{"id":2498,"date":"2004-05-26T22:38:50","date_gmt":"2004-05-27T02:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2498"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:36","slug":"stocking-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2498","title":{"rendered":"Stocking Up (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A trip to stock up for the winter takes an unexpected turn, leaving Joe and Hoss facing danger and possibly death. <\/span><\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (9,010 words)<\/span><\/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

Stocking Up<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget, you\u2019re not going out there to have fun,\u201d Adam chided his brothers as they packed the last of their gear onto their horses. \u201cYou\u2019re out there to bag a few deer to help with the stocking up for winter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLand sakes, Adam, we know that!\u201d Hoss responded in disgust, wrinkling his nose at his older brother. \u201cWe ain\u2019t that stupid, ya know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t stupid at all, son,\u201d Ben told him, throwing Adam a \u2018look\u2019. \u201cI know that you\u2019ll have a good time, but you won\u2019t let that interfere with your hunting, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Joe responded, as he swung himself smartly into his saddle. \u201cWe sure don\u2019t want to go hungry this winter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two be careful out there,\u201d Ben admonished them as they rode out of the yard. Joe was leading the packhorse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee you in a few days!\u201d Joe called back, cheerfully, waving to his father and Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they clattered out of sight, Adam looked at Ben. \u201cDo you really think they can keep out of trouble while they\u2019re gone?\u201d he asked, wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shrugging, Ben dug his hands deep into his pants pockets. \u201cMiracles do happen,\u201d he responded and they both went back inside the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

This was the kind of hunting trip that the Cartwrights really enjoyed. There was no pressure of time against them, expect perhaps in the form of the weather. There was the promise of an early winter, which was why Ben wanted a supply of smoked venison to be ready. It wouldn\u2019t be the first time that the ranch had been totally cut off for long periods of time and Ben always liked to be fully prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best area for hunting was a couple of days ride from the house.\u00a0 The autumn weather was so far staying fair, with a hint of Indian summer. However, there was a cold edge to the wind and the sky was a shade of blue never seen in summer. Joe and Hoss set up a camp for the night, with Joe tending to the horses and Hoss seeing to the evening meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna git a ten-pointer,\u201d Hoss murmured as he and Joe drank coffee after they had eaten.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care how many points its got as long as there\u2019s plenty of meat on it,\u201d Joe replied, sleepily. \u201cYou can\u2019t eat points.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, but they\u2019d look good up above the fireplace,\u201d Hoss told him. \u201cReal impressive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Joe grunted. \u201cBut first you\u2019ve got to find a ten-pointer, then you gotta shoot it!\u201d He twinkled sleepily at his brother. \u201cBesides, Hoss, do you really think Pa would take down them horns he\u2019s got over the fire? They\u2019ve been there forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u201d Hoss retorted. \u201cSeems ta me it\u2019s about time we redecorated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the expert, are you?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cYou ain\u2019t planning\u2019 on making the Ponderosa look like some o\u2019 them places we ain\u2019t supposed to talk about are you? I don\u2019t think Pa would like that.\u201d He ducked with alacrity as Hoss threw his empty coffee cup at him. Joe sniggered. \u201cGood night, big brother,\u201d he chortled and rolled himself in his blanket as Hoss went to retrieve his cup.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

There was a touch of frost on the ground in the morning. Joe was not always a morning person, and especially not when it was a cold morning. However, there was nothing for it but to get up and get on with the day and by the time the second cup of coffee was going down, Joe was beginning to feel more human. His breakfast was warming him nicely from the inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIts kinda early fer frost,\u201d Hoss said, as they saddled their horses. \u201cI don\u2019t reckon we oughta linger, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNor me,\u201d Joe agreed, blowing on his stiff fingers before drawing on his leather gloves. \u201cNext thing you\u2019ll be tellin\u2019 me you smell snow on the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHush up, young\u2019un,\u201d Hoss chided him. \u201cDon\u2019t tempt fate!\u201d Hoss cast a dark look at the cerulean sky above them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re worrying over nothing,\u201d Joe replied and swung into the saddle. \u201cLet\u2019s get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They reached the area they were going to hunt shortly before dusk. The sun had shone all day, but there was precious little warmth in it. Both boys were glad they had decided to bring their big winter jackets for wearing during the evening. They soon had their camp laid out. Joe picketed the horses and then went and caught a rabbit for supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wunner what Hop Sing was makin\u2019 fer supper tonight,\u201d Hoss mused as they watched the rabbit cook.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDunno,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cSomething nice, anyhow.\u201d He smiled slightly. \u201cIt always is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure enough,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cAin\u2019t that rabbit ready yit?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not hungry by any chance, are you?\u201d Joe asked sarcastically, although the roasting meat smelled good to him, too. He had a look and decided that it was done. \u201cGet the bread,\u201d he told Hoss, who did so and they hungrily tucked in. \u201cNext time, I\u2019ll get two rabbits,\u201d Joe commented, as Hoss looked round for more. \u201cThat way, we can get one each.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cYour turn fer the dishes, little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Joe retorted indignantly. \u201cI caught the supper\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0I cooked it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did breakfast an\u2019 washed them dishes,\u201d Hoss replied, complacently. He cast Joe an amused look. \u201cD\u2019ya really think ya can\u00a0make<\/em>\u00a0me do them dishes?\u201d he asked, and folded his arms over his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Muttering under his breath, Joe made his way down to the stream to wash the dishes. He knew an immovable object when he met one, but he vowed to get his own back on Hoss before the trip was over!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They set off on foot the next morning, carrying only the essentials with them. Hoss took the lead, scanning the ground for tracks with the casualness of an expert. Joe was content to follow, since Hoss was the better tracker. Each man was relaxed within himself, but ready for action when the need arose.<\/span><\/p>\n

By lunchtime, even Hoss was beginning to feel rather discouraged, since they had not seen a single deer. There were tracks a-plenty, but not a deer had they spotted. \u201cWhere\u2019d ya reckon they are?\u201d he asked quietly, as they ate the cold food they had brought with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe replied, exasperated. \u201cIf I knew that, we\u2019d have found them by now, wouldn\u2019t we? Don\u2019t worry, Hoss, we\u2019re bound to get one this afternoon.\u201d He grinned slightly. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be bagging a ten-pointer, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 look like it, do it?\u201d Hoss agreed, sighing heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCheer up,\u201d Joe said, quietly. \u201cYou can\u2019t eat antlers anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon you\u2019re right there, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss nodded. \u201cYa finished? Let\u2019s go then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The afternoon hunting went much better and they managed to get a well-fleshed buck with antlers big enough to please Hoss, although nowhere near the 10 points that he craved. They lugged the buck back through the forest to the campsite, where they roughly butchered it and put the meat into the cache they had created the night before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat d\u2019ya think?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cOne enough, or should we try fer another?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should try for another one, at least,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThe packhorse can carry three at a push, and that would be plenty of meat for the winter.\u201d He straightened his aching back. \u201cBut we don\u2019t have to decide right now,\u201d he reminded Hoss. \u201cWe can do it in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure enough,\u201d Hoss agreed, sounding more cheerful. \u201cHow\u2019d ya fancy venison fer supper?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll build the fire,\u201d Joe replied, grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIsn\u2019t it quiet without Joe?\u201d Adam observed as he and Ben sat by the fire reading after supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Ben agreed, absently. He took another puff at his pipe. \u201cNever mind, they\u2019ll be home maybe the day after tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t complaining,\u201d Adam protested quickly. \u201cI\u2019m enjoying it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you are, son,\u201d Ben nodded, his tone one of complete skepticism. \u201cYou\u2019re not missing your brothers at all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not!\u201d insisted Adam. He met Ben\u2019s eye. \u201cPa, honestly, I\u2019m not.\u201d He sounded exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep digging, son,\u201d Ben advised him solemnly. \u201cYou\u2019re almost out of sight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Struggling to keep a straight face, Adam swallowed hard, but the weight of his father\u2019s gaze was too much and he had to laugh. \u201cAll right, I miss them. Satisfied?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always best to be honest, even with yourself,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cEspecially with yourself.\u201d He smiled. \u201cI miss them too. You\u2019re right \u2013 it\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0quiet without Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss!\u201d Joe hissed, quietly. \u201cHoss!\u201d He beckoned to his brother and Hoss turned around and retraced his steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u201d he asked, also keeping his voice down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre those the kind of tracks I think they are?\u201d Joe asked, pointing to the ground near his feet. He looked apprehensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peering down at the soft earth, Hoss caught his breath. \u201cWhat do ya think they are?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

That just confirmed Joe\u2019s unease. \u201cGrizzly,\u201d he replied, grimly. \u201cAnd more than one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It took them a while to sort out the tracks, which were quite muddled, but Hoss eventually decided that there was a mother and two cubs. \u201cThey\u2019s probably about eight months old,\u201d he explained to Joe. \u201cOl\u2019 Mama bear must be thinkin\u2019 about gettin\u2019 ready fer winter. Don\u2019t reckon they\u2019ll trouble us none.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot as long as we don\u2019t trouble them, huh?\u201d Joe replied. It wasn\u2019t commonplace to meet a grizzly, but it wasn\u2019t unheard of either, and both Joe and Hoss were well versed in bear-avoidance tactics.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna go on?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Mama bear\u2019s probably long gone from here. We haven\u2019t been exactly quiet for the last little while, have we? Let\u2019s try and get one more deer\u2026\u201d Joe turned away from the bear tracks and walked away. Hoss followed. Before long, they had all but forgotten about the bears.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which was a mistake. A big mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The stag was well grown and fleshed out and his crown showed that he was a mature buck, but not yet the dominant stag. He stood with his head raised proudly and for a moment, regret touched Joe\u2019s heart that he had to kill such a magnificent beast. Then he gently squeezed the trigger and the shot echoed around the woods. The stag collapsed soundlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood shot,\u201d Hoss praised as they walked through the undergrowth towards the fallen stag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe replied. Together, he and Hoss picked up the dead animal to carry it back to their campsite. Luckily, they weren\u2019t too far away from it. The stag had circled back towards the camp as Joe and Hoss tracked it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Hoss, who was in the lead, stopped. \u201cDid ya hear that?\u201d he breathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid I hear wha\u2026?\u201d Joe started, then heard the sound that had halted Hoss. \u201cOh no!\u201d It sounded suspiciously like a bear cub. Moments later, his guess was confirmed as a fearsome roar echoed out of the trees. \u201cRun!\u201d Joe cried, dropping the deer, hoping against hope that the fresh meat would distract the bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risking a glance over his shoulder, Joe saw the mother bear galloping out of the woods towards them. The cubs were on their other side, cut off from their mother by the men. Joe knew that grizzlies normally avoided humans, but when a mother perceived that her cubs were in danger, she would attack \u2013 and that was what this mother was doing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClimb a tree!\u201d he screamed at Hoss and saw his brother climbing into a tree. Nimbly, Joe swung himself into another tree and closed his eyes for a moment, relieved that grizzlies were not tree climbers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa all right, Joe?\u201d Hoss called, moving to a more secure posture.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied, looking down on the bear. \u201cYou?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Hoss assured him moving again to peer down at the bear, which was now turning around and heading back towards the cubs. \u201cThat was\u2026AAGGHH!!!!\u201d\u00a0 The branch that Hoss was sitting on suddenly snapped and he crashed earthwards again.<\/span><\/p>\n

In total horror, Joe saw the bear turn around, clearly startled and fearful for her cubs. \u201cHoss!\u201d Joe cried, but his brother simply lay there, stunned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without hesitation, Joe jumped down from the tree he was in, not even aware as his ankle twisted painfully beneath him on landing. \u201cGet out of there! Leave him alone!\u201d Joe cried, oblivious to what he was actually shouting, just determined to get the bear to notice him and leave the helpless Hoss alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the bear turned, Joe stumbled and then she was on him. Joe felt claws raking his arm and down his back and he let out a piercing scream as the world went black.<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising himself up, Hoss saw the bear looming over his brother. He grabbed up the broken branch and lobbed it at the bear. It struck the rampaging ursine on the back and although the blow didn\u2019t hurt her at all, it convinced the bear that she should get her cubs out of there, post haste.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss cried, staggering to his feet and stumbling across the short distance that separated the brothers.\u00a0 He collapsed to the ground, wincing as his knees struck the ground harder than he had intended. \u201cJoe,\u201d he whispered, appalled, as he stared at his brother\u2019s still form.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood was soaking into the sleeve of Joe\u2019s green jacket and Hoss hastily ripped off his coat and wadded it against the wounds. Joe didn\u2019t move. Anxiously, Hoss turned his brother\u2019s head and found a large lump rising on Joe\u2019s head. \u201cMust a knocked hisself out when he fell,\u201d Hoss reasoned, trying to calm himself and not succeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rising once more, Hoss went to retrieve the canteen that had fallen from his hand when he fell from the tree. It was only when he gained his feet that he discovered that he hadn\u2019t escaped totally unscathed from his fall. His left pants leg was ripped all the way down, his leg was grazed and bleeding, and his knee was swelling. Other bits of him ached painfully, too, but Hoss ignored them as best he could and bent over to get the canteen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back by Joe\u2019s side once more, he gently lifted Joe\u2019s head to trickle water into his brother\u2019s mouth. He was relieved when Joe swallowed it, and he quickly retrieved his bandanna and soaked it, bathing the dirt off Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cool water brought Joe mumbling back to consciousness and he opened his eyes to look at Hoss blankly. \u201cHoss? What happened?\u201d he murmured. He tried to move and let out a cry of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, careful!\u201d Hoss soothed. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe. Everythin\u2019ll be jist fine, I promise ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bear,\u201d Joe breathed, panting against the pain. \u201cGot\u2026me, didn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure did,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cShe clawed ya down yer arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grimacing, Joe swallowed before adding, \u201cAnd my\u2026 back, too.\u201d He bit his lip to contain a groan of pain. He felt incredibly unwell and a moment later began to shiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss knew that he had to get Joe back to camp at once. \u201cCan ya walk, Joe?\u201d he asked, for he wasn\u2019t sure that he would be able to carry his brother, as he was feeling pretty rotten too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try,\u201d Joe panted and braced himself as Hoss helped him to his feet. For a moment, the world spun crazily around him and Joe thought he was going to throw up. However, he managed to get his stomach under control and blinked the sweat out of his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Hoss urged, sliding his arm around Joe\u2019s waist, and pulling Joe\u2019s arm over his shoulders. \u201cSlow an\u2019 easy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the first step, Joe cried out as he put his weight on the ankle he had twisted. It buckled under him and he would have fallen, but for Hoss. \u201cEasy, easy,\u201d Hoss panted. \u201cJist take it slow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a nightmare journey. Hoss estimated that they were no more than half a mile from their campsite, but it took them nearly three hours to get there. By then, Joe was barely conscious and he had lost quite a lot of blood. Hoss was limping badly, too, but he knew he had to get them both back to camp, where he could start dealing with their hurts. The imminent panic he had felt had worn off now that he was doing something.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently laying Joe down on his bedroll, Hoss tucked the warm blanket tightly around his shivering brother and collapsed to the ground beside him. All Hoss wanted to do was sleep, but he knew he had to take care of Joe \u2013 and himself – and the first order was to get the fire built up. They would need it that night. The day was too far advanced to even think about setting off for home. Soon, Hoss had the fire going, and he rested for a moment again.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a few minutes breather, Hoss retrieved the medical supplies \u2013 such as they were – from the saddlebags and went over to Joe. It broke Hoss\u2019 heart to disturb his brother, who was in a light sleep, but he knew Joe needed to have those wounds cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection, if at all possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t,\u201d Joe begged as Hoss began to ease off his green jacket. \u201cHoss, please! It hurts!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know it does, Punkin,\u201d Hoss replied, soothingly. \u201cBut I need ta clean ya up. Ya just rest agin me an\u2019 let me do the work.\u201d His tender heart ached at having to hurt Joe, even though he knew he had to.<\/span><\/p>\n

The claw marks were worse than Hoss had anticipated and they began to bleed sluggishly as he peeled Joe\u2019s shredded shirt and jacket off. The marks extended from Joe\u2019s shoulders to his waist, leaving the flesh swollen and red. As gently as he could, Hoss cleaned those dreadful marks, causing the clotted blood to break open and more blood to ooze out. Joe shuddered and cried out and finally succumbed to the darkness again, slumping against Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working steadily, trying to ignore the shaking of his hands and the blood staining them, Hoss tore up his spare shirt and wadded it against the injuries on Joe\u2019s back and right arm, bandaging them tightly. He didn\u2019t have enough bandages for all the injuries, so he simply bound Joe\u2019s arm across his chest, wrapping both back and arm together. Finally, when he had done everything that he could, Hoss slid Joe\u2019s spare shirt up his left arm and hooked it around his shoulders, buttoning it as best he could. On top of that, he put Joe\u2019s sheepskin coat and then tucked the blanket around Joe again.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was only then that reaction hit him. Hoss dropped his head into his bloodstained hands and wept.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Taking care of his own injuries was almost an afterthought. Although Hoss felt that his grazed leg and numerous bruises were as nothing compared to Joe\u2019s injuries, he knew that he had to take care of them, so the he would be able to take Joe home next day. He cleaned the dirt out of the graze, wincing miserably at the discomfort and chiding himself for reacting like that. How could he be complaining about the pain he was in when Joe was so much worse off? Yet Hoss was in pain, even if it wasn\u2019t as bad as Joe\u2019s pain. The fall from the tree had been hard and Hoss hadn\u2019t escaped totally unscathed. The worst injury was to his knee, which had swelled like a balloon. Hoss used the remnants of his pants to bandage it up and slid on his spare pair of pants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more survival kicked in and Hoss knew that he had to try and get some food into Joe, and make sure his brother got enough water. \u201cJoe?\u201d he whispered, but Joe appeared to be asleep. Hoss took the opportunity and went to the stream to replenish the canteens. He got back to the camp before Joe woke and set about cooking some bacon from their supplies. When it was ready, he gently woke his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa gotta eat somethin\u2019,\u201d Hoss chided Joe, when Joe refused the food.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d Joe protested, weakly. He was in constant pain and wished Hoss would leave him alone to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll make ya feel better, Joe,\u201d Hoss coaxed. \u201cI dun made it fer ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe relented, although just the thought of food made him feel nauseous. He fought against dizziness as Hoss gave him a few bites to eat and although Joe ate very little, he did feel slightly better afterwards. \u201cHoss?\u201d he asked, as his brother continued to eat slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Hoss replied, his mouth full.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2026 all right?\u201d Joe enquired. \u201cYou fell\u2026 out of that tree\u2026 The bear\u2026 didn\u2019t get you, did she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Hoss insisted stoutly. \u201cThat ol\u2019 bear didn\u2019 look near me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blinking furiously to help keep himself awake, Joe protested, \u201cBut you\u2019re\u2026 limping, Hoss. I\u2026 saw you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIts nuthin\u2019,\u201d Hoss stated quietly. \u201cI\u2019m fine. Ya try an\u2019 git more sleep, Joe. I\u2019m gonna go back an\u2019 git that deer, or what\u2019s left o\u2019 it and rig a travois fer ya fer tomorra.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can ride,\u201d Joe claimed, automatically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ya can\u2019t!\u201d Hoss declared bluntly. \u201cJoe, ya lost a lot o\u2019 blood. There ain\u2019t no way ya\u2019ll be able ta stay on a horse!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can!\u201d Joe argued, pushing aside the blanket that covered him and trying to get to his feet. He got about as far as his knees when first of all his ankle gave a painful twinge and then his head began spinning and when Joe tried to reach down with his right arm to catch himself, he discovered that he couldn\u2019t use it and would have fallen if Hoss hadn\u2019t been there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Joe, easy!\u201d Hoss cried, distressed that Joe had tried to get up. He eased aside his brother\u2019s coat and shirt and saw, as he had dreaded, splotches of blood on the bandages. \u201cYa done started the bleedin\u2019 again!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe whispered, miserably. He didn\u2019t realize that Hoss wasn\u2019t really angry \u2013 he was frightened. Joe had lost a lot of blood and to Hoss\u2019 horror, he was beginning to feel very warm to the touch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a drink,\u201d Hoss urged, totally at a loss. Joe gulped the cool liquid eagerly. Gently, Hoss laid him back down. \u201cYa git some rest, Joe, an\u2019 let me get ready fer the mornin\u2019. If\u2019n I don\u2019, we won\u2019t be ready ta start at first light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe repeated. Hoss mussed his curls affectionately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019 ya fret none,\u201d he told his brother with a confidence he didn\u2019t feel. \u201cOl\u2019 Hoss\u2019ll git ya out a this.\u201d He waited beside Joe until his brother was asleep once more, then got stiffly to his feet and went over to the packhorse. Leaning heavily on its back, he made his way back to collect the deer and the things he would need for a travois.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The forest scavengers hadn\u2019t eaten much of the deer and Hoss struggled to get the carcass onto the packhorse\u2019s back. He did eventually manage, and sat down for a rest, leaning against the closest tree. However, despite the weariness of his body and the grinding soreness he felt, Hoss couldn\u2019t let himself rest until they were ready to travel the next day. He knew Joe needed medical attention soon and in the meantime, Hoss was determined to do everything he could to help his brother, even if it was just by preparing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The effort required to cut down a couple of slender trees surprised Hoss, but he put it down to being tired. He plugged away at his self-imposed chore and finally had the branches removed and the poles ready for use. He attached them to the horse\u2019s harness and limped his way back to camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was virtually dark now, but Hoss wouldn\u2019t allow himself more than a few minutes rest. Joe was sleeping, but he was restless, tossing and turning. Anxiously, Hoss felt his forehead and found that Joe\u2019s fever had increased slightly. Soaking his bandanna, Hoss placed the wet cloth on Joe\u2019s head, hoping that would help bring down the fever. Joe mumbled something unintelligible before settling down slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Hoss took a drink himself and uneasily felt how light the canteen was. They would have to have more water, he thought and limped his way down to the stream to replenish it. Coming back, he checked Joe once more, then sat down to butcher the deer. When that was done, he packed all the meat, ready for their departure in the morning, and lay down to rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was asleep in seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Guilt rocketed through Hoss as he woke the next morning. He glanced all around, seeing that the fire had burned out and that he hadn\u2019t made the travois, as he had intended. Sitting up, Hoss groaned as the pain in his knee came to life and he gingerly felt the injured joint, wincing at the heat that emanated from it.<\/span><\/p>\n

A groan from Joe brought Hoss to his feet and he hurried over to Joe, who was awake, but looked ill. Hectic patches of color burned in his otherwise pale face, but he was lucid. \u201cI\u2026 don\u2019t\u2026 feel\u2026 so\u2026 good,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently, Hoss helped Joe to sit up and gave him a drink. Joe gulped the cool water ravenously, for his thirst was overpowering. \u201cThat better?\u201d Hoss asked, as Joe pushed the canteen away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe said, \u201cHoss\u2026\u201d But his brother didn\u2019t allow him the chance to go on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa jist rest, Joe,\u201d he urged. \u201cI\u2019ll git the travois ready an\u2019 we\u2019ll leave real soon, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Joe tried again, but got no further.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll only take me a few minutes ta make,\u201d Hoss rattled on. \u201cI got all the gear here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Joe repeated, with more force and his older brother looked at him silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go and get help,\u201d Joe suggested, weakly. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here. I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna do nuthin\u2019 like that!\u201d Hoss objected furiously. \u201cJist put that foolish notion right out a yer head, Joe! I ain\u2019t leavin\u2019 ya an\u2019 that\u2019s an end ta it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears sprang into Joe\u2019s eyes at his brother\u2019s harsh tone. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can do this,\u201d he admitted in a whisper. \u201cIt hurts so much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know it does, Punkin,\u201d Hoss soothed, immediately remorseful for shouting at Joe. \u201cBut I cain\u2019t leave ya here, Joe. Ya\u2019d die alone! I gotta git ya back home.\u201d He smiled. \u201cYa jist lie there an\u2019 let me sort things, hear? I\u2019ll take care o\u2019 everythin\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Too tired and too sore to argue any further, Joe simply nodded, closing his eyes to try and hide his distress. But the tears seeped out beneath his lashes and Joe despised himself for his weakness. Normally, he didn\u2019t care if he shed tears, but now, when Hoss was trying so hard to help him and was hurt himself, it seemed to Joe that he was showing incredible ingratitude and weakness and he was ashamed of himself. Wiping away the tears with his one good hand, and wincing miserably as the movement hurt his back, Joe vowed to make no more complaints.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

They made very good progress that first day, mostly because Hoss rode on well into the evening, welcoming the full moon that shone from out of a cloudless sky. They travelled for several hours after dark by the light of the moon and only stopped when Joe could no longer control his groans of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been a nightmare journey for Joe. He was running a good going temperature now as infection started creeping through his body. The wounds on his back and arm burned relentlessly and every jolt of the travois caused him untold agony. He bit his lip until it was bleeding to muffle any sounds of distress and it was only when exhaustion added its dangerous contribution to blood loss and fever that he was unable to keep quiet any longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Hoss, the day had been just as difficult and he was thoroughly exhausted, too.\u00a0 His sore knee had made mounting his horse a real trial and getting down again had proved no better. But despite his exhaustion, Hoss would have ridden all night to get Joe home, had Joe not needed to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working as quickly as his bad knee would allow, Hoss made a rough camp and settled Joe as best he could. \u201cSorry,\u201d Joe whispered, as Hoss tucked the bedroll around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tired, too, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss soothed him. \u201cYa try an\u2019 git some sleep, now ya ain\u2019t movin\u2019. Do it feel better when yer still?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t really, but Hoss was trying so hard to help him that Joe felt bad about admitting the truth. \u201cA little,\u201d he lied and saw a smile cross his brother\u2019s tired face. \u201cCan I get a drink?\u201d he asked, and eagerly gulped the water. Joe had no desire to eat and neither did Hoss that night. He simply lay down next to Joe and they both fell asleep quickly, knowing that tomorrow, they would be home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m going into town to do a few things,\u201d Ben told Adam the next morning at breakfast. \u201cWant to come along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cThere are a few things I could do in town, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben added, \u201cI might even treat you to a beer if you play your cards right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, you mean you don\u2019t mind if I have a game of cards?\u201d Adam retorted and saw Ben\u2019s eyes widen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery funny!\u201d Ben said, trying to sound repressive and not quite succeeding. \u201cYou know my views on gambling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI surely do,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cThink Hoss and Joe will be home today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Ben replied, doubtfully. \u201cBut I think it\u2019s more likely to be tomorrow.\u201d He smiled. \u201cWe\u2019ll find out later. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It can\u2019t be morning already, Hoss thought as he wakened. He still felt exhausted. He rolled over, hoping to get back to sleep, but one look at Joe pushed all thoughts of sleep from his mind. Joe was horribly pale, apart from the spots of hectic color burning in his cheeks. His eyes were closed and his mouth was open as he dragged in rapid, shallow breaths.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss cried, shaking his brother. \u201cJoe, wake up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a long moment, Hoss thought Joe wasn\u2019t going to respond, but at last his brother stirred and Joe peered at Hoss, his green eyes glazed with fever. \u201cHoss?\u201d he breathed. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the question that Hoss had been dreading. He knew that Joe wanted his father; for that matter, Hoss wanted his father, too. But they still had a few hours of travel in front of them before they reached home and Ben\u2019s tender loving care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s at home, Joe,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll see him when we get there. Here, have some water.\u201d He lifted Joe\u2019s head and his brother drank slowly. Hoss was discouraged by how high Joe\u2019s fever was. \u201cI\u2019ll git movin\u2019 an\u2019 ya\u2019ll soon be home, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe sighed. He desperately wanted to be home to see his father. Joe couldn\u2019t remember the last time he had felt so ill. It seemed every breath was a struggle and the pain from his injuries sapped Joe\u2019s dwindling strength even further. The thought of having to lie on the travois as he was transported home was almost more than he could bear. Yet even at this low ebb, Joe didn\u2019t think of dying. He just wanted to get home to his father, the chief source of comfort he could remember, and he knew he would begin to feel better. He listened to Hoss moving about the campsite and finally opened his eyes to squint at Hoss, seeing that his ears hadn\u2019t led him astray \u2013 Hoss was limping very badly. \u201cHoss!\u201d he called, suddenly frightened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Joe?\u201d Hoss asked. He had found it a severe struggle getting going that morning. His knee had stiffened to the point where it almost wouldn\u2019t bend and he ached all over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you\u2019re\u2026 hurt,\u201d Joe cried, distressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Hoss denied. \u201cIts jist ma knee that\u2019s a bit stiff. I\u2019m all right, Joe, honest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the sincerity in Hoss\u2019 voice, Joe didn\u2019t believe a single word. He had a long and intimate relationship with telling untruths about his health and it gave him a radar with which to determine the veracity of others. However, he couldn\u2019t refute what Hoss was saying, for his brother was ignoring his own suffering to help Joe and Joe couldn\u2019t belittle that noble effort. \u201cIf\u2026 you\u2019re\u2026sure,\u201d he breathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Hoss replied and smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe muttered and closed his eyes again. He couldn\u2019t bear to watch Hoss make a liar of himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAlmost there, almost there,\u201d Hoss mumbled. He was talking only to himself, for Joe had slipped into a kind of unconsciousness and Hoss thought it was probably kinder to leave him alone for now. At least he wasn\u2019t feeling any pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

He blinked and rubbed his tired eyes and realized that Chub had stepped up his pace slightly. It was a sure sign they were nearing home and for Hoss, home couldn\u2019t come soon enough. He was feeling a mite feverish himself and the cold wind that was now blowing steadily from the north seemed to cut right through his winter coat. Catching himself almost nodding off again, Hoss rubbed his eyes once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Never had the ranch house looked more welcoming to Hoss than it did that afternoon. \u201cWe\u2019re home, Joe,\u201d he said aloud. \u201cWe made it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no response, but Hoss hadn\u2019t expected one. He all but fell from his horse, catching himself before his bad leg could thump down too hard on the ground, but all the same, it was hard enough to make him pause to catch his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Hoss shouted and began to limp towards the house. \u201cPa!\u201d No response.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throwing open the house door, Hoss shouted again. \u201cPa! Adam!\u201d Still there was no response and Hoss found himself on the verge of tears as he realized that there was no one home and he would have to go on coping and doing the best he could for Joe, despite being on the point of collapse. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But the house wasn\u2019t totally deserted. \u201cMistah Hoss?\u201d asked a familiar, puzzled, voice. Hop Sing came into view and looked at Hoss curiously. \u201cMistah Hoss, what happen?\u201d he demanded. \u201cSit down. Where Lil Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, can\u2019t sit down,\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cJoe\u2019s outside, Hop Sing. He\u2019s hurt real bad. Where\u2019s Pa an\u2019 Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFather and Mistah Adam go to town this morning,\u201d Hop Sing responded. \u201cSay they not be back for suppah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no!\u201d Hoss cried, despairingly. \u201cJoe\u2019s hurt real bad an\u2019 we need the doc. What am I gonna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down!\u201d Hop Sing ordered. \u201cHop Sing sort out.\u201d He pushed Hoss towards a seat and then hurried out of the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked worse than he had anticipated, but Hop Sing kept his head. He hurried to the bunkhouse and roused the hands who had not long finished for the day. One man was sent galloping into town to get the doctor and Ben \u2013 in that order \u2013 and another three were roped into helping Hop Sing get Joe and Hoss to their rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Hoss rest,\u201d Hop Sing instructed him. \u201cHop Sing take care of Lil Joe.\u201d He ushered the curious hands out and ordered them to take care of the horses while he gathered up the supplies he thought he might need.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

There was no mistaking the infection in Joe\u2019s body. The claw marks were red, swollen and crusted with pus. Heat radiated from Joe\u2019s body and he moaned softly.\u00a0 Hop Sing was very concerned. He began to bathe the wounds again, softening the crusts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was barely more than a breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt me, Lil Joe,\u201d Hop Sing replied, as steadily as he could. Joe was lying on his stomach, so that the Oriental could more easily treat his injuries. He moved over so that Joe could see him. \u201cFather in town. Be back soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Joe replied, and the breathlessness of his tone worried Hop Sing even further. Joe\u2019s eyes moved, looking around the room for something. Hop Sing wondered what it was. After all, he had just told the youth that Ben was not at home. Surely Joe wasn\u2019t so far into delirium that he had already forgotten what he had just been told? Fear clutched at Hop Sing\u2019s heart. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The relief was overwhelming and for a moment, Hop Sing couldn\u2019t speak. However, that state of affairs didn\u2019t last for long and he replied, \u201cMistah Hoss in bed, resting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2026 all right?\u201d Joe wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe be just fine,\u201d Hop Sing declared firmly, although he hadn\u2019t had a moment to look in on him. \u201cHe need rest, just like Lil Joe. Doctor be here soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026 is limping,\u201d Joe went on, his breath panting away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe rest,\u201d Hop Sing repeated. \u201cHe be just fine. Lil Joe sleep now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThirsty,\u201d Joe muttered and Hop Sing tenderly held his head to help him drink. He fervently hoped that the doctor would arrive soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For once, Paul Martin had been easier to find than Ben, who had fallen in with a companion in town and had ended up having a meal with him at the hotel. Fred, the hand that Hop Sing had sent into town, finally tracked Adam down in the Silver Dollar saloon and Adam took in Fred\u2019s bad news very fast. \u201cI\u2019ll get Pa,\u201d he declared. \u201cYou get our horses from the livery!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam ran from the saloon. Fortunately, the hotel was close by and Adam raced into the dining room, ignoring the startled looks he got from the hotel patrons. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alerted by Adam\u2019s precipitous entrance, Ben was already on his feet, his face paling as Adam panted out the news. \u201cJoe and Hoss are home and Joe\u2019s seriously ill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul\u2026?\u201d Ben asked, dropping his napkin on the remnants of his meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlready on his way. Fred\u2019s getting our horses.\u201d Adam turned away, knowing that Ben was following on his heels. Together, the two men hurried outside and found the faithful Fred waiting with their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t wait fer me,\u201d Fred told them. \u201cI\u2019ll git back by an\u2019 by.\u201d His horse was tired after racing into town and he knew the Cartwrights wanted to get home as fast as possible. Barely nodding, Ben and Adam put their heels to their horses and galloped out of town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The only comfort for Ben as he raced home that night was that Paul Martin had about 20 minutes head start on them and should already be there tending to Joe when they arrived home. However, the details that they had were sketchy at best and Ben\u2019s imagination was soon providing him with one lurid explanation after another for the cause of Joe\u2019s illness.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they arrived in the yard, there were hands waiting to look after their horses, and another man was walking the doctor\u2019s buggy horse around, cooling it out. Ben noticed that subliminally as he threw his reins at the nearest man before racing into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben practically fell into Joe\u2019s room, snatching off his hat and throwing it carelessly onto Joe\u2019s dresser as he hurried to lean over his son\u2019s bed. \u201cJoe!\u201d he repeated, his voice hushed with horror. Glancing up at Hop Sing, he asked, \u201cWhat happened to him? Where\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say he was attacked by a bear,\u201d Paul replied as he continued his ministrations. \u201cHoss is in his room. Hop Sing tells me he\u2019s limping badly, but I haven\u2019t had the chance to go and get the story from him. Hop Sing, I need some more hot water, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, doctah,\u201d the Oriental replied and hurried out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to Hoss,\u201d Adam told Ben, touching his father\u2019s arm. He didn\u2019t want to admit to Ben that he could hardly bear to look at Joe\u2019s lacerated back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he, Paul?\u201d Ben asked, coming closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe breathed and Ben instantly crouched by his son\u2019s side, one hand automatically stroking the curls back from Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe,\u201d he replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTangled\u2026 with a\u2026 bear,\u201d Joe panted, squinting at Ben. \u201cHoss\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss will be just fine,\u201d Ben replied, although he didn\u2019t know that. \u201cAdam is with him.\u201d He found a smile from somewhere, although his heart was sore. \u201cYou just rest now and let the doctor treat you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 bad\u2026 tasting\u2026medicine, doc,\u201d Joe breathed and tried to laugh. The effort clearly hurt and the laugh ended on a gasp of pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Paul demanded, jokingly. \u201cBad tasting medicine is my stock in trade, young man and I don\u2019t intend to stop using it now!\u201d He saw the smile flitting across Joe\u2019s face and took heart from it. Joe might well be in a vast amount of pain, but he was still lucid and hadn\u2019t lost his sense of humor. That was encouraging. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to give you something for the pain and then I\u2019m going to put you to sleep to work on your back, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I\u2026 have a\u2026 choice?\u201d Joe whispered, but his humor was clearly forced as his strength ran out. He reached out with his hand, despite the pain in his arm and Ben took his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The touch of his father\u2019s big, warm hand was the last thing Joe was aware of for quite a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss?\u201d Adam whispered, as he approached the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m awake,\u201d Hoss replied. He sounded utterly exhausted and when Adam perched on the edge of the bed, he could see huge dark circles under Hoss\u2019 eyes. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doc\u2019s with him,\u201d Adam replied, unable to put his feelings into words. \u201cWhat happened, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got between a mama bear an\u2019 her cubs,\u201d Hoss mumbled. \u201cShe chased us an\u2019 we both climbed trees.\u201d He moved uncomfortably at the recollection. \u201cThe branch I was on broke an\u2019 the bear came fer me. Joe\u2026\u201d Hoss stopped and swallowed. \u201cJoe jumped down from his tree an\u2019 distracted her. I dunno ezzactly what happened, but Joe couldn\u2019 git out a the way an\u2019 then she was on him.\u201d Hoss wiped a hand over his eyes, guilt eating him up. \u201cI chased her off, but it was too late, Adam. Joe was hurt \u2018cos o\u2019 me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Adam began, uncomfortably, but Hoss went on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got him back ta camp, but it took hours, Adam. I did what I could fer him, but we couldn\u2019 leave that afternoon \u2018cos it was too late. An\u2019 I meant ta make the travois, but I fell asleep, so we was later settin\u2019 off fer home than I wanted.\u201d He sighed. \u201cIt took us two days ta git here, Adam. Two days when there wasn\u2019t nuthin\u2019 I could do fer Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop blaming yourself!\u201d Adam ordered, harshly. \u201cYou did everything you could for Joe! He\u2019s alive and you got him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s real sick!\u201d Hoss objected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you hadn\u2019t been there, he\u2019d be dead!\u201d Adam shouted, immediately regretting his outburst. He glanced at his sibling, and saw, to his amazement, that Hoss actually looked thoughtful, not upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYer right,\u201d Hoss nodded, slowly. \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought o\u2019 that. I was jist thinkin\u2019 about the things I didn\u2019 do. I even brought home the deer we shot, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam smiled. \u201cHoss, you did wonderfully out there! Now, let\u2019s take a look at your leg. I\u2019m told you\u2019re limping.\u201d He examined his brother\u2019s leg, knowing that Paul would have to take a look at it later, especially the knee, which was red and swollen, the skin shiny and hot to the touch. \u201cI\u2019ll get the doc in to see you when he\u2019s finished with Joe,\u201d Adam concluded, pulling the blankets up round Hoss. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you get some sleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReckon I might,\u201d Hoss agreed. He was snoring before Adam had even left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The atmosphere in Joe\u2019s room was tense. Ben paced restlessly while Paul worked over Joe, cleaning up the wounds and stitching them closed. Adam leant on the wall by the door, keeping out of the way. Ben sent him an enquiring glance and Adam quickly up-dated them on what had happened, Ben listening in silence, his mouth hanging open as he visualized the scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank heavens Hoss was there,\u201d Ben breathed when Adam was finished. \u201cIf either of them had been alone\u2026\u201d He couldn\u2019t bring himself to finish the thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDone,\u201d Paul announced about half an hour later. He tied off the last of the bandages and they gently turned Joe over so he was resting on a pile of pillows. \u201cI\u2019m going to have a look at Hoss. Call me when Joe wakes up, all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay with Joe, Pa,\u201d Adam offered, happier now that the damage was covered up. \u201cI know you want to see Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, son,\u201d Ben replied and followed Paul through to the other bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 injuries weren\u2019t as serious as Joe\u2019s, but his knee was badly sprained and walking about on it had just made things worse. Paul cleaned up the graze and bandaged it, splinting the knee to prevent further damage. \u201cYou must keep off that leg entirely until the knee has healed,\u201d Paul warned Hoss. \u201cNo more heroics!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s the hero,\u201d Hoss objected. \u201cHe saved my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you saved Joe\u2019s life in return,\u201d Paul pointed out. \u201cThen you brought both him and your winter venison safely home. I\u2019d say that was heroic, wouldn\u2019t you, Ben?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I would,\u201d Ben replied. He squeezed Hoss\u2019 shoulder and the big man beamed, blushing furiously at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShucks, Pa, ya\u2019d have done the same fer us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I would and I know Adam would have done no less for any of us, had the need arisen,\u201d Ben agreed, soberly. \u201cYou rest now, son. You deserve it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By next morning, Hoss was looking much better, the circles gone from beneath his eyes and his appetite returning. The fever he had been running when he had arrived home was gone and apart from being confined to bed, Hoss felt pretty good.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through the wall, progress was much slower. Joe had lost a lot of blood in the initial attack and yet more during the surgery to suture his back and was very weak. His temperature had risen to begin with but it gradually dropped through the night, until it was only a couple of degrees above normal. He slept deeply, barely rousing for the fluids Paul insisted he had to get regularly and Ben eventually resorted to giving them to Joe without wakening him.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was mid-afternoon before Joe roused properly. He blinked bleary eyes and glanced at the side of his bed. As he expected someone was keeping him company, but it wasn\u2019t Ben, it was Adam. \u201cHi,\u201d Joe breathed, unsure of his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing up from his book, Adam smiled. \u201cWell, look who\u2019s awake at last,\u201d he teased. \u201cI thought you were going to sleep all day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s\u2026 Pa?\u201d Joe asked. He could barely move, he felt so weak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been sleeping,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cHe sat up all night with you, and I sent him to bed. I think he\u2019s getting something to eat right now.\u201d Adam rose and got a glass of water and helped Joe to drink. \u201cHow\u2019re you feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Joe admitted. He knew there was no point in trying his standard answer \u2013 \u2018fine\u2019 \u2013 because he was obviously anything but fine! \u201cHow\u2019s Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, apart from a sprained knee.\u201d Adam lifted one eyebrow. \u201cDid you know you have a sprained ankle, by the way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe wriggled his toes gingerly and immediately felt a twinge surge through his left ankle. It seemed to be the signal for all his other pains to come to life and he winced as he sorted through his few memories of the bear attack. \u201cI think I hurt it\u2026 jumping from the tree,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI expect that would do it,\u201d Adam agreed, reaching for the painkiller that had been left for Joe. He gave his brother the pill and watched as Joe swallowed it down. \u201cDo you want something to eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe hesitated. Right now, he felt too sore to eat, but his insides did feel rather hollow. Thinking back, Joe couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d eaten.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go and get Pa,\u201d Adam offered, \u201cand see what Hop Sing has cooking for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to get me, I\u2019m here,\u201d came Ben\u2019s deep voice and Joe swiveled his eyes round to see his father coming in the door.\u00a0 He went straight over to the bed and leaned one hand on the headboard as he bent over to study Joe closely. \u201cHow\u2019re you feeling, son?\u201d he asked and the love in his voice caused tears to spring into Joe\u2019s eyes, although they didn\u2019t fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Joe admitted again. \u201cAdam says Hoss\u2026 is all right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he is,\u201d Ben smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe saved\u2026 my life,\u201d Joe reported. He was annoyed that he couldn\u2019t finish a sentence in one breath, but taking a deep breath hurt too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you saved his,\u201d Ben replied. He sat down on the edge of the bed as Adam went down to tell Hop Sing that Joe was awake. Ben knew that he had cooked up some chicken soup just for Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t let the\u2026 bear get him,\u201d Joe whispered, the remembered fear coloring his voice. He swallowed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about the meat,\u201d he went on. \u201cWe did get\u2026 a couple of deer\u2026\u201d He frowned in confusion as Ben held up his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss saved the deer, too,\u201d Ben told Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s in the smokehouse as we speak and Fred is making sure that there are enough hickory chips to do the job properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026 how?\u201d Joe asked, plainly confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Ben told Joe the story that Hoss had related to him that morning, about getting the second deer while he was collecting what he needed for the travois. Joe smiled. \u201cTrust Hoss,\u201d he grinned. \u201cAlways thinking\u2026 about his stomach,\u201d he joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, Adam came back in with Joe\u2019s soup and they helped him sit up. Joe winced a number of times, and his head spun dizzily for a few seconds, but he had to admit that the soup smelt good and he ate most of the bowl before exhaustion claimed him. Ben helped him lie down again, and Joe soon drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting watching him, Ben gave a silent prayer of thanks that his sons had both returned home safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The first snows of winter had fallen before both Joe and Hoss were up and about again. Hoss had gained his feet first, his sprained knee healing much more quickly than Paul Martin had feared it might due to the amount of walking Hoss had done on it to get Joe home and his weight, for however you looked at it, Hoss was a big man. Joe took a little longer to recover fully, due to the amount of blood he had lost.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been many weeks since they had all sat at the table together, Ben thought as he looked at his three sons. He had come very close to losing both his boys and he was grateful that they cared enough about each other to put their lives on the line for each other. Of course, he reflected, ruefully, he\u2019d much rather that they didn\u2019t get into situations where they had to put their lives on the line!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s for supper?\u201d Hoss asked, eagerly, as Hop Sing put a steaming dish onto the table. \u201cIt sure smells good!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuppah thanks to Mistah Hoss an\u2019 Lil Joe,\u201d Hop Sing beamed and bustled back into the kitchen to bring out the vegetables.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hoss grunted, confused. He glanced at Joe, who looked no less confused than his big brother. Adam and Ben exchanged a look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Ben asked, as the cook came back with another couple of dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Hoss an\u2019 Lil Joe bring suppah back with them,\u201d Hop Sing explained, but nobody had the least clue what he was talking about until Ben dished up and had a bite.<\/span><\/p>\n

A smile spread over his face, but he said not a word until everyone had tasted it. By then, they were all grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSmoked venison,\u201d Ben remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe winked at Hoss. \u201cWell, I guess we did bring it home with us, didn\u2019t we, big brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we did,\u201d Hoss agreed doubtfully. \u201cBut it were me what remembered it. Joe didn\u2019 have nuthin\u2019 ta do with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shot one of those deer!\u201d Joe objected vociferously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI brung them back,\u201d Hoss retorted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd normality reigns,\u201d Adam commented to Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness,\u201d he agreed and they smiled as Joe and Hoss broke off from arguing to cast each of them an enquiring look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blandly, Ben and Adam returned to their food, while Joe and Hoss exchanged glances.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ask me,\u201d Joe told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019 goin\u2019 ta,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cAn\u2019 I did bring that meat back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I shot one\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A trip to stock up for the winter takes an unexpected turn, leaving Joe and Hoss facing danger and possibly death.<\/p>\n

Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (9,010 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":0,"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],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2039,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6325,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6325","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":0},"title":"Best Laid Plans (by Cheaux)","author":"Cheaux","date":"May 3, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A rift between father and sons is healed in an unexpected way. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0 T -- WC \u00a0650","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza16.jpg?fit=334%2C425&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3390,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3390","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":1},"title":"Remember (by Lily of the West)","author":"Lily of the West","date":"April 25, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 a tender father\/son moment between Adam and Ben \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (770 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Adam"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Adam","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1016"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7595,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7595","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":2},"title":"She Left (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Adam\u2019s love is leaving him. Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0 599 The Wheelchair Series The Wheelchair She Left","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Springtime-Vignettes.jpg?fit=960%2C640&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":3},"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":2707,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2707","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":4},"title":"Grief (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"February 4, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A short piece reflecting on life after Hoss died. Rated: \u00a0T \u00a0 (950 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/serious-Hoss.jpg?fit=269%2C298&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7589,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7589","url_meta":{"origin":2498,"position":5},"title":"Broken Bone (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A broken hand and an angry Adam, Hoss isn't having a very good day. 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