{"id":5312,"date":"2003-04-30T00:05:01","date_gmt":"2003-04-30T04:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5312"},"modified":"2026-07-29T14:28:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T18:28:33","slug":"never-a-harsh-word","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5312","title":{"rendered":"Never a Harsh Word (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/strong>An argument with Hoss spills over to encompass Adam, and is Joe deeply hurt. When tragedy strikes, the brothers rue the harsh words they exchanged. And just when it seems things can’t get any worse, they do.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(9,995 words)<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Never a Harsh Word<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you shut up, Hoss?\u201d Joe grated through clenched teeth. \u201cI don\u2019t need you to keep rubbing it in! Drop it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Shortshanks, you\u2019re makin\u2019 too much of it,\u201d Hoss said, still grinning. \u201cI ain\u2019t mentioned it but a dozen times since we left town. It ain\u2019t every day that you get dropped by a young lady. It\u2019s usually the other way round, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you please shut up!\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cYou\u2019ve talked about it all the way from town, and I\u2019ve had enough.\u201d He led Cochise into the barn as Hoss laughed once more. In silence, Joe began to unsaddle his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Shortshanks, you ain\u2019t mad, are ya?\u201d Hoss went on, oblivious to his brother\u2019s growing fury. \u201cAfter all, you must be useta changin\u2019 girlfriends all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping his saddle onto its stand, Joe swung round on Hoss. \u201cI\u2019ve had enough,\u201d he said, in deadly tones that really ought to have warned Hoss, but didn\u2019t. \u201cStop talking about Laurie. I don\u2019t want to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, I\u2019m jist teasin\u2019 ya, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss responded. \u201cI think its real funny that jist for once, you ain\u2019t the one doin\u2019 the dumpin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Joe screamed. \u201cIt\u2019s none of your business why Laurie and I broke up, and nothing to do with you who ended it! And stop calling me Shortshanks!\u00a0 I have a name, and I\u2019m not Little Joe, or Shortshanks, or little buddy, or kid, or any other diminutive you can think up! I\u2019m not short; you all just happen to be tall, and I\u2019ve had enough! Enough, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Astounded, Hoss just gaped at Joe open-mouthed. The horses shifted uneasily. Joe dragged in a huge breath but was unable to get his anger under control. Hoss had been going on about Joe\u2019s latest break-up all the way back from Virginia City, and Joe couldn\u2019t take any more. The news had come as a blow to him, and he hadn\u2019t appreciated Hoss being present to hear it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean anythin\u2019 by it,\u201d Hoss said, trying to make amends, too late. \u201cYou know I don\u2019t, Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t even hear yourself, do you?\u201d Joe demanded, so angry he could barely breathe. He turned on his heel to stalk out, knowing that if Hoss said one more word, he would lose the last vestiges of control and lash out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss asked, genuinely perplexed. He headed after Joe and grabbed his brother by the arm. \u201cDon\u2019t go away till I know what you\u2019re talkin\u2019 about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wrenching his arm from Hoss\u2019 grip, Joe staggered. \u201cLeave me alone!\u201d he hissed. \u201cDidn\u2019t it ever occur to you that I might be hurt by what Laurie said?\u201d<\/p>\n

Totally dumfounded, Hoss said, \u201cBut you wasn\u2019t in love with her, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so now you know how I feel, too?\u201d Joe yelled. \u201cAnd just how do you know that, big brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s all the shouting about?\u201d asked a deep voice, and Joe swung round to confront his oldest brother, Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep out of it, Adam!\u201d Joe warned. \u201cI\u2019m in no mood to be patronized by you, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was jist dumped by Laurie,\u201d Hoss said, and his tone was jocular again. \u201cHe ain\u2019t takin\u2019 too kindly to me teasin\u2019 him a bit. Are ya, Shortshanks?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a cry, Joe shoved Hoss out of his way and pushed past Adam as he made a break for freedom, knowing that if he stayed one second longer, blood would be spilt. Adam grabbed him as he shoved past.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, kid,\u201d he said, sternly. \u201cThis is no time for a tantrum. You haven\u2019t taken care of your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luckily for Adam, Joe was so angry, his aim was off, or otherwise the punch that Joe threw might well have knocked his head off. As it was, the blow glanced painfully off Adam\u2019s shoulder. The oldest son let go of Joe, who crashed off the barn door as he almost fell. Too over wrought to do anything else, Joe ran from the barn and into the house.<\/p>\n

Looking at one another, Adam finally moved to groom Joe\u2019s horse. \u201cThat went well,\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI really can\u2019t believe you were as tactless as that,\u201d Ben said, when he had heard the entire story from both sides. He glared at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m surprised at you, Hoss. You\u2019re usually more sensitive than that. How did you expect Joe to react?\u201d Ben paced along the front of his desk, where Adam and Hoss stood. \u201cAnd then, after he told you he didn\u2019t like you going on about him being small, you did it again! I\u2019m disgusted!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean nothin\u2019 by it, Pa,\u201d Hoss protested, uncomfortably. \u201cI always call him Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut today he was feeling bad, and you just made him feel worse,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cI expect you to apologize to Joe. And you, Adam. You\u2019ve denigrated your youngest brother by calling him kid for far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d they both muttered, although Ben could see that it wasn\u2019t going down well.<\/p>\n

He could hardly believe how insensitive Hoss had been. It wasn\u2019t like him at all, but everyone was entitled to off days. Ben didn\u2019t approve of Joe throwing a punch at his brother, but he could understand perfectly that he had been provoked beyond bearing. Joe was upstairs sulking, and was likely to stay there for the rest of the day. Ben could understand that, too.<\/p>\n

They sat down to supper, with Joe\u2019s chair still empty. Hop Sing put the dishes on the table, muttering under his breath in his native language. It really didn\u2019t need any translation, and as a consequence of that and the empty chair, none of them ate very well.<\/p>\n

After supper, Ben went up to talk to Joe, but found his youngest son already asleep. Joe had clearly been crying for his eyes were rimmed in red. Ben knew that Joe must have been very hurt by Laurie telling him in the street, in front of Hoss, that they were finished. He didn\u2019t know if Joe had been serious about the girl or not, but they had been going out for several weeks, and Laurie was quite a looker. Even if it was only Joe\u2019s pride that had been hurt by the rejection, he had still been hurt, and Hoss should\u2019ve known better.<\/p>\n

As he closed Joe\u2019s bedroom door gently behind him, Ben could only hope that Joe\u2019s bad temper would have blown over by morning.<\/p>\n

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

Next morning, Joe appeared at the breakfast table before he was called, and greeted Ben pleasantly. For a few minutes, Ben entertained hopes that Joe\u2019s mood had blown over after all, but they were dashed as soon as Adam and Hoss appeared. Joe totally ignored Adam\u2019s friendly \u201cMorning.\u201d Hoss had no better luck with his greeting.<\/p>\n

The meal was strained. Joe ate steadily, his eyes on his plate. Ben outlined the plans for the day\u2019s work, and received understanding nods or grunts from each of his sons. Yet it was as though Ben were sitting at two different tables \u2013 one with Adam and Hoss and the other with only Joe. Not by a look or movement did Joe acknowledge his brothers\u2019 presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Pa,\u201d Joe said, pushing back his chair. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, tentatively. \u201cI jist wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn\u2019t mean ta upset ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, too,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Joe paused, but he still didn\u2019t look at his brothers. After a moment, he headed off as though no one had spoken to him at all. Ben was so stunned by Joe\u2019s behavior he didn\u2019t even call him back. Hoss looked distressed and pushed his plate away. Adam looked angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, that little\u2026!\u201d Adam didn\u2019t finish, his voice trailing off at the look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Leaving the table, Ben didn\u2019t feel inclined to speak to his sons either.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben said, pausing in the barn door.<\/p>\n

Without turning his head, Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I was rude, Pa. But I just couldn\u2019t say anything to them. Not yet. I know I ought to forgive them, but I\u2019m just not ready. Sorry if that disappoints you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way, I am disappointed,\u201d Ben admitted, coming closer. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t think much of the apologies, either, or the reaction as you left. I am shocked at the way your brothers behaved yesterday, and I can understand that you need time to calm down. The only thing I can say in their defense is that they didn\u2019t mean to hurt you. Think on that today, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cThanks.\u201d He led his pinto out of the barn and mounted in one smooth leap. He rode out of the yard as Hoss and Adam came out of the house. He didn\u2019t look back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest that you two think about your attitude to your younger brother and make up your mind to apologize more thoroughly later on,\u201d Ben said, as they reached him. \u201cHe\u2019s been badly hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t mean anything,\u201d Adam began, impatiently. \u201cJoe should know that by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he should,\u201d Ben said, put out by Adam\u2019s tone. \u201cBut yesterday he was upset, and neither of you gave him any leeway for that, and in fact, Hoss all but told him he shouldn\u2019t be upset. Basically, you told him his feelings didn\u2019t count, then you started denigrating him again, albeit unintentionally. Stop and think, both of you.\u201d Ben gave them both a hard look, and went back into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize,\u201d Hoss admitted, slowly. \u201cI never thought that Joe might be hurtin\u2019 at what Laurie said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts not so much\u00a0what<\/strong>\u00a0Laurie said as\u00a0how<\/strong>\u00a0she said it,\u201d Adam said. \u201cAnd I didn\u2019t mean to make him feel bad by calling him kid. I\u2019ve always done it.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cBut Pa\u2019s right. Joe\u2019s in his twenties now, and I still treat him like a kid who can\u2019t do anything without an adult looking over his shoulder. I guess we\u2019ve got to be more careful about what we say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so,\u201d Hoss said, unhappily. They went into the barn to saddle their mounts for the day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

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

All that day, as Joe diligently checked the fence line of the west pasture, he thought back to the harsh words he had exchanged with Hoss and Adam the previous day. It was nothing new for Joe and Adam to exchange the odd harsh word, although it happened a good deal less frequently than it had a few years previously. But it was unusual for Joe and Hoss to be at odds, and it troubled Joe.<\/p>\n

For as long as he could remember, Hoss had been his stoutest defender and his best friend. He had inveigled Hoss into trouble on more than one occasion, but the older boy never held it against him. Hoss was always there for Joe, and had saved his hide several times. So this instance when Hoss had been less than sympathetic hurt badly.<\/p>\n

But Joe was nothing if not honest. He realized that he had over reacted to the teasing, and Hoss genuinely hadn\u2019t meant to hurt him. He shouldn\u2019t have ignored Hoss\u2019 apology that morning. It had been childish of him, and Joe was still young enough to be very conscious of his adult status. He resolved that he would make his peace with Hoss that night, and offer his own apology.<\/p>\n

Happy with that decision, Joe turned his thoughts to Adam. This one was harder. Joe knew that Adam didn\u2019t always realize that he was denigrating Joe by calling him \u2018kid\u2019, \u2018boy\u2019, or \u2018buddy\u2019. His use of those nicknames was as unconscious as Hoss calling him \u2018Shortshanks\u2019, but Joe didn\u2019t mind it at all from Hoss, as almost everyone was smaller than Hoss! But Adam tended to use those nicknames most when he was annoyed with Joe, and Joe was tired of it. Was Adam ever going to accept him for who he was, or was he always going to look down on Joe for not wanting to go to college? Sighing, Joe knew there was no answer to that question, and he realized that he was going to have to accept Adam\u2019s apology, knowing that there was a fair chance Adam wouldn\u2019t change his behavior. Habits, as Joe knew, were hard to break.<\/p>\n

More relaxed, Joe decided that the fence was sound enough for them to turn the herd into the pasture, so turned towards home. It was well into the afternoon, and he didn\u2019t hurry. The day was warm and sunny and Joe knew there was plenty of time before supper. His chores, unfortunately, wouldn\u2019t go away. They would be waiting whatever time he got home.<\/p>\n

Dismounting at a stream, Joe allowed Cochise to drink his fill and refilled his own canteen. He slung the strap of the canteen around his saddle horn and was preparing to mount again when he heard the voices. Puzzled, Joe led Cochise along, wondering who was out this way. The only person who should have been there was him.<\/p>\n

Pausing while still hidden amongst some trees, Joe peered through the foliage and saw two of the hands standing talking. Their horses grazed nearby and Joe instinctively put his hand on Cochise\u2019s muzzle to stop the horse whinnying. Where he stood, the voices drift over to Joe quite clearly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe old man says we\u2019re moving the herd tomorrow, if the fences are all right. We move in tomorrow night, before the animals are properly settled.\u201d The speaker was a young man called Walter Pearson.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. We gonna be on watch or what?\u201d The other man was a thin, scruffy youngster known as Junior Jones. Neither man had been with the ranch very long.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, we\u2019ll be safely back at the bunkhouse, so no one can tie us in with the rustlers. Don\u2019t worry, Junior. It\u2019ll go like clockwork.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Joe said, stepping out from his hiding place. \u201cWe\u2019re going back to the ranch and I\u2019m going to repeat this entire conversation to my father.\u201d Joe drew his gun. \u201cNow, mount up, and be careful what you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pearson and Jones looked stunned, then furious. But they both knew how good Joe was with his gun, and neither of them wanted to take any chances. Slowly, they mounted. Joe watched them, then moved Cochise out from under the trees, taking the gelding nearer the other horses so he could mount and still keep an eye on his prisoners.<\/p>\n

As Joe stepped into the stirrup, Pearson snatched off his hat and flapped it under Cochise\u2019s nose. The pinto startled, and Joe lost his balance, tumbling to the ground. Instantly, Pearson threw himself on Joe, with Jones only a heartbeat behind.<\/p>\n

It was a nasty fight. Joe got in several telling blows on Pearson before Jones grabbed his arm. Joe still held his gun, but he didn\u2019t want to fire at such close range. Now, he fought for control of his own weapon, which meant taking his eyes off his other opponent. He was even more alarmed when Jones managed to cock his gun, and Joe desperately struggled to throw the other man off him before the gun went off.<\/p>\n

He was too late. Jones\u2019 finger insinuated itself inside the trigger guard. Joe heard the report and was aware of a searing pain in his foot before something crashed onto his head and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.<\/p>\n

Panting, Jones looked at Pearson, who held a rifle in his hands. \u201cWhat d\u2019ya do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHit him with the stock,\u201d Pearson returned. He bent over Joe, and looked at the blood oozing from his hairline down his face. \u201cGuess he\u2019s alive.\u201d He laughed. \u201cLook, Junior, he done shot hisself in the foot!\u201d They both laughed, but sobered after a moment when they realized that Joe\u2019s horse was nowhere to be seen. Their own mounts had stopped a bit further away, and they soon caught them. \u201cThis doesn\u2019t change anything,\u201d Pearson warned Jones as they mounted. \u201cJust keep quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Jones agreed, and they rode off.<\/p>\n

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

Supper was a silent meal. Joe\u2019s empty chair seemed to glare at them reproachfully. Hoss was particularly downcast, and only picked at his food. Hop Sing bustled in and out and said not a word. The whole atmosphere was suffocating, and it wasn\u2019t just Hoss\u2019 appetite that suffered.<\/p>\n

Ben had to admit he was surprised that Joe hadn\u2019t returned home. He had expected Joe to turn up and accept his brothers\u2019 apologies and then the quarrel would be over. It wasn\u2019t unheard of for Joe to harbor a grudge for a few days, but Ben could read his son pretty well, and was sure Joe had been on the verge of forgiving them that morning when he left. A pang of unease shot through his gut. Surely Joe hadn\u2019t spent the day stoking up his grievance? He hadn\u2019t gone into Virginia City to drown his sorrows in the saloon?<\/p>\n

As they had coffee in front of the fire, they at last heard hoofs in the yard. Ben said nothing, but the look of relief on his face did his talking for him. Casually, he rose and went over to the door. As he gazed out, his casual, relaxed stance changed and Adam came to his feet without being aware of it. \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Without answering, Ben hurried outside and both his sons followed him. Cochise stood in the yard, his saddle empty and his reins trailing. The horse wasn\u2019t lathered, and he stood to be caught. Worried and puzzled, they checked the horse over, but could find no injuries, and no signs of foul play.<\/p>\n

The sky was starting to darken, but they hitched the buckboard, loaded it with blankets and lanterns and to set out to look for Joe. Ben drove the buckboard and Hoss and Adam rode, each scanning the road anxiously for sight of their younger brother.<\/p>\n

When it was too dark to see with the naked eye, they lit the lanterns. By now, they had traveled several miles from home and were getting closer to the west pasture where Joe had been working. Periodically, they called for him, but there was never any answer.<\/p>\n

At last, at nearly midnight, Hoss found Joe\u2019s body, still lying where he had fallen that afternoon. He had not stirred, and there was a large pool of dried blood on the ground beside him. \u201cPa!\u201d Hoss cried, and jumped from Chubb to kneel beside Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear God!\u201d Ben exclaimed when he saw his son, and the measure of his distress was in his use of the Lord\u2019s name. \u201cJoe? Can you hear me, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no response. As Hoss had done, Ben felt for Joe\u2019s pulse and found it, slow and erratic. His son was cold to the touch, and he looked up. \u201cBring a blanket,\u201d he ordered, and Adam hurriedly complied.<\/p>\n

The wound on Joe\u2019s head had bled freely, and the side of his face was caked in dried blood. Ben wet his neckerchief and gently wiped the blood away, hoping that the touch would rouse Joe, but there was no response. Even in the feeble glow of the lanterns, Joe\u2019s head injury looked deep and nasty.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me get him into the buckboard,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThen, Adam, you ride for the doctor. Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

They worked quickly to get Joe settled, then Adam mounted up and headed for town as fast as he dared go. As he rode, he couldn\u2019t help but recall that the last words he aimed at Joe were anything but loving.<\/p>\n

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

The journey back to the ranch seemed to take forever, but they still made it before Adam arrived back with the doctor. Between them, Hoss and Ben carried Joe up to his room, and Ben began to gently strip Joe\u2019s soiled clothes off. It was only as he pulled off Joe\u2019s boot that he realized that Joe had another injury. Blood splattered from the boot, and Ben looked more closely, seeing that Joe\u2019s sock was stiff with blood. He was reluctant to pull it off, but reasoned that he needed to see the wound. He tugged the offending article off Joe\u2019s foot and gasped as the full extent of the injury was revealed.<\/p>\n

The bullet was still in Joe\u2019s foot, and the foot was swelling even as Ben watched. There was extensive bruising around the hole, and a little fresh blood. \u201cHoss, look at this,\u201d Ben said, and Hoss bent over to look.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho coulda done this?\u201d Hoss asked, plaintively.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cIs Joe\u2019s gun there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I picked it up,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cIt were lyin\u2019 on the ground beside him.\u201d He picked up the gun and broke it, checking the chambers. \u201cIts bin fired,\u201d he said. \u201cYou reckon that\u2019s Joe\u2019s bullet in there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben repeated. He looked worriedly at Joe, who hadn\u2019t stirred. \u201cI just don\u2019t know, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

It was daylight before Adam appeared with Doctor Martin. Ben was exhausted and beside himself with worry. Joe had not moved all night long. He was running a temperature, too, and Ben had spent the night bathing his head gently, trying to bring his fever down. He knew he hadn\u2019t succeeded, but since the bullet was still in Joe\u2019s foot, he knew that there was infection present.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Paul said, as he came in. He looked exhausted, too, unshaven and his clothes rumpled. \u201cI was operating on the Thompson child. I won\u2019t go into details, but I couldn\u2019t leave. Let me see Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Paul examined Joe, Ben told him of how they\u2019d found Joe. He pointed out the bullet wound on his foot and Paul frowned. \u201cBen, I\u2019m not going to lie to you. Joe is very ill. I\u2019ll have to operate to get that bullet out. He has an infection from it, and I\u2019m afraid it looks like he has a fractured skull. That complicates matters.\u201d Paul rubbed his face. He really needed to sleep, not perform another tricky operation. However, he had no choice. \u201cI\u2019ll need some boiling water, clean towels and bandages.\u201d<\/p>\n

While those items were gathered together, Paul had a wash and a cup of strong coffee. Then he prepared Joe for surgery. Hop Song assisted, as Paul\u2019s nerves were stretched far enough simply performing this operation, without Ben hovering anxiously in the background.<\/p>\n

Operating on the foot, with its many bones, was a nightmare. He found the bullet quite easily, but it had broken several bones on its way in, and there were some fragments floating around. Paul carefully picked them out, then aligned the bones as best he could. He didn\u2019t want Joe to be lame because the bones in his foot didn\u2019t set properly. Finally, he flushed the wound, then stitched the foot and bandaged it tightly.<\/p>\n

There was very little he could do for the skull fracture. The wound was deep, and Paul took a couple of stitches in it, cutting some of Joe\u2019s curly hair so he could get at it. The fracture wasn\u2019t depressed, for which Paul was thankful, but he was concerned by the lack of response from Joe. Finally, he had Joe\u2019s head bandaged up, and he managed to get some water down Joe\u2019s throat, and gave him a shot of morphine to tide him over for a while. It was a good sign that Joe had been able to drink the water, he felt, but he knew that was about the only good news he had right then.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but Joe is in a coma. I don\u2019t know how long it will be before he wakens up; it could be tomorrow; it might be never. I have no way of knowing. I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re in for a long spell of nursing, and I would advise that you hire in nurses, for Joe will need 24 hour care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it,\u201d Ben asserted, his face ashen. \u201cJust tell me what he needs, and I can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t do this alone,\u201d Paul said, sternly. \u201cJoe will have to be turned regularly, day and night, to prevent bed sores. He will need to be kept clean, and his arms and legs manipulated regularly to try and keep his muscle tone as good as possible. He will need help for bodily functions, and there will be a huge increase in washing, for we will be unable to stop him soiling himself. Then he\u2019ll have to be fed fluids little and often. At the moment, his swallowing reflex is intact, but there\u2019s no guarantee that this will continue, and if it goes, Joe will starve to death.\u201d Gazing at the pale faces of the Cartwrights, Paul realized that his tongue had run away with him. He hadn\u2019t intended to be so graphic. \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I didn\u2019t mean to say that at this point.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe will wake up, won\u2019t he Paul?\u201d Hoss appealed, his genial face troubled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d Paul admitted, reluctantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t there any medicine you can give him?\u201d pleaded the big man, tears brimming in his blue eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Paul repeated. He rose wearily. \u201cI\u2019ve got to get back to my office. I can recommend a couple of nurses if you like. You don\u2019t have to decide now. Just send word to me, and I\u2019ll organize everything.\u201d He let himself out.<\/p>\n

The family stood by the fireplace, seeking comfort from each other, trying to absorb the shock. It was incredibly hard to believe that someone as vital as Joe could be reduced to this with one blow. None of them could comprehend a life without Joe\u2019s laughter, smiles, tantrums and love. Joe\u2019s body lay upstairs where they could touch it, but his spirit was lost somewhere they couldn\u2019t see.<\/p>\n

Sobs shook Hoss\u2019 powerful frame, and Ben reached out to comfort his son, wishing that he could promise him that everything would be all right. But he couldn\u2019t, and the tears streamed down Ben\u2019s face, too. Of them all, only Adam was dry-eyed, and he wished that he was able to find solace in tears, but it was many years too late for that. They stood huddled together, a circle fractured beyond repair.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe must move the herd as planned,” Ben said. They had all gone to lie down, but none of them had managed to sleep. Now, they were having brunch, and Ben was trying to make life appear normal. \u201cWhatever has happened, we have a responsibility to the herd, and the pasture they are on is done. We must move them. I would like you two to see to that for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s what you want, Pa,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cIt\u2019ll be dark before we\u2019re back, so don\u2019t wait supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a knock on the door. By habit, every pair of eyes looked to Joe\u2019s seat. Ben winced. Adam rose slowly and went over to answer the door, schooling his face to impassivity. \u201cRoy!\u201d he exclaimed, surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Roy acknowledged, his eyes searching the young man\u2019s face. \u201cYour Pa in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, Roy,\u201d Ben invited, coming to the door. He gestured to the settee. \u201cHave a seat. What can we do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The words were exactly what Roy had expected Ben to say, but they were said in a monotone, lacking the life they usually had. \u201cBen, I won\u2019t beat about the bush,\u201d Roy said. \u201cI come about Little Joe. Paul looked in an\u2019 told me what happened. Any idea who mighta done it an\u2019 why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking down, Ben shook his head, trying to hang onto his self-control. \u201cNo,\u201d he whispered. \u201cWe have no idea. Joe was out checking fences in preparation for us moving the herd.\u201d Reminded, he glanced at his older sons. \u201cBetter get going, boys. And… be careful?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam and Hoss collected their hats and guns, and left. Roy watched them go. Everything about their posture told of their sadness and exhaustion. Roy turned his attention back to Ben. \u201cPaul gave me the slug he dug outa Joe\u2019s foot. It\u2019s a .45. That\u2019s what Joe carries, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cWe checked his gun, and there had been a bullet fired. There must have been some kind of struggle, Roy. But I don\u2019t know why, or who with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Roy asked, compassionately. He had known the family a long time.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben didn\u2019t know how to answer that. Joe\u2019s temperature had gone down after Paul had removed the bullet, but he was still no nearer to consciousness than he had been when he had been found. \u201cDo you want to see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

They mounted the stairs together, and entered Joe\u2019s room silently. Joe lay as though sleeping, his head turned away slightly. Roy found it unbearably poignant. Joe looked so young, and the bandage round his head only reinforced the impression. He expected that any moment, Joe would open his eyes and smile at them. But there was no movement.<\/p>\n

Clearing his throat, Roy said, \u201cWell, I\u2019d better get back to town, Ben. If anything turns up, I\u2019ll let you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, all right,\u201d Ben replied, and Roy would\u2019ve laid odds that his friend hadn\u2019t heard a word. With one last look at the youth on the bed, Roy let himself out.<\/p>\n

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

It had helped to get back to work, Adam found. His mind was on the logistics of moving the herd from one place to another, and he didn\u2019t have a lot of time to allow his thoughts to linger on his youngest brother. However, a few of his thoughts did linger on his middle brother. Hoss\u2019 face was a picture of sheer misery, and Adam knew how he felt. Hoss was punishing himself for having teased Joe, and was now thinking that he would never get the chance to apologize to Joe. Adam knew how Hoss felt. He felt the same way. He had a lot of fence building to do with his little brother \u2013 Adam caught himself. Even in his thoughts, he was calling Joe little. He was going to have to re-think his attitude.<\/p>\n

It was dusk when they reached the west pasture. Wearily, Adam set about giving out orders to the men, deciding who would stay and see the beasts settled into the new grazing, and who could go back to the bunkhouse. There was a flurry of cold rain coming in with the night, and the men chosen to stay looked disgruntled, but none of them complained. They all knew about Joe. Most of the men had made a point of coming and asking about him, for he was well liked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPearson, you and Jones stay here,\u201d Adam said, having divided up the men as fairly as he knew how. \u201cYou\u2019ll be relieved come morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of pure panic crossed Jones\u2019 face, and he shot a glance at Pearson, who also looked surprised. Noticing this, Adam said, testily, \u201cIs there a problem here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, no sir,\u201d Jones mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there is a problem, then speak up, let\u2019s hear it,\u201d Adam said, not convinced by Jones\u2019 denial.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere ain\u2019t, honest,\u201d Jones assured him, sounding quite panicky to Adam\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf pushing cows is too hard for you, now is the time to speak up,\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to get used to being out at night on the cattle drive, later in the season.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t have the patience to spare for whatever was bothering the two young men. He was cold and tired and keen to get home to see how Joe was doing. \u201cNow, what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothin\u2019, sir; we was jist a little surprised, that\u2019s all,\u201d Pearson said, in an obsequious manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Adam responded, and turned Sport towards home. Hoss joined him.<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t gone more than 200 yards when the first shot was fired. A bullet sang past Adam\u2019s ear and thudded into the ground near by. In a flash, Adam and Hoss were off their horses. \u201cTake cover!\u201d Adam cried, peering through the dim light to try and spot the gunman.<\/p>\n

The cattle immediately began to low mournfully, and mill about.\u00a0 \u201cRustlers!\u201d Adam cursed, thankful that the men were all still there, thanks to the late start they\u2019d got. He looked round to check that everyone had reached cover, and there were no injuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you see \u2018em, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, tensely. They peered intensely into the darkness, and were rewarded by a muzzle-flash further along the hillside from them. \u201cThere!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see \u2018em,\u201d Hoss responded, and shot back.<\/p>\n

Rising to his feet, Adam began to make his way closer to the rustlers. He shucked his yellow coat, reasoning that his black clothing would render him invisible against the darkness of the ground. He hoped he would be able to get close enough to the rustlers to stop the shooting before someone was killed. It would also nice to get them into custody, and so save themselves a lot of bother.<\/p>\n

A figure reared up out of the darkness in front of Adam. \u201cHold it!\u201d Adam said, sharply, unsure of whom he was facing.<\/p>\n

The figure turned and fired. Adam felt a thud on his chest, and fired back even as he fell. The figure collapsed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss bellowed. \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no reply, and Hoss leapt to his feet, and began to run towards Adam, his heart in his mouth. Around him, the firing continued, although it seemed to be getting less, and the shots sounded further away. \u201cThey\u2019re on the run!\u201d a voice shouted, but Hoss didn\u2019t spare a glance in any direction. He was intent on reaching his older brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he said, again, flinging himself down beside Adam. In the dim light it was difficult to see, but then Adam moved, and what little light there was reflected on his eyes, which glistened.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all\u2026 right,\u201d Adam said, but even those few words betrayed to Hoss that Adam was in great pain.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me a light!\u201d Hoss cried, and shortly one of the men arrived bearing a burning branch. The light wasn\u2019t great, but it was enough for Hoss to see that Adam had been shot in the chest. Wordlessly, Hoss ripped the sleeve out of his shirt to wad against the wound.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe was lucky,\u201d Paul said. \u201cThe bullet didn\u2019t hit anything vital, but he\u2019s lost quite a lot of blood. But give him a few weeks, and he won\u2019t know anything had happened.\u201d Paul still looked exhausted, and it was only just 12 hours since he\u2019d left the Ponderosa. \u201cIt\u2019s lucky the other man wasn\u2019t a better shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, lucky,\u201d Ben said. He wasn\u2019t normally a superstitious man, but he couldn\u2019t help wondering what the third disaster would be, and looked upon Hoss with haunted eyes. He smoothed the covers over Adam, who slept deeply thanks to the drugs Paul had given him.<\/p>\n

Leaving the room, Paul crossed to take a look at Joe. He spoke to the youth, even though there was no response, and looked deeply into his eyes, listening to his chest and heart carefully. Although there was no real improvement in Joe\u2019s condition, he looked better to Paul\u2019s experienced eyes. His breathing seemed deeper and slower, and his color was good. However, there was nothing to suggest that Joe was nearing consciousness, and he hesitated to give false hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Ben asked, and there was hope in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks a bit better than when I saw him last,\u201d Paul said, carefully. \u201cBut that\u2019s almost certainly due to the fact that the bullet is out of his foot. As to the rest \u2013 well, I just can\u2019t say, Ben. The longer he\u2019s unconscious, the less likely it is that he\u2019ll come out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben said nothing, and Paul didn\u2019t push. They both went downstairs, where Roy Coffee waited with Hoss. Walter Pearson was there also, and hovered uncomfortably by the fire. Roy had been kindness itself, seeing that Pearson was upset by the death of his friend, Jones. Roy had already speculated that Jones had thought Adam was a rustler, and had panicked when challenged. As Paul had said, it was fortunate that Jones\u2019 aim hadn\u2019t been any better. The rustlers, however, had got away scot-free.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Ben,\u201d Roy said, as he hove into view. \u201cPearson was jist sayin\u2019 that Jones had no relatives. Ain\u2019t no blame attached to Adam, of course. I\u2019ll be getting\u2019 back to town, and takin\u2019 the body with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Roy,\u201d Ben said. He glanced at Pearson, standing there twisting his hat in his hands. \u201cI\u2019ll pay for the burial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mighty good o\u2019 ya, Ben,\u201d Roy said, but he wasn\u2019t surprised by Ben\u2019s generosity. It wasn\u2019t the first time Ben had done something like that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Pearson said, ungraciously, and headed towards the door. He was fuming. Jones was dead, their pals had run off, and there wasn\u2019t a single head of beef gone. Pearson knew he would have to tough it out, and bide his time until they could try again. He guessed it wouldn\u2019t be that long a wait, as it would be best to hit while the ranch was still reeling from two accidents in as many days.<\/p>\n

The deal that Pearson and Jones had had going would have made them rich with just a few head of cattle. They had contracted to a cattle baron to supply him with one hundred head of beef, no questions asked, at $20 a head. Pearson had no interest in why the man wanted the cattle and was willing to pay such an inflated price. He just wanted the money. There were several members in the gang, but Pearson had decided that there would only be one person collecting the cash \u2013 him! The loss of Jones was an irritant, nothing more. Pearson decided he would go into town and contact his partners in crime and arrange for them to attempt to job the next night.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThem rustlers ain\u2019t gone fer good, are they, Pa?\u201d Hoss said. He had one foot up on the fireplace and was leaning on his knee. It was a pose he often took.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said, sighing. He glanced at the stairs. \u201cI wonder if that was who Joe met.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following his father\u2019s gaze, although there was nothing to see, Hoss said, \u201cRoy was wonderin\u2019 about that, too.\u201d He straightened. \u201cCain\u2019t think of no one else who it could be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did they hit him so hard?\u201d Ben cried. \u201cWhat if he never wakes up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that!\u201d Hoss pleaded. \u201cDon\u2019t Pa! I cain\u2019t bear to think on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son,\u201d Ben said, regaining control of himself. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d But he couldn\u2019t bring himself to say it would be all right, for he was beginning to believe that it would never be all right again.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss is right, Pa,\u201d Adam said, testily. He shifted gingerly on the bed, trying to find a cooler spot. The weather had warmed dramatically over night, and Adam was feeling the heat. \u201cHe\u2019s got to go out and check on the men. You\u2019re tied up here with Joe and me, and this has got to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no way to refute Adam\u2019s words, but Ben was loath to admit it.\u00a0 He feared that allowing Hoss out of his sight would be tantamount to signing his death warrant. Rationally, he knew that Hoss was no more likely to be shot at on that day than on any other, but the irrational part of him was in control at that moment. Two of his sons had been injured, one seriously, and Ben was terrified for the safety of the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right careful,\u201d Hoss promised. \u201cPa, I gotta go, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben capitulated. \u201cBut please take care, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Hoss said, and left.<\/p>\n

Looking at Ben\u2019s tired face, Adam wished he were able to get out of bed to help. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe this morning?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same,\u201d Ben responded, wearily. He was beginning to think that Paul was right. They would have to have someone to help with the nursing. Between them, he, Hop Sing and Hoss had got Joe cleaned and changed that morning, but it hadn\u2019t been pleasant for any of them. Ben knew how humiliated Joe would have been to be handled like a baby, but that was exactly what it had been like. He could do nothing for himself, but mercifully wasn\u2019t aware of the fact. He had been unconscious now for three days. \u201cIs there anything you need, son?\u201d Ben asked, dragging his mind back to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Adam said. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about me.\u201d He knew that it was useless advice. Ben always worried about his sons, and the day he stopped caring, the world would stop turning.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat do you mean, you want to back out?\u201d Pearson hissed. He kept his voice lowered, so they wouldn\u2019t attract any attention in the saloon. \u201cI\u2019m tellin\u2019 ya, this is the perfect time to hit \u2018em!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t worth it,\u201d the other man replied. He was young, thin, dirty and scared. He had nearly been shot the night before, and wanted out. \u201cI ain\u2019t goin\u2019 through with it. They\u2019ll be watchin\u2019 for us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Pearson asked, shooting a glance at his other three companions. They all looked much the same and the other patrons of the saloon were avoiding them. With much metaphorical shuffling of feet, they all admitted they wanted out, too. \u201cFine!\u201d Pearson snapped. \u201cLeave then! I\u2019ll get that money one way or another!\u201d He rose and stalked out.<\/p>\n

Outside, Pearson leaned against the hitching rail. Trouble was, he had no real idea how he was going to get any kind of money. He couldn\u2019t rustle cows on his own, and he wasn\u2019t going to attempt to rob the bank alone. What could he do?<\/p>\n

Mounting, he headed his horse back to the Ponderosa, still pondering his changed luck. There had to be a way for him to get some money quickly, but the idea eluded him until he reached the ranch again. As he put his horse away, he overheard one of the men saying, \u201cIt was good of the Boss to pay for Jones\u2019 funeral. Can\u2019t never fault Mr. Cartwright fer that. An\u2019 he would do anythin\u2019 fer those boys o\u2019 his. D\u2019you mind the stories of Joe an\u2019 that stallion? The big skewbald? Mr. Cartwright was willin\u2019 to pay a big ransom fer Joe that time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mind,\u201d the other cowboy returned. \u201cThe horse saved Joe\u2019s life that time, after nearly killin\u2019 him once afore.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all clear to Pearson now. He would hold one of the sons for ransom, and since two of them were laid up in the house, it surely wouldn\u2019t be difficult to get to one of them. Smiling, Pearson made his way to his bunk and lay down, a smile on his face, while he hatched his plans.<\/p>\n

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

It was day four. Ben no longer knew what day of the week it was, nor what the date was. It was simply the fourth day since Joe had been found. His life revolved around moving Joe so he didn\u2019t develop bedsores, cleaning him up and trying to feed him. Sometimes, Ben would eat and sleep, but it seemed to him that most of his time was spent with Joe. He didn\u2019t begrudge his son a single second, but he knew it was taking its toll on the other members of the family. Hoss was being a pillar of strength, attending to the ranch and Adam\u2019s needs. But Ben knew they couldn\u2019t go on like this much longer. In another day or so, he would be forced to hire a nurse, and he feared that day with all his heart. When he hired a nurse, he would be admitting that Joe wasn\u2019t going to get better, and the thought was breaking his heart.<\/p>\n

Returning to Joe\u2019s room after lunch, Ben stopped as he went in. Joe had moved, and Ben knew that there had been nobody in the room since he left about half an hour previously. Joe had made no voluntary movements at all before this.<\/p>\n

Unsure what to make of it, Ben crossed to the bed, schooling himself not to hope. However, as he reached it, Joe sighed deeply and moved again. He seemed to be uncomfortable, and Ben quickly checked, to find that his son was wet.<\/p>\n

Calling for Hoss, Ben began to change the bed. He lifted Joe from the wet bed and tugged off the soaking nightshirt. Joe shivered as the cooler air hit his skin. He muttered something unintelligible. \u201cJoe?\u201d Ben said, but he didn\u2019t get a response.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly, Ben got Joe dressed again, and helped Hoss to change the sheets. Together, they lifted Joe to put him back into bed. \u201cPa,\u201d Joe said, quite clearly.<\/p>\n

Father and son exchanged startled looks. \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d Ben breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI surely did!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. He bent in closer. \u201cJoe? Can ya hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nothing. Disappointed, Ben continued to tuck Joe into bed, but he was so distracted that he wasn\u2019t as careful as usual with Joe\u2019s broken foot. Joe winced. Once more, Ben and Hoss exchanged glances. \u201cGo and get Paul,\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cHurry! And tell Adam on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing!\u201d Hoss said, and dashed out of the door. He flung open Adam\u2019s door, and his older brother looked up in surprise. \u201cAdam, Joe\u2019s movin\u2019 and said Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Adam said, his eyes widening. \u201cIs he responding to your voice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but he winced when Pa touched his bad foot, and he said Pa. I\u2019m goin\u2019 to get Paul.\u201d With that, Hoss dashed off once more. Adam looked longingly at the open door, wishing he could get up and go through, but he was still too shaky.<\/p>\n

Across the hallway, Ben sat holding Joe\u2019s hand, talking to him. It seemed to him that every moment, Joe came nearer to the surface. Joe\u2019s habitual restlessness was reasserting itself as his brain neared consciousness. Finally, after a time, Ben thought it might have been an hour, Joe\u2019s eyes fluttered open. After a few seconds, they closed again.<\/p>\n

It was clear that he wasn\u2019t fully conscious, but he was definitely responding to Ben\u2019s voice. There was a petulant sigh, as though Joe were impatient with his body\u2019s responses. Then his eyes opened, and he focused on Ben\u2019s face. For a moment, they just looked at once another, then Ben spoke. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe responded, and managed a smile.<\/p>\n

A thousand questions rushed into Ben\u2019s brain, but he forced himself to remain silent. He didn\u2019t want to pressure Joe until after the doctor had seen him. \u201cYou\u2019ve been ill, son,\u201d Ben said, gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Joe said, and his eyes closed. After a moment, his grip on Ben\u2019s hand loosened and he slept. But this time it was a real sleep, a healing sleep. Ben rose to tell Adam, and found he had tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Thank God, he\u2019s awake!\u201d Ben burst in, not noticing he\u2019d roused Adam from sleep. But the oldest Cartwright son didn\u2019t mind. For those words, he was willing to sacrifice more than just sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he spoken to you?\u201d Adam wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Talking so fast that he stumbled over his words, Ben told Adam the story. As he finished there was a sound from Joe\u2019s room. They exchanged a glance, identical worried frowns creasing their foreheads.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell me he\u2019s tried to get up!\u201d Ben exclaimed, and hurried out of the door.<\/p>\n

It was harder to say who had the bigger shock \u2013 Ben or Pearson. Ben was expecting to find Joe awake and trying to stand, not realizing he had a broken foot. Pearson expected to find Joe alone and in a coma. As he knocked the ewer in the basin by the window, Joe had startled awake, and Pearson froze.<\/p>\n

As Ben burst into the room, Pearson regained the use of his limbs and dived across the room to grab Joe. He drew his gun, and pointed it at the bemused man in the bed. \u201cThat\u2019s close enough, Cartwright,\u201d Pearson said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe,\u201d Ben said, keeping a wary eye on the gunman. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think I want?\u201d Pearson sneered. \u201cI want money! $20,000 for your son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t got that much money here in the house,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019d have to go to town for it and it\u2019s getting late. The bank might be closed before I got there.\u201d Ben was frantically trying to think of a way out of this situation. He knew that he only had about $200 in the safe and there was no way that amount of money would satisfy this man.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Joe had been trying to make sense of the situation. Pa had said he\u2019d been ill, and Joe believed him, for he felt quite weak. Yet, despite his throbbing foot and slight headache, Joe didn\u2019t feel unwell now. He wondered what had been wrong with him and tried to think back. He remembered his quarrel with Hoss, and riding off, but his memory stopped there.<\/p>\n

Frowning, Joe twisted his head slowly to look at the man who was holding him hostage. A picture flashed into his mind, and Joe flinched. He could see this man bearing down on him, and remembered there was another man present, too.<\/p>\n

Frantic, even though he wasn\u2019t completely sure why, Joe glanced at Ben, who hadn\u2019t missed his son\u2019s reaction. \u201cPa, he\u2026 he\u2026\u201dThe memory suddenly broke through and Joe blanched. \u201cHe hit me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Panicked as much by the sudden return of his memory as by the situation, Joe lashed out. Pearson was caught by surprise and his gun was knocked away to discharge harmlessly into the ceiling. Ben lunged for the cowboy, who brought his gun round again, determined to settle Joe down again, by whatever means were necessary. Seeing Ben charging down on him, Pearson changed his mind and shoved Ben hard. Ben stumbled and fell.<\/p>\n

Memory was still pummeling Joe hard and he was having a hard time of it assessing the information. He fought furiously. \u201cRustlers!\u201d he cried. \u201cYou wanted to bring rustlers!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Pearson shrieked. This was all going wrong and he wasn\u2019t sure why. He grabbed Joe\u2019s nightshirt at the shoulder and drove a punch into the youth\u2019s stomach. Joe doubled over, the blow taking a huge toll in his weakened condition.<\/p>\n

By now, Ben had regained his feet, and as he rose, furiously, to protect Joe, the bedroom door opened and Hoss came like a bullet shot from a gun. For a big man, he could move fast, and the sight of Hoss charging him down was too much for Pearson. He brought his gun up, too late, for Hoss was on him, bearing him to the floor where he was laid out with a couple of well-placed blows.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d Ben said, tugging on his son\u2019s arm. \u201cHoss, that\u2019s enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising, Hoss glared down on the unconscious man with disgust. Ben gave him one last look, to be sure he had his temper under control, then looked back to Joe. To his surprise, for he hadn\u2019t seen him come in, Paul Martin was already bending over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Paul was saying, with admirable calm. \u201cCan you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, doc,\u201d Joe said, but his voice was thin and he was clearly still in some distress.<\/p>\n

Looking up, Paul smiled. \u201cBen, better go and tell that other son of yours that everything is okay here. If you don\u2019t, he\u2019ll no doubt get up and come and see for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Belatedly, Ben became aware of Adam\u2019s concerned voice calling across the hallway, and went to reassure him. He was back in a few seconds and bending anxiously over Joe. \u201cHow is he, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d Joe said. He knew he wasn\u2019t. His thinking felt slow and he hurt in various places, but he just knew if he said anything else he would be stuck in bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you more in a few minutes if you just go and let me examine him.\u201d Paul took the sting out of his words with a smile and Ben helped Hoss take Pearson downstairs. \u201cNow, young man, I need to ask you some questions, and I need the truth from you, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed.<\/p>\n

Gently, Paul began to question Joe, and with each answer, his hopes rose that there was no significant brain damage from Joe\u2019s fractured skull. Finally he sat back. \u201cThat\u2019s great, Joe. I\u2019d say you were on the mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with me?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cMy head feels like its been stuffed with cotton wool, and I can\u2019t seem to remember things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were found unconscious with a fractured skull,\u201d Paul said. \u201cThat\u2019s why your head feels funny and your thinking is a bit slow. It\u2019ll clear up given time. You got shot in the foot, and a few bones were broken, so you won\u2019t be doing much walking about for a week or two. You\u2019ve been unconscious for four days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour days?\u201d Joe repeated, obviously dumbfounded. He tried to adjust his thinking to having lost four days, but couldn\u2019t do it. \u201cI\u2019ve been here for four days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour days,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it, Joe. You\u2019re on the mend now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The door opened and Ben came in, closely followed by Hoss. Joe smiled at them both, and looked expectantly past them to the door. Ben frowned then realized what Joe was looking for \u2013 or rather\u00a0who<\/strong>\u00a0Joe was looking for. Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was hurt the other night, Joe,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut he\u2019s all right. Just too weak to get out of bed. He\u2019ll be through to see you as soon as he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d Joe asked, but his eyes were shadowed with sleep, and Paul hushed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s plenty of time to tell you later,\u201d he said. \u201cYou sleep.\u201d He drew Ben and Hoss away from the bed. \u201cJoe\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d he said, softly. \u201cIf there is any brain damage, it appears to be confined to his short term memory and I\u2019d say that not remembering this is a good thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Paul,\u201d Ben said, fervently.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Paul said, \u201cMuch as I\u2019d love to take credit for this one, Ben, it\u2019s nothing to do with me. Just God and your son\u2019s constitution.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Over the next day or so, Joe\u2019s recovery continued apace. His memory was indeed patchy, but he was able to confirm to Roy that Pearson and Jones had been the ones who\u2019d attacked him. He told Roy that he\u2019d overheard them discussing the rustlers, and Roy had a confession from Pearson anyway. Joe didn\u2019t remember being shot at all, and found it very frustrating to have an injury that he couldn\u2019t remember receiving.<\/p>\n

As he recovered, Joe found that Hoss was avoiding him. Finally, Ben ordered Hoss to go and visit with Joe and the younger brother soon discovered the source of the older brother\u2019s discomfort. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to hurt, ya, Joe,\u201d Hoss said, unhappily. \u201cAn\u2019 I didn\u2019t mean anythin\u2019 by callin\u2019 ya Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for shouting at you,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t mind you calling me Shortshanks, honest, Hoss. I was just riled that day.\u201d In truth, although Joe could remember quarrelling with Hoss, he couldn\u2019t remember the details, and thought that was probably best.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you was lyin\u2019 there,\u201d Hoss went on, \u201call I could think in was that the last words we\u2019d had had been harsh words. I couldn\u2019t a borne if\u2019n you\u2019d never woken up, Joe. Let\u2019s never part on bad terms again, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d Joe agreed, tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n

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

The reconciliation with Adam wasn\u2019t as simple as that. There was no way it could be. Adam and Joe had never quite shared the same ease as Adam and Hoss or Joe and Hoss. There were twelve discordant years between them, and sometimes it seemed a whole generation wide. This time, the gap was caused by circumstances as well as age. Adam was laid up, too and his wound took more out of him than everyone expected. Joe couldn\u2019t get out of bed, either, and so it was nearly a week before Adam was able to traverse the short distance across the hallway to see his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

Pausing in the doorway, Adam looked at Joe. He was leaning back in bed, his eyes closed and a book held loosely in his hand. Even as Adam watched, the book began to slip and Joe jerked awake to catch it. He blinked and glanced round, trying to orient himself again. Since discovering that he\u2019d lost 4 days, Joe was terrified that he would slip into a coma again and always had to check out his room when he woke from a nap.<\/p>\n

Spying Adam there, Joe flushed, as though caught in some misdeed. He hadn\u2019t admitted to anyone his sense of disorientation, and felt it was a sign of weakness. \u201cAdam,\u201d he said, and his tone wasn\u2019t welcoming.<\/p>\n

Biting his lip, Adam went into the room, knowing he couldn\u2019t put this off any longer. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve got an apology to make to you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Joe asked, trying to postpone the inevitable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell enough,\u201d Adam responded. \u201cAnd I\u2019ve been getting hourly progress reports on you.\u201d He smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the smile ran away from his face, and he glanced down. \u201cJoe, I want to say how sorry I am for treating you like you\u2019re a little kid.\u201d It was hard for Adam to humble his pride like that and Joe was immediately uncomfortable. \u201cI don\u2019t just mean last week. I mean all the time. I didn\u2019t realize how often I thought of you as though you were still a child. I didn\u2019t do it deliberately. I want you to know that I will try to change. I can\u2019t guarantee I\u2019ll always succeed, but I will try. Do you forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I forgive you,\u201d Joe said, worn out by his brother\u2019s emotions. \u201cI know you didn\u2019t mean it, Adam. Hoss tells me I had reason to be angry that day. You just caught the end of it.\u201d Joe looked at Adam, his eyes very green, and filled with tears. \u201cBut I don\u2019t want there to be anything like that between us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever a harsh word, eh?\u201d Adam said, and they both smiled wryly. They both knew it would take a little time for them to patch the hole in their relationship, but they were both more than willing to try.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe a word of it,\u201d Ben said, from the doorway. \u201cNever a harsh word between you two? It would be wonderful, but who do you think you\u2019re kidding?\u201d<\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t have said anything that was better designed to unite his sons. \u201cNow wait a minute, Pa,\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair\u2026\u201d Joe started, and Ben simply grinned.<\/p>\n

The family was whole once more.<\/p>\n

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

Thanks to Claire for the idea, which prompted this story. Sis, you\u2019re the best! And thanks to Stephen for a sentence that gave me another idea.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0An argument with Hoss spills over to encompass Adam, and is Joe deeply hurt. When tragedy strikes, the brothers rue the harsh words they exchanged. And just when it seems things can’t get any worse, they do.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(9,995 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":3763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1092,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hoss-joe","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1092-id","wpcat-41-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bens-3-sons.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5312","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\/45"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5312"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5312\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}