Summary:  Joe takes full advantage of his brothers’ guilt when they cause him to have an accident.
Rating:  G  10,020 words

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The Accident

 

 Hoss Cartwright looked up at the loft for the tenth time and gave his youngest brother a frustrated look. ‘Quit it, will ya Joe?’ he said as he took off his hat and shook the hay off it. ‘It ain’t funny no more!’ Joe looked down at his brother from his precarious position in the doorway of the loft where he was busy shuffling the bales of hay to the back of the room and gave one of his unmistakable giggles before throwing another handful of hay down onto his brother’s head. ‘ Quit it ya weasel!’ shouted Hoss angrily. ‘Or I’ll come up there and pound ya!’

 

Joe’s head disappeared quickly back into the loft at his brother’s words and Hoss grunted as he turned back to the buckboard and continued to unload it. ‘What’s all the yelling about?’ asked Adam as he came out from the barn and began to help his brother.

 

‘That younger brother of ours,’ grunted Hoss. ‘I’m sick of him and his tricks.’  He shook himself and dropped the sack of grain he was holding as another fistful of hay came raining down on them both. ‘That’s it!’ he shouted angrily. ‘You’re gonna get pounded now Joe!’  He strode towards the barn while Adam tried unsuccessfully to hold him back.

 

‘Steady on brother,’ said Adam. ‘He’ll keep!’

 

Hoss stopped and looked over his shoulder at his older brother. ‘Yeah?’ he said with a grin. ‘Reckon you’re right Adam.’  He turned back towards the buckboard again and the two of them worked side by side for a few minutes before Little Joe slunk out of the barn and along the corral fence, keeping as much distance between himself and his two brothers as he could.

 

‘You know you could help us with this,’ said Adam over his shoulder. ‘It wouldn’t hurt you to do a bit of work for a change instead of wasting your energy playing tricks on everyone.’

 

Joe gave his brother a mock-offended look. ‘Now why would I do that?’ he asked. ‘You’re both doing so well without me.’  He grinned at them both as he began to walk away, but unfortunately walked straight into his father who had come onto the front porch to see what all the yelling was about. ‘Oh … sorry Pa,’ said Joe with another grin at his father. ‘Didn’t see ya there.’

 

‘Obviously,’ said Ben. ‘And just where are you going, young man?’

 

‘Into the house,’ said Joe, trying unsuccessfully to sidestep his father and make his getaway. ‘I’ve been working hard and thought I’d knock off for the day now.’

 

‘Well you thought wrong,’ said Ben, catching hold of his collar and turning him around to face the barn again. ‘You can just help your brothers unload all those supplies.’

 

‘Yeah Joe,’ said Hoss with a wink at Adam. ‘Come on over here and help your big brothers, why don’t ya?’

 

Joe swallowed at the expression on Hoss’ face. ‘Well …’ he said, searching his brain for an excuse. ‘I reckon … I’d better just go and see if Hop Sing needs any wood chopped first.’  He tried to wriggle out of his father’s grasp, but Ben gave him a firm push towards the barn.

 

‘Hop Sing has plenty of wood,’ he said firmly. ‘Now get to work Joseph!’

 

Joe took a couple of tentative steps towards his brothers, giving them a half-grin as he did so.  He looked over his shoulder at his father who stood with his arms crossed over his chest and gave him a hopeful look, but Ben merely pointed to the buckboard. ‘I want all that unloaded quick smart,’ he said, before turning and walking into the house.

 

‘You heard the man,’ said Adam, walking over and holding onto Joe around the shoulders  ‘Come over here and we’ll do it together, shall we?’ he added sweetly while he walked his youngest brother forcibly towards the buckboard and positioned him in between himself and Hoss.

 

Joe swallowed nervously as he looked at both his brothers.  Hoss winked at Adam over the top of Joe’s head and they began to work again.  Both of them knew from experience that the threat of what they might do to their youngest brother was much more effective than actually doing it at times and so they let him sweat it out while they worked as if nothing had happened.

 

Joe continued to watch his brothers nervously as all three of them worked, but after a few minutes he settled down and began to think that they weren’t planning anything after all. ‘So,’ he said sociably. ‘Are we going to that dance tonight?’

 

‘I don’t know about you,’ said Adam. ‘But I certainly am. How about you Hoss?’

 

‘I reckon so,’ replied Hoss. ‘I aim ta dance with Bessie Sue.’

 

Joe looked down at his brother’s feet and shook his head. ‘Well maybe you’d better not wear any boots then,’ he said as he picked up a sack. ‘Else you might break her toes.’  He dropped the sack onto Hoss’ foot and added with exaggerated innocence. ‘Oh so sorry brother! What have I done?’

 

Hoss held onto his foot and grimaced. ‘Why you little ….’ he yelled and reached for his younger brother, but Joe was too quick for him and jumped up onto the back of the buckboard and grinned down at him.

 

‘You gotta be quicker than that,’ he said cheekily.

 

‘You OK Hoss?’ asked Adam as Hoss rubbed his foot ruefully.

 

‘Yeah … no thanks ta that little weasel,’ muttered Hoss. ‘I’m plumb sick of you and your tricks Joe!’

 

Joe sat down on a sack of grain and grinned at both his brothers. ‘Not sure what you mean Hoss,’ he said. ‘But you two had better hurry up and get all this unloaded before Pa catches you slackening off.’  He bounded over the top of the sacks and onto the front seat of the buckboard before jumping down and sauntering off in the direction of the kitchen. ‘I’ll see ya at supper,’ he said over his shoulder.

 

‘I’m gonna pound him into the ground some day,’ muttered Hoss angrily. ‘I’m gonna get his scrawny neck and twist it so that his head is on backwards.  I’m gonna …’

 

‘Calm down brother,’ said Adam, putting his hand on Hoss’ shoulder. ‘I agree that our younger brother needs a lesson in manners, but there are easier ways.’

 

Hoss gave Adam a puzzled look. ‘There are?’ he asked.

 

Adam nodded and winked at him. ‘There are,’ he said firmly.  He put his arm around Hoss’ neck and drew him close. ‘Now here’s what we’re going to do …’ he whispered.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

‘I hope you all have a good time tonight,’ said Ben at the supper table later that evening.

 

‘Why don’t you come too Pa?’ asked Adam. ‘It’ll do you good.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘I’m looking forward to a nice quiet evening here,’ he said. ‘You boys go and enjoy yourselves though. You’ve worked hard all week and you deserve it.’

 

‘Some of us have,’ muttered Hoss under his breath, giving Joe a hard look.

 

Joe merely returned the look from across the table with a grin as he put down his napkin. ‘Well I’d best be off then Pa,’ he said as he stood up.

 

‘You’ll all ride in together,’ instructed his father. ‘I’ll not have you going by yourself Joseph.’

 

Joe gave his father a frustrated look. ‘Aw Pa!’ he said. ‘I’m not a baby no more. I can ride into town by myself you know!’

 

‘I know that,’ said Ben patiently. ‘However, I was not referring to your riding ability young man.  I was referring to your ability to cause trouble.  I’d rather have you within sight of your brothers.’

 

‘Don’t you worry Pa,’ Adam assured his father. ‘We’ll take real good care of him for you.’  He flashed his youngest brother a sweet smile and Joe’s own smile turned to a frown at the sight of it.  He swallowed and hastily stepped away from the table.

 

‘I’ll go and saddle up,’ he muttered.

 

‘Don’t ferget ta wait for us!’ shouted Hoss, with a wink at Adam. ‘Come on older brother. We’d best get moving.  We don’t want to miss all the fun, do we?’ he added meaningfully.

 

‘That we don’t,’ said Adam with a huge grin. ‘We’ll see you later Pa.’ He motioned for Hoss to follow him and both brothers headed outside together after putting on their hats and coats.

 

‘Well lookee here,’ said Hoss with feigned innocence. ‘However did that get up there?’ He pointed to the top of the barn where Joe’s saddle hung from the hook that they used for the pulley when they were pulling bales of hay up to the loft. ‘Looks like you won’t be able to go to the dance now little brother.’

 

Adam scratched his chin and shook his head as he gazed up at the saddle. ‘Now what a shame,’ he said sadly. ‘I’d say that you’ve got a bit of a dilemma Joe.  You’d better get up there and get it down if you want to come with us.’

 

Joe glared at both his brothers angrily. ‘Very funny!’ he said.

 

‘We thought so,’ said Adam easily, leaning on Hoss’ shoulder as he watched his angry youngest brother.

 

‘Ya’d better get on up there and get it if ya’re coming with us,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘We ain’t gonna wait long.’

 

‘You know I don’t like heights,’ said Joe angrily. ‘One of you get it for me, will ya?’

 

Adam shook his head. ‘I’ve got to get my horse saddled up,’ he said. ‘How about you Hoss?’

 

‘I reckon I got things ta do too,’ said Hoss. ‘Hurry up Joe if you’ve a mind ta still come with us.’

 

The two brothers walked over to their horses chuckling and left their younger brother staring up at his saddle, his face going redder by the minute and his fists clenched tight in anger. He glared after his retreating brothers and then stomped into the barn and climbed up to the loft.  He opened the door and looked upwards to where his saddle was dangling above him.  ‘What a dumb thing to do!’ he muttered angrily and reached up to try and pull the saddle towards him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t tall enough and the saddle remained out of his reach.

 

‘Having a bit of trouble up there are you?’ shouted a voice from down below and Joe glanced down to see Adam and Hoss leaning on their horses and grinning up at him.

 

‘I suppose you think this is real funny?’ he shouted back.

 

‘Sure do,’ shouted up Hoss. ‘Real funny!’  He and Adam chuckled as they grinned up at Joe. ‘Pity ya ain’t a bit taller Joe,’ he added. ‘Then ya could maybe reach it easy.’

 

Joe scowled at his brothers and then turned to look inside the loft for something that he might be able to use to hook onto the saddle.  Within minutes he reappeared with a long rake in his hands and began to reach upwards again, swinging the saddle from side to side in his attempts to dislodge it.

 

‘You have to do better than that!’ shouted up Adam gleefully. ‘Try swinging it further out!’  He winked at Hoss who winked back at him.  They watched their little brother as he tried again and again to hook the rake onto the saddle, both of them giggling all the while.  Finally Joe gave them a particularly angry look and lunged forward with the rake, losing his balance and toppling out of the loft and crashing onto the ground below.

 

Instantly Hoss and Adam sprang forward, their expressions changed in a moment from gleeful to concerned.  They ran to where their younger brother was sprawled on the ground, his arms and legs flung out in all directions. ‘Joe!’ said Adam anxiously. ‘Joe! Can you hear me?’

 

Joe groaned slightly and tossed his head from side to side, his eyes fluttering open and then closed again. ‘He ain’t hearing ya Adam,’ said Hoss. ‘Joe! Joe boy! It’s Hoss … open ya eyes!’  He bent down and lifted Joe’s head from the ground, causing the youngster to groan again.

 

‘What happened?’ called an anxious voice behind them and Ben skidded to a stop beside them pushing them both to one side in his anxiety. ‘I heard the thud from inside,’ he added as he examined Joe’s head for any bumps. ‘What happened?’

 

‘He fell Pa,’ said Hoss, giving Adam a worried look.

 

‘Fell?’ asked Ben as he gathered Joe’s head into his arms and peered down anxiously into his face. ‘Fell from where?’

 

‘The loft,’ said Adam after a moment’s hesitation.

 

Ben looked up at him. ‘The loft?’ he said. ‘What on earth was he doing up there?  No … don’t answer me now… the important thing is to make sure that he’s all right.’  He looked down at the youngster in his arms again. ‘Joe?  Joe son, can you hear me?’

 

Joe’s eyes fluttered open again and he looed up into his father’s face. ‘Pa?’ he said in a small voice. ‘Pa?  Is that you?’

 

‘It’s all right son,’ said Ben gently, pushing back a stray curl from Joe’s forehead. ‘Your Pa’s here now.  You’ll be all right.’  He looked over at Hoss. ‘Get into town and get the doctor Hoss. Hurry!’ Hoss gave his younger brother one last stricken look before jumping to his feet and running towards his horse. ‘Help me lift him Adam,’ said Ben. He put his hands under Joe’s shoulders and began to lift, but a cry from Joe stopped him immediately.

 

‘Don’t! It hurts!’

 

Ben glanced over at Adam. ‘Get a piece of wood,’ he said. ‘We’ll lift him onto it and get him into the house on that.’

 

Adam didn’t move. ‘Pa …’ he began. ‘I’m sorry … Hoss and I …’

 

‘Later!’ said Ben shortly. ‘Get the wood!’  He brushed Joe’s curls from his forehead again as he waited for Adam to return. ‘It’s all right son,’ he murmured. ‘It’ll be all right soon.’  Joe groaned again. ‘Where does it hurt?’ Ben asked gently.

 

‘My .. my back…’ whimpered Joe as he clutched hold of Ben’s sleeve. ‘My back hurts Pa.’ He tried to move, but the movement caused him to cry aloud again.

 

‘Keep still Joe,’ urged his father. ‘Just keep still boy.’  He looked up as Adam came back dragging a large piece of wood. ‘Good boy,’ he said. ‘Now put it down next to him.  I’ll raise him bit by bit and you push the wood underneath.’  He lifted Joe’s legs slightly, causing the youngster to moan again. ‘Steady Joe,’ he murmured. ‘We’ll have this done in a moment.’

 

Within minutes Joe was lying on the wood and Adam and Ben each grabbed hold of an end and lifted it to carry carefully into the house. They went straight upstairs, carefully moving Joe on the wooden plank around the landing in the middle and then straight down the hallway to Joe’s bedroom.  As they laid him onto the bed, Joe whimpered in relief as he felt the bumping stopping at last.  Ben leant over his son and spoke to him gently as Adam slowly pulled the plank of wood out from under him. ‘It’s all right now Joe,’ he said. ‘We’ve got you into bed now.  You’ll be all right once the doctor gets here.’  He patted his son’s face gently. ‘Try and close your eyes and sleep,’ he said. ‘Doc Martin is on his way.’  He looked up at Adam with a worried expression on his face as Joe’s eyes closed. ‘It’s his back,’ he said softly. ‘It could be bad Adam.’

 

Adam nodded slowly as he looked at his pale younger brother on the bed.  He swallowed several times, not trusting himself to speak. What have we done? He said to himself. What have we done?

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

 

Paul Martin stood up and looked at Ben. ‘I think he’ll be all right,’ he said with a smile.

 

‘But Paul … his back .. he’s in agony every time he moves,’ said Ben, giving Joe a worried look.

 

‘Just a pinched nerve,’ said Paul calmly as he closed his bag. ‘He’s a lucky boy… it could have been a lot worse … even fatal.’  He pointed a finger at Joe. ‘As long as you keep still your back should improve slowly,’ he said. ‘No getting out of that bed do you hear?’

 

Joe rolled his eyes. ‘Getting out of bed is the last thing on my mind at the moment Doc,’ he said. ‘It’s hurts a lot just to move a bit.’

 

‘I’m sure that it does,’ said the doctor. ‘You need complete bed-rest young man.’ He turned to Ben. ‘Just make sure that he stays there Ben.’

 

Don’t you worry … he’ll stay there,’ said Ben, giving Joe a meaningful look. ‘Now drink that painkiller young man.’

 

Joe obediently drank the milky solution and then gave the glass back to his father, making a face as he did so.’ Yuck,’ he said as he wiped his face. ‘You sure manage to get the worst tasting medicines Doc.’

 

Paul Martin laughed. ‘And you should know,’ he said. ‘You’ve had enough of them. Now go to sleep.’  He shook his head as Ben led his out of the room and Joe settled down on the bed his eyes already beginning to droop with the effects of the painkiller.

 

By the time Ben arrived back with Adam and Hoss, Joe was fast asleep in the bed.  Ben down next to him on a chair and looked with concern at his son’s sleeping face. ‘Paul said it could have been a lot worse,’ he said. ‘Even fatal.  Joseph is certainly a lucky boy.’  He shook his head. ‘Mind you, I’ll have a piece of him when he’s feeling better.  What on earth do you suppose he was doing up there in the loft playing tricks like that for?’

 

‘Pa …’

 

‘If I’ve told him once I’ve told him a hundred times not to carry on with any of those stupid tricks of his.’

 

‘Pa …’

 

‘Imagine hanging out of the loft like that!  He should have more sense. When …’

 

‘Pa ….’

 

‘What?”  Ben gave Adam a frustrated look.

 

‘Joe didn’t … I mean … it wasn’t his fault.’

 

‘What do you mean it wasn’t his fault?  Then whose fault was it that he fell?’

 

Adam gave Hoss a mournful look. ‘It was mine,’ he said. ‘Hoss’ and mine.’

 

Ben frowned. ‘What are you talking about?’ he asked.

 

Adam drew a deep breath. ‘Hoss and I hung his saddle up there and he was trying to get it down,’ he said lamely.

 

Ben stood up. ‘Am I hearing you correctly?’ he said. ‘Why on earth would you both do a danged fool thing like that?’

 

Hoss shrugged. ‘He was asking for it Pa,’ he said. ‘We were sick of him annoying us.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘And so you hung his saddle up on the roof of the loft?’ he asked. ‘I can’t believe that either of you would be so stupid!  Don’t you realise that your brother could have been killed?’

 

Adam looked ashamed. ‘We didn’t think …’

 

‘Exactly!  You didn’t think!’ said Ben angrily. ‘Of al the danged blamed things to do!  Well all I can say is that you are both lucky Joe wasn’t hurt badly.’

 

‘I know,’ said Adam. ‘We’re sorry Pa.’

 

‘I’m not the one you have to say sorry to,’ said Ben, still angry. He indicated Joe’s sleeping form on the bed. ‘Your brother is the one who has to hear that.’

 

‘Yeah but Pa,’ interrupted Hoss. ‘He was asking fer it.  If you could have …’ He stopped as he caught the expression on his father’s face. ‘I reckon so,’ he sighed. ‘We’ll tell him we’re sorry when he wakes up.’

 

‘See that you do!’ said Ben. ‘And you can both take turns to stay with him while he sleeps.  I don’t want him left alone at the moment. Call me if he wakes up.’  He strode from the room.

 

‘I guess we deserved that,’ said Adam with a sigh as he sat down. ‘Pa’s right … Joe could have been badly hurt and we’d have been to blame if he had.’

 

‘Reckon so,’ said Hoss. He looked at Joe. ‘Poor kid.  He always hates having ta stay in bed don’t he?’ Adam nodded. ‘Guess we’ll just haveta help him get through it then huh?’

 

Adam nodded again. ‘Guess so,’ he said.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

 

‘Well you’re looking a bit better since last night,’ said Ben in a jovial tone as he entered Joe’s bedroom and looked at his youngest son propped up on several pillows in the bed.

 

Joe made a face. ‘I don’t feel any better,’ he said. ‘Still hurts to move.’

 

‘That’ll pass,’ said his father as he sat on the edge of the bed. ‘You just need complete rest for a few days. Do you want some more of that painkiller?’ Joe shook his head. ‘Well I’ll go and get you some breakfast,’ said Ben.

 

‘We already did that,’ said Hoss as he carried a tray into the room and set it down carefully on the edge of the bed. ‘There ya go Joe.  I got Hop Sing ta cook ya up a mess of flapjacks just like ya like em and he did ya some eggs too.’

 

‘And here’s your coffee,’ said Adam, putting it down on the tray. ‘Lots of milk just like you take it … and with two sugars.’

 

Joe stared at his brothers, his eyes narrowing slightly. ‘How come you two are being so nice to me?’ he asked suspiciously.

 

‘Because we’re sorry for what we did,’ explained Adam sincerely. ‘We should never have hung your saddle up there and made you reach for it. We’re sorry.’

 

‘Yeah,’ agreed Hoss. ‘Real sorry ya got hurt Joe.’

 

Joe was silent for a moment. ‘That’s OK,’ he said at last. ‘I reckon you didn’t mean me to get hurt like I did.’

 

Adam smiled at Hoss in relief. ‘Tell you what Joe,’ he said, sitting down carefully on the edge of the bed. ‘Me and Hoss will make it up to you while you have to stay up here in bed.’

 

Joe’s eyes lit up. ‘Yeah?’ he said. ‘How?’

 

‘You just name it buddy,’ said Hoss, sitting down on the other side of the bed. ‘Whatever you need.’

 

Joe thought for a moment. ‘I can’t think of anything right now,’ he said. ‘Thanks for the breakfast though.’ He picked up his fork and began to eat.

 

‘You’re welcome,’ said Adam, standing up. ‘Well just let us know if you need anything.  Come on Hoss, let’s go downstairs and get our own breakfast.’

 

‘Bye,’ said Joe as he ate. ‘Oh, wait a minute …’

 

‘What?’ Adam turned.

 

‘I could do with another cup of coffee if you don’t mind.  This one’s a bit cold.’

 

Adam smiled at his brother. ‘Sure,’ he said. ‘I’ll get it for you.’

 

‘Thanks. Oh … and Adam?’

 

‘Yes?’

 

‘I could do with a book to read.’

 

Adam smiled at him again. ‘I’ll find one for you,’ he said.

 

‘Thanks.’  Joe smiled as Adam left the room.

 

Hoss stood up to go as well. ‘Enjoy ya breakfast shortshanks,’ he said.

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe. ‘I will. Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah buddy?’

 

‘Do ya reckon you could bring me up some cards?  I’d kinda like ta play some solitaire.’

 

‘Sure thing,’ said Hoss. ‘I’ll get em for ya.’

 

Joe smiled at his father as Hoss left the room as well. ‘I reckon it won’t be too bad staying in bed for a few days,’ he said. ‘I’ll try and be patient this time Pa.’

 

Ben patted his son on the arm. ‘That’s the spirit,’ he said.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

 

Joe rang the small bell that was on the dresser beside his bed and smiled as Adam entered the room. ‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Sorry to disturb you Adam, but would you mind getting me another pillow?  This one’s gone flat.’

 

‘Sure,’ said Adam. ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’  He left the room and came back moments later with a plump pillow in his hand which he proceeded to prop carefully behind Joe’s back. ‘That better?’ he asked.

 

‘Much,’ said Joe. ‘Thanks Adam. Ya know, this bell was a real good idea of yours.  Makes it much easier for me than having to shout for help all the time.’

 

‘Good,’ said Adam. ‘Well I’ll go and see if dinner is ready and bring it up for you.’

 

‘Thanks.  Oh … and Adam?’

 

Adam stopped. ‘Yes?’

 

‘Do you think you could bring me some cold water please?’

 

Adam glanced at the jug beside his brother’s bed. ‘Haven’t you got some left?  I only filled a jug for you an hour ago.’

 

‘Well yeah, but it’s not really cold now,’ Joe explained. ‘I’d prefer some fresh if you don’t mind.’  He put a hand on his forehead. ‘It helps to cool me down.  Sure gets hot up here in the middle of the day.’

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes of course,’ he said, picking up the jug. ‘I’ll refill it for you.’

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe. ‘Oh … and Adam?’

 

‘Yes?’

 

‘Can you get it from the well please?  The water from the pump in the kitchen isn’t really that cold.’

 

‘All right.’

 

Joe settled back happily on his fresh pillow as he waited for his brother’s return.  After a moment he frowned and reached over for the bell again and rang it. A minute later Hoss entered the room. ‘Ya want something Joe?’ he asked.

 

‘Sorry to disturb you Hoss,’ said Joe. ‘But I was just wondering if I could get a cloth for my head.  I’d like to wipe some cold water on it.’

 

‘Sure Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘You got some cold water?’

 

‘Adam’s getting that for me,’ said Joe. ‘If you could get the cloth that’d be a help but.’

 

‘OK,’ said Hoss, opening one of the dresser drawers. ‘Here you go Joe.’

 

‘Thanks,’ said Joe. ‘It’s hard for me to reach the drawers … my back hurts so much.’

 

Hoss looked anxious. ‘I guess it must,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry about that Joe.’

 

Joe nodded and then sighed. ‘The time just goes so slowly too,’ he said. ‘Not being able to get out of bed and all … it makes the day seem so long.’

 

Hoss’ eyes lit up. ‘How bout I come up and play chess this afternoon with ya?’ he said.

 

Joe shook his head. ‘What about your work?’ he asked. ‘Pa wouldn’t let you miss out.’

 

‘I’m supposed ta be doing yard chores this afternoon,’ said Hoss. ‘I’ll just play for an hour or two and do my chores after that. If I work extra fast I’m sure that I’ll be able to catch up by nightfall.’

 

‘That’d be fine Hoss,’ said Joe happily. ‘It might help me to forget the pain for a while.’

 

Hoss immediately looked guilty. ‘Sure Joe,’ he said. ‘I’ll fix it with Pa.  I’ll go downstairs and get your dinner for you now.’

 

‘Thanks Hoss … and could you ask Hop Sing if I can have some extras of those little potatoes if he’s doing any?’

 

‘Sure Joe. You can have my share if he makes a fuss about it.’

 

‘Thanks Hoss.’  Joe leant back on his new pillow and closed his eyes as he listened to the sound of Adam hauling up a bucket of extra cold water from the well in the front yard.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

 

‘Just lean over a bit more,’ said Ben. ‘That’s it.’  He drew the chamber pot out and covered it with a cloth before placing it under the bed. ‘Now that wasn’t so bad was it?’ he asked as he drew the covers up around Joe and settled them around him.

 

‘It’s embarrassing,’ said Joe with a pout.

 

‘Nothing at all to be embarrassed about,’ said his father. ‘Now is there anything else you need?’  He cast his eyes over the books that were strewn over the bed, the bowl of fruit on the dresser and the discarded pack of cards that Joe had placed on his pillow. ‘Or do you think that you have everything you need for now?’ he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

 

‘I reckon I’m OK for now Pa,’ said Joe. ‘If I need anything Hoss or Adam will get it for me.’

 

Ben raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.  His eyes twinkled as he walked towards the door. ‘Oh .. Pa?’ said Joe.

 

‘Yes son?’

 

‘When ya get downstairs do you think you could ask Adam to bring up the checkerboard now?  He said that he’d play with me when I wanted him to.’

 

‘I think your brother might be reading one of his books,’ said Ben. ‘He’d probably like to finish it first.’

 

Joe frowned. ‘He said he’d play when I asked,’ he said. ‘I’m sure he won’t mind.’

 

‘I’ll ask then,’ said Ben. ‘I’ll check in on you later son.’

 

‘Thanks Pa.’ Ben smothered a chuckle as he made his way downstairs.  It seemed that Joseph was reaping the benefits of his brothers’ guilt and that his time in bed was actually becoming quite pleasant for him. Ben was grateful at least that he didn’t need to constantly fight with the youngster over his confinement.

 

‘Joe asked if you’d like to take the checkerboard up and have a game with him Adam,’ said Ben as he reached the living room.’

 

Adam looked up from his book. ‘Now?’ he said in a frustrated tone.

 

‘Apparently so,’ said Ben dryly as he sat down and picked up his pipe.

 

Adam shut his book with a sigh and picked up the board and the pieces. ‘I guess I’ll have to finish this later then,’ he said, casting a wistful look at the book he’d put down on the coffee table.

 

Ben lit his pipe and began to puff on it as he listened to the silence of the grandfather clock ticking.  Suddenly the front door opened and Hoss entered the room carrying a large wooden structure. ‘What on earth have you got there?’ his father asked.

 

‘I made it for Joe,’ explained Hoss. ‘It fits over his bed and he can put things on it.  Sorta like a table.’

 

Ben’s eyebrows lifted. ‘I see,’ he said. ‘Well he might appreciate it now, as he’s playing checkers with Adam.

 

‘It’ll be perfect for that,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘I’ll take it up to him.’

 

Ben listened once more to the ticking of the clock before Adam appeared at the top of the stairs. ‘I thought you were playing checkers with your brother?’ he said.

 

‘I am … but Joe decided that he’d rather play chess instead,’ replied Adam as he bounded down the stairs and picked up the box of chess pieces and then bounded up the stairs again.

 

Ben puffed a couple more times on his pipe before Hoss came down the stairs. ‘Did it fit?’ he asked.

 

‘Perfect,’ said Hoss. ‘I’ll be back in a minute Pa.  I forgot something outside.’  Within minutes he was back again clutching a small paper bag.

 

‘What have you got there?’ asked Ben.

 

‘Peppermint sticks for Joe,’ said Hoss. ‘I bought em for him when ya sent me ta town fer supplies this afternoon and I plumb forgot I left em in my saddlebags. Be back soon Pa.’ He walked up the stairs again.

 

‘Coffee Mr Cartlight?’ Ben turned to see Hop Sing standing beside him.

 

‘Thank you Hop Sing,’ said Ben as he picked up his empty cup and held it out for the cook to fill. ‘I’m glad to see that someone around here isn’t waiting on Joseph hand and foot.’

 

Hop Sing snorted. ‘Number three son got plenty things up there,’ he said. ‘Not need Hop Sing.’

 

‘No I guess you’re right,’ said Ben with a chuckle as Adam came bounding down the stairs again. ‘I guess you and I are aren’t really needed at the moment.’

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

‘I’ve read that one,’ said Joe with a pout as he flung the book onto the bed.  ‘I wanted something different.’

 

‘I’ll get you another one,’ said Adam, picking up the book and leaving the room with it.

 

‘Well?’ said Joe fretfully to Hoss. ‘Do you want more cards or don’t you?’

 

Hoss took two cards out of his hand and put them face down on the bed. ‘Two,’ he said.

 

Joe dealt him two cards and then pulled the half-sucked peppermint stick out of his mouth and looked at it. ‘I’m getting kinda sick of these,’ he said. ‘It’d be nice to have something different. How about getting me some gumdrops tomorrow Hoss?’

 

Hoss shook his head sadly. ‘I can’t Joe,’ he said. ‘Mr Wilson ain’t got none left and he says that it’ll be next week before he gets more from Carson City.’

 

Joe sighed. ‘I sure wish I had me some gumdrops,’ he said mournfully. ‘It might help me forget the pain.’

 

‘Well I reckon I could go to Carson City to get some,’ said Hoss. ‘Only … it’d take all day and tomorrow’s my day off.  I was gonna …’

 

That’d be great Hoss, thanks!’ said Joe happily. ‘I’ve got a full house!’ He plonked his cards down on the bed and eagerly scooped up the pile of matchsticks that lay in between them. ‘That’s one more game for me!’  He picked up the cards and began to shuffle them as Adam came into the room again.

 

‘Read that one?’ asked Adam, flinging a book down onto the bed.

 

Joe glanced at it. ‘Nope,’ he said. ‘Not interested in it neither.’  Adam gave him a dark look. ‘I’ve been thinking though,’ continued Joe. ‘It’d be nice to have some music up here … kinda to take my mind off the pain and all.’

 

‘Look Joe,’ said Adam wearily. ‘I’ve been up here all morning with you.  I was actually going to take a bit of time to myself while you and Hoss played cards to be honest.’

 

‘Oh,’ Joe looked crestfallen. ‘That’s OK Adam. You go and have some time to yourself then.  I reckon I can bear the pain for a while.  Do you know where Pa left those painkillers? I might need em.’

 

Adam gritted his teeth. ‘There’s no need for painkillers,’ he said. ‘I’ll get my guitar.’

 

‘Are you sure?’ asked Joe with a sweet smile. ‘I wouldn’t want to put you out or anything.’

 

‘No trouble,’ said Adam, forcing a smile onto his face. ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’

 

‘Another game Hoss?’ asked Joe, continuing to shuffle the cards.

 

‘I was thinking we might play checkers for a bit Joe,’ said Hoss hopefully. ‘I’m kinda getting sick of cards all the time.’

 

‘Oh,’ replied Joe. ‘Well if that’s what you want … only when we move the pieces you kinda make the bed shake and my back hurts more when it does ya know.  I reckon I can put up with it though.’

 

‘That’s OK Joe,’ said Hoss with a sigh. ‘Cards is OK.’

 

Joe smiled at him. ‘Your deal,’ he said, handing the cards over as Adam came into the room with his guitar. ‘I reckon I’d like to hear something fast Adam,’ he continued. ‘And can you sing too?  The words might take my mind off the pain.’

 

‘Certainly,’ said Adam, his jaw clenched as he sat down. ‘Whatever you want Joe.’

 

Joe lay back happily on his pillow as Hoss began to deal out the cards.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

‘Where are your brothers?’ asked Ben as he came into the room and saw Joe munching on a bag of gumdrops.

 

‘Probably outside doing my chores,’ said Joe casually. ‘They’ve got extra to do with me up here in bed.’

 

‘I know,’ said Ben, lifting an eyebrow and studying his youngest son quietly. ‘You seem very comfortable.’

 

‘Yep,’ said Joe. ‘I’m fine thanks Pa.’

 

‘So glad to hear it,’ said Ben sarcastically.

 

Joe continued to smile at his father happily. ‘I sure hope they’re keeping Cochise brushed extra well for me,’ said Joe as Ben sat down next to the bed. ‘They promised that they’d do it twice a day.’

 

‘Twice a day?’ said Ben. ‘Joseph, the horse isn’t even going out anywhere.  He doesn’t need to be brushed twice a day.’

 

‘Well he mightn’t be getting too dirty, but he’ll be missing me,’ said Joe with a pout.  ‘I reckon that brushing him twice a day will help him not miss me so much.’

 

‘I see,’ said Ben.

 

‘Anyway … Hoss and Adam like doing things for me,’ continued Joe happily. ‘They feel guilty bout me getting hurt and all.  You heard em Pa … they said they was happy to do anything for me. I reckon I’m doing em a favour by thinking of lots of things that they can help me with.’

 

‘You’re certainly giving them lots to do,’ said Ben dryly. ‘I’m sure they appreciate it.’

 

‘Yeah,’ said Joe, putting his hands behind his head and leaning back. ‘I reckon they do.’  He sat up again. ‘You want a gumdrop Pa?’

 

‘No thank you,’ replied Ben. He looked at the dresser and saw a pair of black leather gloves there. ‘Where did these come from?’ he asked as he picked them up to examine them.

 

‘Adam bought em for me,’ said Joe casually. ‘I was telling him how my hands get cold at night when I can’t sleep cause of the pain.’

 

‘He bought you leather ones?’ said Ben. ‘They look expensive.’

 

‘I guess so,’ said Joe. ‘He offered to get me some woollen mittens, but I told him that the wool would make my skin itch.  Leather’s better,’ he said. ‘They’re nice, ain’t they?’

 

‘They are,’ said Ben, putting them down. ‘Well I must say Joseph that you’re looking decidedly better for all this pampering. I hope you don’t get too used to it.’

 

‘Aw gee,’ said Joe, giving his father one of his best puppy dog looks. ‘I reckon I’d rather be downstairs if I could Pa.  I sure wish this back of mine would get better soon.’

 

Ben patted the youngster on the arm. ‘Don’t we all,’ he said fervently.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

Joe opened his eyes and yawned a lazy yawn and he looked around his room. Everything was quiet and he wondered where his brothers were.  Probably downstairs enjoying themselves while he was stuck up here in bed not able to move.  He frowned at the unfairness of it all and then picked up the small bell on the dresser and rang it. There was no response, so he rang it again. ‘Selfish things!’ he muttered aloud. ‘Off somewhere having fun while I’m stuck up here!’ He reached over tentatively to the dresser and picked up his glass of water that Hoss had placed there before leaving the room and drank it. With a frown he tried to reach for the jug, but only managed to touch it with his fingertips.

 

Joe reached further and managed to grasp the jug with two hands and pull it towards him. Unfortunately he lost control of it and it crashed to the floor, spilling its contents and rolling across the room. Joe blinked a couple of times as he looked at the water spreading across the floor. He picked up the bell and rang it furiously and then when no one came began to shout. ‘Hey!  Can anyone hear me?  Hey! The jug fell!’  He tentatively drew back the covers and wriggled so that his feet were dangling over the edge of the bed. He cautiously put them to the floor and propped himself up on the dresser, standing upright for the first time in days.

 

Joe grinned as he tested himself first on one leg and then the other, realising that there was no pain in his back as he put the whole weight of his body on his legs. ‘Yes!’ he said out loud and walked over to pick up the jug.  He replaced it on the dresser and then walked slowly over to the window and looked out.  Down below in the front yard he saw Hoss and Adam going about their chores and he grinned. ‘Serves em right,’ he muttered. ‘Having to do my chores as well as their own.’  With a satisfied smile he let the curtain drop back into place and walked slowly back to his bed again.

 

Suddenly he heard footsteps on the stairs and he swung his legs back into bed again and drew up the covers.  He smiled at Hop Sing as he came into the room. ‘Lunch,’ said Hop Sing simply and pulled out the strange looking table that Hoss had made.  Without another word he dumped Joe’s plate on it.

 

Joe looked at the plate with surprise. ‘How come you’ve made fried chicken in the middle of the day?’ he asked. ‘We don’t normally get it for lunch.’

 

‘You sick … I cook,’ said Hop Sing simply. ‘Make meat on boy’s bones.’

 

‘It’s my favourite,’ said Joe happily, grinning at the man before taking a bite.

 

‘I know,’ said Hop Sing and left the room before Joe could say another word.

 

Suddenly Hoss burst into the room. ‘Look what I got for ya Joe,’ he said. ‘More of them gumdrops.  They got a new shipment in town yesterday. I reckon that’ll take your mind off the pain huh?’

 

Joe hesitated. ‘Gee thanks Hoss,’ he said. ‘I reckon they will.’  He put his head down and began to eat his lunch while Hoss licked his lips at the sight of the fried chicken.

 

‘Sure wish we could have some of that there chicken for lunch,’ he said wistfully.

 

‘Ain’t you having it?’ asked Joe, stuffing more into his mouth.

 

Hoss shook his head sadly. ‘Nope,’ he replied. ‘Hop Sing only killed one chicken and there ain’t enough fer more than jest you.’  He licked his lips again. ‘We’ve having cold beef,’ he said.

 

‘Sorry bout that,’ said Joe, stuffing the last of a drumstick into his mouth. ‘But I reckon …’

 

Hoss put up his hand to silence his brother. ‘I know,’ he said. ‘It’ll help ya forget the pain.  I sure hope it does Joe.’

 

‘I’m sure it will,’ said Joe through a mouthful. ‘Hey Hoss?’

 

‘Yeah?’

 

‘Do ya reckon I could have liquorice instead of gumdrops?’

 

Hoss frowned. ‘I thought you wanted gumdrops?’ he asked.

 

‘Well I did, but I’m kinda sick of em now,’ said Joe. ‘Liquorice is what I feel like now.’

 

Hoss licked up the paper bag. ‘I reckon I could eat these and get you some liquorice in town tomorrow,’ he said and then noticed Joe’s expression. ‘Well OK … I reckon I could go in again after lunch and get it today,’ he said.

 

Joe grinned at him. ‘Thanks Hoss,’ he said. ‘And don’t you worry bout eating them gumdrops either.  I’ll have em now and then eat the liquorice when you bring it back.’

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

‘Adam?  Are you all right son?’ asked Ben anxiously.

 

Adam opened his eyes. ‘Huh?  I’m fine Pa,’ he said. ‘Just resting my eyes, that’s all.’

 

‘Son I’m getting worried about you.  You’re not looking too good,’ said Ben.

 

‘I’m just tired that’s all Pa,’ sad Adam. ‘I seem to be up and down those stairs a lot lately.’

 

Ben raised an eyebrow. ‘Attending to Joseph,’ he said. ‘Don’t you think that you and Hoss have done enough for him now? You’ve been at his beck and call for days.’

 

‘You said it yourself,’ replied Adam. ‘If it wasn’t for us, then he wouldn’t be lying up there in pain.  Besides, I’m sure it won’t last too much longer. At least I hope not,’ he added.

 

‘Even so,’ said his father. ‘I think enough is enough.’ He looked towards the staircase as they both heard the sound of a bell. ‘There he goes again,’ he said. ‘Let me see to him this time.’

 

‘No Pa.’ said Adam. ‘I’ll go.’  He got up wearily and walked slowly up the stairs, dragging his feet. ‘What?’ he said testily as he entered Joe’s room.

 

Joe looked up at his older brother and smiled. ‘Sorry to disturb you Adam,’ he said sweetly. ‘Only I was wondering if you could hand me that book.’  He indicated a book on his dresser. ‘I can’t quite reach it.’

 

Adam picked up the book and dumped it on Joe’s bed without a word, then turned to leave again.

 

‘Oh … and Adam?’

 

Adam turned. ‘What?’

 

Joe gave him the same sweet smile. ‘I was wondering … Its difficult not being able to take a bath and all.  Do you think you could let me have of that bay rum cologne of yours … you know … just to freshen myself up a bit?’

 

‘My bay rum?’ said Adam. ‘I paid a lot of money for that …’ He stopped as saw the puppy dog expression on his brother’s face. ‘All right,’ he said. ‘Just a bit though … I’ll get it.’  He walked out of the room while Joe clapped his hands gleefully and chuckled softly.

 

Within a minute, Adam came back into the room.  He handed Joe the tall blue bottle and watched as his brother emptied some of the cologne out into the palm of his hand and wiped it across his face and chest. ‘Mmm,’ said Joe as he sniffed the air. ‘Sure smells mighty good, don’t it?  I reckon that’s freshened me up considerable.’  He emptied some more onto his palm.

 

‘Hey that’s enough,’ said Adam. ‘There’ll be none left.’

 

Joe gave him a sad look. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘Only it smells so good and all.’ He looked longingly at the bottle and then held it out to his brother. ‘Here … you take it… I don’t mind being smelly.’ He gave a huge sigh. ‘I just wish I could have a bath … still you can’t have everything.’

 

Adam hesitated. ‘Keep it,’ he said finally. ‘You might want to use a bit more later.’

 

Joe gave his brother a sweet smile. ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘I’m mighty grateful that I’ve got such a thoughtful brother such as yourself Adam.’

 

‘Will there be anything else?’ asked Adam through gritted teeth.

 

‘No,’ said Joe. ‘Only …’

 

‘What?’

 

‘Could you plump up my pillows for me please?  It’s hard for me to reach them what with the pain and all.’ Adam began to plump up his brother’s pillows for him, hitting them hard with his fist. ‘Ow!’ said Joe. ‘Gently!  You might hurt my back even more!’

 

Adam looked for a moment as if that mightn’t be such a bad idea, but straightened the pillows and patted them down again. ‘There,’ he said. ‘Now if there’s anything else….’

 

‘Don’t worry …’ said Joe. ‘I’ll use the bell if there is.  I’ll try not to though.  I don’t want to disturb you.’

 

‘Thanks!’  Adam gave his brother a hard look and left the room.  Before he’d reached the top of the staircase, however, he heard the sound of the small bell again.  Adam gripped the top of the railing and began to count under his breath before turning back towards Joe’s bedroom yet again.

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

Joe’s face peeked slowly around the top of the staircase and looked around furtively before the rest of his body followed.  He grinned as he surveyed the empty room below him and took a tentative step down onto the top stair. Pa had said that they’d all be out this morning, but he was being cautious just the same.  There would be nothing worse than someone coming in and finding him up and walking again …. Joe could just imagine how angry his brothers would be if they discovered that he’d been having them on these past two days. Things were so pleasant being waited on hand and foot and he was enjoying their increasing frustration with having to do it.

 

‘Serve em right!’ he muttered as he sprang down the steps. ‘I’ll teach them!’  He looked around the room and walked over to get an apple from the bowl in the middle of the coffee table. Munching it as he went, he began to explore the great room, walking first to his father’s study and checking out his desk and then over to the dining room and seeing what his family had been eating for breakfast. Lucky that Hop Sing had also gone to town, or he wouldn’t have even been able to do this much, he thought.

 

Much and all as he was enjoying being in bed and waited on every day, he had to admit to himself that was getting a bit boring and mornings like this when there was no one to hear the bell when he rang it were becoming quite boring.  He was enjoying the sheer pleasure of being able to walk around and see a different view … even if it was just the downstairs room.  He flexed his muscles with pleasure. So nice to be able to stretch and move around, even if it was only for a short time.

 

Joe wandered aimlessly around the room, picking up one of Adam’s discarded books on the coffee table and stopping to read a couple of pages.  As he stood there with his head bent, he was unaware of a slight movement behind him.

 

Adam stood in the passageway that led from the dining room to the kitchen, his body pressed against the wall and his eyes narrowed as he watched his younger brother.  His jaw clenched as Joe put down the book, picked up another apple and bounded up the stairs two at a time happily.

 

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

 

‘That little weasel!’ sad Hoss angrily. ‘I’m gonna pound his head into that bed-head! I’m gonna suffocate him with his own pillows!  Wait until I get my hands on him!’  He clenched his fists angrily as he began to breathe heavily.

 

‘Hold on there brother,’ said Adam easily. ‘We’ve got to think this through first.  Don’t go off half cocked.’

 

‘How long do ya reckon he’s been acting sick Adam?’ asked Hoss angrily. ‘How long huh?

 

‘I’m not sure,’ said Adam, stroking his chin. ‘Long enough for him to think that he’s making fools of us anyway.’

 

‘Well he ain’t making a fool of me no longer!’ declared Hoss. ‘I’m gonna wring his scrawny neck!  Wait until I …’

 

‘Hoss be quiet,’ said Adam. ‘Let’s think about this, shall we? Our revenge has to be carefully planned.’  He put his arm around his brother’s broad shoulder. ‘Don’t you worry,’ he said. ‘That brother of ours will pay big time! He’s going to be sorry he messed with Adam and Hoss Cartwright!’

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

 

‘Well you’re looking better,’ said Adam jovially as he came into the room with a cloth-covered tray. ‘Isn’t that wonderful Hoss?’

 

‘Sure is,’ said Hoss with a huge grin at Joe. ‘Good ta see some colour back in them cheeks of yourn Joe.’  He set down the bowl of steaming water that he was carrying and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed.

 

‘Stop shaking the bed,’ said Joe with a pout. ‘You’ll hurt my back even more.’

 

Hoss looked instantly concerned. ‘Oh sorry Joe,’ he said sweetly. ‘I wouldn’t want to do that.’  He reached out and ruffled his brother’s hair affectionately. ‘We gotta take care of you since you’re so sick… don’t we Adam?’

 

‘Certainly,’ said Adam, sitting on the other side of the bed and smiling sweetly at Joe. ‘We’re here to take good care of you this morning little buddy. Hoss and I have some real treats in store for you.’

 

Joe’s eyes lit up. ‘You have?’ he said happily and straightened up in the bed. ‘I reckon I could do with some cheering up this morning.  What have you got for me?’

 

‘Oh some real fine things,’ said Adam, flinging the cloth off the tray on the dresser. ‘But first we have to make sure that you are comfortable.’

 

‘Oh I’m mighty comfortable,’ said Joe, smiling at him. ‘I’m fine as long as I don’t move and hurt my back.’

 

Adam reached down and pulled out the chamber pot from under the bed. ‘I think you need to use this,’ he said waving it under Joe’s nose. ‘I’m worried that you might do yourself a damage without having any exercise up here in bed all day.’  He looked across the bed at Hoss. ‘You know Hoss, I’ve heard that bed rest can play havoc with a person’s bowels if they’re not careful.’

 

Joe swallowed as he looked at the pot. ‘I’m fine,’ he assured his brother. ‘Pa helps me when I need to go.’

 

‘Pa’s not here,’ said Adam firmly. ‘He’s gone into town this morning, and I’d hate to have your system seize up on you just because you had to hold on.’  He patted Joe affectionately on the head. ‘Now you just relax while Hoss and I take care of everything for you.’ Joe tried to struggle feebly. ‘Don’t move,’ said Adam, holding onto his brother’s shoulders. ‘I’d hate you to damage that back of yours even more. Hoss, you hold onto him.’

 

Hoss held onto Joe’s shoulders while Adam pulled down the bedclothes and pulled up Joe’s nightshirt so that his younger brother was exposed in front of him.

 

‘Stop it!’ yelled Joe as he turned red with embarrassment. ‘Let me go!’

 

‘Just relax,’ said Adam soothingly as he slid the pot under Joe’s buttocks. ‘Now you just do what you have to and Hoss and I will take no notice of you while you do.’ He stared into his younger brother’s appalled eyes. ‘Hurry up now.  You wouldn’t want me to have to use a piece of rubber tubing to flush you out, would you?’

 

Joe’s eyes widened as he stared back up at his brother. ‘What?’ he gasped.

 

Adam patted Joe on the head again affectionately. ‘For your own good,’ he said soothingly. ‘That’s all.’  He waited while Joe screwed up his face, closed his eyes and did what he had to under the circumstances. ‘Very good,’ Adam said when he’d finished. ‘That’s the way.  Now let’s get you wiped up then, shall we?’

 

Joe kept his eyes closed with the sheer embarrassment of it all, even until Hoss had let go of his shoulders and Adam had lowered his nightshirt. ‘Now that should make you feel better,’ said Adam as he covered the pot and replaced it under the bed.

 

Joe opened his eyes and glared at his brother. ‘I’m gonna tell Pa what you just did,’ he said accusingly.

 

‘That’s nice of you,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘But it was no trouble at all little brother.  We was happy to help. We ready for the next bit now Adam?’

 

Joe’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘What next bit?’ he asked.

 

‘Exercise,’ said Adam. ‘We don’t want your muscles wasting away, do we?  Hoss you take that leg and I’ll take this one.’  Each of the brothers grabbed one of Joe’s ankles and began to pull on it until he was splayed spread eagled across the bed.

 

‘Ow!’ yelled Joe. ‘You’re hurting!  You’re gonna make my back worse!’

 

‘You know what they say,’ said Hoss. ‘A bit of pain is good.  Go with it Joe and it won’t hurt so much.’  He gave his little brother’s ankle a particularly strong pull and Joe yelled again. ‘That’s it,’ he said happily. ‘We’ll have you better in no time.’

 

After a few minutes of pulling they finally let go and looked down at Joe whimpering on the bed. ‘Pa is gonna really hear about this,’ he said angrily. ‘You’re doing it on purpose.’

 

‘Of course we are,’ said Adam gently. ‘Didn’t I tell you we’d do anything to help little buddy?’  Now let’s get you all cleaned up and fresh, shall we?’

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘Cleaned up?’ he said. ‘What …’ He looked at the steaming bowl of water and the implements that were on the tray on the dresser. ‘I’m fine,’ he said, trying to pull the covers up around him.

 

‘No you’re not,’ said Adam, pulling them down again firmly. ‘You said yourself that you’ve gone all smelly. We’re going to fix you right up and get you back to normal now.’  He pulled at his brother’s nightshirt again, but Joe held onto the hem of it tightly. ‘Hoss,’ said Adam. ‘Grab hold of him.’

 

Hoss grabbed hold of Joe’s arms while Adam pulled his nightshirt over his head. ‘Now you just relax,’ he said gently as he picked up a cloth and dunked it into the hot water. ‘We’ll have you clean in no time.’ He wiped Joe’s stomach with the hot water and Joe let out a yell.

 

‘That’s boiling!’ he yelled. ‘You’re burning me!

 

‘Nonsense,’ said Adam, winking at Hoss. ‘It’s just hot. It has to be to get you nice and clean.  Who’s a dirty little boy then?’ he said playfully as he wiped the cloth lower and Joe went red with embarrassment. ‘You know Hoss, I haven’t done this since I used to change our little brother’s diapers when he was a baby.’

 

‘Yeah,’ said Hoss with a grin. ‘I remember that too.’  He looked down at his brother’s body, causing Joe to go even redder. ‘He’s grown up a mite,’ he added.

 

‘Let me go!’ shouted Joe. ‘Stop looking at me!  Ow!  That hurts!’

 

‘We can’t have you getting bed sores, can we?’ said Adam, picking up a bottle of liniment and pouring some onto the cloth. ‘Turn him over Hoss and we’ll do his butt with this.’

 

Hoss turned his little brother over and Joe kicked out at him fiercely. ‘Let me go!’ he shouted. ‘Pa! Pa!’

 

‘We done told ya Joe,’ said Hoss easily. ‘Pa ain’t here.  He’s gone ta town.’

 

‘Pa!’ shouted Joe, kicking out in all directions as the hot stinging liquid scalded his bare backside.

 

Hoss began to laugh and let go of his younger brother’s arms. ‘Well I do declare,’ he said. ‘It looks like you’ve got some movement back Joe.  I’m right glad to see it.’

 

Joe leapt up from the bed and faced his brothers angrily, one hand covering his sore backside and the other hiding his most treasured possession in front. ‘You … you …’ he spluttered. ‘I’m gonna …’ He looked at Adam and Hoss who were by now rolling around on the bed laughing. Joe’s face went even redder and he began to rub his backside, which was itching more by the minute. ‘What did you put on me?’ he yelled. ‘It hurts like the devil!’  He began to hop from one foot to the other with the pain.

 

Adam looked over at him and wiped the tears from his eyes as he laughed. ‘Look Hoss!’ he shouted. ‘It’s a miracle cure!  Oh we are blessed to witness such a miraculous event! A miracle! Heaven be praised!’  He collapsed on the bed again in fits of laughter while Joe continued to hop from one foot onto the other.

 

Suddenly Joe let out a howl and ran from the room, clutching onto his buttocks with two hands as he writhed in agony. ‘Water!’ he cried. ‘I need to put cold water on it!’

 

‘You’re right Adam!’ said Hoss, the tears running down his cheeks and he laughed. ‘It’s a darned miracle!  Wait until Pa finds out!’

 

 

☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

 

Ben opened the front door and his eyes widened in astonishment as he saw his stark naked youngest son running down the stairs three at a time. ‘Joseph!’ he shouted. ‘What are you doing out of bed?  And what are you ….’  He didn’t have time to say anything else as Joe rushed past him on his way to the kitchen, both hands holding onto his inflamed backside as he ran.

 

Ben blinked several times as he stood there, listening to Hop Sing’s voice from the kitchen. ‘Get out of sink!’ yelled the cook. ‘You sitting on dinner vegetables in water!’

 

Ben blinked again and took a step outside onto the front porch, closing the door quietly behind him. There were some things that it was best not to know about in this family, he decided.

 

 

The End