Summary: Hoss and Little Joe stay at a neighbour’s house when Ben is hurt.
Rating:  G  14,000 words

---

Sticking Together

 

Frank Hallam shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun and readjusted his position on the seat of the buckboard to ease his aching back.  It seemed that the chores were never done lately and he hoped that those two boys of his had made a start on fixing the barn roof by the time that he’d got home.  They were good boys really … just a little lazy as boys their age tended to be … and he was grateful that they were now finished with school and ready to help out on the ranch.

 

He frowned as he saw a horse standing by the side of the road grazing and wondered who would have left such an animal there by itself? It sure looked like one that he’d seen before and he searched his brain to try and remember whose it was.  As he brought the horses to a halt and got down from the buckboard he scanned the area quickly, but could see nothing. ‘Hello!’ he called out as he grabbed hold of the horse’s reins. ‘Anybody here?’

 

Frank turned sharply as he heard a low moan in the grass and his eyes opened wide as he saw Ben Cartwright lying face down on the ground. ‘Ben!’ he called as he ran over to the man. ‘Ben!  Are you all right?  Answer me!’

 

He turned Ben over and winced to see the bloody mess that covered his left shoulder. ‘Who did this to you Ben?’ he asked, but the other man didn’t answer except to moan softly again. ‘Don’t ya worry none,’ said Frank. ‘I’ll get ya home Ben.  You’re gonna be okay now.’ Carefully he picked the man up and carried him towards his buckboard.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Paul Martin came down the stairs slowly and smiled at Adam as he reached the bottom one.  ‘How is he?’ asked Adam anxiously, getting to his feet and facing the doctor.

 

‘I’m not sure,’ replied the doctor as he sat down. ‘I got the bullet out, but the next day or so will be critical.  He’d already lost a lot of blood before Frank found him,’ he nodded briefly to the man who was sitting on the sofa, ‘and I’m worried that the wound will become infected.’  He looked at Adam intently. ‘I won’t lie to you son, it could be very serious.’

 

Adam sat down again heavily and put his head in his hands. ‘I can’t believe it,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Who would do such a thing?’

 

Paul glanced at Frank and shook his head. ‘We’ll find out Adam. Whoever did this will pay for it, there’s no doubt about that.’  He laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder. ‘Could you send one of the hands into town to let Roy Coffee know?  I really don’t want to leave Ben myself yet.’

 

‘I’ll go,’ said Frank as he stood up. ‘It’s the least I can do to help.’

 

‘Thank you Frank,’ said Paul.

 

‘Anything else I can do?’ asked Frank, giving Adam an anxious look. ‘Could I pick up your brothers from school for you?’

 

Adam looked up at the man. ‘I … forgot about the boys,’ he said.  He raked his fingers through his hair. ‘I don’t know how to tell them about this. I can’t …’ he stopped for a moment.

 

Paul leant forward. ‘Is there someone they could stay with overnight?’ he said. ‘With Hop Sing away, you and I are going to have our hands full here tonight.  I think it’s best if they’re not here ….’ He hesitated. ‘Until the crisis is over.’

 

‘I’ll take the younguns home with me,’ volunteered Frank. ‘I’ll pick em up from school and explain to em what’s happened.  They can stay the night with Martha and me and our boys.’

 

Adam hesitated. ‘I don’t know,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘They don’t really know you well.  I mean … it’s very kind of you Mr Hallam, but ….’

 

‘Adam they’ll be fine,’ interrupted Paul. ‘It’s only for one night and they’ve got each other.  You know that Hoss will take care of Little Joe if he’s upset.’

 

‘Me and the missus know how to handle children,’ Frank assured him. ‘We’ve got two of our own you know.’

 

‘Yes I know,’ said Adam. ‘Thank you Mr Hallam.  I’ll get a few things packed for them before you go.’

 

‘I’ll be upstairs with Ben,’ said Paul as he shook the man’s hand. ‘Thank you Frank. I know you’ll handle this sensitively with the youngsters.’

 

‘You can count on it,’ said Frank Hallam with a smile.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Abigail Jones looked up from her desk, surprised to see Mr Hallam standing at the back of the classroom. It had been two years since his youngest boy had left school and she wondered what on earth he could want. ‘Yes Mr Hallam?’ she said with a smile. ‘May I help you?’

 

‘I was wondering if I could have a word with you, private like?’ said the man as he took off his hat.

 

‘Of course,’ said the teacher. ‘Class, continue with your arithmetic please.’

 

She walked to the back of the classroom and was even more surprised when Mr Hallam pulled her outside onto the small porch. ‘Whatever is the matter Mr Hallam? Is something wrong?’ she asked.

 

The man nodded his head. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Mr Cartwright’s been shot.’

 

Abigail’s hand went straight to her chest and she went pale. ‘Adam?’ she whispered. ‘Adam Cartwright’s been shot?’

 

Frank Hallam looked confused for a minute. ‘Adam?’ he said. ‘No, not Adam.  It’s Ben that’s been shot ma’am.’

 

‘Oh.’  Abigail’s colour returned. ‘How terrible!  Who did it?’

 

‘Not sure,’ said Frank. ‘I found him out on the trail to The Ponderosa. I’ve just been over to see Sheriff Coffee and now I’ve come to get the boys.’

 

‘Why?’

 

‘Adam and the Doc are busy with Ben, and their cook’s away,’ the man explained. ‘Me and Martha are gonna have em up to our place tonight. Can you get em for me please?’

 

‘Of course.’ Abigail looked stricken. ‘Poor boys.  Would you like me to help you tell them? I know them well.’

 

‘That’d be fine ma’am.  Thank you,’ replied Frank.

 

Abigail walked back into the small schoolhouse. ‘Eric! Joseph!  Come out here please boys.’

 

Little Joe Cartwright gave his big brother Hoss a puzzled look, but Hoss just shrugged and motioned for Joe to follow him. As the boys got to the porch Little Joe looked up at Miss Jones. ‘We ain’t done nothing!’ he declared anxiously.

 

Abigail smiled down at him kindly. ‘Yes I know Joseph,’ she said. ‘Don’t worry … you’re not in trouble. Mr Hallam has come to give you a message about your father though.’

 

Hoss immediately looked worried. ‘What’s happened to Pa?’ he asked and felt Little Joe’s hand slip into his.

 

Abigail looked at Frank and then bent down closer to the boys. ‘It seems that your father was shot this afternoon,’ she said and then stopped as Little Joe gasped aloud. She put her hand on the little boy’s shoulder. ‘The doctor is with him now, so he’s being taken good care of.’

 

Hoss’ eyes filled with tears and he tightened his grip on Joe’s hand. ‘We gotta get home and see him then,’ he said.

 

‘Your brother Adam asked me to fetch you,’ interrupted Frank Hallam. ‘You’re both gonna come home with me for tonight.’

 

‘No!’ yelled Little Joe. ‘I’m going home to see Pa!’  He looked at Hoss pleadingly and tugged on his hand. ‘We gotta go home Hoss!’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Thanks Mr Hallam,’ he said with a trembling voice. ‘But Joe and me’s gonna go home now. We gotta go to Pa.’ He started to lead his little brother down the stairs, but Frank Hallam laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. ‘You’re coming with me boy,’ he said as kindly as he could. ‘I know you’re upset bout your Pa, but it’s for the best if you’re not at home tonight.’

 

Hoss opened his mouth to protest, but Abigail cut across him. ‘Mr Hallam is right Eric,’ she said. ‘I know you’re both worried about your Pa, but your brother Adam and the doctor will be busy trying to help your Pa tonight.  You need to look after Little Joe and you can do that best at Mr Hallam’s house, don’t you think?’

 

Hoss hesitated. ‘I guess so,’ he said mournfully. ‘But what if something happens to Pa and we’re not there?’

 

‘Nothings gonna happen to ya Pa youngun,’ said Frank kindly.  And if … well if he’s in a bad way he’s got the best there is in Doc Martin.’

 

Hoss nodded.  He knew full well his father’s faith in the man. ‘Did Adam say for us to stay with you?’ he asked.

 

‘He sure did,’ replied Frank. ‘He packed your things for the night and said to tell you both that he’ll come and let you know how your Pa is as soon as he can.’

 

‘All right,’ said Hoss.  He turned to Little Joe who was gripping onto his hand tightly and looking at him fearfully with wide eyes. ‘We’re gonna go with Mr Hallam Joe,’ he said.

 

Little Joe shook his head. ‘I don’t wanna!’ he declared, the tears beginning to trickle down his cheeks. ‘I wanna go and see Pa Hoss!’

 

Hoss bent down and stared into his brother’s eyes. ‘We can’t go home yet Joe,’ he said, his trembling voice betraying his own emotions. ‘Adam says that we gotta go with Mr Hallam and you know that Adam knows best, don’t ya?’

 

Little Joe nodded.  They both trusted their older brother implicitly.  If Adam said it was so, then Joe believed it as much as he did when Pa said it. ‘Yes,’ he said in a low voice. ‘But I still don’t wanna!’

 

‘I know,’ said Hoss. ‘But it’s fer the best Joe.  Sides … you heard Mr Hallam … it’s only fer one night.  Okay?’

 

‘Okay Hoss,’ said his little brother trustingly.

 

‘We’ll come with ya now,’ said Hoss, straightening up again.

 

‘Good boy,’ said Abigail smiling at him. ‘I’ll say some prayers for your father boys.  I’m sure he’ll be all right.’

 

‘They may not be at school for a few days ma’am,’ said Frank Hallam as he ushered the boys down the few stairs. ‘Until things settle down, you understand.’

 

‘Of course,’ replied Abigail. ‘Good luck!’  She watched as the man herded the two youngsters across the playground towards their horses and then sighed as she turned into the small schoolhouse again.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘Now come along inside younguns and the missus will look after you,’ said Mr Hallam as he tied his horse up to the hitching rail. Joe looked at Hoss who nodded slightly and they both dismounted, Joe immediately taking Hoss’ hand again. ‘Come on,’ said Frank, leading the way up the stairs.  He opened the door to be met by his wife Martha who was drying her hands on a cloth in the kitchen.

 

‘Why …. What’s this?’ she said as she stared at the two boys. ‘What on earth did you bring these two home for Frank?’

 

Frank motioned to her to be quiet. ‘How bout getting these two something to eat?’ he said. ‘I’ll tell you the story of what’s been going on while they eat something.’

 

Martha gave him a puzzled look and then nodded. ‘Here you go boys,’ she said kindly as she poured out some milk into two glasses and put some cookies onto a plate for them. ‘You sit down and have this while I talk to Mr Hallam for a few moments.’ Both the boys sat down at the table and stared at their milk while the two adults walked outside onto the front porch.

 

Hoss looked at Little Joe. ‘Drink it up Joe,’ he said as he lifted his glass.

 

Joe looked at the milk in front of him. ‘You know I don’t like milk,’ he whispered.  His eyes filled up with tears. ‘Sides …  I wanna go home now Hoss. Please?’

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘You know what Adam said,’ he replied. ‘We gotta stay till he comes ta tell us different.’

 

‘Yeah but Hoss…’ Little Joe stopped as the adults walked back into the room again.

 

Mrs Hallam gave them both a sad look. ‘Well now boys,’ she said in a forced bright voice. ‘It seems that you’re going to be our houseguests for a while. ‘That’ll be nice won’t it?’

 

‘Yes ma’am,’ said Hoss, unenthusiastically.  He drank his milk while Little Joe hung his head and tried not to cry.

 

Martha sat down next to them. ‘I’m sure your father will be fine,’ she said gently. ‘You’ll see.’

 

‘Yes ma’am,’ said Hoss again.

 

Martha looked up at Frank. ‘How about these two going outside and helping with some of the chores?’ she suggested. ‘Would you like to see some of the animals we have here boys?’

 

Hoss shrugged, although normally the suggestion would have caused his eyes to light up. ‘I guess,’ he said in a flat tone. ‘Come on Joe.’

 

Little Joe took his brother’s hand and they walked to the door. Hoss turned around. ‘Thank you for the milk ma’am,’ he said.

 

Martha smiled at them. ‘Little Joe you didn’t drink your milk,’ she said. ‘Would you like it before you go outside?’  Little Joe shook his head silently as he stared at her with his big green eyes.

 

‘He don’t like milk much ma’am,’ explained Hoss.

 

‘Nonsense!’ said Martha. ‘Milk is good for you child.’  She gave Little Joe a sympathetic look. ‘Well, I’ll save it for you for suppertime,’ she said. ‘Out you go now.’  She watched as the two boys left the room and shook her head. ‘Poor boys,’ she said to Frank. ‘I certainly hope that Ben makes it through this for their sakes if nothing else. With both of their ma’s being dead and all … what’s to become of them?’

 

‘I expect their older brother will look after them,’ said Frank. ‘He’s a fine young man that Adam and he won’t see those two boys without a home.’

 

‘I suppose so,’ she replied. ‘But it sure seems an awful big burden for a young man like that.’  She sighed. ‘Let’s just pray that nothing happens to Ben.’

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Outside, Hoss and Little Joe leant their heads against the fence of the pig enclosure and watched the animals silently. After a few moments, Little Joe put his head up and looked at his older brother. ‘Who’s gonna look after our animals while we’re not there Hoss?’ he asked in an anxious voice.

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘I reckon Adam will get someone look after em fer us,’ he said.

 

Little Joe nodded. ‘I reckon,’ he said in agreement. ‘Hey Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘If Pa dies …’ the little boy’s eyes filled up with tears again. ‘Then …’

 

Hoss turned to face his little brother and placed his hands on his shoulders as he looked into his eyes. ‘Don’t you say that Joe,’ he said. ‘Pa ain’t gonna die!  Now stop saying it!’

 

Little Joe gulped. ‘Yeah but what iffen he does?’ he said. ‘What’s gonna happen to us Hoss?’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘Well first up it ain’t gonna happen no way!’ he said firmly. ‘And second … well Adam will look after us of course.’  He shook his little brother gently. ‘Now you quit saying stuff like that Joe!’

 

‘Well lookee who we got here!’ said a voice behind them and they turned to see Seth and Tom Hallam standing there grinning at them. ‘The two Cartwright boys,’ said Tom with a grin. ‘Whatcha doing here boys?’

 

Hoss frowned at them. The Hallam boys were both considerably older than he was and Tom had left school a few months ago. Seth was the same age as Adam. Neither of them had ever been particularly friendly with the Cartwright boys, in fact Hoss had always been wary of them.  He had the distinct feeling that they were jealous of his family and considered them uppity and he knew that Adam felt them same. ‘Hi,’ he said.

 

Tom looked at him and narrowed his eyes. ‘I asked ya what you’re doing here?’ he said with a sneer. ‘Ain’t often the high and mighty Cartwrights come calling on us, is it Seth?’

 

‘Nope,’ said Seth as he leant against the fence. ‘So Cartwright … whatcha doing here?’

 

Hoss felt Little Joe’s hand slip into his again. ‘We gotta stay here for the night,’ he said. ‘Our Pa’s been hurt and we can’t go home.’

 

‘Yeah?’ Seth looked at Tom and winked. ‘So what happened to him?’

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘I don’t know fer sure,’ he said. ‘We ain’t found out yet.’

 

Tom winked back at Seth. ‘Well if you two ain’t allowed home, then it’s gotta be serious,’ he said. ‘Your old man’s probably not gonna make it and no one wants you around when he dies.’

 

Little Joe gasped. ‘My Pa ain’t gonna die!’ he shouted. ‘Hoss said so!’

 

Seth looked down at the small child and laughed. ‘And just how would your brother Hoss know that?’ he teased. ‘Who made him a doctor?’  He ruffled Joe’s hair. ‘You’re a spunky one, ain’t ya baby Cartwright?’

 

Little Joe scowled at him. ‘I ain’t no baby!’ he replied angrily. ‘You quit calling me that!’

 

Tom laughed. ‘Ya don’t like being called a baby eh?’ he said. ‘Well ya sure look like a baby!’  He grinned at Seth while Little Joe glared at them both. ‘Never mind baby Cartwright,’ he said.

 

‘Leave him alone,’ said Hoss. ‘He ain’t done nothing ta you.’

 

Seth turned to the boy. ‘What’s it to you Cartwright?’ he said nastily.  Hoss clenched and unclenched his fists as he stood there wondering what to do.  At that moment there was a movement behind the two Hallam boys and their father appeared.

 

‘What’s going on here?’ he asked.

 

‘Nothin Pa,’ said Tom with a warning look at Hoss. ‘We’s just getting ta know our two house guests is all.  Ain’t that right Seth?’

 

Yeah,’ agreed Seth with a nasty smile which his father failed to notice. ‘We sure are.’

 

‘That’s good,’ said Frank Hallam. ‘Maybe they can help you with ya chores?’ He smiled at Hoss and Little Joe. ‘How about it boys?’

 

‘Sure Mr Hallam,’ said Hoss, looking warily at the other boys. ‘What would ya like us ta do?’

 

‘Tom and Seth will show you,’ said Frank. ‘Go on now boys, off you go.’ He walked away whistling.

 

Tom gave a short laugh. ‘Hear that Seth?’ he said delightedly. ‘Looks like we get outta chores this afternoon don’t it?’

 

‘Your Pa said that we was ta help you!’ declared Hoss. ‘We ain’t doing em for ya!’

 

‘Yeah!’ agreed Little Joe as he clenched his fists and looked for all the world as if he was about to hit one of the boys. ‘We ain’t doing em for ya!’

 

‘We’ll see bout that,’ said Seth. ‘Come on.’  He led the way to the barn. ‘All these stalls need mucking out for a start,’ he said. ‘Better get to it.’

 

Hoss picked up a pitchfork. ‘What are you two gonna do?’ he asked.

 

‘Watch you,’ said Tom as he sat down. ‘It should be right entertaining.’

 

Hoss glared at him. ‘I’ll do my share,’ he said. ‘But I ain’t doing yours.’

 

‘No?’  Seth gave Little Joe a dark look. ‘I think you will Cartwright.  You wouldn’t want this baby brother of yours ta get hurt would ya?’

 

Hoss swallowed as Little Joe took a step closer to him. ‘You hurt my brother and you’ll pay!’ he said.

 

‘Yeah!’ agreed Little Joe.

 

Seth sat back and leaned against the wall and put a stalk of hay into his mouth. ‘Well you just get ta work and we won’t have ta worry bout it will we huh?  He chewed on the stalk lazily.  Hoss glared at him and began to work.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘No thank you ma’am,’ said Hoss politely. ‘I ain’t feeling too hungry tonight.’

 

‘Martha frowned at him. ‘But you haven’t eaten much,’ she said. ‘And you look like a boy with an appetite.’

 

‘Yeah,’ muttered Tom. ‘A big fat appetite.’

 

Frank Hallam reached over and swatted his son behind the ear. ‘That’ll be enough!’ he said crossly.

 

Hoss gave Tom a dark look. ‘I just can’t eat much,’ he explained to the boy’s mother. ‘I guess I’m just worried bout Pa is all.’

 

Martha looked at him kindly. ‘That’s all right dear,’ she said. ‘But try and finish what’s on your plate at least.’  She looked over at Little Joe. ‘Joseph dear, you haven’t eaten anything.’

 

Little Joe continued to stare at the tablecloth, the tears standing in his eyes. ‘Come on Joseph,’ the woman said kindly. ‘Try and at least eat something dear.’  Little Joe shook his head and said nothing.  Martha looked at Frank and shook her head sadly. ‘All right dear,’ she said. ‘You’d better go to bed then.’

 

‘I want Hoss ta come with me,’ said Little Joe.

 

Hoss stood up. ‘I’ll go with him ma’am,’ he said. ‘He don’t like being by himself when he’s upset.’

 

‘I’ll show you where your room is,’ said the woman and stood up as well.

 

As they left the room, Frank turned to his two sons. ‘Looks like them boys will be staying here fer a few days,’ he said. ‘From what I saw of Ben Cartwright he won’t be recovering in a hurry.  You two make sure that you look after them boys now, ya hear?’

 

Tom gave Seth a grin. ‘Oh don’t worry Pa,’ he said. ‘We’ll look after them all right.’

 

Seth smothered a giggle. ‘We sure will Pa,’ he said cagily.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Hoss lay in bed and stared out of the window at the stars as he silently prayed for his father. ‘Hoss?’  He turned to see a small white nightshirt-clad figure standing by his bed.

 

‘What are you doing out of bed?’ he whispered.

 

‘I can’t sleep,’ replied Little Joe. ‘Can I come in with you?’  Hoss drew back the covers and then pulled them up again after Little Joe had got in with him. ‘Hoss?’ the little boy said again.

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘Have you been praying fer Pa?’

 

‘Yeah.’

 

‘Me too.  Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘Do ya reckon … I mean do ya think my mama will hear our prayers from up in heaven and look after him?’

 

‘I reckon so Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘Pa says that she always listens to us when we pray.’

 

‘And your Ma?  And Adam’s?  Do ya reckon they’ll listen to us too huh?’

 

‘I reckon so.’

 

‘Hoss?  We sure know lots of people in heaven don’t we?’

 

‘Yeah.’

 

‘If Pa goes up there too then …’

 

‘He ain’t going!’ declared Hoss. ‘I already done told ya that ain’t I?’

 

Little Joe cuddled closer to his brother. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘Hoss?  Do ya reckon that Adam will come and get us tomorrow?’

 

‘I hope so,’ said Hoss as he stared out of the window again. ‘I hope so real bad little buddy.’

 

‘So do I,’ said Little Joe sleepily.  Hoss cuddled his little brother to him as he stared at the stars outside and continued to pray for his father.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Adam stopped by the barn and dismounted before looking around the small yard.  He waved at Frank Hallam near the pigpen and waited while the man put down his bucket and walked over to him. ‘Morning Adam,’ he said. ‘How’s ya Pa?’

 

Adam tried to smile at the man. ‘Doc Martin’s still not sure,’ he said. ‘He’s hurt bad Mr Hallam and we need to pray for him.’

 

Frank nodded. ‘We’s sure doing that,’ he said. ‘Come on inside and see the missus.’

 

‘Where are the boys?’ asked Adam as they approached the house.

 

‘I sent em down ta bring the cow in,’ explained Frank. ‘I didn’t think they’d be any good at school today and I’ve been trying ta keep em busy.’

 

‘Thank you,’ said Adam gratefully as the man opened the front door. ‘I’ve been worried about them.

 

‘You don’t need to worry about them Adam,’ said Martha kindly as she motioned to a seat for the young man and began to get him a cup of coffee. ‘You just need to concentrate on your Pa now.’

 

‘That’s what Doc Martin said,’ replied Adam. ‘But I know that they’ll be anxious so I had to come over and see them.’  He took the cup of coffee. ‘I was wondering ….’

 

Martha put up her hand to stop him. ‘You don’t even need to ask Adam,’ she said. ‘They can stay here for as long as you need them to.’

 

Adam breathed a sigh of relief. ‘I was hoping you might say that,’ he said. ‘I brought their things with me just in case.  Doc Martin says that Pa is going to need plenty of rest and care during the next few days and I just don’t think it’s the best place for them to be right now, especially with Hop Sing away.’

 

‘I agree,’ replied Martha. ‘And if something happens then …’ She put her hand to her mouth. ‘I’m sorry Adam.  I didn’t mean to sound like …’

 

‘That’s okay,’ replied the young man in a low voice. ‘We all know that it’s a possibility.  Hoss and Little Joe aren’t going to be happy about staying here for a few more days I know, but I just don’t know what else to do.’  He turned quickly as the front door opened and his two brothers entered the room.

 

‘Adam!’ yelled Hoss. ‘I knew ya’d come soon … I just knew it! How’s Pa?’  Little Joe said nothing, but ran forward and flung himself onto his brother who hoisted him up onto his lap and gave him a hug.

 

‘Pa’s still sick Hoss,’ said Adam, wanting to be able to give his brothers better news, but unwilling to lie to them. ‘Doc Martin’s looking after him.’

 

Hoss swallowed. ‘Did he get the bullet out?’ he asked.

 

‘Yes buddy he did … but Pa still has a lot of healing to do.  He lost a lot of blood and that’s made him very weak.’

 

Hoss said nothing, but bit his lip.  Little Joe looked up at his eldest brother. ‘We’ve been praying fer Pa,’ he informed him.

 

Adam smiled down at the boy. ‘Have you?  That’s good.  He needs lots of prayers right about now.’  His voice quivered and he tried to control it as he added. ‘We’re all praying for him little buddy.’

 

‘Can we go and see him now?’ asked Little Joe. ‘Hoss and me need ta tell him some things.’

 

Adam shook his head. ‘Not now Little Joe,’ he said, glancing at Hoss to gauge his reaction to his words. ‘Pa still isn’t well enough.’

 

‘But we gotta see him!’ Joe declared. ‘We gotta talk to him and help him ta get better!’

 

‘I know that you want to see Pa,’ said Adam. ‘But you’ll have to wait a bit until he’s better.’

 

‘But that ain’t fair!’ declared Little Joe. ‘You get ta see him… why can’t we?’

 

Hoss stepped forward. ‘Joe, its like Adam says,’ he said sadly. ‘Pa ain’t well enough fer all of us ta visit with him yet.’  He looked at his older brother anxiously and Adam nodded at him gratefully. ‘We gotta stay here fer a while longer is that it Adam?’

 

Adam nodded again. ‘Yes,’ he said Mr and Mrs Hallam will look after you both until I come for you.’

 

‘When will that be?’ asked Little Joe sulkily.

 

‘When I can buddy.  I’m just not sure at the moment.’ Adam set his little brother down on the floor and stood up. ‘I’ve got to get back to Pa now,’ he said gently. ‘You two be good for the Hallams okay?’

 

Hoss looked at his big brother sadly. ‘Okay,’ he said in a flat voice.  Little Joe said nothing, but simply glared at Adam angrily.  Adam patted him on the head and then Hoss on the shoulder.

 

‘I’m counting on you Hoss,’ he said. ‘You need to look after Little Joe okay?’

 

Hoss nodded his head. ‘Course I will,’ he said. ‘Don’t I always?’

 

Adam nodded and then smiled at him. ‘You sure do,’ he said. ‘You’re a great brother.’

 

‘I wanna go home,’ declared Little Joe.

 

Hoss walked over to his little brother and put his arm around him. ‘You heard Adam,’ he said. ‘We can’t yet.’  He looked at his older brother. ‘You leave him ta me,’ he said. ‘I’ll make sure he’s okay.  I promise.’

 

‘Thanks buddy,’ said Adam.  He gave his brothers a long sad look and then left the room with Frank.

 

‘Well,’ said Martha, trying to sound cheerful. ‘I’m sure you’ll be home in no time at all boys. In the meantime … how about some cookies?’

 

‘No thank you ma’am,’ said Hoss in a flat voice.  He hugged Little Joe even tighter around the shoulder.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘They don’t like us, do they?’ Little Joe indicated Seth and Tom who were sitting next to the barn watching the two Cartwrights as they fed the chickens.

 

Hoss shrugged his shoulders. ‘Don’t ya worry bout them Joe,’ he said. ‘Ain’t like we like em much either.’

 

Little Joe nodded as he spread the chicken feed over the ground. ‘They make me a bit scared sometimes,’ he admitted.

 

Hoss stopped and looked at his little brother. ‘Don’t ya be scared of them,’ he declared. ‘I’ll protect ya from em!’

 

‘But they said they might hurt me iffen ya don’t do what they say,’ said Little Joe fearfully. ‘They might!’

 

‘They ain’t hurting you no how,’ said Hoss determinedly. ‘Ain’t I always looked after ya Joe?’

 

Little Joe looked up at his brother with his big trusting green eyes. ‘Yeah,’ he said.

 

‘Well don’t ya worry bout em none then,’ said Hoss. ‘I done told ya they ain’t gonna hurt ya none.’

 

‘Hey Cartwright!’ called Seth. ‘Hurry up with them chores of ours.’  He and Tom chuckled at the thought of the uppity Cartwrights doing their chores for them.

 

‘What’s going on here?’ asked Frank Hallam as he came around the side of the barn and glared at his two sons. ‘Why aren’t you doing those chores?’

 

Seth and Tom sprang to their feet. ‘We was Pa,’ said Tom. ‘Only …’

 

Frank pointed a finger at his son. ‘Don’t ya lie to me!’ he said angrily. ‘These two boys aren’t here to do your chores!  Now get to em!’

 

Hoss watched as Seth and Tom both gave him dark looks. ‘It’s all right Mr Hallam,’ he said. ‘Joe and me don’t mind helping out.’

 

‘I said ta get them chores done!’ said Frank as if Hoss hadn’t spoken.  ‘And if I catch you taking advantage of these two younguns then I’ll whoop ya both!’  He walked away shaking his head.

 

‘Thanks a lot Cartwright!’ said Seth angrily as he snatched the basket of eggs from Hoss. ‘You’re gonna pay fer that!’

 

‘We did nothing!’ declared Little Joe angrily. ‘They was your chores in the first place!’

 

Tom looked down at the small boy and pushed him hard backwards so that Little Joe lost his balance and fell into the mud. ‘Hey!’ said Hoss as he sprang forward. ‘Leave him alone!’  He bent to pick up his little brother and Tom gave him a swipe on the head.  Hoss moved quickly to one side and held Little Joe behind him. ‘Leave us alone!’ he said angrily.

 

‘Yeah!  Leave us alone!’ yelled Little Joe as he looked around from behind his brother and poked out his tongue at their enemies. ‘We ain’t done nothing!’

 

Seth pointed his finger at Hoss. ‘You’re gonna be real sorry that you messed with us Cartwright,’ he said. ‘Real sorry!’

 

Hoss took Little Joe by the arm and walked towards the house with him. ‘Pay em no mind Joe,’ he said. ‘They can’t do anything ta us.’  Little Joe looked back over his shoulder and poked his tongue out at the Hallam boys again.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘Seth?’ have you seen my pocket book?’ asked Frank Hallam at supper that night.

 

‘No Pa,’ replied Seth.

 

‘Tom?’

 

‘No Pa,’ said his brother.  The two exchanged sly glances as their father looked anxiously at Martha.

 

‘It just don’t make sense,’ he said in an anxious voice. ‘I had it on my dresser this morning and now it’s gone.’  He looked at Hoss and Little Joe. ‘Have either of you seen it boys?’

 

‘No sir,’ said Hoss.

 

‘Nuh!’ said Little Joe, his eyes wide. He hesitated before continuing. ‘What’s a pocket book?’

 

‘It’s a small black leather wallet,’ said the man. ‘Have you seen it?’

 

‘Nuh!’

 

Frank shook his head. ‘I had the money I need to pay Wilson tomorrow for those calves in it,’ he said. ‘Don’t know what ….’  He stopped and looked at Hoss. ‘What’s that in your pocket?’ he asked seeing a bulge in the boy’s jacket.

 

Hoss looked down at his pocket.  He hadn’t noticed anything there when he’d put the jacket on earlier before supper, but now that the man mentioned it he could see that there was something in his pocket.  He put in his hand and drew out a small black leather pocketbook.

 

Frank and Martha stared at the pocketbook and then at Hoss. ‘I thought ya Pa woulda taught ya better than that,’ the man said finally as he took it from the boy. ‘Don’t ya know that’s stealing?’

 

Hoss looked appalled. ‘But I never took it!’ he said. ‘Honest Mr Hallam. I’d never take anything that didn’t belong to me.’

 

Frank looked at Martha and then back to Hoss. ‘Well then how come it was in ya pocket?’ he asked.

 

Hoss swallowed and then looked the man directly in the eye. ‘I don’t know sir,’ he said in a low voice. ‘Beats me.’

 

Martha laid a hand on her husband’s arm and shook her head at him. ‘All right,’ said Frank after a moment’s hesitation. ‘We’ll say no more about it then. Only remember what ya Pa would think if he knew about this.’

 

Hoss looked defensive. ‘But I never took it,’ he said. ‘Honest I didn’t!’

 

‘Boys maybe you’d better go to bed if you’ve finished your supper,’ suggested Martha.

 

Hoss nodded at the woman and took Little Joe by the hand. ‘Night,’ he said.

 

‘Good night boys,’ said Martha gently. ‘Sleep well.’  She watched as the two Cartwrights left the room.

 

‘If that had been one of us who took it you’d have given us a whooping!’ declared Seth angrily.

 

‘Be quiet!’ said his mother. ‘Those boys are going through enough without you making it worse!’  She looked at her husband who still looked angry. ‘He wouldn’t have meant it Frank.  He’s just upset about his Pa is all.’

 

‘Upset or not … I’ll not have thieving going on under my roof!’ declared her husband angrily. ‘Ben Cartwright would have whooped that boy fer sure if he tried that at home.’

 

‘Well it’s over and done with now,’ replied his wife. ‘Let’s just forget about it now.  I’m sure it won’t happen again.’ Seth smirked at Tom across the table.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘Hoss ya didn’t really take that pocketbook did ya?’ asked Little Joe as they lay together in Hoss’ bed.

 

‘Course not!’ snorted Hoss. ‘It musta been them two what done it.  Probably think it’s funny ta get me in trouble like that.’

 

‘Mr and Mrs Hallam didn’t believe ya,’ said Little Joe sadly. ‘They think ya really done it.’

 

‘I know,’ replied Hoss. ‘Don’t matter none. I know I didn’t.’

 

‘They’s gonna cause trouble for us Hoss,’ said Little Joe. ‘I know they is.’

 

‘I can handle them,’ said Hoss, sounding more confident than he really was. ‘Don’t you worry none.’  He stared out of the window at the stars as his little brother drifted off to sleep. ‘We’ll be okay Joe,’ he whispered. ‘We just gotta stick together is all.’

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Hoss instinctively drew Little Joe closer to him as Tom and Seth approached with huge grins on their faces. ‘That was a dumb thing to do last night,’ said Seth nastily. ‘Don’t you try stealing round here again Cartwright or Pa will whoop ya fer sure!’

 

‘You know darn well that I didn’t take that old pocketbook,’ declared Hoss.

 

Seth grinned at Tom. ‘Yeah?’ he said. ‘Well try telling our Pa that. He sure is mad with ya.’  He reached out and ruffled Little Joe’s hair. ‘How bout you takin that wood over there up to the box outside the kitchen, baby Cartwright?  Seems I don’t feel like doing it today.’

 

Little Joe frowned at the older boy. ‘I ain’t doing your work for you!’ he declared.

 

Seth looked puzzled. ‘No?’ he said. ‘Seems to me that you’d like ta keep this fat brother of yourn out of trouble.’  He winked at Tom. ‘Woulda thought he would, don’t ya agree Tom?’

 

Tom shrugged as he winked back at his brother. ‘Woulda thought so,’ he said. ‘Seems like fatty here might be in serious trouble if he’s caught by Pa again doing something he ain’t supposed ta.  How about that, baby Cartwright?’

 

Hoss stood up. ‘I’ll carry the wood,’ he said. ‘Leave Little Joe alone.’

 

Seth shook his head. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said. ‘I said for this one here ta do it fatty, not you.’  He indicated Little Joe with his thumb. ‘Get to it!’ he said.

 

Little Joe shook off Hoss’ hand. ‘Leave us alone!’ he shouted. ‘You jest leave us alone old Seth Hallam!’

 

Seth’s eyes widened. ‘Well what do you know?’ he said. ‘The baby has a temper.’

 

‘I ain’t no baby!’ declared Little Joe. ‘I done told ya that already.  And I ain’t doing any chores fer you!’

 

‘Suit yourself,’ said Seth with a shrug. ‘But old Fatty here might be sorry if ya don’t.’  He gave the little boy an amused smile.

 

‘Leave him alone,’ said Hoss in a low voice.

 

Tom sat down next to Seth. ‘Now why should we do that?’ he said with a grin. ‘This little guy’s right amusing.’

 

Hoss stepped forward. ‘I said to leave him alone,’ he repeated.

 

‘Make me!’ replied Tom.

 

Hoss took another step forward and pushed Tom off the barrel on which he was seated. ‘Hoss Cartwright!’ shouted a voice behind him and all the boys turned to see Frank Hallam standing there with an angry expression on his face. ‘What are you doing boy?’

 

‘It’s okay Pa,’ Tom assured his father as he got up. ‘I don’t mind him hitting me. It’s like ya said before … he’s a mite upset over his Pa is all.’  He gave Hoss a furtive look and then put his arm around his shoulder as if he were comforting the other boy. Hoss shook it off angrily.

 

Frank came over to the group of boys and gave Hoss a stern look. ‘I know ya’re upset youngun,’ he said firmly. ‘But that ain’t no excuse fer hitting people. Now get on up to the house with ya.’

 

Hoss opened his mouth to speak and then shut it again before giving the Hallam boys a dark look. ‘Come on Joe,’ he said.

 

‘Leave him with us,’ said Seth in a pleasant tone. ‘No use him being punished fer your mistakes.’  He gave Little Joe a charming smile, which made the little boy swallow, and then patted him on the head. ‘We’ll look out fer him.’

 

Little Joe took a step towards Hoss. ‘I’m going with my brother,’ he declared. ‘I ain’t staying with nasty … nasty snakes like you!’

 

Frank frowned again. ‘Both of you get on up to the house,’ he said. ‘Go on… get!’  He watched as the two Cartwright boys disappeared into the house.

 

‘Sorry Pa,’ said Seth. ‘We’ve been trying ta be nice to them, but they’s bound and determined to make life difficult.’

 

Frank nodded. ‘That’s all right boys,’ he said. ‘They must be missing their Pa’s firm hand is all. We’ll all just haveta be tolerant of em I reckon.’

 

Seth nudged Tom and gave a delighted chuckle as their father walked away. ‘We’ll see just how tolerant Pa is won’t we?’ he said delightedly. ‘Fatty Cartwright won’t be so high and mighty iffen he gets a taste of Pa’s strap will he?’

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘I tell you I won’t stand for much more of this!’ shouted Frank Hallam. ‘Leave that horse alone and get back to the house boy!’  He glared at Hoss as he tenderly felt the horse’s leg in his hand.

 

‘But … but …’ stammered Hoss. ‘But … I didn’t ….’

 

‘No more of your lies!’ shouted the man. ‘Every time I turn around you’re causing some sort of trouble and I’ve had enough!  Now get to your room and stay there or I’ll give you the whooping ya Pa would if he were here!’  He pointed to the house and Hoss hung his head and walked away. Little Joe made to follow him. ‘You stay here youngun,’ instructed the man. ‘Your brother needs some time to himself in his room to think things through.’  He bent over the animal’s leg again. ‘Darn young fool!’ he muttered under his breath. ‘Throwing stones at a poor defenceless animal.’  He looked up again. ‘I said to stay here,’ he said to Little Joe. ‘Boys!  Take this youngun and look after him, will ya?’  He led the horse into the barn.

‘Sure thing Pa,’ said Tom with a grin at Little Joe.

 

Little Joe looked at the two Hallam boys with wide eyes that clearly showed his fear. ‘You stay away from me!’ he said nervously.

 

Tom bent down and ruffled the little boy’s hair. ‘We’ll look after you baby Cartwright,’ he said softly. ‘You ain’t afraid of us, are ya?’

 

Little Joe clenched his fist. ‘No I ain’t!’ he said angrily. ‘You jest leave me alone!’

 

Seth gave a chuckle and picked the child up under his arms.  He held him in the air in front of him and both he and his brother laughed as they watched Little Joe’s legs kicking out in the air as he tried to give Seth a swift kick. ‘You’ll haveta do better than that baby Cartwright!’ said Seth delightedly. ‘Those little legs of yours ain’t long enough ta do much damage by the look of it.’

 

Little Joe’s arms and legs flailed about in the air. ‘Let me down!’ he shouted.

 

Tom and Seth chuckled even louder. ‘What was that?’ asked Seth.

 

‘Let me down!’ the little boy shouted again.  Tears began to fall down his cheeks and he bit his lip in frustration.

 

‘If you say so,’ said Seth.  He carried the child over to the water trough and dumped him into it, letting go of him and ducking his head under momentarily.  Little Joe gasped as the cold water hit him and momentarily held his breath in surprise.  Seth swiftly bent down and picked him out of the trough as their father emerged from the barn again. ‘Get out of there!’ the boy said in a loud voice. ‘You should know better than to do that!’  He set Little Joe on his feet and gave him what he hoped was a comforting look as he shook his head.

 

‘What on earth?’ declared Frank from behind them.  ‘What did you get in there for youngun?’ he asked.

 

‘We tried to stop him Pa,’ sad Tom quickly. ‘But he was bound ta do it.’  He shook his head at the child. ‘Now ma has all that extra washing ta do.’

 

Frank strode forward and gave Little Joe a swift smack on his little backside. ‘You get on up to the house with your brother,’ he said angrily. ‘Get them wet things off and get changed.’

 

Little Joe began to sob. ‘But it weren’t me!’ he declared. ‘It was …’

 

Tom gave a sigh and rolled his eyes at his father. ‘You want me ta take him and get him changed Pa?’ he said.

 

‘Yes,’ said Frank. ‘Thank you son.’

 

Tom grabbed hold of Little Joe’s arm and pulled him towards the house.  As soon as they were out of earshot of Frank he bent down and spoke to the boy in a low voice. ‘You keep your mouth shut or you’ll be sorry!’ he said.  Little Joe continued to sob quietly as the older boy dragged him the rest of the way to the house.  Behind them Seth grinned as Frank shook his head before returning to the barn again.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Supper that night was quiet affair with Frank still displaying his anger with the two Cartwright boys and Tom and Seth taking every opportunity to smirk when their parents weren’t looking at them.  Hoss kept his eyes on his plate as he ate and Little Joe merely sat looking at his lap without attempting to eat anything at all.

 

‘Now then dear,’ said Martha finally. ‘You must eat something.  Here … have a taste of this.’  She held some of his food out to him on his fork.

 

‘Don’t want it,’ said Little Joe sullenly.

 

‘There’ll be no food wasted in this house,’ said Frank angrily. ‘Eat!’

 

Little Joe glanced at the man and took the fork from Martha before putting it into his mouth and chewing.  Martha looked at Frank anxiously. ‘I’m sure the boys aren’t meaning to be naughty,’ she said. ‘From now on I’m sure that they’ll try harder to be good.  Won’t you boys?’  Neither Cartwright boy answered her and she sighed.

 

‘I said to eat!’ said Frank again, glaring at Little Joe.

 

The boy looked up at him. ‘I don’t want it,’ he said.

 

Martha laid a hand on Frank’s arm. ‘Let him alone dear,’ she said softly. ‘Come on Little Joe, I’ll put you to bed if you’re not hungry.’

 

Little Joe gave Hoss a worried look. ‘I’ll wait for Hoss,’ he said.

 

‘You’ll do as you’re told,’ said Frank curtly. ‘Now go to your room.’  Hoss nodded slightly at his little brother and Little Joe slid down from his chair and took Martha’s hand.

 

‘Come along dear,’ said the woman kindly. ‘Your brother will come soon.’  She left the room with the child, Little Joe looking over his shoulder at Hoss as they went.

 

Seth kicked Tom under the table and winked at him before speaking. ‘You wanna go fishing tomorrow Hoss?’ he asked pleasantly.

 

Hoss stared across the table at the other boy and caught the malicious look in his eye. ‘No,’ he said curtly. ‘I reckon not.’

 

Seth pretended to look hurt. ‘Aw go on Hoss,’ he said. ‘I don’t mind going with ya.’

 

‘I said no!’ repeated Hoss.

 

Frank looked up from his plate ‘That will do!’ he said. ‘Seth was only trying to be pleasant to you boy.  The least you can do is keep a civil tongue in your head.’  Hoss said nothing, but stared at his plate again.

 

‘You seen my knife Seth?’ said Tom after a moment. ‘I was looking for it this afternoon but it weren’t on my dresser.’

 

‘No,’ said Seth, with a significant look at Hoss which didn’t go unnoticed by his father.

 

‘Have you seen the knife boy?’ asked Frank immediately.

 

‘No,’ replied Hoss.

 

Tom looked at his father and then back at Hoss. ‘I don’t mind if ya borrowed it Hoss,’ he said pleasantly. ‘Long as you give it back.’

 

‘I said I haven’t seen it,’ said Hoss angrily.

 

‘Mind if I look in your room then?’ asked Tom cunningly.

 

Hoss went pale as he stared at the other boy. ‘I’ll go look,’ he said and began to get off his chair.

 

‘You stay right where you are,’ instructed Frank. ‘Tom… go and take a look.’  Tom gave Hoss a malicious smile and left the room just as his mother came back into it.

 

‘Little Joe is in bed,’ she said. ‘He’s a mite overwrought, poor little thing.’  She looked around the room, sensing the tension that surrounded her. ‘What’s the matter?’ she said.

 

‘Tom lost his knife,’ said Seth quickly. ‘He’s just looking for it in Hoss’ room.’

 

Martha looked confused. ‘Why on earth would ….’  She stopped as Tom came back into the room with his knife in his hand.  Hoss stared at it mournfully.

 

‘I told ya I didn’t mind if you borrowed it,’ said Tom. ‘You only hadta ask.  There was no need ta steal it.’

 

Hoss stood up and clenched his fists in frustration. ‘You know very well that I didn’t steal it!’ he declared.

 

Tom shrugged his shoulders as he sat down again. ‘It was in the top drawer of the dresser with your clothes,’ he said. ‘I’m sure it weren’t Little Joe who took it.’

 

‘Did you take that knife boy?’ asked Frank angrily.

 

Hoss looked the man straight in the eye. ‘No sir, I didn’t,’ he said.

 

‘Then how did it get into your drawer?’ asked the man.

 

‘I ….’  Hoss faltered. ‘I don’t know,’ he said.

 

‘That’s it!’ declared Frank as he stood up and grabbed Hoss by the arm. ‘I told you before that I won’t have thieving in my house.  Nor lying either!’  He began to take off his belt. ‘I’m gonna do what yer Pa would do if he could,’ he said. ‘Outside!’

 

No!’ shouted Hoss. ‘I never done it!  Leave me alone!’

 

Suddenly a small nightshirt-clad figure came running through the door and launched itself on Frank. ‘You leave my brother alone!’ he shouted, hitting the man with his small fists. ‘Leave him alone!’  Frank stopped abruptly, startled by the boy’s actions. ‘Martha!’ he said. ‘Take this child and put him to bed.’

 

Martha stepped forward and held onto Little Joe, pulling him off her husband easily. ‘Now now dear,’ she said soothingly. ‘Mr Hallam isn’t going to hurt your brother.’  She glared up at Frank angrily. ‘Leave the boy alone,’ she said.

 

Frank sighed and pushed Hoss away from him. ‘Oh all right!’ he said. ‘But you get on into that bedroom youngun,’ he said. ‘And if there is any more of this kind of behaviour you’ll be tasting my belt.  Is that clear?’

 

Hoss said nothing, but grabbed hold of Little Joe and pulled him out of the room.  Martha came to stand next to her husband. ‘Frank ….’ she said.

 

‘Don’t say it Martha,’ the man replied angrily. ‘The sooner those boys go home the better as far as I’m concerned.’ Behind them, Seth winked at Tom.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Hoss hugged his little brother to his side and pulled the covers over both their heads. ‘Quit crying Little Joe,’ he said soothingly. ‘I’m okay.’

 

‘He’s was gonna belt ya Hoss,’ sniffed Little Joe into his big brother’s shoulder. ‘Just like he done ta me.’

 

Hoss caught his breath. ‘What do ya mean Joe?’ he asked. ‘When did he belt ya?’

 

Little Joe lifted his head and looked into Hoss’ eyes. ‘Well it weren’t really a belt,’ he admitted. ‘But he did spank me once on my butt.’  He rubbed his little behind as the memory came back to him. ‘It were when you went to your room before and they dumped me in the water trough.

 

Hoss hugged his little brother even tighter. ‘He won’t be doing that again little buddy,’ he said angrily. ‘Don’t you worry.’

 

‘But how are ya gonna stop him Hoss?’ asked Little Joe fearfully. ‘Tom and Seth are gonna keep lying bout everything and their Pa will keep believing that we’re bad boys. He won’t believe us.’  Hoss lay silently next to his brother, thinking things through.  He remembered how he’d promised Adam that he’d look after Little Joe, and it seemed that he wasn’t doing a very good job of it after all. ‘I’ll think of something Joe,’ he said. ‘Don’t you worry.’

 

‘Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘What if Pa dies?’

 

Hoss jerked. ‘I done ya before he ain’t gonna die!’ he said. ‘Now you get that thought right outta your head Joe!’

 

Little Joe sat up in the bed and looked at his brother intently. ‘But what if he does Hoss?’ he insisted. ‘Will we haveta live here forever?’  His eyes filled with tears. ‘I don’t wanna!’

 

Hoss pulled the little boy down again. ‘He ain’t gonna die Joe,’ he repeated. ‘And even if …. even if he did, then Adam would look after us, okay?

 

Little Joe sniffed in the darkness. ‘Okay,’ he said.  He put his thumb into his mouth and began to suck on it as he used to do when he was a baby. ‘I’m glad I’ve got you and Adam to look after me Hoss,’ he said sleepily.

 

Hoss hugged the little boy to him as he listened to the night sounds around them.  Gradually the tension went out of Little Joe’s body as he relaxed into sleep and Hoss sighed.  He looked out of the window, feeling every bit of the huge responsibility of looking after his little brother and praying for his father at the same time.  He looked down at the curly head resting on his shoulder and patted it gently.  He had promised that he would look after his brother and come what may he intended to make sure that he did.  One thing was for sure though … Joe was right when he said that Seth and Tom wouldn’t stop tormenting them and Hoss just didn’t know what to do about it.

 

He sure wished that Adam were there to give him some advice about how to handle the situation.  His older brother always seemed to know just what to do and Hoss had always relied on him, but this time he was on his own.  As the night wore on Hoss continued to stare out of the window while he thought things through and made plans.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘Joe!’

 

Little Joe opened his eyes sleepily. ‘Go away,’ he murmured and then shut them again.

 

‘Joe!’  There was silence for a moment. ‘Little Joe open ya eyes!’ whispered Hoss. ‘You gotta get up now!’

 

Little Joe pulled the covers over his head. ‘Don’t wanna,’ he said sleepily.

 

Hoss dragged the covers off his little brother and shook him. ‘You gotta get up Joe,’ he insisted. ‘Come on!’  He shook the sleepy child.

 

Little Joe opened his eyes again and looked up at his brother in the dark. ‘It’s still night,’ he said. ‘What you doing up?’

 

‘We gotta go,’ said Hoss urgently. ‘Get up and get dressed.’

 

Little Joe sat up in the bed and rubbed his eyes. ‘Huh?’ he said. ‘How come?  Where we going Hoss?’

 

‘Away from here,’ replied his brother. ‘Hurry up!’  He threw his little brother’s clothes on the bed and began to pack their bag.

 

Little Joe’s eyes widened as he watched his brother. ‘Huh?’ he said again.

 

Hoss came and knelt back down next to the bed. ‘I’ve been doing some thinking Joe,’ he said urgently. ‘We ain’t gonna stay here no longer.  Iffen we do then we’ll only end up in real trouble and that ain’t gonna help no one.’

 

Little Joe’s eyes widened even further and he smiled. ‘We going home?’ he asked.

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘No,’ he said.

 

‘But ….’

 

‘Listen Joe,’ said his older brother. ‘You heard what Adam done told us.  We can’t go home yet.  It ain’t fair when Pa is so sick.’

 

‘Then where are we going?’

 

‘We’re going ta hide out till Pa’s better and we can go back home,’ said Hoss. ‘Now hurry up and get dressed.

 

‘Who’s gonna look after us Hoss?’ asked Little Joe as he eagerly got dressed.

 

‘I’m gonna look after you,’ said Hoss as he put on his jacket and hat. ‘I promised Adam that I would, remember?’

 

Little Joe thought for a moment. ‘But who’s gonna look after you Hoss?’ he asked.

 

Hoss helped his brother with his hat and jacket. ‘I can look after both of us,’ he said. He picked up the bag and put a finger up to his lips. ‘Now be quiet Joe.  We’re gonna haveta sneak down the hall and we can’t let them hear us or they’ll make us stay here.’

 

Little Joe tugged at his brother’s sleeve. ‘But Hoss ….’

 

‘What?’ said Hoss impatiently.

 

‘How will we know when Pa is better and we can come home?’

 

‘You leave it all ta me Joe,’ replied Hoss. ‘I done figured it all out.  I’ll explain it ta ya when we get there.’

 

‘Get where?’

 

‘Shh!’  Hoss took his little brother’s hand and led him down the darkened hallway, stepping as quietly as he could.  Little Joe followed him trustingly into the front room and watched as Hoss took a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and put it on the table before opening the door.  The two brothers left the room as silently as they had entered it.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘The fever is broken,’ said Paul Martin as he straightened up again and put his stethoscope into his bag and shut it firmly. ‘He should do much better now that it has.’

 

Adam let out a sigh of relief. ‘That’s the best news I’ve heard in days,’ he said.

 

Paul studied the young man in front of him and noted the dark rings around his eyes. ‘How long since you got some sleep?’ he asked.

 

Adam shrugged his shoulders. ‘I don’t know,’ he said, glancing at his father in the bed. ‘I got a couple of hours last night.’

 

Paul put his hand on Adam’s shoulder. ‘You need to get some rest now,’ he said. ‘Surely now that Hop Sing is back he can sit with Ben for a while?’

 

‘We’ve been taking it in turns,’ replied Adam. ‘I’m all right Paul.’ He smiled at the doctor. ‘Really … I’m fine.’

 

‘You are not fine,’ insisted the man. ‘And I have no intention of having two patients to look after in this house. Now you will get some sleep if I have to tie you to the bed young man!’

 

‘You sound like Pa,’ said Adam with a grin. He looked at the sleeping man in the bed again and his heart constricted. ‘Are you sure he’s going to be all right?’

 

‘No, I’m not sure,’ said Paul. ‘But I’m as sure as I can be.  Now I mean it …You get into your room and get some sleep Adam.  I’ll get Hop Sing to watch your father.’

 

Adam nodded. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘But only a couple of hours.  And if Pa is still all right when I wake up, then I’m going over to Frank Hallam’s to see the boys.  They must be worried sick.’

 

‘I could stop by there if you like on my way back to town,’ said Paul. ‘I can tell them how he’s doing and save you a trip.’

 

Adam shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘Thank you anyway Paul, but I think I should go and see them.  They need family right about now.’  He hesitated. ‘We all do.’

 

Paul patted the young man on the shoulder. ‘I understand,’ he said as he picked up his bag. ‘I’ll see myself out Adam.  You get some rest now, you hear?’

 

Adam nodded as the man left the room.  He sat down and stared at his father as he waited for Hop Sing to come upstairs, saying a silent prayer in his heart for the man he loved so deeply. ‘Get well Pa,’ he said softly. ‘We need you … all three of us do.’

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘Come on Joe,’ said Hoss urgently as he looked back over his shoulder and noticed the dawn light was getting stronger. ‘We gotta keep moving.’

 

‘I gotta rest for a bit,’ said Little Joe. ‘I’m tired.’  He sat down on a rock and began to swing his little legs back and forth.

 

Hoss walked back down the slope and sat next to his little brother. ‘All right,’ he said.  ‘But just for a minute. We gotta get to the cave by sunup.’

 

Little Joe’s eyes widened. ‘We going to our cave?’ he said excitedly. ‘Is that where we’re gonna hide out Hoss?’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Yep,’ he said. ‘We can keep an eye on what’s going on at home from there and still be hidden. Sides … there’s some food we got stashed there from our camping trips remember?’

 

Little Joe nodded. He’d only been allowed on one trip overnight to the cave so far and that was when Adam had been with them, but he remembered it as a great adventure.  ‘There’s water nearby too, ain’t there?’ he added.

 

‘Sure is,’ said Hoss with a grin.  In spite of his worry about his father, it was all beginning to sound like a great adventure to him as well. ‘We’ll be fine there Joe … and every day we’ll sneak out to the top of the hill and look down on home.  We’ll be able to tell when Pa is up and around and then we can go back down there.’

 

‘Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘What did you write on that paper you left at the Hallam’s place?  The one you put on the table?  You didn’t tell em where we was going did ya?’

 

Hoss snorted. ‘Course not … as if I would!  Don’t worry Joe.  I never told em where we going and I said that Adam and Pa weren’t ta worry bout us is all.  Mr Hallam will give the note to Adam and then he’ll know that we’ll be okay.’  He looked up the hill. ‘Come on, we gotta get moving again.’

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Adam took the piece of paper from Frank’s outstretched hand and opened it, reading in silence.

 

Deer Adam,

I’m writting this so ya don’t worry none bout me and Joe. We’s gone somewheres we can’t get inta troubble no more and worry no one.  I’ll bring Joe back when Pa is better and I’ll look after him good till then. Tell Pa we luv him and we will be good.

Luv from your brother Hoss

 

Adam looked up at Frank. ‘Trouble?’ he asked. ‘What kind of trouble were they in?’

 

Frank looked shamefaced. ‘I’m sorry Adam,’ he said. ‘Seems those boys of mine were causing trouble for the younguns.  When I read the note this morning they owned up to it.  I got kinda angry with your brothers when I thought they were causing trouble.’  He hesitated. ‘My boys ain’t bad really …. Just young and full of life.’ Adam raised his eyebrow at the man’s remark and made no comment. ‘I tried to find their tracks at first light,’ went on Frank. ‘Seems they headed up into the hills.’

 

‘Did they take their ponies?’ asked Adam.

 

Frank shook his head. ‘No,’ he said. ‘They was on foot.  Another reason why I think they went up into the hills.  I was thinking I’d get into town and ask for volunteers to start looking for the younguns, but I wanted to come and let you know first.’

 

Adam nodded, his concern clearly showing on his face. ‘Charlie will organise some of the men from here as well,’ he said. He glanced over his shoulder at the house and hesitated, his anxiety for his father obvious to the other man.

 

‘Now don’t you worry bout them younguns,’ Frank assured the young man. ‘We’ll find em fer ya Adam.  You just stay here and look after your Pa.’

 

Adam looked torn. ‘I don’t … I mean …’ he bit his lip. ‘I’ll see how Pa is and if he continues to improve then I’ll join you,’ he said. ‘Thank you Frank.’

 

Frank nodded and then mounted his horse. ‘We’ll find em Adam,’ he said. ‘Don’t you worry none.’

 

Adam watched the man as he rode out of the yard and then turned towards the barn. ‘Charlie!’ he yelled.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Hoss lay flat on his stomach and looked over the edge of the cliff. ‘There!” he said. ‘Can ya see it?’

 

Little Joe scrunched up next to his brother and craned his neck to see. ‘Yeah,’ he said wistfully as he looked down on The Ponderosa ranch house. ‘I ain’t never seen it from so high up before Hoss. It looks little, don’t it?’

 

‘Sure does,’ said Hoss, squinting in the sunlight.  He spied a figure coming out of the barn. ‘Look … there’s Adam.’

 

Little Joe leant forward to see and giggled. ‘He looks little too, don’t he Hoss?’

 

‘Sure does,’ agreed Hoss.

 

‘Do ya think we’ll see Pa?’ asked Little Joe in a small voice.

 

Hoss shook his head. ‘Not yet,’ he said. ‘He won’t be outta bed yet even if …’ his voice trailed away.

 

‘Even if what?’

 

‘Nothin,’ said Hoss. ‘Come on, let’s get back to the cave.  We ain’t had breakfast yet.’  He led his little brother back to the cave and sat him down on the sandy floor.

 

‘What we having for breakfast Hoss?’ asked Little Joe as he looked trustingly at his big brother.

 

Hoss examined the pile of tins that were stacked at the back of the cave where he and Adam had left them some months ago. ‘Depends,’ he said. ‘We got lots of beans.  I guess we can start with them.’

 

‘You want me to get some water?’  asked Little Joe eagerly.

 

Hoss handed him a bucket. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘Now be careful Joe.  You go straight to the stream and then back again, hear?’

 

‘Yep,’ said Little Joe and ran out of the cave happily.

 

Hoss began to pile the sticks they had gathered into a pile and fetched the matches from the small storage area he and Adam had created at the back of the cave.  As he watched the small fire begin to crackle and flame, he thought about how lucky they were to have this cave and how fortunate it was that he and Adam had always kept it stocked with what they considered as essentials.  They had spent many a happy night here … just the two of them … since Adam had discovered the cave some years ago, and Hoss suspected that he and Little Joe would spend some good times there in the future now that Adam was too grown up to come here much.

 

He sighed as the thought of their happy times made him think about his father again and he prayed that everything down at the ranch was all right.  His hope was that they would see Pa sitting on the front porch one day soon and then he would know that it was all right to take Joe home again … until then they’d just have to stay here and wait and hope.

 

‘Hoss? Is this enough?’  Little Joe came in and put the half full bucket on the ground.

 

‘You done good Joe,’ said Hoss and patted his little brother on the back. ‘I’ll get breakfast ready.’

 

Little Joe watched as Hoss expertly began to cook their beans. ‘You sure are clever, ain’t ya Hoss?’ he said. ‘This is better than being at the Hallam’s place.’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘Sure is,’ he said. ‘We’ll be okay here Joe. We’ve got everything we need fer now.’

 

‘What about tonight?’

 

‘What about it?’

 

‘It’ll be dark won’t it?’

 

‘Course it will,’ replied Hoss. ‘But you’ve been here one night before, remember? You did okay then.’

 

Little Joe nodded thoughtfully. ‘Yeah,’ he admitted. ‘But Adam let me sleep with him that time.’

 

‘Well you can sleep with me this time,’ Hoss assured his little brother. ‘I told ya Joe.  We’ll be fine.’  Little Joe hugged his knees to his chest and watched the flickering flames in front of him as Hoss continued to stir the beans.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘How is he?’ asked Adam as he entered the room and saw Hop Sing sitting by his father’s bed.

 

‘Same,’ said Hop Sing as he wiped Ben’s face with a wet cloth. ‘Fever go down like doctor say, but he still not awake.’

 

Adam sat down on the other side of the bed and stared at his father’s face. ‘The boys have taken off,’ he said in a low voice.

 

Hop Sing looked up. ‘Why?’ he asked. ‘Where they go to?’

 

Adam shook his head ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘Mr Hallam is organising some men to go and find them.’  He looked at Hop Sing. ‘I should go with them,’ he said.

 

Hop Sing waved him away. ‘You go,’ he said. ‘I look after Mr Cartlight.’

 

Adam hesitated. ‘I was sure hoping you’d say that Hop Sing,’ he said. ‘Only …’

 

‘He be fine,’ the cook assured the young man. ‘I look after him.’

 

Adam stared at his father again. ‘If only he’d wake up,’ he said. ‘If only I knew that he was going to be all right.’

 

‘If he wake up he tell you that you should go look for boys,’ said Hop Sing sternly.

 

Adam smiled at the man. ‘You’re right of course,’ he said. ‘Thank you Hop Sing.  I’ll be back as soon as I can.’

 

Hop Sing nodded and went back to wiping Ben’s face again.

 

 

+++++++

 

‘Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’  Hoss felt Joe’s knees sticking into his back and he shifted slightly under the blanket to accommodate them.

 

‘Can we put some more wood on the fire?  It’s getting awful dark.’

 

‘We have to save it for later,’ explained Hoss.  We don’t need it yet.’

 

‘How come its so dark out here?’

 

‘Cause we’re in a cave remember?  If we were outside then we’d get some light from the moon.’

 

‘Lets move outside then.’

 

‘We’re safer in here.’

 

There was silence for a moment. ‘Safe from what?’ Little Joe breathed into his brother’s ear anxiously.

 

Aw… nothing Joe.  It’s just warmer is what I meant.  Sides … its right cosy don’t ya think?’

 

There was silence again. ‘Some,’ Little Joe replied finally. ‘Hey Hoss?’

 

Hoss sighed as he fought sleep again. ‘Yeah?’

 

‘How many times do ya think we’re gonna have ta sleep here until Pa gets better?’

 

‘Hoss thought for a moment. ‘I’m not sure Joe,’ he said finally. ‘We’ll just haveta wait and see.  We’ll check every day though buddy and as soon as we see him up and about we’re going straight home.’

 

Little Joe gave a huge yawn and snuggled in even tighter to his brother. ‘I sure hope we see him up and about real soon.’

 

Hoss nodded. ‘So do I,’ he said wistfully.

 

‘Hey Hoss?’

 

Hoss blinked a couple of times to try and keep his eyes open. ‘Yeah?’

 

‘If Pa does … well if we don’t see him up and around ever, then what will we do?’

 

‘We’ll go home anyway,’ said Hoss determinedly.

 

‘Will Adam be our Pa then?’ asked Little Joe in a sleepy voice.

 

‘No,’ said Hoss. ‘He won’t be our Pa … but he’ll look after us Joe. We’ll be OK buddy whatever happens.  Understand?’

 

There was no answer, so Hoss closed his eyes thankfully and drifted off to sleep.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘The tracks stop here.’  Frank Hallam pointed to the ground and then gazed up at the rocky rise about them. ‘They could have gone in any direction from here.  We’re going to have to fan out in all directions.’

 

Adam shook his head, sorry for once that he and Pa had taught Hoss so well about tracking.  The boy was certainly using all his skills to hide their tracks and Adam felt his heart sinking as he realised just what a vast area they now had to cover.  Frank was right … the boys could be anywhere up here in the hills and they might never … he brushed the thought from his mind immediately.  ‘I’ll take this side,’ he said. ‘I think …’

 

‘What is it Adam?’ asked Charlie as he drew his horse to a halt beside the young man.

 

Adam looked thoughtful. ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘Only … there’s an old cave up there that I used to take Hoss to.  Maybe he’s headed there.’

 

‘Could be,’ said Frank. ‘You want us all to come with you?’

 

Adam shook his head. ‘No,’ he replied. ‘They may not be there and then we’ll just have wasted time.  I’ll check it out on my way up this side.’

 

‘Right,’ said Frank. ‘Two shots if anyone finds anything and we’ll meet back here at sundown if no one does. Agreed?’

 

Adam watched as the men dispersed and then headed his own horse up towards the spot around where he’d found that cave.  As he rode his mind was a jumble of thoughts … worry for his father and if he were recovering or not, concern for his brothers and anger with them also for doing this.  He knew that Hoss had thought he was doing the only thing he could, but still he felt a great deal of frustration with them.

 

So it was that when he rode into the clearing in front of the cave and saw his two brothers sitting in front of a small fire that his temper exploded and he found himself shouting at them as he dismounted from his horse. ‘What do you two think you’re doing up here?’ he demanded.

 

Hoss got to his feet and faced his older brother. ‘I’m … I’m sorry Adam,’ he said. ‘But I promised I’d look after Joe and I couldn’t do it down there.’

 

Adam put his hands on his hips. ‘What do you mean?’ he said in a short voice. ‘The Hallams are perfectly fine people and just because you had a bit of trouble fitting in there doesn’t mean that you ….’ He stopped as he saw his brother hang his head and shuffle at the ground with his foot.

 

‘I’m sorry Adam,’ muttered Hoss. ‘I jest couldn’t take it no more.  And it weren’t fair ta Joe neither.’

 

‘Yeah!’ agreed Joe who had leapt to his feet and gone to stand next to Hoss. ‘It weren’t fair what they done Adam and we ain’t gonna go back there no how!’

 

Adam took a step back, startled at the intensity of the little boy’s voice. ‘What happened?’ he said after a moment. ‘Both of you sit down and tell me all about it.’ As he listened to both boys relate the story of their experiences Adam realised just how hurt and frightened they’d been. As they talked, Little Joe gradually climbed up onto his brother’s lap and snuggled there and even Hoss drew closer to his brother as if to find comfort in his presence. ‘I see,’ Adam said finally when they had at last finished.

 

Hoss gave his brother an anxious look. ‘I did it fer Joe Adam,’ he said. ‘I promised you that I’d look after him and I aimed ta keep that promise.  I didn’t want them hurting him none.’

 

‘I weren’t afraid of em but!’ declared Joe. ‘Well … not much anyways.’

 

Adam put his arm around Hoss and gave the boy a quick squeeze. ‘I understand,’ he said. ‘Although there were perhaps better ways of dealing with it, you did what you thought was right.  The important thing now is that you’re both OK.’

 

Little Joe looked up at his brother anxiously. ‘Is Pa OK too Adam?’ he asked.

 

I sure hope so buddy,’ replied his brother as he stood up and fired his gun twice into the air.

 

‘What’s that for?’ asked Hoss.

 

‘To tell the others that I’ve found you,’ replied Adam. ‘You’ve got half the district out looking for you.  Come on, we need to get back down to the lake and meet them.’  He hoisted Little Joe up onto his horse and beckoned for Hoss to sit behind his brother before slowly leading the horse down the hillside.

 

By the time they reached the lake most of the men had made it there before them and were clustered around a small fire drinking coffee. Frank Hallam strode straight over to them. ‘You found them!’ he exclaimed. ‘Thank the Lord!’

 

‘They were up at the cave as I suspected,’ replied Adam.

 

‘I’ll take em off your hands then,’ said Frank.  He turned to the two boys who were still seated on the horse. ‘I’m sorry my boys caused ya trouble younguns,’ he said. ‘I promise that it won’t happen again.’

 

Hoss looked at Adam and Little Joe positively glared at Frank Hallam as he crossed his little arms in front of his chest. ‘We ain’t going back with you!’ he declared firmly. ‘We’s going home ta see our Pa now, ain’t we Adam?’

 

Adam shrugged his shoulders at Frank. ‘I think it might be best if I do take them home now,’ he said. ‘You understand.’

 

Frank grinned at him. ‘Sure I do,’ he said. ‘I’ll bring their things over later.’

 

‘Say thank you to Mr Hallam,’ instructed Adam.

 

Hoss murmured his thanks without looking at the man until Frank laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I shoulda known that you weren’t the sorta boy who woulda done them things.’

 

Hoss looked at the man and grinned. ‘That’s OK,’ he said.

 

‘And you apologize for speaking to Mr Hallam like that,’ said Adam, tapping Little Joe on the leg.  ‘There is no excuse for rudeness.’

 

Little Joe glared down at his brother and then mumbled ‘I’m sorry,’ under his breath.  Frank Hallam patted him on the leg and stepped back with a smile.

 

‘Thank you everyone,’ said Adam in a loud voice. ‘I’m sorry to have taken you away from your homes like this. I know my father …’ he hesitated for a moment. ‘My father will be grateful to you as well when he recovers.’

 

‘He’ll be just fine Adam,’ said Frank and all the others behind him nodded their heads. ‘A man like Ben Cartwright is tough.  He’ll be fine boy.  Don’t you worry.’  Frank patted Adam on the shoulder and smiled at Hoss and Little Joe. ‘You get on home to him now boys.’

 

Hoss got down from his brother’s horse and mounted up behind Charlie, while Adam took Little Joe in front of him.  Together they disappeared over the crest of the hillside, headed towards home.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

Hop Sing walked to the hallway and looked down from the top of the stairs.  He smiled as the front door opened and the three Cartwright boys entered the great room down below.  Hoss looked up at the man as Adam bent down to help Little Joe take off his hat and coat. ‘Is Pa OK Hop Sing?’ he called. ‘Is he?’

 

Hop Sing walked down a couple of stairs as Hoss reached the bottom.  He was acutely aware that even though the question had been voiced by one of the boys that all three were in fact straining to hear his response. ‘He be awake some time,’ he said. ‘But he asleep now.  He look better doctor say.’

 

Adam gave the man a huge smile and Hoss made to ascend the stairs, followed closely by Little Joe who had waved his eldest brother’s hands away impatiently and run over to the stairs as well.  ‘Hold on there you two,’ said Adam sternly as he collared both boys and prevented them from going upstairs. ‘You heard what Hop Sing said.  Pa is asleep and I’m sure that he needs his rest.’

 

‘But Adam ….’ said Hoss pleadingly. ‘We need ta see him.’

 

‘Yeah!’ agreed Little Joe as he tried to wriggle free. ‘We need ta see him Adam.’

 

Adam relaxed his grip. ‘All right,’ he said as he sensed the desperation in both the boys’ voices. ‘But no talking.  Pa needs to sleep.’  He led them both upstairs, followed by Hop Sing and halted at the doorway to their father’s room and put his finger on his lip before opening it.  Inside they could see the still form of their father as he lay in the bed and as they approached the bed Adam noticed how pale the man still looked.

 

Hoss breathed a sigh of relief. ‘He’s gonna be OK,’ he said, happy now that he’d seen his father and been assured that he wasn’t dead. ‘I jest know it,’ he said.

 

Little Joe nodded confidently beside him. ‘Yeah,’ he agreed. ‘He’s gonna be OK now that we’re back here ta look after him,’ he said.

 

‘I told you to be quiet,’ whispered Adam. ‘Now both of you get downstairs. Go on scat!’  He winked at Hop Sing and then smiled as the man ushered the two boys out of the room.  Adam sat down on a chair next to the bed and leant forward as he whispered into his father’s ear. ‘I brought them home again Pa,’ he said. ‘They’re both OK.’  As he straightened up he could have sworn that he saw the glimmer of a smile on his father’s sleeping face.

 

 

+++++++

 

 

‘How are ya feeling this morning Pa?’ asked Hoss as he carefully carried in the breakfast tray. ‘Better?’

 

Ben smiled at his son. ‘Much better thank you,’ he said as Hoss set the tray down on the dresser beside his father’s bed. ‘Sit down for a moment Hoss.  I’d like to talk to you.’  Hoss sat down on the edge of the bed as his father had instructed. ‘Adam has told me what happened over at the Hallam’s,’ said Ben and watched as a worried look came over his son’s face momentarily.

 

‘I did it ta protect Joe,’ mumbled Hoss. ‘I didn’t mean ta cause all that trouble fer everyone.’

 

‘I know son,’ replied Ben and I’m very proud of you for looking after your brother in that way.’

 

Hoss looked up. ‘You are?’ he asked in a surprised tone.

 

‘Yes I am son.  You did what you thought was right for your brother.  I just wish that there had been another way you could have done it.’

 

‘I’m sorry Pa,’ said Hoss. ‘I couldn’t think of any other way and I promised Adam that I’d look after him is all. Us Cartwrights hadta stick together.’

 

Ben stroked the boy’s hair gently. ‘I know son,’ he said. ‘And you did it well.’  They both turned as a shout from the hallway drifted in to them.

 

‘No!’ they heard Little Joe say. ‘I wanna see Pa too!’

 

‘It’s all right Adam,’ called out Ben with a wink to Hoss. ‘Let him come in.’

 

Suddenly a little whirlwind appeared at the door and flung itself across the room towards the bed.  As it reached the other side of the room it stopped momentarily and Ben smiled down into the face of his youngest son. ‘Hi Pa!’ Little Joe said happily. ‘How ya feeling today?’

 

‘Stop bouncing on the mattress!’ admonished Adam as he entered the room behind his brother. ‘I’m sorry Pa .. I tried to keep him out.’

 

Ben smiled. ‘That’s fine Adam,’ he said. ‘Family needs to be together at a time like this.  I’m fine Joseph,’ he said as he stroked the child’s hair.

 

‘Did they find out who shot ya Pa?’ asked Hoss.

 

‘Not yet,’ replied his father. ‘But with Sheriff Coffee on the job I’m sure that they will soon.’

 

‘I’m gonna shoot em when he finds out who did it!’ declared Little Joe angrily, pounding his small fists into the air.

 

‘That will be enough!’ said his father firmly. ‘I’ll have none of that talk please.’  He wiggled his finger at the boys. ‘Now don’t both of you have to get ready for school? You don’t want to be late.’

 

‘Aw Pa!’ protested Little Joe. ‘I was thinking that I could stay home and look after you for a bit.’  He gave his father one of his most charming smiles, but Ben merely raised an eyebrow and shook his head, which turned his son’s smile into a frown.

 

‘Go and get ready please,’ Ben instructed. ‘Go on.’ He smiled at Adam as both boys left the room. ‘Well we seem to be back to normal again,’ he remarked.

 

‘Nearly,’ replied Adam. ‘You just take it easy now Pa and get better and then we will be.’  He put the tray of food on his father’s lap and then rolled his eyes as a loud noise came from the hallway out side. ‘I’d better go and check on those two,’ he said. Ben chuckled quietly as he picked up his spoon.

 

 

 

The End