{"id":2021,"date":"2009-09-04T12:59:35","date_gmt":"2009-09-04T16:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2021"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:27","slug":"quarantine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2021","title":{"rendered":"Quarantine (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe is quarantined with some of the townsfolk when travelers bring a mysterious disease to town<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K (11,420 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quarantine<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet back here in an hour then,\u201d said Ben to Hoss and Adam. \u201cCome along with me Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave his father a frustrated look. \u201cWhy can\u2019t I go with Hoss or Adam?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry son, but your brothers are going to have a couple of drinks in the saloon when they\u2019ve finished at the Livery Stable,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ll just have to spend the time with your old father I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shrugged. \u201cYeah OK,\u201d he said without any enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and put his arm around the youngster\u2019s shoulder. \u201cIt won\u2019t be so bad,\u201d he said teasingly. \u201cCome on \u2026 we\u2019ll call in on Roy Coffee first and then Paul Martin.\u00a0 I want to invite them both to supper on Sunday night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed and followed his father along the sidewalk, his hands in his pockets and his feet dragging on the boards. \u201cHurry up,\u201d said Ben, over his shoulder.\u00a0 Joe quickened his pace and caught up with his father. He felt very hard done by as he considered the trip to town so far. Not only had he had to trail after the others while his father and brothers did some business at the bank, but he then had to help load supplies as well. Now that everything had been done, his father didn\u2019t even understand that he\u2019d like some time to see his own friends or have some fun. It just wasn\u2019t fair!\u00a0 Hoss and Adam always got to do what they wanted to, but he never did.\u00a0 It was as if his father didn\u2019t trust him or something.\u00a0 He heaved a dramatic sigh as they entered the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello Roy,\u201d said Ben, holding out his hand to his friend. \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheriff stood up from his desk. \u201cBen!\u201d he said, shaking the man\u2019s hand happily. \u201cAnd Little Joe.\u00a0 How are you son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine thanks sheriff,\u201d said Little Joe mournfully.<\/p>\n

Roy gave Ben a knowing wink as they both looked at the doleful boy beside them. \u201cJoseph is a bit bored,\u201d explained Ben as he raised his eyebrows. \u201cWe\u2019ve had rather a long day in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Roy as he motioned for Ben to sit down. \u201cWell what can I help you with Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually I\u2019m here to invite you to dinner on Sunday night,\u2019 said Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s been ages since we\u2019ve had one of our chess nights and I was going to see if Paul was free if he could join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s face lit up. \u201cThat would be wonderful,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sure that Clem could cover for me \u2026 and the chance to sample one of Hop Sing\u2019s wonderful suppers would be something to look forward to as well.\u201d He glanced over at Joe who was reading the wanted posters on the wall. \u201cSee anyone you know there son?\u201d he said, winking at Ben.<\/p>\n

Joe smiled at him over his shoulder. \u201cYa never know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben grinned at Roy as Joe went back to studying the posters.\u00a0 Since he\u2019d been a little boy he had loved to come in here and check them out and listen to Roy\u2019s stories of each of the fierce-looking men drawn on them.\u00a0 Ben was sure that the boy dreamed of one day coming face to face with one of the outlaws and capturing him for Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee Ben?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

Ben stood up. \u201cNo thanks,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d best be getting over to see Paul Martin. Come along Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe sighed dramatically again. \u201cDo I have to Pa?\u201d he whined. \u201cCan\u2019t I just stay here and look at the posters while you visit the Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled, knowing that Joe had an aversion to the doctor\u2019s office. \u201cWell \u2026 if Roy doesn\u2019t mind,\u201d he said. \u201cI could pick you up in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Roy assured him. \u201cJoe and I get on real fine, don\u2019t we son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shot the man a grateful grin and went back to checking out the posters again as his father left the office. \u201cHey sheriff Coffee?\u201d he asked after a while.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d replied Roy as he sipped his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t ya got any new ones? I\u2019ve seen all these before.\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked at the sheriff hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cFunny you should say that Joe \u2026 There\u2019s a parcel of em coming in on today\u2019s stage.\u201d\u00a0 Roy checked the clock on the wall. \u201cShould be here most any time. If ya wanna stay around for a while you can take a look at em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cCan I go and get them for you?\u201d he asked. \u201cI could run over to the stage depot and back again real quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy scratched his chin. \u201cWell, I dunno,\u201d he mused.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease? It\u2019s just across the street and you could watch me through the window.\u201d Joe gave the sheriff one of his best puppy-dog looks and Roy gave a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right son,\u201d he said. \u201cStraight there and straight back though mind.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to be in trouble from your Pa if you take off somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be long,\u201d said Joe eagerly. \u201cI\u2019ll bring em straight back I promise.\u201d\u00a0 He scampered out of the office before the sheriff could change his mind and headed across the street to the stage depot. \u201cHas the stage come in yet?\u201d he asked the clerk Bert as he swung on the hitching rail and watched him write times up on the blackboard that hung on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s coming now,\u201d pointed Bert. \u201cRight there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up the street and grinned at the sight of the stagecoach coming around the corner. \u201cI just made it in time,\u201d he said happily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou expecting someone?\u201d asked Bert, as he put on his cap and got ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d said Joe. \u201cJust picking up a package for sheriff Coffee is all,\u201d he added importantly. \u201cCan I help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert nodded. \u201cSure,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can open the door and help out any ladies.\u201d\u00a0 He watched as the stagecoach came to a halt beside them and coughed as he waited for the dust to settle around them.<\/p>\n

Joe stepped forward importantly and opened the door. \u201cAfternoon ladies,\u201d he said politely and put his hand up to help a young woman down. She gave him a half-smile and began to alight from the stage, but missed a step and nearly fell on him. She righted herself with Joe\u2019s help and turned to him. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m just feeling a little dizzy. Could you help my aunt please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded to her and turned to hold up his hand again.\u00a0 This time, a rather large woman grasped it firmly and it took all his strength not to fall backwards by the force of her grip. She stepped down onto the top step and then literally fell on him as she lost her footing.\u00a0 Joe crumpled to the dusty street with the large woman on top of him, gasping for air as they both rolled together. Finally they came to a halt, the large woman half on top of Joe so that he was pinned to the ground.\u00a0 His arms and legs flailed wildly with the weight of her on top of him and he gasped for air again.<\/p>\n

\u201cSteady on there,\u201d said Bert, bending down and trying to life the woman off Joe. \u201cHelp me here Frank! Someone get the doctor!\u201d\u00a0 He added over his shoulder. The driver got down from his position on top of the stage where he had begun to unload the luggage and both men took the woman by an arm and pulled her off Joe.\u00a0 Joe breathed a sigh of relief and staggered to his feet, looking down at the woman who was still breathing heavily. \u201cShe\u2019s not well,\u201d said Bert. \u201cHelp me get her into the office Frank.\u201d\u00a0 They staggered with the woman into the office, her niece walking behind them wringing her hands.\u00a0 Joe stood and looked at them for a moment and then followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit her down here,\u201d said Frank as they eased the large woman into a chair. As Joe looked on, her niece sat down next to her and began to fan her with a handkerchief. \u201cAunt Mildred,\u201d she said anxiously. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mildred opened her eyes. \u201cI\u2019m not feeling too good,\u201d she admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve sent for the Doc,\u201d said Bert. \u201cHe\u2019ll be here soon.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced over his shoulder at Joe. \u201cAre you all right boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m OK,\u201d said Joe, fingering a scrape on his cheek. \u201cShe didn\u2019t hurt much.\u201d He continued to watch as Frank gave Mildred a drink of water and she sipped it slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look as if you could do with one too,\u201d he said to the young girl. \u201cHere.\u201d He held another glass out to her and she took it gratefully. \u201cThank you,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m afraid that we\u2019re both not feeling too well.\u00a0 We\u2019ve come a long way and the journey has been rather tiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor will be here in a minute,\u201d said Bert kindly, patting her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go get him,\u201d offered Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay right where you are youngun,\u201d said Frank. \u201cHe\u2019ll need ta look you over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw \u2026 I told you I\u2019m OK,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve had fatter things than her fall on me \u2026\u201d He put his hand over his mouth quickly. \u201cI mean \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank gave him a playful hit on the side of the head. \u201cI\u2019d shut my mouth before ya say something worse,\u201d he warned. Joe shrugged and shut his mouth.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful Ben,\u201d said Paul as they walked along the sidewalk. \u201cI\u2019ll certainly be there \u2026 unless Margaret Simpson\u2019s baby decides to arrive that night.\u201d\u00a0 They both laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll pray that baby stays put for a while longer then.\u201d He frowned as he looked across the street. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he said, pointing to a young man who was running towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc!\u201d shouted the man. \u201cYou\u2019re needed over at the stage depot. A woman who got off the stage ain\u2019t well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul sighed. \u201cSee what I mean Ben? A doctor\u2019s life is never his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted his friend on the back. \u201cGood luck,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll be off now.\u00a0 I\u2019d better pick up Little Joe before he drives Roy mad with his chatter. Hope to see you on Sunday night.\u201d\u00a0 He turned towards the sheriff\u2019s office, whistling as he went.<\/p>\n

Paul crossed the street and headed in the opposite direction towards the stage depot.\u00a0 As he approached it, Frank stuck his head out of the doorway and beckoned to him. \u201cIn here Doc,\u201d he said. \u201cWe sat her down in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul entered the room and smiled kindly at the two women. \u201cMy name is Doctor Paul Martin,\u201d he said. \u201cI believe one of you isn\u2019t feeling too well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my aunt Mildred,\u201d said the young woman anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you would be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBridget Perkins,\u201d she replied. \u201cWe\u2019ve just arrived in town.\u00a0 My aunt wasn\u2019t feeling well for some time in the stage \u2026 we both haven\u2019t to be honest doctor.\u00a0 I think we\u2019re just exhausted from all the travelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe fell as she got out of the stage,\u201d explained Bert.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn me,\u201d added Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Paul glanced at the boy and fingered his hurt cheek thoughtfully. \u201cGot yourself a real scrape there,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll take a look at it when I\u2019ve finished here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut my Pa will be looking for me,\u201d protested Joe, edging away. \u201cI\u2019m OK, honest Doc!\u201d Bert collared him and plonked him on a chair without a word and Joe scowled up at him.<\/p>\n

Paul took no notice of him as he turned to the two women again. \u201cHow long exactly have you been feeling like this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a couple of days,\u201d said Bridget. \u201cMy aunt has been worse than I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your symptoms?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing much,\u201d she replied. \u201cJust \u2026\u201d she glanced at the men who were listening and stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we go into the other office?\u201d suggested Paul, noticing the look. \u201cUnless you think that you could make it over to my office?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry doctor,\u201d said Mildred. \u201cI just don\u2019t think that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a cot out back,\u201d said Bert. \u201cShe can lie down there if you like Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Paul, offering the woman his arm and leading her into the next room. Bridget followed them while Frank and Bert poured themselves cups of coffee and Joe sat fidgeting in the corner.\u00a0 Within five minutes, Paul was back in the room with a worried look on his face.\u00a0 He strode over to the outer door and closed it, locking it securely.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Doc!\u201d said Bert. \u201cWhat are ya doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul ignored the question. \u201cDid those two women come into contact with anyone else?\u201d he asked. \u201cWas there anyone else on the stage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Frank. \u201cThey were the only passengers the whole way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul bit his lip thoughtfully and turned to Bert. \u201cDid they come into contact with anyone else in the street?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Bert. \u201cNo one else \u2026 Just me and the boy here. What\u2019s going on Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shot Joe a worried look and the boy stared back at him unconcerned. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cIt seems as if they might have \u2026\u201d his voice trailed away and he glanced at Joe again. \u201cDid you say that Mildred fell on you?\u201d he said abruptly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d answered Joe ruefully. \u201cShe sure did.\u00a0 She nearly squashed me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul took a deep breath and turned towards the two men again. \u201cGentlemen, I\u2019m afraid we\u2019re going to have to stay here for a while until I can be certain what is wrong with these women,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stay here,\u201d said Frank firmly as he got up. \u201cI got the horses to see to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too,\u201d said Bert. \u201cI\u2019ve got work to do Doc. You\u2019re welcome ta use the back room until that woman\u2019s feeling better, but I\u2019ll be outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul stepped forward and put his hand on the door, preventing them from opening it. \u201cI\u2019m afraid you don\u2019t understand,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cI\u2019m placing this office under quarantine until I find out exactly what is wrong with those two women.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuarantine!\u201d breathed Frank, going pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t serious!\u201d said Bert indignantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI most certainly am,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cNo one leaves this office until I say so and that\u2019s final.\u00a0 I have the health and safety of the entire town here to think of and until I find out exactly what is wrong with those two women I aim to protect as many people as I can.\u201d\u00a0 Paul flashed his eyes at both men. \u201cNow you two move away from this door!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert and Frank both sat down heavily on their chairs while Joe stared at them both. \u201cWhat\u2019s a quar \u2026 quarantine?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Bert looked at him. \u201cIt means that we can\u2019t leave here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I gotta go back to sheriff Coffee\u2019s office!\u201d said Joe. \u201cMy Pa will be wondering where I\u2019ve got to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul put his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYour Pa will figure out where you are Little Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about that son.\u201d\u00a0 He went back into the inner room, leaving Frank and Bert looking at each other in disbelief.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve come to take my chatterbox of a son off your hands Roy,\u201d said Ben with a chuckle as he entered the sheriff\u2019s office and looked around. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me he\u2019s checking out those cells again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy looked up from his newspaper. \u201cNo,\u201d he said with a laugh. \u201cI sent him across the street to get the new wanted posters that were arriving on today\u2019s stage. He should be back in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cTo the stage depot?\u201d he said. “I\u2019ve just heard that there\u2019s a sick woman over there.\u00a0 I\u2019d better go and fetch Joe before he gets in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with you,\u201d said Roy. \u201cIt\u2019s time I started my rounds.\u201d He stood up and stretched. \u201cA man sure gets stiff at my age if he doesn\u2019t keep moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour age,\u201d chuckled Ben as he flung his arm around his friend\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re not that old!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy grinned back at him as they headed across the street. \u201cI feel it sometimes,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThere are times when I think about retirement you know Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare,\u201d said Ben as they reached the stage depot. \u201cWhat would we do without you around here?\u201d\u00a0 He reached for the doorknob and turned it. \u201cThat\u2019s strange,\u201d he said. \u201cThe door\u2019s locked. I wonder why?\u00a0 He knocked on it lightly. \u201cHello?\u00a0 Anyone in there?\u201d There was the sound of scuffling from the other side of the door. \u201cHello!\u201d he shouted even louder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d shouted a man\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

Ben gave Roy a strange look before replying. \u201cIt\u2019s Ben Cartwright!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben leant his ear to the door. \u201cIs that you Joseph?\u00a0 Open the door please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t Mr Cartwright,\u201d shouted the man.<\/p>\n

Roy pushed forward. \u201cIs it stuck?\u201d he asked. \u201cGet the window open if it is and you can climb out that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a further scuffling noise and then they heard Paul Martin\u2019s voice. \u201cIt\u2019s me Roy,\u201d shouted the doctor. \u201cWe can\u2019t open the door yet I\u2019m afraid. I\u2019ve got two sick women in here and I need to isolate them until I can figure out what\u2019s wrong with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben went pale. \u201cSick?\u201d he shouted. \u201cWhat do you mean sick?\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul was silent for a few minutes. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going to need some things from my office Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll write out what I need and push the list under the door.\u00a0 Can you get them for me please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d shouted back Ben. \u201cBut I\u2019ve got a better idea \u2026 Joe can climb out of the window with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence for a few more minutes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben \u2026\u201d shouted Paul. \u201cBut I\u2019ve quarantined this office. No one comes in or out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben went paler still. \u201cBut \u2026\u201d he said, giving Roy a disbelieving stare. \u201cBut Joe\u2019s in there! I have to get him out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo deal Ben,\u201d said Paul. \u201cI\u2019m sorry \u2026. but the boy\u2019s been exposed just as we have and he has to stay. I\u2019ll write out the list now. We\u2019re going to need food and water as well \u2026.\u00a0 We could be in here for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben bit his knuckles anxiously. \u201cI\u2019m coming in!\u201d he shouted. \u201cOpen the door Paul!\u201d\u00a0 He began to bang on the wooden door until Roy pulled him back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen get hold of yourself,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cYou heard Paul \u2026 no one goes in or out until he says so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at Roy wildly. \u201cBut Roy \u2026 my boy\u2019s in there,\u201d he said. \u201cI have to go to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cNow you know that Paul\u2019s gonna look after him as best he can.\u00a0 Be reasonable Ben \u2026 the boy will be fine.\u201d\u00a0 He bent down and picked up a piece of paper that came sliding out from under the door. \u201cHere \u2026. you go and get these things \u2026. It\u2019ll do ya good to keep busy. Keep ya mind off things so to speak.\u201d\u00a0 He pushed his friend away from the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna get Clem and post a guard on this door,\u201d said Roy. \u201cUntil Paul tells us differently, this office is out of bounds to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben waved frantically at Hoss and Adam as he spied them across the street headed for the saloon. \u201cBoys!\u201d he shouted. \u201cOver here!\u201d<\/p>\n

They both turned around and waited for their father to catch up to them. \u201cGonna join us fer a drink Pa?\u201d asked Hoss with a grin. \u201cWhere\u2019d ya get rid of Joe to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s a problem boys,\u201d he said. \u201cJoe was at the stage depot when a woman took sick and now he\u2019s been quarantined along with some others over n the office.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 expression changed in an instant. \u201cSick?\u201d he asked. \u201cHow is she sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head again. \u201cPaul Martin isn\u2019t sure yet \u2026 or if he is he\u2019s not letting on. The driver, Bert and Joe are in there with him and the two women who got off the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Joe sick?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one is sick except the two women,\u201d explained his father. \u201cI\u2019m sure that Paul is just taking precautions. I\u2019m on my way to get some of his medical things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell if Joe ain\u2019t sick \u2026 can\u2019t we get him outta there before he comes down with whatever it is?\u201d persisted Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll already have been exposed to whatever it is,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThat\u2019s what a quarantine is Hoss. Not only is it no one going in, but it\u2019s no one coming out as well.\u00a0 Anyone who\u2019s been in contact with those women could have contracted whatever is wrong with them without even knowing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave his father a miserable look. \u201cSo what do we do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get the things that Paul has asked us to,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnd whatever else we can get to make them comfortable. Then we just wait.\u201d\u00a0 He placed a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sure everything will be fine,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know how cautious Paul can be.\u201d\u00a0 His own face betrayed his anxious thoughts as he added. \u201cWe\u2019ll have Little Joe out of there in no time, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shot a look at his father. \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re right Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you go and see if you can rustle up some food.\u00a0 Adam and I will get the things that Paul needs and meet you over at the stage depot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his father\u2019s shoulder as Hoss walked away. \u201cPa?\u201d he said. \u201cJust how serious is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cI wish I knew son. I just that I knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul Martin came out of the inner office and glanced over at the two men huddled together in the corner talking and then at the ashen-faced boy sitting in the other corner.\u00a0 He walked over and patted Joe on the head, smiling at him. \u201cHow are you holding up Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up at the man. Normally he would have told anyone who would listen that the doctor wasn\u2019t his favourite person in the world, but right at this moment he was the closest thing he had to family.\u00a0 Joe knew that his father was very find of Doctor Martin and thought a lot of his expertise as a doctor, and right at this moment that fact was very important to him. He tried to smile at the man, but only managed a half-hearted grin. \u201cOK,\u201d he said. Paul patted him again. \u201cDoc Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I go home?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not sure about that.\u201d He looked at the youngster closely. \u201cIt\u2019s important that we don\u2019t go yet though. You understand that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Paul turned to the two men. \u201cI suppose you think I\u2019m not being very fair with this,\u201d he said, but I have a responsibility as a doctor to do what I think is right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that Doc,\u201d said Frank. \u201cJust tell us what we gotta do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell for a start you can move some of this furniture towards the walls to make some space,\u201d said Paul. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need some extra cots in here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou reckon we\u2019ll be here that long eh?\u201d said Bert as he stood up. \u201cMost of the night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul stared at the man. \u201cI don\u2019t think you quite understand,\u201d he said. \u201cThis could take more than one night. Besides \u2026\u201d he glanced at Joe before continuing. \u201cWe might need the cots in case \u2026\u201d He stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn case one of us gets sick eh?\u201d Frank finished for him. \u201cWell I reckon if anyone\u2019s gonna get sick it\u2019ll be me.\u00a0 I spent the most time with them ladies during the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite possibly,\u201d said Paul. \u201cIf you have any symptoms then let me know straight away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kinda symptoms?\u2019 asked Frank.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything at all,\u201d said Paul. \u201c Any pains \u2026 or fever. Anything unusual you might notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank looked worried. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and they all turned instantly. \u201cWho is it?\u201d shouted Paul.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Roy Coffee Paul,\u201d shouted back the sheriff. \u201cWe\u2019ve got them things you was needing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPut them on the porch and then step down into the street before we open up,\u201d shouted Paul.\u00a0 He waited for a few minutes and then signalled for Bert to open it. He and Frank began to carry the supplies in a few at a time until they were all safely stored inside. Paul stood in the doorway and looked out into the street. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need some fold-up cots,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019ll get em for you,\u201d Roy assured him.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Ben stepped forward. \u201cPaul?\u00a0 Can I talk to Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul beckoned for Joe to come forward and put his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder as they stood in the doorway together. Joe swallowed at the sight of his father and brothers standing in the street. \u201cHi Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son. \u201cHow are you Little Joe?\u201d he asked, feeling a lump in his throat as he spoke.\u00a0 The sight of his young son looking so vulnerable in the doorway made him want to leap forward and grab him, but he stood his ground resolutely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m OK Pa,\u201d Joe assured his father. \u201cDoc Martin says that we can\u2019t come out yet but.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be long though.\u00a0 You be a good boy in there won\u2019t you?\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cIt\u2019ll be alright Little Joe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou\u2019ll see son.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be long before you\u2019re able to come out and we\u2019ll go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened ta ya cheek shortshanks?\u201d asked Hoss, from behind his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fat lady fell on me,\u201d said Joe, fingering it. \u201cIt\u2019s OK though.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was silence for a few minutes and then Adam spoke. \u201cWell you\u2019re having yourself an adventure buddy,\u201d he said, trying to make things sound light-hearted. Joe simply nodded, the worried look on his face showing clearly.<\/p>\n

Paul pulled the youngster towards him. \u201cI\u2019ll look after him Ben,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he tried to smile. \u201cI know,\u201d watching as the door closed slowly to obscure his sight of his young son.<\/p>\n

Paul gave Joe\u2019s shoulder a squeeze. \u201cYour Pa is proud of you,\u201d he said softly and then turned to go back into the inner office again.<\/p>\n

Joe brushed the tears away from his eyes and then leant his face on the rough wooden door in front of him, trying not to cry. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up into Frank\u2019s face. \u201cCome on boy,\u201d the man said gruffly. \u201cCome and help us move this furniture. It\u2019s best ta keep busy at times like this.\u201d Joe wiped his eyes on his sleeve and turned to follow the man.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes slightly and looked at the two men sitting in the corner together.\u00a0 He had tried his best, but he hadn\u2019t been lucky enough to drift off to sleep at all.\u00a0 Not that he had really expected to. He\u2019d only lain down on the cot because they had told him to get some rest and he hadn\u2019t liked to argue with them.\u00a0 Through the open doorway he could hear the soft sound of moaning and he figured that it was one of the two women that the doctor was attending to in there.\u00a0 He said a silent prayer that they would get better soon and they would all be allowed to leave here, for he wanted nothing more than to be able to open the door and walk out into the arms of his father.<\/p>\n

He shifted slightly on the bed as he heard the low murmur of voices. Frank and Bert were sitting close together and their silhouettes were outlined against the wall in the lamplight, but he found it impossible to hear what they were saying.<\/p>\n

Suddenly another showed interspersed with theirs on the wall and Joe saw doctor Martin walk towards them and pour himself a cup of coffee. \u201cHow are they Doc?\u201d asked Bert.<\/p>\n

Joe strained to hear as the doctor replied. \u201cWorse,\u201d he said wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny idea what it might be yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shot a look at Joe who seemed to be asleep before replying. \u201cI hate to say this, but I think it might be typhoid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert stared at him. \u201cWhat?\u201d he whispered. \u201cYou ain\u2019t serious!\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t,\u201d he said. \u201cAre you all right Frank?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frank held his head between his hands. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve got a awful pain in my gut Doc \u2026 and my head is swimming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul put his cup down and bent over the man. \u201cHelp me get him to one of the cots Bert,\u201d he said. Joe watched through slitted eyes as they eased the man down on one of the cots and the doctor bent over him. After several minutes he straightened up and said slowly. \u201cThe same symptoms as the two women,\u201d he said. \u201cTo be honest I\u2019m not surprised Frank. You did spend a few days in their company after all.\u201d He turned to Bert. \u201cI\u2019m going to need your help,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Bert shook his head and stepped back against the wall. \u201cI\u2019m not getting too near,\u201d he said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor heavens sake man!\u201d snapped Paul. \u201cDon\u2019t you understand?\u00a0 It\u2019s too late for that now!\u00a0 We\u2019ve all been exposed to this and we just have to make the best of it.\u201d He shot Joe another look. \u201cI\u2019m worried about the boy Bert.\u00a0 Mildred must have breathed all over him when she fell out there.\u201d\u00a0 Joe felt his heart beginning to race at the doctor\u2019s words and he willed himself to keep his eyes shut. \u201cI\u2019m going back into the women,\u201d continued Paul. \u201cHere \u2026 take this and make sure that you keep wiping him down with cold water.\u00a0 If you need me I\u2019ll be next door.\u201d\u00a0 Joe felt the man put a hand on his forehead as he passed him and then his footsteps faded away.\u00a0 He continued to lie still, trying not to cry as he listened to the ticking of the clock.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben stared down at the small light in the window across the street and shivered as a gust of wind blew the curtains slightly against his face. He could see Roy Coffee sitting on the porch in front of the stage depot and winced slightly as he thought of his son behind the door.\u00a0 He knew that Joe must be feeling very scared with all that was happening and he ached to march down there and force his way into the room to put his arms around his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see Adam and Hoss standing behind him. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you lie down and rest for a while. There\u2019s nothing you can do at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll rest when we get Joseph out of there.\u201d He tried to smile. \u201cYou two look dead beat though. Get some sleep if you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHe\u2019s probably asleep,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d said Ben as he glanced out the window of the hotel room again. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go downstairs and talk to Roy for a while boys. I won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has really got to him, hasn\u2019t it?\u201d said Hoss as their father shut the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s got to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you could use a cup of coffee.\u201d Ben stepped out of the shadows and handed the steaming mug to Roy who was sitting on a chair in front of the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure could. Thanks Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Roy took the mug gratefully and sipped it as Ben sat down on the edge of the wooden sidewalk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also wanted to apologize,\u201d continued Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cApologize?\u00a0 Whatever for?\u201d asked Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor giving you a hard time before about getting in there.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that I\u2019m so worried about Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen you\u2019ve got every right to worry,\u201d said Roy. \u201cI just wish I coulda let you in there \u2026. But you know that I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben sighed. \u201cI know,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d the sheriff continued. \u201cIt\u2019s me who should be apologising to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled. \u201cWhatever for?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

I never shoulda let that youngun go over to the depot in the first place,\u201d said Roy. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t then he wouldn\u2019t be in there now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy that wasn\u2019t your fault. You weren\u2019t to know what would happen.\u00a0 None of us were. Joe was just in the wrong place at the wrong time that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill \u2026 if anything happens to that boy then I\u2019ll feel responsible,\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing is going to happen to Joseph,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cNothing,\u201d he repeated, trying to convince himself that it were so.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, wondering for a moment where he was. Then it struck him as he remembered \u2026 he was in the stage depot with the sick women. He glanced over to the other side of the room and saw Bert slumped over wiping Frank\u2019s face as the other man tossed feverishly in the bed. Joe propped himself up on one elbow and studied them for a moment. \u201cHe sick too?\u201d he asked finally.<\/p>\n

Bert nodded. \u201cYep,\u201d he said. \u201cYou feeling all right boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert went back to wiping Frank\u2019s face. \u201cThere\u2019s food on the table if you want some,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI ain\u2019t hungry,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better something son,\u201d said Paul Martin as he came into the room. \u201cWe\u2019ve all got to keep our strength up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look too good Doc,\u201d said Joe as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just tired,\u201d said Paul, sitting down wearily. \u201cHow about pouring me some of that coffee Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Doc,\u201d said Joe as he did as the man bid. \u201cCan I do anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul took the cup and patted the boy\u2019s arm. \u201cYou\u2019re a good boy Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cI know this is hard on you being away from your family.\u201d\u00a0 He took a sip of the coffee. \u201cAh! That\u2019s good. Now sit down here for a minute while I take a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a step backwards. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d said the doctor firmly. \u201cYou too Bert.\u00a0 Over here \u2026 I want to take a look at both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

They both sat down while Paul checked their throats, kneaded their abdomens and checked their pulses. \u201cWhat are you looking for?\u201d asked Bert when he\u2019d finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust anything,\u201d said Paul. \u201cAre either of you running a fever?\u201d\u00a0 Bert shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul put his hand on the boy\u2019s forehead. \u201cNo \u2026 you\u2019re fine,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think it\u2019ll be before they get better?\u201d asked Little Joe hopefully as he looked at Frank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know son,\u201d said Paul, sipping his coffee again. He glanced at the boy. \u201cYou should be prepared in case they don\u2019t though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe went pale. \u201cThey ain\u2019t gonna die are they?\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said simply. \u201cWe just have to wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed as the implications of the man\u2019s words sank in. \u201cDoc Martin?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they die \u2026 I mean if they don\u2019t get better and we get sick too \u2026. are we gonna die?\u201d\u00a0 Joe gave the man a pleading look, willing him to reassure him that they weren\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Paul hesitated, not wanting to lie to the boy, but not willing to tell him the truth either. He put his arm around the thin shoulders gently. \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen to them Little Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cBut none of us are sick and it\u2019s quite possible that none of us will get sick at all either.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled at the frightened boy. \u201cNow you go and eat something,\u201d he said, giving him a slight push. \u201cGo on.\u201d He watched the boy walk towards the table and shrugged his shoulders at Bert who was staring at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t know,\u201d he whispered softly to the man and watched as his face drained of its colour.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin!\u201d Joe called out. \u201cCome quick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul strode over to the door and looked out. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Joe?\u201d\u00a0 His eyes fell on Bert who was slumped over Frank\u2019s restless body. \u201cOh Lord!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe just fell over in his chair,\u201d said Joe anxiously. \u201cOne minute he was sitting there and the next he was lying down on the bed like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul dragged the semi-conscious man off Frank and over to the other cot. \u201cHe\u2019s feverish,\u201d he said in a low whisper to himself and began to bathe the man\u2019s hot forehead. \u201cBert?\u00a0 Can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s eye fluttered open. \u201cWhat?\u201d he said, putting his hand up to his forehead. \u201cWhat \u2026 happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not well Bert,\u201d said the doctor gently. \u201cJust lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel good Doc,\u201d said Bert. His eyes travelled over the doctor\u2019s shoulder and fixated on the pale face of the young boy behind him. \u201cHas the boy got it too?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Paul turned to Little Joe. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m OK,\u201d replied Little Joe. He bit his bottom lip. \u201cWe\u2019re all gonna get it ain\u2019t we Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know that Joe,\u201d said the doctor firmly as he went back to wiping Bert\u2019s face. \u201cWe don\u2019t know that at all son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Across the other side of the room, Frank moaned and stirred on his bed. \u201cI\u2019ll help him,\u201d said Joe and walked over to sit by the man\u2019s bedside. He picked up the cloth that Bert had dropped and wet it in the bowl of cold water before wiping it on the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a very good idea. Leave him to me,\u201d said Paul.<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can\u2019t look after four sick people Doc.\u00a0 Besides \u2026 it\u2019s like you said before \u2026 it\u2019s too late to worry bout staying away from each other now ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul nodded wearily. \u201cYes,\u201d he acknowledged to the boy. \u201cYou\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou leave these two to me Doc,\u201d said Joe. \u201cI\u2019ll keep their fevers down.\u201d He wet the cloth again and kept working as Paul got up wearily and headed for the other room again.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben put down the box next to the door and knocked. \u201cPaul?\u201d he shouted. \u201cI\u2019ve got some more food for all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStep away before I open the door!\u201d shouted back Paul.\u00a0 He waited until he heard Ben\u2019s footsteps back away and then opened the door tentatively and looked out. Satisfied that no one was close, he opened it fully and pulled the box inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look like hell Paul,\u201d said Ben, observing the man. \u201cYou\u2019re not sick as well are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul ran his hand over his tired eyes. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cJust tired. I haven\u2019t had any sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cSick,\u201d he said. \u201cFrank and Bert have come down with it now as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben went pale. \u201cJoseph?\u201d he asked quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy is fine Ben,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cHe\u2019s been a great help to me.\u201d He turned and called over his shoulder. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe came forward and stood next to the doctor, Ben noticing immediately how pale he was. \u201cHi Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u201cHow are you son?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m OK,\u201d said Joe, his voice trembling a little. \u201cEveryone else is sick but.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a step forward and Paul immediately withdrew a step and pulled Joe with him. \u201cKeep your distance Ben,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, clenching his fists as he stared hungrily at his son. \u201cYou get some rest Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Paul nodded and began to close the door. \u201cI\u2019ll see to it Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about him.\u00a0 He\u2019s doing fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand and waved at Joe as the door closed in front of them. For a few moments he stared at the wooden door in front of him and then walked up the stairs and put his hand on it, breathing deeply as he did so.\u00a0 After a while he turned and walked away.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul Martin closed the door slowly behind him and gave a deep sigh.\u00a0 He looked across at Joe who was sitting next to Frank wiping his face and nodded at the boy. \u201cI thought I told you to lie down for a while?\u201d he said wearily.<\/p>\n

Joe looked up. \u201cI tried Doc,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I can\u2019t sleep.\u201d\u00a0 He watched as the man came over and sat next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, give me that,\u201d said Paul and took the cloth. \u201cYou lie down and I\u2019ll take care of them for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the ladies?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cThey might need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head as he worked. \u201cThey don\u2019t need me anymore Joe,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

Joe went pale. \u201cYou mean \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes son,\u201d said the man gently. \u201cThey\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe caught his breath and Paul put his arm around the boy. \u201cIt\u2019s all right Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Joe began to cry quietly. \u201cAre these two gonna die too Doc?\u201d he asked. \u201cAre we all gonna die?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I have anything to do with it,\u201d replied Paul grimly, hugging the boy to him with his free arm. He put down the cloth and wiped his hand across his own forehead.<\/p>\n

Joe looked at him anxiously. \u201cAre you all right Doc?\u201d he asked cautiously.<\/p>\n

Paul smiled at him. \u201cI\u2019m just tired,\u201d he said. \u201cMaybe if you get me a cup of coffee that might help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and went to pour the coffee. He brought it back to Paul and watched as the doctor sipped it slowly. \u201cJoe I want to talk to you,\u201d said the doctor. \u201cI want you to listen very carefully to me son.\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cIf \u2026\u201d Paul wiped his forehead again. \u201cIf something happens to me \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t getting sick are ya?\u201d Joe interrupted anxiously.<\/p>\n

Paul smiled at him and shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he assured the boy. \u201cI told you that I\u2019m just tired. But \u2026 if I do get sick you must tell your father. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut \u2026 But they\u2019ll come in and get sick too!\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cYou can\u2019t be the only one in here well,\u201d he said firmly. \u201cYou can\u2019t look after everyone. You must tell someone if I get sick. All right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe assured the man. \u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul patted him on the leg. \u201cGood boy,\u201d he said. \u201cNow I think that both of us should lie down for a while and get some rest. You take that cot over there and I\u2019ll take this one. Try and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded and did as the man bid him to. He lay on the cot and closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep, but his brain refused to let him.\u00a0 All he could think of was his father and how he longed to be near him.\u00a0 He would have given anything right at that moment to open the door and run outside into the comfort of his father\u2019s arms, but he knew that he mustn\u2019t.\u00a0 He would never have forgiven himself if his father or brothers got sick because of his selfishness and in spite of his promise to the doctor, he knew that he would never let his family in here to get sick.<\/p>\n

Hot tears began to fall from his eyes and scalded his cheeks.\u00a0 Joe wiped them away, but they continued to fall until he gave up and let them flow freely, sobbing his apprehension quietly into his pillow.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

In spite of himself, Joe fell asleep and slept for a couple of hours as a great weariness had taken hold of him and his body refused to allow him to stay awake any longer. By the time he opened his eyes again the sun had shifted and he could tell by the shadows on the wall that it was late afternoon.\u00a0 He sat up on the cot and looked around the room.<\/p>\n

All was quiet, the three men on their respective cots very still. Joe got up and tiptoed over to Bert who seemed to be asleep and then glanced over at Frank who was muttering under his breath softly and tossing his head back and forth. Lastly he walked over and looked down at the doctor who was lying with his arm over his face. \u201cDoc Martin?\u201d he whispered. \u201cAre you awake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the doctor said, without moving his arm. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin.\u00a0 Just wondering,\u201d said Joe.<\/p>\n

Paul took his arm away. \u201cAre you feeling all right?\u201d he asked, looking up at Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Paul slowly sat up, his hands gripping the sides of the cot tightly. He glanced over to the two other men. \u201cI\u2019ll check on them,\u201d he said and swung his legs over the side of the cot. Suddenly he pitched forward, ending up on his knees in a heap.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc!\u201d said Joe, kneeling down and trying to support him. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul didn\u2019t look up. \u201cI\u2019m \u2026 just feeling a bit dizzy that\u2019s all. Help me up Joe. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feel real hot Doc,\u201d said Joe. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a fever. Maybe you\u2019d best lie down for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head as he tried to stand up. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m all right. Help me up Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Joe tried to help the man to stand, but only succeeded in getting him to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. Paul put his head down on his knees and was silent while Joe looked at him anxiously. After a while he looked up again. \u201cMaybe I\u2019d better lie down for a bit after all,\u201d he murmured and leant sideways so that he could ease himself back onto the cot. \u201cCheck on the other two for me Joe. How do they look?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBert is asleep,\u201d said Joe. \u201cHe don\u2019t feel too hot, but Frank does. I\u2019ll wipe his face.\u201d\u00a0 He wet a cloth and applied it to the man\u2019s hot brow and then came over to do the same for Paul.<\/p>\n

Paul opened his eyes at the feel of the cool cloth. \u201cMmm,\u201d he said softly. \u201cThat feels good.\u201d\u00a0 He closed his eyes again. I\u2019ll just rest for a few minutes and then I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d he muttered. Joe looked down at the man, his heart heavy and his thoughts whirling. He knew that this was what the doctor had been frightened might happen all along.\u00a0 That everyone would get sick except for him. This was why he had made Joe say that he\u2019d tell his father. Joe looked at the door longingly and then shook his head and wet the cloth again before applying it to the doctor\u2019s hot face.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the next few hours Joe went from one man to the other, wetting the cloths and reapplying them to their hot faces.\u00a0 He tried to block out the stench of their vomit every time one of them threw up into the bowls he\u2019d placed next to their beds, but it was nearly impossible to ignore. As the hours wore on his body became weary and it seemed as if every muscle in his body was aching.\u00a0 As he tended to the men he had a newfound respect for Doctor Martin.\u00a0 He\u2019d never realised before how difficult it was to care for sick people and the doctor did it all the time.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t for the life of him understand how the man put up with it.<\/p>\n

Several times the doctor opened his eyes and looked around him vaguely, asking Joe each time if he\u2019d told his father that he wasn\u2019t well.\u00a0 Each time, Joe lied and told him that he had. Soon, the man stopped asking as the fever overcame his body and his mind began to wander and Joe felt relieved that he didn\u2019t have to lie any more.\u00a0 Every time he had, he\u2019d longed to do just what the doctor had told him to \u2026 every time the temptation was there to open the door and call out for his Pa \u2026 but to do so would be to put his father and his family in danger and Joe resolutely made the decision not to do it.<\/p>\n

As the hours passed, he wondered how long it would be before he, too, became sick and wondered vaguely what would happen to him as there would be no one to look after him when he did. As the hours ticked by he became more and more frantic for the men in his care and his own health.\u00a0 Joe had never been a boy to worry overmuch about his own health, and it had always seemed to him that people spent far too much time fussing over him whenever he had been hurt, but now he was acutely aware of his own body and how it could let him down just when he needed it. He would have given anything right about now to have his Pa here to fuss over him again and he resolved that if ever he had the chance he\u2019d never complain about doctors or being fussed over again.<\/p>\n

He glanced at the closed door and shuddered to think of the two dead bodies behind it, hoping that he wouldn\u2019t have to go in there for anything. Suddenly a loud knock on the outer door made him jump and he turned swiftly towards it. \u201cWho is it?\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul? Paul can you hear me?\u201d Joe nearly cried at the sound of his father\u2019s voice on the other side. \u201cPaul? I\u2019ve brought some more cold water for you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe glanced down at the unresponsive doctor\u2019s face and then stood up and walked towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me Pa!\u201d he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u00a0 Are you all right son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa, I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 I\u2019ll come out and get the water.\u201d Joe slid back the lock on the door and opened it, nearly crying when he saw his father standing down on the street. He quickly picked up the water jug and put it inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben called out. \u201cTell the doctor I want to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe hesitated. \u201cYou can\u2019t Pa,\u201d he said finally. \u201cHe\u2019s \u2026 busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a strange look.\u00a0 There was something about the way in Joe was avoiding looking at him\u00a0 \u2026 he had a feeling that he wasn\u2019t being told the truth. \u201cJoseph?\u201d he said anxiously. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, clinging onto the door for support. \u201cNothing Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Doc\u2019s just busy is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you\u2019re all right son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m just tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a step forward and peered at his son\u2019s face in the lamplight. \u201cJoseph?\u201d he said. \u201cOpen the door more so that I can see you properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI gotta go now,\u201d he said. \u201cThe \u2026 Doc needs me to help him.\u201d Ben began to come up the stairs. \u201cPa you gotta stay back!\u201d said Joe desperately. \u201cYou might get sick!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took no notice of him. \u201cJoseph \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed the door quickly and slid the lock into place while Ben knocked on the door from the other side. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he shouted. \u201cTell the doctor I want to talk to him!\u00a0 Open this door!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe put his face on the wooden door and began to sob quietly.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe stared down at the man\u2019s face in front of him and swallowed.\u00a0 Frank\u2019s eyes were staring at the ceiling and Joe could tell that he wasn\u2019t breathing now at all. He put his hand tentatively on the man\u2019s shoulder and shook him. \u201cFrank?\u201d he said. \u201cFrank? Can ya hear me Frank?\u201d\u00a0 There was no response.<\/p>\n

Joe glanced over at Doctor Martin who was tossing his head back and forth on his pillow and then at Bert who was doing the same. He sobbed quietly as he pulled the blanket up over Frank\u2019s head and covered him, wondering if he should say a prayer over him. He closed his eyes and asked God to bless the man and take him into his care, hoping that it was enough. He wished he were strong enough to drag his body into the other room so that he didn\u2019t have to look at it in here, but knew that he\u2019d never be able to manage it by himself. For a few minutes, Joe bent his head and allowed himself the luxury of sobbing out his fears before lifting his head and again and going over to sit next to Bert to tend to him.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you Roy, something is wrong in there!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s been more than two hours since we heard anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course something is wrong in there,\u201d said Roy calmly. \u201cThat\u2019s why there\u2019s a quarantine Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean that for heaven\u2019s sake! I know my son and he wasn\u2019t telling me the truth. Joe needs me Roy and I aim to go in there.\u00a0 Now stand aside and let me through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cBen, you know I can\u2019t do that,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s get Paul out here and talk to him.\u00a0 All right?\u201d\u00a0 He put his hand on Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cJust calm down and let me talk to him. You\u2019ll see \u2026 he\u2019ll have everything in control in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked up the few steps to the door of the stage depot and knocked on the door. \u201cPaul!\u201d he shouted. \u201cPaul!\u00a0 Open the door!\u00a0 I want to talk to you!\u201d\u00a0 There was no sound from inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d said Ben, coming up and standing beside him. \u201cNo one is answering \u2026. There must be something wrong.\u201d He pounded on the door with his fist. \u201cJoseph!\u00a0 Open this door immediately!\u201d\u00a0 Again, there was no answer. \u201cRoy, I\u2019m going in there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cNo Ben, I can\u2019t let you. If you go in there you\u2019ll be exposed to the sickness and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t give a damn about the sickness!\u201d shouted Ben. \u201cAll I care about is my son!\u00a0 That\u2019s my boy in there in trouble and I aim to help him if it\u2019s the last thing that I do. Now stand aside Roy. I\u2019m going in there \u2026. I don\u2019t care if I go around you or through you \u2026. but I\u2019m going in there right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy stepped aside. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s up to you Ben \u2026 but once you\u2019re in there \u2026 there you stay.\u00a0 You understand that?\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded. \u201cThe door is locked,\u201d Roy continued. \u201cYou can\u2019t get in that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll break one of the windows round the back,\u201d said Ben firmly. \u201cAre you going to help me or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll help you Pa,\u201d said a voice behind him and Ben turned to see Adam and Hoss standing there side by side.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re coming in with you,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s no sense in that boys,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going in alone and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u00a0 No sense in more than one of us in there.\u201d\u00a0 He patted both of them on the shoulder. \u201cNow come round back and help me find something to break that window with.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben put one leg over the windowsill and looked around the dark room before turning back to Adam and Hoss. \u201cGo around to the front boys,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ll come through and let you know when I\u2019ve found out what\u2019s happening in here.\u201d He lit the lamp that was on the dresser beside the window and then gasped in astonishment as he saw the two blanket-covered forms on the beds in front of him.\u00a0 Tentatively, he pulled first one and then the other back to reveal the faces of two women. Ben bowed his head and said a silent prayer before replacing them again and walking towards the door.<\/p>\n

His heart was pounding at the thought of what he might find in the next room, and it was with a great deal of trepidation that he opened the door slightly to reveal a dimly lit room.\u00a0 One of the four cots that had been set up was empty, the one closest to him also draped with a blanket that fully covered a body.\u00a0 Ben had no doubt that the form beneath it was also dead. His eyes quickly scanned the room and stopped as they discovered the still body of his youngest son slumped over a cot where Bert lay. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he called and in two strides had covered the space between himself and his son and gathered the boy up into his arms.<\/p>\n

As he gazed down at the pale face of his child, Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he considered what the boy must have been through and he berated himself for allowing this to happen to him. \u201cJoseph!\u201d he cried brokenly. \u201cJoe son, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open and he stared up into the grief-stricken eyes of his father. \u201cPa?\u201d he said in a weak voice. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes son, it\u2019s Pa,\u201d Ben said, hugging his son close to his chest. \u201cEverything is going to be all right now.\u00a0 Your Pa is here to look after you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe struggled feebly to release himself from his father\u2019s arms. \u201cBert,\u201d he said weakly. \u201cWe gotta look after Bert, Pa. He\u2019s real sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked over the curly head of his son in his arms at the still body of the man behind him on the cot and knew immediately that he was now beyond help. Joe had been lying over the body of a dead man. \u201cIt\u2019s all right son,\u201d he murmured. \u201cIt\u2019s all right now.\u201d\u00a0 With one hand he drew up the blanket to cover the man\u2019s face and hugged his child even tighter to him, offering up a prayer that he hadn\u2019t come too late.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see the fevered face of Paul Martin staring at him from the next cot. \u201cPaul!\u201d he said, reaching out to him with his free hand. \u201cYou\u2019re sick!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t Joe tell you?\u201d asked the doctor weakly. He shut his eyes and murmured softly. \u201cI told him to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cNo,\u201d he said. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t open the door to me.\u00a0 I came in the back window.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul nodded slowly. \u201cHave to stay now,\u201d he said softly. \u201cCan\u2019t go back \u2026\u201d He stopped and tossed his head on the pillow feverishly while muttering incoherently to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right Paul,\u201d said Ben, looking down at his son in his arms. \u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up with Joe in his arms and laid him down on the spare cot, noting with relief that the boy\u2019s forehead felt cool to his touch. When he had covered him with a blanket, he walked over to the front door and opened it. \u201cRoy!\u201d he called. \u201cAdam! Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here Pa.\u201d\u00a0 The three of them emerged from the shadows down on the street. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Adam immediately.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said. \u201cHe hasn\u2019t got a fever at any rate, but he\u2019s out to it. I\u2019m hoping it\u2019s just exhaustion and nothing more. Stay there \u2026 I\u2019ve got four bodies to bring out to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u201cFour!\u201d he murmured. \u201cPaul?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank the Lord,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cAlthough he looks mighty sick. The others are all gone though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll come in and help ya Pa,\u201d said Hoss, taking a step forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay where you are,\u201d ordered his father. \u201cOne son in here is enough. Besides I want to make sure that the bodies are securely wrapped in blankets before I bring them out so that you don\u2019t come into direct contact with them.\u00a0 We\u2019re not going to take any more chances than we have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to go inside again, giving his sleeping young son a long, lingering look on the way past.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThat feels good,\u201d murmured Paul as Ben wiped his face with the cool cloth. \u201cThank you Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled down at him. \u201cWell you certainly look a lot better than you did last night,\u201d he said. I think your fever is down quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cI feel a lot better,\u201d he said. \u201cYou make a good doctor Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u201cWell you must admit I\u2019ve had a lot of practise with those boys of mine,\u201d he said. \u201cOne or other of them is always needing tending to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul managed to smile back at him. \u201cDon\u2019t I know it?\u201d he said. He glanced across at Joe who was lying in the bed next to him. \u201cHow is the boy?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems all right,\u201d said Ben. \u201cNo fever at least. I think he\u2019s just exhausted, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so worried about him,\u201d said Paul. \u201cI thought for sure that he\u2019d come down with it like the rest of us \u2026 but if he hasn\u2019t by now, then it looks like he\u2019s managed to avoid it.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced up at Ben. \u201cYou know that we\u2019ll have to stay here a day or two just in case though Ben. You\u2019ve been exposed to this thing now and we have to make sure before any of us go out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul shook his head. \u201cI told Joe to tell you if I got sick,\u201d he said. \u201cBut he didn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Ben. \u201cHe didn\u2019t tell me that you were sick.\u00a0 He even locked the door on me to stop me finding out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was trying to protect you,\u201d said Paul. \u201cThat\u2019s one special boy you have there Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d said Ben, reaching over and stroking the child\u2019s hair tenderly. The movement caused Joe to murmur slightly in his sleep and then his eyes fluttered open. \u201cHello there,\u201d said his father with a smile. \u201cWaking up finally, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe blinked his eyes as he stared up at his father. \u201cPa?\u201d he said. \u201cI dreamt that you had come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was no dream son.\u00a0 I\u2019m here now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed with relief and then looked over at the doctor. \u201cAre you OK Doc?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will be Joe,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cI\u2019m feeling pretty weak right now, but I\u2019ll be all right in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed again and gave his father a tearful look. \u201cFrank \u2026\u201d he said. \u201cFrank \u2026 died Pa.\u00a0 I was watching him and he just died.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gathered the boy into his arms. \u201cI know son,\u201d he said softly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Bert?\u201d asked Joe, from the comfort of his father\u2019s arms. \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hesitated before replying. \u201cNo son,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s not all right.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid he died too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe began to sob. \u201cI tried Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cI tried my best to look after him. I really did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben hugged the boy tighter to him. \u201cYou did everything you could Joe, but he was beyond anyone\u2019s help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have come in here Pa,\u201d sobbed Joe. \u201cNow you\u2019re gonna die just like the Doc and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul propped himself up on one elbow and gave Joe a stern look. \u201cNow you listen to me young man,\u201d he said. \u201cNo one else is going to die!\u00a0 Do you hear me?\u201d Joe nodded tearfully. \u201cI\u2019m on the mend and if you were going to get sick we\u2019d know it by now,\u201d continued Paul.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about Pa?\u201d asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour father is a strong man.\u00a0 If he comes down with it, then I\u2019ll be much better by then and I\u2019ll be able to look after him.\u00a0 No one is going to die Joe \u2026. Get that into your head. I won\u2019t let it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave the doctor a mournful look. \u201cYou couldn\u2019t stop it before,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A look of pain flitted across Paul\u2019s face. \u201cNo,\u201d he admitted shortly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I didn\u2019t open the door Pa,\u201d said Joe, turning back to his father. \u201cI heard you calling for me, but I didn\u2019t open the door because I didn\u2019t want you to get sick too.\u201d\u00a0 He clutched at his father\u2019s sleeve frantically. \u201cPlease don\u2019t get sick Pa!\u00a0 Please don\u2019t die!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben hugged his child to his chest. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right son,\u201d he murmured. \u201cIt\u2019ll be all right I promise you.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Paul over the top of Joe\u2019s head and smiled at him encouragingly.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paul put down his stethoscope and smiled at Ben. \u201cThere,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled back at him in relief and then at Joe who was sitting beside him. \u201cI told you there was no need to worry,\u201d he said to his son.<\/p>\n

Joe laughed for the first time in days and the sound of it warmed Ben\u2019s heart as he reached over and gave the boy a hug around the shoulders. \u201cSo it\u2019s all right now to leave?\u201d he asked Paul.<\/p>\n

Paul stood up. \u201cYes,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we can safely open the door now. I\u2019m feeling much better and you two \u2026\u201d he grinned at them both. \u201cWell all I can say is that you Cartwrights must have mighty strong constitutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I do it Pa?\u201d asked Joe excitedly. Ben nodded and both he and the doctor watched as Joe flung open the door and stepped outside into the sunshine. \u201cHey Adam!\u201d he called. \u201cHey Hoss! We\u2019re out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Adam and Hoss ran up the stairs two at a time and hugged their younger brother before turning towards their father and grinning at him. \u201cDoes this mean that we\u2019ve got to take this troublemaker home now?\u201d asked Adam teasingly, as he ruffled his younger brother\u2019s hair affectionately. \u201cThings have been really quiet out here without him, you know Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m afraid it does,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGee!\u2019 said Joe, pretending to be hurt. \u201cA fellar can\u2019t do nothing without everyone picking on him!\u201d\u00a0 He reached up to grab Adam\u2019s hat from his head, but Hoss picked him up before he could and put him under his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about I get rid of this in the back of the buckboard?\u201d he said teasingly and Ben chuckled even more at the sight of his protesting youngest son being carried forcibly down the street by his older brother. \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re all right?\u201d he asked Paul.<\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cI\u2019m fine now Ben,\u201d he said. \u201cIn fact I\u2019m going out right now to the Simpson\u2019s place to check and see if Margaret has had that baby without me.\u201d\u00a0 He touched Ben on the arm. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said simply.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to thank me for,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s me who should be thanking you for looking after Joe so well for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually the boy was the one who ended up looking after everyone else for a lot of the time,\u201d said Paul. \u201cI just wish I could have saved the others.\u201d\u00a0 There was a silence between them for a moment. \u201cI said it before Ben, but I want to say it again \u2026 you know that\u2019s one special boy you have there. He has a strong character for a boy his age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it,\u201d said Ben as he walked down the steps and began to follow his three sons. \u201cI know it well Paul.\u201d
\nThe End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe is quarantined with some of the townsfolk when travelers bring a mysterious disease to town<\/p>\n

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