{"id":2061,"date":"2009-09-04T15:25:23","date_gmt":"2009-09-04T19:25:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2061"},"modified":"2026-03-05T08:22:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T13:22:09","slug":"loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2061","title":{"rendered":"Loss (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Joe is badly injured and could have a serious disability<\/span><\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K (19,950 words)
\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Loss<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2018Why do you insist on fighting me at every turn Joseph?\u2019 Ben Cartwright thundered at his youngest son as he stood before him. \u2018I have just about had enough of your childish behaviour!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe glared back at his father. \u2018I\u2019m not fighting you Pa.\u00a0 I just want to be able to do some things my way sometimes instead of always being treated like a baby.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Then act your age!\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018For heavens sake Joseph, how can you expect to be treated like a grown up if you don\u2019t act that way?\u00a0 Your behaviour is just plain irresponsible!\u2019 Joe continued to glare at his father as he continued. \u2018From now on young man you can confine your antics to this house and the immediate surroundings!\u2019 Ben continued. \u2018You will consider yourself on restriction until further notice!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe put his hands on his hips. \u2018That\u2019s not fair,\u2019 he shouted back. \u2018I was only gone for a little while!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018You were gone for long enough,\u2019 said Ben, pointing his finger at him. \u2018Long enough to get yourself in a poker game in a saloon that you had no right being in in the first place!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I was only\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018I know care what you were only!\u2019 shouted Ben. \u2018You are seventeen years old Joseph!\u00a0 Now I expect you to begin to act your age or I will continue to treat you like the child you insist on being!\u00a0 Now get out of my sight and get on with your chores.\u00a0 Lord knows you have enough to do, what with gallivanting all around the countryside instead of attending to them these past few days!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe glared at his father, realising that it was useless to continue to argue with him.\u00a0 He turned and stomped out of the room, taking great delight in slamming the door behind him. As he stood under the front porch he clenched and unclenched his fists as he thought about his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 Treat him like a child would he?\u00a0 Well he wasn\u2019t a child, and he didn\u2019t deserve to be treated as such!\u00a0 Confined to the yard indeed!\u00a0 Just what did his Pa think he was after all?<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe stomped out into the yard, getting madder with every step he took.\u00a0 With a defiant look over his shoulder back towards the house he made his decision and headed for the barn.\u00a0 Without hesitating he went straight to his horse Cochise and began to saddle him, the anger still causing the blood to surge through his head and pound the sense out of his mind. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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He\u2019d show his father!\u00a0 He was old enough to do as he liked and he wouldn\u2019t be told what to do any more.\u00a0 With another defiant look over his shoulder he mounted quickly and galloped from the yard, the movement causing him to feel better as he disappeared around the corner of the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe rode aimlessly at first, his only thought being to get away from his father and the restriction he felt on him at the ranch house.\u00a0 After a while he allowed himself to slow down and considered where to go.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to think long before he found himself automatically heading up towards his favourite place by the lake where his mother was buried.\u00a0 He often came here to think and today was no different.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As he dismounted from his horse he immediately felt a calmness descend upon him as he always did when he found his way here.\u00a0 He liked to think it was as if his mother was telling him to be at peace and he smiled to himself. He often wished he could remember her, but his memories were sketchy at best and he often had to rely on the stories of her that his father and brothers had told him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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He sighed as he sat down next to her grave.\u00a0 He wondered what his mother would have thought of the way he and Pa always fought and for a moment he considered what life would have been like if she had lived.\u00a0 Maybe he would have fought with her too? It seemed as if he just couldn\u2019t help himself sometimes.\u00a0 Now that he had ridden his anger out of his system he could think a little clearer and he had to admit that Pa did have a point after all.\u00a0 He had gone into town without permission and he had neglected his work to do it.\u00a0 Apart from the fact that the poker game he had inadvertently found himself in had robbed him of his week\u2019s wages and that definitely wasn\u2019t a good thing!\u00a0 Maybe Pa was right?<\/span><\/p>\n

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He pulled his knees up towards his chest and rested his chin upon them as he gazed into the lake. The tranquillity of this place began to take hold of him and he sat mesmerized by the sunlight shining on the water for several minutes. He looked up towards the top of the mountain opposite and marvelled at the blueness of the sky against the pines that seemed to reach up towards it and felt the peace that he sought invade his soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He stood up and turned back towards his horse, happy now to go home and make his peace with his father.\u00a0 He only hoped that he hadn\u2019t been missed in the short time that he had spent up here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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———————<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Just wait until my hands on that boy!\u2019 Ben\u2019s voice thundered across the yard and Joe reined his horse in and hesitated as he heard it. \u2018If he thinks he can totally ignore my instructions he can think again!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s he done now Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Joe pulled Cochise back a step or two as he heard Adam join his father.\u00a0 He dismounted and edged forward near the side of the barn to hear their conversation better.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018He has blatantly disobeyed my instructions again and taken off after I gave him specific instructions to stay in this yard and do his chores,\u2019 yelled Ben. \u2018When that boy returns he is going to regret ever disobeying me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe cringed at his father\u2019s words.\u00a0 He knew them to be spoken through anger, but he hated hearing them even so.\u00a0 He huddled against the side of the barn as he heard their footsteps recede back towards the house and considered his options.\u00a0 He knew that if he appeared now he risked his father\u2019s wrath in no uncertain terms, yet to delay any longer was to invite his further anger. He sighed as he realised there was no easy answer to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He turned and headed down from the side of the barn to the creek that flowed to the left hand side of the house.\u00a0 Sheltered by huge trees it was a place that he knew well and often went to. He and Hoss had spent many a happy hour playing there as children, searching for tadpoles and swinging from the branches of the large trees.\u00a0 Their father had encouraged them to go there as it was not too far from the house and they were always within earshot if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He walked carefully along the bank, leading Cochise behind him.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t dare stop until he was well upstream, away from the usual spots that he knew so well, for he didn\u2019t want his father to see him.\u00a0 He tethered Cochise under a tree and sat by the bank of the creek looking into the water, wondering how long he would have to wait until his father calmed down.\u00a0 Maybe he should wait until he went out to work later and then sneak back and get all his chores done? That would really impress his father and at least soften the blow when it did come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe smiled to himself as he thought about just how good he was at getting his own way with his family.\u00a0 Not that he consciously set out to manipulate them, but a man had to make the most of whatever situation he found himself in, and if trouble was about to fall then it was important to make sure that it was the least amount of trouble that he could make it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He picked up a stick and waved it lazily in the water as he waited for the sound of his father\u2019s horse leaving the yard.\u00a0 He knew that he and his brothers would be going out to the North Pasture for the morning and they wouldn\u2019t delay too much longer, whether Joe made his appearance or not.\u00a0 He would have plenty of time to get lots done and impress his father before he returned for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe lay down on the bank and poked at the water with his stick, watching the ripples move across the surface in ever-increasing circles.\u00a0 He lazily closed his eyes as the tranquillity of this place overcame him and within minutes was fast asleep.\u00a0 A few minutes later the sound of horse\u2019s hoofs went unnoticed by him as his brothers and father rode out of the yard.\u00a0 He slept on peacefully in the shade of the tree, blissfully unaware of the morning slipping away from him as the sun rose higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It was only when the sun reached a position where the shade had shifted sufficiently to wake him that he opened his eyes.\u00a0 He looked around sleepily for a moment, wondering where he was until the realisation hit him and he sat up quickly.\u00a0 A quick glance at the sun above told him that he had slept the morning away and it must be around noon.\u00a0 With a soft curse under his breath Joe realised that his chance to impress his father with a mornings work was now lost, as he should soon be returning home for lunch.\u00a0 He rubbed his eyes ruefully and gave himself up to the idea that he now had no choice but to accept his father\u2019s wrath and began to stand up to make his way back to the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As Joe bent forward to stand up, his hat fell off and landed with a soft plop in the water.\u00a0 He grinned as he reached forward to retrieve it, but it was out of his reach.\u00a0 He frowned for a moment and then picked up the stick he had been playing with earlier and tried to snag the hat on it, but all he succeeded in doing was pushing it further away.\u00a0 With another exclamation he resigned himself to the idea of getting his feet wet, and put one foot gingerly in the water as he bent forward to reach it.\u00a0 Another step and he had it in his grasp again.\u00a0 He turned to get back to the bank when he felt a sharp pain and cried aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe tried to bring his foot up above the water, but the movement only caused the pain to intensify and he cried out again as the realisation hit him that it was held securely by something under the water that was causing him extreme pain.\u00a0 He bent down, frantic to get at the source of the pain and relieve it, but his fumbling fingers under the water couldn\u2019t seem to locate what it was.\u00a0 The water only reached up to his mid calves and so he squatted down to try and get a look at what might be causing his discomfort.\u00a0 Horrified, he watched as the water around his leg began to turn a dark murky colour and he realised that it was his own blood swirling around him in the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Panicking now, he reached under the water and felt something hard clamped around his ankle.\u00a0 He desperately tried to wrench it free, but the movement only caused him more pain and he eventually had to stop to catch his breath.\u00a0 He managed to sit down half out of the water, but the pain was still with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe put his hand up to his mouth to stop from screaming out his frustration and at that moment heard sounds above him that signalled the return of his father and brothers as they rode into the yard.\u00a0 \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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He waited, but there was no call to indicate that any of them had heard him. He tried again. \u2018Pa! Adam! Hoss!\u00a0 I\u2019m down here! Can you hear me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Again there was nothing and he bent his head onto his knees in frustration as he realised that they weren\u2019t able to hear him after all.\u00a0 He looked up at the dining room window which looked out over this direction and screwed up his face in sheer anger as he thought about how close they were to him and yet how far away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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——————<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben looked out of the dining room window as he stood next to the table.\u00a0 Behind him Hoss and Adam were taking their seats and Hop Sing was placing the food on the table. \u2018That boy is in for it when he returns,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018If he thinks he can just take off for the day against my orders then he can think again!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa, sit down and have something to eat,\u2019 said Adam as he helped himself.\u00a0 \u2018Doing without your dinner isn\u2019t going to make him come back any sooner.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben sat down and began to eat. \u2018I want you both to keep an eye out for him this afternoon,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going into town and heaven help him if I find him in there after yesterday\u2019s performance!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well we\u2019re going in different directions this afternoon,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018So between the three of us someone is bound to come across him.\u00a0 He can\u2019t have gone too far.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Hoss check out the lake on your way to the South Pasture,\u2019 said Ben later as they were leaving the table. \u2018I hope one of you two come across him first for his own sake. I swear he won\u2019t like it if I do!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hoss made a face and glanced at Adam. \u2018Pa don\u2019t be too hard on him,\u2019 he said. \u2018He doesn\u2019t\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben put his hand up to stop him. \u2018Save your breath Hoss. This time your younger brother is in for it!\u00a0 There is no excuse he can possibly have for his behaviour.\u2019 He stood up. \u2018Come on boys let\u2019s get going, we have a lot to do this afternoon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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——————<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked up at the sky through the branches of the tree and wondered how much longer he could stand the pain. It came in waves now and each seemed to be worse than the one before.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and tried to will it away, but nothing seemed to work. Suddenly a thought struck him.\u00a0 How stupid had he been not to think of it before!\u00a0 He grabbed his gun from his holster and fired a shot into the air, smiling with relief as he thought about how quickly help would now be here.\u00a0 Of course his father and brothers would hear it and come straight away.\u00a0 They must be in the house now and would hear it straight away.\u00a0 He fired again and strained to hear their footsteps coming towards him.\u00a0 After a moment he frowned when he had heard nothing and tried a third time.\u00a0 Still nothing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe sat down weakly as another wave of pain overcame him.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t they come?\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t understand it!\u00a0 They must have heard the shots, so why didn\u2019t they come? He glanced across at Cochise who was looking at him startled, the whites of his eyes rolling back in his head as the sounds of the shots still rang in his ears. Maybe they had left again for the afternoon he suddenly thought.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t heard their horses, but maybe the pain was causing him to not think clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He put his head in his hands as he tried to forget the pain that was washing over him again.\u00a0 Think Joe! What can you do to make them realise?\u00a0 They can\u2019t hear you and they can\u2019t see you down here.\u00a0 How else can you get a message to them?<\/span><\/p>\n

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A small movement caused him to open them again and he looked up hopefully, but no one was there except Cochise nibbling at the grass beneath his feet.\u00a0 \u2018Cooch!\u2019 Joe called and the horse lifted his head and looked at him. \u2018Come here boy!\u2019 The pinto tried to come towards the familiar call, but Joe had tied him to the branch and the reins couldn\u2019t stretch that far. He pulled against them and then stood still.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked across at the horse and wondered how he could manage to free him.\u00a0 He knew that if he could get Cochise to wander back to the yard without him it would be a signal that he was in trouble, but the problem was how to free him.\u00a0 He stood up warily and tried to step towards him, but he just couldn\u2019t reach him no matter how hard he strained at whatever it was holding his foot.\u00a0 The movement also caused him considerable pain, so in the end he was forced to give up trying. If only he could get him free!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe looked down at the gun in his hand, then back up at the horse again. He pointed it in the air and pulled the trigger, watching as Cochise reared in the air with the suddenness of the sound.\u00a0 The reins held tight, but the tree branch was pulled with the movement.\u00a0 Again and again he pulled the trigger, hoping that the horse would be so frightened that his increasing movements would pull the reins free.\u00a0 Finally the gun clicked as the last of the bullets was used and Joe lay down again on the bank, his eyes closed and his heart beating fast with the sheer energy that he had used.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He looked at the frightened horse and began to cry.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m sorry Cooch,\u2019 he whispered with the sound of the shots still echoing around in his head. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean to frighten you boy, I just need you to\u2026..\u2019 Joe\u2019s body was racked with sobs as the pain over took him once more.\u00a0 He put his head down on the bank and closed his eyes as unconsciousness overcame him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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———————–<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hop Sing stopped for a moment and lifted his head, frowning as he tried to listen.\u00a0 He could have sworn that he had heard a sound and waited expectantly for it again.\u00a0 When nothing came, he shrugged his shoulders and continued to wash the dishes from lunch, thinking about his family as he did so.<\/span><\/p>\n

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His family.\u00a0 He always thought of them like that.\u00a0 He had been with the Cartwrights for a number of years now and felt as much a part of the family as he could possibly be.\u00a0 He had watched Mr Cartwright as he had struggled to bring up his boys, helping when he could.\u00a0 He had felt particularly close to them all when Mrs Cartwright had died and had tried to help the three boys get over her death while their father struggled with his own grief. He truly felt that those boys were partly his and watched over them as much as he could in his own quiet way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He shook his head as he remembered the anger on the face of Mr Cartwright during the meal.\u00a0 Not that he could blame him really.\u00a0 That Little Joe!\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know why the boy got himself into so much trouble, but it seemed like he just couldn\u2019t stay away from it.\u00a0 He lifted his head as he heard another sound and walked to the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hop Sing opened the door and listened as he looked outside.\u00a0 He could have sworn that the noise had come from around the side of the house and he walked outside to get a better view.\u00a0 Suddenly he saw Cochise, Little Joe\u2019s horse enter the yard, walking slowly with his reins dangling. He smiled.\u00a0 Little Joe had made it home after all!\u00a0 He scanned the yard for a sign of the boy, but saw nothing.\u00a0 Cochise walked over to the water trough.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hop Sing put down the dish in his hand and walked over to the horse.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t like Little Joe to leave the animal unattended and he wondered why the horse was here by himself.\u00a0 He gathered up the reins and tied the animal to the hitching rail and called out loudly. \u2018Little Joe!\u00a0 You there?\u2019\u00a0 There was no answer and he tried again. \u2018Little Joe!\u00a0 You come out now or your father much madder than before!\u2019\u00a0 Still there was no answer and Hop Sing began to get worried. He headed towards the barn to check for the youngest Cartwright son, vowing to give him a piece of his mind when he found him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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———————<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hoss wiped the sweat from his brow and scanned the area around him.\u00a0 The fence mending was back breaking work and even he had only been at it for about an hour he needed a short break.\u00a0 He reached for his canteen and took a long swallow as he noticed a movement in the distance.\u00a0 He shaded his eyes against the sun and peered intently as he tried to make out whom it was approaching, and was surprised to see Hop Sing in the buckboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Hop Sing,\u2019 he said as the man drew near. \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hop Sing frowned at him and waved his arm in the direction of the house. \u2018Something wrong,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little Joe\u2019s horse come back by self.\u00a0 Little Joe not with him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018What?\u2019 Hoss was instantly alert. \u2018Are you sure he\u2019s not there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Searched everywhere.\u00a0 Little Joe not anywhere.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hoss mounted his horse quickly. \u2018I\u2019ll get Adam and some of the men,\u2019 he said. \u2018Pa should be home soon. By that time we should be back there and we\u2019ll start to track which direction Cochise came from.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing shook his head again. \u2018Already tried,\u2019 he said. \u2018Horse come from rocks area behind barn.\u00a0 Can\u2019t tell where before that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss bit his lip. \u2018Alright, then tell Pa we\u2019ll cover the North Pasture and start working our way south from there. \u2018Tell him to join us.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded and turned the buckboard back towards the house.\u00a0 Hoss turned north and headed for the direction in which Adam and his crew were working.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

———————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked up at the sun again.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t make out if it had moved since the last time he had looked and he admitted to himself that at this stage he didn\u2019t really care.\u00a0 All that mattered was the constant pain that was radiating up his leg. He moved his head slightly and looked down at his leg, still in the water.\u00a0 At least the water round it now was clear and the bleeding seemed to have stopped.\u00a0 He found that if he kept it as still as possible the pain subsided to a degree where he didn\u2019t want to scream out, but it was a constant source of agony to him and he found it impossible to cope without expending all his energy to keep the pain at bay.\u00a0 He wanted nothing more than to reach down under the water and pull off whatever was gripping onto his ankle and the fact that he couldn\u2019t made him sob in frustration and anger.\u00a0 \u2018Pa!\u2019 he called weakly. \u2018Pa! Get it off me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

For a moment he thought he heard his father answer him and opened his eyes, but there was nothing there.\u00a0 Only the movement of the branches above him with their leaves rustling in the wind.\u00a0 He looked over to where Cochise was standing and frowned when he didn\u2019t see the horse.\u00a0 For a moment it didn\u2019t register what had happened, and then he realised with joy that the animal must have somehow gotten loose and wandered away.\u00a0 He prayed that he had wandered to the house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced up the bank and fixed his gaze on the dining room window, willing someone to look out and see him.\u00a0 He knew that he was too far away for them to see him of course, but he felt he had to concentrate on something or he would go mad.\u00a0 With another sob, he closed his eyes again and surrendered himself to the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben pounded his fist in frustration and he sensed Hoss\u2019 eyes upon him. \u2018I can\u2019t understand it!\u2019 he said angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you sure he wasn\u2019t in town Pa?\u2019 said Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No. I checked everywhere. \u2018He\u2019s on The Ponderosa somewhere, I\u2019m sure of it.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have had time to get much further and have Cochise make it back by mid afternoon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed and scratched his head. \u2018Well maybe we\u2019d better get some more men,\u2019 he suggested. \u2018And fresh horses too if we\u2019re gonna be looking into the night.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded,\u2019 Yes,\u2019 he said grimly. \u2018Adam and his crew should be back about now doing the same thing. We\u2019ll meet them at the house.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As he rode into the front yard, Ben found that Adam and his men had indeed arrived. \u2018Any luck?\u2019 he called, but his eldest son shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No nothing,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ve just come back to get fresh horses.\u00a0 We\u2019ve check just about everywhere north of here and I thought we\u2019d fan out to the east now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Hoss and I have checked the entire South Pasture,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018We\u2019ll take some more men and head west.\u2019\u00a0 He dismounted from his horse and led him over to the water trough.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam followed.\u00a0 \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t understand it.\u00a0 Joe knows The Ponderosa as well as anyone.\u00a0 This just wouldn\u2019t happen unless he was seriously hurt or something, and yet there\u2019s no sign of distress on Cochise.\u00a0 There\u2019s no blood or any signal that he\u2019s had a fall.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing to indicate that anything\u2019s wrong at all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him. \u2018Except that your brother isn\u2019t here,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think that\u2019s a strong enough signal don\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know what I mean,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Joe could have just fallen off or Cochise could have got away from him.\u00a0 He could be walking home at this very moment Pa.\u00a0 He mightn\u2019t be hurt at all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Thank you Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know what you\u2019re trying to say son, but until your brother is home again I have to think the worst I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 Hard as it might be to think it, he could be out there seriously hurt and while we\u2019re standing here talking about it we could be out there finding him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well at least get something to eat first,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018None of us will be fit to help Joe when we do find him if we don\u2019t eat.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018All right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get something quickly. \u2018Are you coming?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018I\u2019ve had something,\u2019 he said. \u2018While you\u2019re inside I\u2019ll get the lanterns ready.\u00a0 I have a feeling we\u2019re going to need them.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he glanced up at the sky.\u00a0 Dark was nearly upon them and it was certain that they would be out when night fell.\u00a0 He patted his son\u2019s shoulder again and disappeared into the house, motioning for Hoss to follow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched his father go, feeling his pain even as he stood there.\u00a0 With a sigh he turned towards the barn, stopping to pat Cochise on the way. \u2018It\u2019s OK boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe will be back soon.\u2019\u00a0 He noticed the horse seemed to be very agitated and he wondered why.\u00a0 Adam knew just how close his younger brother was to the animal and he wondered if Cochise sensed their concern about the boy.\u00a0 He shook his head at his own foolishness.\u00a0 What on earth was he thinking?\u00a0 A horse couldn\u2019t possibly know what was going on, and couldn\u2019t hope to sense such things.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Still, he had marvelled many times when he had observed his younger brother and his horse together.\u00a0 It was as if they really understood each other at times and had a communication between them that no one else could understand. It was a standing joke in the family. He patted the horse again and talked to it soothingly as he stood there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Cochise began to paw at the ground with his left hoof.\u00a0 \u2018Steady boy,\u2019 said Adam gently. \u2018It\u2019s alright.\u2019\u00a0 But the animal became even more agitated and was soon shifting around uneasily.\u00a0 Adam tried in vain to calm it down, and eventually undid the reins to lead it into the barn.\u00a0 \u2018Come on boy,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018I\u2019ll get you inside.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the horse reared away from him and he dropped the reins in surprise. Cochise took a few steps away towards the house and Adam followed. \u2018Come on boy,\u2019 he said, reaching out for the reins that were dangling just out of his reach. \u2018Steady now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Every time he reached out for the reins the horse took another step backwards, edging around the side of the house as he did so. \u2018Eventually Adam began to be irritated. \u2018For heaven\u2019s sake!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Come here!\u2019\u00a0 he lunged forward for the reins, but Cochise trotted away from him again.\u00a0 \u2018Well stay there then!\u2019 he said crossly and turned to move back towards the house. \u2018I haven\u2019t got time to waste with your nonsense!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As the words left his mouth however, he knew that he couldn\u2019t leave the horse there.\u00a0 The animal meant everything to his brother and Joe would never forgive him if he came home to find his prized possession hurt or lost.\u00a0 For his brother\u2019s sake he had to retrieve the animal.\u00a0 With a sigh he turned back again and followed the horse as it disappeared around the side of the house towards the creek.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

In the dimming light he watched as Cochise made his way towards the clump of trees that surrounded the area near the creek. \u2018Come back here!\u2019 he called, but the horse ignored him and kept going.\u00a0 Cursing under his breath he followed until the animal finally stopped and stood still near a large tree.\u00a0 \u2018Finally!\u2019 Adam muttered and walked forward to get a grip on the reins. \u2018Come here you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He pulled on the reins, but the horse refused to budge.\u00a0 Adam angrily tried again, but the animal stubbornly stood still.\u00a0 \u2018For heaven\u2019s sake!\u2019 Adam said angrily. \u2018What\u2019s gotten into you?\u2019 He peered into the dim light in front of him.\u00a0 He could have sworn he saw a movement in the undergrowth in front of him.\u00a0 Maybe it was just his eyes playing tricks in the dimming light, but he took a few steps forward to make sure and gasped as he saw the huddled form on the bank below him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam slithered down the slope towards the water heading for the limp form of his brother.\u00a0 As he reached him he took but a second to notice the pallor of his skin and the clenched jaw line that was an indication of the pain that he was in. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he cried. \u2018What are you doing down here boy?\u00a0 We\u2019ve been looking everywhere for you!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t respond verbally, but his hand came out to clutch hold of his brother\u2019s arm and Adam felt the desperation through his grip. He frowned as he wondered what was making his brother so upset. \u2018Come on Joe,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018Let\u2019s get you up from here and back to the house.\u2019 He reached over to pull his younger brother under the arms, but stopped as he heard him yell. \u2018What is it Joe?\u2019 he asked again, peering into the fading light to try and make out what was wrong with the boy. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath and the words came out in a whisper. \u2018My leg,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I can\u2019t\u2026.. it\u2019s stuck.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved around to try and see what was wrong with his leg.\u00a0 He could just make out in the fading light that it was at a strange angle, seemingly twisted and held by something. \u2018Hold on Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll get it free for you.\u2019\u00a0 He reached down into the water and grabbed hold of his brother\u2019s leg by the calf.\u00a0 Gently he tried to move it, but when it didn\u2019t budge he tried to tug on it.\u00a0 As Joe\u2019s sudden scream filled the air he immediately let go, realising that it was held fast and was in fact the source of his brother\u2019s pain.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019m sorry Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t realise it was \u2026. Don\u2019t worry boy,\u2019 he stroked his brother\u2019s forehead. \u2018We\u2019ll get you out.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He pulled his gun from his holster and let off three shots into the air \u2013 the Cartwright distress signal.\u00a0 As he replaced his gun he felt his brother\u2019s grip on him tightening and he held him by the shoulders and peered into his face. \u2018It\u2019ll be OK Joe.\u00a0 Pa and Hoss will be coming now and we\u2019ll get you out. Just hold on for a bit longer.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe gazed up into his brother\u2019s face which swam before his eyes.\u00a0 He was so immersed in the pain that his words only came through dimly and didn\u2019t register in his brain fully. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam help me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam stroked his brother\u2019s forehead, whispering comforting words to try and soothe him. \u2018It\u2019ll be all right now Joe. Help is on the way.\u00a0 Just hold on for a bit longer.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to search his brother\u2019s face. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Get it off me! Make it go away!\u2019 Adam frowned at him, wondering what he meant. Get what off him? Whatever was pinning his leg?\u00a0 Surely it couldn\u2019t be that painful?\u00a0 He wished he could see more clearly, but without a lantern he didn\u2019t really know what was underneath the water and he didn\u2019t dare try to feel in case of hurting his brother even more. He continued to try and soothe the boy, holding him in his arms tightly hoping that his touch would provide some comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

It seemed like ages that they remained this way, until a sound in the bushes above them alerted Adam to the fact that someone was around. \u2018Pa! Hoss!\u2019 he yelled urgently. \u2018Down here!\u2019 The sounds became louder and in the dim light he saw his father\u2019s face appear above him on the embankment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam? Is that you?\u2019 he called. \u2018\u2019We heard the shots.\u00a0 Do you have Joe down there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Pa, he\u2019s here with me!\u2019 Adam called back. \u2018His foot is trapped under something, but I can\u2019t see what it is to get him out. We need a lantern.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head disappeared. \u2018Hoss!\u2019 Adam heard him shout. \u2018Get back to the house and get some lanterns. We need some light down here!\u2019 He reappeared above them and Adam heard the scuffling sounds as he descended towards them. \u2018Over here!\u2019 he called to guide him to the spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben appeared next to him and gazed down at Joe lying in Adam\u2019s arms. \u2018Joe!\u2019 he cried. \u2018Joseph are you all right son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked up into his father\u2019s face. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said weakly. \u2018Pa is that you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben took his son into his arms. \u2018Yes Joe it\u2019s me,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018We\u2019re going to get you out of here now boy.\u00a0 Lie still so that we can help you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe had no choice but to lie still.\u00a0 The constant battle that he had waged with the pain had exhausted him to such an extent that he had very little energy left to give and every bit of it he needed to keep himself conscious.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced across at Adam.\u2019 He\u2019s been here all the time?\u2019 he said. It was more of a statement than a question. \u2018I can\u2019t believe that he\u2019s been so close to the house and we didn\u2019t find him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t reply.\u00a0 He was taking advantage of the fact that he didn\u2019t need to hold onto his brother any more to reach under the water and try to ascertain what was pinning his leg down. \u2018I can\u2019t feel anything,\u2019 he said, then as he felt his brother\u2019s body jerk, \u2018Sorry Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wait until Hoss brings the light,\u2019 instructed his father. \u2018You might do more damage if you try to feel around down there without it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam withdrew his hand. \u2018Something isn\u2019t right,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought at first he was caught under a tree root or a rock or something, but they wouldn\u2019t be causing him all this pain.\u2019 He indicated his brother\u2019s face. \u2018Look,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced down at his son in his arms.\u00a0 In the dim light he could make out the tightly closed eyes and the clenched jaw, but more than that he could feel the tenseness in the boy\u2019s body that spoke volumes. \u2018Well whatever it is we\u2019ll\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

His words were cut short as Hoss appeared above them, framed in the glow of a lantern. \u2018Down here!\u2019 Adam called. \u2018Straight down Hoss!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The sound of the large man slithering down the embankment towards them was soon upon them.\u00a0 Hoss took but a moment to appear safely beside them, a lantern in his hand and two more tied with a long coil of rope around his neck. \u2018I figured we might need rope,\u2019 he said as he lit the other two lanterns and handed one to Adam. \u2018Here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good boy,\u2019 said Ben gratefully. \u2018Try and see what\u2019s holding his leg.\u2019\u00a0 He kept hold of his son as his other two boys did their best to ascertain what was under the water. \u2018Here\u2019 said Adam finally. \u2018You hold onto the lanterns while I go under.\u2019\u00a0 He handed the lantern in his hand to his brother and took a deep breath before putting his head under the water.\u00a0 In the swirling blackness he felt down Joe\u2019s leg until he came to his ankle. He felt gently as best he could in the murky conditions and finally his hand came to rest upon what felt like metal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

After a moment his head bobbed up again above the surface. \u2018It seems to be a trap of some sort,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s metal anyway.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A trap?\u2019 said his father. \u2018How on earth would\u2026..\u2019 his voice trailed away as the realisation struck him. \u2018My God!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I thought all those would have been taken out years ago.\u00a0 There must be one left!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018One what?\u2019 said Adam as he struggled to regain his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018About ten years ago.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you remember? Those trappers who were fiddling around down here before I chased them off?\u00a0 They were using the open-jawed kind of trap that most of them used before the spring kind was developed. My God!\u00a0 If one of those was left behind!\u2019\u00a0 He clutched his son tightly as the thought struck him of just what was holding the boy\u2019s foot under the water. \u2018Get down there again Adam and see if you can get it free!\u2019 he said urgently. The trap must be hooked on something.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam took another deep breath and disappeared again.\u00a0 After a moment he came up for air again. \u2018It\u2019s impossible to tell Pa,\u2019 he said desperately. \u2018I just can\u2019t see anything and it\u2019s impossible to feel.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked anxiously around him. \u2018Get more men,\u2019 he said. \u2018We have to get a lot more light down here.\u00a0 It\u2019s the only way to see what we\u2019re fighting against. Also,\u2019 he added as Adam began to move. \u2018Rope,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018Plenty of it, and some axes, crowbars, whatever else you can find. Hurry!\u2019 Adam began to move up the embankment, but stopped as he heard his father\u2019s voice. \u2018Wait!\u2019 Ben cried. \u2018Hoss, you go.\u00a0 We\u2019ll need your strength.\u00a0 Adam, you ride for the doctor.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to need him when we do get Joe\u2019s foot out.\u2019\u00a0 Adam nodded, seeing the sense in his father\u2019s instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018Pa? Don\u2019t you need one of us here to\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I need to both to do as I say,\u2019 said Ben, the strain sounding in his voice. \u2018Go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and both of them disappeared over the top of the embankment. Ben cradled Joe in his arms, feeling the cold wind bite into him as he sat there.\u00a0\u00a0 His legs in the water were beginning to turn numb with the cold, and he could only begin to imagine how his son must be feeling half immersed as he was in the cold water.\u00a0 He shuddered to think how long Joe had been here for, so close to the house and probably calling for help while he had the strength, but getting no reply from any of them.\u00a0 The pain must have been unbearable for the boy, yet he wasn\u2019t reacting to it much at all which showed Ben just how exhausted he must be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe shifted slightly in his father\u2019s arms and opened his eyes. \u2018Pa? \u2018 he said again. \u2018Pa, is that you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben held his son tightly. \u2018Yes Joe it\u2019s me,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018I\u2019m here now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe searched his father\u2019s face intently through the painful haze that had a grip on his mind. \u2018Pa? Make it go away,\u2019 he said. \u2018Help me Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

A shudder went through Ben\u2019s body.\u00a0 His child was pleading for him to help him, yet he didn\u2019t know how.\u00a0 All he could do was to hold him tightly and give him the promise of help to come. \u2018Hold on Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll get you free soon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe clutched hold of his father\u2019s arm. \u2018I can\u2019t\u2026. I can\u2019t stand it Pa,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018Please make it go away!\u2019 Ben continued to hold him, bending his head to place it on top of his son\u2019s. \u2018I called for you Pa,\u2019 continued Joe. \u2018I called for you, but you didn\u2019t come!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m here now Joe,\u2019 said his father. \u2018I\u2019m here now and you\u2019ll be free soon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Now Pa!\u2019 insisted Joe. \u2018Please get it off me now!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes and tried to block the sound of his son\u2019s futile pleas. It was killing him inside to listen to the boy\u2019s words when he was helpless to do anything for him until the others arrived. He felt Joe\u2019s body begin to shake and opened his eyes again to see the tears rolling down his son\u2019s face. \u2018Don\u2019t cry boy,\u2019 he said helplessly. \u2018Just hold on.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe sobbed in his father\u2019s arms as the realisation hit him that the man wasn\u2019t able to free him from the source of the pain that was wearing him down. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018Please Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

For a few moments they sat like this, Ben rocking the boy in his arms as he tried desperately to bring him some comfort. He would have given anything to take the pain away from him and didn\u2019t know how to convey that to him. He stared into the darkness that had now enveloped them and rocked his son in his arms as he listened to his sobs helplessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

After what seemed like an eternity, there came the welcome sounds of activity above them and Ben looked up to see Hoss once again appear. \u2018I\u2019m coming Pa,\u2019 he called. \u2018I\u2019ve got some of the men with me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked anxiously up as the area was suddenly lit up by the lights of several lanterns and numerous men appeared as if from nowhere. He bent his head again onto that of his son\u2019s and whispered. \u2018They\u2019re here now Joseph. We\u2019re nearly there now son.\u2019 Joe continued to sob, oblivious to his father\u2019s words. All of his energy was concentrated on overcoming the pain that was so much a part of him now.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss took control as soon as he arrived again beside his father. \u2018Get the lights over here,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018Now, I want as many of you as possible to get in close with those lanterns while I reach for the trap. Ben shielded his face from the bright light as a multitude of lanterns lit up the area around them. He watched as Hoss bent down under the water and felt around, holding onto Joe tightly as he felt the boy\u2019s body tense up again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can feel it Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018I think it\u2019s pinned under a tree root or something.\u2019 He called to one of the men. \u2018Hand me that rope.\u2019\u00a0 With swift movements he bent down again and fumbled for what he needed to find. \u2018I\u2019m gonna havta go under ,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hold those lights close.\u2019 He disappeared under the water, but was soon up again. \u2018I can\u2019t do it alone,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Charlie pushed forward. \u2018I\u2019ll come down with you,\u2019 he said, handing his lantern to one of the others. Ben watched as the two of them disappeared. After a moment they reappeared, struggling for breath. \u2018It\u2019s tied on now,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s gonna need all of us to shift that root though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The men immediately put down their lanterns and reached for the rope. As Hoss counted them in, it stretched tautly and Ben felt the ground around them shift slightly as the stubborn tree root which had gripped into the land for so many years was wrenched free. \u2018Again,\u2019 shouted Hoss as he strained his hardest. The rope stretched even tighter and Ben heard the sound of the old tree beside him groaning with protest as it was disturbed. \u2018Stop,\u2019 said Hoss and disappeared again under the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt Joe stiffen in his arms and cry out in pain. He held on to him even tighter as Hoss re-emerged and shouted. \u2018I\u2019ve got it!\u2019\u00a0 He reached down and gently moved Joe\u2019s leg and Ben pulled the boy towards him as he felt it give way.\u00a0 Joe let out a long sigh and collapsed back into his father\u2019s arms, content to allow him to bear his weight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pull him out of the water!\u2019 yelled Hoss and Ben felt many hands around them as Joe was lifted out of his arms and laid on the bank. He picked up a lantern and held it close to his son\u2019s leg, drawing in his breath as he saw the trap that was tightly clamped around his ankle.\u00a0 \u2018Get him up!\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018We have to get him back to the house quickly.\u2019\u00a0 He reached forward to grab hold of his son, but Hoss was there before him and with the help of several of the men had his brother up the embankment in a few moments.\u00a0 He picked him up as if he a tiny child and headed towards the house with him, followed by Ben holding a lantern above his head to light the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Put him on the bed,\u2019 said Ben as they entered the room. \u2018Gently now.\u2019 Hoss placed his brother on the bed and turned to his father. \u2018Go and thank the men,\u2019 said Ben, his eyes not leaving his youngest son for a moment. \u2018Then get back here with something\u2026.. anything\u2026\u2026.. to get that off.\u2019 He pointed to the metal surrounding Joe\u2019s leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned quickly and left the room. Ben sat down next to Joe and began to wet a cloth and apply it to his son\u2019s face. \u2018Easy now son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re home now.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get you better in no time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked up into his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 His words meant nothing to him as the pain overcame all else.\u00a0 All he knew was that it was still with him and he needed it gone. \u2018Pa,\u2019 he said weakly and then closed his eyes again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mr Cartlight?\u2019 said a voice behind Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Hop Sing?\u2019 said Ben without turning.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Mr Adam go for doctor?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 Ben replied softly. \u2018We\u2019re going to need bandages and hot water.\u2019 He heard the soft sound of the oriental man\u2019s slippers as he left the room quickly and all was still again except for Joe\u2019s ragged breathing which filled the air. Ben continued to sponge his son\u2019s face as he waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Hoss entered the room in a burst of activity. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said urgently. \u2018This should do it.\u2019\u00a0 Ben glanced down at the tools in his hands and nodded as he drew back to allow Hoss the space to get to his brother\u2019s foot.\u00a0 Ben held onto Joe\u2019s arms and bent over him while his brother worked. He heard the scrape of metal against metal and felt Joe jerk as Hoss\u2019 movements increased.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly Ben heard Hoss swear and Joe screamed aloud and tried to push himself out of his father\u2019s arms. Ben glanced back towards Hoss and saw the blood covering his hands. \u2018It\u2019s old and stiff Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I thought I had it then but it slipped back.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben clenched his jaw. \u2018Just try again,\u2019 he said tightly and turned back towards his weeping son to comfort him. Once again he heard metal scraping against metal and closed his eyes and prayed as he had never prayed before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s body tensed in his arms and finally he heard an exclamation for Hoss. \u2018Got it Pa!\u2019 he cried.\u00a0 Ben glanced back again to see his son carefully prying the now open trap from his brother\u2019s foot.\u00a0 Joe shuddered and went limp in his father\u2019s arms with relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good boy Hoss,\u2019 said Ben, the relief evident in his voice. \u2018Well done.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at the rusty trap in his hand as if he wanted to throw it through the window.\u00a0 Instead he threw it onto the floor at the foot of the bed distastefully. \u2018It\u2019s old and rusty all right Pa,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Looks as though it has been there for years.\u00a0 You\u2019re probably right about them trappers.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, his blood running cold as he thought about what \u2018old and rusty\u2019 might mean and how it could be serious for his son.\u00a0 The thought of what that rust could be doing in his son\u2019s bloodstream right at this moment sent shivers down his spine. \u2018We need to get that boot off,\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you bring a knife?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded and picked one up. \u2018I\u2019ll do it,\u2019 he said. Ben looked at the top of his son\u2019s head as he worked.\u00a0 He knew that the best thing for Hoss right now was to keep busy and doing for his brother like this was the best remedy for his anxiety that Ben could imagine for him.\u00a0 Within moments he had cut through the boot and he and his father gently eased it and the sock off Joe\u2019s foot.\u00a0 Ben drew his breath in sharply as he saw the extent of his son\u2019s injury.\u00a0 His ankle bore several puncture marks from the teeth of the trap, but more than that Ben could see dark purple and black that led up from them which indicated the internal bruising that had taken place.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As the sock came free the released blood began to flow freely and Ben reached for a cloth to stem the flow. As he wiped the foot clean more blood appeared and he finally bound his son\u2019s foot tightly to try and stop it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shouldn\u2019t we wash it?\u2019 said Hoss anxiously. \u2018It needs cleaning what with all that rust and all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up to meet his son\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 They both realised the danger was not so much in what they could see of the wound, but more what was hidden beneath the surface. \u2018We have to stop the blood flow first,\u2019 he said grimly.\u00a0 \u2018Then we\u2019ll worry about cleaning it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But it might be infected,\u2019 said Hoss as he gazed at Joe\u2019s face. \u2018There was a lot of rust on it Pa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but held onto the cloth tightly, trying to stem the flow of bleeding. After a few moments he noticed the cloth beginning to turn red and realised that he hadn\u2019t been successful. \u2018We need to elevate it, \u2018he said. \u2018Bring in some pillows.\u00a0 Get as many as you can.\u2019 As Hoss left the room Ben glanced at Joe\u2019s face.\u00a0 The boy was extremely pale, but at least he seemed to be breathing a bit easier now that the trap was not attached to his foot any more. His eyes were closed and he could have been asleep, except for the fact that his jaw was clenched tight and his knuckles showed white where his hands gripped the sides of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room with a bowl of steaming water in his hands and towels tucked under his arms. He placed the bowl on the table next to the bed and handed Ben a towel without a word.\u00a0 Ben took it gratefully and used it to wrap around his son\u2019s ankle, holding it as tightly as he could.\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the bruised and bleeding ankle, but he said not a word.\u00a0 Instead he turned and left the room and returned a few moments later with some powder which he mixed into the water and then soaked one of the towels in it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss watched him silently, knowing full well that the oriental man\u2019s knowledge of healing herbs was being put to use.\u00a0 Ben had no idea what it was that the man was using, but he had utter faith that whatever it was would be useful to his son.\u00a0 Time and time again over the years Hop Sing\u2019s knowledge had proved to be useful when one of the boys needed healing, and Ben had no doubt that this time would prove to be no different.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He took the towel as it was handed to him and replaced it for the one that he had already been holding.\u00a0 \u2018Will help stop bleeding,\u2019 Hop Sing volunteered. \u2018Clot blood quickly.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said simply. He wondered how many times he and Hop Sing had sat next to one of the boys anxiously as they recuperated from one illness or another.\u00a0 More times than he could count, of that he was sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly and shook his head on the pillow. \u2018Take it off,\u2019 he murmured softly. \u2018Take it off please Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a soothing noise with his tongue. \u2018It\u2019s off now Joe.\u00a0 Lie still now son.\u2019 Joe continued to mumble to himself.\u00a0 Ben looked up at Hoss. \u2018Did Adam leave for the doctor?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018Yeah Pa.\u00a0 But he won\u2019t get here for a couple of hours you know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at the pale face of his son.\u00a0 He did know.\u00a0 He also knew that those couple of hours could be vital to his boy\u2019s survival.\u00a0 The wound had to be cleaned as soon as possible and he didn\u2019t want to delay it any longer, but the flow of blood just made it impossible to get to it.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and said a quiet prayer that Hop Sing\u2019s herbs would work.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Half an hour later it seemed as if Ben\u2019s prayers had been answered.\u00a0 The blood flow had considerably lessened to the extent that it seemed to have nearly stopped altogether.\u00a0 Ben felt confident enough to remove the towel to observe the wound and was pleased to see that the blood was clotting around it.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll try cleaning it now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hoss could you get the alcohol please?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss disappeared immediately and Ben was left with Hop Sing for a few moments.\u00a0 The two men\u2019s eyes met in mutual understanding, but not a word was spoken.\u00a0 By the time Hoss had returned however, Hop Sing had positioned himself by Joe\u2019s head and motioned for Hoss to stand near the foot of the bed. \u2018Hold onto him,\u2019 instructed Ben and Hoss sat down and pinned his brother\u2019s slim form down to the mattress by laying himself on top of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing held Joe\u2019s head in his hands and stared into his eyes. Both men waited for the inevitable jerk that came as Ben poured the alcohol onto the wound and when it did come they tightened their grip on the boy. Joe screamed aloud as the burning sensation invaded his whole body and he tried to jerk himself free of Hoss\u2019 arms.\u00a0 Hop Sing continued to gaze into his eyes and began to speak softly to him in Chinese.\u00a0 After the initial shock had left him, Joe looked up into the man\u2019s eyes and fixed his gaze on him, trying to get his breath back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing continued to speak in Chinese, his words soothing and low.\u00a0 Joe looked back at him and continued to breathe deeply, biting his lip as he tried to stop the screams that were beyond his control.\u00a0 Gradually he quietened down and by the time his father\u2019s face appeared in front of him he was silent.\u00a0 Hop Sing still sat in the same position chanting the words over and over again to the frightened boy on the bed.\u00a0 Ben watched in amazement as Joe nodded slightly and answered in the same language.\u00a0 He had known that his son understood a few Chinese words.\u00a0 He had spent many hours in the cook\u2019s company when he was a child and was bound to learn a few.\u00a0 But he had no idea the extent of his knowledge.\u00a0 It seemed that he was following what Hop Sing was saying and had the vocabulary to answer him. Ben stored the information away for a later time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As he bent over his son the boy\u2019s eyes left Hop Sing\u2019s and moved over to gaze at his father. \u2018That\u2019s the worst over now Joseph,\u2019 said Ben softly.\u00a0 The wound should be a lot cleaner now son and you can try and get some sleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Sleep?\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>thought Joe. \u00a0He has no idea how much this hurts if he thinks I can sleep now!\u00a0<\/em>The sharp pain had gone now that the trap was off his foot, but it had been replaced by a constant throbbing and the after effects of the alcohol were still burning into his skin.\u00a0 But he simply closed his eyes without argument and tried to give the impression that he felt better.\u00a0 One look at his father\u2019s face had convinced him that he needed to think that the pain was easier now.\u00a0 Joe tried to give the impression that it was, and he lay as still as possible while listening intently for the sound of the doctor in the front yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Doctor Paul Martin entered the bedroom with Adam close on his heels. Ben looked up from his chair, the relief evident on his face. \u2018Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018Did Adam fill you in on what happened?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The doctor nodded as he set his bag down on the bed.\u00a0 Even that slight movement caused the boy on the bed to wince, he noticed and wasted no time in undoing the towel that was wrapped around his ankle.\u00a0 He frowned as he looked at the foot which was darkening with bruising.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How long was the trap on his foot?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We don\u2019t know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Some hours at least.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Show it to me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached down and picked it up from the foot of the bed where he had thrown it.\u00a0 He held it distastefully in front of him.\u00a0 The doctor fingered it for a moment and then looked at Ben. \u2018Rusty,\u2019 he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s blood ran cold. \u2018Meaning?\u2019 he asked hesitantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You know as well as I do Ben,\u2019 said Paul, avoiding his friend\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u2018It could mean blood poisoning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

There was silence in the room.\u00a0 Paul sat on the bed and looked at Joe carefully. \u2018I\u2019m going to give you something for the pain Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019ll make you drowsy and you\u2019ll probably feel like falling asleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded.\u00a0 He was willing to swallow anything at this point if it made the pain go away.\u00a0 It had been with him for so long now that he tried to remember without success what it would be like without it.\u00a0 Eagerly he swallowed the bitter tasting liquid as the doctor held a glass to his lips, and lay back on the pillow waiting for it to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The five men around the bed sat and watched him as his eyelids gradually closed and Ben noted with satisfaction the clenched jaw loosen as his son slipped into unconsciousness. He reached over and brushed the curls from his son\u2019s brow, before looking at the doctor again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul was bent over Joe\u2019s ankle, peering at it intently as he disinfected and dressed the wound. Ben watched him with a worried expression on his face, afraid to ask his opinion on Joe\u2019s injury.\u00a0 Finally, the doctor stood up and began to pack away his equipment.\u00a0 Ben could stand the suspense no longer. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s hard to tell at this stage,\u2019 said Paul.\u00a0 \u2018We\u2019ll just have to wait and see if he develops a fever.\u00a0 Keep alert for any breathing difficulties as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So we just assume that he\u2019ll be all right then?\u00a0 We don\u2019t do anything except clean the wound at this stage?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked his friend in the eye for the first time. \u2018No, we don\u2019t just leave it at that Ben.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave you with some painkillers for him.\u00a0 By tomorrow he should begin to feel a lot easier.\u00a0 Have him drink plenty as well, and I\u2019ll show you how to make a poultice with diluted boric acid to hopefully keep the wound from festering.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hopefully?\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 We all know the danger here is blood poisoning.\u00a0 The key to avoiding that is to keep the wound as clean as possible, but the rust from the trap may have already done its damage.\u00a0 If it has, then it\u2019s likely that the wound will become infected.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And then?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul picked up his bag and avoided answering. \u2018We\u2019ll worry about that if and when it happens,\u2019 he said evasively.\u00a0 \u2018We might never have to.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence in the room.\u00a0 Each man knew without saying it just what blood poisoning could mean and none of them were willing to voice their fears.\u00a0 Paul patted Ben on the shoulder. \u2018Just do for him what you can Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s a young strong boy and his body has the capabilities of overcoming an infection if it does happen.\u00a0 Now, if you come downstairs with me I\u2019ll show you how to mix up that poultice.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the side of his brother\u2019s bed as his father and the doctor left the room.\u00a0 Hoss picked up the trap and looked at it.\u00a0 \u2018Strange how something so simple can be such a danger ain\u2019t it?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he looked at his youngest brother on the bed in front of him. \u2018You should have seen him when I found him Hoss.\u00a0 I thought he was dead for a few minutes. He must have been in terrible agony lying there with that thing around his ankle all that time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss grimaced at the thought of it.\u00a0 \u2018Well he ain\u2019t in pain now at least,\u2019 he said. \u2018Looks like that pain killer has worked.\u2019\u00a0 They both looked at Joe\u2019s face so pale and still on the pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam as he stood up and stretched. \u2018Let\u2019s hope it continues to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben yawned and rubbed his eyes as he looked out of the window at the sight before him.\u00a0 It never ceased to amaze him just how beautiful this land was and how he never got tired of looking at it.\u00a0 The sun was just tipping the top of the hill in the distance and sending it\u2019s rosy light over the tops of the pines to herald the beginning of another glorious day and he could hear the birds chattering in the tops of the pines a short distance from where he stood. He breathed the smell of the pines and said a silent prayer of thanks that his youngest son had the chance of seeing this day after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

There had been moments the evening before when he had doubted that Joseph would ever see another dawn.\u00a0 The look on the boy\u2019s face when they had found him in the creek had stopped Ben\u2019s heart momentarily and it was only the sheer force of his will to help his son that had kept him from crying out in despair.\u00a0 He turned and looked at his son on the bed across the other side of the room and smiled to see the expression on his face.\u00a0 Joe had always been a heavy sleeper and the effect of the drugs that the doctor had given him had only caused him to be more so last night.\u00a0 If it weren\u2019t for the heavily bandaged foot poking out from under the covers Ben could have sworn that his youngest son didn\u2019t have a care in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe moved slightly under the covers and his father moved straight to his side.\u00a0 The night had been a long one and even though Adam and Hoss had tried to get him to go to bed for a while he found that he couldn\u2019t leave his youngest son\u2019s side.\u00a0 Even so, he was glad that the dawn had come and there seemed to be no change in Joseph\u2019s condition.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s body ached for sleep and he felt that at least now he could give in to it and leave Joe in the care of his brothers and Hop Sing for a while.\u00a0 He felt his son\u2019s forehead for any sign of fever and happily found none.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and looked up at his father. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said sleepily. \u2018Am I late for breakfast?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed.\u00a0 \u2018No you\u2019re not late,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think you can have breakfast in bed this morning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe scrunched up his face, trying to remember why his father would say such a thing. \u2018Oh yeah!\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018I forgot about my foot I guess.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced down at the bandages tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How does it feel?\u2019 asked his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not too bad,\u2019 replied Joe. \u2018It doesn\u2019t hurt as much as last night anyways.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Good.\u00a0 Even so, I think you should take some more of that painkiller that Doctor Martin left for you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t need to,\u2019 he said, watching his father mix some of the powder in a glass of water. Ben took no notice of him and held the glass to his lips, forcing him to drink it down. Joe glared at his father as he finished. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said petulantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Of course you are,\u2019 he said soothingly. \u2018I\u2019m just making sure.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

They both turned their heads as a noise in the doorway heralded Hop Sing coming into the room.\u00a0 \u2018Little Joe looking better,\u2019 he said smiling. \u2018Mr Ben go sleep now while Hop Sing bandage ankle.\u2019 Ben noticed the towels and basin that the man was carrying and remembered last night how he had insisted on watching and listening to Paul\u2019s instructions as he showed Ben how to make up the poultice for Joe\u2019s ankle. \u2018Breakfast downstairs,\u2019 Hop Sing continued as he shooed Ben out of the room. \u2018Go eat, then sleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled to himself as he heard his son\u2019s protest from the bedroom as he made his way downstairs. \u2018What are you gonna do with that?\u00a0 Phew!\u00a0 It smells terrible.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t gonna put that on my foot are you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Little Joe lie still!\u2019 came Hop Sing\u2019s voice. \u2018Do as told!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed openly as he descended the stairs, his heart light even though his body ached with exhaustion. It seemed as if his youngest son was on the mend after all.\u00a0 \u2018Morning boys,\u2019 he said as he seated himself at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Morning Pa,\u2019 they chorused.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How\u2019s Joe?\u2019 asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He seems to be a lot better,\u2019 said Ben as he helped himself to some eggs. \u2018He\u2019s up there fighting with Hop Sing about that poultice, so that\u2019s a good sign.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Did you get any sleep at all\u2019 asked Adam, studying his father\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 I wanted to stay with Joe in case,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll get some after I\u2019ve eaten if you two don\u2019t mind looking in on him for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course we don\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018How is his foot?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not hurting as much,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Although we need to keep an eye on it for a while yet.\u00a0 You heard what Paul said.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll be fine Pa.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry about him,\u2019 said Hoss.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s a tough kid.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and tried to smile. \u2018Yes I know he is,\u2019 he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

A while later as he lay on his bed and waited for sleep to overtake him, he prayed that Hoss was right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his eyes and blinked for a moment, trying to focus on where he was.\u00a0 He looked around his room and noticed that the curtains had been pulled closed and the door was shut.\u00a0 He sat up and rubbed his eyes wondering what time it was, then stood and stretched before walking over to the window. Glancing at his pocket watch on the bureau he noted that it was close to midday and realised that he had slept the morning away.\u00a0 Splashing his face with cold water from the basin that stood on the table near the window, he quickly dried his face and headed for the doorway, anxious to know how Joe was getting on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened the door to his bedroom and walked the length of the hall.\u00a0 As he entered Joe\u2019s room he noticed Adam sitting on a chair next to his younger brother\u2019s bed.\u00a0 Joe had his eyes closed and seemed to be asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How is he?\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at him, startled. \u2018Oh Pa.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t hear you come in,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How is he?\u2019 Ben repeated, his eyes on his youngest son. \u2018Now that he saw him close up, it was with some alarm that he noted the flushed face and shallow breathing of the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s got a bit of a fever developing,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019m sure it\u2019s nothing to worry about though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and noticed that even that slight movement caused Joe to grimace in his sleep.\u00a0 \u2018Have you given him more of the painkillers?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018About an hour ago.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached down and undid the bandage that encircled Joe\u2019s foot.\u00a0 He frowned as he looked at the darkening bruise and the ugly red puncture marks. \u2018It doesn\u2019t look too good,\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Maybe we should put another poultice on it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hop Sing did a short while ago,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019s been up here a few times to check on Joe.\u2019 He turned his head as the sound of riders in the yard below reached his ears, then stood and walked to the window. \u2018It\u2019s Paul Martin,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018Hoss is bringing him up.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 He had known that the doctor would be back without having to send for him.\u00a0 Paul was a true professional and always followed through with all his patients.\u00a0 While he waited for him to appear he wiped a cold cloth over Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Moments later Paul and Hoss entered the room. \u2018How is he?\u2019 Paul echoed Ben\u2019s earlier words and listened as Adam repeated to him what he had told his father. The doctor bent down and examined Joe\u2019s foot, then put his hand on the boy\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 As Ben watched, Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered opened and he stared up at them both.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello there young man,\u2019 Ben said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him for a moment, still half asleep.\u00a0 After a moment he said. \u2018Hi Pa.\u2019 His eyes turned to the doctor who was still standing by the side of the bed and he frowned, obviously not happy to see him.\u00a0 He looked back at his father accusingly. \u2018I told you before I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll be the judge of that,\u2019 interrupted Paul before Ben could speak. \u2018Does your foot hurt?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to frown at him silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The doctor asked you a question Joseph,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Answer him please.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not much,\u2019 said Joe finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul raised his eyebrows, obviously not sure whether to believe him or not. He took off the bandage and Joe squirmed with the movement. \u2018So it does hurt,\u2019 the doctor said. Joe didn\u2019t say anything. \u00a0Ben knew from experience that his youngest son hated to be sick and would prefer to be non-committal rather than alert them to the fact that there was something wrong. He sensed that his son wasn\u2019t feeling too well and was trying to hide the fact from them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph answer the doctor properly please,\u2019 he said. \u2018If your foot hurts then tell him so.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders and didn\u2019t answer.\u00a0 Paul sat down on the edge of the bed and said in a matter-of-fact tone, \u2018There is a danger of infection setting in with a wound like that Joe. I need you to be honest with me if I\u2019m going to help you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at him, then answered, \u2018I told you it hurts a bit.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d say it hurts a lot more than a bit,\u2019 said Paul sternly. He fingered the area lightly and Joe moved his foot away from the touch. \u2018Don\u2019t!\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked across the bed at Ben, then picked up Joe\u2019s wrist and held it between his thumb and forefinger as he looked at his watch.\u00a0 Joe lay still, looking at the ceiling.\u00a0 After a few moments Paul put his wrist down. \u2018It\u2019s a bit more rapid than I\u2019d like,\u2019 he said. \u2018We need to keep an eye on it.\u2019 He took a bottle out of his bag and began to douse a cloth with it while he looked meaningfully at Ben.\u00a0 Ben caught on immediately and moved around to the other side of the bed and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just going to disinfect your wound again,\u2019 said Paul.\u00a0 \u2018Last time I did this you were unconscious, so you need to know it\u2019s going to hurt.\u00a0 Are you ready?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe stared at him for a moment, then nodded.\u00a0 Ben reached down and held him by the shoulders, ready for the moment when his son would need his strength.\u00a0 Joe looked into his father\u2019s face and began to speak. \u2018You can let go of me Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be\u2026\u2026\u2019\u00a0 His words were cut off by a sharp intake of breath and he grimaced in pain.\u00a0 As Ben continued to hold onto him, he closed his eyes and a small groan escaped from his lips.\u00a0 After a few moments he opened them again and said ruefully. \u2018Guess it did hurt a bit.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben stroked his forehead and smiled at him. \u2018It\u2019s over now,\u2019 he said simply and let go of his shoulders. He turned towards Paul. \u2018How does it look?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul was busy bandaging Joe\u2019s foot up again. \u2018Well his temperature is up and his pulse is a bit rapid.\u00a0 Both those things point to the beginnings of an infection.\u00a0 Given the nature of the wound that\u2019s not surprising though.\u2019\u00a0 He looked up at Joe. \u2018And if this young man bothers to tell me the truth about how he\u2019s feeling we\u2019ll be able to monitor his progress a lot more successfully.\u00a0 Understood?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u2018Understood,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul sat down on the bed. \u2018I mean it,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is nothing to play around with Joe. That trap was old and rusty and it\u2019s quite likely that an infection could be a bad one if it does develop.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated for a moment before he continued. \u2018There is even the possibility of blood poisoning if we\u2019re not careful.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at the doctor anxiously. \u2018What\u2019s that mean?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it could be serious,\u2019 Paul replied. \u2018That\u2019s why you have to do as you\u2019re told and co-operate.\u2019 Joe nodded and Paul patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now I want you to keep that foot elevated and sleep as much as you can.\u00a0 Also drink plenty of water to flush any infection through your body.\u2019 He stood to leave. \u2018Ben, I\u2019ll be back again tomorrow.\u00a0 In the meantime keep those poultices on it and don\u2019t hesitate to send for me if his fever gets any worse.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018I will,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now you get some rest,\u2019 he said to his son. \u2018When I come back up here I want you to be asleep young man.\u2019 Joe closed his eyes obediently, but opened them again as soon as he heard the door close quietly behind the two men.\u00a0 He lay still, trying unsuccessfully to will the throbbing in his foot away. He wondered what the doctor had meant by blood poisoning.\u00a0 He realised that he hadn\u2019t given him a direct answer to his question and he was concerned as to what that might mean. He closed his eyes again and tried to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe woke up some hours later and the first thing he was aware of was the throbbing in his foot which seemed to be worse than before.\u00a0 He glanced around the room and noticed that he was alone. He shifted slightly in the bed and bit his lip as he felt pain travel up his leg. He tried to sit up and pull the cover away from his foot, but the movement caused him to cry out softly in pain and he lay back down again.\u00a0 Looking to his side he noticed the jug of water that was always there and became aware of his thirst.\u00a0 He longed for a drink of water, but didn\u2019t want to sit up again and risk the pain coming back. Instead he lay there waiting for someone to come into his room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt hot and bothered and the pain in his leg seemed to be getting worse.\u00a0 He wiped the sweat from his brow and looked up again at the basin and jug on the bedside table. He gave in and tried to sit up again, immediately aware of the pain coming back.\u00a0 In spite of himself he moaned aloud as he reached for the jug and bit his lip to stop himself from crying more.\u00a0 As he reached for the jug the pain overtook him and he only succeeded in knocking it to the floor with a resounding crash.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Within moments the door was flung open and his father entered the room with an anxious expression on his face.\u00a0 \u2018Joe!\u2019 he cried. \u2018Are you all right?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe was leaning on his elbow, his face turned towards the side of the bed. He took a moment to recover his breath and in that moment his father made it across the floor to his side. \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said again anxiously. \u2018Son, what are you trying to do?\u2019 He eased Joe back onto the pillow as he spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I was just trying to get a drink of water,\u2019 Joe answered. \u2018I couldn\u2019t reach it without moving and when I did my leg started to hurt.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben poured him and glass of water and Joe drank it thirstily. \u2018Thanks Pa,\u2019 he said gratefully. \u2018Sorry about the jug.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Forget the jug,\u2019 said Ben. He felt his son\u2019s forehead and frowned. \u2018Your fever seems to be worse.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe lay back on the pillow and closed his eyes. He smiled as he felt a cool cloth on his forehead. \u2018That feels good,\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to sponge his son\u2019s forehead, face and neck, noting his flushed look as he did so. He heard a sound behind him and turned slightly to see Hoss entering the room. \u2018Is Little Joe OK Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018I heard a noise.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe just knocked the jug over,\u2019 explained his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked down at his brother. \u2018His fever is worse huh?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Do ya want me ta get the Doc Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll take a look at his foot first.\u2019\u00a0 He carefully undid the bandage around his son\u2019s ankle, taking care not to move his foot any more than was necessary.\u00a0 Joe continued to lie with his eyes closed.\u00a0 As Ben undid the wrapping his eyes widened at the sight before his eyes.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s ankle was quite a good deal swollen than before and the bruise had darkened until it was black.\u00a0 There were red streaks coming from the puncture marks around his ankle and they extended half way up his calf. \u2018Get the doctor,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018Get him now Hoss.\u2019\u00a0 Hoss turned without a word and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018His fever is much worse,\u2019 said Ben in an anxious voice. \u2018But this is what\u2019s really got me worried.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled back the covers and undid the bandage again to reveal the swollen and red foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul sucked in his breath as he viewed Joe\u2019s foot. \u2018That\u2019s what I\u2019ve been afraid of,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018He has a bad infection.\u00a0 It could be blood poisoning.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben went cold at the thought of what that could mean. \u2018Paul?\u2019 he said hesitantly. \u2018What can you do for him?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Before the doctor could answer there was a movement from the bed as Joe stirred. Ben\u2019s hand instinctively went out to his son and he patted him on the arm. Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m here Joseph,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018What is it son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018My foot hurts,\u2019 said Joe and closed his eyes again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him once more. \u2018I know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018The doctor\u2019s here to help you.\u2019 He looked up at Paul. \u2018Well?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul hesitated. \u2018Ben I don\u2019t quite know how else to say this to say to you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now the blood is infected it could mean the loss of his foot.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben jerked. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018You can\u2019t be serious!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018There may not be any choice,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018You can see for yourself how bad it looks.\u00a0 It\u2019s probably better to not take any chances and risk this spreading any further.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him. \u2018You mean to \u2026.\u2019 He lowered his voice so that the boy on the bed wouldn\u2019t hear him. \u2018You want to amputate?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked at his friend sadly. \u2018Ben I know how hard this must be for you, but the truth is that this infection will probably only get worse.\u00a0 If we give it time to spread further it could mean the loss of his whole leg.\u00a0 At this stage we\u2019d only be looking to remove the foot just at the ankle.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and walked towards the window. After a few moments he turned. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t just give up and let you do something like that.\u2019 He looked at his son on the bed. \u2018He\u2019s only a boy and he\u2019s got his whole life ahead of him.\u00a0 I can\u2019t agree to\u2026\u2026 no.\u2019 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u2018What else can we try first?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul didn\u2019t answer for a moment.\u00a0 Finally he said. \u2018We can keep trying the poultices,\u2019 he said. \u2018But frankly Ben, if they haven\u2019t helped by now then\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

What else?\u2019 said Ben. Paul put his hands up in a futile gesture. \u2018I\u2019m not sure that there\u2019s anything else other than removal of the source of the infection,\u2019 he said. \u2018Surely you see that it\u2019s better to act now rather than risk the loss of his whole leg later?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Ben shook his head. \u2018I can\u2019t believe that it will come to that,\u2019 he said stubbornly. \u2018You said yourself that he could overcome the infection.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That was before,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018It\u2019s a lot worse now.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence in the room as he waited for Ben to reply.\u00a0 When he didn\u2019t the doctor said. \u2018I\u2019ll give you time to think about it.\u2019 He turned to walk towards the door. \u2018I\u2019ll be downstairs\u2019 he added before leaving the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down beside Joe on the bed and stared at his son.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t believe what he had heard.\u00a0 A part of him understood the logic behind Paul\u2019s argument, but the greater part of him rejected any such thoughts.\u00a0 How could he agree to this?\u00a0 How could he say that it was all right for a part of his boy to be cut away?\u00a0 He shuddered at the very thought of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe stirred again and moaned in his sleep.\u00a0 Ben continued to look at his son and thought about how young he looked lying there.\u00a0 His son\u2019s future was in his hands and the thought of the decisions that he had to make weighed upon him heavily.\u00a0 Ben put his face in his hands and wept.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked up from the fire that he had been staring into for the past half hour and watched his friend descend the stairs slowly.\u00a0 Ben sat down next to him on the settee without a word and for a few moments they both stared into the fire in front of them. \u2018You don\u2019t see any alternative do you?\u2019 said Ben finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think it\u2019s the best thing to do,\u2019 said Paul. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Ben.\u2019 Ben nodded and continued to stare into the fireplace. Paul continued. \u2018If we leave it much longer gangrene could be the result.\u00a0 You know we have to try and avoid that at all costs.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded again. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018I trust your judgement Paul.\u00a0 \u2018It\u2019s just that\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2019 his voice broke and he stopped for a moment. \u2018It\u2019s just such a hard thing to have to face.\u00a0 I can\u2019t imagine how\u2026..\u2019\u00a0 The sound of the door opening behind made him stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam entered the room, followed by Hoss. One look at their father\u2019s face was enough to alert them to the fact that the news wasn\u2019t good.\u00a0 \u2018Pa?\u2019 said Adam as he sat down in a chair by the fire. \u2018What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave him a stricken look. \u2018Paul thinks it\u2019s best if he amputates Joe\u2019s foot,\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam went pale. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. He glanced at the doctor. \u2018Is it that bad?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stepped forward. \u2018Ya can\u2019t be serious!\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s no way ya can let him Pa!\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at his son. \u2018Hoss sit down son,\u2019 he said and motioned to the settee beside him. He placed an arm around his middle son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Hoss I know how close you are to your brother, but believe me this has to be done.\u00a0 If Paul thinks it\u2019s for the best, then\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss pushed his father\u2019s arm away. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t believe that!\u00a0 Ya can\u2019t let it happen Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss\u2026..\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to his older brother. \u2018No!\u2019 he said. He stared around at them all. \u2018Ya know what Little Joe\u2019s like!\u00a0 He\u2019s always running everywhere.\u00a0 You said yourself how he can never keep still Pa!\u00a0 If ya cut his foot off ya may as well kill him!\u00a0 He\u2019ll wish ya had anyways!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss,\u2019 said Ben again. \u2018God knows I don\u2019t want this as much as you, but there\u2019s no alternative.\u00a0 If Paul doesn\u2019t amputate then it could mean your brother\u2019s life!\u00a0 Can\u2019t you understand that?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head and the tears began to fall from his eyes. \u2018No!\u2019 he said again. \u2018Ya can\u2019t do it Pa!\u00a0 Ya just can\u2019t!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul looked at Ben sorrowfully. \u2018Hoss, he said. \u2018If I don\u2019t amputate, then the infection will spread even further.\u00a0 It\u2019s already dangerous for your brother.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want it to get worse do you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him silently, not knowing what to say. All he knew was that the loss of a foot would just about kill his younger brother and he desperately searched for a way to convince them not to do it.\u00a0 He shook his head again. \u2018No!\u2019 he said simply. \u2018Ya can\u2019t do it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul shook his head and stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll go and check on Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Ben it\u2019s probably best to get this over with as soon as possible.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be upstairs when you\u2019re ready.\u2019 Ben nodded but didn\u2019t reply, words failing him. \u2018Adam,\u2019 continued the doctor.\u00a0 Adam looked at him, the shock still evident on his face. \u2018Could you please ask Hop Sing to get some towels and boiling water organised?\u00a0 I\u2019ll need quite a lot of it.\u00a0 Also, some rope.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at the man, not understanding for a moment. \u2018Rope?\u2019 he asked and then the realisation dawned on him. \u2018Yes, I\u2019ll get it.\u2019\u00a0 He stood up, looking quite unsteady on his feet and left the room. Paul gave Ben another sad look and walked towards the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder and hugged him. \u2018Son it has to be,\u2019 he said, his own heart breaking. \u2018You don\u2019t want your brother to die, do you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u2018Of course not Pa,\u2019 he said between sobs. \u2018But I just can\u2019t see how ya can do this ta him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how he would be able to let this happen either.\u00a0 All he knew was that it had to be done. He held his son tighter and listened to his sobs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

———————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Here,\u2019 said Adam, his face clearly showing his distress. He held out a length of rope to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Put it on the chair,\u2019 Paul said without looking up from arranging his instruments. Adam placed it on the chair and looked across at his brother\u2019s bed. Joe\u2019s eyes were mercifully closed.\u00a0 At least he wasn\u2019t aware of what was going on around him!\u00a0 He looked at his father\u2019s grief-stricken face as he sat next to Joe, holding his hand in his as he stared into his son\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam,\u2019 said his father quietly. \u2018I want you to go downstairs and be with Hoss.\u00a0 He needs someone with him at the moment.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a step forward. \u2018I thought I\u2019d stay here Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018You might need me.\u2019 He knew that the doctor and his father were more than capable of doing what needed to be done and he really didn\u2019t want to anywhere near his brother as the procedure took place, but his sense of worry for his father overtook all else and he wanted to be there for him to comfort him. He knew by looking at him that he was going to need someone to help him through this.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled up at him as if reading his thoughts. \u2018I\u2019ll cope son,\u2019 he said. \u2018But your brother may not.\u00a0 Go and be with him.\u00a0 It\u2019s best if neither of you are here.\u2019 Adam opened his mouth to protest, but Ben held up his hand. \u2018Please,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam took one last look at his youngest brother\u2019s face and turned and left the room.\u00a0 Ben looked back towards the bed and tightened his grip on his boy\u2019s hand. Joe moved slightly under the covers and his eyes fluttered open. He smiled sleepily at his father. \u2018Hi Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled back at him, his heart breaking at the sleepy innocence of his son. \u2018Hi yourself,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go back to sleep now Joe.\u00a0 You need to rest.\u2019\u00a0 He had hoped that the boy would have slept right up until the time that Paul had to administer the ether so that he wouldn\u2019t be aware of what was happening. He would find out soon enough as it was. He stroked the curls on his son\u2019s forehead. \u2018Go to sleep Joseph,\u2019 he said soothingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

But Joe\u2019s eyes opened even wider and he sighed. \u2018Can I have a drink Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m thirsty.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Paul, who shook his head. \u2018Not right now Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Maybe later.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe frowned. \u2018But I\u2019m thirsty Pa,\u2019 he said and glanced up towards the jug next to his bed. \u2018Can\u2019t I have a drink?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, but continued to stroke his son\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Joe looked across at the doctor and noticed the instruments that he was organising. \u2018What\u2019s he doing?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Go to sleep son,\u2019 said Ben soothingly. \u2018You need to rest.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his father, alarm forming in his green eyes. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. \u2018What\u2019s he doing that for?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

At that moment the door opened and Hop Sing entered the room carrying a basin of steaming water which he placed on the bedside table. \u2018What\u2019s that for?\u2019 asked Joe, the alarm evident in his voice now. \u2018What\u2019s he going to do?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to stroke his son\u2019s forehead. \u2018Sleep son,\u2019 he said again. \u2018Don\u2019t worry about anything.\u2019\u00a0 He tried desperately to calm the boy, but to no avail.\u00a0 Joe had realised that something was happening and nothing would keep him from finding out what it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s going on?\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t want him here,\u2019 he motioned towards Paul. \u2018Make him leave now Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The doctor is here to help you Joe,\u2019 said his father in what he hoped was a calm voice. \u2018He\u2019s going to help you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How?\u2019 said Joe anxiously. \u2018What\u2019s he going to do?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben prayed to find the right words to say to his boy. \u2018He\u2019s going to put you to sleep Joseph. \u2018The pain in your foot \u2026.. he\u2019s going to help it.\u2019 He faltered, not wanting to speak the words.\u00a0 Behind him Hop Sing silently left the room for more water and Paul prepared the ether.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes glanced frantically around the room and landed on the coil of rope on the chair. \u2018What\u2019s that for?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Why\u2019s that rope here?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joe it\u2019s all right,\u2019 said his father. \u2018You don\u2019t need to worry about that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s it for?\u2019 Joe persisted.\u00a0 He looked across at the instruments on the table and noticed the selection of knives and a small saw. With terror in his eyes he looked back at his father. \u2018He\u2019s going to cut me isn\u2019t he?\u2019 he said loudly. When Ben didn\u2019t answer he persisted. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Joe, just relax son.\u00a0 The doctor is going to put you to sleep\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

No!\u2019 Joe screamed. \u2018He\u2019s not gonna touch me!\u2019\u00a0 He struggled to sit up but his father pushed him down on the bed again. \u2018Paul,\u2019 Ben said desperately. \u2018Isn\u2019t that ether ready yet?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In a few minutes,\u2019 said the doctor behind him. \u2018Just try and keep him calm Ben.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben held Joe down onto the bed. He put his face close to his son\u2019s and looked into his eyes intently. \u2018Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018Listen to me son. \u2018The doctor is going to help you.\u00a0 He\u2019s not going to hurt you.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to be asleep and he\u2019s going to\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe squirmed under his father\u2019s grip. \u2018Let me go!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018He\u2019s going to cut me ain\u2019t he?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben didn\u2019t know what to say.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to upset the boy any more than was necessary, but he didn\u2019t want to lie to him either. He held onto him desperately, trying to find the right words to explain it to him. Finally he said, \u2018Joe, he has to cut your ankle to help you.\u2019\u00a0 He left it at that.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened even further. \u2018No!\u2019 he screamed. \u2018Get him outta here!\u00a0 He\u2019s not gonna touch me!\u00a0 I won\u2019t let him!\u2019 He struggled in vain under the tight grip of his father.\u00a0 The tears began to fall from his eyes and he looked at his father beseechingly. \u2018Pa please!\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t let him cut me! My foot\u2019s better now Pa\u2026\u2026..it don\u2019t hurt any more! Really it doesn\u2019t!\u00a0 Please Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt the tears falling from his eyes as well. He bent forward and rested his face on that of his son\u2019s. \u2018Son he has to,\u2019 he simply said. \u2018He has to.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be all right.\u2019\u00a0 He felt as if he spoke more to himself than to his boy. \u2018It\u2019ll be all right.\u2019\u00a0 He felt his son struggling feebly underneath his body. \u2018Keep still now Joseph,\u2019 he said over and over again, but all he could hear was the sound of his son sobbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He felt Paul standing behind him. \u2018Lean back Ben and I\u2019ll put this over his face,\u2019 the doctor said.\u00a0 Ben sat up and watched as Paul attempted to put the ether mask over Joe\u2019s face, but the boy shook his head from side to side. \u2018No!\u2019 he screamed in desperation. \u2018No!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hold him still Ben,\u2019 said Paul.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben held onto his son as tightly as he could, his heart breaking in two as he listened to his son\u2019s cries. \u2018No!\u2019 Joe continued to scream out. \u2018Pa! Help me Pa!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Finally Paul managed to get the mask into position and held Joe\u2019s head still. \u2018Breathe slowly Joe,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Just relax.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared back at them both, the tears still falling down his cheeks, shaking his head from side to side in a vain attempt to shake the mask free. As Ben watched, his son\u2019s eyes slowly became unfocussed and closed, and he went limp in his arms.\u00a0 When he finally let go Ben covered his face with his hands and sobbed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

—————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss?\u2019 said Adam quietly as he entered the barn and saw his brother standing by a stall with his head resting on the top rung. \u2018Hoss?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Are you all right?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam heard his brother sniff. \u2018No I ain\u2019t all right,\u2019 he said. \u2018How can I be all right with my little brother up there?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped forward and put his hand on his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss turned to face him, the tears streaming down his face. He wiped them away impatiently. \u2018It ain\u2019t fair Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joe\u2019s done nothing ta deserve this!\u00a0 Why did this haveta happen?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and sat down wearily on a barrel. \u2018I don\u2019t have an answer for you Hoss. I just don\u2019t know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

There was silence as the two brothers lost themselves in their own thoughts.\u00a0 Suddenly a scream cut through the silence and they heard their younger brother\u2019s cries come drifting across from the upstairs window. \u2018No! He ain\u2019t gonna cut me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss covered his face with his hands and turned away.\u00a0 Adam put his head in his hands and sat staring at the floor as the yells continued. \u2018No! He\u2019s not gonna touch me!\u2019\u00a0 Both of them closed their eyes, desperately willing the sounds to go away.\u00a0 For several minutes they sat in those positions until the screams subsided.\u00a0 Finally, Adam lifted his head and said in a quiet voice. \u2018The ether must have taken effect.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss said nothing, but continued to stand with his head in his hands.\u00a0 Eventually Adam stood up and walked towards him, putting his arms around him as he led him over to the barrel and sat him down.\u00a0 As he seated himself beside his brother he put his arm around his shoulder. The two of them sat like this for several minutes before Hoss spoke. \u2018How long will it take?\u00a0 Do ya know?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess it all depends on how bad it is.\u00a0 They have to get him ready first anyway.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked across at him. \u2018Ready?\u2019 he said tentatively.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, not wanting to say it. \u2018Yes. Paul will have to clean the wound thoroughly and then\u2026\u2026 they\u2019ll have to make sure that he\u2019s\u2026.. well, not able to move too much.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss continued to look at him. \u2018Meaning?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, you know.\u00a0 The rope.\u00a0 In case.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss closed his eyes, not wanting to think in that direction.\u00a0 He had heard of patients struggling even under the influence of the ether and hated to think of his little brother feeling anything that he didn\u2019t have to.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss I know you\u2019re upset about this,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We all are. But you must realise that it\u2019s for Joe\u2019s own good. Pa needs us to understand that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018I know it, he said. \u2018I just can\u2019t accept it. All I can think about is that little guy running around here all the time. Ma used ta say that he was born running, remember?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to smile. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I seem to remember many times hunting him down for Marie when he was a little thing.\u00a0 Boy, he sure could take off in a hurry!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018I guess he had plenty of practice running away from Pa all them times he was in trouble,\u2019 he said. \u2018I never knew a kid to be so quick on his feet.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Remember the time Pa had to chase him when he found out that he\u2019d been touching the gun rack?\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I remember hoping that he didn\u2019t catch him, because if he did he\u2019d kill him.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never seen Pa so mad.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, and Joe took off so quick that Pa never did catch him.\u00a0 He had ta wait hours for him ta come home again before he could tan him.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence. \u2018I just wish he could have the chance ta be tanned again for running away,\u2019 added Hoss. \u2018I\u2019d give anything ta think that he could.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip. \u2018We\u2019ll have to be strong for him,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll have to help him to deal with it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked sorrowfully at his brother. \u2018But there\u2019s gonna be so many things that he won\u2019t be able ta do now,\u2019 he said. \u2018How\u2019s he gonna handle not being able ta even walk properly?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ll make him a crutch,\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s gonna hate that!\u2019 declared Hoss. \u2018He won\u2019t put up with it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll have to eventually,\u2019 said Adam quietly. \u2018There\u2019s going to be a lot of things he\u2019ll have to come to terms with.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Like \u2026\u2026.. like riding,\u2019 ventured Hoss. \u2018It\u2019s gonna kill him Adam, ya know it is!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt the tears forming in his eyes as a vision of his little brother galloping into the yard with a grin on his face came into his mind.\u00a0 Never again would he get the chance to tell him off for his reckless riding.\u00a0 Joe would be lucky if he ever managed to sit on a horse again and even if he did, he probably wouldn\u2019t be able to manage much more than a slow walk.\u00a0 Hoss was right \u2026. It just wasn\u2019t fair!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam wondered how his father was coping upstairs. Even though he had volunteered to stay with him, he had been grateful when he had insisted that he leave the room. Adam couldn\u2019t begin to imagine how his father could stand watching was happening to Joe, yet he knew that the man would never have left his son\u2019s side for an instant.\u00a0 Over and over again during his life Adam had marvelled at the strength of his father.\u00a0 He had sensed it as a small child when Hoss\u2019 mother Inger had died, and he had known it as a young adult when Little Joe\u2019s mother had died as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

For a man to pick up and carry on after the deaths of three wives was amazing and to do it while raising three boys as well as their Pa had done was truly the act of an remarkable man. None knew the strength that was in his father better than Adam, for Ben\u2019s eldest son had witnessed it over and over again during his life. He often wondered how he would have coped with the difficulties which his father had experienced and prayed that if he ever had to face even a fraction of them that could do it with a small part of the courage and dignity that his father had shown.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Yet Adam knew that his father would need ounce of that strength and fortitude to cope with what he was facing now.\u00a0 Joe had always been special to their father.\u00a0 Adam supposed that it was because he was the youngest.\u00a0 Neither he nor Hoss resented the bond that was between their father and their youngest brother, for they took it as a given.\u00a0 It was something that they all knew without saying.\u00a0 Adam knew that this would be killing his father and he vowed to help him with his own strength as much as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Pa\u2019s going to need us too Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s going to find this really hard to come to terms with.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2026.. well he just thinks a lot of that little guy.\u00a0 We all do, don\u2019t we?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u2018We sure do,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 There was silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked down at the water and frowned to see it turning red under his hands as the towels soaked in the washtub.\u00a0\u00a0Red with blood,<\/em>\u00a0he thought.\u00a0\u00a0The blood of my boy!<\/em>\u00a0 For that was how Hop Sing thought of the youngster upstairs.\u00a0 The man had been with this family for so long that he was a part of it now, and he felt that the youngest Cartwright belonged as much to him as he did to his father and brothers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe had only been five when his mother had died, and the little bewildered boy had reached out to Hop Sing in his terror and his confusion at the time.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright had done his best, but his grief was so great at the loss of his darling wife that he wasn\u2019t able to be totally there for the child at the time, and Adam and Hoss had been struggling with their own grief as well.\u00a0 The little boy couldn\u2019t understand why his world was falling apart \u2026. He only knew that his mother hadn\u2019t been there for him and sensed that his father and brothers were hurting as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing took the child under his wing from that moment and they had always continued to be close.\u00a0 Even when Mr Cartwright had seemed to have fully recovered from his loss and learned to become both mother and father to the child, Hop Sing continued to be there for the boy.\u00a0 It was Hop Sing that Little Joe ran to when he was in trouble from his father.\u00a0 It was Hop Sing that he confided his problems to.\u00a0 It was Hop Sing that he had come to depend on to help him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

But now Hop Sing couldn\u2019t help him.\u00a0 He had to stand by helplessly and listen to his boy scream out in his agony and his terror and he couldn\u2019t help him.\u00a0 When he heard the doctor\u2019s words he knew exactly what he had to do.\u00a0 He moved within his family silently doing his part by preparing the towels and water, but in reality he was preparing himself to pick up the pieces of their broken hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He watched Mr Cartwright sit by his son and try to prepare him for the agony that was ahead of him, while his own heart was breaking.\u00a0 He watched as Hoss and Adam tried to comfort each other.\u00a0 But mostly he watched as the boy he loved struggled with his grief and terror.\u00a0 And all the while he stood in the background and waited for the moment when he would be needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

In the meantime he kept busy helping where he could.\u00a0 He had done as the doctor had asked and prepared the water and the towels.\u00a0 He had left the room when Mr Cartwright had asked him to.\u00a0 He had removed the bloody towels when the time came.\u00a0 And now he washed his boy\u2019s blood away as he waited for the time when he could help again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He put his hands back into the water and rubbed the towels to free them of the blood.\u00a0 As he lifted them from the water and gazed at the blood upon them his heart constricted and he sent up a silent prayer to his God for his boy upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————-<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul wiped his brow as he stood up and gazed at the bandage he had just finished tying. \u2018That\u2019s it Ben,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked over at him. \u2018Thank God it\u2019s over,\u2019 he said. \u2018What now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We watch and wait,\u2019 replied the doctor. \u2018We should know in a day or so.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben sighed and bent over to kiss his son\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 \u2018Thank God the ether worked properly,\u2019 he said. \u2018Can I take the rope off him now?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Paul nodded and began to pack away his instruments as Ben untied his son\u2019s arms and legs. \u2018You\u2019re going to need some rest now Ben,\u2019 he said as they worked. \u2018I suppose you want to go and see Adam and Hoss first though. You go downstairs and find them while I finish up here.\u2019 Ben hesitated as he looked at his sleeping son. \u2018He\u2019ll sleep for a while longer,\u2019 said the doctor. \u2018Go on.\u00a0 You need to talk to the boys.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and left the room.\u00a0 Paul sighed as he sat down on a chair next to Joe\u2019s bed and looked at the sleeping youngster. He closed his eyes for a moment, thankful that it was all over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben descended the stairs wearily.\u00a0 He felt as if he had been upstairs for an eternity and he was beginning to react now that it was all over.\u00a0 He felt as if every bone in his body ached and he felt every one of his years.\u00a0 He scanned the large room, but saw it was empty.\u00a0 The boys were probably outside, he thought.\u00a0 Hoss usually went to the barn when he was upset and Adam would have followed him there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

He made to walk over to the front door when Hop Sing entered from the kitchen. \u2018Mr Cartlight?\u2019 the cook said. \u2018You look for boys?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Are they in the barn?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing motioned to the settee. \u2018You sit down,\u2019 he said \u2018I get them.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down thankfully as Hop Sing left the room. He rested his elbow on the side of the settee and put his head on his hand as he stared into the fireplace, feeling the numbness overtake him.\u00a0 When the front door opened behind him, he didn\u2019t even have the energy to turn around.\u00a0 \u2018Come over here boys,\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0 \u2018You too, Hop Sing.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Adam, Hoss and Hop Sing came into his line of vision and he tried to rouse himself from his lethargy. \u2018Sit down,\u2019 he said. \u2018I need to talk to all of you.\u2019\u00a0 He noticed that all three of them had been crying and his heart went out to them.\u00a0 \u2018Paul\u2019s upstairs with Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I have some news for you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Not a word was spoken as all three looked at him silently. \u2018Paul didn\u2019t have to amputate after all,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The silence continued. Finally Adam broke it. \u2018What do you mean Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled faintly. \u2018He didn\u2019t have to amputate,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018He started to cut into Joe\u2019s foot, but the diseased part didn\u2019t reach as far down as he had initially thought.\u00a0 He cut into his ankle quite deeply, but he didn\u2019t have to amputate.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t understand Pa,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Why not? He said he had to.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He was wrong,\u2019 replied. Ben. \u2018I couldn\u2019t believe it when he told me.\u00a0 All I could think of was that your brother\u2019s foot was to be cut off, and then Paul was telling me that he could save it after all. It wasn\u2019t until he had begun to make the incisions that he realised it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is Joe conscious?\u2019 said Adam, not daring to believe what his father was telling him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No, \u2018said Ben. \u2018He slept right through it all.\u00a0 The ether was very effective.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then he doesn\u2019t know yet?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018He doesn\u2019t know yet. He\u2019s going to have quite a large scar on his ankle and Paul says we have to still be careful of further infection, but he\u2019s confident that he\u2019ll be all right.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So he won\u2019t have no trouble walking?\u2019 asked Hoss incredulously. Ben shook his head. \u2018Or riding?\u2019\u00a0 Hoss mused. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached over and patted him on the shoulder. \u2018I know Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t believe it either. \u2018Just as we had all prepared ourselves for the worst it hasn\u2019t happened.\u00a0 It takes some getting used to now doesn\u2019t it?\u00a0 It\u2019s a bit of a shock in a strange way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You sure got that right Pa,\u2019 said Adam with a grin on his face. \u2018But it\u2019s shock I\u2019m more than willing to cope with for now!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing stood up quietly without a word and slid silently from the room. His boy would be all right!\u00a0 But in the meantime he was needed again.\u00a0 Everyone needed coffee after their shock and once again he set about doing what his family needed him to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and blinked.\u00a0 He looked at the ceiling above him and focussed on the pattern in the wood.\u00a0 He knew it was daytime because of the sunlight that played upon the walls around him, but beyond that he didn\u2019t allow his mind to form any conscious thoughts.\u00a0 He willed himself to concentrate on nothing but the wood above him, knowing that to think of something else was to let the pain back into his mind again.\u00a0 And that he wasn\u2019t prepared to do.\u00a0 He had had enough of it to last him forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe sensed sounds around him, but blocked them.\u00a0 He felt a touch on his arm, but moved away from it slightly so as not to let whatever it was invade his senses and force him away from his pain-free state.\u00a0 He frowned as he tried desperately to hold onto the thought of the wood and nothing else, but panic began to invade his mind as he felt his focus beginning to shift.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 he heard dimly. \u2018Joseph?\u00a0 Can you hear me son?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Go away!<\/em>\u00a0 He thought.\u00a0Leave me alone!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 the voice came again. \u2018It\u2019s me Pa.\u00a0 Time to wake up now son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes and gave up trying to create a barrier between himself and the sound.\u00a0 As he opened his eyes again he focussed on the face that appeared in front of him and recognised his father. \u2018Good morning sleepy head,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Glad to see you\u2019re awake at last.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t answer his father, but merely stared at him. Ben reached out and stroked his forehead. \u2018How are you feeling?\u2019 he asked.\u00a0 Still Joe didn\u2019t speak but merely looked at his father. Ben frowned slightly. \u2018There\u2019s no need to worry any more Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s all over now and your foot will be fine.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked away from his father\u2019s touch.\u00a0\u00a0How could he say that?<\/em>\u00a0 He thought angrily as the realisation of what had happened came flooding back to him.\u00a0 How could he say that everything would be fine after what he had let that doctor do to him?\u00a0<\/em>He turned his head to face the wall and shut his eyes tightly so that he didn\u2019t have to look at the man.\u00a0 He wished that he could close his ears to his father\u2019s voice as well, but felt too weak to put his hands up to cover them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph?\u2019 he heard again. \u2018Did you hear me son?\u00a0 Your foot is going to be all right.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to worry about it any more.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Go away,\u2019 said Joe softly. \u2018Leave me alone.\u2019 Once again he felt his father\u2019s hand upon him and he jerked away from it.\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t he leave him alone in his misery?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Open your eyes Joseph,\u2019 said his father\u2019s voice. \u2018Look at me.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes and turned his head so that he faced his father.\u00a0What?<\/em>\u00a0He screamed inside, but outwardly he merely stared at the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Listen to me carefully Joe,\u2019 said his father. \u2018It\u2019s all over now.\u00a0 Look!\u2019 He tilted his son\u2019s head so that he could see the bottom of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

As he began to draw back the covers Joe closed his eyes again. \u2018No!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018I don\u2019t want to look!\u00a0 Don\u2019t make me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled back the covers and forced his son\u2019s head up. \u2018I said to look!\u2019 he commanded. \u2018Open your eyes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe opened his eyes reluctantly and looked.\u00a0 At first he didn\u2019t comprehend what he saw and then he noticed the heavily bandaged foot that rested on a cushion.\u00a0 Who\u2019s was it he wondered? He looked back up at his father\u2019s face anxiously, still unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Your foot is going to be fine,\u2019 Ben said again. \u2018It\u2019s going to be all right now Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached up and touched the tears that fell from his father\u2019s face. \u2018All right?\u2019 he said softly, not daring to believe it. \u2018Are you sure Pa?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded as he held onto his son\u2019s head. \u2018Yes Joseph,\u2019 he whispered. \u2018I\u2019m sure.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

——————–<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t need to!\u2019 declared Joe. \u2018You can get rid of them pillows now!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The Doc said you\u2019re to keep that foot up on pillow until he says differently and that\u2019s what you\u2019re gonna little brother!\u2019 said Hoss angrily. \u2018Pa would have your hide if he saw you with it down on the floor like that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I certainly will!\u2019 said Ben as he and Adam entered the living room. \u2018Do as you\u2019re told straight away young man!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared around at them all. \u2018I don\u2019t need them!\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph!\u2019 said Ben meaningfully. Joe pulled a face and put his foot back up on the pillows that Hoss had placed on the coffee table. \u2018You\u2019re lucky you\u2019re down here at all!\u2019 said Ben as he sat down on the settee. \u2018Any more of your nonsense and you\u2019ll be back up in bed quick smart!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe clamped his mouth shut immediately.\u00a0 He had had enough of bed to last him a lifetime and he had no intention of going back there if he could help it.\u00a0 He folded his arms over his chest and looked for all the world like a small child having a tantrum.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Face it little buddy,\u2019 said Adam, patting him on the head. \u2018You\u2019re at our mercy now that you can\u2019t run away.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed his brother\u2019s hand away. \u2018Don\u2019t!\u2019 he said crossly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Speaking of running away,\u2019 said Ben as he sat back in his chair. \u2018You and I haven\u2019t talked about the event that led to all this yet Joseph.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at him. \u2018Huh?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The fact that you wouldn\u2019t have been in that creek in the first place if you had done as you were told,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018How about that young man?\u00a0 Just what possessed you to run off in the first place when you had specific instructions from me to stay in the yard?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked at his brothers pleadingly for support. \u2018You\u2019re on your own little buddy,\u2019 said Adam patting him on the head again. \u2018Come on Hoss, we\u2019ve got work to do seeing as how we\u2019ve been stuck with doing Joe\u2019s chores for now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, \u2018said Hoss as he passed his little brother and hit him on the head playfully. \u2018And you\u2019ll be paying us back when you\u2019re up and around again shortshanks.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think that we\u2019ll forget that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe glared at them as they left the room. \u2018Well?\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019m waiting Joseph.\u00a0 What possessed you to run off like that?\u00a0 And while we\u2019re at it young man, I\u2019m still not happy about your attitude around here.\u00a0 You and I have a lot of talking to do while you\u2019re recuperating.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Joe heaved a sigh and slid down further in his seat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/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.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Joe is badly injured and could have a serious disability<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K (19,950 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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":""},"categories":[23,41,1007],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-joe-cartwright","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-1007-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3451,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"position":0},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","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\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5347,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5347","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"position":1},"title":"A Quartet of Limericks (by Puchi Ann)","author":"Puchi Ann","date":"May 1, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben Cartwright reflects on his three sons in this quartet of limerick verses. Rated: K \u00a0(134 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"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":4008,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4008","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"position":3},"title":"From Joe to Adam (by Trinity)","author":"Trinity","date":"April 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A type of poem I learned how to write in my English 3 class. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a033","rel":"","context":"In "Poetry"","block_context":{"text":"Poetry","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adamjoe4.jpg?fit=400%2C319&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"position":4},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":2061,"position":5},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2061"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2061\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}