{"id":1621,"date":"2004-01-20T15:30:03","date_gmt":"2004-01-20T20:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1621"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:18:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:18:28","slug":"the-final-sacrifice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1621","title":{"rendered":"The Final Sacrifice (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>An outbreak of measles set in motion a series of heart-breaking problems for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (11,130 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Final Sacrifice<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d Joe frowned as he looked at his older brother. \u201cHoss, are you all right?\u201d He went over to where Hoss was resting against the fence they were repairing. It was a warm afternoon, but Joe was surprised by how much Hoss was sweating. \u201cYou don\u2019t look too good,\u201d he added, concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d Hoss snapped and Joe was instantly sure that Hoss was ill. It wasn\u2019t at all like his brother to snap at people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a drink,\u201d Joe offered, holding out the canteen he had just refilled at the stream. \u201cIt\u2019s cool.\u201d Joe wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve while Hoss drank deeply from the canteen. Joe reached to take the canteen from Hoss and almost flinched as his hand touched his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cHoss, you\u2019re burning up!\u201d Joe exclaimed. He reached out to feel his brother\u2019s head, but Hoss was having none of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Irritably, Hoss smacked Joe\u2019s hand away, and looked surprised when he almost knocked Joe off his feet. Joe looked at Hoss in surprise. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Hoss protested, although he felt dreadful. He was tired, hot, his eyes were running and he felt like he had a bad cold. In fact, it felt like the worst cold he had ever had.<\/span><\/p>\n

By now, Joe\u2019s slim store of patience had run out. \u201cLook, Hoss, I know I can\u2019t force you to go home, but I really think you should,\u201d he stated firmly, his green eyes snapping. \u201cIf I looked as bad as you do, you\u2019d throw me onto my horse and make me go home. All right, I can\u2019t do that, but you need to go home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The vision of the slightly built, if deceptively muscular, and smallest Cartwright forcing him, the tallest and biggest built Cartwright, to go home raised a slight smile. It made Hoss realize that he was being foolish. He glanced at his younger brother, who was standing there, his hands planted on his hips and his chin jutting in that determined manner he had, and smiled again. \u201cAll right, Shortshanks, you win,\u201d Hoss capitulated. \u201cI\u2019ll go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe responded, relieved. If Hoss had collapsed on him, Joe had no idea how he would have got the larger man home. As it was, he had no intention of letting Hoss ride off alone. Moving quickly, Joe packed away the equipment they had been using and turned to help Hoss get onto Chub, his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

It seemed an interminable journey home to the worried Joe. Hoss wavered in the saddle, and Joe dreaded him coming off. However, they made it back to the house with Hoss still sitting upright, although looking unutterably weary. Joe jumped down from Cochise and hurried round to Chub to help Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

That his brother needed the help was no secret. Hoss could barely stand, and Joe slung one of Hoss\u2019 arms around his own shoulders, and put an arm around his brother\u2019s waist as they headed for the house. Hoss leaned heavily on Joe, and Joe doubted that he would make it all the way to the house. Hoss outweighed him by a great deal, and Joe, although very strong, was struggling under his brother\u2019s weight. \u201cPa!\u201d he shouted. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The door opened, and Ben Cartwright stood there, looking out, clearly perplexed. His heart contracted as he saw Hoss and Joe staggering towards him and he hurried to give assistance, only belatedly realizing that the person who needed the most help was actually Hoss, not Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked, feeling the heat coming from Hoss. \u201cHoss, you\u2019ve got a fever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI don\u2019 feel so good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get him upstairs,\u201d Ben panted to Joe, who was now too winded to speak. Joe simply nodded and they eased their way across the great room to the stairs. Although the stairs had not been designed for three abreast, somehow they managed to negotiate them, and soon had Hoss sitting on his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kneeling, Ben pulled Hoss\u2019 boots off, while Joe bent over, leaning his hands on his knees while he drew in great draughts of air. Ben glanced at him. \u201cJoe, get the doctor, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Joe panted. \u201cHoss, you take care now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019 need the doctor,\u201d Hoss objected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow like Joe you sound,\u201d Ben observed and Hoss cracked a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe commented, as he left the room. \u201cI\u2019ll get the doctor and I hope he gives you some really nasty-tasting medicine!\u201d He hurried downstairs and out to his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Ben persuaded Hoss into a nightshirt and pulled back the covers to allow his son to lie comfortably on the bed. He was very concerned about Hoss\u2019 temperature, which was very high. \u201cHow long have you been feeling unwell?\u201d he asked, offering Hoss a drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sipping the water, Hoss shrugged. \u201cI dunno fer sure,\u201d he replied. \u201cAbout a week.\u201d\u00a0 Handing his father the glass, Hoss put his head down on the pillow with obvious relief, and closed his eyes. \u201cI jist thought I had a cold. Pa, could ya pull them drapes? It\u2019s real bright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed, going over to pull them closed. The room dimmed at once, and Hoss seemed to find that a relief. He kept his eyes closed and after a few minutes, he drifted off to sleep, signaled by a raucous snore.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was nothing more Ben could do for Hoss right then, so he left him to sleep and went back downstairs to his neglected correspondence. He left Hoss\u2019 door ajar, so that if his son called for him, he would hear him at once. But Ben\u2019s mind was not on the letters he was writing. He was going over Hoss\u2019 symptoms in his mind, knowing that they were familiar, but unable to come up with what was wrong with his son. He sighed. He would just have to wait for the arrival of Paul Martin, the family physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc?\u201d Joe said, as he entered the doctor\u2019s rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up in surprise, for Joe was the last person Paul Martin expected to see in his surgery willingly, the doctor replied, \u201cHello, Joe. What brings you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa sent me to get you,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cIt\u2019s Hoss. He\u2019s really sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me more,\u201d Paul demanded, as he got up and started to check through his Gladstone bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a high fever,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cand he\u2019s really irritable. I had to help him into the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Paul added something else to his bag, and snapped it shut. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he suggested and Joe shot out of the office at high speed, much the same way he\u2019d come in, Paul noted with fleeting amusement. The symptoms Joe had described could cover many conditions. Paul just hoped it was one of the lesser conditions, and not the one that he was dreading.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********************<\/span><\/p>\n

Banished from Hoss\u2019 room while Paul made his examination, Ben and Joe each paced around the living room. Joe had put Cochise away, hoping against hope that Paul would be back with Ben by the time he had finished. His concern mounting with every moment, Joe could not sit still and Ben was soon afflicted with his son\u2019s restlessness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s taking so long?\u201d Joe burst out at last, totally frustrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied, his voice low. It was so unlike Hoss to be unwell, and a dark foreboding was growing in Ben\u2019s mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

But at last, Paul called them upstairs and there was almost an undignified scrum at the bottom of the steps as Joe and Ben both wanted to be upstairs first. Joe was undoubtedly quicker, but he acknowledged Ben\u2019s rights as parent, and let him go first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben asked, as they entered the room. His eyes flew to Hoss, who was lying quietly on the bed, a cold cloth on his forehead. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Paul?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The momentary hesitation immediately notched Joe\u2019s anxiety up even higher. His green eyes fixed beseechingly on Paul\u2019s face, willing the physician not to give them bad news. He was to be disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss has the measles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*************************<\/span><\/p>\n

For a long moment, there was silence. Both pairs of eyes flew to Hoss, horror reflected there. Measles was highly contagious, and often fatal to an adult. Joe had had the measles when he was a child, and so had Ben. Hoss had not caught them from Joe, because he had been away on a short trip with a school friend and his family. Ben had been grateful at the time, for his hands were full nursing his youngest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Ben asked, looking back at his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, positive,\u201d Paul replied, quietly. \u201cWhen Joe came and told me Hoss\u2019 symptoms, I hoped it wasn\u2019t measles. But there\u2019s been an outbreak in town, Ben and it looks like its spreading.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cKeep cold compresses on his head,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cGive him as much fluid as you can. Clear broth to eat, because his throat is sore and he\u2019ll find it difficult to swallow. Keep him propped up as much as possible to stop fluid gathering on his lungs. Pneumonia is a very common side-effect, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPneumonia?\u201d Joe echoed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Paul nodded. \u201cI\u2019m not really too sure why, but I suppose the body\u2019s defenses are down, and I often see pneumonia in measles patients. But hopefully it won\u2019t come to that. Keep the room warm, but with a little air coming in, and make sure Hoss stays in bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Ben assured him. He glanced at Hoss again. \u201cBut, Paul, are you sure? There aren\u2019t any spots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, there are,\u201d Paul contradicted him. \u201cThey are on his chest right now, but tomorrow, you probably won\u2019t be able to put a pin head on him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t there any thing you can give him?\u201d Joe asked, almost angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Paul sighed, knowing that Joe\u2019s anger stemmed from fear. They all knew what could happen in a measles epidemic. \u201cLater, there might be some things I can give him, depending on what happens, but right now, Joe, the best thing for Hoss is rest, quiet and fluids.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll get them,\u201d Ben vowed, putting his hand on Joe\u2019s arm to calm his son. \u201cJoe, see Paul to the door.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe did as he was asked, while Ben went over to change the cold compress on Hoss\u2019 head.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****************<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next few days, it seemed to Joe that tending to Hoss was all that Ben did. Not that Joe begrudged his brother the attention. It was just that it seemed to Joe that his father was not eating or sleeping at all. Whenever Joe went into Hoss\u2019 room, Ben was there, mopping his fevered body, or spooning broth into him.\u00a0 Joe had willingly taken on the running of the ranch, but he was now beginning to fear that his father would collapse if he didn\u2019t get some rest soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to get some sleep,\u201d Joe argued, as he coaxed Ben to come down to eat something solid. \u201cPa, you won\u2019t do Hoss any good by making yourself ill, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I might know what I\u2019m doing,\u201d Ben replied, stiffly. \u201cAfter all, I have done this on numerous occasions for you, young man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Joe just stared at his father, unable to believe that Ben had thrown that up at him. But he kept a hold on his temper, for this was a sure sign that his father had indeed past his limits of sleeplessness. \u201cI know that,\u201d Joe responded, exasperated. \u201cBut you had to sleep then and you have to sleep now, Pa. How am I going to cope if you become ill, too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe men will run the ranch,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cCharlie can keep things ticking over for a few days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps he could,\u201d Joe snapped, \u201cif half the men hadn\u2019t come down with measles, too!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The moment the words were out, Joe could have bitten his tongue. He had worked hard to keep that knowledge from his father, who had enough to worry about. But Joe was worrying about it and that worry had his temper honed to a fine edge. Ben looked shocked. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe mumbled. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to tell you like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me before?\u201d Ben demanded, angrily. \u201cI am still in charge here, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do know,\u201d Joe retorted. \u201cBut you have enough to do with looking after Hoss. Charlie has a couple of the men who\u2019ve had the measles organized to nurse the ones who\u2019ve got it now. So we\u2019re short-handed, Pa, and I can\u2019t afford to have to stay here all the time and nurse both you and Hoss. So will you please get some sleep and let Hop Sing look after Hoss for a while?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at his son\u2019s handsome face, flushed with his pent-up anger, Ben realized that he had to do as Joe asked. He\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0exhausted! Joe had turned into such a fine young man, and had just dealt with this situation, sparing Ben from further worry. He swallowed down a lump in his throat. \u201cYou\u2019re right, Joe,\u201d he sighed. \u201cI do need to rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The look of utter relief on Joe\u2019s face told Ben just how tired Joe was, too. \u201cYou get some sleep,\u201d Joe told him, \u201cand I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when are you going to get some sleep?\u201d Ben asked, as he rose with Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTonight,\u201d Joe replied, smiling. \u201cAfter I get these cows sorted out.\u201d He patted Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always worried about you,\u201d Ben retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, I know,\u201d Joe teased, moving smartly towards the front door. \u201cWorrying about me gave you grey hair! I\u2019ve heard it all before, you know!\u201d He exited quickly, hearing his father\u2019s laugh before he closed the door. It was a sound that had been missing from the house for too many days.<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the plus points of Hoss\u2019 illness was that the big man was lucid, despite the very high temperature he was suffering from. Occasionally, he was out of it, but for the most part, when Hoss was awake, he knew what was going on. That fact made it easier for Ben to go and lie down, knowing that his son would understand when he wasn\u2019t at his bedside.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first while, Hop Sing sat dutifully by the bed, but Hoss did nothing but sleep and so Hop Sing decided that it was quite safe for him to go back to the kitchen and finish up some of the never-ending chores that awaited him. On silent feet, he left the room, and went down to deal with the pile of washing that seemed to have been breeding recently.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hoss woke, he was surprised to find the room empty apart from himself, but he didn\u2019t have the energy to worry about it and closed his eyes. But the persistent thirst that had wakened him in the first place grew worse and when Hoss hauled himself upright enough to reach the glass by the bed, he discovered it was empty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, for every movement cost him a great deal of effort, Hoss stretched to get the pitcher. It was empty, too.\u00a0 Sighing once more, Hoss wondered what would be best to do. If he shouted for Hop Sing, he would waken Pa, and he knew how tired Ben was. He could, of course, just wait for Hop Sing to come back, but who knew when that would be? No, Hoss decided, there was only one thing for it. He would have to go and get some more water for himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was surprisingly difficult for Hoss to get himself upright, but he managed in the end, fighting down the need to scratch furiously at his spots. Picking up the pitcher, he began to move slowly in the direction of the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pausing for breath half way down the hallway to the stairs, Hoss reflected that he hadn\u2019t realized how far it was from his bedroom to the kitchen. \u201cI\u2019m feelin\u2019 plumb puny,\u201d he muttered to himself, and tried to laugh. But he really did feel very ill, and his breath was panting away from him as he padded silently onwards on bare feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was hard to say who got the bigger shock \u2013 Hoss, or the five men robbing the Ponderosa ranch house. The pitcher slipped from Hoss\u2019 hand to shatter on the stairs, and the men swung round, rifles up. \u201cCome down here,\u201d one of them ordered, and Hoss shakily obeyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t git the safe open,\u201d another cried in frustration, glaring at Hoss as though it was his fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have time to worry about it now,\u201d replied the first man. \u201cLet\u2019s just get out of here. Ya stay put, fatty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t need to be told twice. His unwise sojourn out of bed had cost him more than he had expected and he wasn\u2019t sure he could put one foot in front of the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d demanded a familiar voice, still hoarse with sleep. Hoss\u2019 heart sank. The pitcher shattering had obviously woken Ben, and he was about to walk into an horrific situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, watch out!\u201d Hoss shouted, and he paid the penalty, as one man hurried over to him and put a pistol to his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

But his warning had come a fraction too late. Ben had already emerged from the top landing and stood, frozen in horror, at the scene in front of him. \u201cHoss!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBack off, Cartwright!\u201d the leader growled, dragging Hoss towards the door. \u201cI\u2019ll leave yer son further up the road as long as ya don\u2019t come after us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please, leave him alone!\u201d Ben begged. He knew how ill Hoss was and he was terrified for his son\u2019s safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep back!\u201d the man snarled and Ben froze as the gun was cocked. He could only watch helplessly as Hoss was dragged away.<\/span><\/p>\n

******************<\/span><\/p>\n

But things didn\u2019t go any more smoothly for the men outside than they had inside. As they forced Hoss onto a horse, Joe came riding into the yard, unawares. He was dripping with mud from the waist down, having had to drag a cow out of a watering hole. He knew he couldn\u2019t continue working while soaked through and had returned home to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d ordered the leader, pointing his gun at Joe. \u201cDrop yer gun and get down from that horse, slow and easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seething, Joe did as he was told, his eyes glued to his older brother, who slumped on the horse\u2019s neck. \u201cLeave Hoss alone,\u201d Joe told them. \u201cYou want a hostage, I\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, the leader was tempted, but he could see that Joe was angry enough to cause them problems, whereas Hoss, although big, was too ill to resist. \u201cTie him up,\u201d he ordered one of his men, who dragged Joe across to the corral and tied him there firmly. \u201cYa\u2019ll get your brother back when I\u2019m ready,\u201d the man told Joe and the gang rode out, leaving Joe trussed against the fence, soaking wet and as mad as could be.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****************<\/span><\/p>\n

Luckily for Joe, he didn\u2019t have long to wait for rescue. As the sound of the hooves faded, the door to the house opened, and Ben catapulted out. \u201cJoe!\u201d he cried, as he spied his son, twisting fruitlessly against his bonds. \u201cThey\u2019ve got Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe replied, relaxing slightly as his father struggled to untie the knots that held him captive. \u201cI offered to go in his place, but they wouldn\u2019t let me.\u201d Ben loosened the rope and Joe brought his hands round in front of him and massaged his wrists absently. \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho were they?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cDid you recognize them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never seen them before,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBetter get Roy Coffee,\u201d Ben worried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get changed then get him,\u201d Joe promised. \u201cIf I meet a hand, I\u2019ll send them and come back here at once. If not, I\u2019ll be back with Roy, all right?\u201d Ben nodded, and Joe hurried into the house to change his clothes. He was out again in a few short minutes and leapt onto his horse, galloping off at top speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought we was gonna leave him behind?\u201d moaned the man who had been forced to ride double with Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we hadn\u2019t a run inta the youngest Cartwright,\u201d the leader growled, \u201cwe would\u2019ve. But he\u2019ll git the sheriff, an\u2019 we can\u2019t risk goin\u2019 back ta jail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat don\u2019 make no sense,\u201d whined the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUse yer brain,\u201d the other snarled. \u201cThey\u2019ve got a lot o\u2019 hands on this ranch! They could use them as a posse, an\u2019 the sheriff would make it legal whatever they done, even if he weren\u2019t there ta see it. Once we get them ta back off, we leave fatty there behind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s real sick,\u201d the other moaned, backing down. He had always been scared of his oldest brother\u2019s temper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 make no odds ta us, boy,\u201d replied a third. All five men were brothers, and all were wanted for robbery across many states. Unfortunately for them, they never got away with much money, but they usually managed to kill someone, and so were wanted men. They had arrived in Nevada a few weeks before, and on arriving in Virginia City, had learned about the Cartwrights, and had decided that this seemed like a nice, easy job.<\/span><\/p>\n

They pushed on towards their camp. Hoss was too sick and tired to care where they were going. His temperature soared again and he slipped into a stupor.<\/span><\/p>\n

******************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFred!\u201d\u00a0Just the man!<\/em>\u00a0Joe thought in relief as Fred slowed his horse and waited for Joe. Fred might not be the brightest man they had working for them, but he certainly was the most reliable. \u201cFred, get into town and fetch Sheriff Coffee out here at once! Hoss has been kidnapped, and we need him. I\u2019m going back now\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed off as he realized that Fred was riding Chub, his brother\u2019s usual mount.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flushing to the roots of his hair, Fred muttered something about the big black needing exercise. But that wasn\u2019t what Joe was thinking of. He knew Chub needed exercise. It was just that Cochise was a good deal faster than Chub, and if they swapped horses, Fred would get to town a whole lot sooner. Brushing aside Fred\u2019s mumbled apologies, Joe quickly explained what he was thinking, and they exchanged mounts. Joe preferred not to let others ride his horse, but this was an emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mounting the big black, Joe turned him towards home. It wasn\u2019t often that Joe rode Chub. The big black had plenty of life about him, but he had a placidness of temperament that matched well with his owner. Joe smoothed down the horse\u2019s neck, wishing the men had agreed to take him instead of Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

A movement where he wasn\u2019t expecting any suddenly had Joe on the alert, and he peered in that direction. For the moment, all was still, and Joe was almost ready to believe it had been a deer when there was movement again, and this time, he was sure it was a man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cautiously, Joe rode on, making it look like he was headed for home. But further along the road, it wound through some trees, and Joe used this opportunity to turn off the road and head in a round about direction to where he had seen the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took him several minutes to draw near. He dismounted, hitched Chub\u2019s rein round a bush, and drew his gun. Moving slowly, Joe crept forward. He could suddenly smell a camp fire, and his grip on his gun tightened. He had found the outlaws\u2019 camp! Perhaps he had a chance of rescuing Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Something round and hard dug into Joe\u2019s back and he froze. A hand reached round and took Joe\u2019s gun from him, the barrel of the shotgun never moving from his back. Slowly, Joe put his hands up. \u201cGet movin\u2019, boy,\u201d the man ordered. Joe had no choice but to do as he was told.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********************<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a chorus of surprised remarks as Joe was shoved into the camp. Joe paid them no heed. His eyes were immediately drawn to his older brother, who lay huddled by the fire. Hoss was only clad in his nightshirt and Joe feared for his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are ya doin\u2019 here, boy?\u201d asked the leader. His name was Virgil Sommers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw your man moving about out there,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cSo I came to see if I could rescue my brother.\u201d He gestured to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s a real hero, ain\u2019t he, Virgil?\u201d sneered the youngest brother, who his parents had christened Zebedee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sick!\u201d Joe protested, fighting to keep his temper under control. He would be of no use to Hoss if he lost it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell us somethin\u2019 we don\u2019 know,\u201d jeered a third, Isaac. \u201cLet\u2019s jist kill him, Virg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling the gun at his back dig into him a bit more, Joe knew he had to do something to save both his life and Hoss\u2019. \u201cHe\u2019s got the measles!\u201d Joe cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was silence. Joe looked round the faces he could see and saw there the understanding. \u201cWe gotta get rid o\u2019 him, quick!\u201d cried Zebedee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy horse is over there,\u201d Joe said, quietly, trying not to let his desperation show in his voice. \u201cPut Hoss up on the horse, and send it towards home. I\u2019ll be your hostage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a long moment, Virgil just looked at Joe. \u201cAll right,\u201d he replied, abruptly. \u201cTie him up, Isaac.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a momentary pause, Isaac fetched a rope. \u201cPut yer hands ahind ya,\u201d he ordered Joe, who did as he was told. The noose was dropped over Joe\u2019s head and pulled tight around his waist, before his hands were tied tightly behind his back. Isaac made Joe clasp his hands together, so that there was no way Joe could reach any knots, then he carried the lasso down and bound Joe\u2019s legs just above the knees and at the ankles. Laughing, he shoved Joe to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe already knew from past experience, he wasn\u2019t going anywhere. He lay there watching as Caleb, the brother who had caught Joe, and Daniel, the remaining brother, hauled Hoss to his feet and supported him out of sight. Joe strained his ears and heard some grunts and swearing as they levered Hoss onto Chub, and then he heard hooves walking slowly away, fading into the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was only then that the magnitude of what he had done struck Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing hooves in the yard, Ben rushed over to the door and sighed with relief when he saw Roy Coffee, the sheriff. He didn\u2019t know what Roy could do, but it helped to have someone else to talk to. \u201cRoy, thank you for coming,\u201d Ben said, stepping back to let Roy in. \u201cI was beginning to be a little worried about Joe, because I thought he would find one of the hands, and not have to go into town for you himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what are ya talkin\u2019 about?\u201d Roy asked, frowning. \u201cI ain\u2019t seen Joe. It were Fred who came ta git me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFred?\u201d Ben echoed, looking past Roy into the yard, still expecting to see Joe there. \u201cBut that\u2019s Joe\u2019s horse,\u201d he protested, seeing Cochise\u2019s black tail vanishing into the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Roy agreed. \u201cFred said he was ridin\u2019 Chub, an\u2019 Joe told him ta take Cochise instead, cos Cochise is faster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere where\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben worried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking Ben\u2019s arm, Roy guided him over to his chair. \u201cStart from the beginnin\u2019, Ben,\u201d Roy urged. \u201cTell me all about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Ben told of wakening to the crash of what he now suspected was Hoss dropping the pitcher. He had taken a few moments to come to himself, then had gone to see what was going on. He explained about the men leaving virtually empty-handed, but for Hoss, and their promise to leave him outside. \u201cBut Joe rode into the yard,\u201d Ben explained, \u201cand I think they must have panicked. Joe had offered to go in Hoss\u2019 place, but they didn\u2019t take him. They tied Joe to the fence and left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe weren\u2019t hurt none?\u201d Roy probed, anxious to make sure there wasn\u2019t another reason that Joe hadn\u2019t come home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHe got changed and went to get you. Where can he be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A very nasty suspicion was creeping into both men\u2019s minds, but neither of them wanted to give voice to it. \u201cWhere was Hop Sing?\u201d Roy asked, hoping that the Chinese factotum hadn\u2019t been hurt, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHanging out sheets in the garden, and doing laundry in the wash-house,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHoss was sleeping and Hop Sing thought he would take a chance to catch up on some chores. He didn\u2019t see anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhat did these men look like?\u201d Roy asked and as Ben described them, his heart sank. Reaching into his vest pocket, he drew out a wanted poster. The likenesses weren\u2019t that good, but good enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s them,\u201d Ben confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sommers brothers,\u201d Roy murmured. He didn\u2019t know enough about them to know if they were likely to kill their hostage, so he kept quiet about that. There was no point in giving Ben more to worry about. \u201cBen, I\u2019m gonna go back ta town an\u2019 raise a posse,\u201d Roy decided, standing up. \u201cWe\u2019ll git yer boy back, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help it,\u201d Ben muttered. \u201cAnd where is Joe?\u201d He sincerely hoped his youngest son hadn\u2019t done something stupid. Opening the door, Ben gave a start of surprise, for coming into the yard was Chub, and there was a rider slumped over his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a fraction of a second, Ben thought it was Joe, as Joe had been the last person seen on Chub. And then he realized that it was Hoss and rushed over to his son\u2019s side, feeling the heat coming from him and hearing the breath rattling in his chest. \u201cHoss! Can you hear me, son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Hoss lifted his head. His eyes were glazed with fever. \u201cJoe,\u201d he muttered. \u201cThey done taken Joe.\u201d And with his message delivered, Hoss slid off the horse, out cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s gun belt was slung around the saddle horn.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********************<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, Joe was ignored. He lay and listened to the men talking among themselves, learning from their conversation that they had been in Virginia City for about a week, and had decided on the Ponderosa being an easier target for a robbery than the bank. It was clear they had been misled about how much money Ben kept in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also became apparent quite quickly that none of the men had had the measles. To Joe\u2019s eye, Caleb and Daniel already looked unwell, although the men were so thin and unkempt that it was difficult to be sure. Not surprisingly, they were scared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we gonna do, Virg?\u201d Zebedee whined. He had a grating, nasally voice which Joe had already learned to hate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing we can do,\u201d Virgil snapped. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no way to stop catchin\u2019 measles, Zeb.\u201d He looked at Joe. \u201cHow long\u2019s your brother been sick?\u201d He grabbed the front of Joe\u2019s jacket and shook him when there was no answer. \u201cYou tell me, boy, or I\u2019ll pound ya!\u201d he threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA few days,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThere\u2019s an outbreak of measles in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come you ain\u2019t sick?\u201d Zebedee demanded, then glanced at Virgil again. \u201cPerhaps he is sick! Then what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had them,\u201d Joe replied, disgust in his voice. He was thoroughly fed up of Zebedee! \u201cAnyway, if you\u2019ve been in town as long as you say, you\u2019ve been exposed already. Your brothers don\u2019t look too good,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Zebedee shrieked and kicked Joe hard in the stomach. Joe curled up involuntarily, biting back a groan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, leave the boy alone,\u201d Virgil shouted, dragging Zebedee away. \u201cIt ain\u2019t his fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Catching his breath, Joe looked over at Virgil. \u201cWhat are you going to do with me?\u201d he asked, his voice not revealing his misgivings. He was completely at the mercy of these men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell you the truth, kid, I ain\u2019t decided,\u201d Virgil replied. \u201cI wasn\u2019t gonna keep yer brother, but you showed up. I guess you\u2019ll jist have ta come with us till we git rid o\u2019 the posse. You Cartwrights is important round here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down to veil his thoughts, Joe wondered why on earth they were wasting time in camp when their best chance of out-running the posse was now. But it was almost as though Virgil had read Joe\u2019s thoughts anyway, for he shouted, \u201cAll right, let\u2019s get mounted up!\u201d He gestured to Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll take him with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frustrated, Joe began to struggle against his restraints, but the ropes did not give at all. When the camp was tidied, Virgil came over and untied Joe\u2019s feet and legs and yanked him upright. \u201cDon\u2019t try anything,\u201d he warned Joe. \u201cThere\u2019s enough rope here to hang ya from the nearest tree!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Although he thought the threat was an idle one, Joe held his tongue. He was helped onto Virgil\u2019s horse and the oldest Sommers son mounted behind him. They rode off at a steady pace. Joe schooled himself not to look back.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********************<\/span><\/p>\n

It was clear that Hoss had taken a turn for the worse. The hands helped Ben carry him into the house and one was sent for the doctor. With Hop Sing\u2019s help, Ben propped Hoss up on every pillow they could find, hoping that would help his breathing. It was more difficult to get Hoss comfortably and securely propped up than it was Joe, for example, as Hoss was so much taller and heavier, but they succeeded in the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they worked, Hoss gradually came back to consciousness. \u201cPa,\u201d he whispered, and clutched weakly at Ben\u2019s sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, son,\u201d Ben soothed, catching Hoss\u2019 hand. His son was burning up with fever. \u201cDon\u2019t try to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Hoss gasped, ignoring his father\u2019s stricture. \u201cCame to camp.\u201d He paused to catch his breath again. Ben was torn. He didn\u2019t want Hoss to go on, as it was clearly so difficult for his son to speak, but he was desperate to know what had happened to Joe. As he opened his mouth to exhort Hoss not to speak again, his son went on. \u201cMade them\u2026take him\u2026for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A dozen questions tore at Ben\u2019s brain, but he forced himself not to ask any of them, even the one that concerned him the most; was Joe hurt? \u201cRest, Hoss,\u201d he urged again. \u201cSave your breath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Resting his head back on the pillows, Hoss shut his eyes. \u201cFeel like\u2026I\u2019m drownin\u2019,\u201d he whispered, and Ben\u2019s heart skipped a beat. His eyes met Hop Sing\u2019s and they shared a moment of worry before Hop Sing hurried off to see what he had in his stock of medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n

It seemed an interminable wait until Paul Martin arrived. Ben was too pre-occupied with his own thoughts to see that his friend looked exhausted. He waited anxiously while Paul examined Hoss. \u201cYes, its pneumonia,\u201d Paul announced wearily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do?\u201d Ben asked, feeling a cold hand clutching his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, a few years ago, I\u2019d have stuffed him with calomel,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cBut I have to be honest and say I don\u2019t know how much good it does. I\u2019ve seen people die when they\u2019ve taken it, and others survive who haven\u2019t been able to afford it, so I\u2019m torn. I know that quite a few doctors back east now think it\u2019s harmful in itself.\u201d Paul sighed and dragged a hand over his face. \u201cKeep him sitting up; he\u2019ll breathe easier this way. I\u2019d get a couple of kettles boiling continuously in here. Steam seems to help breathing and I\u2019ve found that sage and pine help ease breathing, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising, Paul staggered slightly and Ben realized that he was near collapse. \u201cPaul, you look awful,\u201d Ben exclaimed, catching his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Paul denied. \u201cJust a bit tired. You make sure that you and Joe get enough rest while you look after Hoss. I don\u2019t need any more patients.\u201d Paul was trying to joke, but the smile slid off his face as he caught the look of anguish that crossed Ben\u2019s face at the mention of Joe\u2019s name. \u201cBen, what is it? Joe can\u2019t have the measles; he had them years ago. What\u2019s happened to him? Ben?\u201d Paul was growing more and more concerned as he watched his friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drawing Paul away from Hoss\u2019 bedside into the hall, Ben told him the news. \u201cWe had a break-in,\u201d he told Paul. \u201cHoss had got up without either Hop Sing or I noticing. I was asleep and Hop Sing had left Hoss to do a few chores. Hoss must have wanted some water, because I found his pitcher lying broken on the stairs. The men who broke in took him hostage when I came down.\u201d Ben drew a shaky breath. \u201cThey said they would leave Hoss outside, but Joe rode in and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Paul was sure that Ben was going to tell him that Joe had been shot and was dead. \u201cIs Joe\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey tied Joe up and rode off with Hoss,\u201d Ben went on, not seeing the color coming and going in Paul\u2019s face. \u201cI sent Joe to get Roy, and he never came back. Hoss did, though, and told us that Joe came across them and took Hoss\u2019 place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake a deep breath,\u201d Paul advised Ben. \u201cI take it that was why I saw Roy hightailing it back to town? To gather a posse?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben nodded. He looked up and met Paul\u2019s eyes. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t leave Hoss to go after Joe, Paul. I want to be in two places at once, and I can\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can\u2019t,\u201d Paul replied, briskly. \u201cRoy will find Joe safe and sound. You concentrate on Hoss. The good thing, Ben, is that although Hoss sounds bad, not all of either lung is involved. That\u2019s a good sign. I think Hoss should be all right, given time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That was the first positive news that Ben had had for days and he found a shaky smile. \u201cThank you,\u201d he responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to do with me, really,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHoss\u2019 constitution will bring him through, I\u2019m sure. You take care of yourself, Ben, and if you need me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you get some rest,\u201d Ben ordered and Paul laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I intend to!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Joe wasn\u2019t sure where the Sommers brothers were heading, he was fairly sure that the trail they were currently following wasn\u2019t the one they had meant to follow. It gave the appearance of leading towards the mountains and California, but in actual fact would meander around until it was headed back towards Virginia City. And they weren\u2019t making much progress. Virgil\u2019s horse was carrying two, which meant they couldn\u2019t travel as fast, and Caleb and Daniel were both looking worse and worse, and finally, Virgil was forced to stop for the night, earlier than he had intended.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least, Joe thought wryly, Virgil hadn\u2019t dragged him off the horse to crash painfully to the ground. He tried to flex his sore shoulders, but the bonds on his wrists prevented him. Isaac knew his knots. And no sooner had that thought crossed his mind when Virgil beckoned to Isaac. \u201cTie him up, an\u2019 make sure he ain\u2019t gonna get free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving his oldest brother an unfriendly look, Isaac took the end of the rope and tugged Joe over to a tree. He looped the rope once round the tree before reaching for Joe\u2019s ankles. Joe couldn\u2019t help drawing his feet away, and Isaac glared at him before backhanding him brutally across the face. Joe\u2019s head snapped back, and he tasted blood in his mouth. Isaac wound the rope round Joe\u2019s ankles and savagely tightened it. He checked the ropes and gave Joe a malicious grin. \u201cAin\u2019t nobody gets out a my knots,\u201d he hissed. \u201cUnnerstand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe nodded. The threat was implicit. Isaac would kill him without a second thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****************<\/span><\/p>\n

The rain started soon after dusk. From his position tied to the tree, Joe got some shelter, although his limbs were cramping painfully. He watched with amusement as the Sommers scrambled to get out of the rain and lost most of their meager supper in the process. Joe was hungry, but he was under no illusions that he would be fed. It seemed to him that the Sommers had barely enough to feed themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, they managed to get another fire going under the shelter of the trees and Virgil looked at Caleb and Daniel with a mixture of compassion and disgust. \u201cYou\u2019re pretty sick, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d he asked, kneeling by his brothers\u2019 sides. He shot a glance at Joe. \u201cThey\u2019re gonna get sicker, ain\u2019t they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Joe replied. He was finding it difficult to have compassion for the sick men, given what they had done to Hoss in taking him hostage when he was clearly so sick. His own cramped position wasn\u2019t endearing the outlaws to him, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould they die?\u201d Virgil demanded, going over to loom menacingly over Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible,\u201d Joe allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the cure?\u201d Virgil asked. Joe hesitated, and received a heavy kick in the ribs. \u201cWhat\u2019s the cure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t one,\u201d Joe panted. \u201cJust give them fluids and pray.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better be tellin\u2019 me the truth, boy,\u201d Virgil growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would I gain by lying?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019,\u201d agreed Virgil. \u201cYa thirsty?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied, for he hadn\u2019t had anything to drink for more hours than he cared to remember. Virgil picked up a canteen and helped Joe to drink. The water tasted great, but he couldn\u2019t help but wonder when he would get more.<\/span><\/p>\n

************************<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of Hoss\u2019 heavy breathing filled the room, which felt uncomfortably damp to Ben, thanks to the kettles that were boiling in it. Outside, it had been dark for many hours. Ben knew that the posse were in his bunkhouse, ready for an early start in the morning, but he had no thoughts to spare for them right then. Hoss appeared to be approaching some sort of a crisis. He was no longer lucid, having lapsed into delirium as his temperature climbed some hours previously. Ben worked tirelessly to fight the heat radiating from his son\u2019s body, but he wasn\u2019t sure if he was winning the battle and he was exhausted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Ben rest,\u201d Hop Sing declared, imperiously, as he came into the room with more water. Some of it he tipped into the basin that Ben was using for bathing Hoss\u2019 head. The rest he used to top up the kettles and keep them boiling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t leave him, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot say leave,\u201d the other contradicted him. \u201cRest!\u201d He pointed to a chair and gave Ben a hard look. \u201cOr Mistah Ben be ill, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben agreed, wearily. He sat down and leaned his head against the back of the chair, closing his eyes. He slid into sleep almost immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

He woke instantly, almost two hours later, when Hop Sing touched his arm. \u201cBoy reach crisis,\u201d Hop Sing told his employer and Ben leapt to his feet, hurrying over to Hoss\u2019 side.<\/span><\/p>\n

His son looked dreadful. Hoss\u2019 eyes were closed, and his mouth hung open as he tried desperately to draw precious oxygen into his lungs. Ben could see the struggle his son was having, and noticed that his lips were slightly blue. It seemed entirely possible, even likely, that Hoss would die.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching frantically for a cloth, Ben bathed Hoss\u2019 brow, as though he could make a difference, all the time praying that he would not have to face the grief of losing a child. \u201cThy will be done, Lord,\u201d he prayed. \u201cBut let him live, please! We have such need of him!\u201d Hoss had been the easiest child of the three to raise, since he lacked a good deal of the Cartwright temperament and stubbornness. Ben loved each of his sons dearly and didn\u2019t know how he could face each new day if Hoss \u2013 or Adam or Joe \u2013 were not there to share it with him. He would go on, somehow, but everything would be a struggle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss opened his eyes and looked at Ben. \u201cPa!\u201d he whispered, and slumped over.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****************<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been a long night for Joe, too. The cramping of his limbs robbed him of sleep and when dawn came, his eyes were grainy and burning. He watched as the camp stirred into life; as Virgil discovered what Joe had suspected all night; Caleb and Daniel were not going to be going any further that day. They were both burning with fever and covered in spots.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we gonna do, Virg?\u201d Zebedee asked. He didn\u2019t look very well that morning, either, continually wiping sweat from his brow with a filthy sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know!\u201d Virgil snarled, rounding on his younger brother. \u201cWe can\u2019t stay here, but they can\u2019t ride. What do ya think we should do, Zeb? Why do I have do decide everything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa always want to make the decisions!\u201d Zebedee shouted back. \u201cNone o\u2019 us is ever allowed to say what we want.\u201d He took a step back to avoid a blow, and saw Joe watching them with interest. \u201cWhat\u2019re ya lookin\u2019 at?\u201d he demanded, going over.<\/span><\/p>\n

Saying nothing, Joe glanced away. He didn\u2019t know the Sommers well enough to know if they fought amongst themselves as a matter of course, or if this was a symptom of the measles. Either way, he didn\u2019t want to get caught up in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Too late. Zebedee saw red and kicked Joe viciously in the ribs. He managed to get in three or four solid kicks before Virgil dragged him away. \u201cLeave the kid alone! This ain\u2019t his fault!\u201d Virgil gave Zebedee a shove. \u201cSaddle the horses. We\u2019re gonna ride!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Zebedee saddled the horses, Isaac untied Joe and dragged him to his feet. Although he kept the noose firmly around Joe\u2019s waist, he allowed the young man relative privacy while he relieved himself and took the chance to rub a little life back into his hands. His wrists were raw, Joe saw, and he shuddered as Isaac\u2019s patience ran out and he was ordered to put his hands behind him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

This time, it was Isaac who saw red. Reeling Joe in like a fish, he grabbed the front of Joe\u2019s jacket and ploughed his other fist into Joe\u2019s face. Hampered as he was with the rope around his waist and arms, Joe fought back as best he could, but Isaac gave him a comprehensive beating and Joe was bleeding and barely conscious when Isaac flipped him onto his stomach and bound his hands behind him again.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

The first one to lose the battle to stay in the saddle was Daniel. He quietly slid sideways off his horse to land in a semi-conscious heap on the ground. As Virgil dismounted to go and look at his brother, Caleb slithered down, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t go no further,\u201d Virgil told his other brothers. \u201cWe gotta stay here till Daniel and Caleb can ride again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the posse?\u201d Zebedee demanded, furiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got him, ain\u2019t we?\u201d Virgil reminded his brother. \u201cThat\u2019s what we brung him for.\u201d Joe was once more riding on Virgil\u2019s horse and he knew that his captor would be glad of a chance to stop, for the heat coming from him was impressive. Joe shivered slightly. He felt quite ill and his body ached where Isaac\u2019s fists had marked him. \u201cGet camp set up,\u201d Virgil ordered and went over to pull Joe down. He watched disinterestedly as Joe crumpled to his knees. \u201cTie him up, Isaac,\u201d Virgil added and walked away.<\/span><\/p>\n

*********************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve found their trail!\u201d Clem Foster, the deputy, told Roy Coffee as the posse scouted around the camp site.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go then,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cLord knows, Ben could use some good news about now.\u201d He had not seen Ben that morning, but they all knew Hoss was sick even unto death. Roy felt a pang of worry about both Cartwright boys. He had known Joe all his life and Hoss for most of his. He hated the thought of anything happening to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The posse mounted up again and followed Clem along the outlaw\u2019s trail, hoping they would find them \u2013 and Little Joe \u2013 quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

*******************<\/span><\/p>\n

An attempt was made to keep watch, but Isaac, who had drawn the short straw, didn\u2019t seem to be paying much attention to what was going on. Joe finally realised that he was sleeping. The thought provided a momentary amusement, but Joe was unable to keep his thoughts focused on the laughter; he hurt too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caleb was now groaning steadily and the green wood that Zebedee had thrown on the fire was smoking and making his brother cough. Not for the first time, Joe wondered how Hoss was doing. He did not regret, even for a moment, swapping places with his brother. Joe just hoped that Hoss had arrived home safely and was all right. Not knowing was highly frustrating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Against his will, Joe slipped into sleep. He dreamt of Hoss, seeing his brother lying serenely in his bed, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. It took him several moments to realize that his brother\u2019s chest was not moving and Joe threw himself on Hoss, shouting his brother\u2019s name, and striking him with his fists, begging Hoss not to die. He knew that it was to no avail; Hoss was already gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a scream that proved only to be a gasp in the real world, Joe jerked awake. All was quiet in the camp, but a great fear had gripped Joe\u2019s heart. Hoss was strong \u2013 surely he would be able to survive the measles? Yet Joe knew that more adults died from the measles than survived them. Joe blinked back the tears in his eyes. It was only a dream, he chided himself. There was no point borrowing trouble. He didn\u2019t know how Hoss was, and wouldn\u2019t know until he got home.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the fear didn\u2019t lessen.<\/span><\/p>\n

*************************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up!\u201d Virgil shouted, shaking Isaac roughly by the shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019ve been sleeping!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a start, Isaac came awake and his temper flared in a moment. \u201cSo I was sleeping!\u201d he retorted. \u201cSo what? I didn\u2019t see you staying awake and keeping watch!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Goaded, Virgil struck Isaac in the face. Isaac tumbled to the ground, landing on top of Joe. Roughly, he shoved himself off Joe, without any regard for the injuries he\u2019d inflicted earlier. Joe groaned and tried to roll away from the fighting men, but he had no chance. Once more, Isaac staggered back and stepped on Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold it right there!\u201d a hard voice ordered and Joe lifted his head, sure that he knew the voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

He did. Clem stepped into view, his gun aimed at Virgil and Isaac. \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d he told them. The rest of the posse stepped out of the trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Roy Coffee knelt by Caleb, Isaac took the slim chance offered by the sheriff\u2019s distraction and dropped to the ground, right on top of Joe. In the second it took for Clem\u2019s gun to swing round to cover him, Isaac had Joe in a choke hold, with his gun at Joe\u2019s temple, and using Joe\u2019s body as a shield.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya want Cartwright alive, drop yer guns,\u201d Isaac told them. He tightened his arm slightly and Joe struggled helplessly against the pressure on his windpipe. Slowly, reluctantly, the posse dropped their weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood thinkin\u2019,\u201d Virgil praised his brother. \u201cLet\u2019s get out o\u2019 here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Virgil spoke, Roy, still crouched by Caleb, snatched up his gun and fired at Virgil. The bullet struck him in the right arm, and he dropped his gun. Isaac reacted instantly, swinging Joe around and firing back at Roy. But the wily old sheriff was no longer there and Isaac\u2019s bullet hit his brother, who died instantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest of the posse dived for their discarded weapons. Zebedee was shot in the back as he tried to escape. Daniel was too far gone in fever to be aware of what was going on. That left only Isaac, who held the trump card \u2013 Joe!<\/span><\/p>\n

But he had forgotten one thing. Joe was tightly tied and would not be walking anywhere. Isaac had tied those very knots himself and knew how secure they were. Frantically, his thoughts skittered round his brain. There had to be a way out of this situation. And suddenly, he thought he knew what it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grabbing the front of Joe\u2019s jacket with his gun hand, Isaac swung Joe round and ploughed his fist into Joe\u2019s face, letting of him as he did so. As Joe fell backwards, unable to catch himself, Isaac shot him from point-blank range and turned to run. He hadn\u2019t completed the turn when half a dozen bullets bit into him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Clem and Roy dead-heated to Joe\u2019s side, terrified of what they would find. It was entirely possible that Joe had just been murdered in front of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive!\u201d Clem exclaimed, examining Joe closely. Due to the fact that Joe had been falling when he was shot, the bullet had not gone into his chest; it had ploughed a deep furrow up the left side and sailed over his shoulder. The resulting wound was bleeding profusely, but was undoubtedly less serious than they had feared.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Clem sliced through the ropes that had kept Joe captive, Roy organized the men into making a couple of travois to take the injured men back and sent one off to get the doctor to meet them at the Ponderosa. The trip home would be much quicker than the time it had taken them to track the gang and Joe should be home by dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

A groan from Joe drew Roy\u2019s attention back to him. Clem had opened Joe\u2019s shirt and was trying to staunch the blood from his injury. Silently, he pointed out the red marks on Joe\u2019s side that would soon be very ugly bruises. Roy\u2019s mouth tightened. Gently, he moved the fabric aside and saw the other marks of abuse on Joe\u2019s body. \u201cTake it easy, Joe,\u201d Roy soothed. \u201cWe\u2019ll get ya home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s\u2026 Hoss?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno. He was pretty poorly, boy,\u201d Roy told him, regretfully. \u201cBut yer Pa\u2019s right proud of what ya done fer him, takin\u2019 his place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had to,\u201d Joe whispered. He caught his breath as Clem put pressure on the still bleeding wound. \u201cCan I\u2026get\u2026a\u2026drink?\u201d He gulped eagerly at the canteen put to his lips, but wasn\u2019t allowed nearly as much as he would have liked. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust rest easy, Joe,\u201d Clem replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome,\u201d Joe breathed and slid into unconsciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

***********************<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d The voice jarred Ben out of his uneasy sleep. He sat up, wondering why he was sleeping on the sofa and looked round. Roy Coffee was holding the door open as another man carried someone into the house. As sleep left his brain, Ben realized that it was Joe who was being carried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben was on his feet and moving over to his son\u2019s side to peer into his pale, bruised, face. \u201cWhat\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get him settled,\u201d Roy suggested and gestured to the man to take Joe upstairs. Ben and Roy followed closely on his heels. \u201cThere were a bit o\u2019 bother when we caught up with them, Ben, an\u2019 Joe got shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d Ben breathed, fear clutching his heart even tighter than it had been already. \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cThe bullet didn\u2019t go inta him as such, but it bled plenty. He\u2019s been real beat up, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurrying to Joe\u2019s side, Ben smoothed the hair back from his forehead and felt the growing warmth there. \u201cJoe,\u201d he whispered. \u201cCan you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe muttered, weakly. He struggled to open eyes that seemed to have ton weights on the lids. He finally succeeded and squinted at Ben. \u201cHow\u2019s\u2026Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou worry about you right now,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI\u2019m just going to make you more comfortable Joe, by taking off these dirty clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe breathed, but Ben was already working and Joe surrendered himself to the darkness again. He had lost a lot of blood and his body was reacting to the shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he carefully removed Joe\u2019s torn, filthy and bloody clothing, Ben was horrified by the extent of Joe\u2019s injuries. The furrow from the bullet ran for over 6 inches and was still seeping a little blood. Joe\u2019s body was marked all over by forming bruises and he winced as Ben accidentally put too much pressure on his ribs. There were bad rope burns on Joe\u2019s wrists and he bore a nasty black eye and several scrapes on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need the doctor,\u201d Ben muttered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s comin\u2019,\u201d Roy replied. He had been badly shaken when Ben refused to tell Joe about Hoss and feared that the big man was dead. He didn\u2019t dare ask, for he knew Ben would not want to risk Joe overhearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben bathed Joe\u2019s face, his son regained consciousness again. \u201cPa,\u201d he breathed. \u201cI don\u2019t\u2026feel\u2026too\u2026good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor\u2019s coming,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cHe\u2019ll be here soon.\u201d He lifted Joe\u2019s head to help him drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHush,\u201d Ben coaxed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026mean to\u2026worry you,\u201d Joe went on. His hand tightened around Ben\u2019s. \u201cBut I\u2026couldn\u2019t let them\u2026hurt Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Joe,\u201d Ben replied, steadily, although his heart was hurting him. He swallowed over the lump in his throat. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it; I forgive you.\u201d He brushed the hair back from Joe\u2019s damp forehead once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the doc,\u201d Roy said, and Ben looked round to see Paul coming in. He still looked tired, but was clearly more rested than he had been the last time Ben saw him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cLet\u2019s see now,\u201d Paul declared, leaning over the bed. \u201cHello, Joe. In the wars again?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like it,\u201d Joe croaked. He closed his eyes and winced miserably as Paul\u2019s fingers probed gently around his ribs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing too serious this time,\u201d Paul stated finally. \u201cA couple of broken ribs, and you\u2019ll need stitches in that shoulder, Joe. A few days in bed and you should be raring to go.\u201d He produced a syringe and drew up some morphine. \u201cYou just sleep and make up that blood loss and you\u2019ll be as right as rain.\u201d He smoothly shot the drug into Joe and before long, Joe\u2019s eyes closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The stitching didn\u2019t take long, and Paul bandaged Joe up thoroughly. \u201cKeep him warm, give him fluids and get him eating as soon as possible,\u201d Paul told Ben. \u201cAnd get some sleep! Joe shouldn\u2019t stir all night. You look dreadful, Ben.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiously, Roy shot a look at Paul, but the physician didn\u2019t look at him. Once more, Roy wondered if Hoss was alive or dead, and once more, he didn\u2019t like to ask. He hoped that when they got downstairs, the chance would arise, but he was mistaken. Paul went straight out to another call and Roy was summoned into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

************************<\/span><\/p>\n

Come morning, both Joe and Ben were looking better. Joe had regained a little of his lost color and Ben had been able to snatch a few hours sleep back-to-back and felt almost human again. He crept into Joe\u2019s room and sat down beside his son. Joe was still sleeping, although he was moving about slightly, indicating to Ben that he was beginning to feel discomfort from his injuries and would soon be waking up. And within the hour, Joe\u2019s eyes opened and swiveled round to fasten on Ben. \u201cHave you been there all night?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cHow do you feel this morning?\u201d His hand went to Joe\u2019s head to check for fever, but there was none.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cAnd thirsty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs it happens, I can remedy both problems at once,\u201d Ben joked and picked up the pain medicine he\u2019d prepared earlier. Lifting Joe\u2019s head, he helped his son drink until it was all gone. Joe sighed with relief when he lay down again. \u201cAre you hungry?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI haven\u2019t eaten since\u2026 I don\u2019t know when.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething light then,\u201d Ben muttered to himself. \u201cI\u2019ll get Hop Sing to rustle something up.\u201d He started to rise, but froze as Joe\u2019s hand shot out and snagged his sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please,\u201d Joe whispered. Ben saw, to his horror, that Joe\u2019s green eyes were drowning in tears. \u201cHow\u2019s Hoss? He isn\u2019t \u2026?\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t bring himself to say the word \u2018dead\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son, no!\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cHoss is going to be just fine!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u2026 why didn\u2019t you tell me yesterday?\u201d Joe demanded. He strained his ears to hear his brother\u2019s familiar snoring, but couldn\u2019t. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you with him? Has something happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot the way you mean,\u201d Ben replied, smiling. His hand drifted to Joe\u2019s head again. \u201cThe first night you were away, Hoss had a crisis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018a crisis\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother had pneumonia,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cAnd he was pretty sick. But he reached a crisis that first night, Joe and his fever broke.\u201d The smile grew bigger. \u201cHe was able to get out of bed for a while yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A faint smile hovered on Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cAnd he\u2019s all right?\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure is,\u201d Ben nodded. \u201cWhen I looked in on him this morning, he was reading a book and eating his way through a pile of bacon and eggs like you\u2019ve never seen!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why didn\u2019t you tell me yesterday?\u201d Joe persisted. \u201cPa, while I was away, I dreamt Hoss was dead. When you didn\u2019t answer me, I assumed he was\u2026 gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ben apologized. \u201cI thought you weren\u2019t well enough to worry about anyone other than yourself. I didn\u2019t realize what you thought.\u201d A sudden picture of Roy Coffee entered Ben\u2019s brain and he wondered if the sheriff, too, had thought Hoss was dead. He decided he\u2019d better do something about that later in the day. \u201cAnd Joe, I hadn\u2019t had much sleep myself, remember. I wasn\u2019t really functioning too well.\u201d Seeing Joe\u2019s eyelids drooping, despite the big smile he wore, Ben added, \u201cYou get some rest and I\u2019ll waken you for breakfast. All right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019kay,\u201d Joe agreed, drowsily. The sheer relief of knowing that Hoss was alive left Joe feeling even more drained than his injuries did. He fell asleep in an instant.<\/span><\/p>\n

**********************<\/span><\/p>\n

When Joe was wakened a couple of hours later, Hoss was sitting by his bed. \u201cHoss!\u201d Joe cried and tried to sit up to hug him. He got his head and shoulders off the bed before his injuries kicked in and he groaned aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss chided, leaning over carefully to push Joe down again. \u201cYou ain\u2019t ready for acrobatics yet!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI dreamt you were dead,\u201d Joe told him, tears standing in his eyes. \u201cI was so afraid!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I was near dead,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI was real sick, Joe.\u201d He stretched out one huge paw and clasped Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cAn\u2019 I would\u2019ve died if\u2019n ya hadn\u2019 taken ma place. I won\u2019 never forgit that, Joe. Them outlaws could a killed ya, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Joe admitted. \u201cBut you were too sick to leave there, Hoss. I couldn\u2019t have ridden away and left you there.\u201d He tightened his grip on Hoss\u2019 hand, and the big man squeezed Joe\u2019s fingers gently. There were no more words needed between the brothers. Each knew and accepted that they would make the final sacrifice for the other if need be. It was unspoken, but true nonetheless.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you have breakfast now?\u201d Ben suggested and Joe started, for he hadn\u2019t realized that Ben was in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m starving!\u201d Joe agreed, and Ben helped him sit up. He kept a wary eye on Joe as he ate, just in case his son decided to stuff the food down his throat as fast as possible. That would\u2019ve made Joe sick, and with broken ribs, that was the last thing they wanted! But Joe ate sensibly, appreciating each mouthful and lay down to sleep again after that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben helped Hoss through to his room, for the big man was tired, too, although convalescing rapidly. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad ya took me ta see Joe,\u201d he told Ben. \u201cI thought fer sure that he\u2019d died this mornin\u2019 when ya wouldn\u2019 let me near him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI seem to have got this very wrong,\u201d Ben commented, lightly. \u201cI thought I was protecting both of you by not saying anything and in fact, I was making it worse. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t apologize,\u201d Hoss admonished Ben. \u201cYa jist forgot Joe an\u2019 me\u2019s grown up now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t forget again,\u201d Ben promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

************************<\/span><\/p>\n

Later still, when Joe was awake again, Roy Coffee arrived, to tell Joe that Virgil and Daniel were going to stand trial for robbery and kidnap. Zebedee, Caleb and Isaac had not survived. Joe couldn\u2019t honestly say he was heart-broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

For his part, Roy was relieved and delighted that both the Cartwright boys were going to be all right. He rode back to town in a more cheerful frame of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

**************************<\/span><\/p>\n

That night, as Ben sat down to write his weekly letter to Adam, he wondered what would have happened if Adam had been home, too. Would he, like Joe, have been willing to make the final sacrifice?<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting pen to paper, Ben inscribed the first words \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n

To my dear son, Adam,<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had no doubt that Adam would. He dipped his pen in the inkwell and began the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a busy week here, Adam. Your brother Hoss contracted measles at long last. Let me assure you that he is fine\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Quote from Cecil Spring-Rice \u2018I Vow To Thee My Country\u2019. 1918<\/span><\/p>\n

Calomel is a mercury based compound used for treating pneumonia. It killed more people than it cured, due to the large doses that were used.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0An outbreak of measles set in motion a series of heart-breaking problems for the Cartwrights.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (11,130 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13074,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2644,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Family-3.jpg?fit=272%2C320&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2707,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2707","url_meta":{"origin":1621,"position":0},"title":"Grief (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"February 4, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A short piece reflecting on life after Hoss died. Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (950 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/serious-Hoss.jpg?fit=269%2C298&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5156,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5156","url_meta":{"origin":1621,"position":1},"title":"The Frogs (by Shlynn)","author":"Shlynn","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe needs help from Hoss getting an experiment out of his room.\u00a0 Part of a thre-part series, each can be read on their own. \u00a0 Rated: K+ (1,415 words) Tricks series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":1621,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6325,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6325","url_meta":{"origin":1621,"position":3},"title":"Best Laid Plans (by Cheaux)","author":"Cheaux","date":"May 3, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A rift between father and sons is healed in an unexpected way. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0 T -- WC \u00a0650","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza16.jpg?fit=334%2C425&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7593,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7593","url_meta":{"origin":1621,"position":4},"title":"The Way of Things (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0When Adam disciplines Little Joe, Hoss has two brothers to console. 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