Summary:  Joe finds himself helpless and at the mercy of an older woman

Rated: T (16,950 words)

 

 

At Her Mercy

Joe Cartwright pulled on his reins to stop his horse and glanced up at the sky in a worried fashion. Perhaps it hadn’t been such a sensible idea to come this way after all?  He turned up the collar of his jacket as another gust of wind blew up the mountainside and he watched as a flurry of snowflakes swept across the trail in front of him.  He patted his horse’s neck absently. ‘Maybe we should have stayed in Placerville overnight after all Cooch,’ he said.

 

 

 

He looked upwards at the trail in front of him and urged his horse forward.  The way he figured it he had no choice now, as he had come too far to turn and go back again. He rode slowly, trying not to allow his horse to step on any ice patches as they progressed.  After a few minutes he stopped again and looked back down the trail the way they had come. ‘Sure is a great view Cooch,’ he said. ‘Don’t think I’ve ever been this high round here before.’

 

 

 

He turned again in the saddle and continued to ride.  The snow was falling harder now and he turned his collar up even higher and looked up at the dark clouds scuttling across the sky. ‘I think we’re going to have to find some shelter boy,’ he said uneasily. ‘We don’t want to be stuck out here in this.’  He urged the horse forward even harder and squinted his eyes against the snowflakes that were falling harder with each passing minute.

 

 

 

Just as he began to get really worried, he spied a trail of smoke above the treetops over to the left. ‘Is that what I think it is Cooch?’ he said happily. ‘Looks like someone has come this way ahead of us.  Wonder if they’ll mind if we join their campfire?’  He urged the horse forward again until he rode into a small clearing.  To his surprise he didn’t see a campfire, but instead a small cabin nestled amongst the trees. ‘This is sure our lucky day Cooch,’ he said happily as he swung down from the saddle.

 

 

 

He knocked on the front door and waited until it was opened by a woman. He figured she was in her mid thirties, a few years older than his brother Adam. ‘Excuse me ma’am,’ he said, trying to stop his teeth from chattering. ‘I’m kinda in a fix with this storm about to break.’  She gave him a wary look. ‘I was wondering … that is … do you think my horse and I could shelter in your barn until it blows over?’ he finished.

 

 

 

The woman hesitated as she looked him up and down. ‘You must be frozen out there,’ she said after a moment. ‘Put your horse in the barn and come inside.  I’ll get you a hot drink.’

 

 

 

Joe tipped his hat to her. ‘Thank you ma’am,’ he said gratefully. ‘I’ll just be a few minutes. ‘Yes sir Cooch,’ he said as he led the horse over to the small barn. ‘This is sure our lucky day!’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘My name is Margaret Simmons,’ said the woman. ‘Here this will warm you up,’ she said as she handed Joe a steaming cup. ‘Drink it up.’

 

 

 

Joe smiled at her gratefully. ‘Thanks,’ he said and put the hot cup to his lips. ‘Mmm that’s good.’  He looked around the small cabin. ‘You live here by yourself?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ Margaret said shortly.

 

 

 

‘Then who owns that?’ asked Joe, pointing to a pipe that sat on the small mantelpiece.

 

 

 

‘That belonged to Josh … my husband,’ replied Margaret. She hesitated for a few moments. ‘He … he doesn’t live here any more.’

 

 

 

‘Oh.’  Joe wasn’t quite sure what she meant by that and wasn’t about to push the point.  He took a few more sips of his coffee. ‘I’m mighty grateful to you ma’am,’ he said. ‘I sure don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t taken me in like this.’

 

 

 

Margaret gave a short nod as she studied the young man in front of her. ‘Don’t mention it,’ she said. ‘I couldn’t possibly have left you out there in that.’  They both looked at the window as the wind howled again and a flurry of snow beat against the pane of glass. ‘Looks like you might have to stay for a while until this blows over,’ she added.

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘I think you might be right,’ he said. ‘Sorry about that.’

 

 

 

Margaret stood up and stoked up the fire again. ‘I don’t mind,’ she said tersely and then added. ‘To be honest I’d like the company.’

 

 

 

‘How long have you lived up here?’ asked Joe. ‘I didn’t think there’d be anyone this far up in the mountains.’

 

 

 

‘Josh and I settled here about fifteen years ago,’ she replied as she sat down again. ‘When we were first married.’  Her face became hard. ‘He’s been gone for about five years now.’

 

 

 

‘You’ve been up here for five years by yourself?’ asked Joe in surprise.

 

 

 

Margaret glared at him. ‘Yes I have,’ she said. ‘Is there something wrong with that?’

 

 

 

Joe pulled a face and shrugged his shoulders. ‘No ma’am,’ he said. ‘Its just that … well it’s a bit unusual for a woman you must admit.’

 

 

 

Margaret looked at him intently. ‘Sometimes a woman has no choice,’ she said in a low voice.

 

 

 

‘How come?’ asked Joe. ‘Couldn’t you have gone down towards the town?  It would have been easier for you if you had.’

 

 

 

‘This is my home,’ said Margaret. ‘This is where I belong.  Besides I couldn’t go off and leave Josh behind.’

 

 

 

Joe looked confused. ‘But you said …. I mean … I thought he didn’t live here any more.’

 

 

 

‘He’s buried out back,’ said Margaret in a tight voice. ‘He’s here to stay forever and I intend to stay with him.’

 

 

 

Joe blushed slightly. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry ma’am.  I didn’t realise.’

 

 

 

Margaret gave him a small smile. ‘I wish you’d stop calling me ma’am,’ she said. ‘If we’re going to be here for a while I’d rather you called me Margaret.’

 

 

 

Joe returned the smile. ‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Margaret.  And my name’s Joe.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s smile became wider. ‘Joe,’ she said softly. ‘That’s a nice name … sounds a bit like Josh doesn’t it? Is it Joseph?’

 

 

 

‘Yes ma’am … I mean Margaret,’ replied Joe. ‘Um ….’ He looked around. ‘I’m sorry to worry you ma’am …. Margaret …. But do you have something left of your husband’s that I could maybe change into? If I don’t get out of these wet things I’m likely to be the worse for it.’

 

 

 

Margaret looked at him with a startled expression. ‘Oh yes,’ she said. ‘I should have thought of that.  I’m so sorry Joe, I’d hate you to get sick!’  She went over to the corner of the cabin and opened a drawer of the dresser that was next to the bed. ‘I’ve got some of Josh’s things here somewhere.  Don’t know why I kept them really…. only sometimes I can still smell him on them and it’s kind of comforting you know.’  She handed him a shirt and some pants, looking somewhat embarrassed. ‘I’m sorry Joe,’ she said. ‘I shouldn’t carry on like this. It’s just a woman’s fancy.’

 

 

 

‘That’s okay,’ said Joe as he took the clothing. ‘You’re just saying what you feel.  There’s nothing wrong with that.’  He hesitated. ‘Um …. Do you think that I could ….’ He gestured towards the corner of the room where he had noticed a curtain at the side of the bed.

 

 

 

‘Oh yes,’ said Margaret. ‘You go behind there and get changed … sorry.  Hand me your wet things when you’ve finished and I’ll hang them in front of the fire.

 

 

 

Joe walked over to the bed and pulled the curtain across.  He removed all his clothing and put on the shirt and pants that Margaret had handed him, wishing that she had also thought of giving him some underwear.  He looked at his own things in his hand, somewhat embarrassed.

 

 

 

‘Are you ready?’ Margaret said from the other side of the curtain.

 

 

 

Joe stepped out, holding up the pants with one hand. ‘They’re a bit big,’ he said. ‘Do you have a belt or something?’

 

 

 

Margaret gave him an appraising look up and down. ‘Yes they are,’ she said and searched in the drawer again. ‘Don’t you have a belt of your own?’ she asked as she rummaged.

 

 

 

‘No,’ replied Joe. ‘I just let my gun belt hold up my … I mean…’ he blushed.

 

 

 

‘Here,’ said Margaret, trying to hide a smile at his obvious discomfort. ‘This should do the job. Now give me those wet things.’

 

 

 

Joe blushed even further as he held on to them. ‘It’s alright,’ he said as he twisted them in his hands. ‘They’ll dry okay. You don’t have to worry.’

 

 

 

‘Nonsense,’ replied Margaret.  ‘Give them to me and I’ll hang them here in front of the fire.’  She took them from him and laid them out, ignoring his embarrassment. ‘I’ve done washing for men before Joe,’ she said as she worked. ‘There’s no need to be embarrassed.’

 

 

 

Joe sat down. ‘Yeah,’ he said with a half smile. ‘It’s just that … well I guess I’m not used to it.  I mean a woman doing my laundry and all.’

 

 

 

Margaret sat down next to him. ‘You’re not married then,’ she said.

 

 

 

‘Who me?’ Heck no!’ declared Joe. ‘I’m too young to get married.’

 

 

 

‘What about you mother,’ insisted Margaret. ‘Doesn’t she do your laundry for you?’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘My mother died when I was a little kid,’ he said. ‘We’ve got a housekeeper who looks after all that kinda stuff, but he ain’t no woman for sure!’ He grinned. ‘I live with my Pa and my brothers, so I guess its just that I’m used to being with all men.  No women in my life so to speak.’

 

 

 

Margaret gave him a soft smile. ‘No girlfriends Joe?’ she asked. ‘No one special?’

 

 

 

He gave her a sweet smile. ‘No,’ he said. ‘No one special.’  His smile became a grin. ‘Lots of girlfriends though.’

 

 

 

She gave him a long look.’ I’m sure there are,’ she said.  ‘You’re a very handsome young man Joe.’

 

 

 

Joe cleared his throat and averted his eyes to look into the fire. ‘Oh … I don’t know,’ he said.

 

 

 

Margaret smiled. ‘Well I do,’ she said. ‘And you are.’  There was silence for a few moments. ‘How old are you Joe?’ she asked.

 

 

 

‘Twenty,’ he said. ‘Well …. nearly.’

 

 

 

‘Twenty,’ she said dreamily. ‘That’s just about the age my Josh was when we first came here. He was a fine looking young man as well.’ She stared into the fire for a moment and then turned to Joe again. ‘You know you remind me of him in a way.  He had curly hair like you and green eyes as well.’  She narrowed her eyes as she stared at Joe. ‘You know … if I half close my eyes I could swear that you were my Josh as a young man Joe.’  She shook her head. ‘Silly isn’t it?’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘No, it’s not silly,’ he said. ‘You must miss him a lot.’

 

 

 

‘Yes I do,’ she said in a low voice and then stood up and straightened herself. ‘Now, how about something to eat?’ she asked in a bright tone. ‘You must be hungry and I make a wonderful stew.’

 

 

 

‘Sounds great!’ said Joe enthusiastically. ‘Anything I can do to help?’

 

 

 

‘No.  Just sit there and talk to me as I work,’ she said brightly. ‘I’m enjoying your company Joe.  I think it’ll be nice having you here for a while.’

 

 

 

Joe looked at the window again and noticed the snow piling up outside it. ‘I sure hope this storm doesn’t last too long though,’ he said. ‘My family will worry about me if I don’t get home soon.’

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head as she chopped up some vegetables. ‘I’m afraid you won’t get home on time,’ she said. ‘Once the snows start up here that pass down to the valley can be closed for days.  I’m afraid you’d better resign yourself to my company for a bit.’

 

 

 

Joe looked worried. ‘But ….’ He raked his fingers through his hair in a frustrated gesture. ‘But I can’t stay here for days!’ he said.

 

 

 

‘You don’t really have a choice,’ replied Margaret with a bright smile. ‘Unless you want to brave the elements out there again.’

 

 

 

Joe shuddered. ‘No thanks!’ he said.  He stared into the fire gloomily. ‘I hope they’re not too worried,’ he said.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Ben looked out at the snow piling up on the windowsill for the tenth time that hour. ‘Quit worrying Pa,’ said Adam from his position in front of the fire. ‘You know that Joe has enough sense to look for shelter in weather like this.  I’m sure that he’s fine.’

 

 

 

Ben nodded as he let go of the curtain. ‘Yes of course,’ he said. ‘I hope he made it to Virginia City before it turned really bad though.’

 

 

 

‘Bound to have,’ said Hoss as he stoked up the fire. ‘He’s probably sitting there right now with a drink in one hand and cards in the other. You know Joe … he’ll be happy holed up in the Saloon until this thing blows over.’

 

 

 

Ben sat down. ‘Yes you’re right of course,’ he said. ‘I just can’t help thinking that he mightn’t have made it that far though before the storm broke.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t see why he wouldn’t have,’ said Adam. ‘He had plenty of time to get there. Unless something delayed him of course and then he’d never even set out from Placerville knowing the weather was going to turn bad.  You know Joe Pa.  He’s young, but he’s not stupid.’

 

 

 

Ben smiled at them both. ‘Yes,’ he agreed. ‘Joseph knows this country well and I’m sure that he’ll have found shelter one way or the other. He’ll probably come walking in here tomorrow wondering what I was fussing about as usual.’

 

 

 

‘Probably,’ agreed Adam. ‘Now are we going to eat supper or not?’

 

 

 

‘Yeah,’ agreed Hoss. ‘My belly feels like my throat’s been cut!’

 

 

 

‘Hoss!  Do you mind?’ said his father with a twinkle in his eye. ‘Come on then boys.  There’s no use me worrying anyway … there’s nothing that can be done in weather like this.’ He followed his two sons over to the table with a smile on his face, but his eyes travelled once again to the window and he shivered as he looked at the snow piling up on the sill.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘Here are some blankets,’ said Margaret, handing them to Joe.  ‘At least the floor shouldn’t be too hard if you use all of these.’

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe. ‘Don’t worry about it though.   I’m used to sleeping out at night.  The floor doesn’t worry me.’

 

 

 

‘Are you sure that you don’t want one of Josh’s nightshirts?’ asked Margaret.

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Joe, trying not to blush. ‘I’ll be fine.  Honestly.  You’ve done enough.’  He stood awkwardly and waited. ‘Well goodnight,’ he said finally.

 

 

 

‘Goodnight Joe,’ said Margaret, giving him a gentle smile. ‘Sleep well.’

 

 

 

‘You too,’ said Joe as he watched her close the curtain that surrounded the bed. He sighed, glad to have some time to himself at last.  He was very grateful to Margaret for taking him in this way, but even after a few hours he felt the small cabin very confining … especially with a stranger.  As he got between the blankets and pulled them up around him to stop the chills, he thought about his family and wondered what they might be doing right about now.  Probably worrying about him, he decided as he began to drift off to sleep.  He sincerely hoped that the storm would let up the next day so that he could try and get back down the mountain again. His last conscious thoughts were of Hop Sing’s fried chicken.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘Fried chicken eh?’ said Hoss, rubbing his hands with glee. ‘Oh boy!’

 

 

 

Hop Sing waved a meat cleaver in front of the man’s face. ‘You get out of kitchen!’ he shouted. ‘Supper not ready for long time!’

 

 

 

‘Okay Hop Sing,’ said Hoss with a chuckle. ‘Keep ya shirt on.’  He walked into the living room again and plonked himself down in an easy chair in front of the fireplace. ‘I wish I liked to read,’ he said as he stared at Adam absorbed in his book. ‘Sure is boring round here without Joe to play checkers with.’

 

 

 

‘With any luck we’ll get out tomorrow,’ said Adam absently.

 

 

 

‘Well I sure hope so!’ declared Hoss. ‘Two days stuck inside is enough for anyone. Sure wish I was the one that Pa had sent to Placerville with that horse.  Joe is probably having a great time in town.’

 

 

 

‘What was that about Joe?’ asked their father as he came down the stairs. ‘Did I hear you mention his name? Is he home?’

 

 

 

‘No Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘I was just wishing I was him in town instead of here.’ He put his toes out closer to the fire and gave a big yawn. ‘I could do with a beer right about now.’

 

 

 

Ben frowned and headed over to the window again. ‘Well at least the snow has stopped,’ he said. ‘We’ll get out in the morning and be able to look for Joe.’

 

 

 

‘He’ll likely be home before we can go looking fer him,’ said Hoss, closing his eyes. ‘You know Joe Pa.  He’ll be bouncing in here first thing.’

 

 

 

Ben stared through the window and wished for the hundredth time that his youngest son would simply ride into the yard.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘I don’t see why not,’ said Joe stubbornly as he put on his jacket. ‘The snow has stopped and there’s nothing to stop me now.’

 

 

 

Margaret put her hands on her hips and glared at him. ‘You’re a fool to go out in that Joe Cartwright,’ she said angrily. ‘I’ve told you before that you’ll never get through that pass with this much snow around.’

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘Well if I can’t get through then I’ll just turn around and come back again,’ he said. ‘There’s no harm done trying is there?’  He put on his hat. ‘I want to thank you for looking after me so well these two days,’ he said. ‘I’m mighty grateful.’

 

 

 

Margaret hesitated. ‘Well if you’re so determined to try, the least I can do is make sure you’re prepared,’ she said. ‘Here.’  She reached down and poured a cup of coffee for him. ‘I’ll just get some milk and then you need to get this into you before you go.’  She walked over to the table and turned her back on Joe as she fiddled with some canisters against the wall. ‘I’ll put some cinnamon in it as well,’ she said.

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe as he took the steaming cup from her and took a few sips. He made a face. ‘It’s …. unusual,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘It’s the cinnamon,’ she said. ‘Drink it up quickly …. It’ll do you good.’

 

 

 

Joe drained the cup and replaced it on the table. ‘Thanks,’ he said again. ‘Maybe I’ll make it back up this way again some time.  Bye!’

 

 

 

Margaret watched as he opened the door and walked out side.  She drew her shawl closer around her as she walked towards the door and leant against the doorframe as she observed him saddling his horse. So like Josh! she murmured softly. ‘Bye!’ she called as Joe swung up into the saddle and waved to her. She watched him ride slowly down the trail and sighed before turning back inside and gathering up her hat and jacket and putting them on.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Joe rode for a good ten minutes, careful not to go too quickly on the slippery trail. ‘That’s a good boy Cooch,’ he said, patting the horse on the neck. ‘We’ll just take it easy and we’ll be home by tonight.  No need to hurry.’  He looked down at the patches of ice around him and was surprised to find that they hurt his eyes. He looked up. ‘Must be more sun than I thought,’ he murmured and gave them a rub. ‘Come on boy, we’re nearly at that pass and then we’ll know if we can get through.’

 

 

 

The sun was reflecting a great deal off the ice patches by the time Joe had reached the pass and he had to stop several times to rub his eyes. He felt a weariness take hold of him and he longed to get down and rest for a while. ‘I’m going soft Cooch,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘Let’s get going boy.’

 

 

 

Joe was delighted to see that although the snow was across the pass it wasn’t high enough that it was totally blocked. ‘Seems we’ll be home today after all,’ he said as he gave the horse’s neck another pat before spurring him on. Suddenly he found himself looking up at the sky and realised that he must have slid down from the saddle. ‘How on earth did that happen?’ he said and got up slowly.

 

 

 

As he stood up, Joe realised that his legs felt rubbery and he felt compelled to lean against Cochise to steady himself. His head began to spin and he clutched at it anxiously. ‘Just give me a minute Cooch,’ he murmured. ‘I’ll be okay in a minute.’  But as the minutes passed Joe realised that he wasn’t okay.  He clutched at his stomach as he felt a gripping pain wash over him and his head began to throb. Without meaning to, he slid back down again and found himself sitting in the snow.

 

 

 

Suddenly he leant forward and retched, spewing vomit all over the snow in front of him. He clutched his stomach and retched again before miserably closing his eyes and heaving for a third time.  Beside him Cochise looked down in amazement as Joe struggled to keep conscious.  Within minutes he had lost the battle and fell in a dead faint on top of the pile of snow on which he’d been sitting.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘How does that feel?’ Joe heard the woman’s voice as if from a distance and opened his eyes to see Margaret hovering over him with an anxious expression on her face. He stared at her without speaking. ‘Better?’ she asked kindly as she adjusted the cloth on his forehead.

 

 

 

Joe nodded slowly and looked around.  He was lying on her bed back in the cabin. ‘How … how did I get here?’ he asked feebly, clutching at his head.

 

 

 

‘I followed you to make sure that you got through,’ said Margaret as she sat down on the edge of the bed.  ‘I found you unconscious on the side of the trail. You don’t look well Joe.’

 

 

 

‘But … how did … you move me back … here by yourself?’ he asked feebly.

 

 

 

‘I had the buckboard and team,’ she explained. ‘I dragged you onto the back of it.’ she smiled at him and patted him on the head. ‘You’re not very big you know.  It wasn’t that difficult.’

 

 

 

Joe gave a slight moan. ‘I felt terrible,’ he said. ‘I don’t know … what happened.’

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head. ‘You look terrible,’ she said. ‘You’re obviously not well enough to try going down this mountain yet young man, so I suggest you just lay there for a while.’

 

 

 

Joe gave her a feeble grin. ‘My Pa calls me that,’ he said as he closed his eyes again.

 

 

 

‘Calls you what?’ she asked softly.

 

 

 

‘Young man,’ murmured Joe as he drifted back into sleep again. ‘Cept he … says it … when he’s ….. mad at me.’

 

 

 

Margaret smiled softly as she watched Joe close his eyes with a sigh. She patted his curls again and stroked them gently off his face. ‘Nice,’ murmured Joe in a soft voice. Margaret continued to smile at him as he slept.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes fluttered open and he looked around the cabin.  Sunlight filtered in through the window and he noticed with relief that there was no sign of any more snow.  He tentatively sat up and felt his head and then turned as he heard a soft movement beside him. ‘Lay down again,’ said Margaret as she sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘You’re not well.’

 

 

 

‘I fell much better now,’ said Joe. ‘My head doesn’t hurt at all …’ he hesitated. ‘Neither does my stomach.’

 

 

 

Nevertheless you still don’t look well,’ said Margaret firmly. ‘Now you lay down while I get you something to eat.  Do you think you could manage it?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded his head. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I’m hungry.’  He watched as the woman went over to the stove and began to bustle around. ‘I’ve made you some broth,’ she said. ‘I thought you’d need something when you woke up.’

 

 

 

‘You shouldn’t be going to all this trouble,’ said Joe as he swung his feet over the side of the bed and sat up straighter. ‘I’m sorry to be a bother to you.’

 

 

 

‘You’re no bother at all,’ said Margaret as she carried the steaming bowl over to him. ‘Now you get this inside you and you’ll feel a lot better.’

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe as he took it and tasted it. ‘Smells great.’

 

 

 

‘Eat slowly,’ she said. ‘You don’t want to overdo it.’

 

 

 

‘I really don’t know what happened,’ he said as he ate. ‘I felt fine until I got to the pass.’

 

 

 

‘Well let’s hope it’s over now,’ she said. ‘Still, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow now to try again.  It’ll be dark soon.’

 

 

 

‘Have I slept that long?’ he said in surprise.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ she said with a smile and patted him on the shoulder. ‘It’s late afternoon now.’

 

 

 

‘What about my horse?’ he asked as he continued to sip the broth.

 

 

 

‘Don’t you worry about him.  I’ve put him back into the barn,’ she said. ‘You’ve got nothing to worry about Joe.  I’ll take care of everything for you.’

 

 

 

He smiled at her again. ‘What would I do without you?’ he said. ‘How can I ever thank you?’

 

 

 

‘There’s no need for thanks,’ she replied. ‘I’m not doing anything that you wouldn’t do for someone else in need, I’m sure. Finished?’ she took the bowl from him. ‘Now you lay down again and get some more rest,’ she said.

 

 

 

‘No I’m fine,’ said Joe standing up and stretching. ‘I’m as rested as I’m going to be. I might just sit here at the table for a while.’

 

 

 

‘All right Joe,’ she said. ‘We’ll have a good talk while I’m getting supper ready.’

 

 

 

Joe watched as she chopped up vegetables. He couldn’t work out what had come over him before and was pleased that at least whatever it was that had made him feel that bad seemed to be over. ‘My family will be worried about me by now,’ he mused. ‘I wish I could send them a message that I’m all right.’

 

 

 

‘I’m sure they won’t be too worried,’ she said with a frown. ‘You’ve only been gone a few days.’

 

 

 

‘Yes but I was due back yesterday,’ explained Joe.  He put his hand to his head which was beginning to hurt again. ‘You don’t know my Pa.  He’s a real worrier.’

 

 

 

‘Well you’ll be going home tomorrow,’ replied Margaret as she continued to chop. ‘He’ll realise then how silly he was to worry.’  She gave Joe an intense look. ‘Are you all right?’ she asked.

 

 

 

Joe stood up. ‘I think I’d better lay down after all,’ he said. ‘My head … it’s beginning to …’ he lurched forward and Margaret reached out to steady him.

 

 

 

‘Joe?’ she said in a worried voice. ‘What is it?’

 

 

 

Joe put his arms around his waist and hugged himself tightly. ‘I … don’t feel ….’  He staggered and leant against Margaret heavily.

 

 

 

‘Here let me get you to the bed,’ she said anxiously. ‘You need to lay down.’  She walked him over to the bed and helped him to lie down gently before pulling the covers up around him. ‘I thought you were overdoing it,’ she admonished him. ‘Now you’re not to get up again.’

 

 

 

Joe looked up at her with stricken eyes.  The stomach cramps were washing over him again and he felt like he was about to throw up. ‘I’m sorry ….’ he said feebly.

 

 

 

Margaret bent down and stroked the hair off his forehead again. ‘There’s nothing to be sorry about,’ she murmured. ‘You can’t help it if you’re sick.’

 

 

 

‘Yes but….’  Joe retched suddenly and put his hand up to his mouth.

 

 

 

Margaret reached for a bowl and held it under his chin as he began to vomit up the contents of his stomach. ‘There there,’ she murmured. ‘You’ll feel better after this.’  She wiped his chin and sat down next to him as he closed his eyes again. ‘Sleep now Joe,’ she said in a soft voice. ‘Sleep now and you’ll feel better.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you,’ he murmured softly. ‘I’m …. sorry.’

 

 

 

Margaret watched as the youngster drifted back into sleep again.  She bent forward and stroked his curls and patted them softly. ‘So like my Josh,’ she murmured in a low voice. ‘So like my darling Josh.’  Joe smiled as he felt her light touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘The horses are ready Pa,’ said Adam. ‘Have you got the food from Hop Sing?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Ben as he strode across the yard and shoved the paper-wrapped parcel into his saddlebag. ‘Where’s Hoss?’

 

 

 

‘Here Pa,’ said Hoss as he led his horse out of the barn. ‘You both ready?’

 

 

 

‘We certainly are,’ said Ben as he swung himself up into the saddle. ‘First stop town boys and then …’

 

 

 

‘And then home again,’ interrupted Adam. ‘I’m sure he’s there.’

 

 

 

Ben gave him a dark look. ‘If he’s there, then why hasn’t he come home?’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam shrugged. ‘The trail mightn’t be open yet,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘More like he’s still in a poker game,’ said Hoss with a grin.

 

 

 

‘If he is, then he’s in trouble,’ said Ben as he turned his horse. In his heart he was praying for the chance to be angry with his youngest son, for if he wasn’t angry with him then there would be cause to be worried about him and …. He preferred not to think of the reasons why he might need to be. ‘Let’s ride boys,’ he said over his shoulder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘How about trying to sit in the sun outside for a while?’ suggested Margaret. ‘The fresh air would do you good.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded and tried to sit up, but he immediately felt shaky. ‘I don’t know that I can make it,’ he said feebly. ‘I feel …. all light headed.’

 

 

 

‘Lean on me,’ suggested Margaret and hoisted him to his feet.  Joe leant on her heavily as they walked slowly towards the door.  He caught a glimpse of himself in her small mirror that hung on the wall as they passed it and he gasped. ‘I look terrible,’ he said, noting the dark rings around his eyes and the paleness of his skin.

 

 

 

‘That’s just temporary,’ Margaret assured him as she opened the door and he felt the chilly wind on his face. ‘You’ll be fine in no time. You’ll see.’ She eased him down gently on a stool by the front door and then went back inside for a blanket which she tucked around his knees.

 

 

 

‘I’m a real bother to you,’ said Joe.  He didn’t like the blanket around his knees at all, but didn’t want to offend the woman when she was being so kind to him.

 

 

 

‘Now we’ve been through all this before haven’t we?’ Margaret assured him. ‘That’s just plain nonsense.’

 

 

 

Joe drew in a deep breath. ‘You know you’re right,’ he said. ‘I feel better already just being out here.’

 

 

 

‘See?’ I told you that you would,’ she replied as she sat down next to him. ‘Can you see why I love it up here?’  She gestured with her hand to the surrounding countryside.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ said Joe softly as he looked around at the spectacular view. ‘I can.’  He looked sideways at her. ‘Did you and your husband Josh come up here to farm or do ranching?’

 

 

 

Margaret settled herself comfortably on her chair. ‘Farming,’ she said. ‘My Josh was a real farmer at heart. We did well at it too until he was taken from me.’

 

 

 

‘How did he die?  I mean … if you don’t mind talking about it,’ ventured Joe.

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head. ‘No I don’t mind talking about it,’ she said as she stared into the distance. ‘He got sick. I’m not really sure what it was …. I just know that one day he was fine and a week later he was gone from me.’  She motioned with her hand. ‘I buried him over there.’

 

 

 

Joe looked over towards the small creek that bubbled along a little way from the house and noticed a wooden cross on the bank. ‘Couldn’t the doctor from Placerville help him?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head. ‘There was no doctor,’ she said sadly. ‘It was in the middle of winter and … well you’ve seen how the storms come up so quickly here … I couldn’t get him to a doctor in time.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said sincerely.

 

 

 

Margaret put her hand on his arm and looked deep into his eyes. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘You’re a lovely young man Joe.’

 

 

 

Joe smiled at her and moved his arm away from her touch.  There was something about this woman that made him feel uneasy at times, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why he felt that way.  She had been nothing but kind to him and yet … he shook his head and admonished himself for being so stupid. ‘Thank you,’ he murmured.  He put his head back and leant against the wall of the cabin and took a few deep breaths. ‘The air up here sure feels good,’ he said. ‘I’m not feeling too bad now.’

 

 

 

Margaret withdrew her hand and looked at him with narrowed eyes. ‘Well don’t you go overdoing it,’ she said firmly. ‘You know what happened last time when you did that.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded.  But I just have to get better,’ he said. ‘My family….’

 

 

 

Margaret sighed. ‘Your family will understand,’ she said. ‘Stop going on about them.’

 

 

 

Joe gave her a hurt look. ‘I only meant that they’d be worried,’ he said shortly. ‘They care about me you know.’

 

 

 

Margaret patted his arm again. ‘Yes of course,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry Joe.  It’s just that you aren’t ready to leave yet and I don’t want you to become agitated about something you can’t help.’  She smiled at him kindly. ‘I’m only thinking of you.’

 

 

 

Joe returned the smile. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘And I’m very grateful to you for all you’ve done for me.  It’s just that … I won’t rest until they know that I’m safe. I just can’t.’

 

 

 

‘Well you can’t sit on that horse again,’ she said. ‘How about I go down to Placerville and send a wire to them for you? I could see if the doctor is there as well.’

 

 

 

Joe sat forward on his chair. ‘Would you?’ he asked eagerly. ‘I mean … are you able to?’

 

 

 

‘I think so,’ she said slowly. ‘It would still be difficult of course.  There’s still a lot of ice around … but I’m sure that I could do it.  I could leave in the morning and be back by nightfall.’

 

 

 

‘But…’ Joe stopped and tried to think it through.  He put his hand up to his still-throbbing head. ‘But … how can you let them know exactly where I am?’  They’ll come and get me when they get the wire, but you couldn’t possibly give them exact directions in a wire.’ He looked around. ‘They could wander up here for months looking for me if they didn’t know exactly where to come.’

 

 

 

‘That’s not a problem,’ Margaret assured him. ‘I’ll tell them to contact the Sheriff in Placerville when they get there.  He knows exactly where I live and I’ll let him know what’s been going on. He’s sure to give them exact directions.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded, satisfied with her plan. ‘I don’t know how to thank you,’ he said as he laid his head back on the wall again.

 

 

 

Margaret patted him on the arm again and then brushed back his curls in a gesture that startled him. ‘Don’t mention it,’ she said. ‘I’d do anything for you Joe.  I’m very fond of you, don’t you know that by now?’ Joe gave her a half smile as the feeling of uneasiness came back and he pushed her hand away from his forehead abruptly. ‘I’m sorry,’ said Margaret. ‘I didn’t mean to upset you Joe.’

 

 

 

He looked away from her, feeling embarrassed. ‘You didn’t,’ he said.

 

 

 

She put her head on one side as she stared at him. ‘Didn’t your mother ever do that to you?’ she asked.

 

 

 

Joe shrugged. ‘I don’t really know,’ he said. ‘I don’t remember much about her.’

 

 

 

‘I thought so,’ replied Margaret.

 

 

 

‘What do you mean?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Well its just the way you react at times,’ she said. ‘You seem to draw away whenever I touch you.  I can tell that you haven’t really had experience with a woman’s touch in that motherly kind of way.’  Joe blushed and didn’t answer. ‘There!’ she said. ‘Now I’ve gone and embarrassed you again. I really didn’t mean to.’

 

 

 

Joe continued to stare into the distance. ‘No,’ he said. ‘No … you didn’t really.  I guess its like you said. I’m really not used to things like that from a woman.’

 

 

 

‘Poor boy,’ said Margaret. ‘Still, I’m sure your Pa is very loving towards you.’

 

 

 

Joe smiled for real this time. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘He’s a great Pa.’

 

 

 

Margaret stood up abruptly. ‘Good,’ she said shortly. ‘Now I’ve got to get some broth for you to settle that stomach.  You sit here and get some more of that fresh air into your lungs.’

 

 

 

Joe bit his lip as she went inside.  She certainly was a strange woman, he thought.  One minute she was so kind and the next … well, it was almost as if she resented him at times … especially when he mentioned his family for some reason.  He really didn’t know what to make of her. He smiled as he thought about the fact that his family would get that wire by tomorrow afternoon.  If they started straight up here in the next morning they could be here in two days.  With a contented sigh he closed his eyes again and felt the warmth of the sun on his face.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘So now you can both understand if I begin to worry?’ asked Ben in a terse voice. ‘Something told me he wouldn’t be here in town.’

 

 

 

Adam looked at Hoss. ‘Well he probably stayed in Placerville until the storm was over,’ he said. ‘We’ll most likely meet him on the way there. I take it that’s where we’re off to now?’

 

 

 

‘We most certainly are!’ said Ben as he got up into the saddle again. ‘Let’s ride!’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

‘I really don’t like to leave you when you’re like this,’ said Margaret, leaning over Joe as he retched again. ‘I think I’d better leave it until tomorrow.’

 

 

 

‘No,’ gasped Joe in between retches. ‘Please….’ He grasped hold of her sleeve and looked into her eyes earnestly. ‘Please … I need you to do this.’  He retched again.’ If you don’t go then …. then ….’

 

 

 

Margaret patted him on the head and smoothed back his curls. ‘All right,’ she said. ‘I’ll go.  But you must promise me that you won’t get out of this bed until I get back tonight.  Promise?’

 

 

 

‘I …. ‘ Joe retched. ‘I… promise.’

 

 

 

Margaret smoothed his curls again. ‘Good,’ she said. ‘Now everything you’ll need is right here by the bed. I’ll be as quick as I can.’  She gave him an anxious look as she left the room.  Joe leant back in the bed again and tried to contain the nausea that was taking over his body yet again. He put his hand up over his face and sobbed quietly as soon as he knew that he was alone. ‘Oh God,’ he said. ‘Please make it stop.  God please make my Pa get here quickly!’  He closed his eyes again and drifted into a deep sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Night was closing in before he heard the sounds of Margaret returning again. He tried to sit up in the bed as the door opened and she rushed across to him in a flurry of skirts. ‘Joe!’ she said. ‘I’ve been so anxious about you all day. How are you feeling?’

 

 

 

‘I’m a bit better,’ he said. ‘I’ve slept most of the day. Did you bring the doctor?’

 

 

 

She took off her shawl and avoided looking him straight in the eye. ‘No,’ she said. ‘He wasn’t there.  It seems that he’s gone to San Francisco for a while.’

 

 

 

Joe slumped down in the bed. ‘Wasn’t there anyone else?’ he asked. ‘When Doc Martin leaves Virginia City he always arranges for a replacement if he can.’

 

 

 

‘Joe, doctors are scarce around here,’ she said. ‘They aren’t always available when we want them to be.’

 

 

 

‘I suppose so,’ he said. ‘Did you get the wire off to my family?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ she said shortly. ‘Now I’m going to get us something to eat.  Do you feel up to anything?’

 

 

 

‘Yes I do,’ he answered. ‘Actually I’m feeling a bit hungry.’

 

 

 

‘Good,’ she said. ‘I’ll grill some meat for us then and see how you go with it.’  She busied herself around the kitchen area as he looked at her.

 

 

 

‘You must be awfully tired after riding all that way,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘No not really,’ she said in a bright voice. ‘I’m used to it.’

 

 

 

‘But I thought you said you didn’t go down there very often?’ he asked in a puzzled tone.

 

 

 

She hesitated. ‘I don’t,’ she said. ‘I just meant that I’m used to hard outdoor work that’s all.  A woman has to be to survive up here by herself.’

 

 

 

‘I guess so,’ said Joe. ‘Still … I’m sorry that you had to make that long trip.’  He looked around. ‘I thought you would have taken the chance to get some supplies in town,’ he mused. ‘Didn’t you?’

 

 

 

‘No,’ she said shortly. ‘There was nothing I needed.’

 

 

 

‘But you don’t get down there often,’ persisted Joe. ‘I thought that you would have ….’

 

 

 

‘I was too worried about you to stop and think about supplies,’ she interrupted. ‘You’re very important to me Joe and I wasn’t thinking of anything else while I was there.’

 

 

 

Joe averted his eyes from her steady gaze, wishing that she wouldn’t talk like that.  After all, how could he be so important to her when they hardly knew each other?

 

 

 

‘I’m feeling so much better tonight,’ he said. ‘I think I’ll be okay to sleep on the floor now.’

 

 

 

Margaret turned on him and pointed her spoon at him. ‘You’ll do nothing of the kind!’ she said sharply. ‘You’ll sleep in that bed as you did the past couple of nights and I’ll hear no more about it!’

 

 

 

‘But you’ve been sleeping on the floor and that ain’t right,’ he objected. He had been embarrassed when he’d realised that it had been so each morning, but at night was usually too sick to object. ‘You must be uncomfortable there.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s eyes narrowed. ‘Well yes,’ she said. ‘I must admit that it’s not as comfortable as the bed of course, but I’ll make do.  The important thing is that you get well first.’  She strode over to the dresser. ‘That reminds me,’ she said. ‘I’ve been meaning to offer you this.’  She held out a nightshirt to him and smiled. ‘It belonged to Josh.’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No … I’m fine in these clothes thanks.’

 

 

 

Margaret put her hands on her hips. ‘You are not!’ she said firmly. ‘Now I’m going to have to insist on this Joe.  You’ve been in those things for a few days now and … well believe me, you need to change.’

 

 

 

Joe looked embarrassed.  He had felt dirty and smelly in his clothes as well, but didn’t like to think that she’d noticed. ‘No … I really…’

 

 

 

‘You’ll need to wash as well,’ she said. ‘Now while I’m cooking supper and you’re not feeling too bad you may as well do it now.’  She put the nightshirt on the bed and pulled the curtain across.  You get undressed while I heat up some water for you. Hurry up now.’

 

 

 

Joe sat and looked at the curtain as she pulled it across.  He definitely didn’t feel comfortable undressing with a woman so close, even if there was a curtain between them. ‘No really,’ he began. ‘I think ….’

 

 

 

‘You let me do the thinking,’ she interrupted from the other side of the curtain. ‘Get out of those things and I’ll get this water ready for you.’

 

 

 

Joe unbuttoned his shirt slowly, feeling less than comfortable with the whole exercise.  When he had stripped off his clothing he draped the blanket around as much of himself as he could manage and held the clothes out through a gap in the curtain. ‘Here,’ he said.

 

 

 

Margaret took them from him and grinned. ‘That’s better,’ she said. ‘Now I’ll bring this water in for you.’  She opened the curtain and her eyes widened at the sight of the youngster draped in the blanket before she set the tub on the bed. ‘Here you are,’ she said with a smile. ‘Do you have enough energy to manage or do you need some help?’

 

 

 

Joe gave her an appalled look. ‘I’ll be fine,’ he said gruffly and closed the curtain again.  Margaret settled herself in a chair facing the curtain and tried not to laugh. Her eyes widened as she heard the gentle splashing of the water and she began to breathe deeply as the smile on her face broadened. ‘How’s it going?’ she asked after a moment.

 

 

 

‘Fine!’ said Joe shortly.

 

 

 

‘You’ll feel better after having a wash,’ she said in a husky voice.  There was no response. ‘I’ll wash your clothes tomorrow,’ she continued. ‘Then you’ll be all back to normal again.’

 

 

 

‘Thanks,’ he grunted from the other side of the curtain.

 

 

 

‘There’s no need for you to worry about anything,’ she said happily. ‘I’m taking care of everything for you Joe.’  She began to rock backwards and forwards on her chair happily. ‘Just like I used to do for my Josh,’ she murmured to herself.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘There you go,’ she said as she tucked the blankets in around him. ‘Try and get some rest and you’ll feel better.’

 

 

 

Joe clutched at his stomach. ‘But I was feeling just fine before super,’ he said miserably. ‘It comes on so suddenly all the time.’

 

 

 

‘I know,’ she said soothingly. ‘That’s why you’ve got to listen to me and do as you’re told. I know best how to look after you young man.’  She smiled down at him. ‘There, there now.  Close your eyes and get some sleep.’  She watched happily as Joe closed his eyes with a sigh.

 

 

 

‘Feels nice,’ he whispered as she continued to stroke his forehead. ‘Mmm …’

 

 

 

As the youngster slipped into a deep sleep Margaret bent forward and laid her head for a moment on his shoulder, breathing deeply. ‘Smells just like my Josh,’ she murmured as she caught a whiff of the nightshirt. ‘My darling Josh.’ She sat up again and looked intently at Joe’s face. ‘Don’t you worry my darling,’ she said as she stroked it. ‘I’ll look after you.  Nothing will hurt you darling boy. My darling Josh.’ She bent her head again and rubbed her face against that of the unconscious young man’s.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘He’s nowhere Pa,’ said Adam as he joined his father outside the Livery stable where they’d arranged to meet. ‘Hoss?’

 

 

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘Couldn’t find a trace of him,’ he said.

 

 

 

Ben’s face hardened. ‘I’ve checked with Robert Ogilvie,’ he said. ‘He brought the horse to him as arranged and according to him he left straight away.  He was going to try and beat the storm.’

 

 

 

Adam glanced at Hoss, his face mirroring his father’s. ‘But we saw no sign of him between here and Virginia City,’ he said. ‘I don’t understand.’

 

 

 

Ben looked up at the mountains. ‘If he was trying to beat the storm he could have headed up via the pass,’ he said. ‘Maybe we should backtrack up there.’

 

 

 

‘Joe wouldn’t have gone up that way Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘He’d know better.’

 

 

 

‘You know your brother,’ said Ben. ‘He thinks he’s just about invincible on that horse of his. If he thought he could beat the weather by going that way then he’d do it.’  He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘No …. I think we need to check up there boys.’

 

 

 

‘Okay Pa,’ said Adam. ‘Whatever you say. But if he’s not up there then I think we should get some men together when we get back to Virginia City and start this search in earnest.’

 

 

 

‘Don’t you worry son,’ replied his father. ‘We won’t leave a single stone unturned until we find that boy I can assure you.’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Joe opened his eyes as he heard the door closing. ‘Is it morning?’ he asked in a groggy voice.

 

 

 

‘It certainly is,’ said Margaret. ‘And it’s a beautiful day.  Cold, but very sunny. Maybe we’ll try and get you outside a bit later on.’

 

 

 

Joe tried to sit up but felt too weak and collapsed onto the pillow again. He sighed and wondered if he’d ever feel better.

 

 

 

‘Feel like something to eat?’ asked Margaret. ‘I could fix you some eggs if you like. You really should try and eat something.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll try,’ said Joe.  He looked around the room. ‘Have you got my clothes?  I want to get changed.’

 

 

 

‘They’re hanging outside,’ replied Margaret. ‘Still wet.’

 

 

 

‘Well could I borrow your husband’s things then?’ asked Joe. ‘I don’t want to stay in this nightshirt all day.’

 

 

 

‘I think you should,’ she replied. ‘It’s more comfortable for you.’

 

 

 

‘I’d feel better in proper clothes,’ he persisted.

 

 

 

‘No,’ she said shortly. ‘You’ll stay in that.’  Her expression quickly changed from a frown to a sweet smile. ‘Besides … I washed all of Josh’s things too.  Everything is wet.’

 

 

 

‘Why?’ Joe looked startled.

 

 

 

‘Because ….’ She hesitated. ‘You’ve worn them before too, remember?  They all needed washing.  I’m afraid there’s nothing for you to wear apart from his nightshirts at the moment.’ She smiled again, more widely this time. ‘Anyway you don’t really need to wear anything else do you?’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘I’d just feel better if I could put ….’

 

 

 

‘I said there’s nothing else and that’s an end to it!’ she interrupted. ‘Now be quiet about it!’

 

 

 

Joe looked up at her, startled. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I just meant that ….’

 

 

 

‘Do you want eggs or don’t you?’ she said sharply.

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Thank you.’

 

 

 

Margaret smiled again and patted his cheek. ‘Good boy,’ she said. ‘I’ll go and gather some eggs then. ‘Now you lie down and rest.’

 

 

 

She picked up a basket and went outside, leaving a very puzzled Joe behind her.  He scratched his head and stared after her, then lay down again and stared at the ceiling.

 

 

 

Outside, Margaret was busy gathering eggs when she spied three riders coming up the trail towards the house.  She looked quickly over her shoulder at the cabin and then strode over to the approaching men purposely. ‘Hello,’ she said with a smile. ‘It’s not often I see riders up here.  Anything I can do for you gentlemen?’

 

 

 

Ben Cartwright looked down at her and tipped his hat. ‘Morning ma’am,’ he said. ‘We’re looking for a young man goes by the name of Joe Cartwright … riding a pinto horse.  We thought perhaps he might have come up this way?’

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head firmly. ‘No,’ she said. ‘I haven’t seen anyone in weeks.’

 

 

 

Ben drew his hand over his face wearily. ‘You’re sure?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Margaret frowned. ‘Well of course I’m sure,’ she said. ‘I’d know if I had, don’t you think?’

 

 

 

‘Sorry ma’am,’ said Ben. ‘It’s just that we’re worried about him.  He’s long overdue home.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s looks softened a bit. ‘Well I haven’t seen him,’ she said. ‘And I’d know if anyone had been up this way. Sorry.’

 

 

 

Ben tipped his hat again. ‘Thank you anyway ma’am.’ He turned his horse to go. ‘I wonder if I could ask you a favour?’ he said.

 

 

 

Margaret looked wary. ‘What?’

 

 

 

‘Well if you do happen to find out anything could you please get down to Placerville and send me a wire? I’d sure appreciate it.’

 

 

 

‘Certainly,’ said Margaret sweetly. ‘I’ll do that.’  She turned to walk back towards the cabin.

 

 

 

‘Don’t you want to know who to send the wire to?’ called out Adam with a frown.

 

 

 

Margaret turned back to face them. ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘How silly of me.’

 

 

 

‘The name’s Ben Cartwright,’ said Ben. ‘Send it to Virginia City and it’ll find its way to me.’ Margaret nodded. ‘Thank you ma’am,’ said Ben.

 

 

 

Margaret watched the three riders turn their horses and waited until they had disappeared down the trail again before turning back towards the cabin. As she entered the room she gave Joe a bright smile. ‘I got five eggs,’ she said happily. ‘That’s a good sign. I think it’s going to be a lovely day Joe!’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret looked down at the sleeping young man in the bed and sighed.  She traced a line down his cheek with her finger and smiled as he moved slightly at her touch and murmured something. She bent down closer to hear what he was saying and caught a few words. ‘Pa …. no …. I feel …. Pa.’  She frowned at the mention of the name and her eyes narrowed.

 

 

 

‘You don’t need your Pa Joe,’ she whispered. ‘I’m here to look after you now.’  She caressed his cheek again and blew softly onto his face, watching his curls lift up from his forehead. ‘Such a sweet boy,’ she said. ‘Just like my Josh.’ She ran her fingers lightly through his curly hair. ‘My daring Josh,’ she murmured. ‘You don’t need anyone but me do you darling?  I’ll look after you Josh.  Haven’t I always looked after you?’  She laid her head on his chest and listened to the regular beating of his heart while she closed her eyes.

 

 

 

Suddenly she sat up and looked down at him. She put her head to one side and smiled as she traced a line across his chest and began to undo the buttons of his nightshirt. Joe gave a slight groan and moved slightly and she placed her hands on his chest to still him. ‘There there my darling,’ she murmured. ‘You just lie still now.  I’ll look after you.’  She got up and walked over to the kitchen area, coming back with a basin and washcloth. ‘This will make you feel better,’ she murmured as she put them on a chair next to the bed. ‘I’ll have you all cleaned up in no time.’

 

 

 

She undid the rest of his buttons and pulled the nightshirt over his head with a deft movement.  Joe groaned softly again and shifted his position on the bed, frowning in his sleep as he did so.  Margaret smiled down at him as she wet the cloth and then began to run it over his arms and chest. Joe took a deep breath in his sleep and a slight smile appeared on his face. ‘That feels good doesn’t it Josh?’ she whispered. ‘I told you that it would.’  She worked slowly and carefully across his entire upper body, careful not to disturb him any more than was necessary for fear that even in his heavily sleep-induced state he might awaken and spoil this moment.

 

 

 

As she ran the washcloth over his face she bent down to kiss him softly, first on the forehead and then lightly on the lips. Joe moved again and murmured in his sleep. ‘No,’ he said softly. ‘No … I feel … no.’

 

 

 

Margaret patted him on the cheek and soothed him again. ‘Just you sleep now Josh,’ she murmured. ‘I’m looking after you my darling. Everything is fine.’

 

 

 

She took a deep breath and then gently pulled back the blankets. She sat there for a few long minutes doing nothing but taking in the lean and muscular body lying in front of her.  Her eyes traced a line from the hardness of the muscles of his chest down across the taut stomach to the lean legs and then back up again. ‘Well you certainly are one lovely young man,’ she breathed softly. She began to trace a line with the washcloth down towards his stomach, working in circular motions. Joe began to murmur in his sleep again and tried to move out from under her touch, but she stilled him with her other hand.

 

 

 

‘Just relax,’ she breathed into his ear. ‘Just relax and let me look after you darling.’  She began to work on his lower legs and his feet, working her way up towards his thighs with soft movements.  Joe struggled again, and groaned in his sleep.  Suddenly his eyes opened slightly and he looked directly at her with a glazed and unfocused stare. ‘What ….’ he murmured. ‘Don’t…. I don’t ….’  His hands fluttered down towards her and tried to push them away with feeble movements, but she held onto to them easily with one hand while she continued to work her way upwards with the other.

 

 

 

‘Just relax,’ she breathed into his ear.

 

 

 

Joe looked up at the ceiling, seeing nothing through his unfocused eyes.  He tried to struggle, but his movements were feeble at best and she giggled into his ear. ‘That’s it,’ she said. ‘Just let me finish and you’ll feel so much better Josh.’

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes fluttered closed again and his head rolled limply to one side. Margaret continued to wipe with the cloth, watching in fascination as his body responded to her movements. ‘That’s it,’ she said, her eyes becoming wider. ‘That’s it my darling.  You’re my lovely darling aren’t you Josh?  You’re my lovely young Josh.’

 

 

 

She sat up abruptly and put the cloth back into the basin again and pulled up the blankets around him. ‘Now,’ she said in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘That will make you feel much better.’  She stroked his curls again. ‘You sleep now my darling,’ she said softly. ‘You sleep.’  She bent down and kissed him on the mouth again, more insistently this time.  Joe murmured in his sleep again as she stood up and left him.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret looked over from the bench and smiled. ‘So you’re awake?’ she said. ‘How are you feeling?’

 

 

 

Joe looked over at her wearily.  Every joint in his body ached and his head was pounding. ‘Fine,’ he said. ‘Sorta.’

 

 

 

She came over and sat down next to him, taking in the pale skin and the dark rings under his eyes. ‘You look a lot better,’ she lied. ‘Almost like your old self again.’

 

 

 

Joe tried to sit up, but the movement made his head ache even more and he fell back onto the pillow again. ‘Is it morning?’ he asked feebly.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘It’s another lovely day.’

 

 

 

He looked around the room. ‘My …. my family … they might come … today,’ he whispered. ‘They… should have … got that … wire yesterday.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s eyes narrowed. ‘Maybe,’ she said briskly. ‘We’ll see.’  She brought him over a hot cup of coffee. ‘Here,’ she said as she helped him to lift his head. ‘This will help you feel a bit better.’

 

 

 

Joe allowed her to help him drink a few sips. ‘Tastes bitter,’ he said with a grimace.

 

 

 

‘That’s the cinnamon,’ she said. ‘I thought you liked it.’

 

 

 

He tried to shake his head, but it hurt too much so he stopped. ‘Its all … right,’ he said feebly. ‘Thanks.’  He moved slightly and then frowned. ‘Where’s ….’ He frowned even more. ‘I’m not wearing the  … nightshirt,’ he said. ‘Where ….’  His voice trailed away, as a great weariness took hold of him.

 

 

 

Margaret patted him on the arm. ‘Now don’t you worry about that,’ she said. ‘Don’t you remember being sick all over it last night?’  Joe shook his head at her feebly. ‘Well you couldn’t help it,’ she said brightly. ‘I had to take it off you.’

 

 

 

Joe blushed furiously and tried to pull the blanket up higher around himself. ‘I’m … sorry,’ he said. ‘I didn’t ….’

 

 

 

‘That’s quite all right dear,’ said Margaret, stroking his curls. ‘I told you I’d look after you, didn’t I?  I gave you a wash as well to make you feel better.’  Joe’s blush deepened even more and he averted his eyes from her.  Margaret laughed and tapped her finger on his cheek. ‘Now don’t you go being a silly boy!’ she said playfully. ‘Sometimes these things happen.  There’s nothing for you to worry about.’

 

 

 

Joe said nothing, but looked at the wall, going redder by the minute.  Margaret leant down towards him and stroked his face tenderly. ‘I enjoy looking after you Josh.  There’s no need to be embarrassed about it.’

 

 

 

Joe turned to face her. ‘What did … you call me?’ he asked. ‘Did you say … Josh?’

 

 

 

She sat up again. ‘Did I?’ she asked in a casual voice. ‘Well if I did it’s just because you remind me so much of him.’  She patted him on the head. ‘Now have a bit more of this coffee and you’ll feel better.’

 

 

 

Joe turned his head away. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I don’t … want it.’

 

 

 

Her eyes narrowed. ‘Drink it!’ she said sharply. ‘It’s good for you.’  She turned his face towards her and held him by the chin. ‘Now be a good young man and drink it up,’ she said with a sweet smile on her face. ‘You want to get better don’t you?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded as he stared at her and opened his mouth, allowing her to help him drink the rest of the coffee. ‘Can I have … a new … nightshirt?’ he asked when he’d finished.

 

 

 

‘No,’ she said as she stood up. ‘You might be sick again.  You’re causing me a lot of washing you know.’

 

 

 

Joe looked stricken. ‘I’m … sorry,’ he said as another stomach cramp gripped him. ‘I don’t … mean to be … a nuisance.’

 

 

 

‘That’s all right,’ she said in a matter of fact tone. ‘I don’t mind too much.’

 

 

 

Joe clutched at his stomach. ‘I … still think … I mean … can I please … have a nightshirt?’ he pleaded. ‘I’ll try not … to ….’  The pain in his stomach got worse and he groaned slightly.

 

 

 

‘See?’ said Margaret as she brought a basin over to him. ‘You’re going to be sick again aren’t you?  Now you understand why I’m not going to give myself all that washing to do.’  She held the bowl for him as he retched into it and then wiped his face for him.

 

 

 

Joe looked up at her miserably. ‘Please?’ he said softly. ‘I’d feel better … if I could have … something to wear.’

 

 

 

‘No,’ she said firmly as she stood up. ‘Now you stop carrying on about it. You’re much better off like this.  I can wash you easier if you’re not wearing anything.’

 

 

 

Joe gave her another stricken look as another wave of nausea hit him. ‘What?’ he said feebly. ‘I … don’t need you  … to ….’

 

 

 

‘You most certainly do!’ she interrupted sharply. ‘You can’t do anything for yourself at the moment … you’re a weak as a kitten. Besides I told you … That’s what I’m here for.’  She gave him a pat on the head. ‘You just relax and let me look after you.

 

 

 

Joe gave her another miserable look. ‘I’d like to … sit up for a while,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Of course!’ she said briskly and set about propping him up with a few pillows. ‘There.  How does that feel?’

 

 

 

Joe gave her a small smile as he looked around the cabin. ‘Where’s my … gun belt?’ he asked suddenly.

 

 

 

‘I put it away with your other things,’ she answered as she swept the floor.

 

 

 

‘Where?’

 

 

 

Margaret stopped sweeping and gave him a strange look. ‘What does it matter?’ she said. ‘You don’t need it at the moment.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned at her. ‘I … didn’t say that … I needed it,’ he said. ‘I just wondered …’ he put his head back and looked at the ceiling as another stomach cramp overcame him.

 

 

 

‘You don’t need it,’ she repeated. ‘So there’s no need to worry about where I put it.’

 

 

 

‘What about …my horse?’ he said.

 

 

 

‘What about him?’ she said as she began to sweep again.

 

 

 

‘Is he … all right?’

 

 

 

‘Of course he’s all right,’ she answered. ‘I’ve been taking good care of him.’

 

 

 

Joe closed his eyes. ‘Thank you,’ he whispered. He opened them again and noticed that she was easing her back and stretching. ‘What’s the … matter?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘I’m just feeling sore,’ she replied. ‘Its all that sleeping on the floor. It’s not good for me.  I really do ache all over you know.’

 

 

 

‘I’m … sorry.’

 

 

 

‘Yes.  Well you can’t help it I suppose. It’s just that with all the extra work I have to do around here I really need a good night’s sleep,’ she said somewhat crossly.

 

 

 

‘I’ll … sleep down there …. tonight,’ he said in a soft voice, trying to will the pain away.

 

 

 

She shook her head. ‘No you won’t,’ she said. ‘You can hardly move.’  He moved slightly on the bed as she spoke as if to prove her wrong. ‘What’s the matter?’ she asked. ‘Do you need to ….’ She pulled out the pot from under the bed. ‘Do you want to use this?’

 

 

 

Joe went red again. ‘No,’ he said. ‘And if I need … to … then .. I can manage,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Now Joe,’ she admonished. ‘I’ve told you before I’m here for that sort of thing,’ she said. ‘You just let me know whatever you need.’  He stared at her as she put the pot back again, his heart sinking.  He felt so weak that he really didn’t know if he could have managed if he’d tried.  A tear began to escape from the corner of his eye which didn’t go unnoticed by Margaret. ‘What’s the matter’ she asked anxiously as she sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Are you feeling sick again?’

 

 

 

Joe shook his head and put his hand up to wipe the tear away, embarrassed that she had seen it. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I just feel … so … useless is all.’

 

 

 

Margaret readjusted her position and then reached over to cradle his head in her lap. ‘Poor boy,’ she said soothingly. ‘That’s it now.  You have a good cry and get it all out of your system. ‘I’m here and I’ll take care of you.’

 

 

 

Joe struggled to get free of her. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I’m all right.’

 

 

 

Margaret kept a strong grip on his head as she began to rock backwards and forwards with him. ‘That’s it,’ she said. ‘That’s it, my darling Josh.’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret laid the blankets out on the floor and looked down at them distastefully before turning towards the sleeping young man in the bed. Gently she sat down next to him and eased the covers back until she could see the side of his firm nude body. ‘Josh,’ she said softly, running her hand lightly up the side of his leg. ‘I’m so glad you’re here with me again my darling.’

 

 

 

Joe murmured softly in his sleep and turned slightly away from her.  She ran her hand back down his leg and then reached around and began to rub his stomach gently. Joe groaned softly at her touch and frowned in his sleep. Margaret smiled as she lay down beside the young man and cuddled into him, her face pressed against his back.  Softly she drew the covers up around them both and closed her eyes with a sigh as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘We’ll split into three groups,’ instructed Roy Coffee. ‘That way we can cover more ground.’

 

 

 

Ben Cartwright gave a short nod. ‘That sounds fine Roy,’ he said and then turned to the assembled group of men. ‘I want to thank you all for helping in this way,’ he said. ‘I’m very grateful to you.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll take a group to cover the area back towards Placerville from here,’ continued Roy. ‘You can take a group from here Ben. Adam and Hoss your group will trace a line from here.’  He ran his finger along the map as he spoke. ‘That way we can cover just about every bit of ground between here and Placerville.  We should meet up there in about three days if we take it slowly and carefully.’  He faced the men. ‘Remember,’ he said. ‘We leave no stone unturned.  Good luck everyone.’

 

 

 

As the men all left the room, Ben turned to his friend again. ‘Roy I can’t thank you enough for all this help,’ he said.

 

 

 

Roy patted him on the shoulder. ‘That’s what I’m here for Ben,’ he said. ‘Now don’t you worry.  We’ll find your boy.’

 

 

 

Adam studied the map on the table. ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘I’d like to try up in the mountains again.

 

 

 

Ben frowned at him. ‘Roy’s group with be skirting the trails along that area,’ he said. ‘Leave it to him.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘No,’ he said thoughtfully as he looked at the map again. ‘I mean higher up.’  He pointed to it. ‘Around here.’

 

 

 

Ben bent over to study the area that his son was indicating. ‘We already looked up there very thoroughly,’ he said. ‘You’d just be wasting your time.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t think so,’ replied Adam. ‘At least … I’d like to try.  Remember that woman we saw up there?’

 

 

 

‘Yes.  But she said that she hadn’t seen anyone,’ replied his father.

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Adam thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin. ‘But there was something about her …..’ his voice trailed away.

 

 

 

‘What?’ asked Ben impatiently.

 

 

 

‘I don’t know,’ Adam replied. ‘I can’t put my finger on it.  It was just something about the way she looked at us.  And you must admit she didn’t seem at all anxious about sending that wire.’

 

 

 

‘Well look up there if you want to,’ said Ben as he picked up his hat. ‘You can join Hoss’ group when you’re done.’  He looked at both his boys. ‘Good luck boys.  I’ll see you in Placerville in a few days time.’

 

 

 

‘Good luck to you too Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘And don’t you worry, we’ll find that younger brother of ours.  He’s probably sitting somewhere having a good laugh about something right this minute.’

 

 

 

‘I sincerely hope so son,’ replied Ben. ‘I sincerely hope so.’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Joes’ eyes fluttered open and he tried to focus on the wall in front of him. He felt a slight movement behind him and turned his head slightly.  Aghast, he saw that Margaret was firmly tucked in behind him, her arms around his waist and her head resting on his shoulder.  She was fast asleep with a slight smile on her face. Joe tried to move away from her, but he was wedged in between her and the wall and had nowhere to go. Frantically, he tried to unwrap her arms from around him and the movement caused her to wake and open her eyes.

 

 

 

‘Good morning,’ she said with a lazy smile. ‘How are you feeling today?’ Joe didn’t answer, but simply continued to try and dislodge himself from her grasp. After a moment she let go of him and rolled away to the other side of the bed. ‘Well that was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in quite a while,’ she said contentedly. When Joe didn’t answer she smiled at him and propped herself up on her elbow to look at him more closely. ‘Are you all right darling?’ she asked.

 

 

 

‘What ….’ He gave her a stricken look. ‘What are you doing … in here?’

 

 

 

‘I told you that my back was hurting,’ she said, her smile getting bigger as she watched his discomfort. Her eyes widened. ‘Does it worry you darling?’

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Yes … it does worry … me.’  He eased himself to a more comfortable position further away from her. ‘It … it ain’t right.’

 

 

 

She gave a high-pitched laugh. ‘You really are a silly young thing, aren’t you?’ she said. ‘I’ve told you not to worry about anything haven’t I?’  She leant over and stroked his face. ‘Feel like something to eat?’

 

 

 

Joe pulled the covers further up around him. ‘No,’ he said. ‘I … just want you … to get out.’

 

 

 

Her eyes narrowed. ‘Really?’ she said in a brittle voice. ‘Well for your information this is my bed young man!  I’ll sleep anywhere I want!’  She smiled again suddenly. ‘Besides,’ she said soothingly. ‘I can take better care of you like this, can’t I?  … and you do need taking care of.’ She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and reached for her clothes.  As Joe watched, she flung her nightgown over her head and began to dress.  Joe rolled over and faced the wall in his embarrassment, anxious not to look at her.

 

 

 

‘I think we’ll see if you can manage something a bit more solid today,’ she said briskly as she dressed. ‘Do you feel like some bacon and eggs?’ Joe felt like retching, and held onto his stomach. ‘I asked if you felt like bacon and eggs?’ she repeated. ‘It’s not polite to ignore me Josh.’

 

 

 

‘My name … is Joe,’ he said in a low voice.

 

 

 

She gave a giggle. ‘Of course dear,’ she said and patted him on the head. ‘I’ll get breakfast now, shall I?’

 

 

 

Joe watched her work with a sinking feeling in his gut. Here he was trapped in a bed with no clothes and no energy to even get out of it if he tried to.  He had no idea where his clothes were and he couldn’t get to his gun or his horse quickly either. He realised with a start just how dependant on this woman he really was and the thought frightened him suddenly.  The way she had begun to call him by her husband’s name was frightening enough, but it was the look she kept giving him that had him more worried than anything.

 

 

 

‘I’m … going to try and …. get dressed… today,’ he said. ‘My family … might come for me.’

 

 

 

‘You’ll do nothing of the kind,’ she said as she cooked. ‘You’re going nowhere.’

 

 

 

Joe gave her a startled look. ‘I’m going when … my family gets here,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I said that you’re going nowhere,’ she repeated. ‘There’s no need for you to.  Besides … you’re too weak to even think about it.’

 

 

 

Joe knew that she was right.  Even the effort of talking was beyond him at times.  He knew that if he tried to get out of the bed then he’d most likely collapse at her feet. ‘Please … ‘ he said softly. ‘I need … to get out of  …. here.’

 

 

 

‘Now that’s just plain nonsense,’ she said. ‘You don’t need to go anywhere and you know it Josh.’

 

 

 

‘My name …. is Joe,’ he said desperately. ‘I’m not … Josh.’

 

 

 

She gave him a hard look. ‘Now don’t you go teasing me!’ she said. ‘I’ll have none of your nonsense!’

 

 

 

‘Its not … nonsense,’ he pleaded. ‘Please … listen to me!’

 

 

 

She brought a cup of coffee over to him and sat down next to him. ‘Here’s your coffee,’ she said. ‘Drink it up now.’

 

 

 

Joe gave her a dark look. ‘I don’t want it,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘Nonsense,’ she said and cupped his chin in her hand. ‘Drink it!’

 

 

 

Joe tried to push it away, but he didn’t have the strength.  Margaret forced it to his mouth and he swallowed involuntarily. ‘That’s it,’ she said happily. ‘Drink it all up and you’ll feel better.’ Joe looked at her over the rim of the cup and noticed the glazed look in her eyes as she stared down at him fondly.  He gulped several times and tried to turn his head away, but she had it in a tight grip. His heart sank as the feeing of nausea washed over him again and he closed his eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret cuddled into Joe’s back and snuggled her head against his shoulder as they lay together in the bed. With a contented sigh she rubbed her face against him and moved her legs so that they were intertwined with his. She hadn’t felt so happy in a long time and now that Josh was back with her she was sure that things were going to be much better around here.  She wouldn’t so lonely any more and she would always have someone to talk to … to be with … and to love now.

 

 

 

Her hands travelled around his waist, massaging his muscles gently as they went. Joe groaned and moved slightly beside her and she smiled as she blew into his ear gently. ‘My darling,’ she said. ‘My darling boy.’  Her fingers crept around his stomach and ventured lower, fluttering over his body in light movements.  Joe groaned again and his hands crept over hers, trying to push them away in his sleep.

 

 

 

She frowned and pushed his hands away firmly, tucking them under his side before going back to explore his body.  Joe began to mutter in his sleep. ‘No,’ he said softly. ‘No … don’t … I … no….’

 

 

 

Margaret whispered in his ear. ‘Relax my darling,’ she said. ‘Just relax and sleep now.’  She smiled as his body responded to her touch and with a contented sigh she snuggled in closer to the unconscious youngster.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Adam reined his horse in and narrowed his eyes as he stared over at the cabin.  There was smoke coming from the chimney so that even at this late hour he knew that someone was up and around.  He rode over towards it slowly, the feeling of foreboding that had previously settled upon him coming back with full force. As he dismounted, he looked around and noticed the small creek and the wooden cross beside it.

 

 

 

Margaret looked over to where Joe was sleeping and began to hum to herself as she cooked. Suddenly there was a loud bang on the door and she jumped. With a startled look at the boy in the bed she pulled the curtain shut and walked over to the door. ‘Who is it?’ she said.

 

 

 

‘Evening ma’am,’ said Adam through the wooden barrier. ‘Could you open the door please?’

 

 

 

‘Who is it?’ she repeated.

 

 

 

‘My name is Adam Cartwright,’ he said. ‘One of the riders from the other day.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s face darkened and she shot another look at the curtained area in the corner of the cabin. ‘What do you want?’ she said after a moment

 

 

 

‘I’d like to talk to you,’ Adam said. ‘Please open the door.’

 

 

 

Margaret opened the door slowly and then quickly walked outside and closed it behind her. ‘Yes?’ she said with a smile on her face. ‘How can I help you?’

 

 

 

Adam gave her an intense look. ‘I’m still looking for my brother,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘So you said the other day,’ she answered with the smile still plastered on her face. She stood against the door, effectively blocking it.

 

 

 

Adam stared at her. ‘If you’ll excuse me ma’am,’ he said, pushing her aside gently. ‘I’d like to check inside if I may.’

 

 

 

Margaret pushed him away from the door. ‘You’ll do nothing of the kind!’ she said angrily. ‘This is my house and I’ll thank you to stay out of it!’

 

 

 

‘Sorry ma’am, but I can’t do that,’ he replied and opened the door. He looked around the small room and then strode over to the corner and pulled the curtain across, gasping as he saw the sick youngster in the bed. ‘Joe!’ he said and knelt down on the floor next to him. ‘Joe!’  He took in at a glance the pale face and the dark rings around the eyes of his brother.

 

 

 

Joe’s eyelids fluttered open and he gazed up into the face of his older brother. ‘Adam,’ he said weakly. ‘Adam is … that you?’

 

 

 

‘Yes its me Joe,’ said Adam, placing a hand on his brother’s forehead.

 

 

 

‘I feel … so sick … Adam,’ said Joe in a feeble voice. ‘Help … me.’

 

 

 

‘I’ll help you buddy,’ replied his brother. ‘It’s going to be all right now,’ he said. ‘Don’t you worry about anything Joe.  I’m going to look after you now.’  He looked up at the woman standing beside him. ‘How long has he been like this?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘He wandered in like this yesterday,’ she replied.

 

 

 

Adam gave her a hard look. ‘You were going to send my father a wire,’ he said accusingly.

 

 

 

Margaret returned the look. ‘And just how would you suggest I do that?’ she asked. ‘I’ve been busy trying to help the boy.  I couldn’t leave him.’

 

 

 

Adam hesitated. ‘I suppose you’re right,’ he admitted. ‘I’m sorry ma’am.’ He looked down at the boy on the bed again. ‘It’s just that we’ve been so worried about him,  that’s all.’

 

 

 

‘I’m sure you have been,’ she replied. ‘And you have me to thank for the fact that he’s still alive.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘I’m grateful,’ he said in a tight voice. ‘But I’m here now so I’ll be able to look after him.’  He turned back to the youngster again in the bed again as Joe clutched feebly at his sleeve. ‘Adam,’ he whispered. ‘Don’t … don’t leave … me.’

 

 

 

‘I’m not going to leave you Joe,’ said Adam as he patted his brother on the head. ‘I’m here now and I’m not leaving you buddy.’  He looked up at Margaret again. ‘He needs a doctor,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I’ve been looking after him just fine,’ she said.

 

 

 

‘I’m sure you have,’ he replied. ‘But it’s obvious from the look of him that he needs more than anything you or I could do for him.’ He hesitated. ‘I’ll need to get him down to town.’

 

 

 

‘You put that boy on a horse and you’ll kill him,’ she said, trying to keep the satisfaction out of her voice.’

 

 

 

Adam hesitated. ‘Then could I borrow the buckboard I noticed outside?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘No.’

 

 

 

Adam gave her a startled look. ‘I’ll return it as soon as I’m able to,’ he said.

 

 

 

Margaret ran her fingers through her hair. ‘You can’t have it,’ she said. ‘I’m sorry … but its my only means of transport … you understand.’  She searched her brain to come up with a plausible reason why he couldn’t take it. ‘Without it … well I’d be stuck up here.  It’s not that I don’t trust you to bring it back.  It’s just that … well I don’t really know you.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded ‘I understand,’ he said. ‘But I’d leave you Joe’s horse in case you need it while I’m away.  You’d still have transport in case something goes wrong.’

 

 

 

She hesitated, not knowing what to say. ‘All right,’ she said. ‘But even taking him in the buckboard isn’t going to be easy.’ She looked down at Joe fondly. ‘He needs a bit more rest before you try. Besides you can’t go at this time of night.’

 

 

 

Adam looked down at the restless boy in the bed. ‘Yes you’re right,’ he said. ‘Well if you don’t mind putting up with me for the night we could go first thing in the morning,’ he suggested. ‘Is that all right with you?’

 

 

 

Margaret smiled at him broadly. ‘That’s fine with me!’ she said brightly. ‘I’ll get you some coffee Mr Cartwright. You’re going to need it.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded at her and turned to face Joe again. ‘It’s all right now Joe,’ he said. ‘You’re going to be all right now boy.  He pulled the blankets back from the youngster’s body and looked at him. ‘He’s awfully thin,’ he said. ‘How long since he’s eaten anything?’

 

 

 

‘He came in looking like that,’ she said pleasantly. ‘He hasn’t been able to keep anything down since … apart from some coffee and broth.’  She gave Adam a sideways glance. ‘I’ve been making it special for him.’

 

 

 

‘Thank you,’ said Adam and took the cup of coffee she held out to him. He took a sip and made a face. ‘Bitter,’ he said.

 

 

 

‘I put cinnamon in it,’ she said. ‘Joe likes it like that.’

 

 

 

‘Mmm.’  Adam put the cup down on the floor beside him and began to wipe Joe’s face with a cloth.

 

 

 

‘Aren’t you going to drink your coffee?’ asked Margaret.

 

 

 

‘Soon,’ he said. ‘I wonder if I could trouble you for some cold water from the well ma’am? I’d like to wash him down.’

 

 

 

Margaret hesitated and then picked up a bucket. ‘Of course,’ she said shortly. ‘I’ll get it.’

 

 

 

Adam waited until she had left the room and then got up and poured his cup of coffee into the fire before kneeling back down next to Joe again. ‘Don’t you worry Joe,’ he whispered. ‘I’ll look after you boy.  You just relax and get better now.’

 

 

 

Joe murmured softly in his sleep. ‘Pa …’ he said. ‘Pa ….’

 

 

 

‘Pa’s not here Joe,’ replied his brother. ‘It’s Adam. I’ll look after you now.  Don’t you worry.’  He turned as Margaret came back into the room with the bucket. ‘Thank you,’ he said and took it from her.   With a firm look at her he closed the curtain and began to wipe his brother’s body down.

 

 

 

Margaret stood on the other side of the curtain, her face a mask of anger. She clenched her fists several times and breathed deeply before turning towards the fire and stirring the pot of stew that was hanging over it. She reached up and opened a canister on the mantelpiece and poured its contents into the pot, stirring it once again with a look of pure joy on her face.  She began to hum a tune as she worked.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret looked at Adam closely as he sat on the edge of the bed and stroked his brother’s forehead. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the empty coffee cup beside him. ‘More coffee?’ she asked.

 

 

 

‘No thanks,’ he replied. ‘One was enough.’

 

 

 

‘I don’t think it was,’ she murmured softly.

 

 

 

‘Pardon?’

 

 

 

‘Nothing.’  She stood up and walked over to the fireplace. ‘I’ll get some stew for you,’ she said brightly. ‘You must be hungry.’  Adam didn’t answer as she ladled the stew onto the plate for him.

 

 

 

Joe groaned softly in the bed and opened his eyes again. ‘Adam?’ he said in a weak voice. ‘Adam?’

 

 

 

‘I’m here Joe,’ replied his brother.

 

 

 

‘Is Pa here?’ asked Joe.

 

 

 

‘No. I’m going to take you home in the morning though.  You’ll see him soon.’

 

 

 

Joe clutched at his brother’s sleeve. ‘Feel … sick Adam. So …. sick.’  He looked at his brother pleadingly.

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Adam soothingly. ‘But you’ll be better soon.  I’m going to get you to a doctor in the morning.’

 

 

 

Joe visibly relaxed. ‘Good,’ he said. ‘Feel … so sick.’

 

 

 

‘Here’s your stew,’ said Margaret, handing him a plate.

 

 

 

Adam eyed it off and then looked up at her and smiled. ‘Thank you,’ he said and took it before putting it down on a chair beside him.

 

 

 

‘Aren’t you gong to eat it while it’s hot?’ she asked pleasantly.

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘In a minute,’ he said as he wiped Joe’s face again.

 

 

 

Margaret stood and looked down at them both. ‘You don’t need to do that,’ she said. ‘I can look after him while you eat.’

 

 

 

Adam hesitated. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I appreciate it.’

 

 

 

He stood up and took his plate over to the table near the fireplace and sat down.  As he pushed the food around his plate he watched Margaret as she wiped Joe’s forehead and murmured to him. ‘It’s all right now,’ she said softly. ‘I’m looking after you.  You’ll feel better soon.’  Adam waited until she was engrossed in dipping the cloth into the water again and wringing it out before picking up his plate and tipping the contents back into the pot again. Margaret continued to wipe Joe’s face. ‘There there,’ she said. ‘You just relax now and I’ll look after you darling.

 

 

 

Adam’s eyes narrowed as he watched the woman.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret lifted her head and peered into the darkness.  She watched Adam’s still form in the chair across the other side of the room and heard a soft snore emanating from him.  She smiled broadly and got up softly from her bed of blankets on the floor and glanced over at Joe who was muttering in his sleep. She padded softly over to Adam and held a lantern up to his face.  Gently she tapped him on the cheek and was pleased to see that he didn’t stir. She leant over his face and tapped him again, harder this time.  Adam’s head rolled forward and his whole body slumped to one side. She gave a short chuckle.

 

 

 

‘So you thought you’d take my Josh away from me did you?’ she asked and then shook her head. ‘I don’t think so!’  She turned back towards the bed again and set down the lantern before climbing in beside the unconscious youngster.  She encircled his waist with her arms and cuddled in beside him, kissing him lightly on the lips. She rested her head next to his neck and began to rub her face against his.

 

 

 

Margaret’s hands travelled down Joe’s body, eager in their quest. Suddenly she was wrenched backwards and she stared up in surprise at Adam’s face above hers. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ he demanded angrily.

 

 

 

Margaret pulled the covers up around her and Joe. ‘I beg your pardon!’ she shouted angrily. ‘How dare you come into my bedroom like this!’ She glanced over towards Joe who was still sleeping peacefully. ‘My husband and I do not appreciate being disturbed like this, I’ll have you know!’ she continued. ‘Now get out!’

 

 

 

‘Your husband!’ shouted Adam. ‘Get out of that bed!’  He pulled the woman off his brother as Joe’s eyes fluttered open.

 

 

 

‘Adam?’ he called weakly. ‘Is that … you?’

 

 

 

‘How dare you!’ demanded Margaret and slapped Adam across the face.

 

 

 

‘I dare because that is my brother you’re …. What the hell do you think you’re doing?’ he asked again.

 

 

 

Margaret pushed him backwards. ‘Get out of here!’ she yelled. ‘This is my home … now you get out of here and leave Josh and I alone!’

 

 

 

‘Josh!’ said Adam. ‘What are you talking about?  Who is Josh?’

 

 

 

‘My husband,’ she said, indicating Joe in the bed. ‘Now get out of here!’

 

 

 

Joe tried to sit up. ‘Adam!’ he called feebly. ‘Adam!’

 

 

 

‘It’s all right Joe,’ said Adam, glancing across at him. ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’

 

 

 

Margaret’s face became dark and she looked confused. ‘Why …’ she said and looked across at the fireplace where the pot still hung. ‘Why aren’t you dead?’ Adam looked at her silently. ‘You should be dead,’ she said. ‘I put enough in there.’  She put her hands up to her face. ‘You have to go now,’ she said in a soft voice. ‘You have to go and leave Josh and I alone now.’

 

 

 

Adam shook his head. ‘I’m not going anywhere,’ he said. ‘But you are.’  He fingered his gun. ‘You’re coming down to town with us in the morning to see the Sheriff,’ he continued. ‘And we’re going to take a sample of that stew with us.’  He glanced around the room. ‘Probably some of that coffee as well … and who knows what else.’

 

 

 

Margaret shook her head slowly. ‘I’m not coming anywhere with you,’ she said. ‘Josh and I are staying right here.  This is our home and this is where we belong.’ She took a step towards the door. ‘You’re not taking me anywhere,’ she said.

 

 

 

Joe moved on the bed behind them. ‘Adam,’ he said, reaching out towards his brother. ‘Adam … help me …’  He began to retch and leant over the side of the bed, vomiting violently.

 

 

 

Adam looked at his brother and took a couple of steps towards him.  Margaret stared at them both and then ran towards the door and opened it, running outside into the darkness of the night beyond. Adam turned and hesitated and then walked over to Joe as he continued to retch. ‘Its okay Joe,’ he said, grabbing a basin. ‘I’m here.’

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

Joe’s eyes fluttered open and he looked across at Adam who was sleeping in a chair next to his bed.  He glanced around the room and noticed that it was morning, but could see no sign of Margaret.  He moved slowly in the bed and felt the heavy feeling in his limbs that he’d become so accustomed to feeling lately. The movement disturbed Adam who opened his eyes and yawned.

 

 

 

‘Morning,’ he said as he leant forward and looked intently at his younger brother. ‘How are you feeling?’

 

 

 

‘The same,’ said Joe wearily. ‘Not too good.’ He tried to rub his hand over his face, but it fell to the bed again.

 

 

 

Adam smiled at him. ‘I’ll get you something to drink,’ he said and came back moments later with a hot cup of coffee.  He helped Joe lift his head to drink it.

 

 

 

‘No cinnamon,’ Joe murmured after a few sips.

 

 

 

‘No,’ said Adam in a tight voice. ‘No cinnamon.’

 

 

 

‘Good,’ his brother murmured. ‘I don’t …. like it.’  He looked around. ‘Where’s Margaret?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Adam hesitated. ‘She’s not here at the moment,’ he said. ‘I’m looking after you now.’

 

 

 

Joe gave his brother a soft smile and closed his eyes again. ‘We … going home?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Adam. ‘As soon as you’re a bit stronger.  I’m going to get some food into you and get you dressed and then we’re going down that mountain to Placerville.

 

 

 

Joe opened his eyes again. ‘Adam…’ he said weakly. ‘I don’t … I don’t think … I can…. too tired.’

 

 

 

‘It’s all right Joe,’ said Adam, stroking his hair. ‘I’m going to put you in the back of the buckboard and get you down that way.  You don’t have to ride.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded and murmured something. ‘Good,’ he said. He looked confused for a moment. ‘But ….’ He clutched at Adam’s sleeve. ‘Margaret,’ he said. ‘She’ll need …. the buckboard … we can’t … take it Adam.’

 

 

 

‘She doesn’t need it any more,’ Adam assured his brother. ‘It’s all right Joe.’  He watched as the boy drifted off to sleep again. ‘I’m going outside for a little while to look after a few things,’ he said softly. ‘Will you be all right here?’

 

 

 

‘Mmm,’ Joe snuggled down into the pillows.

 

 

 

Adam gave his brother one last look before putting on his hat and coat and leaving the room.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘Feeling better?’ asked Adam as he took the empty cup and put it on the bench.

 

 

 

Joe smiled at him. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘That broth was good.’ Adam sat down again. ‘Adam?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Margaret … I mean …  ‘ He put his head back and sighed before continuing. ‘Its been hours … Adam .. where is she?’

 

 

 

‘She’s gone,’ replied Adam.

 

 

 

Joe looked up at his brother. ‘Gone? Gone where?’ he asked.

 

 

 

‘Just gone,’ said Adam. ‘Don’t you worry about it now Joe.’

 

 

 

Joe frowned. ‘But I … am worried,’ he said. ‘She was … well … good to me.  Is she … all right?’

 

 

 

Adam hesitated before sitting down next to the bed. ‘Joe… she’s dead,’ he said gently.

 

 

 

Joe looked at him, an appalled expression on his face. ‘Dead?’ he whispered. ‘Dead?’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘She took off last night and I found her this morning down in the creek.  She drowned.’

 

 

 

Joe stared at this brother for a full minute while the impact of his words sunk in. ‘Did she … did she … kill herself?’ he asked finally.

 

 

 

Adam looked at him intently. ‘What would make you say that?’ he asked.

 

 

 

Joe sighed. ‘Well … she was kinda … crazy you know?’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes, I do know,’ he said simply.

 

 

 

‘Well?  Did she?’

 

 

 

‘Joe, I’m not sure,’ replied his brother honestly. ‘All I know is that I found her body in the creek early this morning.’

 

 

 

‘Is that … where you went before?’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I buried her out by that other grave.’

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry for her.’

 

 

 

Adam studied the boy in the bed. ‘Are you?’ he said. ‘After all she did?’

 

 

 

Joe looked confused. ‘She .. was kind to me,’ he said. ‘She …’  he stopped as he tried to remember. ‘Well she did … well … make me feel uncomfortable sometimes … but …’ his voice trailed away.

 

 

 

‘Uncomfortable?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded. ‘She looked after me, but she kept calling … me … Josh.  It was her husband’s name,’ he explained.

 

 

 

‘I see.’  Adam hesitated as he wondered just how much his brother could handle hearing about what had really gone on between the two of them.  He wasn’t at all sure just how much Joe had been aware of.

 

 

 

‘I think ….’ Joe wiped his hand across his face. ‘I think she … was lonely without … her husband,’ he said.

 

 

 

Adam lifted his right eyebrow. ‘I’m sure of it,’ he said in a sarcastic tone.

 

 

 

‘She kept talking … about him all the time,’ continued Joe, his brother’s tone going unnoticed by him. ‘I think she … got confused and thought I was him … sometimes.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘I see,’ he said.

 

 

 

Joe blushed. ‘Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘Can you find my clothes for me? I really want to get dressed.’

 

 

 

‘Sure buddy.  They’re over here in this drawer.  I found them earlier.’  Adam brought Joe’s things over to him.

 

 

 

‘Cochise?’ asked Joe as his brother helped him put his shirt on. ‘Is he okay?’

 

 

 

‘He’s fine,’ replied Adam. ‘He’s out in the barn eating up a storm.’  He looked at his brother’s thin face. ‘Which is really what you should be doing.  We need to get some more food into you.’

 

 

 

Joe smiled. ‘I really do feel better today,’ he said. ‘Not sick like before.  I haven’t thrown up once since last night.’

 

 

 

‘I know,’ said Adam as he poured some more broth into a cup.  ‘Here, have some of this.’

 

 

 

Joe sipped it slowly. ‘Did you make it?’ he asked. ‘It’s not some of Margaret’s is it?’

 

 

 

‘Definitely not,’ replied Adam. ‘All mine.’

 

 

 

‘Good,’ said Joe, taking another sip. ‘I didn’t really like her cooking. It tasted funny.’

 

 

 

Adam smiled at him sadly. ‘Drink it up,’ he said. ‘You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.

 

 

 

 

 

**********

 

 

 

 

 

‘There you go,’ said Adam as he gently tucked the blankets around his younger brother in the back of the buckboard.

 

 

 

‘I really think I might be able to ride for a bit,’ said Joe.

 

 

 

‘You are going to stay right where you are,’ said Adam sternly. ‘I’m not taking any chances with you young man!’

 

 

 

‘You sound like Pa,’ giggled Joe.

 

 

 

Adam smiled as he tied Cochise and Sport to the back of the buckboard. ‘We’ll get to Placerville by this afternoon,’ he said. ‘Pa and Hoss should be there with the rest of the search party and we’ll meet up with them.

 

 

 

Joe looked over at the two wooden crosses by the side of the creek. ‘She said that she wanted to stay here forever with Josh,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Seems like she got her wish.’

 

 

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said in a tight voice. ‘Seems like she did.’  Not from me Joe, he thought. You’re never hearing the truth from me buddy … you’ve been hurt enough.

 

 

 

‘She was kinda nice you know,’ continued Joe. ‘Even if she was a bit crazy.’ Adam said nothing, but looked over to the creek and pursed his lips. ‘Hey Adam?’

 

 

 

‘Yes?’

 

 

 

‘You never did tell me … why did she run off like that?’

 

 

 

Adam hesitated. ‘Well … like you said Joe … she was a bit crazy.  Who would know?’

 

 

 

Joe nodded as Adam got up onto the front of the buckboard and hitched up the reins. As they drove slowly away from the cabin Joe watched sadly as the two crosses disappeared from sight.

 

The End