{"id":15196,"date":"2009-03-01T13:52:19","date_gmt":"2009-03-01T18:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15196"},"modified":"2026-07-22T07:23:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:23:02","slug":"an-ill-wind-by-joans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15196","title":{"rendered":"An Ill Wind (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong> \u00a0An ill wind invades the Ponderosa, leaving the Cartwrights unable to take care of themselves while Hop Sing is away.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0K \u00a0(16,900 words)<\/p>\n

An Ill Wind<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben straightened up to ease his aching back and turned to face Bert. \u201cIt seems like the chores around here just never stop, do they?\u201d he said ruefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d agreed Bert. \u201cSpecially when those young\u2019uns of yours are off enjoying themselves instead of being here to help where they belong.\u201d He spat a wad of tobacco onto the ground, much to Little Joe\u2019s delight. The small boy looked up at the man admiringly, wishing that he were allowed to chew tobacco like Bert did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned at the other man, secure in the knowledge that Bert didn\u2019t mean a word of what he said. The ranch hand had worked for the Cartwrights for many years and thought the world of Ben\u2019s three sons. Now that Bert was past working at some of the more strenuous tasks on the ranch he had drifted into being the general odd-jobs man about the place and constantly whined if Adam or Hoss were late in completing their chores, moaning that it only made his job harder if they didn\u2019t pull their weight. Yet nothing made him prouder than to see the two eldest Cartwright sons beginning to take their rightful places in the running of the ranch and Ben knew that his whining was only a cover for his true feelings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell you must admit that Adam\u2019s not exactly slacking off,\u201d Ben teased him. \u201cBreaking that string of horses ain\u2019t exactly a picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Bert acknowledged, spitting one the ground again as he picked up a saddle and replaced it where it belonged. \u201cBetter him than me.\u201d He sniffed the air for a moment and looked thoughtful. \u201cThere\u2019s a wind coming up,\u201d he observed. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be a bad one too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA bad one,\u201d Little Joe agreed, knowingly.<\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t comment, knowing by now that to question Bert\u2019s logic about such things was a waste of time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna break horses when I\u2019m bigger,\u201d Little Joe boasted to the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure ya are, young\u2019un,\u201d said the man, ruffling the child\u2019s curly hair affectionately before picking up a handful of tack that had been dumped into a corner of the barn. \u201cJust like yer big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d said Joe. \u201cAnd I\u2019m gonna do branding like Hoss too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled as he picked up a rake. \u201cNow you just hold your horses there son,\u201d he said. \u201cHoss has only just begun to help with the branding and he\u2019s twelve. You\u2019ve got a few years to go until you\u2019re allowed down there with the men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest. \u201cYou always say when I\u2019m bigger,\u201d he complained. \u201cBut I\u2019m bigger now.\u201d He drew himself up to his full height so that he was as tall as Ben\u2019s hip and glared at his father defiantly. \u201cSee?\u201d he challenged the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben placed his hand on the curly hair. \u201cSo you are,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBigger than yesterday when we last had this conversation at least, but you\u2019ve still got a way to go,\u201d he added with a rueful smile. If the truth be known, his heart had constricted somewhat at the sight of Hoss that morning \u2026 sitting proud and tall in the back of the buckboard as he left on his very first day working with the men \u2026. and he wasn\u2019t at all ready for his next son to show signs of similar independence just yet. \u201cIn the meantime, we need you here to help,\u201d he added, winking at Bert.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure do,\u201d agreed Bert. \u201cWhat would we do without ya help, young\u2019un? I reckon we just wouldn\u2019t get everything done.\u201d He turned sharply as the barn door blew shut with a sudden gust of wind. \u201cThere\u2019s that wind,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s come.\u201d He strode over and propped the door open again before turning to Little Joe. \u201cHelp me carry these things over to the bunkhouse, young\u2019un. Come on, you\u2019d best earn your keep around here.\u201d He winked at Ben and chuckled as he and the little boy left the barn. Ben shook his head as he continued to work, grateful that Bert was so good with his son. He loved Joe dearly, but there were times when a little bit of the energetic youngster went a long way, for his youngest son seem to bounce his way through each day with boundless energy.<\/p>\n

The sound of the buckboard outside made Ben stop work and raise his head, frowning as he considered that it was far too early for any of the men to be returning from the branding yet. He walked to the doorway of the barn to see who it might be, observing as he did so that Bert had been right about the wind. It was blowing quite strongly now and seemed to have come up from nowhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned instantly to see what was going on. \u201cMatt?\u201d he said to the ranch hand who was jumping down from the buckboard. \u201cWhat brings you back so soon? Don\u2019t tell me that you\u2019ve forgotten something?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Hoss, Mr Cartwright,\u201d interrupted the man as he gestured towards the back of the buckboard. \u201cThere\u2019s been an accident, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart missed a beat as he dropped the rake in his hand and sprinted to the buckboard. \u201cSon!\u201d he said, noting Hoss lying motionless on a few sacks in the back. \u201cWhat\u2019s happened? Are you all right?\u201d He reached out instinctively to touch his son but Hoss flinched away, protecting his left arm with his right and screwing up his face in pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m OK Pa,\u201d said the boy, but his expression showed that he was anything but all right as Ben jumped up onto the buckboard and crawled across to him. \u201cIt ain\u2019t serious,\u201d Hoss added, trying to smile at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe burnt his arm,\u201d Matt explained. \u201cDropped one of the branding irons on it.\u201d He gave Ben an apologetic look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr Cartwright. Me and the boys were busy and \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben waved his hand to silence the man. \u201cThese things happen,\u201d he said dismissively. \u201cIt\u2019s no one\u2019s fault.\u201d He looked at Hoss anxiously. \u201cShow me your arm,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gingerly let go of his arm and allowed his father to carefully roll up his sleeve. \u201cIt hurts some,\u201d he admitted, trying not to cry with the pain of it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his teeth at the sight of the badly reddened flesh. \u201cI\u2019m sure it does,\u201d he said. \u201cMatt? Could you \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2026 send one of the hands for Doc Martin?\u201d interrupted the man. \u201cNo need sir, cause Alf went for him straight after it happened. He shouldn\u2019t be too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said. He eased Hoss to a sitting position. \u201cLet\u2019s get you inside while we wait for the Doc,\u201d he said, trying not to sound too worried about the state of the boy\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. \u201cPa?\u201d he said, looking up at his father with a worried expression. \u201cIt tweren\u2019t no one\u2019s fault but mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about that later,\u201d he said, easing the boy off the buckboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed, trying not to appear to be in pain as his feet hit the ground. \u201cAre you gonna let me go to the branding again Pa?\u201d he asked. \u201cIt was only an accident and I want \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI said we\u2019ll talk about that later,\u201d said Ben. He nodded to Matt. \u201cYou get back to your work now Matt,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd tell the men he\u2019ll be fine. Come on son, into the house with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment, Little Joe appeared from around the side of the house, carrying an armful of kindling wood. His face lit up as he spied his older brother and he dropped the wood before running at full speed towards them. \u201cHey Hoss!\u201d he shouted happily. \u201cYou done come home!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, be careful,\u201d warned his father, placing himself in between his injured son and his excited one. \u201cHoss has been hurt,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s face immediately fell and he gave his brother an anxious look as their father led Hoss into the house. As Ben eased the boy gently down onto the sofa, Joe leant over and began to stroke Hoss in a comforting way on his good arm. \u201cDoes it hurt Hoss?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d admitted Hoss, trying to be brave for his brother\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get some cold water to soak it in,\u201d said Ben, standing up. \u201cI think \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he heard the sound of a buggy in the front yard. \u201cSurely that couldn\u2019t be Paul Martin yet,\u201d he said, half to himself. He strode over to the front door and looked out. \u201cPaul!\u201d he shouted as he waved his arm. \u201cIn here!\u201d He waited until the doctor had made his way to the porch before adding. \u201cHow on earth did you get here so quickly?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul entered the living room. \u201cI was on my way to the Pruitt\u2019s when I got the message,\u201d he said. He smiled at Hoss who looked up at him hopefully. \u201cNow then, young man,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat have you done to yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave the doctor an anxious look. \u201cI burnt my arm,\u201d he said, holding it up for the doctor\u2019s inspection.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul frowned. \u201cSo you did,\u201d he said. \u201cBen, I\u2019ll need a bowl of cold water and some cloths.\u201d He sat down next to Hoss and began to ease off the boy\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, come with me,\u201d instructed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wanna stay and see,\u201d said Joe, not budging and wiping his eyes as if it would help him to see even better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grabbed his youngest son by the arm. \u201cCome with me,\u201d he repeated. \u201cDoc Martin doesn\u2019t need you in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time they came back into the room, Ben carrying a bowl of cold water and Joe carrying a couple of towels, Paul had Hoss\u2019 arm totally uncovered and was busy inspecting it. \u201cIt\u2019s quite a nasty burn,\u201d he said to Ben as he dipped one of the towels into the cold water. \u201cI\u2019ll dress it with some salve and bandage it for now, but it will have to be re-dressed a couple of times each day. Tell Hop Sing to \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing ain\u2019t here!\u201d piped up Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded in agreement. \u201cHe\u2019s in San Francisco,\u201d he said. \u201cWon\u2019t be back for at least a week. I can dress it \u2026 show me what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss watched intently as the doctor washed and dressed the injured arm and then bandaged it expertly. \u201cYou\u2019re good at that,\u201d Joe said when it was all done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell thank you,\u201d Paul chuckled. \u201cI\u2019ve had a bit of practice. I\u2019ll leave this salve with you Ben. Just remember to do exactly what I did morning and night. I\u2019ll leave a couple of powders with you as well, in case he has trouble sleeping for the next couple of nights.\u201d He stood up and patted Hoss on the head. \u201cThe pain will go soon son,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a nasty burn, but it will settle down in a day or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill I have a scar?\u201d asked Hoss anxiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not,\u201d the doctor assured him. \u201cJust make sure that you do as your father tells you and get it dressed with that salve and bandage when it\u2019s time.\u201d He snapped his bag shut and turned to face Ben. \u201cI\u2019d better be going,\u201d he said. \u201cI was on my way to the Pruitt\u2019s when I got the message to come here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble, I hope?\u201d asked Ben as he walked the doctor to the front door. He opened it and a sharp gust of wind blew into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust checking up on Seth\u2019s head,\u201d said Paul. \u201cIt\u2019s getting better after that fall he had last week, but I want to check up on him anyway. It seems that I\u2019ll be making my money this month with accidents,\u201d he added dryly, indicating Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ll put it on my bill Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs usual,\u201d said Ben, with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be in to pay it next week Paul and thanks for all your help.\u201d He closed the front door against the wind and turned to smile at Hoss. \u201cWell young man,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019d best go upstairs and lie down for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa!\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cI ain\u2019t tired and it ain\u2019t hurting that much!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs,\u201d repeated Ben, pointing to the staircase. He gave Joe a curious look. \u201cYou too by the look of you,\u201d he said, noticing how the little boy was rubbing his eyes. \u201cYou look like you need a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot me Pa!\u201d said Joe, continuing to rub his eyes. \u201cI ain\u2019t sleepy neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUpstairs the both of you,\u201d said Ben, pointing to the stairs again. \u201cScoot.\u201d He waited until the two boys had reluctantly climbed the stairs before picking up the bowl of water and carrying it to the kitchen. Outside he could hear the wind howling stronger than ever. It seemed that once again Bert had been right about the weather and he wondered how the man always knew what was going to happen with it before it actually did. With a small shake of his head he walked into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTired?\u201d asked Ben as he gave Adam an understanding look from the doorway of his bedroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cA bit,\u201d he said, giving his father a rueful smile.\u00a0 \u201cI enjoy breaking horses Pa, but they tend to jar the bones a bit.\u201d He stretched under the covers. \u201cAnd the muscles,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you get a good rest son,\u201d said his father. \u201cI\u2019m just off to bed myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs Hoss OK?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes. I just checked on him and he\u2019s fast asleep. That powder that Paul left for him really knocked him out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that he\u2019s worried that he won\u2019t be allowed to ever go to the branding again,\u201d said Adam with a grin. \u201cHe told me so after supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to him in the morning about it,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cAccidents happen and I can\u2019t shield him from them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d said Adam, closing his eyes. \u201cNight Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight son,\u201d said Ben. He turned to walk down the doorway, stopping to check on Little Joe before entering his own room. To his surprise, his youngest son was sitting up in his bed in the darkness. \u201cJoe?\u201d he said, going into the room. \u201cYou should have been asleep hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rubbed his eyes fitfully. \u201cI can\u2019t sleep,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t like that wind outside my window Pa. It\u2019s too noisy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a bit,\u201d said his father. He walked over and shut the window completely. \u201cThere, that should shut it out. Now don\u2019t you worry about it, just try and get some sleep.\u201d He looked down at the little boy. \u201cWhy do you keep rubbing your eyes like that?\u201d he asked, for it suddenly occurred to him that his son had been rubbing his eyes off and on for most of the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know,\u201d replied Joe, still rubbing them. \u201cI just do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and turned up to lamp to see better in the semi-darkness. \u201cBend your head back and show me,\u201d he said. Joe did as he was told. \u201cThey\u2019re all gummy,\u201d said his father. \u201cDon\u2019t touch them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey sting,\u201d whined Joe, still rubbing them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned as he looked at the child\u2019s eyes. \u201cThey do look a bit red,\u201d he said. \u201cMost probably because you\u2019ve been rubbing them so much. I\u2019ll take another look at them in the morning.\u201d He pulled the child to a lying down position. \u201cNow stop rubbing them and get some sleep,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rolled over, stuck his thumb in his mouth and shut his eyes obediently. \u201cGood night son,\u201d said Ben, patting the curly hair affectionately. \u201cSleep tight.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He waited until he heard Joe\u2019s even breathing that told him that the little boy had drifted off to sleep, before standing up and leaving the room. He was bone weary as he undressed and it was only minutes before he himself was snug in his own bed and drifting off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In what seemed like only a few minutes later, Ben was woken by the sound of yelling. He blinked several times, ascertained that it was indeed morning by the stream of sunlight drifting in the window and then listened to see if the yelling had been his imagination. Sure enough, there was a loud piercing shout from down the hallway and he reluctantly dragged himself to a sitting position, swung his feet over the edge of the bed and reached for his robe. He looked up as Adam appeared in the doorway. \u201cWhat on earth is all that yelling about?\u201d he said testily. \u201cAre Hoss and Joe having another of their early morning ruckuses? I\u2019m going to \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joe,\u201d interrupted Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s yelling something about being blind.\u201d Ben stared at his son for a moment, but noticed that Adam didn\u2019t look too concerned, probably because he was used to his little brother\u2019s over-dramatics.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlind?\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhat on earth is that boy on about now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the yelling about?\u201d asked Hoss, coming up behind Adam in the doorway. \u201cA fellar can\u2019t sleep with all that ruckus.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou get back to bed,\u201d said his father as he strode out of the room. \u201cI want you to stay in bed with that arm until later this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw gee Pa \u2026.\u201d Hoss began, but stopped as he realised that his father had already walked away and into his brother\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is all this yelling about?\u201d asked Ben as he sat down on the edge of Joe\u2019s bed. The little boy was obviously distressed, for his thumb was in his mouth and his free hand was twisting around several of his curls, always a sure sign that he was agitated about something. Tears were trickling down his cheeks and his eyes were tightly shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve gone blind Pa!\u201d the child shouted. \u201cI can\u2019t see no more!\u201d He hiccupped a couple of times in his distress and Ben reached over to put him on his knee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen your eyes, you silly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI \u2026 I can\u2019t!\u201d sobbed Little Joe. \u201cThey won\u2019t open! I\u2019ve gone blind Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at the child\u2019s eyes closely. They were shut tight and encrusted with a thick gooey mess of something. \u201cShow me,\u201d he said, tilting Joe\u2019s head back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Don\u2019t touch em!\u201d shouted Joe, trying to fend his father\u2019s hands away. \u201cThey sting!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held the boy\u2019s hands down with one of his own large hands while he tilted the small head back even further. He looked at the closed eyes carefully. \u201cGive me a wet cloth Adam,\u201d he said, holding his hand out. \u201cI\u2019ll see if I can get this muck off his eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa!\u201d shouted Little Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ll make me more blinded!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ignored the child as he began to wipe at his son\u2019s eyes gently with the wet cloth. As he did so, Little Joe gradually calmed down until he was in a state where Ben felt he could let go of his hands. \u201cFeel better?\u201d he asked as he continued to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh,\u201d admitted Joe. He blinked his eyes several times and then opened them tentatively. \u201cI can see now,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d asked Adam, leaning over his father\u2019s shoulder to get a better look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d admitted Ben, putting down the cloth. \u201cProbably because you\u2019ve been rubbing them too much,\u201d he said to Joe sternly. \u201cLeave them alone, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOK,\u201d said Joe happily bouncing off his father\u2019s lap as if nothing had happened. \u201cHey Hoss!\u201d he shouted to his brother who was standing in the doorway watching the proceedings. \u201cI ain\u2019t blinded no more!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned around and glared at Hoss. \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you to get back to bed?\u201d he said, shortly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged, made a face and then disappeared. \u201cNow,\u201d said Ben, turning back to Joe. \u201cYou get dressed \u2026 and leave those eyes alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u201d said Joe, bouncing on the bed happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joseph!\u201d said Ben firmly, picking up the little boy and depositing him on his feet next to the bed. He stood up and turned to Adam. \u201cYou as well,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going downstairs to start breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his nose and rolled his eyes at Adam as their father left the room. \u201cI sure hope he ain\u2019t cooking them crunchy eggs like we had yesterday,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded in agreement, remembering only too well the eggshells that had inadvertently found their way into the scrambled eggs at yesterday\u2019s breakfast. \u201cPa\u2019s doing the best he can with Hop Sing away,\u201d he said to his little brother. \u201cSo don\u2019t you say anything if he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cOK,\u201d he agreed. \u201cBut I sure don\u2019t like them crunchy eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d said Ben, as he placed the platter of eggs on the table next to the toast. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be all day at the corral son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam, helping himself to a large serving. \u201cThose horses aren\u2019t going to break themselves.\u201d He grinned at his own joke. \u201cSure wish they would at times though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just take some of this up for Hoss,\u201d said Ben, scooping up a plateful for eggs and toast. \u201cJoseph, stop rubbing those eyes!\u201d He hit the small hands away and looked at his son\u2019s eyes closely. \u201cThey\u2019ve gone all red again,\u201d he observed. \u201cNow stop rubbing them or you\u2019ll make them worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe put his hands down and stared at the eggs on his plate mournfully, for he\u2019d already discovered that they were indeed quite crunchy again today. Reluctantly he picked up his fork and began to eat, making a face at Adam as he did so. Adam took no notice of his little brother, but continued to chew his way through the crunchy eggs as if there was nothing wrong with them and by the time their father had reappeared in the room he was finished his eggs and already spreading some of Hop Sing\u2019s tasty fruit preserves onto his toast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down and smiled at his two boys. \u201cWell Hoss is definitely a lot better this morning,\u201d he said as he helped himself to some eggs. \u201cAlthough it will be a few days yet before he\u2019ll have the full use of that arm.\u201d He made a face as he bit on an eggshell. \u201cI assured him that he would be able to help with the branding again when his arm was better,\u201d he added to Adam. \u201cJoseph! How many times have I told you to stop rubbing those eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father a mournful look between his half-closed eyelids. \u201cI can\u2019t help it Pa,\u201d he whined. \u201cThey\u2019re real itchy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leant forward and stared at his little brother. \u201cThey sure don\u2019t look right Pa,\u201d he observed. \u201cThey\u2019re going all gummy again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his father and anxious look. \u201cAm I going blind again Pa?\u201d he said in a worried tone. \u201cI don\u2019t wanna go blind!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you\u2019re not going blind,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cAlthough there\u2019s something not right with those eyes.\u201d He thought for a moment. \u201cI think I\u2019d best get Paul Martin to look at them, but I can\u2019t take you into town and leave Hoss here by himself,\u201d he mused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you ask Bert to go and get the Doc?\u201d asked Adam, helping himself to some more toast. \u201cHe could pick up the mail while he\u2019s in there. I\u2019d go myself, but I need to keep going with breaking those horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019ll send Bert, that would be the best thing. Thank you, son.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cPaul Martin will be wondering what\u2019s going on out here with two visits in as many days,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna see no doctor!\u201d declared Little Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t like him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told,\u201d said Ben calmly as he bit into a slice of toast. \u201cNow finish those eggs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe scowled at his father as Adam stood up and wiped his mouth with his napkin. \u201cWell, I\u2019d best be off,\u201d he said. \u201cYou want me to talk to Bert on the way about going into town Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d said Ben as he picked up his coffee cup. \u201cLeave those eyes alone,\u201d he said to Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and son gave each other a stubborn stare from opposite ends of the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin straightened up and let go of Joe\u2019s head. \u201cConjunctivitis,\u201d he said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let go of the child\u2019s flailing arms and legs and allowed Joe to slip off his lap where he\u2019d been holding him. \u201cI wonder how he picked that up?\u201d he said, half to himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould have been anywhere,\u201d said Paul as he opened his black bag and looked inside. \u201cIt\u2019s highly contagious you know Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do know,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cSo what can we do for it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe first thing is to make sure that his eyes are kept clean,\u201d said Paul. \u201cWash them twice a day with warm water and put these drops in them afterwards. You\u2019d best do it for a week or so and if they\u2019re not improving by then, bring him in to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took the small jar that the doctor held out to him. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul raised an eyebrow. \u201cI\u2019ve put some on them now,\u201d he said, jerking his thumb towards Joe who was standing glaring at him. \u201cHopefully you\u2019ll see an improvement in a day or so.\u201d He smiled at Ben. \u201cIt never rains but it pours around here, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t raining,\u201d Joe declared as he continued to glare at the doctor. \u201cIt\u2019s just real windy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul chuckled and ruffled the boy\u2019s hair, causing Joe to simply glare at him harder. \u201cWhat about my other patient?\u201d he asked. \u201cI\u2019d best go and check on that arm of Hoss\u2019 seeing as how I\u2019m already here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s doing much better,\u201d said Ben as he stood up. \u201cHe \u2026.\u201d He stopped speaking as the front door was flung open and a gust of wind entered the house. \u00a0\u201cJoe, go and close the door while I show Doc Martin upstairs,\u201d he said. \u201cCome with me Paul,\u201d indicating the staircase as Joe scampered over to the door to shut it. Both men stopped at the bottom of the stairs as Joe\u2019s high-pitched yell assaulted their ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa!\u201d shouted Joe from the front doorway. \u201cAdam\u2019s home!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d said Ben in a puzzled voice. \u201cWhat on earth \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s in the back of the buckboard!\u201d shouted Joe again, trying to hang onto the heavy front door as it swung backwards and forwards on its hinges in the wind. \u201cHe\u2019s lying down!\u201d he shouted as Ben walked swiftly across the room. \u201cHe\u2019s \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I can see now,\u201d said Ben, putting his hand over Joe\u2019s mouth to shush him. \u201cNo need to shout at the top of your voice like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Paul behind him, as he tried to see what was going on outside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d said Ben in a worried tone. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t look good.\u201d He pushed Joe gently inside. \u201cStay inside Joseph,\u201d he said as he walked out onto the front porch. \u201cAdam? Adam son \u2026 are you all right?\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had a bit of a fall Mr. Cartwright,\u201d said one of the hands as he got down from the buckboard. \u201cWe didn\u2019t know whether or not to get him into town to the Doc or to bring him straight back here.\u201d His eyes widened as he noticed Paul Martin behind Ben. \u201cOh \u2026 the Doc\u2019s here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am indeed,\u201d said Paul Martin. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he added as he glanced at Adam lying in the back of the buckboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe took a fall,\u201d said the man. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t that bad really, but he\u2019s got an awful pain in his back so we weren\u2019t that sure what \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look at it,\u201d said Paul, brushing the man aside and climbing into the back of the buckboard. Ben stood at the side and allowed the doctor access to his son, even though he was itching to climb up there beside Adam in the doctor\u2019s stead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave both of them a wry smile. \u201cI\u2019m OK,\u201d he said, his expression belying his words. \u201cI just took a bit of a fall off one of the horses. I\u2019ll be fine in a couple of minutes.\u201d He struggled to get up, but stopped and bit his lip as a small groan escaped him in spite of his efforts not to show how he was really feeling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just keep still,\u201d Paul said firmly. \u201cI need to feel around and see if anything is broken.\u201d His fingers expertly felt around Adam\u2019s torso as the young man lay as still as possible. \u201cNothing seems to be,\u201d the doctor said after a couple of minutes. \u201cCan you wiggle your toes?\u201d Adam dutifully wiggled them as an anxious Ben looked on. \u201cNow move your legs,\u201d instructed Paul. \u201cGood,\u201d he added as Adam\u2019s legs stretched out. \u201cWhere exactly is the pain?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Adam pointed to his side. \u201cIt\u2019s OK as long as I don\u2019t move too much,\u201d he added. \u201cIt\u2019s probably just \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou let me decide what it is,\u201d interrupted Paul as he felt around the area. \u201cThat hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d said Adam, biting his lip again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s just a pinched nerve,\u201d said Paul, turning to address Ben. \u201cHe probably just fell on it the wrong way. Help me get him off here and inside Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jumped up onto the other side of the buckboard and both men put one of Adam\u2019s arms around their shoulders. \u201cNow when I say,\u201d said Paul. \u201cGo!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam winced as he was hoisted up between them and they slid him off the buckboard to a standing position. \u201cI\u2019ll try to walk,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do nothing of the kind,\u201d said Paul firmly. \u201cJust lean on us and we\u2019ll get you inside.\u201d They walked him gingerly towards the house as the hand opened the front door for them. \u201cNow let\u2019s get you onto the sofa,\u201d said Paul and they eased him down into a sitting position. \u201cBetter?\u201d he asked, looking at Adam closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head. \u201cI will be in a minute,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul patted him on the knee. \u201cJust catch your breath while I heat up some water,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll get some hot towels onto that back and it will feel a lot better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He disappeared into the kitchen as Ben thanked the hand and saw him outside again. Adam leant back on the sofa and gave a low groan and then looked up as he felt a movement next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you gonna die Adam?\u201d asked a small worried voice beside him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I\u2019m not going to die,\u201d said Adam, trying to sound reassuring in spite of his pain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, move away from your brother,\u201d instructed Ben. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Joe dutifully took a couple of steps away from Adam, but continued to watch both his brother and father anxiously. \u201cFeeling better son?\u201d asked Ben, kneeling beside the sofa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA bit,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about all of this Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be silly,\u201d said Ben, patting him on the leg. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault. The important thing is that you\u2019re all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just feel so stupid,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIt really wasn\u2019t a bad fall \u2026 I\u2019ve had far worse and not hurt myself at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the way you fell, most likely,\u201d said Paul as he came back into the room. \u201cYou\u2019ve pinched a nerve or two back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have thought a pinched nerve could be so painful,\u201d said Adam as the doctor placed the hot towels against his back. \u201cThat feels good,\u201d he added with a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be a few days before you\u2019re back on your feet, I\u2019m afraid,\u201d said Paul. He turned to face Ben. \u201cHe needs complete rest if that nerve is going to right itself,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShould we get him into bed?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best thing would be for him to sit up as much as possible,\u201d said Paul. \u201cBest put him into the guest room at night so that he doesn\u2019t have to climb those stairs at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cWhat is going on around here with all you Cartwrights?\u201d he asked. \u201cFirst Hoss\u2019 arm, then Joe\u2019s eyes, now Adam\u2019s back. With Hop Sing away, it\u2019s just as well you\u2019re healthy Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cYes, it certainly seems as if there\u2019s something bad going on,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the wind,\u201d interrupted Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the wind?\u201d asked Paul, with a puzzled look at the little boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bad wind,\u201d said Joe knowingly. \u201cIt makes bad things happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t pay him any mind,\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go on up and check on Hoss Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d said the doctor, giving Joe an amused look. \u201cBe back in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Ben, sitting down next to Adam and adjusting the towels behind his son\u2019s back. \u201cIt looks as if I\u2019m going to be very busy in the next few days looking after all my boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid the Doc say what\u2019s wrong with Joe\u2019s eyes?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConjunctivitis,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine though. I just have to make sure that I use some eye-drops that Paul gave me and\u00a0 \u2026.\u201d He reached out and slapped Joe\u2019s hand away from his eyes. \u201c \u2026. and stop him rubbing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cAnd Hop Sing is away,\u201d he said. \u201cNot a good time for him not to be here, is it Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI\u2019ve coped with worse than this before,\u201d he said confidently. \u201cHop Sing or no Hop Sing, we\u2019ll manage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m bored!\u201d said Hoss, resting his chin on his good arm and staring into the fireplace. \u201cThere\u2019s nuthin to do down here!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou be thankful that I let you come downstairs at all, young man,\u201d replied his father. \u201cAny more of that whining and you\u2019re going straight back upstairs to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss immediately sat up straight and tried to look more pleasant, for he\u2019d been even more bored upstairs in bed. \u201cHey, quit it Joe!\u201d he said suddenly, moving his legs away as Joe bumped into them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it,\u201d declared Joe. \u201cI didn\u2019t see your dumb old legs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough from both of you,\u201d snapped their father. \u201cJoseph, if you can\u2019t see where you\u2019re going, then sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the edge of the coffee table and glared at his father from between half-closed eyelids. \u201cIt\u2019s them dumb drops you keep putting on my eyes,\u201d he declared crossly. \u201cI can\u2019t see properly cause of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose drops are helping your eyes,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cThe reason you can\u2019t see properly is because your eyelids keep gumming up. If you stopped rubbing them all the time, it wouldn\u2019t happen so much.\u201d He glanced around the room crossly at his three sons. \u201cBad enough that we\u2019ve all got problems at the moment,\u201d he said. \u201cBut there\u2019s no need for all this carrying on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up from his book. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d he said, a touch defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted. \u201cYou didn\u2019t.\u201d He pointed a finger at first Hoss, then Joe. \u201cBut you two need to just settle down a bit,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s hard enough looking after all of you without all of this arguing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u201d said Hoss contritely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u201d said Joe, still trying to glare at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d said Ben. \u201cNow, I\u2019m going to the kitchen to make some sandwiches for lunch. Hoss, you get a book if you\u2019re bored. You can practise your reading. Joseph, if I see you rubbing those eyes again I\u2019ll tie your mittens on your hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow see what you done,\u201d said Hoss, as soon as their father had left the room. \u201cThat was all your fault Joe! Now Pa\u2019s gonna make me do reading when it\u2019s vacation time!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stuck his tongue out at his brother and screwed up his face at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you two be quiet?\u201d said Adam crossly. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough that we all have to share the same space all day without all this endless bickering. Pa\u2019s right!\u201d He glanced over at Hoss. \u201cHe\u2019s also right about that reading,\u201d he added. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t hurt you to read something occasionally.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss made a face. \u201cDon\u2019t wanna, ain\u2019t gonna,\u201d he said firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face lit up. \u201cHey Adam,\u201d he said, standing up and walking over to his brother. \u201cHow bout you read us something from that book?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis book is too hard for you to understand,\u201d said Adam, a touch haughtily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, go on Adam!\u201d Joe leant close to take a look at his brother\u2019s book as he tried to wheedle him into changing his mind. \u201cRead us some!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam drew back away from the boy. \u201cKeep your distance,\u201d he said. \u201cThat conjunctivitis is contagious, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glared at him as much as his swollen eyes would allow him to. \u201cIt ain\u2019t!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBesides, you don\u2019t even know what cont \u2026 cont \u2026 what that means no how.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo too!\u201d said Joe, stamping his foot crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you two still fighting?\u201d said their father sternly as he came back into the room carrying a tray of sandwiches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa,\u201d said Hoss quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam says he won\u2019t read to us!\u201d said Joe, with a smug look at his eldest brother. \u201cHe\u2019s being real mean Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll read to you after lunch,\u201d said Ben, putting the tray down on the table. He handed Adam and Hoss some sandwiches. \u201cYou go and wash your hands before you touch these sandwiches Joseph,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d asked Joe indignantly. \u201cThem two didn\u2019t have to wash their hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re the contagious one,\u201d said Adam, biting into his sandwich.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t neither!\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben pointed to the kitchen. \u201cGo and wash your hands!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe poked his tongue out at Adam before turning on his heel to scamper into the kitchen, knocking into the dining room table as he passed it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d sighed Ben wearily as he sat down in his favourite chair and helped himself to some sandwiches. \u201cI just don\u2019t know what\u2019s got into all of you. I don\u2019t remember it being this hard to look after you before when you were sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave we ever been sick all at the one time Pa?\u201d asked Hoss as he munched on his sandwich.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew his hand over his eyes wearily. \u201cNot that I can remember, now that I come to think about it,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThere was that time when you and Adam both got the measles, but that was before Little Joe was born so there was just the two of you then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the time Joe got croup and Hoss fell off his horse and hurt his head?\u201d said Adam. \u201cWasn\u2019t that at the same time that I cut myself with a knife and got an infection?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d replied his father. \u201cBut I had Marie and Hop Sing to help me that time. No \u2026 this is the first time that \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he heard a crash from the kitchen. \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d he shouted. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on out there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe instantly appeared in the dining room, his hands behind his back. \u201cNuthin Pa,\u201d he said innocently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen come over here and eat these sandwiches,\u201d said Ben testily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like cheese,\u201d observed Hoss, looking closely at the plate on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t eat them!\u201d snapped Ben. \u201cThere are plenty of others to choose from for heaven\u2019s sake! Joseph, get off that coffee table and sit on the sofa next to Adam while you eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he have to?\u201d said Adam instantly. \u201cI\u2019ve got enough to put up without getting his contagious diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ve got enough to put up with without all three of you whining at me all day long!\u201d snapped his father in return. \u201cNow the three of you just settle down, eat your sandwiches and give me some peace and quiet!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a few minutes as all four of them sat and munched on their sandwiches. Suddenly, Hoss broke the silence. \u201cAin\u2019t we having nothing to drink with these sandwiches Pa?\u201d he asked. \u201cThey\u2019re kinda dry without something to drink with em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes momentarily and took a deep breath. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said when he\u2019d opened them again. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get a pitcher of milk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want no milk!\u201d declared Little Joe instantly, but his father ignored him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s real cranky today,\u201d observed Hoss as the man left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell he\u2019s got good cause to be,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThe way you two are carrying on, you\u2019re making things difficult for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are too!\u201d snapped Hoss. \u201cHe has to get up and get you things all the time!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it isn\u2019t my fault if I can\u2019t move about,\u201d Adam replied defensively. \u201cIt\u2019s all very well for you two \u2026 at least you can move!\u201d He pushed Joe away from him. \u201cCan\u2019t you sit on the other side of the sofa?\u201d he said. \u201cYou are contagious, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t!\u201d declared Joe instantly. He stood up and clenched his small fists indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cSo don\u2019t come near me either.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe immediately ran around the coffee table and stood next to Hoss, glaring at him. \u201cI can come anywhere I wanna come!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pushed him away. \u201cAnywhere but near me,\u201d he said. \u201cMove!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe made a face at both his brothers. \u201cI\u2019m gonna tell Pa on you!\u201d he said and turned to run towards the kitchen. Unfortunately, at the very moment he reached the passageway that led to the kitchen, his father appeared carrying a tray with a pitcher of milk and several glasses on it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch out!\u201d shouted Ben, but it was too late. Joe\u2019s head bounced off the tray and everything began to slide off it. In an effort to grab hold of the full pitcher, Ben lost his balance and fell heavily against the wall. Joe took a quick step backwards and watched in fascination as his father landed on his backside, one leg buckled underneath him. The milk made a large pattern as it spread around the floor, under the table and chairs. The glasses shattered in all directions, the noise making everyone jump.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it!\u201d Joe shouted instantly. He took several more steps backwards and stared at his father on the floor. \u201cHonest I didn\u2019t Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing as he righted himself on the floor. \u201cAre you all right Pa?\u201d shouted Adam, trying to lean forward on the sofa so that he could get a better look. \u201cHoss! Go and help Pa!\u201d he shouted to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss instantly bounded over and tried to help his father up with his good arm. \u201cHere Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cLean on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d said Ben, reaching out and taking the boy\u2019s hand. \u201cJust help me up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it!\u201d Joe said again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of you watch your feet with all that glass,\u201d instructed their father, ignoring Joe\u2019s comment. \u201cOw!\u201d He leant heavily against Hoss as he tried to steady himself on his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d shouted Adam. \u201cAre you hurt Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you OK Pa?\u201d asked Hoss anxiously as he felt his father\u2019s weight against him. \u201cAre ya hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just my ankle,\u201d said Ben. \u201cGet me to a chair son.\u201d He leant on Hoss as he hobbled across the floor towards his comfortable chair and sighed as he eased himself down into it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean it!\u201d said Joe again from his position in the dining room where he hadn\u2019t moved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you didn\u2019t mean it son,\u201d said Ben as he grimly took off his boot and sock to get a better look at his sore ankle. \u201cCome over here away from all that broken glass.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe dutifully came across the room and stood next to Hoss as they all looked at their father\u2019s ankle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt looks real swollen Pa,\u201d observed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it hurt?\u201d asked Joe, curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a bit,\u201d said Ben, gritting his teeth. \u201cI just landed on it the wrong way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, get Pa a wet cloth to put on it,\u201d instructed Adam. \u201cHurry up.\u201d He looked at Little Joe as Hoss went into the kitchen. \u201cNext time be more careful,\u201d he said. \u201cYou need to watch where you\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew the little boy towards him as he noticed his bottom lip begin to quiver at his brother\u2019s words. \u201cIt\u2019s all right Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Only next time look where you\u2019re going, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cSorry Pa. Is your foot gonna break off?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile. \u201cNo, of course not,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s just going to be badly bruised for a little while. Thank you, son,\u201d he said, taking the wet towel that Hoss was holding out for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we\u2019d better get Doc Martin back out here,\u201d suggested Adam as he observed his father\u2019s ankle. \u201cIt really is swelling up Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Ben assured him as he placed the wet towel on it. \u201cHoss, are you able to pick up that shattered glass son? And see if you can mop up the milk as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help him,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll stay right where you are,\u201d his father instructed him. \u201cSit down here where I can keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll sure try Pa,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut with one arm it\u2019s kinda gonna be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust do your best son,\u201d sighed Ben. \u201cAnd be careful of that shattered glass.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do now?\u201d asked Adam in a low voice. \u201cLook at us Pa. Not one of us is capable of looking after all of the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine in a few minutes,\u201d said Ben grimly. \u201cI have to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m beginning to think that Joe is right about that wind,\u201d he said. \u201cIt certainly seems as if things are against us this week, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly does,\u201d said Ben, easing his foot onto the ground. \u201cBut we\u2019ll manage. We always do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, get over here and do as you\u2019re told,\u201d said Ben sternly, reaching out for the boy and drawing him towards him. He wedged him between his knees and tried to hold him still with one hand while he wielded the eyedropper with the other. \u201cFor pity\u2019s sake keep still!\u201d he said in an exasperated tone. \u201cYou\u2019re getting these drops in your eyes and that\u2019s all there is to it! Hoss, get over here and sit on your brother for me!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But before Hoss could obey his father\u2019s command there was a knock at the door. \u201cGet that,\u201d said Ben. He tried desperately to hold onto Joe, but the little boy wriggled quickly out of his father\u2019s grasp and took a few steps away from him. As Hoss opened the door to reveal Paul Martin standing on the front porch, Joe gave the doctor a glare and turned to run to the opposite side of the room. Unfortunately he couldn\u2019t see too clearly where he was going and he bumped straight into the sofa, landing with his head on the hard cushions and turning upside down with his legs dangling over the back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d yelled Adam from the other side of the sofa where he was being jolted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet him!\u201d shouted Ben, sitting forward in his chair and reaching for the boy, but he was too far away for him to grab.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul surveyed the scene in a couple of seconds, dropped his bag and strode over to the sofa where he scooped Joe up quickly and held the wriggling child under one arm. \u201cWhat on earth is going on here?\u201d he demanded, staring at Ben. \u201cWhat have you done to your foot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI twisted my ankle,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI was thinking of sending for you but \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI came to check on the boys,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cJust as well too, by the look of it. Let me take a look at that ankle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you just help me get those eye-drops into Joe first?\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s impossible to do it alone. With Adam being out of action and Hoss only having one arm \u2026 and now I can\u2019t \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLeave it to me,\u201d interrupted Paul. He placed Joe back on his father\u2019s lap and Ben held onto him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss came over and planted his ample backside on top of Joe who protested loudly. \u201cGet off me Hoss!\u201d he shouted. \u201cLet go Pa!\u201d he added to Ben who was holding him down as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

None of them took any notice of him as they effectively pinned him to Ben\u2019s lap between them. Quickly and efficiently, Paul administered the eye-drops and then they waited until they had sunk into the little boy\u2019s eyes before releasing him. Joe glared at them all, as much as his swollen eyes would allow him to, and then clenched his fists in anger before marching over to sit next to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow that wasn\u2019t so bad, was it?\u201d said Ben, but Joe simply continued to glare at his father. \u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben added. \u201cI don\u2019t know how we would have done it if you hadn\u2019t happened along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor ignored the comment as he knelt down next to Ben and picked up his foot. \u201cThat\u2019s a nasty sprain,\u201d he said. \u201cHoss, bring me my bag please and I\u2019ll get this bandaged up for your father.\u201d As he worked on the ankle he shook his head. \u201cBen, you can\u2019t go on like this,\u201d he said, glancing at Adam, then Hoss and finally at the still-angry Joe. \u201cThis is impossible with Hop Sing away. You\u2019re going to need someone to look after all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll manage,\u201d replied Ben grimly, wincing as the bandage was wound tightly around his ankle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you will,\u201d insisted Paul. \u201cAdam can\u2019t move, Hoss only has one good arm and you won\u2019t be on your feet for a few days with the state this ankle is in. You need help, so let me ask someone to come out and help you get organised.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike who?\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell \u2026 there\u2019s Mrs Shaunessghy,\u201d suggested Paul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot her!\u201d interjected Adam quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ignored the comment. \u201cPaul, we\u2019ll manage,\u201d he said. \u201cI can \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can hardly manage when you can\u2019t even stand,\u201d said Paul. \u201cI\u2019m telling you Ben, you need to keep off that foot for a quite a few days if you\u2019re going to give it a chance to heal.\u201d He stood up and walked over to Adam. \u201cLean forward,\u201d he said and then began to poke around Adam\u2019s back. \u201cMrs Shaunessghy might be \u2026. well, a might bossy,\u201d he admitted, over his shoulder to Ben as he continued to work on Adam. \u201cBut you must admit that she usually gets the job done. You need someone like her here and you know that she\u2019d be glad to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded ruefully, knowing that the man was right. \u201cI suppose so,\u201d he said. \u201cI honestly don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to get these eye-drops into Joe twice a day without help \u2026 and as for meals \u2026\u201d He put his hands up in a gesture of defeat. \u201cI suppose we do need someone,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa,\u201d protested Adam, as the doctor gently pushed him back on the sofa again. \u201cNot her!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. He walked across to the doctor who was motioning to him and allowed him to begin undoing the bandage on his arm. \u201cShe\u2019s too bossy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember last year when she insisted on staying for a few days after Marie died?\u201d said Adam. \u201cI thought that Hop Sing was going to hit her with his rolling pin in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss giggled. \u201cHe sure was upset with her,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, the memory of the indignant cook and the self-righteous woman all too clear in his own mind still. \u201cYes,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut Hop Sing isn\u2019t here this time and we do need someone,\u201d he said. \u201cUnless either of you can come up with someone else, I\u2019m afraid that she\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe is a good cook,\u201d mused Hoss thoughtfully as he watched Paul re-bandage his arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI would appreciate you asking her for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call in there on the way back to town,\u201d said Paul, standing up and reaching out for Joe who immediately drew back on the sofa away from him. Paul drew the child to him and held onto his arms as he peered into the green eyes. \u201cThese are still bad,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need to keep those drops going for a few more days yet \u2026 and try to stop him from rubbing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben snorted. \u201cWell that\u2019s easier said than done,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul let go of Little Joe, who backed away from the doctor. \u201cI don\u2019t like you,\u201d he declared angrily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul shrugged as if that was nothing new and then stood up. \u201cWell, I\u2019d best be off,\u201d he said. \u201cUnless there\u2019s something that I can do for you while I\u2019m here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben, glaring at his bandaged foot in a frustrated fashion. \u201cYou\u2019ve done enough Paul. Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul picked up his bag. \u201cAll part of the service,\u201d he said with a short chuckle. \u201cYou might not be thanking me when you get your bill though. It\u2019s sure going to be a big one this month!\u201d He put on his hat. \u201cI\u2019ll get Mrs Shaunessghy out here as quickly as I can,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll visit again in a day or two.\u201d He pointed at Ben\u2019s foot. \u201cYou stay off that,\u201d he said meaningfully and turned towards the door. As he opened it, a sharp gust of wind caught his hat and he grabbed it as it was about to be blown off his head. \u201cI wonder how long this wind is going to last?\u201d he mused. \u201cIt sure is a strong one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bad wind,\u201d Joe informed him solemnly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The doctor gave the little boy an amused look, smiled at them all and then shut the door behind him as he left.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa!\u201d protested Adam. \u201cDo we really have to have that Shaunessghy woman? You know what she\u2019s like!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have any choice in the matter,\u201d replied his father. He pointed a finger at each of his boys in turn. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t want to hear any more about it. If she\u2019s good enough to come out here and look after us then I expect you to be polite to her and do as she says. You hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam, grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa,\u201d said Hoss, just as grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Little Joe. \u201cJoseph?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mind your manners with Mrs Shaunessghy, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes Pa,\u201d said Joe, grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a swift rap on the door which made all the Cartwrights look up quickly. \u201cHoss, would you please \u2026.\u201d began Ben, but before he could complete the sentence the door opened and a tall woman entered the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind me letting myself in,\u201d she said abruptly. \u201cBut that wind was nearly knocking me off my feet out there.\u201d She looked around the room at each of them in turn. \u201cWell, it certainly looks as if you do need my help,\u201d she observed as she put down her bag and took off her bonnet. \u201cDoc Martin told me everything that\u2019s been happening around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very grateful that you could come and help out Mrs Shaunessghy,\u201d said Ben. \u201cPlease forgive me not getting to my feet, but my ankle is \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman waved a hand at him dismissively. \u201cNo trouble at all,\u201d she interrupted. \u201cI\u2019m glad to help. And call me Shaunessghy. Everyone does.\u201d She frowned at Adam who was propped up on the sofa. \u201cThat\u2019s no way for you to be sitting,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019ll take the strain off that back of yours if you put your feet up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, really,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cIt\u2019s better if \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d she interrupted as she grabbed hold of his feet and swung them up onto the end of the sofa. Before he knew what was happening, she had pushed him back so that he was in a half-lying position. \u201cWe\u2019ll have you back on your feet in no time,\u201d she said, pulling him slightly forward and propping a couple of cushions behind him. \u201cJust do as I say and you\u2019ll get better much quicker. Now, doesn\u2019t that feel better?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, giving her a stunned look. \u201cWell, actually it does,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI think \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She patted him on the leg. \u201cNo need to think,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m here for.\u201d She turned to Ben. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d she asked abruptly, indicating Little Joe who had banged into the bottom of the staircase in his haste to get away from the woman\u2019s sharp tone as soon as he\u2019d heard it. \u201cSomething wrong with his legs?\u201d she asked as Joe turned from the staircase and bumped into the coffee table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his eyes,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cHe\u2019s got conjuk \u2026 conjuckavitis.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cConjunctivitis,\u201d Ben corrected. \u201cI\u2019m afraid that he needs eye-drops twice a day and it\u2019s just about impossible to \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense!\u201d interrupted Shaunessghy. \u201cI\u2019ll get him sorted out as soon as I\u2019ve unpacked.\u201d She pointed to first Ben and then Hoss. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll get those bandages seen to as well,\u201d she added. \u201cNow, I\u2019ll put my things in your room Ben, so that I\u2019ll be close to the two youngest boys if they need me in the middle of the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy room?\u201d said Ben weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cYou won\u2019t be climbing those stairs for a while, so I\u2019ll move your things down to the guest room here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut \u2026 but I\u2019ve been sleeping there,\u201d said Adam, in an equally weak tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense!\u201d she said. \u201cYou\u2019d be best to sleep on the sofa.\u201d She patted the arm of the sofa admiringly. \u201cIt\u2019s nice and hard which is exactly what you need for that back of yours.\u201d She picked up her bag. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get unpacked and then I\u2019ll get started,\u201d she said. \u201cGood thing I\u2019m around, or I don\u2019t know how you\u2019d get on.\u201d Without another word, she climbed the stairs, leaving a stunned Cartwright family reeling behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d said Ben finally, trying to sound cheerful. \u201cShe sounds as if she\u2019s going to cope with everything.\u201d He looked around at his three boys. Adam rolled his eyes, Hoss screwed up his nose and Little Joe looked positively awe-struck with his mouth hanging open as he stared at the top of the stairs where Shaunessghy had disappeared. \u201cIt will be fine boys,\u201d said Ben, trying not to let his own feelings show plainly on his face. Mrs. Shaunessghy was known as a capable woman, but the widow was also known as an unabashed busybody and he only hoped that they would all weather the storm of her being here in one piece.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As if to answer his thoughts, the wind outside howled even fiercer than before and the windows all rattled. \u201cThat\u2019s a bad wind,\u201d said Little Joe, coming to squash next to his father on his chair and cuddling against him. \u201cI don\u2019t like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his youngest son\u2019s hair affectionately as he glanced towards the staircase where Shaunessghy had re-appeared. The woman tied an apron around her waist as she came downstairs and the glint in her eye told each of them that she meant business.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d she said, rubbing her hands together as if relishing the prospect of hard work. \u201cWhere to start? Let me think \u2026.\u201d She looked around the room. \u201cThis place could do with a bit of a tidy up and from what I\u2019ve seen of upstairs I\u2019ll be very busy here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shrugged and gave her an apologetic look. \u201cHop Sing is away and I\u2019ve been very busy with the boys,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite,\u201d she said briskly. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry, I\u2019ll get it all in order.\u201d She looked around again. \u201cBut first things first,\u201d she continued. \u201cI suppose you men are all hungry? Men usually are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 eyes gleamed and he sat forward on his chair. \u201cSure are ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, enthusiastically. \u201cWe ain\u2019t eaten nothing since lunch!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell considering it\u2019s only just past four o\u2019clock you aren\u2019t doing too badly,\u201d she replied, unsympathetically. \u201cI\u2019ll get some supper together and then I\u2019ll attend to your bandage,\u201d she said and strode out to the kitchen without another word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Adam, who looked at Hoss, who looked at Joe. Joe looked up at his father and cuddled in towards him even more. There was silence in the room as each Cartwright contemplated the bleak future ahead of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere!\u2019 said Shaunessghy, taking away the plates. \u201cA good feed should make you all feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure does ma\u2019am,\u201d said Hoss enthusiastically as he tried to grab the last roll on the plate before she removed it. \u201cThey was a real good supper ma\u2019am,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you liked it,\u201d she said. \u201cNow you come with me and I\u2019ll change that bandage of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d said Hoss standing up to meekly follow her to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I must admit that she can cook,\u201d said Adam, from his position on the sofa. \u201cThat supper was wonderful.\u201d He eased his back forward and plumped up a couple of the pillows that Shaunessghy had put behind him. \u201cI can hardly wait for breakfast,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cJoseph, stop rubbing your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut they sting,\u201d protested Little Joe crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNevertheless, stop rubbing them,\u201d insisted his father. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to do them any good by touching them all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d added Adam. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear what Doc Martin said? They\u2019re contagious, so we don\u2019t need you spreading your disease everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked puzzled. \u201cWhat\u2019s con \u2026 con \u2026 tash \u2026 us?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt means that you can make other people sick if you keep touching your eyes,\u201d said his father, swatting the small hands away. \u201cSo stop doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave a loud sigh and sat down on the coffee table. \u201cI\u2019m bored,\u201d he whined. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to do. Can I go outside Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said his father. \u201cThat wind would just about knock you off your feet if you did, besides it\u2019s dark out there now. You\u2019ll stay inside with the rest of us young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bad wind,\u201d Joe informed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you keep saying that?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cWho says it\u2019s a bad wind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBert,\u201d answered Joe knowingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked thoughtful for a moment. \u201cYou know Pa?\u201d he said finally. \u201cHe might be right at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d said Ben, looking startled. \u201cSince when do you believe in such nonsense?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, think about it. The moment that wind blew up, all our problems started,\u201d explained Adam with a teasing grin. \u201cFirst Hoss burns his arm, then Joe\u2019s eyes, then I fall off that horse, and then you twist your ankle. You know what they say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat forward and pointed his finger at his father. \u201cIt\u2019s an ill wind that blows nobody any good,\u201d he said in a solemn voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both of them chuckled as Joe looked from one to the other in a puzzled way. \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d he asked finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and ruffled the boy\u2019s surly hair. \u201cAdam\u2019s just teasing,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s saying that the wind has caused all our problems.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded wisely. \u201cI reckon he\u2019s right,\u201d he said. \u201cBert says it\u2019s a bad wind and it is!\u201d he pronounced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow look what you\u2019ve started,\u201d said Ben, rolling his eyes at Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll done!\u201d said Shaunessghy as she entered the room with Hoss. She put her hands on her hips. \u201cI\u2019ll get started on that kitchen tomorrow,\u201d she announced to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKitchen?\u201d said Ben. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s right with it, more to the point,\u201d she said. \u201cIt needs a good clean out. Just as well you sent for me to help. Lord knows you can use it around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that Hop Sing \u2026\u201d began Ben, but his words were drowned out by her strident voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow I\u2019ll get those eye-drops organised,\u201d Shaunessghy said firmly, looking at Little Joe. \u201cCome on little one. Your turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrunk away from her and looked at his father. \u201cIt might be better if I \u2026\u201d began Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense!\u201d she said, marching over and swooping Joe up in her arms without hesitation. \u201cThis is what I\u2019m here for. You just rest that foot of yours while Joseph and I handle this. Isn\u2019t that right?\u201d she said to the child in her arms. Joe opened his mouth to yell and then shut it again as she turned quickly with him and strode out to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All three Cartwrights braced themselves for the shouting that they knew was about to come from the kitchen, but to their surprise there wasn\u2019t a sound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think she\u2019s smothered him?\u201d chuckled Adam after a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked worried. \u201cHoss,\u201d he said. \u201cGo out and check that \u2026\u201d He never finished the sentence as at that moment Shaunessghy came back into the room, leading Joe by the hand. She had a determined look on her face and Joe was munching on a cookie as she dragged him back into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere!\u201d she said, pushing the little boy towards Ben. \u201cAll done. I may as well get started on that kitchen now.\u201d She looked at Adam. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll get a hot brick for you while I\u2019m at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo really, I\u2019m fine,\u201d protested Adam quickly. \u201cI don\u2019t need any \u2026\u201d But his words were lost as she disappeared once again into the kitchen. Adam held up his hands in a gesture of defeat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sat down on the coffee table and quietly munched on his cookie without a word. Ben looked at Adam, who looked at Hoss, who looked back at his father. Finally Ben, spoke. \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d he said. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d said Joe, continuing to munch on his cookie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen how come you didn\u2019t yell or nothing like you always do, when she put them drops in your eyes?\u201d enquired Hoss.<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cCause she told me not to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u201cBut we told you not to as well when we did it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged again, but said nothing as he looked around the room at all of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be,\u201d said Ben. \u201cIt seems as if Shaunessghy has the magic touch with some things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m bored,\u201d announced Little Joe again as he swallowed the last of his cookie.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to do in here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d agreed Hoss mournfully. \u201cThere ain\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo upstairs and get one of your story books,\u201d suggested Ben to Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll read it to you. And you, young man,\u201d he said, pointing to Hoss. \u201cI told you before that it wouldn\u2019t hurt you to read something as well.\u201d Hoss wrinkled up his nose and swung around to face the fireplace, obviously not about to take his father up on the suggestion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are,\u201d said Shaunessghy, bustling once more into the room and holding something rolled up in a towel. \u201cI\u2019ve warmed up a brick for you to put against your back.\u201d She looked down at Adam. \u201cPull up your shirt and I\u2019ll put it right against your skin.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam did as he was told, knowing that it was useless to protest. Shaunessghy frowned. \u201cTake off that shirt,\u201d she said. Adam undid the buttons and slowly took his arms out of the shirt, wincing as a shot of pain overcame him for a moment. \u201cNow lean forward,\u201d the woman instructed. \u201cSlowly.\u201d She bent over Adam and began to arrange the pillows behind him. \u201cWell this won\u2019t do,\u201d she said, standing up again. \u201cThat undershirt is in the way.\u201d She looked at him critically. \u201cIt\u2019s not enough to just take your arms out if it. It\u2019s all bunched up at the back. Take the whole thing off.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave her an appalled look. \u201cBut it\u2019s attached to my \u2026. um \u2026 long-johns,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d she said, putting towel-wrapped brick down on the coffee table and bending down to take off one of his boots. \u201cWhat\u2019s that got to do with it? Put your foot up here and I\u2019ll take that other boot off for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went slightly red. \u201cBut \u2026.\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy patted him on the thigh. \u201cNow don\u2019t you worry,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it all before. Now let\u2019s get these trousers off so that you can slip them down. You\u2019ll feel the effects of that hot brick much more against your bare skin.\u201d She reached over to undo Adam\u2019s belt, but the embarrassed young man pushed her hands away instantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage,\u201d he said, going a deeper shade of red and giving her an embarrassed look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell!\u201d she said in a huffy tone. \u201cI\u2019m only trying to help!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re all very grateful to you,\u201d said Ben quickly, giving Adam a meaningful look. \u201cOnly Adam might feel more comfortable getting himself \u2026 organised \u2026 that\u2019s all, Shaunessghy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy snorted softly. \u201cWell!\u201d she said, placing her head on one side and giving Adam a penetrating look. \u201cIf you insist. I\u2019ll wait in the kitchen until you\u2019re ready.\u201d She gave them both a last offended look before turning and walking away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss giggled. \u201cShe was gonna look at your butt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t only my butt I was worried about,\u201d said Adam grimly as he tried to slide his trousers down. \u201cCome and help me, will you Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched as Hoss tried with one arm to help his brother get his trousers and then his long-johns off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d shouted Little Joe as he appeared at the top of the stairs and noticed what was going on. \u201cHow come Adam\u2019s got his trousers down in the middle of the living room?\u201d He stared at his eldest brother as he bounced down the stairs, with a large book under his arm. \u201cIs he gonna get a tanning Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you all have to look at me while I do it?\u201d asked Adam crossly as he pulled his trousers back up again. He did up the buttons at the front and gave them all an offended look. \u201cHaven\u2019t you ever seen someone\u2019s backside before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot in the living room,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood and stared at his eldest brother intently with his head on one side, causing Adam to go red again. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said, crossly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, bring your book over here,\u201d said Ben quickly, before Joe could reply. Joe settled onto the chair next to his father, still staring at Adam all the while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, ask Mrs. Shaunessghy to come back in now please,\u201d said Ben, when Adam had slipped his trousers back on again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss did as he was bid and in another moment Mrs. Shaunessghy was back in the room organising the hot brick behind Adam\u2019s back. \u201cThere,\u201d she said. \u201cNow doesn\u2019t that feel good?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d acknowledged Adam reluctantly. \u201cActually it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a sudden burst of strong wind, which rattled the windows, and Joe leaned in towards his father. \u201cI don\u2019t like that wind,\u201d he said and put his hands up to rub his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare rub those eyes after I\u2019ve just put the drops into them,\u201d said Shaunessghy sternly and Joe instantly dropped his hands and swallowed as he stared at the woman. \u201cRight!\u201d she continued, satisfied that he wasn\u2019t going to touch them. She turned to Hoss. \u201cNow if you\u2019re so bored, I\u2019ve got a cure for that,\u201d she said. \u201cYou can come with me and help me clean out that kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked disgruntled. \u201cBut I only got one good arm,\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I\u2019ll give you a one-armed job,\u201d Shaunessghy said in a determined voice. \u201cCome on, march out to the kitchen and we\u2019ll get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his father a pleading look, but Ben simply shrugged at him, so with a loud sigh the boy stood up and walked after Shaunesseghy to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy am I glad that I can\u2019t move off this sofa,\u201d said Adam, trying to stretch his legs. \u201cPoor Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRead the book Pa,\u201d said Joe, leaning towards his father as another gust of wind shook the windows yet again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat really was a nice supper,\u201d said Ben, sitting back in his chair and sighing. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy sniffed as she took the tray from his lap. \u201cMuch better than that Chinese slop that you usually get I suppose,\u201d she said haughtily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing don\u2019t cook Chinese slop,\u201d protested Hoss, from the table. \u201cHe cooks all sorts of things and they\u2019re real tasty too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy gave the boy a look as if she didn\u2019t appreciate his remark. \u201cAll the same,\u201d she sniffed as she picked up Adam\u2019s cup. \u201cI don\u2019t know how he cooks anything at all, given the state of that kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with the way Hop Sing organises that kitchen,\u201d said Adam, bristling at the slight to their beloved cook. \u201cHe manages things around here just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so,\u201d said Shaunessghy with another sniff. \u201cStill, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll appreciate me cleaning it out for him while I\u2019m here.\u201d She turned towards the kitchen again with the cups in her hands. \u201cI\u2019m nearly done with it,\u201d she added to Ben over her shoulder. \u201cTomorrow I\u2019ll be able to give those rooms upstairs a good spring clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t exert yourself,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to bother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh indeed I do,\u201d the woman declared firmly before disappearing into the kitchen. \u201cBesides, I may as well keep busy while I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing ain\u2019t gonna like her messing with everything around here,\u201d observed Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows and said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure isn\u2019t,\u201d said Adam. \u201cWhy can\u2019t she just leave everything alone? Why does she have to mess with the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s cause she\u2019s bossy,\u201d said Little Joe. \u201cWhat?\u201d he added as everyone looked at him. \u201cShe is so bossy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t sposed to say it,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cIs he Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cMrs. Shaunessghy has been good enough to come and look after us, so the least we can do is let her do what she wants around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s one way of looking at it,\u201d observed Adam dryly. \u201cAnyway, I have the feeling that she\u2019d do exactly what she wanted whether you told her not to or not Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow again and said nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she ain\u2019t the boss of me,\u201d said Hoss grumpily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam snorted. \u201cI have the feeling that she\u2019s the boss of all of us for the time being,\u201d he said. \u201cAfter all, we\u2019re not exactly equipped to stand up to her \u2026 even if she\u2019d take notice of us anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Does she have to sleep upstairs with me and Joe tonight?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd while we\u2019re talking about that, do I have to sleep on the sofa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so boys,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cIt would be for the best if we just \u2026. Shaunessghy,\u201d he said, quickly changing the subject as she entered the room again. \u201cThat truly was wonderful coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy tilted her head in recognition of his remark and a broad smile spread across her face. \u201cSo you said before. Well it\u2019s nice to have a family to cook for,\u201d she said, then clapped her hands. \u201cNow, I think it\u2019s time for you two to get ready for bed. Come along Hoss.\u201d She swooped down on Joe and took him up into her arms before the boy knew what was happening to him. \u201cI\u2019ll get this one ready for bed,\u201d she said to Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPut me down!\u201d said Joe indignantly as he squirmed. \u201cI can get ready for bed myself!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy simply stared at him for a moment and the youngster stopped struggling in her arms. \u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d she said. \u201cNow upstairs Hoss. I\u2019ll re-bandage your arm after I put some more of those eye-drops in Joseph\u2019s eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d said Hoss, before giving his father a mournful look and following the woman up the stairs. Joe merely looked at his father and brother over Shaunessghy\u2019s shoulder as she carried him on her hip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave a short chuckle as they all disappeared around the top of the staircase. \u201cWell, she certainly has those two under control,\u201d he observed. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen either of them go to bed so quietly before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI hope they\u2019ll be all right tonight without either of us up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they will be,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s not as if we\u2019re not going to be in the house at all \u2026 and she\u2019s tough, but she\u2019s not unkind with them. Did she ever have any children of her own Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA son who died many years ago,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnd two daughters, but they both moved back East. I think she\u2019s a very lonely woman in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, why doesn\u2019t he move back East to be closer to them?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cSurely that would make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not our business Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow at his father\u2019s remark. \u201cI\u2019ll keep my nose out of her business if she keeps her nose out of ours,\u201d he remarked. \u201cYou know what she\u2019s like Pa, always wanting to know about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh!\u201d said Ben as she appeared at the top of the stairs again. Both of them smiled at her as she came downstairs again, rubbing her hands together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, both of them are in bed,\u201d she announced. \u201cJoseph\u2019s eye-drops are in and Hoss\u2019 arm has been re-bandaged.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was quick, how do you do it?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cEvery time I try and get either of them to go to bed I have nothing but arguments.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey know that I mean what I say,\u201d Shaunessghy said with a sniff. \u201cChildren need to know who\u2019s in charge at times like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d said Adam, slinking back on the sofa as she eyed him off. He had the distinct feeling that she classed him as a child too, and the feeling wasn\u2019t a pleasant one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I\u2019ll get you two organised,\u201d Shaunessghy said, rubbing her hands together. \u201cMr. Cartwright? I\u2019ll help you into your room and get you settled into bed and then I\u2019ll be back to get you organised,\u201d she said, pointing to Adam, who shrank back even further on the sofa at the thought of what exactly that might mean.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine,\u201d said Ben hastily. \u201cHonestly, I appreciate your help Shaunessghy, but I can \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense!\u201d she interrupted him. \u201cHere, lean on me and I\u2019ll walk you to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up gingerly, finding that he no choice but to comply with her instructions as she grabbed him around the waist and literally pulled him towards the guestroom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried not to laugh at the sight of his father being man-handled in such a way, however his amusement was tempered by the thought that he would be next in her sights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up and saw Hoss\u2019 face peeking out warily from the top of the staircase. \u201cWhat are you doing up?\u201d he said. \u201cI hope Joe\u2019s not there with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he whispered. \u201cShe done tucked him into bed so tight that he can\u2019t get out from under the covers.\u201d He looked around the room. \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGetting Pa settled in the guest room,\u201d said Adam, and discovered to his surprise that he also was whispering. \u201cGet back to bed before she sees you, or you\u2019ll be sorry!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cOK. Night!\u201d His head disappeared just in time as Shaunessghy came out from the guest room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow!\u201d she said, rubbing her hands together as she eyed off Adam. \u201cNext!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slunk back on the sofa and swallowed as Shaunessghy approached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThese eggs sure are mighty fine ma\u2019am,\u201d said Hoss, licking his lips as he reached for more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Joe, as he spooned some into his mouth. \u201cThey ain\u2019t crunchy or nothin!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever heard of crunchy scrambled eggs!\u201d Shaunessghy snorted. \u201cI suppose that\u2019s the type of slop you usually get from Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s the type of slop we usually get from Pa.\u201d He winced. \u201cOw! What did you kick me for Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t sposed to say that Pa cooks slop,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cIt ain\u2019t polite Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right Hoss,\u201d replied their father from his position in front of the fireplace. \u201cI know that my cooking isn\u2019t the best.\u201d He smiled at Shaunessghy. \u201cWhich is why we appreciate your cooking even more,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy snorted, but Ben noticed that she puffed out her chest a little at the compliment. He also noticed that Joe was sitting quietly, eating his breakfast and not constantly rubbing his eyes. \u201cJoseph?\u201d he said. \u201cAre you all right son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Joe, continuing to spoon eggs into his mouth as he watched Shaunessghy out of the corner of his eye. \u201cI\u2019m just eating up all my breakfast Pa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cSo I noticed,\u201d he said, thinking how unusual that was for a start. He looked at his son closely. \u201cThere\u2019s something different about you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t rubbing his eyes,\u201d volunteered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I ain\u2019t,\u201d said Joe quickly, glancing at Shaunessghy again, who nodded her approval. \u201cI don\u2019t rub my eyes no more ever,\u201d he added, for her benefit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cBut \u2026 there\u2019s something else.\u201d He studied the child again and then clicked his fingers. \u201cI know!\u201d he said. \u201cYour hair \u2026. It looks \u2026 different somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShaunessghy brushed it,\u201d replied Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly did,\u201d the woman said. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve never seen the like of it before. Those curls badly needed attending to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at her weakly. \u201cWe\u2019ve always sort of liked his curls,\u201d he said, observing his youngest son\u2019s slicked down hair with the meticulous part down the middle of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurls are for girls,\u201d Shaunessghy sniffed. \u201cA boy shouldn\u2019t be fussed with anything like that.\u201d She patted Joe on the head as she stood up and began to clear the breakfast dishes. \u201cAnd you\u2019ve had enough to eat,\u201d she said to Hoss, taking his half-full plate out from under him. \u201cIf you continue to eat like that you\u2019ll end up as big as a house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scowled at her as she walked away. \u201cI don\u2019t eat too much,\u201d he declared to his father and brothers. \u201cI\u2019m just a growing boy, that\u2019s what you always say \u2026 ain\u2019t it Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I ain\u2019t a girl!\u201d declared Joe. \u201cAm I Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo son,\u201d Ben chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019re certainly not a girl and Hoss \u2026. you\u2019re certainly growing. Did you both sleep well last night boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cOnly that wind was real bad and kept me awake at first. She did too,\u201d he added, pointing to the kitchen. \u201cShe kept coming in and shining a lamp in my face to see if I was asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d chimed in Joe. \u201cAnd I couldn\u2019t turn over to get away from it cause she tucked me in too tight. I was stuck.\u201d He rubbed the back of his head ruefully. \u201cI got a sore head cause I had ta lie on my back all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll live,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAt least neither of you had to sleep on this hard sofa all night,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d do anything to get off this thing.\u201d He looked down at the sofa grumpily. \u201cI always thought it was too hard to sit on, but now I hate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat was Marie\u2019s favourite piece of furniture,\u201d said Ben, his eyes misting over slightly at the thought of his dead wife. \u201cShe ordered that fabric from San Francisco and had it made up especially.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed, recognising that the expression on his father\u2019s face meant that he was likely to suddenly become depressed about the loss of his wife. \u201cHow come you\u2019re not rubbing your eyes anymore Joe?\u201d he asked, quickly trying to change the subject.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCause she told me not to,\u201d said Joe, as if that explained everything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly did,\u201d said Shaunessghy, coming back into the room. She held a couple of brooms, several cloths and a bucket in her hands. \u201cNow come along you two,\u201d she said, motioning to Hoss and Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re going to be very busy this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoing what?\u201d asked Hoss tentatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCleaning out your rooms,\u201d replied Shaunessghy. \u201cI noticed last night what a disgrace they were.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve only got one good arm!\u201d protested Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOne arm is enough,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cIt\u2019s amazing how much cleaning can be done with one arm. Come along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m blinded,\u201d protested Little Joe, half-closing his eyes for effect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be able to see just enough to clean up,\u201d she said, pulling him off his chair. \u201cI have no sympathy for a boy with a messy room. Now come along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both boys gave their father a mournful look, but when he only shrugged in reply they shuffled slowly up the stairs after Shaunessghy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m glad that my room is tidy,\u201d he said. \u201cShe might have even dragged me up there too \u2026 sore back or no sore back. You know Pa? I think that Joe\u2019s a bit scared of her. Did you notice the way he kept looking at her during breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cStill, it won\u2019t hurt him to have a bit of extra discipline. That boy usually wheedles his way out of things far too much for his own good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHas she ever been in the army?\u201d chuckled Adam. \u201cShe\u2019d make a great sergeant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed in spite of himself. \u201cThat she would,\u201d he admitted. \u201cShh!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both smiled as Shaunessghy came downstairs again with a large basket in her hand. \u201cNow those two are all organised for the morning,\u201d she said. \u201cThat will keep them busy. I told them I\u2019d be up to inspect their rooms later.\u201d She dumped the basket onto Adam\u2019s lap. \u201cI found this upstairs and thought that you may as well keep busy too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked into the basket. \u201cSocks?\u201d he said in a puzzled tone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, socks,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cAnd all of them needing darning. I\u2019m going to be busy cleaning upstairs this morning, so you can make a start on them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave her an appalled look. \u201cBut \u2026 but \u2026 I\u2019ve got no idea how to darn socks!\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen it\u2019s time you learnt,\u201d she said, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him. \u201cEvery man should be able to look after his own clothing and not be dependent on a woman to do it for him. Isn\u2019t that right Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Much to Adam\u2019s dismay, his father instantly nodded. \u201cIndeed it is,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m a pretty good darner myself.\u201d His eyes took on a far-away look as he added. \u201cI had to do all my own sewing when I was at sea and looking after you boys when you were younger before Hop Sing joined us \u2026 well, a man gets quite good at such things when he has to.\u201d He reached out. \u201cHere, give it to me son. I\u2019ll be happy to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thankfully handed the basket to his father and watched in amazement as Ben expertly threaded a needle and began to darn one of Hoss\u2019 holey socks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d said Shaunessghy, giving Ben a broad smile. \u201cYou take a lesson from your father young man. He knows about such things.\u201d She patted Ben on the arm. \u201cI\u2019ll go and start on the upstairs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a side of you I\u2019ve never seen before Pa,\u201d observed Adam as he watched his father continue to darn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour father has many talents that you\u2019re not aware of Adam,\u201d said Ben smugly. \u201cThis is only one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m beginning to suspect,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou\u2019d better watch out though Pa. Shaunessghy will have her eye on you if she thinks that you\u2019d make a great husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cThere\u2019s no danger of that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked around. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d he said. \u201cShe might be quite happy here \u2026. Big house and all \u2026 and you must admit that she knows how to keep Hoss and Little Joe in line.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cThat\u2019s enough of that,\u201d he said gruffly. \u201cHere, take a sock and watch how I do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam caught the sock that his father threw to him and sat looking at it. \u201cI never thought that I\u2019d be darning socks,\u201d he mused. \u201cI\u2019m glad that none of the fellars can see me doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s been a nice quiet morning,\u201d said Ben, stretching as he put down the last of the socks. \u201cToo quiet in fact. I wonder how things are going upstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean,\u201d said Adam, his tongue hanging slightly out of the side of his mouth as he intently concentrated on the last of his socks. \u201cI never thought I\u2019d say this \u2026 but those two have been far too quiet today. I\u2019ve missed the noise.\u201d He put down his sock. \u201cThere, all done!\u201d He grinned at his father. \u201cYou know what Pa? I almost enjoyed that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow in reply, but said nothing and they both turned as Hoss and Little Joe clattered down the stairs, followed by Shaunessghy. \u201cAll done!\u201d she called out. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t recognise upstairs now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave her a small smile. \u201cI really wish you\u2019d take it easy,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m feeling quite guilty sitting here while you clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d she said briskly. \u201cI enjoy it. Besides \u2026. That\u2019s what I\u2019m here for.\u201d She looked at both Hoss and Joe. \u201cYou two need to wash up for lunch,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get it ready,\u201d she added and disappeared into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned on the edge of his father\u2019s chair and looked at the man mournfully. \u201cShe\u2019s real bossy Pa,\u201d he informed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cI may as well be at school with all the work she gives to do. \u201cWhen\u2019s she leaving Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we\u2019re up and around,\u201d answered his father. \u201cAnd in the meantime, you two are to do as you\u2019re told. Understand?\u201d They both nodded their heads and sighed. \u201cThings are running smoothly around here and that\u2019s all that matters,\u201d Ben added, trying to convince himself that he was right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019m telling you one thing,\u201d said Adam. \u201cIf she comes at me with a chamber-pot again like she did last night, I\u2019ll \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe what?\u201d laughed Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t laugh Pa,\u201d said Adam, going a little red. \u201cIt was embarrassing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it was son,\u201d said Ben, trying to control his laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you two hear me when I said that you need to wash up?\u201d demanded Shaunessghy, appearing in the dining room with a large wooden spoon in her hand. \u201cI\u2019d hate to use this on anyone\u2019s backside!\u201d she added, waving the spoon around. Hoss and Little Joe immediately scampered off into the kitchen while Shaunessghy walked over to Ben. \u201cI\u2019m making a stew for lunch,\u201d she said. \u201cIs that all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine thank you,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m sure that it will be delicious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust one thing,\u201d she said, pointing the wooden spoon at him. \u201cThat middle boy of yours need to have his eating controlled or he\u2019ll have a weight problem when he\u2019s older. I\u2019m going to curtail his eating while I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat up straight in his chair and frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t think \u2026.\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She waved the spoon at him. \u201cDon\u2019t thank me,\u201d she interrupted. \u201cThink nothing of it. I\u2019m glad to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hoss \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNeeds good wholesome food. None of those baked goods I found in the kitchen last night,\u201d she interrupted again. \u201cI got rid of them so he won\u2019t be tempted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou threw out Hop Sing\u2019s baked goods?\u201d said Adam incredulously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d she snorted. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t waste good food. I merely handed them over to the men in bunk house. Very pleased they were about it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they were,\u201d said Adam, thinking sadly of the pies and sweet rolls that Hop Sing had thoughtfully baked for them before he left. \u201cTell me you didn\u2019t give them all the fruit preserves too?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said. \u201cNot all of them \u2026 just the majority of them. The way they licked their lips when they saw them makes me think that they\u2019d be already gone by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut they were to last the winter,\u201d protested Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely. And you can thank me during the colder months when your boy isn\u2019t tempted with them,\u201d she sniffed. \u201cI believe in good wholesome food, not that sweet rubbish. Now, I\u2019ll go and get the stew started.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing is going to kill her when he gets back,\u201d observed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBest not think of that now,\u201d said Ben, putting his head on the back of his chair and looking up at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m beginning to think that Joe was right about that bad wind blowing us all bad luck,\u201d observed Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s an ill wind all right \u2026 and its name is Shaunessghy!\u00a0 She\u2019s blowing through this house like a gale Pa! Can\u2019t we get rid of her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn time son,\u201d said Ben wearily. \u201cIn time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8\u00c7\u00c8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell the time has certainly flown,\u201d Shaunessghy observed as she walked through the front doorway, followed by a limping Ben and his three sons. \u201cAre you sure that you\u2019ll be able to manage on your own now?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite sure,\u201d said Ben quickly. \u201cI can get around now as long as I\u2019m careful and the boys are all doing much better thanks to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, all right then,\u201d she said. \u201cBut you be sure to call on me if you find that you\u2019re not coping.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d said Ben, vowing to himself that he would cope no matter what. \u201cI really can\u2019t thank you enough,\u201d he added as he escorted Shaunessghy towards the waiting buggy. \u201cI don\u2019t know what we would have done without your help these past few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThink nothing of it,\u201d the woman replied. \u201cGlad to be of service.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell if there\u2019s anything I can ever do for you in return, you only have to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shaunessghy put a hand on Ben\u2019s arm and looked deep into his eyes. \u201cYou don\u2019t need to repay the favour,\u201d she said. \u201cConsider us even after all you did for me when my Albert died.\u201d Her eyes misted over and she looked off into the distance. \u201cBesides,\u201d she added. \u201cIt\u2019s been lovely to have been part of a family again. It gets lonely living by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben cleared his throat, suddenly feeling very guilty about wishing her gone from their lives. \u201cQuite,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou and your boys needing me has given me more joy than I can tell you,\u201d she went on. \u201cEverybody needs to be needed, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and patted her shoulder. \u201cI know,\u201d he said, feeling even more guilty as he wished that she would just leave and be done with it. \u201cAre you sure that I can\u2019t get one of the hands to take you home?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery sure,\u201d she said, swinging herself up into the buggy before Ben could help her. \u201cI\u2019m quite used to looking after myself. Goodbye boys, look after yourselves! You take it easy with that back Adam, Hoss \u2026. Remember what I said about eating too much, and Joseph \u2026. Keep that hair slicked down and tidy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d they all chorused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waved and then nudged Hoss until he did the same. \u201cThanks for everything,\u201d he called after her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for going,\u201d muttered Hoss under his breath as the woman disappeared around the side of the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that young man?\u201d asked Ben, leaning against the hitching rail to support his bandaged foot as he looked at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin Pa,\u201d muttered Hoss, looking down at his boot as he dug it into the dirt. \u201cI\u2019m just glad that she\u2019d gone is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d declared Little Joe as he began to swing around on the rail happily. \u201cShe was real bossy!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow and said nothing, not feeling inclined to dispute the remark. \u201cWell, at least we can get around now and look after ourselves,\u201d he said. \u201cMy ankle is just about better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my arm is just fine,\u201d said Hoss, swinging it around happily. \u201cAnd Joe ain\u2019t bumping into things no more neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his son\u2019s fair hair. \u201cTrue,\u201d he said. \u201cHis eyes are just about right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll be sitting back on one of those broncs within a couple of days,\u201d added Adam, stretching to show that his side felt a lot better. \u201cIt sure feels good to get outside again.\u201d He sniffed the air. \u201cSmells like rain might be on the way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take rain or snow or anything that comes,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnything would be better than that terrible wind we\u2019ve had these past few days. At least that\u2019s died down now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd things will get better,\u201d said Joe as he continued to swing, his hair becoming more messed up with every turn. \u201cThe bad wind\u2019s gone away now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said his father with a chuckle. \u201cI think \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But they never did find out what their father thought, for at that moment their ears were assaulted with a shrill shriek from Little Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d said Ben sternly. \u201cIs it necessary to shout like that in all our \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa!\u201d shouted Joe again as he pointed to the barn. \u201cHop Sing! Hop Sing\u2019s come home!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Hop Sing riding slowly into the front yard on a mule. \u201cSo I see,\u201d he said, giving the man a broad grin and waving to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d shouted Joe again as he tumbled off the hitching rail and ran towards the man. He hugged him tightly around the legs as Hop Sing slid off the mule onto the ground, and grinning up at him. \u201cYou came home Hop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I always?\u201d said the man gruffly, although Ben noticed a fond look in his eyes as he gazed down at the youngest Cartwright. \u201cWhere else I go?\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to gaze up at the man adoringly as Ben, Adam and Hoss all gathered around. \u201cGood to see you Hop Sing,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019re right glad you\u2019re home Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss got a burnt arm and Adam fell off a horse,\u201d Joe informed the man. \u201cPa got a sore leg and I been blinded too!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing gave the boy a curious look and then glanced around at them all. \u201cSo Doctor Martin tell Hop Sing when arrive in town,\u201d he said. \u201cIs why I get mule to hurry home and fix things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cWell this time you\u2019re a bit late,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re all on the mend now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe had that bossy Shaunessghy lady telling us what to do all the time,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cShe cooked for us too \u2026 but she weren\u2019t as good a cook as you Hop Sing,\u201d he added hastily, knowing that was what he would be expected to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing sniffed. \u201cWell, Hop Sing home now and feed family better,\u201d he said. \u201cAll be fixed now.\u201d He tried to walk towards the house, but with Joe still clinging around his legs it was impossible for him to move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben drew Joe away from the man and smiled at Hop Sing. \u201cIt\u2019s been a bad few days,\u201d he admitted to the cook. \u201cWe\u2019re all glad that you\u2019re home again Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded. \u201cWill get lunch prepared,\u201d he said, turning towards the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked a couple of times. \u201cUm \u2026 actually there\u2019s a couple of things we need to talk about first,\u201d he said. He put his arm around Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder and steered him gently towards the house as he continued to talk to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou reckon he\u2019s gonna tell Hop Sing about what she done to the kitchen?\u201d asked Hoss as the three Cartwright boys watched them disappear into the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not going in there for quite a while until he calms down either.\u201d He winced as they all heard a loud yell come from the direction of the kitchen. \u201cI think I\u2019ll check on my horse,\u201d he said and turned to disappear into the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d said Hoss quickly and followed his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood looking at the house for a moment, shrugged and then scampered into the barn after his two brothers. Behind him, the air was still \u2026. without a breath of wind to be felt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0 \u00a0An ill wind invades the Ponderosa, leaving the Cartwrights unable to take care of themselves while Hop Sing is away. Rating: \u00a0K \u00a0(16,900 words) An Ill Wind   Ben straightened up to ease his aching back and turned to face Bert. \u201cIt seems like the chores around here…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008,4,41,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-humor","category-hurtcomfort","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/storm.jpg?fit=615%2C407&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15196"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15196\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}