Summary: Adam loses a bet and must take Little Joe and four friends hunting in the high country. His fears of catastrophe come true in an unexpected way.  This prequel was written for the Chaps and Spurs Quarter Four Challenge.  The five mandated words were: percolate, earthquake, pipeline, surgeon, amendment.  Rating: teen        Word count: 7423

Mr. Adam and Them Boys 

by DJK

 

“Five, Hoss, five!”  Adam threw himself down into his favorite blue chair.  It rocked; Hoss smirked. 

 

“Now, Adam, it ain’t that bad.  You did make the bet.” 

 

“I was snookered.” 

 

“You were.”  Hoss chuckled.  “Slick as a whistle, them boys…” 

 

“Boys!  Imps, no, demons is more like it.  All of them were in on it.”  Adam groaned. 

 

“Now, you are the one that taught Little Joe about loopholes.  Ya shoulda remembered he’s a quick learner.” 

 

“I could just…” 

 

“Cartwrights don’t welch.  Besides how bad…” 

 

Adam sighed.  “Five twelve and thirteen-year-olds, Hoss; I’m taking them into the high country, and they will be armed.” 

 

“Them boys have all been hunting since they were eight or nine, well, except for Tuck.”  Hoss sat down on the hearth.  “It’s only for three nights, and you won’t actually leave Ponderosa land.” 

 

“Catastrophes have happened on Ponderosa land.” 

 

“What catastrophe do you think is gonna happen?” 

 

“Let’s see.  Fire, flood, an earthquake, perhaps, and then there are assorted accidents…” 

 

“Now, Adam, an earthquake?”  Hoss gave his brother a what-really look. 

 

“It’s possible. I do suppose fratricide has a higher percentage of probability.”  Adam leaned back, closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 

 

This time Hoss sighed.  “I’d come with ya if Pa…   I could talk to him.” 

 

“No. Pa insists he needs you here, and he’s right.  You have your special talents, and the Ponderosa will not suffer due to my foolish bet.  If the worse happens, they will need your tracking skills in the rescue effort.” 

 

“Adam, them boys, truth is, they all know to mind you, I don’t think you need to worry.” 

 

“They better mind, or I’ll roast their little backsides!”  Adam looked over at Hoss.  “It’s just…” 

 

“Responsibility for a young’un is a powerful burden, and this is gonna be quite the load.  I’ll pray for ya.”  Hoss smiled and patted his brother’s back. 

 

“See that you do!” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

His father came down the stairs and took a seat in his leather chair.  “Well, the boys are settled and should all be asleep soon.”  Little Joe’s four friends were spending the night so that an early departure could be assured. 

 

“Thank you, Pa, for taking them in hand tonight.” 

 

“Adam.”  Ben templed his fingers and studied his eldest.  “It’s a simple hunting trip not the Expedition of Discovery.” 

 

“True, but Lewis did have Clark.” 

 

Ben shook his head.  “The boys just want a little adventure, some time away from the everyday, and a chance to be a little grown.  The hunting isn’t even important.  If you all have some fun…” 

 

“Fun?  Adventure? The problem is their idea of fun and adventure might well collide with mine.” 

 

“I’m certain you can handle anything that comes up.  All the boys know that they are under your authority.”  Adam’s countenance did not lighten.  “Your brother, well, he appreciates that this is a gift from you.” 

 

“A gift? It wasn’t my idea.  You know I lost…” 

 

“Yes, I know about the bet.  Still, if you can relax…  you’ve taken Little Joe hunting and enjoyed it.” 

 

Adam tugged his right ear.  “You’re saying that I should give it a chance to be a special memory.” 

 

“I’m advising you that a great deal of how you, Little Joe, and the rest of the boys remember this trip is under your control, no matter what any of them do.” 

 

“True.  So, you think I should lead not command?” 

 

“Exactly.  Just be Little Joe’s big brother whom he is generous enough to share.”  Ben smiled.  “And remember Hoss and I are both praying for you.” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

“Boys, listen up.”  Five faces turned and gave Adam their total attention. He looked over their heads and saw that Hoss was quietly checking the cinches and tack on all the horses.  “The packhorses will have to be led.  We’ll share that responsibility, do it in pairs and in rotation: Little Joe and Mitch, then the twins, and then Tuck and I.” He watched the boys faces flicker with pride, their shoulders squaring and backs straightening.  “Anyone have any questions?” 

 

“Have you decided just where we’ll head?”  

 

“Well, Joe, I gave it some thought and think that meadow up by the high falls might be a good place to set up camp.  There’s usually game in the area and…” 

 

“Yea, we had real good hunting there, and we could show everybody the Indian paintings.  We can, can’t we, Adam?”   

 

Adam heard the excitement in his brother’s voice and in the murmurs of the other boys.  “No reason we can’t.  We’re agreed then?”  Each boy voiced his approval, and the knot in Adam’s stomach relaxed some.  Little Joe knew the area; Hoss knew it well.  “Let’s mount up then.”   

 

Little Joe and Mitch were riding their own horses.  The twins and Tuck were riding Ponderosa mounts.  Adam grinned as he watched the boys.  Hoss had picked out the steadiest and most sure-footed horses in the entire Ponderosa stable.  When it came to the riding, Adam had no worries about Little Joe and Mitch; both were excellent riders.  The twins were less natural horsemen but entirely competent.  Tuck, though, had much less experience and little confidence, having never ridden until his family moved to town.  He would bear watching, and Adam would set the pace to meet Tuck’s needs. 

 

“Okay, lead the way, Joe. Mitch.  We’ve got a full day’s ride ahead.” 

 

Until they left the road, Little Joe and Mitch led riding side by side followed by the twins and then Adam and Tuck.  Adam kept an eye on his partner, offering encouragement and occasional pointers while answering the boy’s questions.  When they turned and started across open land, the column became a group, and the boys started chatting amongst themselves.  Adam listened and smiled thinking how surprised the boys would be at how much they were reveling. 

 

“I think it’s time we gave the horses a rest.”  Adam did not mention that he thought Tuck needed one even more.  “There’s a creek near those trees.  We’ll stop, water the horses, and rest, um, our…” 

 

“Behinds!” Little Joe followed his declaration with a giggle. 

 

Adam rolled his eyes. “Precisely.”   

 

“Our ma sent a packet of cookies.  We could eat them up before they go to crumbles.”   Jeff patted his saddle bag. 

 

“Yeah, Ma bakes real good cookies.”  Jeb’s comment was met with nods of agreement. 

 

“Sounds good.”  Adam slipped ahead and led the group to the creek.  Before dismounting, he surveyed his troops.  “Horses first.  Watered and settled.  Then we’ll tuck into those cookies.  And, boys, let’s all try to stay dry.”  Adam suppressed the admonition that would normally have followed. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

Adam swallowed the last of four snickerdoodles while mentally agreeing that the twins’ mother baked “real good cookies”. “Okay, we’d best get going. Jeff and Jeb, you two will take over the packhorses.”  He stood and brushed cookie crumbs from his pants.  He watched the boys go to mount and took an internal count.  It came up one short. 

 

“Tuck!  TUCK!  TUCKER!”  After his third shout, Adam felt a tug on his sleeve.  

 

 “Adam, he just… he went… he needed to go.”   Little Joe’s voice urged reasonableness; Adam felt anything but reasonable.   

 

A tow-head figure dashed from the bushes.  “I… I’m…” 

 

“Come here!”  It was an order, and Tuck obeyed coming immediately to stand before Adam. 

 

Looking down into the boy’s face, Adam drew in a slow, deep breath and mentally counted to ten in Latin.  Raising his gaze to include the other encircling boys, he forced the harshness, if not the sternness, from his voice.  “We discussed the fact that none of you were to leave my sight alone.  At least two…” Adam paused to raise two fingers.  “Always at least two of you together.”  Mitch and the twins nodded. Little Joe cleared his throat. 

 

“Tuck didn’t think ya meant even just to go.  He ain’t spent much time out in the woods.” 

 

Tuck stood wide-eyed and swallowed repeatedly.   

 

Adam drew in another deep breath.  “Which is even more reason…. Let me clarify.   There are no exceptions to at least two of you being together if you are not with me.  I need to know where you are if you are out of my sight.  No exceptions!   Are things now clear?” 

 

All five boys gave respectful yes-sirs.  Tuck added, “I’m sorry.” 

 

The tremor in the child’s voice made Adam feel like he had just kicked a puppy.  Adam reached out and tousled Tuck’s hair.  “I know the other boys have more experience with hunting trips.”  He chuckled.  “And with me being in charge.  Just… well, ask if you’re not certain.  Error on the side of caution.” 

 

“Adam always does!”  Little Joe’s voice was teasing, and he easily dodged his brother’s swinging hand.  The other boys nodded and snickered. 

 

“Mount up!”  Adam sighed and mounted himself. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

They stopped for lunch beside a small pond and feasted on Hop Sing’s roast beef sandwiches along with pickles, canned peaches, and Mrs. Devlin’s applesauce cake.  They washed it down with ginger water, and Adam gave only a passing thought to a good cup of coffee. 

 

“Does that pond come from a spring?”     

 

Adam was pleased that Tuck again felt comfortable enough to ask him a question.  “No, the water comes from rain falling at a higher elevation, um, higher up the mountain.” 

 

“I don’t see no creek.” 

 

“There isn’t any creek, Mitch.  The water sinks into the ground, gathers into an underground pool, and then the rocks and underground formations form a natural pipeline bringing the water down and back to the surface. There is an opening about thirty feet up that incline on the opposite side.  There isn’t always a pond here.   If there is too little rain up higher, the pond dries up.” 

 

“But the water’s not full of dirt from being in the ground.”  Jeb looked at Adam for an explanation. 

 

“It’s real clear.  I drank some.”  Jeff joined his twin in gazing at Adam. 

 

“That’s due to percolation.” 

 

“Per…cu…what?” 

 

Adam leaned forward.  “There are layers under the dirt that we don’t see.  Layers of sand and then rock.  Some of those rocks are porous, um… full of the tiniest holes.  Too tiny to really see but not too tiny for water to travel through.  The sand and porous rock allow the water to percolate which means travel through something leaving behind impurities, in this case dirt and the other things in the ground that we don’t want to drink.  Understand?” 

 

“Yeah, but…” 

 

“But what, Mitch?” 

 

“That was just about the same as a science lesson in school.  We’re supposed to be on a break from learning.”  Even though he had found the information interesting, Mitch objected based on principle. 

 

“Adam doesn’t believe in breaks from learning.”  Little Joe’s head shook mournfully. 

 

“No, I don’t.  I also don’t remember agreeing not to enlighten you boys when the opportunity arises.  Apparently, there was more than one loophole in our agreement.” 

 

“Apparently.”  Little Joe chewed his lower lip.  “We could amend the agreement.”  He gave his brother a cheeky grin.  Adam had been the one to teach him what an amendment was. 

 

Adam’s snort covered the fact that he was pleased Little Joe remembered previous instruction at his elder brother’s knee.  Adam rubbed his chin as if he were considering options. “An amendment is usually voted upon.” 

 

“Yeah, let’s vote.” 

 

“That’s right; we should vote.” 

 

“Right!  We can use a show of hands.” 

 

Adam bowed his head in acquiescence.  “The amendment on the floor is that there will be no school-related instruction until this trip is completed.  All in favor raise your hand.” 

 

Four hands quickly rose and waved in the air.  “One, two, three, four. Four in favor.”  The boys’ heads swiveled looking for the defector among them. 

 

“I… I thought it was interesting.  I like to learn.” Tuck shrugged. 

 

“We know; we know.  He’s about as bad as you, Adam, about learning stuff.”  Little Joe smiled.  “The amendment passed anyway.  So, no more school lectures, elder brother!”  

 

Adam gave a tip of his hat and then ordered them on their way. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

With one more stop to rest the horses and consume Tuck’s mother’s iced gingerbread, the band reached the meadow with at least an hour of daylight left and found a suitable spot to camp.  Adam gave out assignments, and the group finished in time to watch the sunset over the waterfall.  

 

As Adam heated the crock of stew Hop Sing had sent along, he set the premade biscuits and berry pie near the fire to warm.  He looked around, counted five young heads, and relaxed, glad that the provided provisions made for an almost work free meal.  He also told himself that tomorrow morning he would be having coffee even if it elicited an argument with his brother who would not be having any. 

 

“Can we wait until morning to clean the plates?”  Mitch leaned back lazily. 

 

Since it was too dark to see the water’s edge, Adam quickly agreed the dishes could wait.  “The horses are settled for the night?” 

 

Little Joe glanced around at his friends’ nodding heads. “Yeah, everything you told us to do is done.”   

 

“Excellent.” 

 

“So now, we can have some fun!”  Little Joe’s eyes danced. 

 

“Fun?” 

 

Mitch sat up. “We could play some poker.  I brought a deck of cards.” 

 

Adam looked at Mitch.  “Do you have money with you?” 

 

“Um, no, well, three cents.” 

 

Adam watched the other boys shake their heads. “Then it wouldn’t be fair.  I could buy every pot.” 

 

Tuck, whose father did not believe in gambling at all, was quick to interject.  “No, it wouldn’t be fair, so we’ll do something else.” 

 

“We could arm wrestle.”  Jeff volunteered. 

 

“Or just plain wrestle.”  Jeb added. 

 

“No wrestling in the camp, boys.  Well, arm wrestling would be fine.” 

 

“Except Mitch always wins arm wrestling.” Jeb’s voice had a distinct whine.  ‘Sides, I’m about wore out.” 

 

Adam sensed the need for intervention.  “Something less physical then.  On round up and on the trail, the hands sometimes sing around the campfire.  Of course, one of them usually has a harmonica in his pocket.” 

 

Tuck hopped up.  “I’ve got one!  It’s in my saddle bag.  I can play three songs good and fake some others.” 

 

“Dig it out then.”  Tuck retrieved the instrument, and Adam led the group through Tuck’s entire repertoire. 

 

“Tuck can’t play it, but we could teach everybody the one you and Hoss sing about Too-Fine Sal.”  Little Joe grinned widely as Adam shifted nervously.  Joe was glad his elder brother did not know that he had heard the entire song one night when his brothers had come home three sheets to the wind as Pa called it. 

 

“Um, I suppose two or three verses.”  Little Joe rolled his eyes; the song did not get bawdy until verse four. 

 

After the boys had the respectable portion of the tavern song memorized, Adam declared there was no more to the song while Little Joe shook his head and giggled softly behind his brother’s back. 

 

“What now?” Mitch had the least affinity for music. 

 

Little Joe looked at his brother and then around at his friends.  “Adam can tell a real good tale when he wants to.” 

 

“Yeah, yeah, he can!”  Mitch had heard Adam spin a yarn many times. 

 

“Do you want to?”  Tuck’s question was voiced softly and with respect. 

 

“It’s got to be something rousing, Adam.  Remember, you can’t be instructional.  We want pirates or…” 

 

“Battles!” 

 

“Outlaws.” 

 

“Or ghosts.” 

 

Adam rolled his eyes.  “Settle on your bedrolls.”  He then proceeded to deliver a tale about a ghost ship whose pirates battled against a gang of Western outlaws.  

 

“Now, it stays quiet from here on.  The lot of you need to get some rest, or I’ll have to wake you with a river water dousing.”  Adam’s mock glare went unnoticed in the darkness. 

 

“Should we set a guard, Mr. Adam?”  Tuck was entirely serious. 

 

“I think we can get by without one.  I’m a light sleeper, and the horses are close enough to raise the alarm if they smell a predator.”  Only Little Joe picked up the warning in his brother’s pronouncement.  Of course, Little Joe had rued the fact that his elder brother truly was a light sleeper countless times. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

Adam put more wood on the fire and set the coffee to boil.  He looked around at the sleeping youngsters and watched Tuck sit up, stretch, and get to his feet.   

 

“Good morning.  You’re an early riser, I see.” 

 

“Yeah, I guess I am.  Um, Mr. Adam…” 

 

“Use those bushes over there.  If I stand up, the top of your head won’t be out of my sight.” 

 

Tuck grinned.  “Okay.” 

 

Adam stood as the boy darted into the bushes and waited for him to emerge before he sat back down.  “Use the water in that canteen.” 

 

“Okay.  Um, the plates need cleaning before breakfast.” 

 

“I’ll be handing out morning chores shortly, but I thought to give those sleepyheads about fifteen more minutes.  Besides, I need a cup of coffee before I attempt getting Joe to rise.” 

 

“Would you really douse them with river water?” 

 

“Only as a last resort.” 

 

“Oh.  Joe always says you can be really strict.  I thought…” 

 

“That he was simply grousing?” 

 

“That it was mostly an exaggeration.” 

 

“It’s not, well, not exactly.  Tuck, you have a little sister, I imagine you have charge of her from time to time.” 

 

“Yeah, sometimes Mama needs me to watch her.  She’s only four.” 

 

“Do you let her do whatever she likes? Go off alone, jump off things, play with a shiny knife?” 

 

“Gosh, no!” Adam let the boy think in silence.  “Oh, I see.” 

 

“Since you’re an elder brother, I thought you might.  The other boys, well…” 

 

“The twins say their older sister can be worse than their mama.” 

 

“Some things only the eldest can really understand.”  Adam smiled conspiratorially. “But it’s not so bad being part of that club.”  The twins’ rising drew Adam’s attention.  He   pointed toward the prescribed latrine area and reached for the coffee pot.  Pouring a cup, he sighed and drank a few swallows before the twins joined them.   

 

“The three of you can get our dishes clean and bring back fresh water. Little Joe and Mitch will have the job of tending the horses.  Then all of you can see we have a good supply of firewood while I cook breakfast.”  He paused and then added a mild warning.  “The rocks are slippery near the water, and it’s far too cold to get drenched.” 

 

Jeb exchanged a look with his brother.  “Okay, Mr. Adam, no horseplaying and no…” 

 

“Real tussles.  We know.”  Jeff finished his twin’s assurance.  As the boys gathered the dishes and canteens; Adam finished his coffee.  He then sighed and walked over to the two still sleeping boys.  “Joe.  Mitch.”  Neither boy stirred.  “Joseph!  Mitchell!”  There was a low moan from Little Joe and a slight stir from Mitch. Adam squatted down and increased his sternness rather than his volume.  “You’re thirty seconds from a dousing.” 

 

Mitch opened his eyes and sat up; Little Joe opened one eye and focused on his brother’s hands.  “You ain’t got any water.”   

 

“Joe.”  The syllable was quiet, hard, and sharp-edged. 

 

“I’m getting up.”  Little Joe sighed and rose to a seated position.   

 

Adam shook his head.  “Take care of business, and then the two of you are in charge of caring for the horses.” 

 

“Okay!”  Little Joe had intended to check on the horses anyway. 

 

“There’s also firewood to be gathered.  If you don’t get to breakfast on time, I’m letting the others eat it all.”  The sternness was gone, but neither boy thought Adam was only teasing. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

Adam mentally congratulated himself on not burning the camp biscuits and frying the bacon crispy.  Setting down his plate, he picked up his coffee cup and smiled.  There had been no argument about the boys not drinking coffee. 

 

“Mr. Adam?” 

 

“What, Jeb?” 

 

“There’s a spot we saw with some real fine trout swimming all over.  We went down a ways to do the dishes so’s we wouldn’t disturb them.”  He looked over at his twin who finished his thoughts. 

 

“Fresh trout would be real fine tasting.” 

 

“They would.”  Adam set down his plate.  “Little Joe, did you think to pack a fishing net?” 

 

“Yeah.  Hoss said I should.” 

 

“Um, do the lot of you still want to see the Indian paintings?  It’s a hike up hill to see them.” 

 

The boys all voiced their desire to be shown the ancient drawings.  “Well, we could set the net before we head out, have pan-fried trout for lunch, and use the afternoon for small game hunting.   We could save tomorrow for the larger game.” 

 

“That sounds good!”  Tuck’s voice held an extra touch of enthusiasm for the suggestion.   

 

“Any objections?”  Adam sent his gaze around the boys. Receiving none, he rose.  “That will be the plan then.  Uhm, Joe, do you and Mitch remember how to set the net?” 

 

Little Joe jumped up.  “Of course!” 

 

“Jeff and I know how too!” 

 

“Then the four of you have that job if you can guarantee that all of you will stay dry.” 

 

Little Joe rolled his eyes.  “All right, no swimming!”  He giggled and backed further away from his brother’s reach. 

 

Adam just shook his head and looked down at Tuck.  “That leaves us with the dishes, partner.  Unfair but…” 

 

“No, no, it’s fine.”  Adam tousled Tuck’s hair and started to gather the dirty dishes. 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~   

 

Adam considered the excursion to the Indian paintings a success.  He had managed to answer the boys’ questions informatively without being charged with giving a lecture and had not needed to correct anyone’s behavior.  In the end, catastrophe came as they returned, not through natural disaster nor boyish misconduct nor even thoughtless or impulsive behavior; it came through a simple accident.   

 

The trail allowed the boys to walk three abreast.  The twins and Tuck lead the way; Little Joe and Mitch followed them. The boys chattered about what they had seen. Adam was walking slightly behind Little Joe and Mitch.  When Mitch slipped on some loose gravel, Adam instinctively reached out to keep him from falling and was unbalanced when Mitch landed in front of him.  Adam stumbled over Mitch’s leg, tried to avoid trampling the boy, and ended up propelling himself forward, catching his foot on a rock, and flinging himself into a granite outcropping that snapped his right tibia.  He also managed to land in a way that sprained his wrist.  His short cry brought five boys to his side.  He drew in shallow breaths and tried to force down the pain. 

 

“Adam!”  Adam recognized his brother’s voice and the fear that filled it. 

 

“You all right, Mr. Adam?”  That was Tuck. 

 

“I didn’t… I’m sorry!”  Mitch was at least uninjured enough to speak. 

 

“What should we do?”  The twins’ voices were stereophonic. 

 

Adam drew enough breath to speak.  “Is Mitch okay?” 

 

“I’m okay, Mr. Adam.  But you…” 

 

“Your leg don’t look right.”  Jeff’s observation brought murmurs of agreement. 

 

“You’re hurt bad, aren’t ya?  Little Joe was on his knees beside his brother. 

 

“Now, Joe, it’s not like I haven’t broken a bone or two before.”  Experience told him that he had again. “You have also.” 

 

“But…” 

 

“We should check and see how bad.”  Tuck spoke with a calm assurance that Adam had never heard from the boy.  Bringing out his pocketknife and opening it, Tuck split the seam of Adam’s pants before anyone could agree or protest.  He then moved the hanging fabric out of the way. 

 

The boys’ gasps confirmed what Adam had already known: it was more than a simple break. 

 

“It’s bleeding some, and some bone, I guess, is peaking through.  I think a surgeon is going to need to set it.”  Tuck announced. 

 

“We don’t know no surgeons!”  Anxiety was overtaking Jeff’s voice. 

 

“Doc Martain is a surgeon sometimes.  He does operations.  He…” 

 

Little Joe had jumped to his feet.  “I’ll go….” 

 

“No!”  Adam managed to achieve both volume and command. “You will not…” 

 

“But you need a doctor.  I know the way.  I can get him, Adam; I can.”  Adam heard hysteria edging into his brother’s voice and pushed down his own panic.   

 

He reached out, clasp Little Joe’s wrist, and played the only card that might keep his brother from riding off on his own.  “Joe, I need my brother; I need you here.”  He could feel when Little Joe capitulated. 

 

Mitch stood.  “I can…” 

 

“No.” Adam let his eyes catch the eyes of all the boys staring at him. “I need all of you here to work together.  We’ll all be fine if we work together.  Right?  Can I count on each of you?”  Lying on his back in the dirt, hands clenched against the pain, Adam still managed to speak with calm reassurance.  Slowly, one after another, all five boys nodded their heads; each assured that he could be counted on. 

 

“Good men.  Now, Jeb, you have the pack we brought.”  Adam gave thanks that the boys had wanted to share the burden so that he had not been wearing the pack with the medical kit.  “Joe, get out Hop Sing’s kit and open it.  Jeff and Jeb, we’ll need two sturdy sticks about the length of my lower leg to….” 

 

“Use for splints.” 

 

“We’ll get them!”  The twins started off. 

 

“Stay together.  Don’t run!” 

 

The twins’ steps slowed. “We’ll be careful.” 

 

“Tuck, you check Mitch over.  Make sure he’s as fine as he thinks he is.” 

 

Mitch rolled his eyes.  “The only thing I busted was my behind, and he don’t need to check that.  I’m fine, Mr. Adam, really.” 

 

“Humor me.  And, Mitch, it wasn’t your fault; it was an accident.”  Adam turned his gaze to his brother.  “Hop Sing gives you a clean handkerchief each morning.  Have you used yesterday’s yet?” 

 

“No.” 

 

“Then it’s still clean.  Use it and water from a canteen to clean the wound. There should be soap in the kit.  When it’s clean, put a bandage over it.”   

 

“Okay.”  Little Joe drew in a deep breath and made his movements deliberate and gentle. 

 

“Mitch has some scrapes on his hands, but that’s all.”  Tuck sounded sure of his diagnosis. 

 

“Clean them out well.”   

 

“You got some too, Adam.”  

 

“Well, then…” Adam drew in a breath to steady himself, and Little Joe went to work.  The twins returned as he finished the job. 

 

“We got some and some extra…” 

 

“… so you could pick the best.”  Jeb held out the sticks in his hand.  Adam automatically reached for them. 

 

“Look at his wrist!”   

 

“It’s swelling!” 

 

“Is it broken?” 

 

“Talk about me not telling.”  Mitch ended with a snort. 

 

“It is not broken.”  Adam sighed.  “It’s not.  It is sprained, and we’ll deal with it after we deal with my leg.  Those look fine, boys.  Pick the two strongest and smoothest.”  

 

“Adam, this is laudanum, isn’t it?”  Little Joe held up a small brown bottle. 

 

“Yes.”  Adam prepared mentally for a fight. 

 

“You need to take some.” 

 

“I need a clear head.” 

 

“You’re hurting already. Doc Martin made me take it when I broke my arm.”  Adam recognized the stubborn insistence that had entered his brother’s voice. 

 

“Different circumstances.” 

 

“Broke is broke, and hurting is hurting!  The splinting is gonna hurt a lot.” 

 

“I am still in charge and…” 

 

“Please, Adam, please.”  Little Joe had turned to pleading. 

 

“Maybe just a drop, Mr. Adam.  To take the edge off.”  Tuck spoke softly while Mitch and the twins nodded their encouragement. 

 

Adam studied the young faces hovering over him. “One drop.  Only one drop!”  He stuck out his tongue.  Little Joe made sure the drop was a large one. 

 

Adam then proceeded to give step-by-step instructions which the boys followed to the letter.  When Adam’s leg was securely splinted, Tuck and Little Joe wrapped his wrist, and Mitch made a sling tying it around Adam’s neck. 

 

“All right.  First, each of you take a deep drink of water.”  Adam managed a slight smile. “Seeing as how we haven’t any whiskey.” 

 

“Pa would kill ya if we did!” 

 

“I have full confidence that none of you would tattle.”  Adam saw the tension in the boys, even Little Joe, ease slightly.  “Now, Mitch, do you know the way back to camp?  Tell me if you’re not sure.” 

 

“Of course I do!”  Mitch was slightly affronted at the question.  

 

Adam knew the boy had a good visual memory and a sharp sense of direction.  “Then, you and Tuck will go back to camp, and bring back one of the packhorses and some other things we’ll need.”  Tuck had shown himself the least impulsive and most biddable of the bunch. 

 

“Should I bring Old Ben or Big Sam?”  Mitch was eager to accept responsibility for the mission. 

 

“Big Sam.” Adam then proceeded to list what he wanted.  He finished with “Bring back something that doesn’t need cooking for lunch.” 

 

“I thought Hoss was the one always thinking about his stomach.”  Little Joe was trying for humor. 

 

“Can’t have none of you young’uns fainting dead away from starvation.”  Adam managed a recognizable imitation of their middle brother. 

 

“Come on, Tuck.  We’ll be back quick as…” 

 

“Mitch, you will not run.  You will walk quickly but with care, and the two of you will stay together at all times.  Am I clear?  The last thing we need is another fall.”   

 

“Yes.” 

 

“Tuck?” 

 

“Yes, sir.”  Tuck leaned closer to Adam and whispered.  “I’ll see to him like an elder brother, Mr. Adam.”  He hopped up, joined Mitch, and the two boys started down the trail. 

 

“Now, Jeff and Jeb, the two of you will find two young, thin, but sturdy trees.  When they return with the hatchet…” 

 

“We’re gonna make a travois.  We are, aren’t we, Adam.  Yea, a travois, that’s what we need.” 

 

“Yes, Joe, we are going to make a travois.” 

 

The twins hopped up.  “We saw one once, didn’t we, Jeff?” 

 

“Yep, we know what to look for.”  Jeff ‘s gaze fell, and he caught Adam’s eye.  “Stay together, don’t tussle, no foolishness.  We know, Mr. Adam; we know.”  

 

“The knowing is not what I worry about.  Don’t go beyond my call!” 

 

Jeff and Jeb shook their heads in unison and set out. 

 

“What’s my job, Adam?” 

 

“Taking care of your big brother.  Make the best of this one-time opportunity.” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~   

 

The twins returned with assurances that they had located two trees just right for the travois’ poles close to hand, and the group discussed its method of construction until Mitch and Tuck returned. 

 

Adam insisted that the boys eat before doing anything else, and they insisted that he eat something also.  Lunch was quickly consumed, and the construction of the travois began.  Adam supervised and was surprised at how well the boys followed his instructions and worked as a team.  When the travois was completed and hitched to a placid Big Sam, Adam gave in to Little Joe’s insistence that he take another drop of laudanum. Then the process of transferring Adam to the travois was accomplished.  Mitch handled Big Sam. Jeff and Jeb, being the stoutest, stood on either side of Adam and lifted his torso.  Tuck lifted his uninjured leg, and Joe took responsibility for the injured limb.  The boys’ movements were deliberate and well-coordinated, and Adam managed not to scream.  Once he was on the travois, their belts became straps securing him and his leg in place.  The trek back to camp was slow but completed safely just as the sun began to set. 

 

“We’ll gather things up, get the horses saddled, and …”   

 

“No.” Adam’s declaration stopped Little Joe and the other boys and brought all eyes to him.  He made his tone commanding as he was able.  “We’ll stay the night and start back in the morning.” 

 

Little Joe ignored the commanding tone; he had heard it often before.  “But you need a doctor.  You know you do, and we’re going to get you to one.” 

 

“What I need is to get you… to get us all back home safely.  We will not be traveling in the dark.  First light is soon enough.” 

 

“You go off riding in the night.” 

 

“Jospeh!”   

 

“It’s important that you…” 

 

“You told Pa that you would mind me.” 

 

“But…” 

 

“All of you promised your folks the same.”  Adam gazed at each boy and then back at his brother. “I’m not threatening you even though I could.  I’m asking you not to fight me on this.  Please.”   

 

“Joe, maybe, well, maybe…” Tuck’s voice was hesitant.  

 

Jeff and Jeb exchanged a look.  “We did promise our ma.” 

 

Mitch sighed.  “In the dark and tired and all.  We don’t want no more accidents.” 

 

“Little Joe, it is for the best.  I’ve thought it through.”   

 

“But your leg!” 

 

Adam stared directly into his brother’s worried eyes.  “I don’t think the hours we’re here will make the difference.  If I did, we’d head out, but I don’t.  I wouldn’t do anything that would leave any of you feeling guilty about what happened.” 

 

Little Joe sighed.  “Okay, but if we stay you have to take enough laudanum to sleep.  Doc always says a body needs to rest.” 

 

“I have to be able to wake up if needed.” 

 

“Half a dose then.” 

 

“A quarter dose.” 

 

“A third of a dose.” Tuck spoke as if the matter was settled.  “We’re going to take turns sitting up with you, so everything should be fine.” 

 

Little Joe looked down at Adam.  “Agreed?” 

 

Adam sighed. “Agreed.” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

The boys managed to prepare an edible supper.  In fact, Jeff showed an aptitude for frying trout, and Jeb’s biscuits were neither burnt nor hard.  The twins also made enough of both that a breakfast of cold fish and biscuits would hasten the morning’s departure.  Everything that could be done before morning was finished and the rest made ready.  Lots were drawn for the order in which the boys would keep watch over Adam, and Adam handed over his timepiece to Mitch. 

 

Without the need for discussion, Adam had remained on the lowered travois though the boys had helped him settle against his upturned saddle so that he could both eat and keep an eye on his charges. 

 

“I’m sorry so much of your bedding is in use.”  Adam sighed.   

 

“It ain’t any worry, Mr. Adam.  We’re gonna double up in pairs, and there’s a blanket for whoever is on watch.”  Jeff managed to finish his entire reassurance without his twin speaking. 

 

“Good thinking.”  Adam smiled.  “Settle down now.  Morning will come early.” 

 

Little Joe held up the little brown bottle and a cup of water.  “You’ve got medicine to take first.” 

 

Adam lost his smile and fought the desire to demand he be the one to count out the drops.  He looked around at the faces of the boys.  He sighed again.  He had an example to set.  “Okay.”   

 

Little Joe dripped one-third of the bottle’s recommended dosage into the water and handed it to his brother.  Adam took a sip and coughed at the bitterness.  “No spitting!” 

 

Adam rolled his eyes and drained the cup. “There!” 

 

“Good boy!”  Little Joe managed a fair imitation of their Pa. He took the cup.  “Come on, fellows.  He needs his rest.” 

 

 Mitch settled down on a flat rock beside Adam, and the other boys lay down.  Adam listened carefully, but as the boys quieted, he felt the laudanum pulling him into sleep. “Don’t worry, Mr. Adam, I’ll wake ya if you’re needed.  I promise.”  Mitch voice was the last he heard until he roused for the changing of the guard.    

 

“Did you get some sleep?” 

 

“Yes.  Did you get some, Mr. Adam?”  

 

“Yes, Tuck, I did.” 

 

“Then get some more!”  The command was voiced softly and ended with a softer giggle. Adam closed his eyes and drifted into sleep again.  He was aware when Jeb and then Jeff took over but did not rouse completely.  When Little Joe arrived, he opened his eyes and studied his brother in the fire light. 

 

“You worry too much.”  Little Joe spoke softly. 

 

“Force of habit.” 

 

“You should take some more medicine.” 

 

“No.” 

 

“Before we leave then.” 

 

“Joe.” 

 

“I’ll be getting the others up in an hour.  We’ll be ready to go at first light.” 

 

“Joe.”  Adam paused and considered his words.  “Don’t pick up my bad habits.  It’s not your place to worry about me.” 

 

“I do though, and not just now.  You should keep that in mind.” 

 

Adam gave a slow shake of his head.  “I shall.” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

The last shades of dawn still painted the sky when the journey home began.  The boys rotated the jobs of leading Big Sam, Old Ben, and Sport while two boys always flanked the travois.   The group made steady though slow progress, and despite knowing he was developing a fever, Adam relaxed slightly as the miles brought them closer to the ranch.  He reassured himself that Little Joe or even Mitch could find the way home if needed.   

 

When Adam insisted that Big Sam and all the other horses needed water and rest, the group stopped for a lunch of jerky, Hop Sing’s bread, and some left over applesauce cake. 

 

While they were preparing to head out again, Little Joe came and knelt beside the travois.  “You have a fever.  Don’t tell me you don’t.” 

 

“A slight fever is to be expected.” 

 

“There was some of Hop Sing’s fever tea in the kit. I brought you some to take.” 

 

“Little Joe…” 

 

“It don’t make ya sleepy or muddleheaded, so there ain’t no reason for you not to take some.” 

 

“True.”  Adam sighed.  “All right.” 

 

Little Joe handed Adam the cup.  Knowing the tea’s unpleasant taste from experience, Adam downed the liquid in three nonstop gulps.  “There.”  He thrust the cup back at his brother. 

 

“Good.  We’re ready to head out.  We should make it home not much after dark.” 

 

“I…”  Adam recognized the aftertaste in his mouth as he felt the seeping effects of laudanum spread through his body.  “Why you… you… just wait…” His words slurred away. He did hear his brother’s answer before sleep pulled him into darkness. 

 

“I know the way; Mitch does too.  We’ve been this far lots.  We’ll all stay together and go safe.  I promise we will.  It’s time ya stopped hurting.” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

Adam’s world became dark and swirling with fading dreams and disembodied voices.  He called the boy’s names repeatedly and nearly came awake when he thought he heard his father’s voice.  Then an even deeper darkness pulled him into nothingness.  When he finally came awake clearheaded enough to recognize his surroundings, he was in his own room with his father sitting in a chair beside his bed. 

 

“Pa.” His voice was guttural, and his mouth felt full of cotton.” 

 

“Stay still.”  Ben grabbed a glass and held it to his son’s lips.  “Sip slowly now.  Good. Good.” 

 

“The boys?” 

 

“Are asleep in Little Joe’s room.  They refused to go home until they could see you.” 

 

“They’re alright?” 

 

“Perfectly fine.  You can stop worrying.” 

 

“That might not be such a good idea.  If I do, I’m liable to get really angry.” 

 

“Adam…” 

 

“They drugged me, Pa.  Little Joe… he lied to me.” 

 

“From what the boys told me, he didn’t fabricate; he prevaricated.  He simply didn’t mention the laudanum in the tea.” 

 

Adam snorted.  “Are you changing your opinion on prevarication being deceit?” 

 

“No.  Are you changing yours?” 

 

Adam changed the topic.  “My leg?” 

 

“Paul says if you mind his orders, it should heal just fine.” 

 

“What all happened while I was rendered senseless?” 

 

“The boys simply kept going following the rules you insisted upon.  It’s not as if Little Joe and Mitch haven’t roamed over that area numerous times.” 

 

“I know.”  Adam sighed. 

 

“When they got close enough that hands might be in the vicinity, they started firing off the emergency signal every half-hour.  Hank and Anders heard the third try and found them.  Anders rode for Paul, and Hank escorted the boys home.  Hop Sing fed them; Paul came and set your leg.  Then I questioned them three ways to Sunday before putting them to bed.” 

 

“There were no more catastrophes then?” 

 

“Not even any near misses.” 

 

“I may have to forgive them after all.” 

 

Ben smiled.  “They’re good boys.” 

 

“Entirely capable of becoming excellent con artists if not watched carefully by a firm hand, especially Little Joe.”  Adam smiled wryly.  “They did do well, though.  Even before the accident, well, they were being good, Pa. I… well, I…” 

 

“Was making a fine memory?” 

 

“Yeah, I think we were.” 

 

Ben smiled.  “Perhaps it’s a shame that I didn’t give you more little brothers.” 

 

Adam snorted.  “Now, Pa, I wouldn’t go that far.” 

 

“What you will do, Adam Stoddard, is relax and go back to sleep.  Do you need some laudanum?” 

 

“No, most definitely not!” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

The next time Adam woke; it was morning, and Hoss was in the bedside chair.   

 

“Can’t let either one of you outta my sight.”  Hoss shook his head and chuckled.  “At least it wasn’t an earthquake what broke your leg.” 

 

“Ha, ha.  I thought you were going to pray for me.” 

 

“Well, now, I did.  I prayed you wouldn’t have no fusses, fires, floods, or earthquakes; and that nothing would happen to none of them boys, and sure enough, nothing did.” 

 

“Next time, perhaps, you could be clearer and more inclusive when you pray.” 

 

“Sure enough, big brother.”  Hoss grew serious.  “Doc says ya should be fine if ya follow orders.  Pa’s set on ya doing just that.”  He caught Adam’s eyes with his own.  “I am too.” 

 

“I’ll be good.  I have an example to set.” 

 

Hoss smiled.  “Yes, ya do.  Them boys…” 

 

“Ah, yes, them conniving boys…” 

 

“Adam!  Now, you ain’t thinking…” 

 

“I’m thinking I’m hungry.  Could you get me some breakfast and some hot coffee?” 

 

“Sure.  Adam, them boys think mighty highly of you.” 

 

“Quit worrying!  I’m more proud than mad.” 

 

Hoss grinned.  “Breakfast coming up!” 

 

~CS4CS4CS4~ 

 

Shortly after Hoss’s departure, Little Joe’s head poked into Adam’s bedroom. 

 

“Come on in.”   

 

Little Joe entered, followed by Mitch, Tuck, and the twins.  The boys encircled the bed. 

 

“How ya feeling, Adam?” 

 

“As well as could be expected, and yes, I know that I am to follow doctor’s orders.” 

 

“Good, because if you don’t, well, then I won’t have to either next time he gives me some.” 

 

Adam rolled his eyes.  “Don’t go there, Joseph.”  Adam’s voice held no edge, but his face grew serious.  “You put laudanum in the tea.” 

 

“Yea, I did, and I’d do it again.  If ya think ya gotta…” 

 

“Mr. Adam.”  Tuck’s voice interrupted Little Joe’s. “We, um, we all planned it.  We all agreed.  If you need to punish Joe, well, you need to punish us all.” 

 

“All five of you?”  Adam watched as all five boys nodded their heads. Adam sighed.  “That would be quite the task, more a punishment for my arm than your behinds.  Of course, I could spread it out over time.” 

 

Little Joe cocked his head.  “You’re not mad.”  It was an observation, not a query.  All five boys relaxed. 

 

“No, sometimes an elder brother just has to put up with the misdeeds of little brothers especially if he’s feeling proud of some other things they did.  Now, if I was completely healthy…” 

 

“Doc Martin says you will be soon enough.  He says you’ve always been a quick healer.” 

 

“That’s true.” 

 

“You’ll probably be fine by the time we have our next school break.” 

 

“Your next school break?” 

 

“Yeah, ‘cause ya know our bet was that you’d take us hunting if ya lost.  I don’t remember us doing any hunting on this trip, so…” 

 

“Wait a minute.” 

 

“You owe us a hunting trip, Mr. Adam.”  Tuck’s voice was respectful and earnest. 

 

“You really do.”  Mitch’s voice was forceful. 

 

“You know you do.”  The twins were once again stereophonic. 

 

A deep chuckle filled the air.  “They got ya there, big brother.  They really do.  Them boys are slick as a whistle.” 

 

Adam sent a glare toward Hoss, who now stood in the doorway holding Adam’s breakfast tray.  Adam’s face grew a smirk.  “Don’t laugh, little brother, because you will be coming on the next trip!” 

 

~The End~