Summary:  Ben take ten-year-old joe on a hunting trip which has dire consequences.
Rating:  G   10,640 words

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What We’re Made Of

 

‘Hurry up and finish please Joseph,’ said Ben. ‘We have an early start ahead of us tomorrow and I want you in bed early.’ Little Joe put another forkful of food into his mouth and chewed noisily. ‘And close your mouth while you’re eating please,’ added his father. ‘We don’t all need to see what’s in it.’

 

‘Sorry Pa,’ said Joe through his mouthful and then giggled as he realised that he was doing exactly what his father had just asked him not to do.  

 

Ben looked at him sternly and then turned towards Adam. ‘Son you’ll need to make sure that you pick up the payroll from the bank on Thursday as well.’

 

‘Sure Pa,’ replied Adam. ‘But won’t you be back by then?’

 

‘Well I’d like to spend the full week up there if I can.’  Ben replied as he shot a meaningful glance at Joe. ‘It depends on how someone copes though.’

 

Adam smiled. ‘Hmm.  Well if enthusiasm is anything to go by……’  He left the sentence unfinished, knowing that he didn’t need to elaborate on his thoughts as they would be well understood by his father and Hoss.  They all knew just how much Joe was looking forward to his first hunting trip with his father, as he had done nothing but regale them all with stories of what he would be doing for the past two weeks.  

 

‘What’s cope mean?’ asked Joe through his mouthful, oblivious to the amused glances that were being exchanged between his father and brothers.

 

‘It means getting things done,’ said his father. ‘Now finish your supper.’

 

Joe swallowed his mouthful. ‘We’re gonna get lots of things done on our trip ain’t we Pa?’ he persisted. ‘I’m gonna shoot me a bear if we find one.’

 

Hoss choked on his mouthful. ‘There ain’t gonna be any bears up there!’ he said in an amused tone. ‘Sides, you won’t be going anywhere near that rifle.  Pa wouldn’t let ya.’

 

Joe glared at him. ‘What do you know about it anyway?’ he countered. ‘I am so gonna shoot me a bear and if we don’t find one then I’ll get a big cat.  Won’t I Pa?’

 

Ben tried not to smile at his youngest son’s misguided enthusiasm. ‘We’ll just have to see what we find Joseph.  But one thing’s certain young man.  If there is any shooting to be done I’ll be the one doing it.  We’ve discussed this before haven’t we?’

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah Pa, but……’

 

‘Ben put up his hand. ‘No buts Joseph.  I’ve told you you’re not to go near any rifle and I meant it.  You are coming on this hunting trip with me only if you’re willing to obey my instructions to the letter.  Remember?’

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yes,’ he said. He scowled for a moment and then his face brightened. ‘But I get to help ya skin em don’t I?’ he said. 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Ben. ‘Now finish your milk and go on up to bed.’  

 

Joe dutifully drained his glass and stood up.  He turned towards his father again as a thought struck him. ‘Pa?’ he said. 

 

Ben sighed. ‘Yes Joseph?’ he asked.

 

‘When can I use a rifle?’

 

‘When you’re older.’

 

‘Yeah, but when?  How old do I have ta be?’

 

‘That depends.’

 

‘On what?’

 

‘Joseph, go to bed!’

 

Joe scampered off to the stairs as his father shook his head. ‘Are you sure you’ll be able to cope with him for a week Pa?’ asked Adam. ‘I’m glad it’s you and not me.’

 

Ben smiled. ‘It’s time your little brother spent some time with me alone,’ he said. ‘He has important things to learn at his age. I seem to remember you being just as excited when I took you on your first hunting trip.’

 

Adam nodded. ‘Yes I remember,’ he acknowledged.

 

‘So do I,’ said Hoss. ‘I was so angry that I couldn’t go with you both.  I hated being left with the Pearsons for that week.’

 

‘You had your turn,’ said Ben. ‘And I seem to remember Joseph complaining just as loudly when you came with me.’

 

‘It’s kind of become a tradition in a way hasn’t it?’ mused Adam. ‘Sort of like a rite of passage.’

 

Hoss screwed up his face with a puzzled expression. ‘A right what?’ he asked.

 

‘Rite of passage,’ repeated Adam. ‘Test of manhood.’

 

‘Manhood?’ said Hoss. ‘Little Joe’s only ten!  He ain’t no man yet!’

 

‘Every boy has to start somewhere,’ said Ben. ‘Joseph has a lot to learn about this country and it’s time I started to show him a thing or two.  Besides, I aim to get in some good hunting while I go about it.’  He stood up. ‘I’m off to bed as well boys.  It’ll be an early start in the morning. Good night.’

 

‘Night Pa,’ they chorused as he left the table. 

 

‘Ya know Adam, I think Joe honestly believes that he could bring down a bear if he tried to,’ mused Hoss as their father mounted the staircase. ‘He’s got a real good opinion of what he can do.’

 

Adam laughed as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. ‘I think you’re right,’ he said. ‘I’m just glad I don’t have to put up with him for the week.’ He stood up. ‘Well brother, you and I are going to have our work cut out for us in the next few days without Pa around.  Maybe we’d better have an early night ourselves.’

 

‘Yeah,’ agreed Hoss. ‘This place is sure gonna be quiet without Pa and Little Joe around for a week dontcha think?’

 

‘Hmm.  Especially without Joe,’ said Adam. ‘I might actually be able to finish a few books in peace without that kid interrupting me all the time.’  He put his arm around Hoss’ shoulders. ‘Come on brother,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to up early as well to get them on their way.’

 



 

‘Joseph your lamp should be turned off by now,’ said Ben sternly. ‘Get under those covers please and stop that bouncing.’  He pulled the boy back onto the bed and began to tuck the blankets around him. 

 

‘I’m just too excited to sleep Pa,’ said Little Joe, his green eyes shining. ‘Ain’t it exciting?’

 

‘Yes I suppose it is,’ said Ben stroking the curls from the boy’s forehead as he sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘But if you’re going to enjoy it properly you have to be well-rested Joseph and I expect you to get some sleep tonight.’

 

‘OK Pa I’ll try,’ said Joe and closed his eyes dutifully.  As Ben got up from the bed he opened them again. ‘Hey Pa?’

 

‘Yes Joseph,’ said his father sitting down again.

 

‘Tell me again where we’re going.’

 

Ben smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm. ‘Well, we’ll start out from Indian Falls tomorrow when Adam leaves us there.  We’ll go straight up to Bluff Peak and from there we’ll make our way south.’

 

‘How far will we go?’

 

‘That depends.’

 

‘On what?’

 

‘On you,’ said his father. ‘It’s tricky country up there and you may get tired.’

 

‘Not me!’ said Little Joe confidently. ‘I ain’t gonna get tired!  I’ll be too busy shooting that bear I’m gonna find……or,’ he added hastily, ‘or helping you when you shoot it Pa.’

 

Ben ruffled his son’s hair. ‘We’ll be lucky if we find a buck or two,’ he said. ‘And there’s plenty of other things we’ll be doing besides looking for bears young man.’

 

Joe sat up. ‘Yeah?  Like what?’

 

Ben pushed him down again. ‘Like checking the timberline up there.  That’s one of the reasons I’m going.  And setting up camp and teaching you how to track animals.’

 

Joe’s eyes shone even brighter and he gave a huge yawn. ‘We’re gonna have real fun ain’t we Pa?  Just the two of us?’

 

Ben watched as his son’s eyes began to close in spite of his attempts to keep them open. ‘Yes we will,’ he said with another smile. ‘Just the two of us.’  He bent over and blew out the lamp, then kissed the boy on the forehead before leaving the room. 

 



 

‘Here,’ said Adam. ‘Turn around so I can fasten your bedroll.’  He reached out and turned his younger brother around by the shoulders. ‘Now keep still while I do it Joe!’

 

Joe tried to stand patiently while his brother helped him, but only managed to be half successful. He hopped from one foot to the other in his impatience until Adam said crossly, ‘I can’t do it if you’re going to keep moving like that!’

 

‘Joseph keep still for your brother,’ said Ben as he took both rifles from the back of the buckboard. 

 

Joe stood still for a minute and then began to fidget again. ‘Ain’t we ready to go yet?’ he said impatiently. ‘Daylight’s wasting.’

 

Ben smothered a grin as he turned to Adam. ‘Look after yourself son,’ he said. ‘You and Hoss shouldn’t have too busy a week.’

 

‘Sure thing Pa,’ replied Adam as he submitted himself to one of his father’s hugs. ‘You have a great time.’ He leant down to embrace his brother. ‘Behave yourself Joe.’

 

Joe made a face at him and squirmed out of his grasp. ‘Course I will!’ he said. ‘And me and Pa’ll look after each other, don’t worry.’

 

‘I’m not,’ said Adam sarcastically. ‘I know that Pa knows what he’s doing at least.’

 

Joe gave him a withering look and turned to walk away. ‘Come on Pa!’ he said. 

 

Ben put up his hands in a futile gesture and headed off after his son after a backward glance at Adam. ‘We’ll see you here on Saturday,’ he called. Bye!’

 

Adam watched as the two figures disappeared from view, then turned and began the trip home with the buckboard.

 

Ben, mindful of his son, had chosen a trail that was relatively easy and matched his steps to those of the youngster.  Their progress was much slower than he would usually have made, but as most of the reason for this trip in the first place was to bond with Joe he didn’t mind for one moment.  He kept an eye on the boy as he trudged beside him anxious to make sure that he didn’t tire him too easily at the beginning.

 

Tiredness was the last thing on Joe’s mind however, as he walked beside his father drinking in the scenery around them.  His mind ran in ten directions at once and his mouth tried to keep up with it until Ben’s head was spinning with his chatter.

 

‘Pa?’

 

‘Yes Joe?’

 

‘See that mountain over there? Do ya reckon the snows are still covering it on the top?’

 

‘Yes I’m sure they are.’

 

‘And Pa?’

 

‘Yes?’

 

‘Where will we get to for our camp tonight?’

 

‘I’m not sure yet.  We’ll just have to wait and see.’

 

‘Will we find any animals today?’

 

‘Probably not, we…’

 

‘My pack isn’t too heavy yet.  Adam said I should stand up like this to balance it. Is that what you do Pa?’

 

‘Well I….’

 

‘Iffen we get a bear Pa, how are we gonna carry it back with us?’

 

‘I told you before we probably won’t get a bear.’

 

‘Yeah, but we might.  Guess we just take the skin back with us don’t we?  There’s a creek up there.  Are we gonna cross it?’

 

‘No, we walk along this side for a ……’

 

‘Do you know the name of that creek Pa?’

 

‘No, I don’t think it has a name.  It’s not big enough.’

 

‘Pa?’

 

‘Yes Joe?’

 

‘How far do ya reckon we’ve come so far?’

 

‘I’m not sure. Joseph?’

 

‘Yeah Pa?’

 

‘How about we listen to the sounds around us for a while.’

 

‘OK Pa……… Hey Pa?’

 

‘I thought you were going to listen for a while?’

 

‘Yeah I am.  But Pa?’

 

‘Yes Joe?’

 

‘How old do I have to be before I get a proper gun like Adam and Hoss?’

 

‘Joseph be quiet for a while please.’

 

‘Sure Pa…… Cause if I got ……’

 

‘Joseph!’

 

Joe looked at his father. ‘Yeah Pa?’

 

Ben put his arm on his son’s shoulder. ‘One thing you have to learn son is that part of being outdoors is enjoying the sounds around you.  Let’s be quiet for a while and see what we can hear.  Alright?’

 

‘OK Pa…… I can’t hear much except for……’

 

Ben sighed and surrendered himself to his son’s commentary.

 



 

By the time they had made camp that night Joe was visibly quieter.  Whether it was from tiredness or because he had talked himself out during the day, Ben wasn’t sure.  But he certainly enjoyed the quiet as they ate their supper together while sitting next to the fire.

 

‘So did you enjoy the day?’ he asked.

 

Joe looked up at him and grinned. ‘Sure did!’ he said. ‘It’s just about the best day I ever had!’

 

Ben grinned back at him. ‘I’m glad,’ he said. ‘Now eat your supper up. You must be tired after all that walking we did today.’

 

‘I ain’t tired,’ declared Joe, trying to stifle his yawns. ‘I coulda walked lots more couldn’t you Pa?’

 

‘No I couldn’t,’ replied his father. ‘I’m tuckered out and ready for bed. Come on over here next to the fire and we can lay down together.’

 

Joe snuggled in next to his father and grinned up at him. ‘Tell me about the stars again Pa,’ he said. For as long as he could remember his father had always had stories to tell him about the stars and one of his favourite things was to gaze up at them at night and listen to his father’s deep voice as he fell asleep.

 

‘Alright,’ said Ben. ‘See that one over there?  What is it?’

 

‘It’s the North Star,’ said Joe. ‘It helps the sailors find their way.’

 

‘How?’

 

‘Because they always know that if they head towards it then they’re going north.’

 

‘That’s right.’

 

‘Is the ranch to the north Pa?’

 

‘No it’s to the east.  So if you wanted to go home from here then you’d have to always make sure that the North Star was over your left shoulder,’ his father replied.

 

‘So is that how you find your way out here Pa?’

 

‘One of them.’

 

‘But what about when it’s daytime?  You can’t see the stars then, so what do you do to make sure you don’t get lost?’

 

‘I look for landmarks.’

 

‘What kind of landmarks?’

 

‘Well… think about today.  What did you see that would help you on the way back?’

 

‘Umm……there was that creek.’

 

‘Yes.  What else?’

 

‘The mountains were over that way.’  Joe pointed to the west. ‘They was over my ….’ He thought for a moment. ‘My left shoulder I guess.’

 

Ben smiled at his son and ruffled his hair. ‘That’s very good,’ he said. ‘So on the way home?’

 

‘They’ll be over my right shoulder!’ said Joe. ‘That’s right ain’t it Pa?’

 

‘Sure is,’ said Ben. ‘You’re doing very well Joseph. Tomorrow we’ll look for some more landmarks.’

 

Joe yawned loudly and snuggled against his father. ‘Pa this is great ain’t it?’ he asked sleepily. ‘Ain’t ya having the best time ever?’

 

‘I sure am,’ replied Ben, giving his son a hug. ‘See that star over there?’  He looked down at his son’s face when he didn’t answer and smiled to see the boy was fast asleep in his arms.  He planted a kiss on his forehead. ‘Goodnight Joseph,’ he said softly and tucked the blanket around his sleeping son.

 



 

The next day they headed south and made quite good progress considering Joe’s tendency to keep stopping and asking questions about the things they came across. Not that Ben minded, for teaching his son about the countryside was one of the main reasons for the trip and he took great pains to explain everything he could and to answer the boy’s questions carefully.

 

By the time they made camp again Joe was quite convinced that the trip was the best experience of his life and even the fact that they hadn’t shot anything didn’t dampen his spirits. He looked across the fire at his father as they ate their supper. ‘Hey Pa?’

 

‘Yes Joe?’

 

‘I wish we could do this forever don’t you?’

 

Ben grinned at him. ‘Well I think you’d get sick of it if we were out here for too long.’

 

‘Not me!’ declared Joe. ‘I’d be happy staying here with you for as long as I could.’

 

‘Don’t you think you’d miss your brothers after a while?’

 

Joe thought for a moment ‘Maybe,’ he said. ‘But it’s nice being by ourselves ain’t it?’

 

‘Yes it is,’ replied Ben. Now that he thought about it, it was probably the longest they had ever spent together ……. just the two of them alone. 

 

Joe looked around anxiously as he heard a coyote howl and edged a bit closer to his father. ‘That was only a coyote wasn’t it Pa?’  he said with a touch of trepidation in his voice. 

 

‘Yes,’ replied Ben.

 

‘They’re nothing to be scared of, are they?’ he said, trying to sound confident.

 

‘Not as long as we have the fire here,’ said his father. ‘Animals are frightened of fire.’

 

Joe edged closer to the fire. ‘Yeah, that’s what I thought,’ he said and then thought for a moment. ‘Are all wild animals scared of fire?’

 

‘Just about,’ said his father. ‘Why don’t you come and sit over here with me? We can put our bedrolls side by side.’ 

 

Joe moved quickly around next to his father and got in under his blanket.   ‘I learned those tracks real quick today, didn’t I Pa?’ he asked sleepily. ‘I recognised the coyote ones didn’t I?’

 

‘You sure did,’ said Ben. ‘You’re getting very good at recognising all sorts of things.’

 

‘Am I?’ said Joe, pleased. ‘What sort of things?’

 

‘Well you were good with the directions today and you could tell me all the landmarks we passed.’

 

‘I reckon I could find my way home from here no trouble,’ bragged Joe. ‘I’m real good at lots of things out here now.’

 

Ben ruffled his hair. ‘Well don’t be too keen to try that theory out,’ he said. ‘This is still rough country.’

 

‘I could do it,’ said Joe sleepily. ‘Hey Pa you won’t let that fire go out will ya?’

 

‘No,’ said Ben. ‘The fire is set to last until dawn, don’t you worry about that Joseph.’

 

‘Oh…..I’m not worried,’ said Joe with a yawn. ‘I’m just thinking about you getting cold is all.’  He closed his eyes and fell asleep abruptly.  Ben grinned to himself and got under his blanket as well.  As he gazed up at the stars he felt at peace with the world and his last thought as he drifted off into unconsciousness was how lucky he was to have three such wonderful boys to fill his life with such meaning.

 

By the time the coyote howled again, neither Cartwright heard it.

 



 

Ben placed the rifle carefully against the tree after loading it and bent to pick up his bedroll. He turned as he heard his son’s footsteps coming towards him. ‘Did you wash as I told you to?’ he asked. 

 

Joe held out his hands ‘Yep,’ he said. ‘My face too, see?’  He held his face up for his father’s inspection. ‘It’s great not having to have baths ain’t it Pa?’

 

Ben raised his eyebrows. ‘Maybe,’ he said. Privately he thought he could do with a long, hot bath right about now. He began to pack his shaving equipment away. ‘Why don’t you grow your beard while you’re out here Pa?’ asked Joe staring at him. 

 

‘Because I don’t like the feel of it,’ said his father. ‘It makes me feel cleaner when I shave.’

 

Joe felt his own chin. ‘I’m gonna grow a long beard down to my waist when I grow up,’ he said. ‘Then I’ll never have to bother shaving.’  He rubbed his chin again. ‘When will my beard start to grow?’

 

‘In a few years when you’re a man.’ replied Ben. ‘Now hurry up and pack your things.  I want to get started.’

 

Joe bent to pack as instructed.  When he had finished he stood and watched as his father put out the fire carefully and made sure that the area they had used was as they had found it. He spied the rifle leaning against the tree and edged towards it, eager to touch it. ‘Hey Pa,’ he said. ‘Do you want me to get the rifle for ya?’  He reached towards it.

 

‘Leave it there,’ instructed Ben as he continued to kick dirt onto the fire. ‘I’ll get it.’

 

‘I can do it,’ said Joe as he reached for it. Ben turned sharply and said ‘I told you to leave it Joseph!  Put it down.’

 

Joe reluctantly put the gun down again and watched as his father turned back towards the fire. So intent was he in watching the man’s movements that he failed to notice the rifle slipping sideways and it was only when the loud noise beside him alerted him to the fact that it had fallen to the ground did he realise that something was wrong.

 

In the instant that it took him to glance that way again and then back to his father, he realised that it was too late to do anything more than open his mouth before the gun discharged. He watched horrified as his father spun backwards away from him with the force of the bullet’s impact, as it sent him spinning towards the ground.  

 

‘Pa!’ he yelled and sprang towards the man on the ground. ‘Pa!’

 

Ben lay still, not responding to the boy’s touch. Joe bent over him and shook him. ‘Pa!’ he repeated. ‘Wake up!’  The silence around him was deafening and the only sound he could hear was that of his own breathing as he struggled to get it under control.  He closed his eyes and put his head on his father’s chest sobbing aloud in his despair. ‘Pa!  Wake up!  Please Pa!’ But the man beneath him was still.

 



 

Ben opened his eyes and stared up at the sky above him. He turned his head slightly, but immediately felt everything spinning around him so turned it back again and closed his eyes.  Beside him he heard a small snuffling sound and opened his eyes again wondering what it was.  Carefully he turned his head again until he could see the small boy huddled in beside him. ‘Joe?’ he said softly.

 

Joe looked up, not daring to believe what he had just heard. ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘Pa! You’re not dead! Oh Pa!’

 

Ben tried to smile at him, but didn’t succeed. ‘No, I’m not dead,’ he said softly. ‘What happened?’

 

‘The rifle went off and shot you Pa,’ said Joe, the tears running down his cheeks. He flung himself onto his father’s chest. ‘I did it Pa!  I’m so sorry….I…I didn’t mean to shoot you!’

 

Ben frowned as he tried to remember. ‘You shot me?’ he said. ‘How?’

 

‘I picked up the rifle,’ sobbed Joe. ‘And …. and when I put it down it……it went off.  I shot you!’

 

‘You didn’t shoot me Joe.  It was an accident.  You didn’t mean to do it son.’ 

 

Joe clung to his father. ‘I thought I’d killed you Pa!’ he sobbed. ‘I thought you was dead!’

 

Ben put his hand up and stroked the boy’s curly hair. ‘You didn’t kill me Joseph.  I want you to get that thought out of your head son.  It wasn’t your fault, do you hear me?’

 

Joe looked up at his father again, but didn’t reply. After a few moments Ben tried to sit up, but as he did so he felt a sharp pain in his side.  He looked down and noticed the bloodstain on his shirt. ‘Joe listen to me,’ he said. ‘I want you to get my bag.’

 

Joe sat up. ‘Why?’ he said.

 

‘Just get it for me,’ replied his father. Joe moved over to where his father’s bag lay and brought it back. ‘Now get out my spare shirt and give it to me,’ said Ben.  Joe did as he was bid. Ben took it and pressed it hard up against his side to try and stop the flow of blood that he could feel trickling under his shirt.

 

‘Pa! You’ve been wounded bad!’ said Joe, his eyes wide with terror.

 

‘It’s only a flesh wound,’ said Ben. ‘It’s nothing.’ He pressed against the wound even harder, feeling the bullet that was lodged there pressing into him and grimaced with the discomfort. He lay back and closed his eyes while he considered the options available to him.  The bullet had to come out, but he wouldn’t be able to do it alone.  He opened his eyes again and looked straight into the worried green eyes of his young son before closing them again.  And Joseph wasn’t capable of helping him in that way.  Ben knew if he was going to survive this then he would have to get back to help as quickly as possible.

 

He opened his eyes again. ‘Joseph,’ he said quietly. ‘We’re going to have to get back for some help.  I want you to pack everything we’re going to need into your pack quickly. I won’t be able to carry anything, so anything that’s not essential will have to be left behind.’

 

Joe swallowed. ‘But Pa…..’ he began. 

 

‘Do what I say please Joseph,’ said Ben in a sharper tone than he meant to use. The pain was beginning to make him light-headed and he was anxious to get started as soon as possible.  He knew it was going to be difficult enough without expending any of his energy on arguing with his son.  Joe moved to do as his father bid him, watching the man anxiously as he organised things.  After a few minutes he was back.

 

‘I done it Pa,’ he said. ‘Do you want a drink of water now?’

 

Ben nodded and gratefully took the canteen from the boy. ‘Fill them both up from the creek,’ he instructed.  Joe nodded and went straight off to obey.  When he returned his father was lying very still with his eyes closed again, so Joe shook him gently. ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘Pa, are you alright?’

 

Ben opened his eyes again. ‘Yes son, I’m alright.  Help me to sit up now.’  He clutched at Joe and pulled himself to a sitting position while looking around.  ‘Good boy,’ he said.  ‘Now get the rifle for me.  I’ll need to use it as a crutch.’

 

Joe picked up the rifle, frowning as he remembered that the gun had caused the accident in the first place. ‘Will we take the bullets out first Pa?’ he asked. ‘In case it goes off again?’

 

Ben nodded. ‘Good boy,’ he said and then closed his eyes again. ‘You do it.’  He leant heavily against the boy and Joe looked startled. ‘But Pa, I’m not supposed to touch it remember?’ he said.  He looked at his father, but Ben’s eyes were closed and he didn’t respond. Carefully, Joe took the bullets out of the gun and put them into his pocket in case they might need them later. ‘Are ya ready now Pa?’ he asked.  Ben nodded and struggled to his feet, supported by his son on one side and the rifle on the other. 

 

Slowly the two began their progress back the way they had come.  

 



 

Several times that morning Ben fell and each time he thought he’d never get up again.  Slowly the energy was being sapped from him and each time it became harder and harder for him to summon up the strength and the will to keep going.  The third time it happened it was only the pleading eyes of his terrified son that got him started again. 

 

‘Pa please get up!’ Joe pleaded. ‘You gotta keep going Pa, or you might die!’

 

Ben opened his eyes and looked up at his boy. ‘Help me up Joe,’ he said and reached up towards him. ‘Help me to balance.’

 

Joe willingly allowed his father to lean on him one more time. ‘Come on Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll help you.’  He nearly fell as his father’s full weight came upon him, but managed to stand firm.  Slowly they started forward again. After a few steps though, Ben fell once more and this time didn’t open his eyes. 

 

Joe knelt beside his father and bent close to him. ‘Pa?’ he said. ‘Pa?’  There was no response from the man and so Joe pushed him over until he was lying on his back.  He pulled the shirt away from the wound and gasped as he saw the red bloodstain that seemed to be much bigger than it had been earlier.  He looked up at the sky and noticed that the sun was right above them, which he supposed meant that it was around noon and they had walked most of the morning.  He wondered how far they had come.  

 

Looking down at his father’s face again, he noticed that he looked very pale.  Joe looked around and saw a group of trees a short distance away and so he stood and tried to pull his father towards them by grasping him under the arms.  It was a slow process, but he gradually managed to get him part of the way there.  Suddenly he heard a groan and his father opened his eyes. ‘Pa!’ he said. 

 

Ben looked up at his son’s face that swam in front of his. ‘Joseph?’ he said softly. ‘Is that you?’

 

‘Yeah Pa, it’s me,’ said Joe, his voice trembling. ‘You have to get into the shade now.  Can you help me get you there?’

 

Ben put his head up. ‘I’ll try,’ he said and turned to crawl in the direction of the trees.  Slowly, with Joe’s help he inched towards them and finally collapsed in the shade with a sigh.  Joe held the canteen out to him. Here Pa,’ he said. ‘Have a drink.’

 

Ben took the canteen gratefully and drank, then lowered his head and surrendered to unconsciousness again. Joe sat beside him and watched him carefully, brushing the flies off his face and praying that his father would soon wake up and have the energy to get on their way again.

 

After a couple of hours Ben opened his eyes again. ‘Joseph?’ he said. 

 

‘I’m here Pa,’ said Little Joe. ‘Do you want some more water?’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘We have to get going,’ he said looking up at the sun. ‘It’ll be dark in a few hours.’  He started to get up, but fell back as an involuntary cry escaped from his lips.

 

‘Pa?’ said Joe. 

 

Ben looked up at the worried face of his son. ‘Looks like we’ll have to stay here for the night,’ he said. ‘I need to rest some more before we go again.’  He closed his eyes and once more slipped into unconsciousness. 

 

Joe put his head down on his knees and indulged himself in a few tears. ‘Please help my Pa,’ he whispered. ‘God please help him not to die.’  He looked at the sleeping man beside him and then turned his eyes towards the sky. ‘I don’t know what to do,’ he whispered. ‘God please tell me what to do.’  The only sound around them was the whisper of the wind in the pines far above them and the haunting cry of a bird as it winged its way westward.

 



 

Ben opened his eyes and stared at the flickering flame in front of him. For a few moments he didn’t know where he was and then the burning pain in his side brought him back to reality with a jolt.  He was in the wilderness with Joseph, at least two days away from help and he was wounded.  He looked around him and noticed the roaring fire and it registered that it was night.  He turned as he heard a movement beside him.

 

‘Pa?’

 

Joseph son, is that you?’

 

‘Yeah Pa it’s me. Are you feeling better now?’

 

Ben nodded. ‘Yes a bit,’ he lied. ‘Did you start the fire?’

 

Joe nodded. ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘And I cooked some supper for us just like you taught me.  It’s beans.’

 

Ben patted him on the arm. ‘Good boy,’ he said. ‘You’ve done well.’  He noticed that he was covered by a blanket and the canteen was next to him.  The boy had thought of everything.

 

‘Here Pa, you gotta eat this to keep your strength up.’ Joe held the plate out to his father. Ben reached for it and managed to eat a couple of mouthfuls before putting the plate down. ‘You gotta eat more than that,’ Joe admonished. ‘Here.’  He put a spoonful in front of Ben’s mouth and his father dutifully opened it and allowed himself to be fed until the plate was empty.

 

‘Do you want some water?’ asked Joe. Ben shook his head reluctantly. ‘There’s plenty,’ prompted Joe. ‘We’re not far from another creek and I filled them both.’  Ben nodded gratefully and drank thirstily from the canteen as Joe held it for him. 

 

‘Good boy,’ he said. ‘You’ve thought of everything.’ He shut his eyes again and Joe watched as he fell asleep once more.  He pulled the blanket around his father and settled down next to him, pulling his own blanket tighter around himself against the cold.  Presently he heard the sound of a coyote in the distance and sat up again, his eyes wide with fright. 

 

Joe shivered, although he wasn’t sure if it was with fright or cold.  He thought for a moment and then reached out for some more wood, which he had placed nearby and heaped it onto the fire until it was blazing.  Satisfied, he snuggled down again and was soon fast asleep, cuddled into his father.

 



 

The sun had climbed well up into the sky before Ben opened his eyes again and when he did he wished he hadn’t.  The pain in his side was nearly more than he could bear and an involuntary cry escaped from his lips. By concentrating hard he managed to get it under control slightly and he looked around for Joe.

 

‘Joseph?’ he called weakly. ‘Are you there son?’

 

‘Yeah Pa I’m here,’ said Joe, immediately at his side. ‘You ain’t feeling good are you?’

 

Ben shook his head slightly. ‘No Joe I’m not,’ he said. ‘I think we’ll have to stay here a while longer.’

 

Joe put his face close to his father’s. ‘You can’t go any further Pa.  I’m gonna go and get help for you now.’

 

Ben stared back at his small son. ‘No,’ he said. ‘You don’t know your way back. I’ll be alright after a bit.’

 

Joe shook his head. ‘No Pa you won’t be.  I’m gonna have to go and get help for you now.  I can do it!  Remember you taught me all the landmarks?’

 

Ben thought for a moment. One thing was clear to him…..he sure wasn’t capable of going any further and the alternative was….. well the truth was there was no alternative.  The way he was feeling made him sure that if this bullet didn’t come out soon he would be a goner.  He could already feel the beginnings of a fever and the infection was no doubt already in his bloodstream.  There was no choice but for Joe to get back for help, for if they both waited here it would be days before Adam and Hoss realised they were in trouble and tracked them down.  Ben was sure that it was probably already too late for himself to be saved and his one thought now was to save his son.  If they stayed here not only would Joe have to witness his father’s death, but he would be forced to stay with his body until help came and might not even survive himself that long. No….there was no alternative but to send the boy back and pray that he would find his way.

 

‘Alright,’ he said softly. ‘Pack what you’ll need in your bag and get one of the canteens for yourself.  Then come back here.’

 

Joe nodded and left his father’s side.  Within moments he was back. ‘I’ve put lots of wood by the fire for you Pa,’ he said. ‘That way you can keep it going until we come back.’

 

Ben nodded. He wasn’t concerned about his own safety or comfort now.  His whole being was concentrating on the welfare of the small boy in front of him and how he could ensure that he made it to safety.  ‘I want you to listen to me carefully Joseph,’ he said. ‘Concentrate on what I’m going to tell you son.’

 

Joe nodded and studied his father’s face intently as Ben told him exactly the way to retrace his steps. ‘When you get to Indian Falls Adam may not have arrived yet, so you’re going to have to go even further.  Follow the trail until you get to the road to the ranch, then head for the Devlin’s ranch.  It’ll be closer than The Ponderosa.’

 

‘But I should get Adam first, don’tcha think Pa?’ asked Joe.

 

Ben shook his head. ‘Do as I tell you son.  The Devlin’s are closer.  Get there first.’ He thought that by the time the boy reached help he would probably be dead anyway, so it didn’t really matter how long they took to get back to him. The main thing was that Joseph would be safe.  He prayed to God that the boy would be able to do it. ‘Listen to me Joe,’ he continued. ‘As you go, I want you to leave a trail. Make sure you break off branches and leave things disturbed behind you.’

 

‘Why?’

 

‘So that if you get lost the others will be able to track you easily,’ said his father.

 

‘I won’t get lost,’ said Joe confidently. ‘I know my way real well Pa.  I’m gonna get there quickly.’

 

Ben patted his son on the arm. ‘I know you will,’ he said. ‘You’re a smart boy. Now get the rifle.’

 

Joe picked up the rifle. ‘Here it is Pa,’ he said.

 

‘Load it,’ said Ben.

 

Joe’s eyes widened. ‘But Pa…..’ he began.

 

‘Load it,’ repeated Ben.  Joe did as his father told him. ‘Now I want you to take it with you,’ said Ben. ‘You might need it.’

 

Joe’s eyes widened even further. ‘But Pa,’ he said. ‘You might need it here.’

 

Ben shook his head. ‘No son, I won’t need it here.  But you might.’

 

‘But Pa! What if an animal comes around.  You can’t move fast.’

 

Ben closed his eyes.  It didn’t matter to him about defending himself.  All that mattered now was keeping Joseph safe. ‘I’ve got the fire, remember?’ he said. ‘The animals won’t come near me as long as that is burning.’

 

Joe nodded. ‘OK Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll be real careful with it.’

 

‘Good boy,’ whispered Ben, his strength beginning to give out on him. ‘You need to leave now Joseph.  Remember what I’ve told you son.’

 

Joe nodded, tears forming in his eyes. ‘I will Pa,’ he said, trying desperately to be brave. ‘I’ll get help for you soon, I promise.’

 

Ben nodded and looked intently at his son’s face, trying to imprint it on his mind.  He knew that there was a very strong chance it would be the last time he ever laid eyes on him and he wanted to remember him just like this.  There was so much he wanted to say to the boy….so much he wanted to tell him……..messages for both himself and his brothers to remember their father by.  But he knew that talk like that would only scare the child even more and so he simply said. ‘Be careful now Joseph.  I love you son.’

 

Joe bent and kissed his father. ‘I love you too Pa,’ he said. ‘I’ll be quick I promise.’  He stood up and with a last long look at his father he turned and walked away.

 

Ben watched him go with a forced smile on his face.  When at last he was alone he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to desperate tears for his boy.  ‘God keep him safe,’ he said out loud. ‘Please keep my Joseph safe.’

 



 

Joe trudged through most of that day without incident.  He was careful to keep track of the landmarks his father had shown him on the way and filled his canteen every time he crossed a creek.  By the time it was mid-afternoon though, the toll of walking at a fast pace was beginning to exhaust him and he was forced to sit down and rest for a short while. He was rather proud of himself to have made it this far in such good time although his father was constantly at the forefront of his mind and he hated stopping for even this short while, so after a few minutes he stood up again and picked up the rifle.  It was at that moment that he heard a slight sound in the bushes and turned quickly. Again he heard the bushes behind him rustle and he peered intently into them to see if he could make out what was causing it. The rustling became louder as he listened and Joe took a step back.  

 

He turned and ran through the trees quickly as fast as legs would carry him and didn’t stop until he was completely out of breath.  Panting for air, he stood still listening for any further sound, but to his relief could hear nothing.  Maybe it had been his imagination? Or maybe whatever it was had gone in the other direction?  Whatever it was, it hadn’t seemed to have followed him that was for sure. 

 

Joe looked up at the sky.  He was determined to cover as much ground as he could before nightfall and then keep going into the night for as long as he could see.  His father had told him not to travel during the night when it got too dark and he was scared of the thought of doing so as well, but Joe was determined to cover as much ground as he could.  His legs were beginning to ache, but he brushed the thought of that aside and set off again making sure that he had the mountains over his right shoulder as his father had instructed him to.

 

Later that afternoon Joe began to feel very weary and longed to stop for a rest, but his father’s face in front of him kept him moving until he felt his legs begin to get wobbly and he thought they might give way beneath him.  Reluctantly he sat down next to a small creek and began to fill his canteen as he rested.  Suddenly he heard the sound in the bushes again.  This time there was no mistaking it and he called out loudly. ‘Who’s there?’

 

There was no response and he fearfully thought of all the animals that might be lurking there right at this moment checking him out. He picked up the rifle and swallowed. ‘You get lost!’ he yelled, hoping to scare whatever it was away. ‘Scat!’

 

The rustling became louder and Joe stood up fearfully, clutching the rifle to him. He backed away a few steps and then gasped as he caught a glimpse of something moving in the bushes across the clearing.  Without hesitating he turned and ran again across the creek, clutching the canteen and the rifle firmly.

 

After running for several minutes he stopped and listened.  The rustling noise was following him and he swallowed again with fear. ‘Go away!’ he called. ‘Get out of here you!’  He found a large rock and balanced the rifle on it as he aimed it in the direction of the rustling. ‘Get out of here!’ he yelled and pulled the trigger.  

 

The jolt of the rifle slammed him backwards and he ended up sitting rather abruptly in the dirt beneath him. Joe lay trembling with fear, listening for any sounds to indicate what was happening.  He heard a great threshing sound from the bushes and a loud growl.  Immediately he stood up, clutched the rifle to him again and continued to run.  Behind him he could hear the sounds of whatever it was following and he ran as he had never run before. He remembered Adam telling him that animals could smell fear and he sure was scared right at this moment, so he aimed to get as far away from whatever it was as quickly as possible.

 

In front of him he could hear the sound of splashing water and headed towards it.  Maybe whatever it was wouldn’t be so fond of following him across another creek.  As he burst into a clearing expecting to see a stream of water he spied instead a steep embankment.  As he tried to stop from propelling himself into the water that was cascading downwards he lost his balance and landed on his backside with the rifle on top of him.

 

Joe stared up at the sky for a moment, noticing the blueness that he had looked at earlier was now fading to a dull grey and he realised that night was approaching.  He sat up and looked over his shoulder fearfully, then faced the water that fell away in front of him. The sound of the rushing water began to overpower him, but even more overpowering was the feeling of panic that reached down into his very soul.  He realised that he had never been here before! His father hadn’t brought him past any waterfalls on their way and Joe realised with a start that he was lost! He put his head on his knees and wept.

 

After a few moments he remembered the possibility that whatever it was chasing him would probably still be around, so he hurried to his feet and began to climb down the slippery rocks with the rifle clutched in his right hand to leave his left free to grab hold of tree-roots, rocks and anything else he could see to make his slippery descent easier.

 

By the time Joe had reached the bottom his arms and legs had a few more scrapes on them than before he started and he was breathing heavily.  He put his head back to look at the top of the waterfall and immediately received a spray of water in his face as a reward.  Stepping back he shook his head and watched the drops of water splatter on the rocks around him. He surveyed his surroundings quickly and saw what looked like an indentation in the rock face on the other side of the water, so he splashed across the water to investigate it further.  

 

It was no more than a slight hollow in the rock face, but Joe felt it was enough to give him a bit of cover.  That and the fact that he would have the cliff behind him to shield him as well.  He huddled in with his back towards the rock and balanced the rifle against a large log that had fallen by the side of the water, intent on listening for whatever it was that had been stalking him.  Through the increasing gloom he strained to make out the outline of the bushes across from him and became even more anxious as dusk gave way to the night with the death of another day.

 

After what seemed like quite a long time with nothing to indicate that the animal was in the vicinity Joe decided that he had better spend the night here.  After all, he wouldn’t get anything better and he certainly didn’t relish walking through the dark any further. Trying not to take his eyes off the outline of the bushes opposite for too long, he gathered up as much dry wood as he could get his hands on and lit a fire.  

 

Immediately he felt better and huddled against the rock face as he watched the flames rise and flicker in front of him.  He hoped that whatever it was out there was scared of the fire, but in case it wasn’t he gathered up a small pile of rocks and began to throw them into the bushes in the hopes of scaring it off.  He heard a snuffling noise with the third rock that he threw and put his hands on the rifle again warily.  Whatever it was had followed him downwards and was probably watching him even now.  

 

Joe’s body tensed with fright and he began to breathe heavily as his pulse quickened.  He gathered more stones and checked the rifle, realising that he had to save the bullets until he absolutely needed them.  He longed to let another one off again, but in the dark he would only be wasting it as he couldn’t possibly know where to aim.  Instead he would have to rely on the fire and the stones to get him through the night.  He brushed the tears away that threatened to fall and bit his lip in fright.  

 

How he wished that someone could be here to tell him what to do or even just to talk to!  He had never felt so alone and miserable and as the world around him darkened he realised how cold he was as well, but there would be no thick blanket to keep him warm tonight. He had to stay awake and keep watch or else…….. Joe didn’t like to dwell what the ‘or else’ might be, but prayed that he’d just be able to make it through the night.

 



 

In the early hours of the morning Joe lifted his weary head and shook it, trying to make out just what it was that he was hearing.  The night had been so incredibly long and he didn’t know if he was concentrating on reality or an illusion brought about by his tiredness.  He had never felt so tired and cold in his short life and many times through the night he had cried with sheer pity for himself.  It had taken all his will power to stay awake and many times it was only the action of reaching for the stones at his side to throw or the sticks to feed the fire that he felt was the only thing between himself and unconsciousness.

 

The snuffling noise became louder and Joe realised with horror that whatever it was had moved closer to him.  He peered into the bushes and realised that it was a bit easier to see now with the approaching dawn.  In spite of his wish to look away and pretend it was nothing, he willed himself to keep watching intently and his finger moved onto the trigger of the rifle as he did so.  ‘Go away,’ he whispered softly as he screwed his face up. ‘Please go away!’ he begged.

 

Suddenly Joe drew back and gasped involuntarily as he noticed two bright yellow eyes peering back at him from across the water.  He closed his own eyes momentarily and then with a prayer to God slowly pulled the trigger back as he had seen his father and brothers do so many times.  With one last prayer his finger let go and he was immediately flung backwards against the wall with the force of the blast once again.

 

This time he couldn’t afford the luxury of laying there for more than a split second, so he quickly got up, reached for the rifle again and put it back into position, hoping that he wouldn’t have to repeat the action.  His finger tingled and his head was thumping with the sound of the blast that still reverberated in his ears, but he narrowed his eyes and continued to stare at the same spot in which he had seen those yellow eyes moments before.  Only this time…he couldn’t see them.

 

Joe searched the area quickly and then stood up, the rifle still clutched in his hands tightly.  After a few moments when he couldn’t hear anything he kicked the fire out, then turned and began to climb the rocks that surrounded the waterfall. As he reached the top he glanced back down over the edge and gasped to see in the increasing light a black bear come staggering out of the bushes almost at the spot where he had lit the fire and fall face down into the water.

 

With a cry of fright and anguish Joe turned and crashed through the surrounding undergrowth.

 



 

When finally he could run no more, Joe stopped and leant against a tree trunk as he caught his breath.  He took a swallow of water from his canteen and closed his eyes, listening intently for any sound behind him, but he could hear nothing.  With a huge sigh of relief Joe opened his eyes again and sank to his knees, trying to stop the wobbling in his legs from growing worse.

 

Now that he sensed that the immediate danger was gone he turned his mind to his next problem……….where was he?  Joe looked around, but all he could see were the trees that blocked him from seeing in any direction beyond a few feet.  He stood up again and spoke to himself. ‘Ya gotta keep going Joe.  Pa needs help remember?  Ya gotta find your way again.’

 

With a determination that came from the thought of his father, Joe walked steadily forward.  He wasn’t sure if it was the right direction, but he had to move somewhere and needed to find a familiar landmark….so rather than stand still and let his fear overwhelm him he went steadily forward.  

 

Presently he realised that the ground below him was becoming steeper and he looked up to see a ridge in front of him.  He smiled.  Pa always said to climb upwards to get a clear view of the land around you, so with renewed vigour he worked his way to the top.  Panting with the exertion he sat down to catch his breath and was pleased to see that his view wasn’t obstructed now on three sides.  Over to this right he could see the mountains and he breathed a sigh of relief.  Now he knew which way to go!  He remembered the conversation he had had with his father a couple of nights ago………. the mountains would be over his right shoulder on the way home. Joe smiled as he stood up.  The sun was climbing and the sky around him was turning a vivid blue.  He turned and checked that the mountain range over his right shoulder as he set off once again.

 



 

Joe rubbed his eyes for the tenth time that hour as he struggled to keep them open.  Just as he thought he would have to sit down and rest he forced the vision of his father’s face into the forefront of his mind again to focus on. ‘I’ll get ya help Pa,’ he said out loud. ‘I won’t let ya down.’

 

He struggled on once more, ignoring the aching in his legs and shoulders and the lightness in his head.  One thought kept racing through his brain…. Get help for Pa…….Get help for Pa. He began to say it out loud, to make it easier to focus on but also to keep himself company.  He felt very alone at this moment and longed for someone to step out from behind a tree and take away the burden that had been placed upon him.

 

So intent was he on saying the words and matching them with his steps that he had crossed half the field before he realised that he was in open country and not surrounded by trees anymore.  He looked around and realised that he was not far from the road that led to the Ponderosa.  With joy in his heart he started to turn towards the ranch, but his father’s words rang in his ears even as he did so and he turned swiftly towards the Devlin ranch instead.

 

He couldn’t believe his luck when within moments he could see a small patch of dust in the distance that signalled a rider was coming and he stood still as he raised his hand to signal who ever it might be.  As he did so he felt dizzy and the ground swayed around him, so he leant on the rifle to support himself.

 

Joe narrowed his eyes to try and make out who the rider was, but couldn’t see that far.  Once again the ground tilted up towards him and he sank to his knees as the pounding of hoof beats sounded in his ears.  He opened his mouth as he looked up to see a horse in front of him and the last things he heard was his brother Adam’s voice before he surrendered to the darkness that engulfed him.

 



 

Joe opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, trying to remember why he couldn’t see the trees above him.  Then he remembered!  He had made it back and his Pa was….. he looked around him frantically, realising that he was in his bedroom at home and the sun was streaming in through the open window. He was at home again!

 

He sat up in bed and looked around.  The room was empty, but the door was ajar.  Quickly he got out of bed and padded across the room in his bare feet and then down the hallway towards his father’s room.  He could hear muffled voices from behind the closed doorway and his heart was beating fast as he quietly opened it.

 

Adam and Hoss were standing with their backs to him next to Pa’s bed.  He took a step forward. ‘Adam?’ he said tentatively.

 

Adam turned sharply. ‘What are you doing out of bed?’ he said and reached out for his brother. ‘Get back in there straight……’

 

‘Pa!’ yelled Little Joe and flung himself on the man in the bed. ‘Pa!’ he sobbed. ‘I thought you was dead!’

 

Ben smiled and stroked the child’s curly hair. ‘No, I’m not dead son.  Thanks to you.’

 

Joe looked up at him and grinned. ‘I told you I’d get help, didn’t I Pa?’ he said. 

 

Ben continued to stroke his hair. ‘Yes you did,’ he said softly. ‘I’m very proud of you Little Joe. Very proud.’

 

Joe sat up and looked at his father. ‘You look real pale Pa.  Are you OK now?’

 

‘The doctor says I will be,’ his father replied. ‘He got the bullet out after your brothers got me home.’  He smiled fondly at Adam and Hoss who were still standing next to his bed. ‘I’m proud of both of you for the way you handled things as well.’

 

‘Well if it hadn’t been for this little guy here we wouldn’t have had a chance to do what we did,’ said Hoss, ruffling Joe’s hair while Joe grinned up at him. 

 

‘Pa you need to rest now,’ said Adam and pulled Joe off the bed. ‘Come on little buddy, give Pa some time to sleep.’

 

Joe gave his father a long look. ‘Pa I have to tell you something. I did get a bit lost on the way though,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t as good at finding my way as I thought.’

 

‘That doesn’t matter Joe,’ said his father. ‘You made it in the end son.’

 

‘Yeah, but if it wasn’t for that bear I woulda made it sooner,’ replied Joe.

 

The other three stopped. ‘Bear?’ said Hoss. ‘What bear?’

 

‘The one that was chasing me,’ explained Joe. ‘I had ta shoot it in the end.’

 

Adam looked at Hoss. ‘Yeah sure,’ he said. 

 

‘It’s true!’ declared Joe. ‘It chased me for a whole day.  I had ta throw rocks at it all night too!’

 

‘Come on little buddy back into bed now,’ said Adam propelling his brother out of the room. ‘You need more sleep.’

 

‘But its true Adam!  I did shoot me a bear!’  Little Joe’s voice echoed down the hallway.

 

Hoss laughed. ‘That kid is bound and determined to make out that he’s old enough ta hunt ain’t he?’

 

Ben smiled and closed his eyes.

 



 

Ben sat on the porch and took a deep breath.  The scent of the pines above were intoxicating to him and he thanked God once again as he had many times in the past week that he had been given the chance once more to smell them.  He was feeling stronger every day and apart from the enforced rest was very content to have the chance to gather his thoughts about his recent experience.

 

Coming so close to death in that way made him realise just how important things were to him and he smiled as he watched Hoss chopping wood near the kitchen.  He sure was one lucky man to have such wonderful sons!

 

He turned and waved as Adam rode into the yard. ‘Hi Pa!’ his oldest son shouted as he dismounted. ‘How are you feeling?’

 

‘Fine.  Just fine thank you,’ replied Ben. ‘What’s that you’ve got there?’

 

Adam held out the backpack. ‘It’s your things,’ he said. ‘Sheriff Coffee arranged for someone to get them for you. There were right where you’d left them at the campsite, just as you’d described.’

 

‘That’s nice of him,’ said Ben. ‘But there really wasn’t anything of importance left there. ‘Joseph had packed everything he could into his bag.’

 

‘Yeah, well I’m glad he did it,’ said Adam. 

 

‘Why?’ asked Hoss, joining them.

 

Adam sat down next to his father. ‘Because he found out something,’ he said. ‘Seems like Joe was telling the truth after all.’

 

Ben frowned. ‘What do you mean son?  Telling the truth about what?’

 

‘About the bear he shot.  Roy found an adult female near Tower Falls with a bullet through the head.  She’d been shot at close range and the bullet matches your rifle.’

 

Ben’s blood went cold. ‘What?’

 

The three Cartwrights sat in silence, stunned for several minutes.

 

‘Well I’ll be!’ said Hoss, eventually breaking the silence. ‘The little guy was telling the truth after all.  He did shoot a bear!’

 

‘I just don’t understand how he could have done it,’ mused Adam. ‘A kid his size with a rifle that big?  It …. Well I just don’t understand it.’

 

Ben put his hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘None of us know what we’re really capable of until we’re faced with a situation that we have no choice but to deal with,’ he said. ‘I’m sure Joseph wouldn’t normally have been able to do what he did.’

 

‘He sure thought he could,’ said Hoss with a perplexed look on his face. ‘I’m not so sure about that Pa.’

 

‘Well all I know is that the boy did what he had to do to save himself,’ said Ben. ‘And in doing so he saved me as well. I’m eternally grateful to him that he was able to show us what he was made of. He had an inner strength that came though when he needed it and that’s all we need to concentrate on.’

 

At that moment Joe rode into the yard and waved at them. ‘Hi he said as he slid down from his pony and ran to embrace his father. ‘Ya feeling better now Pa?’

 

Ben smiled down at him, the shock still registering on his face as he reached out to stroke his son’s curls. ‘Yes I am,’ he said. ‘Much better.’

 

Joe grinned up at him.

 

The End