ said his father again. ‘Thank the doctor.’

Joe looked up at the doctor and gave a slight shudder as he looked into his eyes. ‘Thank you,’ he mumbled.

Ben gave the man and apologetic look. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I appreciate you coming out Doctor.’

Doctor Eddington picked up his bag. ‘My pleasure,’ he said as he smiled at Joe again. ‘I’ll be back in a couple of days to look the boy over again.’  Joe went cold as he heard this and burrowed down further into the mattress.

‘Thank you,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll see you out.’

‘I’ve left some painkillers on the dresser,’ Joe heard the doctor say as both men left the room. ‘I’ll give him more if he needs it when I come back.’  Joe shuddered at the man’s words.  As he tried to get his thoughts together one thing kept stabbing at his brain. He never wanted that man to come back here again.

==========

‘Well how are you feeling?’ asked Ben as he came back into the room.

‘It still hurts,’ said Joe in a low voice.

‘I’m sure it does,’ replied his father. ‘Here … I’ll mix one of these painkillers for you and that will help.’

Joe looked up at his father as the man filled a glass with water and poured the powder into it. ‘Pa?’ he said.

‘Yes?’

‘I don’t want that doctor to come back here.’

Ben smiled as he stirred the mixture. ‘Now none of your nonsense,’ he said. ‘I know you don’t like doctors, but you don’t have a choice when you have two broken ribs, do you?’

‘But Pa …’

‘Here … drink this.’  Ben held the glass to his son’s mouth and watched as he drank it before lowering his head to the pillow again.

‘But Pa …’ Joe tried again.

‘Just lie still now and let that do it’s work,’ said his father.

‘But Pa …’

Ben sighed. ‘What is it Joseph?’ he asked.

‘I don’t like him,’ said Joe anxiously.

Ben’s eyebrows lifted. ‘Well I must admit he didn’t have the bedside manner that Doc Martin has,’ he said. ‘But he certainly knows what he’s doing and that’s all that matters.’  He patted the boy on the head. ‘You’ll get used to him.’

‘No Pa, you don’t understand,’ said Joe anxiously. ‘He … he kept touching me.  I told him to stop but he wouldn’t.’

‘Joseph he’s a doctor,’ said Ben patiently. ‘He has to touch you to check that everything is all right.  He’s just doing his job, that’s all.’  He stood up. ‘Now you close your eyes and try to get some sleep,’ he said. ‘I’ll be back up later to check on you.’

Joe watched as his father went out of the room, his thoughts all jumbled up in his head. Was his father right?  Was the doctor just doing what he was supposed to?  As he began to feel the effects of the medication, Joe’s thought became more and more confused and he slipped into unconsciousness.

==========

‘Joe? Wake up son … the doctor is here to see you.’

Joe opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times, trying to focus.  He looked up and smiled at his father and then frowned as he saw Doctor Eddington looking over his shoulder. ‘I don’t need him to see me,’ he muttered, gripping onto the blankets and pulling them up around him. ‘I told you that before Pa.’

‘Stop your nonsense young man,’ said Ben sternly. ‘I thought I’d made myself clear.’  He looked up at the doctor. ‘I’m sorry doctor,’ he said. ‘Please take no notice of him.’

‘That’s perfectly all right,’ replied the doctor in a matter of fact tone as he put down his bag and opened it. ‘Now let’s take a look at you boy.’  He sat down and tried to pull the covers off Joe, but the youngster held onto them tightly. ‘Let go boy,’ he said in a frustrated tone. ‘I can’t check you over if you don’t.’

‘Joseph, let the doctor look at you,’ instructed his father sternly. ‘Stop your nonsense and let go of those covers please.’  He pulled the blankets off the boy as he gave the doctor an apologetic look. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘He just doesn’t like doctors too much, that’s all.’

Doctor Eddington gave Joe a hard look. ‘Hmm,’ he said. ‘Yes.  Now lie still boy while I check those ribs of yours.’  He began to prod Joe gently around the ribcage and then nodded his head. ‘They’re doing just fine,’ he said. ‘Any pain?’

‘Some,’ muttered Joe sulkily.

‘I’ll leave him some more painkillers,’ the doctor said to Ben. ‘But only use them if you have to.’ He stared down at Joe again, a faint smile playing around his lips. ‘Now I wonder if I could trouble you for …’

‘I remembered the warm water,’ interrupted Ben. ‘It’s on the dresser.’

The doctor looked startled. ‘Thank you,’ he said shortly. ‘Um ….’ He hesitated. ‘Actually I need my other bag and I’ve stupidly left it in the buggy. I wonder if you could get it for me while I finish up here?’

Joe tried to sit up. ‘No Pa!’ he said. ‘Don’t go!’

Ben looked confused. ‘Don’t be silly Joseph,’ he said. ‘I’ll just be downstairs for a moment. Now lie still and do as you’re told.’

Joe sank back on the bed, his eyes following his father anxiously.  He began to pull the blankets up around him again, but his hand was held by the doctor sitting on the edge of the bed. ‘Not so fast,’ the man said. ‘Let’s take another look at you, shall we?’

‘No,’ said Joe.  He tired to pull the blankets up again, but his hands were slapped away by the doctor.

‘Stop that,’ the man said firmly. ‘Now just lie back and relax while I check you over.’  He pulled up the boy’s nightshirt before Joe could object again and began run his fingers over his lower stomach and pelvic area. Joe tried to struggle away from the man, but his sore ribs and the fact that the doctor was holding him with one hand meant that he was unable to.

‘Leave me alone!’ he said as he struggled.

‘Don’t be stupid boy,’ replied the doctor. ‘I told you to keep still and I meant it!’  He reached over and swatted Joe on the side of the head and the youngster fell back onto the bed in shock.

‘Don’t you touch me!’ Joe shouted and began to struggle even more as the man’s fingers became insistent in their searching.  Joe felt the hot feeling come over him again and he swallowed several times as he tried to catch his breath to shout again.  He felt extremely vulnerable with this man and without his Pa in the room, and wanted nothing more than to be left alone by him. ‘Leave me alone!’ he yelled. ‘Stop it!’

The doctor ignored the boy and continued to work his fingers rhythmically up and down on his body, his eyes glazing over and his breathing coming now in short spurts. Joe closed his eyes so as not to look at the man and began to sob quietly.  Suddenly he felt the man’s touch leave him and his nightshirt pulled down around him again.  He opened his eyes tentatively to see the doctor standing over him smiling as he pulled the blankets up around the boy.

‘What was all that yelling about?’ asked Ben as he came back into the room. ‘Joseph?  Is something the matter son?’

Joe tried to sit up, but his sore ribs prevented him from doing so. ‘Tell him to get outta here,’ he said, pointing at the doctor accusingly. ‘I don’t want him coming in here no more Pa.’

Doctor Eddington shook his head at Ben. ‘Your son objects to me examining him,’ he said. ‘I don’t see how I’m supposed to help the boy if he causes this much fuss every time I try to find out if he’s all right. Really Mr Cartwright … I can’t help the boy if this is going to happen each time I try to examine him.’

‘Joseph!’ said Ben angrily. ‘Now I’ve told you before that the doctor is trying to help you.  Stop your nonsense and let him do his job without all that fuss please!’

Joe began to sob quietly. ‘But I don’t want him touching me Pa!’

Ben sat on the edge of the bed while the doctor began to wash his hands. ‘Son Doctor Eddington is only trying to help you,’ he explained patiently. ‘He has to examine you to make sure that you’re all right. That’s what doctors do.  Now stop all this fussing and do as you’re told please.’  He patted his son on the head gently.

‘When’s Doc Martin coming back?’ asked Joe in between sobs. ‘I want him as my doctor, not him!’ he pointed accusingly at the man standing behind his father.

Ben sighed and stood up to face the doctor. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I promise this won’t happen again.’

‘I hope not,’ said the doctor firmly as he shut his bag. ‘It makes my job very difficult you know.’

‘I know,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll have a talk with him I promise.’

The doctor stared down at Joe and a faint smile played around his lips. ‘I’ll be back in a few days,’ he said as he looked at Joe. ‘I hope you’re better behaved by then boy.’  Joe said nothing, but simply glared at the man as he pulled the covers up around his chin defensively.  ‘I’m sorry Mr Cartwright, but it seems that my thermometer was in this bag after all.  You really didn’t need to worry about going down for the other one.’

‘That’s all right,’ replied Ben and gave Joe a stern look as he followed the doctor out of the room again. ‘I’m sorry doctor,’ Joe heard his father say as they walked down the stairs together. ‘I really don’t know what gets into that boy sometimes.’  He closed his eyes firmly and pulled the covers up over his head.

==========

‘Why’s he so agin this new doctor?’ asked Hoss at supper that night.

‘I don’t know,’ sighed Ben. ‘You know what your brother is like though.  He just doesn’t like being sick and doctors are not exactly his favourite people.’

Adam gave a short chuckle. ‘Remember when he bit Paul Martin that time?’ he said. ‘I’ll bet that was the first time Paul was ever bitten by a patient.’

‘He were only four then,’ objected Hoss. ‘He was frightened and he didn’t understand.’

‘Well like it or not, Joseph has to learn that there are some things in life we all have to put up with,’ said Ben firmly. ‘Nobody likes being hurt or sick, but doctors visits are just something that are a part of life.’

‘Still …’ mused Adam. ‘He seems very determined not to like this one.  You must admit that Doctor Eddington isn’t the most likeable of men Pa.’

‘I’ll admit that,’ replied his father. ‘He strikes me as very abrupt to be honest and I’m not surprised that Joe doesn’t like him.  Still, while Paul is away there isn’t much choice is there? Joseph will just have to put up with it.’

==========

‘Mr Cartwright I think it would be better if you left the room,’ said the doctor firmly as he glared down at Joe. ‘Perhaps your son would be better behaved if you did.’

Joe clutched hold of his father’s sleeve with one hand as he clung to the bedcovers with the other. ‘No!  I’ll be good Pa … but please stay.  Don’t go!’

‘All right,’ said Ben firmly. ‘But you behave yourself or I will young man.  Now pull back those covers.’  He firmly took hold of the bedcovers and pulled them back from his son’s body. ‘There you go Doctor,’ he said. ‘Joe will behave himself now.’  He gave Joe another firm look.

The doctor hesitated for a moment and then bent down to check Joe’s ribs. ‘They’re fine,’ he said shortly. ‘Now I really do think it would be better if you left Mr Cartwright.’

‘No,’ said Ben. ‘Joseph knows not to misbehave now, don’t you Joseph?’ he said.

‘Yes,’ said Little Joe, feeling much more secure now that he knew his father wasn’t going anywhere.

Doctor Eddington shot Ben a frustrated look and then felt Joe’s stomach for a brief moment, hardly touching the boy. ‘He’s fine,’ he said tersely as he stood up. ‘He can get out of bed in a day or two.’

Joe sighed with relief and smiled at his father. ‘Did ya hear that Pa?’ he said. ‘I can get out of bed soon!’

‘Are you sure doctor?’ asked Ben.

‘Yes,’ said the man shutting his bag with a snap and scowling. ‘There’s no point in me coming out here anymore. Bring him into see me in a few days and I’ll take the bandages off.’  He glared at Ben. ‘You can pay the bill then,’ he said abruptly and left the room.

Ben stared after him, puzzled as to why the sudden need to finish so quickly with his patient. ‘Well there you are,’ he said to Joe as he turned back to the boy. ‘I told you it wouldn’t so bad, didn’t I?’

‘Yes,’ said Joe happily. ‘I don’t haveta see him again, do I Pa?’

‘Only to get the bandages off,’ said his father as he ruffled his hair. ‘It sounds as if we can do that in a few days and then you’ll be all finished with doctors.’  He tried to look stern. ‘Until the next time you decide to disobey my orders and hurt yourself young man,’ he said. ‘Which reminds me … now that you’re getting better I think we need to have another talk about the correct way to ride.’  Joe sighed and burrowed down into the bed again, pulling the covers up around his chin as he looked up at his father mournfully.

==========

Joe and I shouldn’t take too long at the doctor’s,’ said Ben. ‘Tell Sam I’ll settle our account when I get back please boys.’

‘OK Pa,’ replied Adam. ‘Let’s get those supplies loaded Hoss.’

‘Pa can’t we just take the bandages off ourselves?’ asked Joe as his father led him down the street. ‘Why does the doctor haveta do it?’

‘He needs to check one last time that your ribs have set properly,’ replied his father.

‘But they feel fine now,’ objected Joe. ‘Honest they do! I still do see why we just can’t take off the bandages without him.’

‘Joseph I’m getting tired of this,’ sighed Ben. ‘The doctor will do it and that’s all there is to it.’

‘You’ll stay with me while he does, won’t you Pa?’ asked Joe.

‘Of course I will,’ his father assured him. ‘But it won’t hurt son.  He’s just going to take the bandages off, that’s all.’  He smiled down at the boy. ‘There’s nothing to worry about.’

Joe tried to return the smile, but didn’t quite succeed.  Instead he gave his father a watered down version of his usual grin as he apprehensively approached the doctor’s office.  How he wished that it were Doctor Martin they were going to see and not Doctor Eddington.

As they entered the doctor’s office the man in question looked up from his desk and gave Ben an annoyed look, before looking Joe up and down in a way that made the boy take a step towards his father’s side. ‘Yes?’ Doctor Eddington said abruptly.

‘You said to bring Joe in so that you could take the bandages off,’ replied Ben.

The doctor nodded and then stared at Joe again. ‘Oh yes,’ he said in a milder tone. ‘Of course Mr Cartwright.’  He stood up and walked over towards them, standing next to Joe and putting a hand on his shoulder. ‘I’ll take the boy into the examining room and see to it immediately.

Joe shook off the man’s touch and took another step closer to his father, looking up at the man pleadingly. ‘That would be fine,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll come in with you.’

‘There’s no need for that,’ replied the doctor, touching Joe on the shoulder again and tightening his grip on the boy. ‘You must have something to do in town Mr Cartwright. I’ll look after the boy for you and you can come back later.’  He gave Joe one of the smiles that made the boy cringe inside and he looked at his father again.

‘No,’ said Ben firmly. ‘I’ll be coming in with you.’

Doctor Eddington scowled at the man. ‘Very well,’ he snarled as he let go of Joe. ‘If you insist. In here boy,’ he said abruptly. ‘Hurry up.’

Joe took a deep breath and smiled at his father before following the doctor. When they were all in the examining room Doctor Eddington motioned towards the examining table and said, ‘Get up there and take your shirt off.’ Ben gave Joe a slight push forward and Joe climbed up onto the table. ‘Lay down,’ said the doctor. Joe did as he was told, watching his father all the time. The doctor began to undo his shirt buttons and then the bandages. ‘Is it gonna hurt?’ asked Joe tentatively.

‘What?’ asked the man absently as he felt the boy’s ribs.

‘Is it gonna hurt?’ asked Joe again.

‘No.’

At that moment there was a loud noise outside and all of them turned towards the door. ‘What was that?’ asked Ben.  The noise came again and he opened the door that led to the outer office.  ‘It’s all right,’ he said with a smile. ‘It’s just Sam Felton up to his usual tricks.  Looks like he’s had a few too many.’  Joe made to sit up, but the doctor pushed him back onto the table again. ‘Sam,’ they heard Ben say. ‘Just settle down will you.  What’s the problem?’

‘Need ta see the doctor,’ said the man in the outer office. ‘Gotta … gotta …. Headache something bad Mr Cartwright.’  He began to sing softly under his breath. ‘Need ta see the doctor.’

Ben gave a short chuckle. ‘Kinda early in the morning for you to be in this condition isn’t it Sam?’ he asked.

‘What kinda condition?’ asked the man as he leant against the door. ‘I ain’t in any kinda condition. Where’s that doctor?’

‘Quit your yelling,’ said Doctor Eddington angrily. ‘I’m with a patient.  Keep him quiet will you please Mr Cartwright?’

Ben took a step into the other room. ‘Now just settle down Sam,’ he said gently. ‘How about sitting down over here until the doctor is ready to see you?’

‘Pa!’ called out Joe.

‘It’s all right Joe,’ said Ben. ‘I’m just here.  Sam sit down.’

The doctor turned back to the boy on the table and smiled at him. ‘Pa!’ called Joe again as he stared up at the man. ‘I want you back here!’

‘Just a minute Joe,’ called his father. ‘Sam … over here. Come on, that’s it. Sit down now.’

Joe cringed away from the doctor as he stared down at the boy. ‘Mr Cartwright please keep hold of him,’ the man called out. ‘I’ll be finished here in a minute.’

‘Pa!’ called out Joe again as the doctor began to undo his pants. ‘Pa come back!’

There was the sound of scuffling outside and both men could be heard speaking to each other, Ben in a soothing tone and Sam in a loud voice.  The doctor smiled again at Joe and his eyes widened as he fumbled with the buttons on the boy’s pants and held onto his hands as Joe tried to stop him. He leant down over the boy and whispered into his ear. ‘Keep still boy.’

‘No,’ said Joe desperately. ‘Leave me alone!’  The voices in the outer office became louder. ‘Don’t!’ shouted Joe, trying to raise his own voice over the top of them. ‘Pa!’

‘He can’t hear you boy,’ said the doctor as his fingers began to probe the boy’s body. ‘Just be quiet and stop all this fussing.’  Doctor Eddington’s eyes became glazed as Joe fought desperately to free his hands and get away from the man.  He tried to kick out at him with his feet, but the doctor bent forward and held them down with his own body as he continued to work with his fingers.

Suddenly, Joe felt the weight of the man leave him and he stared up into the angry black eyes of his father. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing!’ shouted Ben at the doctor. ‘Get away from my son!’

Doctor Eddington took a step back and blinked a couple of times as he tried to gather his thoughts. ‘What?’ he said vaguely.

Ben took a step closer to the man. ‘Get away from him!’ he shouted and pushed the doctor backwards.

Doctor Eddington visibly shook himself and straightened. ‘Mr Cartwright you have this all wrong,’ he began. ‘I was merely …’

‘I know exactly what you were doing!’ shouted Ben.  He drew back his fist and hit the man in the square in the stomach, causing him to fall backwards and land on the floor with a thump.  Ben stood over him, his fists clenched and his eyes flashing.

The doctor looked up at him. ‘I was only examining the boy,’ he said. ‘You have it all wrong Mr Cartwright.’

Ben turned his back on the man in disgust and walked back to where Joe was still lying on the table, staring at them both.  Without saying a word he pulled the boy’s pants up, did up his shirt and picked him up from the table. With one last look at the doctor on the floor he walked outside with Joe in his arms.

==========

‘Boys?’

Adam looked up to see Roy Coffee standing in front of them with his hands on his hips. ‘Hi Roy,’ he said. ‘How are you?’

‘I’m fine thanks Adam.’  Roy hesitated for a moment before going on. ‘Your Pa sent me to get you both.  He’s over at the jail.’

Hoss came to stand next to his brother. ‘The jail?’ he said with a chuckle. ‘You ain’t arrested him have ya Sheriff?’

Roy didn’t return the smile that the two young men gave him. ‘No,’ he said tersely. ‘You’d better come with me though boys. Your Pa wants to talk with you both.’

‘We’ll be there in a few minutes Roy,’ said Adam as he picked up another sack of grain. ‘We’ll just finish loading these first.’

‘I think you’d better come now,’ replied the sheriff. ‘Leave that until later.’

Adam put down the sack and stared at the man. ‘Is something wrong?’ he asked. ‘What’s happened?’

‘Your Pa had better tell you,’ replied the sheriff. ‘Come on boys.’

Adam gave Hoss a worried look and motioned for him to follow.  Together the two brothers followed the sheriff down the street and into his office. ‘Where’s Pa?’ asked Hoss as he shut the door behind him.

‘I’m here son,’ said his father as he came into the room.

‘Pa what’s wrong?’ asked Adam. ‘What’s happened?’  He looked around. ‘Where’s Joe?  Has something happened to him?’

Ben motioned for both of his sons to sit down. ‘In a way,’ he said. ‘He’s inside.  Roy was kind enough to let me lay him on a bunk in one of the cells.’

‘What’s happened ta shortshanks?’ asked Hoss with a worried look on his face. ‘I wanna see him!’

‘In a few minutes Hoss,’ said Ben quietly. ‘I need to talk to you both first though.’  He paused.  ‘I’m afraid that your little brother has had a …’ he glanced at Roy before continuing. ‘ … a difficult time with the doctor. It seems that the man has been … taking advantage of Little Joe.’

Hoss frowned. ‘Takin advantage?’ he said.

Ben coughed. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘It appears that when he was examining Joe he was .. well … touching him.’

Adam scowled. ‘I’ll kill him!’ he said vehemently.

Hoss looked confused. ‘I don’t get it Pa,’ he said. ‘Don’t doctors have ta touch their patients?  I mean … how else could he find out what was wrong with Joe?’

Ben hesitated before replying. ‘Son I don’t mean touching in the way a doctor usually examines his patients.  He was touching him in places he shouldn’t.  He was … well I suppose you could say that he was abusing the boy.’

Hoss took a step backwards, his face a mirror image of Adam’s and he touched his gun involuntarily as he stared at his father. ‘We need ta get down ta his office and get him Pa!’ he shouted. ‘He ain’t gonna get away with this!’

‘I agree,’ said Adam, breathing heavily as he stood beside his brother. ‘No one should ….’

‘Now you two just hang on there,’ said Ben, putting his hand up in a warning gesture. ‘The most important thing right now is your little brother.  You two are not going off half-cocked and doing something to make matters even worse around here.’

‘Yeah but Pa,’ began Hoss. ‘He shouldn’t be doing that sorta thing ta people!  Joe …’ he swallowed and stopped for a moment. ‘Joe’s just a kid and it ain’t right!’

‘It isn’t right no matter how old your brother is,’ said Ben firmly. ‘That man took advantage of a helpless child and he’ll pay for it son, believe me.  But right now I’m more concerned about your brother.’  His eyes darted across to the door that led to the cells.

‘How is he?’ asked Adam.

Ben shook his head. ‘I’m not sure,’ he said. ‘I don’t know if he really realises the full extent of what went on to tell you the truth. I need to talk to him to find out exactly what’s in that head of his.’

‘I wanna see him,’ said Hoss, taking a step forward.

‘No,’ said his father firmly. ‘You two stay out here while I’m in there talking with him.  I think we need to take this slowly at first and all of us in there at once might be too much for him.  Please wait here for me.’  He fixed both of them with a hard stare. ‘And I mean here,’ he said. ‘Roy?’

Roy Coffee nodded his head and glanced towards the door.  Ben knew with certainty that his friend wouldn’t let either young man out of the room and the thought comforted him.  Until he had time to get his own thoughts together about all this he needed his sons to just stay calm and not do anything rash and he knew that with Roy around there would be no risk of that happening.  He turned towards the cells again with a heavy heart.  Joe hadn’t said a word when he’d carried him over here and laid him on one of the bunks and he really didn’t know what the boy was thinking. Well, he thought grimly, I’m about to find out.

As he entered the room, he noticed his youngest son still lying on the bed staring at the ceiling with his arms wrapped tightly around his middle. ‘Ribs still sore?’ he asked as he sat down.

Joe looked at his father and shook his head. ‘No, not really,’ he said.

Ben reached out and stroked the child’s hair. ‘Joseph we need to talk,’ he said. ‘Son I’m so sorry I left you in there alone with that man.’

‘I don’t like him Pa,’ replied Little Joe. ‘I told ya that.’

‘Yes son I know you did,’ said Ben. ‘I just didn’t understand why … now I do.’

‘I told you that he was touching me,’ continued Little Joe.

Ben’s heart constricted as he remembered how many times he’d told the boy not to be silly about it. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘I just didn’t realise how he was touching you Joe.’ Father and son looked at each other for a moment before he went on. ‘Joseph, what that doctor did was wrong.  Do you understand that?’

Joe nodded slowly. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘It didn’t feel right ta me Pa, but I thought that maybe he was supposed ta do that to examine me.’

Ben mouth pursed. ‘Is that what he told you?’ he asked.

‘Yeah.  He said that he just needed to make sure that I was all right … you know … inside,’ said Joe. ‘But I wasn’t hurt … there … and he still kept doing it even after I told him to stop.’  He looked up at his father trustingly. ‘I thought it was wrong the first time he done it.’

Ben’s heart constricted even more. ‘The … the first time?’ he said softly. ‘Just how many times did this happen Joe?’

‘Every time he came to see me,’ said Little Joe. ‘Cept that time when you wouldn’t leave the room.’

‘I see.’

Joe clutched at his father’s sleeve. ‘I don’t wanna see him again,’ he said urgently. ‘Please don’t let him touch me again Pa.’

Ben gathered the boy into his arms. ‘Don’t you worry Joseph,’ he said over the top of the curly head as he hugged him. ‘That man will never come near you again, I promise you.  You can count on that.’

==========

‘Ben are you sure about this?’ asked Roy Coffee. ‘I mean …’ he waved his arm in the direction of the cells where Hoss and Joe were sitting talking. ‘The boy and all … everyone will know if you go through with this.’

Ben nodded. ‘It has to be Roy,’ he said. ‘I can’t let this man get away with what he’s done.  If people are going to gossip about all of this, then it just can’t be helped.’

‘But Pa,’ interrupted Adam. ‘What about Joe?’

Ben hesitated. ‘He’ll be all right,’ he said. ‘Whatever happens, we’ll help him through it.’

‘Ben if you have Eddington charged, then this will come to court,’ said Roy. ‘I just want you to think about what that youngster will have to go through if he’s called to testify. At his age …’

‘I know,’ interrupted Ben.  He ran his hand over his eyes. ‘But Roy … well … hard as it might be, there are some things that we just have to do in life.  I just can’t let him get away with it. Maybe Joe won’t need to be involved in any hearing that takes place.’

Roy shrugged his shoulders. ‘Well that’ll be for some judge to decide,’ he said. ‘If you’re sure then Ben … I’ll go and arrest Eddington now.  He’ll be locked up within the hour I promise you that.’

Ben stood up. ‘I’ll be taking Joe home then,’ he said. ‘I don’t want him coming into contact with that man in any way.  Thank you Roy.  I’ll be in to see Hiram Wood in the morning and get his advice about where to proceed from here.’

Roy nodded. ‘Hiram’s the best lawyer we’ve got around these parts,’ he said. ‘He’ll know what to do Ben.  You take that boy home now and take it easy, you hear?’  He checked his gun before leaving the room.

‘Come on son,’ said Ben as he put his arm around Adam’s shoulders. ‘It’s time we all went home.’

==========

Hiram Wood took a deep breath as Ben finished relating the story to him. ‘I see,’ he said thoughtfully as he stroked his chin.

‘So I came to you for advice Hiram,’ said Ben. ‘What happens now?’

‘If you proceed with the charges then it will come to court,’ said Hiram. ‘That is unless Eddington simply pleads guilty.’

Ben shook his head. ‘He’s not doing that,’ he said. ‘I called in to Roy Coffee’s office this morning before I came here and he’s maintaining that he was simply examining Joe.’

‘Well then it’ll be your word against his,’ said Hiram. ‘Unless you allow the boy to testify.’ Ben said nothing and Hiram sat forward in his chair. ‘Ben, I won’t lie to you.  Unless that boy testifies then we really don’t have any chance of winning this.  Eddington can simply plead that you are lying or misunderstood and that he was acting professionally as a doctor.’

Ben swallowed. ‘I was hoping that Joseph wouldn’t have to be involved,’ he said.

Hiram shrugged. ‘It’s up to you whether or not he is,’ he said. ‘But without his testimony I can practically guarantee that the charge won’t stick.’  He hesitated. ‘Ben, there’s something else you must be aware of as well.’  Ben looked at the man questioningly. ‘No matter how this goes, once it becomes public knowledge that boy has to live with the implications of this,’ the lawyer continued. ‘In a town this size the outcome of that could be very difficult for him.  Do you really want that?’

‘I know,’ said Ben miserably. ‘It’s just … well … how can I let Eddington get away with this Hiram?  Everything in me says that I have to stop him doing this again to someone else’s child … but …’ he wiped his hand over his eyes wearily. ‘I just don’t know what to do.’

‘You need time to think about it,’ said Hiram. ‘As far as I know, no one else is aware of what’s been going on yet.  There’s plenty of speculation about why Eddington’s in jail of course, but no one has linked that fact with you or your family. Let’s hope that it stays like that until this comes to trial …. if it does.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said as he stood up. ‘I’ll let you know what I decide Hiram,’ he said. ‘Thank you.’

Hiram nodded and smiled at the man. ‘You think on it Ben,’ he said. ‘You’ve got a couple of days until the circuit judge arrives and it won’t be too late to change your mind even then.’ Ben nodded and left the room, his head full of all the possibilities and choices in front of him.

==========

‘Joseph?’ Ben turned up the lamp beside his son’s bed and sat down next to him, looking at him anxiously. ‘Are you all right son?’

Joe looked up at his father, his eyes wide and his breathing shallow. ‘Pa?’ he said.

Ben leant forward and patted the boy on the head. ‘I heard you call out,’ he said gently. ‘What’s the matter?’

Joe swallowed before replying. ‘I just had a bad dream that’s all,’ he said.

Ben waited and then said, ‘About Doctor Eddington?’

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I dreamt that he was here again.’  He looked around his room as if the doctor might indeed step out from the shadows. ‘I was …’ he looked at his father fearfully. ‘I was here in bed and he … he was here.  I couldn’t move away from him.  He was … you know …’  his voice trailed away.

Ben patted the boy on the head again. ‘Joe he will never be here again,’ he assured the boy. ‘He will never do anything to you again … I told you that son.’

‘I know.’  Joe clutched hold of the blankets tightly. ‘But …’

‘But what?’ Ben prompted.

‘But … well … its just kinda hard to forget you know,’ Joe continued. ‘I just feel … sometimes I can still feel him ….’ His voice trailed away again and he looked up at his father for understanding.

‘I know,’ Ben said gently. ‘All I can say to you though is that those feelings will fade in time son.  You just try and get some sleep now.  Do you want me to stay here for a while?’

Joe nodded at his father gratefully and closed his eyes again. ‘Pa?’ he said after a few minutes.

‘Yes Joe?’

‘Doctor Eddington … where is he now?’

‘He’s in jail son.’

Joe’s eyes shot open again. ‘Because of what he did to me?’

‘Yes.’

The boy nodded his head slightly. ‘I’m glad,’ he admitted. There was silence for a few moments. ‘Will he stay in there for a long time?’

Ben hesitated. ‘That’s all being decided now,’ he said. ‘But one thing’s for sure Joseph, I promise that you won’t ever have to worry about that man again.  I’ll see to it.’

‘Thanks Pa,’ said Joe sleepily as he closed his eyes again. Ben gave a small sigh as he watched his sleeping son. He hoped with all his heart that he could keep his promise to the boy.  His heart was heavy with the burden about the choice that he had to make.  One the one hand he wanted nothing more than to have Eddington locked away in prison for what he’d done to his son, but on the other he really didn’t want to involve Joe in the process of putting the man there.  Yet how could he achieve one without the other?  From what he’d seen tonight he knew that the experience was still with Joseph and what the boy needed more than anything was to get back to his life and put all of this behind him, not become involved in a court trial.  Ben put his hand over his eyes for a moment. What was he to do?

==========

Adam looked at the steam rising from the cup of coffee in his hand as he walked across the front porch and leant against one of the posts.  He stared across at his father as he took a sip, then glanced over to where Hoss and Little Joe were busy doing their early morning chores.  He knew that his father was very worried about his youngest son and how he was taking what had happened to him, but looking at the boy chattering away to his brother as they worked, Adam was sure that his brother would eventually come through all this and be fine.

He stepped off the edge of the porch and approached his father where he was standing near the corral. ‘Pa?’ he said.

Ben turned. ‘Yes son?’

‘You OK?’

Ben smiled at his eldest son, amazed as always about how this boy of his was always so perceptive when it came to his feelings. ‘I was just thinking about things,’ he said as he went back to leaning against the fence of the corral.

‘About Joe?’  Adam indicated towards his brother with his cup.

‘Yes.’  Ben stared at the boy doing his chores. ‘He seems to be getting over this.’

‘Just what I was thinking,’ said Adam as he took another sip of his coffee. ‘But you’re still worried aren’t you?’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes.  The problem is that I just don’t know what to do Adam.  Part of me wants to have Eddington locked away for a long time, but according to Hiram Wood it won’t happen without Joe being involved in the trial.  I don’t want to put him through that.’

Adam made a face. ‘It’s a hard one isn’t it?’

‘Yes.’  Ben was silent for a few minutes. ‘I just don’t know what to do Adam.  I don’t know what to decide.’

‘Why don’t you let Joe decide then?’ asked Adam.  He smiled as his father turned to face him and then continued. ‘I mean … shouldn’t he be the one to decide whether or not he wants to be involved in this?’

‘He’s only twelve Adam.  I think that’s too much of a burden to put on him.’

‘Pa, sometimes you don’t give that boy credit for knowing his own mind,’ said Adam. ‘Joe’s a tough kid when he wants to be.’ Ben said nothing. ‘You said yourself that he’d have us to support him,’ continued Adam. ‘And if he doesn’t want to go ahead with it then … well then you just don’t.  I think he deserves the chance to make that choice for himself though, don’t you?’

Ben patted his son on the shoulder. ‘You might be right son,’ he said. He glanced over to Joe again. ‘I just worry that’s all.  He’s been through enough without all of this as well.’  He straightened up and smiled at Adam. ‘Thank you Adam,’ he said. ‘I think you might be right.  After all, Joseph is the only one who really knows how he feels about all of this and how much he thinks he’ll be able to cope with. I’ll talk to him.’  He turned towards the barn. ‘Joe!’ he called. ‘Over here son.’

Joe put down the rake in his hand and walked over to his father and brother. ‘Yeah Pa?’ he asked.

Ben put his arm around the boy. ‘Come over here and sit down Joe.  I want to talk to you.’  He smiled at Adam as he steered Joe away from him and sat his son down on the edge of the porch before sitting next to him. ‘We need to talk Joseph,’ he said when they were settled.

Joe looked up at his father fearfully. ‘Is something the matter?’  he asked. ‘Did I do something wrong?’

‘No you didn’t do anything wrong,’ Ben assured him with a smile. ‘We just need to talk about … well about everything that’s happened that’s all.’  Joe waited while his father continued. ‘Joseph last night I told you that Doctor Eddington is in jail, didn’t I?’  Joe nodded. ‘Well he can’t stay there indefinitely son.’ He watched as an anxious look came over his son’s face and he patted him on the arm.

‘Why not?’ asked Joe. ‘You said that he wouldn’t come and bother me again.  Why can’t he stay there?’

‘It’s the way the law works son,’ explained Ben. ‘If we want him to stay in jail then he has to be charged for what he did to you.’

‘Then can’t he be?’ asked Joe.

‘Yes of course he can,’ replied his father. ‘At the moment he can be kept in jail until a judge decides otherwise.  There is a judge coming to town in a couple of days and he can make that decision.’

‘Good.’

‘But … well, if we ask him to make that decision then we have to tell him what happened,’ continued Ben, watching his son’s face carefully.

Joe nodded. ‘OK,’ he said. ‘If you tell him, then will he send him to jail for a long time?’

‘That’s the judge’s decision Joe,’ said his father. ‘He needs to know the facts and then he’ll make up his mind. There are no guarantees that he won’t believe Doctor Eddington when the doctor says that he was just examining you when he did what he did to you.’

Joe jerked. ‘But he wasn’t Pa!’ he protested. ‘You said so!  You saw what he was doing and you said that it weren’t right!’

‘I know Joseph,’ said Ben, stroking the boy’s arm as he felt the tension rise within him. ‘And I meant what I said.  But the judge didn’t see it happen and he has to hear both sides of the story before he decides what to do.’

Joe nodded. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘Are you gonna tell him then Pa?’ he asked. ‘If you do then he’ll believe you, won’t he?’

‘I hope so son,’ continued Ben. ‘But you see it will be my word against Doctor Eddington’s.’  He stopped and watched Joe carefully as he continued. ‘If you told him as well then he might be more inclined to believe us.’

Joe looked up at his father. ‘Me?’ he said. ‘But … but I don’t wanna talk to anyone about it.  Can’t you just do it for me Pa?’

Ben nodded.  ‘Yes I can,’ he said. ‘But Mr Wood our lawyer thinks that the judge might only believe us if we both say it.  He said that without your testimony in court then Doctor Eddington might go free.’

Joe gasped. ‘But he can’t Pa!’ he protested. ‘Sheriff Coffee can’t let him outta jail again can he?  He might come and look for me and … and do it to me again!’

Ben continued to stroke the boy’s arm. ‘Joseph I told you that he’ll never come near you again and I meant that,’ he said. ‘No matter what happens I won’t let him come near you again son.  If he goes free then it won’t make any difference to that.’  He smiled as Joe visibly relaxed at his words. ‘If you don’t want to testify Joseph then you don’t have to,’ he assured the boy. ‘Doctor Eddington will just go away and that will be an end to it.’  He paused again. ‘It’s your choice son.  Whatever you want to do is fine with me.’

‘What would I have to do?’ asked Joe. ‘About testifying I mean?’

‘You’d have to go into the court room and answer questions about what happened,’ explained his father. ‘’Mr Wood would ask you to say what happened and then ask you questions about it.  Doctor Eddington would have a lawyer and he’d ask you about it too.’

Joe looked worried. ‘What would they ask?’ he said.

‘I’m not sure,’ said his father. ‘We would talk to Mr Wood about that and he’d practise it all for you.’

‘Who would be there?’

‘I’m not sure son,’ said Ben honestly. ‘I imagine a lot of people might be.’

‘Would I have to tell it in front of everyone?’ asked Joe, biting his lip.

‘Yes.’

There was silence. ‘I don’t want to,’ said Joe in a quiet voice after a few minutes.

‘That’s all right son,’ said his father. ‘I told you that you didn’t have to and I meant it.’

Joe shook his head. ‘That’s not what I mean,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to Pa,’ he continued. ‘But I think that I should.  If I don’t and Doctor Eddington goes free, then he … he could do the same thing to another boy, couldn’t he?’

Ben’s heart constricted. ‘Yes son, I suppose he could.’

Joe shook his head. ‘I don’t think he should be able to do that,’ he said. ‘I wouldn’t like him to be able to do what he did to me to someone else.’  He took a deep breath. ‘I’ll do it,’ he said.

Ben’s eyes misted over at his son’s words and he found it hard to speak through his emotions. ‘Joseph I’m very proud of you,’ he said as he put his arm around his son. ‘Prouder than I’ve ever been right at this moment.’

Joe gave his father a puzzled look. ‘But you always say that we should do the right thing,’ he said. ‘And this is the right thing, ain’t it Pa?’ he asked.

Ben smiled at his son and hugged him even tighter. ‘Yes son I suppose it is,’ he said. ‘I suppose it is.’

==========

‘That’s one brave boy you have Ben,’ said Hiram Wood as he nodded his head thoughtfully. ‘One brave boy.’

Ben nodded in agreement. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘I’m very proud of him Hiram. Well, what now?’

‘Judge Wilcox should arrive the day after tomorrow,’ replied the lawyer. ‘I’ll see him then and put forward your charge.  With any luck this should all be over within the week. I’ll need to meet with yourself and Joseph a few times in order to get your testimonies practised.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Hiram I’d like this to be as easy on the boy as possible, I’m sure you understand that.’

‘Of course,’ replied Hiram. ‘But you know that I can’t guarantee what Eddington’s lawyer will throw at him.  I’ll let Judge Wilcox know of your concerns and I’ll mention Joseph’s age.  He may take that into account and do what he can.’

‘Is there anything he can do?’ asked Ben eagerly.

Hiram shook his head. ‘No, not really,’ he said. ‘All we can hope for is that he keeps a close check on the proceedings and doesn’t let Eddington’s lawyer make it too difficult for Joe, that’s all.  Ben, you do realise that as soon as the trial is scheduled then everyone will know what it’s all about.  Perhaps you should prepare the boy for what the reactions of the townsfolk might be.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I’ll keep him away from town of course and I’ll do my best to explain it to him. Hiram why must people be like they are?  We both know that the courtroom will probably be packed with folks who have nothing better to do than gossip and stick their noses into things that don’t concern them. They’ll only be there for the entertainment factor.’

‘I know,’ replied Hiram. ‘It’s just human nature I suppose.  Not much we can do about it unfortunately Ben. I’ll come out to the ranch tomorrow to speak to Joseph if that’s all right with you.  I think it would be better under the circumstances.’

Ben stood up and held out his hand. ‘Thank you Hiram,’ he said. ‘I appreciate everything that you’re doing to help.’

‘Don’t mention it Ben,’ said Hiram as they shook hands. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Ben sighed as he closed the lawyer’s office door behind him and turned to walk along the sidewalk toward where he’d tethered his horse. He undid the reins from the hitching post as was about to mount up when he heard his name being called from across the road. ‘Pa! Pa!’  He looked over in surprise to see Adam standing there.

‘Adam!’ he said as he walked towards him. ‘What on earth are you doing in town?  I thought you and Hoss were out looking for strays?’

Adam swallowed as he tried to catch his breath and Ben could see that he had obviously been riding fast. ‘We were,’ he managed to finally say. ‘But there’s been an accident.’

‘Accident?’  Ben’s blood ran cold. ‘Hoss?’ he blurted out.

Adam nodded. ‘Yes.  We came across some tracks … you know how we thought there’s been a cat up there for a few weeks?’  Ben nodded anxiously, willing his son to get to the important part. ‘Well Hoss wanted to get after it,’ continued Adam. ‘We came upon it and he …’ he swallowed again. ‘He got down from his horse to take a shot at it.’  He swallowed again.

‘And?’ interrupted Ben anxiously.

‘And … well his rifle discharged as he was getting down.’ Adam looked at his father pleadingly and shook his head. ‘He’s hurt bad Pa.’

‘Where?’ Ben’s eyes betrayed his anxiety, but he managed to keep his voice steady.

‘In the stomach,’ said Adam. ‘He’s lost a lot of blood.’

‘No … I mean, where is he?’ asked Ben as he clutched his son’s arms. ‘Where is he?’

‘He’s back at the house by now I’m sure,’ said Adam. ‘I rode back and got some of the men and then came straight in here. I’m sure they’ll have him back at the house by now.’

‘Why didn’t you bring him straight in here?’ asked Ben.

‘We were closer to the house,’ replied Adam. ‘It was better to get him there. Besides …’ his voice trailed away and he looked at the ground.

‘Besides?’

Adam looked up again, the pain for the brother he loved reflected in his own eyes. ‘I don’t think he would have made it Pa,’ he said.

Ben’s heart constricted. ‘He’s that bad?’ he whispered and swallowed as Adam nodded. For a moment he stood not knowing what to do, his thoughts whirling around in his head and his anxiety for his son blocking out everything else. ‘We have to get the doctor,’ he said finally. ‘We have to get him straight out there to save your brother.’  He turned towards the doctor’s office and had taken a couple of steps before Adam clutched at his sleeve.

‘Pa?’ he said. ‘He’s down at Roy’s office remember?’

Ben stared at is son, momentarily confused. ‘What?’ he said. ‘Oh … yes of course.’ He turned and ran towards the jail, Adam close on his heels.

Roy Coffee looked up as both men burst through the front door of his office.  As he began to stand up from his desk the smile on his face faded as he noted their anxious looks. ‘What is it?’ he asked immediately. ‘What’s happened?’

‘It’s Hoss,’ said Ben. ‘He’s been shot and we need the doctor.’

Roy reached up and grabbed the set of keys from the wall. ‘I’ll have to come too,’ he said. ‘Officially he’s in my custody.’

Ben shook his head. ‘I don’t care,’ he said. ‘Just get him out of that cell and onto a horse straight away Roy.  Hoss is in a bad way.’

Roy nodded and led the way into the other room where Eddington was sitting in a cell.  Ben hadn’t laid eyes on the man since that moment days ago when he’d carried Little Joe out of his office and he had no intention of wasting words with him now. ‘My son’s been shot,’ he said abruptly. ‘Where is your doctor’s bag?’

Eddington stood up. ‘Which son?’ he asked.

‘What does that matter?’ replied Ben angrily. ‘It’s my middle son Hoss.  Now where is your bag?’

‘It’s in my office,’ said the man.

‘I’m gonna stay with ya,’ explained Roy as he opened the door of the cell. ‘You’re still in my custody Eddington and don’t you ferget it.’

‘That won’t be necessary Sheriff,’ said Eddington.

‘It sure is!’ declared Roy. ‘I ain’t got no intention of you taking off on me while you’re tending ta your doctoring.’

‘I said it won’t be necessary Sheriff,’ replied Eddington calmly. ‘I’m not going anywhere.’

Ben’s jaw dropped. ‘Didn’t you hear what I said?’ he shouted. ‘My son has been shot!  He could be dying while we’re standing here wasting time!  Now get going!’

Doctor Eddington calmly stood up and looked Ben directly in the eye. ‘No,’ he said.

There was silence for a moment as all four men stared at each other. ‘What do you mean … no?’ Ben said finally.

Eddington shrugged his shoulders. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Why should I?’

‘Because you’re a doctor man!’ shouted Ben, taking a step forward. ‘You have a responsibility to save my son’s life, that’s why!’  He thumped his hand on one of the cell bars.

Eddington looked Ben straight in the eye as he replied. ‘I’m not going anywhere,’ he said again.

Ben looked momentarily confused and then the anger spilled out of him in a rush. ‘You get out of that cell and help my son!’ he shouted. ‘If he dies then I’ll have you arrested for murder!’

Eddington shrugged his shoulders. ‘You’ve already had me arrested,’ he said easily. ‘I think I’d rather a charge of murder than the one I’m under now.’  He gave Ben a quick smile. ‘Face it Cartwright,’ he said. ‘It’s your fault if your son dies, not mine.’

Adam gasped at the man’s words. ‘You shut up!’ he shouted as he drew his gun and pointed it at the doctor. ‘Now get out of that cell or you’ll wish you had.’

Ben put his hand on his son’s gun and pushed it down.  Even in his anger state he knew that this wasn’t the time for violence.  Such actions could only make matters worse and they all needed to keep this situation contained, not let it get out of control. ‘Put the gun away Adam,’ he said firmly.

‘Yes if I were you I’d put that gun away,’ said the doctor. ‘Isn’t that right Sheriff. Unless Cartwright here wants to attend two court trials in the same week.’  He misled as Adam put the gun back into his holster.

Ben drew a deep breath and tried to reclaim his composure. ‘What do you want?’ he asked abruptly. ‘What will it take for you to help him?’

The doctor’s face broke out into a grin and his eyes widened. ‘Ah!’ he said. ‘Now we come to it don’t we?’  He stroked his chin as if in thought. ‘Now let me see … I think I’d be willing to help your son as long as you dropped these charges,’ he said. ‘I’d need your word that I’d walk free as soon as I’ve treated your boy.’

‘What?!’ shouted Ben. ‘Why you ….’ He took a step towards the cell, but Roy held onto him. ‘That is plain blackmail!’ he shouted.

‘Call it what you will,’ said Eddington as he crossed his legs and stared at Ben. ‘You choice Cartwright.’

Roy drew Ben away into the other office. ‘Ben promise him anything,’ he said. ‘Hoss’ life depends on it and you know that. I’ll just lock him up again after he gets that bullet out and nobody will be any the wiser.’

‘Pa let me go to Placerville for another doctor,’ urged Adam. ‘Don’t let him blackmail you like this!’

Ben looked from one to the other, his mind racing. After a moment’s hesitation he shook his head firmly. ‘There isn’t time Adam,’ he said. ‘From what you’ve told me Hoss needs help now.  If we wait for you to get a doctor from Placerville then your brother might not make it.’

‘Then I agree with Roy.  Tell Eddington you agree and then let Roy bring him back here.  The most important thing is Hoss right now Pa. You don’t have to keep your word to someone like him in there …. Not after what he did to Joe!’

Ben stared at his son for a moment. ‘You’re right about one thing Adam,’ he said. ‘The most important thing right now is Hoss …’ he put his hand on Adam’s shoulder. ‘But you’re wrong about the rest of it.  I do have to keep my word if I give it son … even to a man like that.  You see a man’s word is a sign of his integrity.  No matter what the situation I have to keep it.  Haven’t I always told you how important it is to be honest in this world?’

‘Yes but …’

‘No buts son,’ interrupted Ben. ‘If I give my word then I keep it.  It’s as simply as that.  It’s who I am son and I can’t act any differently.’

‘Even at the expense of Hoss’ life?’ Adam pleaded.

Ben shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Nothing is worth that Adam.  Nothing.’  He patted the young man on the shoulder and walked into the next room. ‘All right Eddington,’ he said. ‘I give you my word.  I’ll drop the charge against you if you come out to my ranch right now and get that bullet out of my son.’

Eddington stood up and walked across his cell. ‘How do I know that you won’t go back on your word?’ he said suspiciously.

‘You don’t,’ replied Ben. ‘All I can say to you is that I’m giving it to you and I intend to keep it.  It’s up to you whether or not you believe me.’  He tried not to flinch as the doctor studied his face for a moment.

‘And you’ll tell no one why I was in jail?’ the man asked. ‘None of you?’  He looked at Adam and Roy.

‘No,’ replied Ben. ‘No one will know. On one condition.’

Eddington’s eyes narrowed. ‘What?’ he said.

‘That as soon as my son is all right you come back into town and catch the next stage out,’ said Ben firmly.

Addington smiled. ‘Agreed,’ he said. ‘Sheriff, if you’ll be so kind as to open this door I’ll get my bag.  I have a patient to see to.’

Ben drew a deep breath as Roy reached once again for the keys.

==========

Ben burst into his son’s bedroom, followed by Adam. ‘Hoss?’ he said anxiously as he approached the bed. ‘Hoss son can you hear me?’  When his son didn’t move or even open his eyes, Ben looked over anxiously at Hop Sing who was sitting on the other side of the bed.

‘He asleep is all,’ Hop Sing assured him. ‘Lost plenty blood.’  He glanced over at the doctor who was entering the room, his eyes wide.  Hop Sing was very much a part of the Cartwright family and as such knew exactly what had been going on during the past few days.  Even if they’d wanted to, Ben and his sons could never have kept it from him. ‘What he doing here?’ Hop Sing asked suspiciously.

‘He’s come to treat Hoss,’ replied Ben, as he wiped his son’s brow. ‘He’s the only doctor available Hop Sing.  I had no choice.’

Hop Sing’s eyes narrowed and he drew closer to Hoss as he watched the man intently.  Eddington put his bag on the bed and then pulled Hoss’ shirt up to reveal the bloody wound. ‘’Everyone leave the room,’ he said as he reached into the bag and pulled out a few instruments.

‘I hope you’re joking,’ replied Ben. ‘If you really believe that I’m about to leave you here with another my sons then I’m afraid you’re very wrong.’

Eddington shrugged. ‘Your choice,’ he said. ‘But don’t think this is going to be easy.’

Ben clenched his jaw. ‘Just get it over with while he’s unconscious,’ he said as he took hold of his son’s hand. ‘Adam,’ he said over his shoulder. ‘I want you to go.’

Adam shook his head as he glared at the doctor. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’m staying.’

‘Adam!  I want you to go downstairs and stay with Joe,’ said Ben firmly. ‘Keep him away from the house and don’t let him know what’s going on here.  Don’t bring him near the front yard until either myself or Hop Sing comes out back to get you.  I have no intention of Joseph accidentally coming into contact with …’ he paused and made as if to smell an unpleasant odour under his nose. ‘ … with anyone,’ he finished.

Adam nodded. ‘All right Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll make sure that Joe is all right.’  He gave the doctor one last look before turning away.

‘Right,’ said Eddington. ‘Let’s get this over with shall we?’  He looked at Hop Sing. ‘I’ll need some water and towels.

Hop Sing indicated the dresser next to the bed. ‘All ready,’ he said shortly. The doctor nodded slightly and then bent over his patient while Ben clung onto his son’s hand.

==========

‘But I’m finished!’ declared Joe crossly. ‘See? I done told you it’s all done!’  He indicated the pile of compost in front of him with his pitchfork.  It was one of his regular jobs to turn the pile over and it was exactly what he was doing when Adam had found him.  He’d just started back onto a few light chores and even though he was glad to get out and about again, raking the compost pile was definitely something he’d much rather not be doing.

Adam bit his lip, trying to think of a reason to keep the boy around at the back of the house without letting onto him what was happening.  He was grateful that Hop Sing had managed to keep Hoss’ accident from him this far and he knew that if Joe had the slightest inkling of what was going on upstairs that nothing would have kept him away from there. ‘Hop Sing asked for his water barrel to be filled,’ he said suddenly as the thought struck him. He picked up a bucket. ‘Here.’

Joe pulled a face and immediately held onto his side. ‘I don’t think I’d better,’ he said. ‘My ribs are real sore Adam.’  He looked at his brother to see if he was being believed, but Adam just continued out hold out the bucket as he glanced up at the house. ‘What are you looking at?’ asked Joe curiously.

‘Nothing,’ said Adam as he reluctantly withdrew his gaze from his brother’s bedroom window. ‘Go and get the water.’

Joe sighed. ‘My ribs are sore,’ he whined.

Adam picked up another bucket. ‘Oh all right,’ he said. ‘Come on and we’ll do it together.’  He figured that the activity might just keep his mind off Hoss.

As the two brothers walked down to the small stream that ran behind the house, Joe looked up at Adam. ‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.

‘What makes you think that anything is wrong?’ asked Adam, trying to sound casual.

Joe looked at his brother’s face intently. ‘You’re acting all funny,’ he said.

‘Am I?’

‘Yeah.  What’s going on?’

‘Nothing’s going on,’ said Adam. ‘Now give me that bucket and I’ll fill it up for you. You shouldn’t be bending over so far.’ He filled both buckets and handed one back to Joe.

‘Adam?’ said Joe as they walked back towards the house.

‘Yes?’ Adam glanced up at the window again and said a silent prayer for his brother.

‘Did Pa tell you he and me is gonna talk in court bout what happened?’

‘Yeah buddy, he did.’

‘I’m real scared ta do it,’ admitted Joe. ‘Don’t tell Pa but, will you?’

Adam patted his younger brother on the shoulder. ‘I won’t tell Pa,’ he said.  At that moment Hop Sing appeared from around the side of the house and beckoned to them. ‘Come on,’ said Adam as he put down his bucket.

‘Where?’ called Joe as his brother ran off.  He put down his bucket and began to follow him.

‘ … he will be,’ he heard Hop Sing say as he approached both men. ‘No need worry now.’

‘Worry about what’ asked Joe.  He looked at his brother suspiciously. ‘What are you so happy about?’ he asked.

Adam slapped his little brother on the back. ‘I’ll explain later,’ he said. ‘You stay here with Hop Sing for a few minutes and keep filling that water barrel.’  He ran around the side of the house and left Joe wondering what was going on. He looked up at Hop Sing with a questioning look, but the cook only pointed to the bucket.  Little Joe sighed as he picked it up again.

As Adam reached the front of the house, he saw the doctor mounting his horse and his father standing watching him. ‘Hop Sing said that Hoss will be fine,’ he said as he came to stand next to his father. Ben nodded. ‘You’re really going to let him go?’ Adam asked after a moment.

Ben nodded again, not taking his eyes off the doctor for a moment. ‘I told you son …. I gave my word.’  He took a step forward and grabbed the reins before the doctor could turn his horse. ‘Remember what I told you Eddington,’ he said. ‘If you are not on that stage this afternoon I’m coming after you.  And if you ever come back to this town again then I’ll see you behind bars.’ Eddington merely nodded at him and pulled his horse away.  With one last look he rode out of the yard.

Adam looked at his father. ‘He’ll really be all right?’ he said.

Yes,’ replied Ben. ‘He’s lost a lot of blood and he’s weak, but he’ll be fine in time. Much and all as I hate to say it, Eddington certainly knows his craft.  I’ve never seen finer work than the way he handled the situation up there.’

‘Perhaps he’s not all bad then,’ mused Adam.

Ben stopped and stared at his son, but didn’t speak. ‘Can I see Hoss now?’ asked Adam.

‘Yes son, you go on up.  I’ll be up in a moment after I talk to Joseph and let him know what’s happened.’

‘Are you going to tell him that he doesn’t have to testify any more?’ asked Adam.

‘In time,’ replied his father. ‘One thing at a time.’

==========

‘Is he all right?’

Ben turned at the sound of a soft voice behind him and peered into the darkness to try and work out whom it was. ‘Joseph?’ he said. ‘What are you doing out of bed?’  He drew the boy towards him and put an arm around him. ‘You should be asleep.’

‘So should you Pa,’ replied Joe.

Ben grinned at his youngest son. ‘I suppose so,’ he admitted. ‘I’m just sitting here with your brother for a while.’

Joe drew closer to his father as they both gazed down at Hoss sleeping in front of them. ‘Are you sure he’s gonna be all right Pa?’ asked Joe.

‘Yes I’m sure son,’ sighed Ben. ‘The doctor got the bullet out and he’ll be fine.’

Joe paled. ‘The doctor?’ he asked. ‘Was it … him?’

‘Yes son it was,’ replied his father. ‘He was the only doctor available and I had to bring him here.  I’m sorry.’

Joe shook his head. ‘I don’t care,’ he said. ‘I mean … If he saved Hoss’ life it don’t matter does it?’  He looked at his father for reassurance.

‘Joseph there’s something I have to tell you,’ said Ben. ‘I had to promise to drop the charge against the doctor in exchange for him helping your brother. I had to make the choice.’

Joe didn’t hesitate. ‘You did?’ he asked. ‘Well I reckon you chose the right thing Pa.’

‘You do?’

‘Yeah.  Nothing is worth Hoss dying for is it?’ said Joe.

Ben hugged his son in an even tighter embrace. ‘No son, I reckon not,’ he said as he looked at Hoss.

‘Pa?’

‘Yes?’

‘I don’t havta go to court now, do I?’ asked Joe.

‘No son you don’t,’ replied Ben. ‘And Doctor Eddington has left town so you never have to see him again either.  I meant what I said before … He’s never going to hurt you again Joseph.  You and your brother are both going to be all right now.  It’s all over.’

==========

Two months later:

Ben looked up as the front door closed. ‘Adam?’ he said as he saw his eldest son take off his hat and hang it on the hook near the front door. ‘What are you doing home at this hour?  I thought you were going to take those supplies straight out to the North Pasture when you’d finished in town.’

Adam came over and sat on the edge of his father’s desk. ‘I was Pa,’ he said. ‘But I got a newspaper while I was in town and I thought that you’d want to see it straight away.’  He held the paper out to his father. ‘There’s something in there that you’ll be interested in reading … page two,’ he said as his father opened the newspaper after giving him a puzzled look.  He waited while the man read silently.

After a few moments Ben looked up. ‘Oh my God,’ he said, giving Adam an anguished look. ‘He’s done it again.’

‘Yes.’

Ben looked at the newspaper again in disbelief and continued to read. ‘In Sacramento,’ he said in a low voice. ‘The boy is … he’s eleven years old.  The trial will … will be next week.’  He lowered the paper and put it on the desk staring at it silently. ‘This is my fault,’ he said.

‘No it isn’t Pa,’ said Adam. ‘You didn’t have any choice about what happened.’

‘This is my fault,’ repeated Ben as he stood up and began to pace up and down in an agitated fashion. ‘I could have stopped him and I didn’t.  This other child has paid the price and it’s all my fault!’

‘Pa you couldn’t …’

Ben shook his head. ‘Adam we both know that there’s no point in denying it,’ he said. ‘If I had insisted on Eddington being brought to trial then this would never have happened.’  He sat down again and covered his face with his hands. ‘What have I done?  Oh God!  What have I done?’

Adam reached over and put his arm on his father’s shoulder. ‘Pa you weren’t to know,’ he said. ‘You had no choice.’

‘There are always choices Adam,’ said Ben miserably. ‘We just have to choose the ones that we feel are best at the time.’

‘And you did,’ insisted Adam.  ‘Hoss could be dead right now if you hadn’t.’  Ben sat in silence and didn’t speak. ‘Pa you always tell us that we need to search in our heart for the right thing to do,’ continued his son. ‘You did that and you acted on what you thought was right.’

‘But I wasn’t right,’ said Ben. He pointed to the newspaper on the desk. ‘And there’s the proof of it.’

‘You couldn’t go back on your word Pa.  You said that yourself.’

Ben nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Yes I did … that’s true. Only …’ his eyes drifted to the newspaper. ‘Only at what expense? Was keeping my word worth this?’

‘Pa there’s no simple answer to this.  You know that.’

Ben nodded again. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘There’s no simple answer.  I wish to God that there had been Adam. I just wish to God that there had.’ He stood up and walked out of the room, closing the room quietly behind him.

The End