{"id":5606,"date":"2003-07-23T00:57:45","date_gmt":"2003-07-23T04:57:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5606"},"modified":"2025-09-09T14:34:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T18:34:14","slug":"waterlogged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5606","title":{"rendered":"Waterlogged (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Branding is a busy time on the Ponderosa. But the weather brings problems that couldn\u2019t be foreseen.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(10,420 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

Waterlogged<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, get out of here, you fool!\u201d Adam cried over the noise of the water, fear roughening his voice. \u201cGet out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe panted, shaking his wet hair out of his eyes. \u201cWe\u2019re going to get you out of here, Adam. Hoss has gone for help.\u201d He choked as a splash of water hit him in the face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t time!\u201d Adam protested. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ll be dead before Hoss can get help! Save yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Joe screamed. He was submerged for a moment by another wave, but came up seconds later, gasping for breath. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to die, Adam! I\u2019m not going to let you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt despair flood through him. He was trapped, the water was rising rapidly, and if Joe didn\u2019t get out now, he was going to die, too! \u201cJoe, don\u2019t do this,\u201d he begged over the cacophony. He swallowed some water and coughed violently. Joe ignored him, pushing and shoving against the tree trunk that held Adam captive in the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving you!\u201d Joe told his oldest brother. He strained his muscles to their limit and felt the tree begin to move. At that moment, there was a huge rush of sound as more water gushed into the small gulley where the Cartwright boys were. Adam lost sight of Joe as the water surged over his head.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Adam asked, forebodingly, as Joe rode into sight. He pushed back his hat to wipe sweat from his brow.<\/p>\n

Dismounting lightly from his horse, Joe smiled. \u201cBig brother, you are so suspicious! As it happens, I\u2019ve come to take over the branding for a while to allow you to have a break.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping the branding iron into the fire to re-heat, Adam gave Joe another black look. \u201cAnd who is going to look for strays if you\u2019re here and I\u2019m \u2018resting\u2019?\u201d he enquired. \u201cWe need to get this branding finished, Joe, and we don\u2019t have time for resting. Now get back to your job and let me do mine.\u201d He looked away, ready to call for the next calf, but Joe had other ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you need a break,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cThis is back-breaking work, and you\u2019ve been sick. Will you just do as you\u2019re told for once and have a break? The world won\u2019t come to an end if you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine!\u201d Adam snapped, although, if the truth were told, he was exhausted. A bout of food poisoning after a meal with friends had left Adam thin and weak, but the oldest Cartwright son hated to admit to any weakness and had been working at his usual speed all day.<\/p>\n

By now, Joe\u2019s limited supply of patience had run out. \u201cLook, Adam, anyone with eyes can see you\u2019re tired! Now sit down and have a rest before I make you do it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Joe was the Cartwright with the notorious temper, Adam had his fair share, too, although he generally could hold on to it better than Joe. Now, hearing a threat that he had often made to Joe was enough to push his temper over the edge and he whirled on Joe, glaring darkly. \u201cYou<\/em>\u00a0really think you can\u00a0make<\/em>\u00a0me<\/em>\u00a0sit down?\u201d he demanded, incredulously, and Joe, goaded, gave him a hard push. Caught off guard, Adam sat down heavily on his rump.<\/p>\n

For a long moment, their gazes locked, brown with green, then a smile twitched the corner of Joe\u2019s mouth. \u201cWell, you did ask,\u201d he pointed out, trying to contain his glee. It wasn\u2019t often he managed to catch Adam unawares. There was no response. Adam just kept glaring at Joe, who was beginning to feel very uncomfortable under that stare. \u201cOh, come on, Adam, you\u2019ve gotta admit it was funny,\u201d he pleaded.<\/p>\n

Looking round, Adam saw that everyone in the immediate vicinity was sniggering quietly. They hastily averted their gazes when they saw Adam look at them, but the sight of so much mirth, and his own sense of the ridiculous, soon had a smile tugging at his lips, too. \u201cHelp me up, you brat!\u201d he chided, putting out his hand.<\/p>\n

Warily, Joe did as he was asked, but he found the tightened muscles were wasted, as Adam didn\u2019t try to immediately toss him on the ground as punishment. That alone told Joe how tired Adam actually was. It was almost unheard of for the older Cartwright to let the youngest Cartwright off with a trick like that.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Adam?\u201d Joe pleaded, softly. \u201cHave a rest for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right!\u201d Adam grumbled. \u201cI\u2019ll rest for five minutes, but no longer.\u201d He walked slowly over to a large tree that shaded the nearby landscape and lay down beneath it. It felt good to rest his weary muscles. Adam was disgusted with the weakness that he\u2019d been left with after his illness. Branding was a bad time for any of them to get sick.<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Adam thought back to that fateful meal in town. His friends were newly married and this was his first invitation to dinner in their new home. Jane was cooking her first meal for a guest and she had bought some beef from a woman she knew in town. Unfortunately, the beef was going off, and Jane was too inexperienced to know and hadn\u2019t cooked it for long enough, either. Within a few short hours, Jane, Adam and Roger had been struck down by food poisoning.<\/p>\n

They had been lucky, for they had a comparatively mild dose. But for several days, Adam had been too sick to care if he lived or died, and his family had been beside themselves with worry. Jane and Roger had been nursed by their families, and Jane was still recuperating at her mother\u2019s home. Roger was back at his job in the bank, but only working three days a week, Adam had heard. He hadn\u2019t yet managed to get to town to see them.<\/p>\n

In no time at all, Adam had fallen asleep under the tree. Joe, from his position by the branding fire, saw and smiled. He beckoned to the men to bring on the next calf. Plunging the iron back into the fire, he waited till it glowed red-hot before applying it to the animal\u2019s hip. The smell of burning flesh was one that hung in everyone\u2019s nostrils for days after branding was complete.<\/p>\n

Some time later, hearing hooves, Joe glanced around and saw Hoss, the middle brother riding up. He wiped away sweat and found a smile for his beloved big brother. \u201cHi, brother,\u201d he called, cheerfully. \u201cCome to help me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dismounting Hoss shook his head. \u201cNaw,\u201d he denied. \u201cI got enough ta do without helpin\u2019 you.\u201d He looked round. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam? He\u2019s all right, ain\u2019t he? He ain\u2019t turned sick agin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s asleep over there,\u201d Joe replied, pointing. \u201cHe was wearing himself to a shadow, so I suggested that he take a short rest and he promptly went to sleep. Just what he was needing, if you ask me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you manage to make him rest?\u201d Hoss enquired, curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI pushed him over,\u201d Joe responded, casually. He kept his face straight as Hoss looked at him, wide eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough?\u201d he queried. When Joe nodded and smiled, Hoss added, \u201cHow come you\u2019s still alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Joe said, \u201cBig brother, you ought to have more faith in me. I\u2018ve always said I could take Adam, and I proved it. Too bad you weren\u2019t around to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam ain\u2019t hisself,\u201d Hoss pointed out, and Joe winced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here anyway?\u201d Joe asked, changing the subject. \u201cI thought you were collecting strays. Are they all in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cThe tally\u2019s still short about 50 head. But we done covered the area we was doin\u2019 today, an\u2019 it\u2019s almost suppertime. Pa says to finish for tonight, an\u2019 we\u2019ll get out fresh come mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Joe replied, throwing down the branding iron. \u201cThat\u2019s it for tonight, boys!\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

All around, the hands began making preparations for the night. Some were staying to keep watch over the herd; some were going back to the bunkhouse, others were heading into town. The general hubbub roused Adam, and he was rubbing his eyes as Joe and Hoss went over to waken him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have let me sleep,\u201d he complained. \u201cThere\u2019s work to be done1\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll keep till tomorrow,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cYou needed the rest. Come on, its almost supper time. Let\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allowing Hoss to pull Adam to his feet, Joe went over to tighten the cinches on his and Adam\u2019s saddles. He led Sport over and handed Adam the rein before swinging lightly into his saddle. Adam did look a little better; Joe noticed and smiled to himself.<\/p>\n

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

Supper was eaten in virtual silence that evening. They were all tired, for branding was a tedious, time consuming chore that involved everyone. Joe could remember the first time he\u2019d been allowed to join in the branding. His job had been to keep the fire hot and he\u2019d found the relentless puffing on the bellows, along with the smell, quite hard going. Over the years, as he\u2019d grown, Joe had moved on to other jobs. Now, he usually spent his time hunting down the strays that seemed to know when branding time had arrived, and pushing them over to join their fellows, whereas Adam and Hoss generally tended to the actual branding.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you feeling, Adam?\u201d Ben asked, as they savored Hop Sing\u2019s peach pie. \u201cYou\u2019re not working too hard, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Shooting a glare at Joe, who looked wide-eyed and innocent, Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, sir,\u201d he replied. \u201cJoe came and made sure I had a rest this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was very thoughtful of you, son,\u201d Ben responded, glancing at Joe, who smiled sweetly.<\/p>\n

Watching this by-play, Adam was struck with a sudden suspicion. Had Joe come to make him rest from the goodness of his heart, or had Pa sent him? He opened his mouth to ask the question when Ben forestalled him and spoke again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think tomorrow all three of you had better go out looking for these strays. I\u2019m concerned that there are so many missing. And with the looks of the weather, I don\u2019t want any of them in those gullies. This is the season for flash floods. You boys be careful while you\u2019re up there, too. I don\u2019t want anything happening to you, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be careful, Pa,\u201d Joe assured him, cheerfully.<\/p>\n

Spooning the last of his pie into his mouth, Adam was suddenly sure his family were colluding together to make sure he rested enough. He supposed he was flattered by their concern, but he just wanted to forget about his illness and get back to normal. He vowed he\u2019d show them he was all right the very next day.<\/p>\n

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

It was cold and drizzly the next morning, and Adam shivered involuntarily as he went outside. He pulled the collar of his warm, custard-colored coat around him and hunted in the pockets for his gloves. Beside him, Joe was, typically, wearing only his little green jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you be cold, Joe?\u201d he asked, regretting it the moment the words were out of his mouth.<\/p>\n

Turning, Joe grinned at Adam. He knew that Adam was feeling the cold more than usual because he had lost weight, but he was also aware of how touchy his oldest brother was on the subject. So instead of words of concern, Joe opted for cheek, instead. \u201cYoung bones don\u2019t feel the cold,\u201d he replied. \u201cIt\u2019s just you old folks.\u201d He danced sideways out of reach of the cuff Adam sent in his direction. Still grinning, he went on, \u201cNo, it\u2019s not quite cold enough for the big jacket yet. Give it another couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blame me if you catch a cold, then,\u201d Adam told him, knowing the chances of this were so remote as to be almost non-existent. Joe never seemed to catch colds, and it was enough to make a saint swear, when he was healthy and everyone else sniffing. There again, Adam thought, Joe was otherwise so accident prone, perhaps this was nature\u2019s way of making it up to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I won\u2019t,\u201d Joe assured him airily, striding out towards the barn and taking in deep breaths of the cool, fresh air. Adam shook his head. He felt better already.<\/p>\n

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

As the day went on, the weather closed in. The rain wasn\u2019t very heavy, but it was relentless. A thin, soaking rain that soon had everyone and everything miserable. The rain dripped off the boys\u2019 hats down their collars, despite their best efforts. Their pants legs were soon soaked from the foliage as they pushed their way into sheltered glades and clearings.<\/p>\n

It was slow going. By noon, they had found less than half the missing cows, and were beginning to wonder about rustlers. There had been no immediate evidence of that, but with the rain falling the way it was, any tracks would soon be obliterated.<\/p>\n

The noon meal consisted of a cold bite, with water to wash it down. They stood together under the dubious shelter of the largest tree in the area and shivered as the cold wind hit them. \u201cDo you wish you\u2019d put on your big coat now?\u201d Adam asked Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied, truthfully. He met Adam\u2019s surprised gaze. \u201cI wish I\u2019d put on my rain slicker!\u201d<\/p>\n

They all laughed, Hoss the most, because he\u2019d had the forethought to bring his rain slicker. He was comparatively dry. \u201cYoung\u2019un, one day you\u2019ll learn sense,\u201d he told Joe, giving his younger brother a squeeze.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut only if you don\u2019t smother me first!\u201d Joe protested, jokingly, as he extracted himself from Hoss\u2019 vice-like grip. \u201cYou don\u2019t know your own strength!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIts jist that you\u2019re puny,\u201d Hoss told him, complacently. If there was one thing in the world Hoss was aware off, it was his own strength. He\u2019d learned at an early age that he was stronger than most people, and he was exceptionally careful not to hurt anyone if he could avoid it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s get back to it,\u201d Adam suggested. The cold meal had done little to make him feel warmer and he shivered slightly as the keen edge of the wind hit him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you go home?\u201d Joe suggested, having seen Adam shiver. \u201cThis isn\u2019t the kind of weather to prove yourself in, Adam. Besides, when it\u2019s as wet as this, you know Pa won\u2019t be doing any branding.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling, for Joe was only showing his concern, Adam shook his head. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Joe,\u201d he assured his younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo you ain\u2019t,\u201d Hoss interjected. \u201cAdam, you ain\u2019t right in yourself yet. You don\u2019 have to prove yerself ta us! We\u2019s yore brothers. We ain\u2019t needin\u2019 ta be impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two are worse than Pa!\u201d Adam exclaimed, exasperated. \u201cI\u2019m fine, I tell you! Now, let\u2019s get moving!\u201d To forestall any further discussion, he mounted Sport and turned expectantly.<\/p>\n

Looking at Hoss, Joe shrugged. \u201cWell, we tried,\u201d he capitulated and together, he and Hoss mounted and they set off into the rain once more.<\/p>\n

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

Letting out a piercing whistle, Joe waved at his two brothers, who hastened back up the slope towards Joe. \u201cI found \u2018em,\u201d he called as they came within earshot. \u201cLook!\u201d He pointed with his right hand and Adam and Hoss eased their mounts closer to Cochise to see. There, in the gully were the missing animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least they haven\u2019t been rustled,\u201d Adam commented as they dismounted. They tethered their horses beneath the meager shelter of some nearby trees and made their way on foot into the gully. \u201cI suppose that\u2019s something.\u201d Adam\u2019s back was aching relentlessly and he could hardly wait to get home. The enticing prospect of a warm bath followed by a hot meal danced in front of his eyes.<\/p>\n

They had climbed about half way into the gully when they spotted the reason the cattle weren\u2019t leaving. A tree had come down across the mouth and was effectively acting as a gate. \u201cAt least they\u2019ve had water and some grazing,\u201d Joe said, as they continued their scramble down the steep sides. There was a stream running through the gully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019ll be that hard to move,\u201d Adam told Hoss and Joe after they had all examined the tree closely. \u201cIt\u2019s not that big. The three of us should be able to get it out without too much problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe exchanged glances. \u201cAll right,\u201d Joe replied, squaring his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m the smallest, so I\u2019ll slide underneath and go round the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam contradicted. \u201cI\u2019ll slide underneath and go to the other side. You stay here in case we need you to go up for ropes.\u201d He saw the mutinous set to Joe\u2019s mouth and exerted his big brotherly authority some more. \u201cIt\u2019ll save time in the long run, Joe. Come on, I\u2019d like to get this lot back to the herd and go home, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Joe replied, grudgingly.<\/p>\n

Working together and under Adam\u2019s instructions, they soon had the tree moving. Finally, Hoss had it wedged further up the gully sides and they could start moving the cattle out of their temporary home.<\/p>\n

The rain was now coming down in sheets. \u201cLet\u2019s hurry it up!\u201d Adam shouted, as they chivvied the cattle out of the gully. As perverse as always, the beasts were reluctant to go anywhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got an uneasy feelin\u2019 about this, Joe,\u201d Hoss confided as he applied his beefy shoulder to a beefy backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and me both,\u201d Joe agreed, looking anxiously up at the mountains behind them. Or rather, at where the mountains should be, for the clouds were so low and thick that the mountains were totally obscured. He leant his strength and the cow began to move.<\/p>\n

Disaster, when it struck, caught them all by surprise. The last of the cattle were out of the gully, and the boys were following when there was a sudden screeching noise. Joe and Hoss paused, looking round. Adam, a step or two in front, glanced up in time to see the wedged tree sliding towards him. It crashed down the rock face, trapping Adam under its top most branches and once more blocking the gully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Both Joe and Hoss leapt forward. Hoss received a nasty crack across the cheek by one branch, which left a scratch behind. It narrowly missed his eye. Ignoring this, Hoss tried to rip the tree off Adam, but it was stuck tight.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet the ropes,\u201d Joe cried. \u201cHurry, Hoss!\u201d He glanced back over his shoulder at Hoss, who hesitated. \u201cLook, if there is a flood, I\u2019ll be quicker at climbing the walls than you, so get the rope, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hoss agreed, and made his way up the side of the gully. Joe scrambled round till he could see Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

The older man was conscious. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Joe asked, leaning over to try and shelter Adam from the rain slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted, sounding surprised. He tried to pull himself free, but he failed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help,\u201d Joe told him, and as agile as a monkey, scrambled over the tree, put his hands beneath Adam\u2019s shoulders and pulled. For an agonizing moment, nothing happened, then Adam\u2019s body moved suddenly and Joe stumbled back, sitting down hard against the rock wall at his back.<\/p>\n

Catching his breath, Joe bent down for another try. \u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Adam warned him. \u201cMy leg\u2019s trapped under the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Panting, Joe crouched down and tried to peer through the foliage. He could just see Adam\u2019s leg beneath the trunk. \u201cIs it broken?\u201d he wanted to know.<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam, replied, \u201cI can\u2019t tell; it\u2019s completely numb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to just sit there and wait for Hoss, Joe climbed back over the tree once more and Adam saw him disappear from sight as he lay down and squirmed under the branches. Moments later, he felt Joe\u2019s hands on his leg as his younger brother moved stones and debris from under his brother\u2019s leg, in the hope of freeing it.<\/p>\n

But there wasn\u2019t enough lose stuff there to allow Joe to free Adam that way. He slithered out again and regarded his brother thoughtfully. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you out, Adam,\u201d he assured his brother, although he hadn\u2019t a clue how they were going to do it.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t have a chance to say anything. There was a sudden roar and water began to gush into the gully.<\/p>\n

Flash flood!<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe, get out of here, you fool!\u201d Adam cried over the noise of the water, fear roughening his voice. \u201cGet out!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe panted, shaking his wet hair out of his eyes. \u201cWe\u2019re going to get you out of here, Adam. Hoss has gone for help.\u201d He choked as a splash of water hit him in the face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere isn\u2019t time!\u201d Adam protested. \u201cJoe, I\u2019ll be dead before Hoss can get help! Save yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up!\u201d Joe screamed. He was submerged for a moment by another wave, but came up seconds later, gasping for breath. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to die, Adam! I\u2019m not going to let you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt despair flood through him. He was trapped, the water was rising rapidly, and if Joe didn\u2019t get out now, he was going to die, too! \u201cJoe, don\u2019t do this,\u201d he begged over the cacophony. He swallowed some water and coughed violently. Joe ignored him, pushing and shoving against the tree trunk that held Adam captive in the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving you!\u201d Joe told his oldest brother. He strained his muscles to their limit and felt the tree begin to move. At that moment, there was a huge rush of sound as more water gushed into the small gulley where the Cartwright boys were. Adam lost sight of Joe as the water surged over his head.<\/p>\n

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

Frantically trying not to breathe, Adam knew that he was going to die. He hadn\u2019t had the chance to snatch a big breath, and his lungs were screaming for air. Water bubbled and rushed around his head and he knew that at any moment, he would have to breathe; have to drag in water. His head was spinning and the blood was rushing noisily through his ears.<\/p>\n

Then, suddenly, his leg sprang free and he shot to the surface like a cork from a bottle. Adam gasped in some air before going under again for a moment. The second time he popped to the surface, he was prepared and he fought to stay afloat.<\/p>\n

Glancing around, Adam saw that he was alone. Steadying himself as best he could, he shouted, \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was no answer. Adam fought the current and made his way over to the side of the river. He was long out of the gully, he had noticed. The force of the water had swept him a long way downstream in those few seconds he was underwater after his leg had come free.<\/p>\n

He never knew how long it took him to drag himself onto the bank. His leg, initially numb, was soon a burning misery. As he clawed his way up the bank, spewing up water he\u2019d swallowed, the water bumped his legs off the side, and Adam bit back a cry of pain. He was exhausted, shivering and not sure that any moment, another big wave would not come and sweep him from his precarious perch. But finally, he was far enough from the water that he felt safe to rest and take stock of his situation.<\/p>\n

He was wet through, and his hat had long been swept away. His gun had fallen from his holster, too, so there was no way for him to signal for help. Looking dispassionately at his leg, Adam decided that it probably wasn\u2019t broken, but it was so sore that the thought of walking on it made him feel sick.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019ve got to walk on it,\u201d Adam said aloud. His voice was hoarse from the water he\u2019d swallowed and sounded thin, even to his own ears. \u201cBecause if I don\u2019t, I\u2019ll die from exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even with this reasoning, Adam lay on the cold wet ground in the pouring rain for almost an hour before he climbed laboriously to his feet and took his first, hopping step towards home.<\/p>\n

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

As the roar of the water filled the gully, Hoss whirled around. He could only watch as the swirling mass submerged everything in sight. Racing to the gully\u2019s edge, Hoss could have stepped into the water, so deep was it at that point. \u201cAdam, Joe!\u201d he cried, knowing that there was no way either brother could hear him.<\/p>\n

The water began to subside and Hoss mounted Chub and led Sport and Cochise downstream, hoping against hope that he would find some sign to tell him that his brothers had survived. But although the water had settled back to a raging torrent by the time Hoss reached the bottom of the gully, there was no sign of either Adam or Joe.<\/p>\n

Knowing that there was nothing more he could do there, Hoss headed off towards home, to alert the hands that a search party was needed, and to tell his father that two of his three sons had been swept away. Tears streaked his face as he rode, but Hoss was oblivious of them. He couldn\u2019t believe that his brothers were gone, and just like that, with no warning.<\/p>\n

Clattering into the yard, Hoss saw the house door open as he dismounted and a great dread rose in his heart.\u00a0 How could he give his father more grief? How could he find the words to tell him what had happened? But seeing Ben\u2019s questioning look, Hoss found the words coming of their own volition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a flash flood, Pa,\u201d he stammered. \u201cAdam was trapped under a tree. Joe was tryin\u2019 to free him. He\u2019d sent me for ropes, and there were a noise and then they was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d Ben breathed, his face ashen. He listened to Hoss\u2019 description, then shouted for the men, ordering wagons and horses and search parties. \u201cYou go into the house, son,\u201d he said gently to Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019re soaked and exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t, Pa,\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cI gotta come with you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyeing Hoss with concern, Ben nodded. \u201cAll right,\u201d he allowed. \u201cBut go and put on some dry clothes at least. We won\u2019t leave without you, I promise,\u201d he added, as he saw Hoss hesitate.<\/p>\n

Alone for the moment, Ben briefly allowed himself to think about his sons\u2019 predicament, and he sent he up prayer for their survival. Although he knew that both sons knew what to do, should they find themselves in this position, he knew that there was a good chance that they were both dead. Grief filled his heart, and he forced back tears. Crying wouldn\u2019t help him find his missing sons, he told himself sternly.<\/p>\n

Half an hour later, he, Hoss and the men rode out to begin the search for Joe and Adam.<\/p>\n

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

Pulped. That was how he felt; pulped. Moving was beyond him, although the water still lapped and eddied around his body. Joe didn\u2019t know how long he\u2019d lain there, coughing out mouthfuls of brackish, dirty water, but it felt like forever.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe recovered from his nightmarish experience. After a time, he lifted his head cautiously and saw that the water where he lay was tinged faintly with pink. Joe eyed it with a distinct lack of curiosity. He felt completely detached from his surroundings and it didn\u2019t surprise him that the water was pink. Why not? It was brown and dirty, too, so why not pink? It didn\u2019t occur to him that he was bleeding from many scrapes and gashes.<\/p>\n

Regaining his feet at last, Joe staggered away from the water and collapsed at the base of a tree. He leaned against its comforting bulk for another indeterminate amount of time before finally recognizing his surroundings and pin-pointing his location.<\/p>\n

When the water had hit, Joe had been sucked under and his head had smashed off the submerged tree trunk. He\u2019d been knocked cold, but his limpness had worked in his favor, as he hadn\u2019t become entangled in the tree as the water washed him away. He had been driven through the branches and out into the open water, where he had bobbed to the surface at once. The force with which he had been propelled through the branches had caused the cuts on his face, back, arms and legs. Joe\u2019s clothes were in tatters, although he wasn\u2019t aware of it. He also had a nasty gash across his forehead, which bled persistently.<\/p>\n

By the time Joe had regained consciousness, he had traveled more than three miles down river and he\u2019d been unable to fight the current to reach the bank, as Adam had done. However, now that he was awake and aware, he knew he had to head for home.<\/p>\n

It was as he rose to his feet that Joe discovered that he had injured his right arm somehow. He wasn\u2019t completely sure if it was broken, sprained, or dislocated, but it was causing him pain, now that his brain was functioning again. Walking was going to be painful, too, he realized. His boots were soaking, and as he began to walk, water squished unpleasantly between his toes. Within minutes, blisters were rising on his feet.<\/p>\n

But the discomfort was the least of Joe\u2019s concerns. He was heading for home, but his sole intention was to find Adam. Joe\u2019s thinking was fuzzy, due to his head injury, but he knew there was a chance that Adam had survived, since he had, and he was determined to find his brother and help him get home.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, Adam,\u201d Joe muttered. \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Pulling his coat closer to his neck, Adam shivered violently. He\u2019d barely covered any ground since hauling himself out of the river. Walking on his sore leg was a trial that he found hard to endure. The only comfort he could take from it was that his leg wasn\u2019t broken. But a few steps, then a long rest was about his limit, and he could see the afternoon light waning. Although the spring days were warm, the nights could still be cold, and with the rain looking set to remain, he knew the temperature would fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss will be coming,\u201d Adam comforted himself. It helped to speak out loud, he found. He wasn\u2019t sure why, but it did. \u201cHe\u2019ll come soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a fair chance that Hoss would find him before dark, Adam thought. But what of Joe? He\u2019d resolutely not allowed himself to think of Joe \u2013 too much. He couldn\u2019t bear the thought of his youngest brother being alone \u2013 or even dead. For Adam couldn\u2019t see how Joe would have survived the onslaught of the water. A picture of Joe\u2019s broken body, caught up in the branches of the tree, had been haunting him all afternoon. He bit his lip and for a moment, tears stood in his eyes, but the habits of a lifetime prevailed and, even alone, he couldn\u2019t let the tears fall. He shivered once more and closed his eyes to rest for just a moment, and promptly fell fast asleep.<\/p>\n

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

Waking with a start, Joe looked around. He hadn\u2019t meant to fall asleep, but he was just so tired. Glancing at the sky, Joe saw that the rain was set for the night, and he forced himself to his feet with a groan. His arm throbbed horribly, and Joe was becoming convinced that not only was his shoulder dislocated, as he now knew it was, but that his arm might be broken, too. The pain was sapping his strength, but he was determined to find Adam, and had covered quite a bit of ground before his collapse.<\/p>\n

The first few steps were sheer hell. There wasn\u2019t a single spot on Joe\u2019s feet that didn\u2019t hurt. He groaned again, but resolutely limped on. After a time, the pain became constant and he was able to put it to one side as he scanned the surrounding area for signs of his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe knew that there was a good chance that Adam had not escaped from under the tree and had drowned. It was a thought that he tried not to dwell on, clinging to hope. But as he tired, and the cold and wet took its toll on his weakened condition, he was unable to control his thoughts. He could not imagine a world without Adam in it, somewhere.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d he cried, more to expel the demons from his mind than in the belief that his brother might be able to hear him. \u201cAdam!\u201d Wiping the tears from his face, Joe struggled on. He was reeling as he walked, now. Exhaustion was making its dangerous contribution to exposure.<\/p>\n

A short distance away, Adam jerked awake, convinced he\u2019d heard Joe cry out. \u201cOh, Joe,\u201d he murmured, brokenly. Had he heard his brother\u2019s despairing cry as he was swept away to his death? He pushed himself up from the soaking ground, and a movement in the distance attracted his attention. Peering through the sheets of rain, Adam feared that he had lost his mind, for there was Joe! \u201cJoe!\u201d he shouted, still not believing. \u201cJoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

The figure turned and Adam waved, joy surging through his veins and flooding his tired mind. He tried to get to his feet, but his sore leg wouldn\u2019t bear his weight and he slumped back down again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe cried. \u201cAdam! Is that you?\u201d He forced his leaden legs to hurry, the increased pace reawakening the pain in his feet, but Joe didn\u2019t care. Adam was alive!<\/p>\n

Falling heavily to his knees beside his brother, Joe just gazed at him for a long moment, before throwing his uninjured arm round his brother\u2019s neck. His tears wet them both. \u201cI thought you were dead!\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I thought you were,\u201d Adam told him, stroking his brother\u2019s back gently. He let Joe cling to him for a moment longer before disentangling himself. \u201cAre you all right? That\u2019s quite a gash on your head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe told him, although it was patently obvious that that wasn\u2019t true. \u201cWhat about you? Your leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hurts,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think it\u2019s broken. I have walked on it some.\u201d He tried for a smile, but it didn\u2019t feel very convincing. \u201cI think we ought to wait here for Hoss and Pa to find us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t agree,\u201d Joe protested. \u201cWe don\u2019t know for sure that Hoss got out of the gully before the water hit. I was concentrating on you, and you were concentrating on not letting me help you. Did you see Hoss get out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut surely he did. You told me he had gone for help, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cBut I was trying to keep you calm. I think Hoss got free, but I don\u2019t know. And we can\u2019t rely on help from him. We\u2019ve got to try and get out of this ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t walk,\u201d Adam told him. \u201cI\u2019ll just wait here, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t!\u201d Joe protested. \u201cAdam, you could die here! I\u2019ll help you, but you\u2019ve got to try. Adam, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam capitulated. He was just so tired.<\/p>\n

Scrambling to his feet, Joe extended his good arm and braced himself. His head swam dizzily, but he shook it briskly to clear it and gave Adam a passable smile. \u201cCome on, big brother,\u201d he coaxed. Adam took Joe\u2019s hand and got to his feet.<\/p>\n

It was difficult to tell which of them was the worst off when they were both standing. \u201cDon\u2019t touch my shoulder,\u201d Joe gritted as Adam made to his swing his arm round his brother\u2019s slim shoulders. \u201cIt hurts.\u201d Catching himself in time, Adam looped his arm round Joe\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can\u2019t do this,\u201d Adam panted, feeling the tremors that ran through Joe\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I can,\u201d Joe told him. \u201cJust save your breath for walking.\u201d Gritting his teeth once more, Joe tugged on Adam\u2019s waist to tell him to start walking and they headed slowly towards home.<\/p>\n

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

The pain came in waves. But every time he thought he couldn\u2019t stand it any longer, the hand on his waist gave another reassuring squeeze and they limped on. Adam wondered where Joe was finding the stamina, for his youngest brother was bearing most of his, Adam\u2019s, weight. Neither of them had enough breath to talk, although Joe was groaning steadily, seemingly unaware of the sounds he was making.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe\u2019s legs gave out and they both tumbled to the ground, Adam landing partially on top of Joe, who landed square on his injured arm. He let out a scream of pain, and for a moment, the world went black around him. When he opened his eyes, Adam was leaning over him anxiously. \u201cSorry,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re burning up,\u201d Adam said, worriedly. It didn\u2019t occur to him that he, too, was running a good-going temperature. \u201cYou must rest. We can stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe replied, stubbornly. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Adam, really. We\u2019ve got to keep moving.\u201d He tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness and nausea forced him flat again. \u201cJust give me a minute,\u201d he slurred.<\/p>\n

Hanging his head, Adam wanted nothing more than to lie down and sleep. He was desperately concerned about Joe. How could either of them go on? They had nothing left; their bodies had taken too much punishment over the course of the afternoon.<\/p>\n

Rolling over, Joe was sick. Adam held his younger brother as he vomited up the last of the water he\u2019d swallowed earlier. That gave Adam something else to worry about, for the water was filthy and he feared that they could both come down with cholera or typhoid fever. His stomach didn\u2019t feel very settled, either, he thought, queasily.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Joe proposed, making it as far as his knees. He tried to get his feet under him, but his strength had given out completely and he toppled forward once again. This time, he was able to catch himself. \u201cIn a minute,\u201d he added. \u201cI\u2019ll be ready in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFace it, Joe,\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cWe can\u2019t go on; we\u2019re too tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s silence was all the agreement Adam needed.<\/p>\n

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

The water level had dropped dramatically by the time Hoss and Ben arrived at the gully. The previously lush, sheltered area was now awash with mud and debris and Ben knew it would be a long time before nature had repaired it enough to allow other beasts to think of grazing there.<\/p>\n

Now that they had arrived at the starting point for their search, the men ranged out, covering as much ground as possible. Ben and Hoss rode the wagon, each scanning the landscape anxiously. It had been hours since the disaster had happened, and the rain had fallen ceaselessly the whole time. The land was waterlogged. Ben hoped the wagon wouldn\u2019t get bogged down.<\/p>\n

They drove on, in a mixture of anguish and anticipation. They wanted to find Adam and Joe, but they feared the condition they would find them in. Alive, but gravely injured? Or \u2013 their worst nightmare \u2013 dead? Neither could speak.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe whispered. He tried to turn his head to look at his brother, but the effort was too much for him. \u201cAdam, I can hear hooves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Adam sat up and peered across the wet land. Adrenalin suddenly charged through his system. \u201cHey!\u201d he shouted, waving, frantically. \u201cWe\u2019re here!\u201d A moment later, the figure on horseback waved back and three shots punctured the air. \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam cried, shaking his brother. \u201cThey\u2019ve found us! Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Joe muttered. He made the effort to smile at Adam, but it was clear it was an effort.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa, listen!\u201d Hoss cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear!\u201d Ben told him, shaking up the horses and turning in the direction of the shots. His heart rose to his throat and his hands shook.<\/p>\n

From all round, the hands were converging. It seemed to Ben that the few minutes it took to reach his sons had lasted an eternity. He jumped down from the wagon, seeing Adam sitting up and grinning weakly at him and Joe lying huddled on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d he cried, putting his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder, and receiving a nod. \u201cJoe?\u201d he asked, and knelt by his son\u2019s side. Joe opened his eyes briefly and the ghost of a smile flitted across his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s just tired,\u201d Adam explained, his own voice betraying his exhaustion. \u201cHe helped me come this far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tired?\u201d Ben echoed. \u201cYou\u2019re both a lot more than just tired. Adam, tell me; where are you hurt?\u201d He put his hand on his eldest son\u2019s shoulder, his other hand still resting gently on Joe\u2019s left arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg,\u201d Adam replied, gesturing with one hand. \u201cIt\u2019s not broken, but that\u2019s the leg that was caught under the tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe?\u201d Ben questioned, seeing that his other son had shut his eyes and was breathing shallowly through his mouth. He looked decidedly green. \u201cI can see the gash on his head…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis shoulder and arm,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cAnd he\u2019s limping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben replied. He glanced at the men. \u201cFred, you ride for the doctor. Dave, Jeb, help Adam into the wagon, please. Hoss, help me with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carefully, Ben and Hoss lifted Joe between them. Joe cried out once, then went limp. Ben exchanged a concerned glance with his middle son. They eased him into the wagon and Ben climbed in next to his two boys. It was cramped, but at least dry, for they had put the cover over the wagon before leaving home.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll drive, Pa,\u201d Hoss offered, and climbed onto the seat. He got the team moving at once, while Ben began stripping off Adam\u2019s wet clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage,\u201d Adam protested, but Ben could see that all his movements were slow and his frozen fingers fumbled with the buttons on his coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you can,\u201d Ben agreed, and continued to help. Within a short time, he had Adam warmly wrapped in blankets. Then he turned his attention to Joe.<\/p>\n

The younger boy hadn\u2019t yet regained consciousness and Ben took advantage of this to gently feel Joe\u2019s arm. He diagnosed the dislocated shoulder easily enough, and as he felt further down the arm, he decided that the upper bone was broken. With Adam\u2019s help, he stripped off the left sleeve of Joe\u2019s jacket and then his shirt, but he left the other sleeve alone, for fear of causing Joe more pain. However, he slid off the boy\u2019s soaked boots and socks, then gazed in horror at Joe\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he walk with his feet like that?\u201d Adam breathed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben replied. Joe\u2019s feet were swollen, blistered, dirty and raw. They had been bleeding, mostly around his toes. Dragging his gaze away, he swiftly finished undressing Joe and wrapped him in blankets, too. Then he passed Adam the canteen. \u201cNot too much,\u201d he cautioned his son. \u201cCan you tell me what happened, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly to me,\u201d he replied, sipping the water. He only took a few mouthfuls before handing the canteen back to Ben. \u201cThe water hit, and I lost sight of Joe. I thought I was going to die, Pa. I was under the water, my leg trapped. I don\u2019t know exactly what happened, but the tree must have moved somehow, and I was free. I managed to stay afloat and finally got to the bank and pulled myself up. I tried to walk home, but my leg was too sore. I was asleep when I heard Joe calling to me. He came and helped me, and we covered quite a long way. But then he fell, and I landed on him and he blacked out, Pa. And then, we couldn\u2019t go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tenderly, Ben tipped Joe\u2019s head and gave him some water. Joe swallowed automatically and his eyes fluttered open. \u201cPa,\u201d he breathed. \u201cSo it wasn\u2019t a dream.\u201d A grimace of pain crossed his face, and Joe shut his eyes again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll soon get you home,\u201d Ben soothed, eyeing both sons with worry. He was so grateful to find them alive, but they both needed medical treatment, and soon. They had been wet and cold for too long. Exposure could still claim them both.Hurry, Hoss<\/em>, he silently urged his son.<\/p>\n

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

By the time they got home, Adam was asleep, but his breathing had become noisier with every mile that passed. Adam had a notoriously weak chest for someone of such robust health and with having been ill such a short time before, he didn\u2019t have the resources to fight off anything new. Joe had drifted in and out of consciousness and was running a temperature, as was Adam.<\/p>\n

As the wagon jolted to a stop in the yard, Adam opened his eyes and looked around. The rain still beat down on the canvas top of the wagon, and the familiar sound was comforting, especially as Adam was now completely warm, something he\u2019d thought he\u2019d never be again.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you inside,\u201d Ben told him. \u201cThen we\u2019ll come back for Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Adam slid out of the back of the wagon, where Hoss waited to support him. Adam couldn\u2019t remember the last time he\u2019d been so stiff or sore, and he was grateful for the assistance of his father and brother. Within a few short minutes, he was being tucked up in bed by Hop Sing, who\u2019d had warm water ready to give Adam a wash. The bed was warm, thanks to the pig that had been tucked into it and Adam lay back and luxuriated in being warm and dry. As he drifted off to sleep again, he heard Ben and Hoss carrying Joe into his room across the hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo put wet, dirty jacket into warm, clean bed!\u201d Hop Sing protested, as he drew the covers back for Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben muttered. \u201cGet me the shears, please.\u201d He sat Joe onto the edge of the bed, and Hoss supported him. When Hop Sing brought the scissors, Ben gently cut away the tattered remains of Joe\u2019s jacket and allowed the soiled fabric to fall to the floor. Carefully, he and Hoss eased Joe down into the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere water,\u201d Hop Sing stated, thrusting the basin at Ben. \u201cBoy feel better when clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiding a smile, Ben did as he was bid and began to wash the blood and dirt off Joe\u2019s face. Hoss went to check on Adam, and returned with Doc Martin in tow.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Lord!\u201d Paul exclaimed, leaning over the bed. \u201cWhat happened to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben told the story while Paul felt all round Joe\u2019s shoulder and arm. \u201cAll right, let\u2019s get this dislocation reduced,\u201d he said. \u201cBen, you were right not to touch it. When a shoulder\u2019s been out as long as this one has, it\u2019s tricky to set. Can you hold him down? This will hurt.\u201d Paul positioned himself and nodded to Ben, who held Joe to his chest.<\/p>\n

The shoulder crunched back into place causing enough pain to rouse Joe and he let out a piercing scream before lapsing back into unconsciousness. \u201cGood enough,\u201d Paul panted. He felt round the restored joint and nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s it. Right, I\u2019ll set his arm while he\u2019s still out then you can show me the rest of the damage.\u201d He set to work, quickly and efficiently.<\/p>\n

When Joe next roused, he peered round blearily. The first his family knew of his wakefulness was when he said, \u201cI thought you were just a nightmare, Doc,\u201d in a jokey whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben chided, reprovingly, but Paul just laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, Joe,\u201d he replied. \u201cBut now you\u2019re awake, you can let me peer down your throat. I\u2019ve already looked in your ears and listened to your chest. I don\u2019t need your cooperation for that.\u201d Joe\u2019s lungs were remarkably free of congestion, considering how close he had come to drowning, but Paul knew that he would have to have a close eye kept on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy feet feel funny,\u201d Joe complained in a tired voice. He generally felt dreadful, with a thumping headache and queasy stomach. The only thing he could say in his own favor was that his shoulder was less sore now. Cautiously turning his head, he saw the huge bandage round his shoulder and his arm was in a sling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey may well feel funny for quite a while,\u201d Paul replied, soberly. \u201cThey are badly infected, Joe. It\u2019ll be some time before you\u2019re walking anywhere again.\u201d He pulled back the covers to display Joe\u2019s bandaged feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t feel too good,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the concussion and the amount of water you swallowed,\u201d Paul told him. \u201cI think you must have tried to drink that whole river, young man.\u201d He didn\u2019t voice his concerns of cholera and typhoid fever. Ben knew the dangers only too well and Joe was too sick to be worried with them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Paul assured him. \u201cI\u2019m just off to see to him now, Joe. You try and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay with him, Pa,\u201d Hoss offered. He sat down beside Joe\u2019s bed. Ben followed Paul to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep a close eye on them both, Ben,\u201d Paul advised. \u201cWith cases of near drowning, there can often be secondary symptoms presented hours later.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t be alone,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think they would be,\u201d Paul joked and they went into Adam\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

The sound of Adam\u2019s heavy breathing filled the room and Paul looked concerned. He crossed to Adam\u2019s side and began to listen to his chest. After a few moments, he roused Adam, which was more difficult than it should have been. \u201cAdam, I want you to put this under your tongue,\u201d he told him. \u201cIt\u2019s just a thermometer. You seem to be incubating quite a little fever here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sighing, Adam did as he was asked and Ben waited anxiously until Paul took it out and looked at it. \u201c101,\u201d Paul commented. \u201cNot too high as yet, Ben.\u201d He bent over Adam once more, this time examining his leg closely. \u201cNo breaks, but you\u2019ve got some of the most spectacular bruising I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d Paul commented, worried by Adam\u2019s silence. \u201cI want you to stay in bed and take this medicine, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam grunted. He watched from heavy-lidded eyes as Paul bandaged his injured limb to give it support, and took his medicine with no verbal comment, but the face he made said it all. \u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike you, not very well right now,\u201d Paul commented. \u201cBut as long as you both do what I say, you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam said, and slid back down the bed and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

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

Sleep was in short supply for the inhabitants of the Ponderosa over the next few days. Adam, as Paul had gloomily predicted to Ben, had developed pneumonia. He slept sitting up, to help try and relieve his chest, and Ben found himself slapping Adam on the back several times per day to try and loosen the phlegm collecting in his son\u2019s chest. Adam coughed relentlessly and drifted in and out of consciousness. It was a constant fight to keep his oldest son\u2019s temperature under control.<\/p>\n

The fight was no less serious on the other side of the hallway. Joe\u2019s feet were badly infected and the poison began to spread up his legs. He was wracked with fever and pain and had to endure painful treatments designed to kill the infection several times each day. Despite Paul\u2019s best efforts, the pain kept Joe awake most of the time and he cried out whenever he was touched. The big fear was that gangrene would set in and Paul would have to amputate his feet.<\/p>\n

Such a course was anathema to Ben, who knew that Joe, the wild and free, would never cope with such a disability. Paul didn\u2019t argue, but he secretly feared that if the worst happened, and he did amputate, Joe would not survive the operation. He was already extremely weak, and getting weaker with every passing hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Ben asked, as Paul finished examining Joe\u2019s feet three days later. Hoss was sitting with Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember telling me about the time you dunked Joe\u2019s hands in Epsom salts?\u201d Paul asked. Ben nodded, frowning slightly. \u201cWell, that\u2019s just what I\u2019m going to do to his feet. We\u2019ve tried all the lesser remedies and they aren\u2019t working. I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s kill or cure time, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben allowed. He and Paul worked together to make up the solution; a much stronger solution than Ben had ever used before. They placed the basin on the floor, then dragged Joe to a sitting position while Paul took the bandages off his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you hear me, Joe?\u201d Paul asked. He got a short nod. Joe\u2019s eyes were so darkly circled that they looked bruised and he could barely keep them open. Quickly, he told Joe what he was going to do. \u201cDo you understand?\u201d he asked. Again, he got a nod. Glancing at Ben, Paul thought that the father looked as pale as the son. \u201cLet\u2019s do it,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

As Ben supported Joe in his arms, Paul plunged Joe\u2019s feet into the solution.<\/p>\n

The reaction was immediate and dramatic. Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide and he let out a sustained scream. He fought Ben, trying to take his feet from the basin where Paul was holding them firmly. The bedroom door opened and Hoss catapulted in, thinking that Joe was being murdered or something. He stood there, gaping at them incredulously as Joe\u2019s air finally ran out and he fell silent once more.<\/p>\n

Ben was never to know how many minutes Joe\u2019s feet were in that solution, but they left a scar on his soul. Joe\u2019s pain had been only too obvious and he had finally slumped in Ben\u2019s arms, not quite unconscious, but so near to it as it made no difference.<\/p>\n

But at long last, Paul was taking Joe\u2019s feet out and rinsing them in clear water and putting on some sort of salve. Joe didn\u2019t move as Paul rebandaged them and finally he was tucked back under the covers. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m going to give you some morphine,\u201d Paul told him. \u201cIt\u2019ll help you sleep.\u201d He had been reluctant to give Joe some sooner, because of the concussion he\u2019d suffered. Now, the needle pricking his thigh brought nothing but relief to Joe and he was soon tumbling deep into a drugged sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas it worked?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Before replying, Paul drew both he and Hoss out into the hall. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut I hope so. If it hasn\u2019t, Ben, there\u2019s only one course open to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at one another bleakly. They all knew what it was \u2013 amputation.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat was the screaming about?\u201d Adam asked, as Ben wiped sweat from his forehead. Adam\u2019s fever had broken at last and he was taking his first steps down the road to recovery. \u201cIt was Joe, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hesitating, Ben wasn\u2019t sure what to say. However, his hesitation only fuelled Adam\u2019s fears. \u201cJoe\u2019s not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s asleep,\u201d Ben hurried to reassure him. \u201cBut yes, it was him screaming earlier. Paul was giving him a new treatment for his feet and it was very painful for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Adam replied, as he began to drift off. As Ben smoothed the covers over his eldest son, he realized that Adam didn\u2019t know the peril was Joe facing and he was grateful. No need to worry Adam unless the procedure proved necessary.<\/p>\n

Leaving his sleeping son, Ben went into the hall and sat down on the nearest chair. He buried his face in his hands, praying once more for Joe\u2019s recovery. It was cruel for anyone to be disabled, but it seemed especially so for Joe, who seldom walked if he could run. After a few minutes, Ben felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up into Hoss\u2019 concerned face.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied, wondering how true that statement was. \u201cAre you all right, son? How are you coping? I\u2019m sorry I haven\u2019t had much time to spare for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t needin\u2019 yore time the same\u2019s Joe an\u2019 Adam,\u201d Hoss claimed, although Ben knew this wasn\u2019t true. But it was so typical of Hoss to put his brothers\u2019 needs before his own. \u201cI\u2019m all right, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben whispered and was horrified to find tears in his eyes. He blinked and looked away. He had promised himself he wouldn\u2019t shed tears until the worst had happened, or the best had happened. And here he was, crying while thanking his son for being himself.<\/p>\n

Blinking back a corresponding moisture from his own eyes, Hoss squeezed Ben\u2019s shoulder in silent understanding. Words really weren\u2019t adequate. \u201cCome see Joe,\u201d he whispered, after a time.<\/p>\n

Rising, Ben felt a momentary light-headedness; not the first warning he\u2019d had that he was fast approaching his limits of sleeplessness. With a heavy step, he followed his middle son into the youngest son\u2019s bedroom. He could barely bring himself to look at Joe, for his suffering was written so clearly on his face.<\/p>\n

But when he did look, Ben was in for a surprise. Joe was sleeping peacefully, mostly thanks to the drugs that Paul had given him. But his skin looked better; his color was improved and the lines of pain were disappearing. Ben looked questioningly at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you see it, too, Pa,\u201d Hoss whispered. \u201cI was beginnin\u2019 ta think I were imaginin\u2019 it.\u201d He smiled shakily. \u201cPunkin looks a might better, don\u2019 he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed he does,\u201d Ben agreed. He hurried over to the bedside and put his hand gently on Joe\u2019s head. The sleeping man on the bed turned his face towards his father, nestling into that loving touch. Ben stood like that for a long minute, stroking Joe\u2019s hair over and over again. Joe was significantly cooler. Ben looked at Hoss again and they shared the moment, savoring the knowledge that Joe and Adam were both on the mend at long last. \u201cI think he\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go get some sleep,\u201d Hoss ordered Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll wake ya if\u2019n he needs ya. Ya need to git some sleep, Pa, or you\u2019ll be sick, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo do you, son,\u201d Ben replied, but Hoss shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve snatched some here an\u2019 there,\u201d he told his father. \u201cYou ain\u2019t closed yer eyes once. Now git! Me an\u2019 Hop Sing\u2019ll manage.\u201d<\/p>\n

A sudden yawn shook Ben as he finally allowed himself to relax. Smiling, he headed towards the door, glancing back over his shoulder at the young man asleep on the bed. \u201cThank you, Lord,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThank you for giving me back my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

For the next several days, both Joe and Adam seemed to sleep the clock round. They weren\u2019t the only ones. Ben and Hoss took it in shifts to sleep, until both felt that they had more or less caught up on the rest they had missed while the boys were so ill. Adam\u2019s cough lingered, but Ben wasn\u2019t as worried about it now. It was only to be expected, and it was far looser and less painful than it had been at the beginning.<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s radical treatment of Joe\u2019s feet had saved his life, of that there was no doubt. While Joe was sleeping, Paul kept him well supplied with painkillers to allow him the rest he\u2019d been unable to find while his feet were so sore. But soon, he was awake for longer and longer periods, and making token protests about getting up.<\/p>\n

That suggestion was vetoed at once by Ben. Joe didn\u2019t pursue the matter too vigorously, a sure sign that he knew that walking about was not his wisest course of action. Adam was on his feet first, which didn\u2019t come as a big surprise to anyone, given how badly damaged Joe\u2019s feet had been. Ben contrived to be in Joe\u2019s room when Adam finally shuffled across the hall to see his youngest brother for himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Adam,\u201d Joe cried cheerfully. \u201cYou\u2019re looking good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFlattery will get you nowhere,\u201d Adam responded, sitting down. \u201cI look terrible and don\u2019t think I don\u2019t know it.\u201d He cocked his head and regarded Joe solemnly. \u201cBut there again, I think I look better than you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes, Joe was quick to respond. \u201cDream on,\u201d he told Adam, kindly. Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously, Joe, I wanted to thank you,\u201d he said, soberly. \u201cI might have died out there if not for you. I\u2019ll never know how you managed to support me, given the broken arm, dislocated shoulder and your feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Embarrassed, Joe muttered,\u201d I\u2019d never have managed at all if I hadn\u2019t had my feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Adam protested. \u201cJoe, I\u2019m being serious here. Every step must have been agony, even without supporting my weight.\u201d He put his hand on Joe\u2019s arm and his voice shook slightly. \u201cI couldn\u2019t have managed without you, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what brothers are for,\u201d Joe replied. He sounded teary. \u201cI couldn\u2019t just leave you.\u201d He clasped his hand round Adam\u2019s arm and squeezed. They sat like that in silence for a long time.<\/p>\n

Finally, summoning a smile, Adam joked, \u201cI know who I want with me if I ever get waterlogged again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo me a favor, Adam,\u201d Joe responded, in the same vein. \u201cNext time, take Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth you boys do me a favor,\u201d Ben interrupted. \u201cDon\u2019t let there be a next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Branding is a busy time on the Ponderosa. But the weather brings problems that couldn\u2019t be foreseen.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(10,420 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":13931,"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":[23,1008,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4718,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/flash-flood.jpg?fit=800%2C548&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5156,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5156","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":0},"title":"The Frogs (by Shlynn)","author":"Shlynn","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe needs help from Hoss getting an experiment out of his room.\u00a0 Part of a thre-part series, each can be read on their own. \u00a0 Rated: K+ (1,415 words) Tricks series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5650,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5650","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":1},"title":"Eyes of an Angel (by DanceDiva)","author":"DanceDiva","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Twelve year old Joe is bitten by a rattlesnake, but things get uglier faster than expected. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0(500 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\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":2},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6756,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6756","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":3},"title":"The Crazy Lady (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Hoss scare themselves one night, come to Adam's room and tell him the story of the crazy lady. Prequel\/Young Cartwrights\/Humor \u00a0Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0700","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5278,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5278","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":4},"title":"The Squirrel Incident (by Born in the USA)","author":"Born in The USA","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0With Hoss and Joe away, Adam has to take care of his brother's chores. And gets a little 'surprise' along the way. Rated:\u00a0K+ (640 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6782,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6782","url_meta":{"origin":5606,"position":5},"title":"A Glass of Water (by TracyT)","author":"TracyT","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe needs a little extra care. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K \u00a0 WC \u00a01300","rel":"","context":"In "Prequel"","block_context":{"text":"Prequel","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=30"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5606","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=5606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13931"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}